Inspire The bride

Chartreuse Green & Gold Inspiration Board + FREE Download!

InspiredGal — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 10:00:00 PST

Download Botanical Silhouettes Invitations (Olive)
Fabric accent (shown on the right) available at TonicLiving Fabric

Warm Fall Favorite Inspiration Board

InspiredGal — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:56:36 PDT

Tocca Brigitte Eau de Parfum $68

Mali Lipstick by Primitive $16

Valentino bow sandals $556 Bluefly

Teardrop Earrings $4 Forever 21

Ryu Dress $99 ModCloth

One Shoulder Wedding Gown $298 The Limited

Unique Bridal Accessories from ChinnyLulu Designs!

InspiredGal — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:00:00 PST

I do have to say I am delighted to share this fabulous new vendor out on the Bridal Scene... Chinny Lulu Designs is a creative new Hair Accessory Designer with her store featured on Etsy! I am delighted to call Chinny my friend, she is sweet inside and out; and to top it off she is so talented!! Check out her new store featuring custom pieces for all (she has pieces for Modern Brides, Vintage Brides, Fun Bridal Parties, and pretty much any other occasion and style lovers)~ I just love how on trend each piece is, enjoy:

Free Download: Complete Invitation Suite from I.T.B!

InspiredGal — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 06:00:00 PST

I first have to mention an apology to my dedicated readers for being MIA on posting new blogs this past week... but there is a good reason ;) Aside from my busy work life of planning events, I have been hard at work to create a free download for all of you Chic Budget Brides out there!! Without further ado, here is our very first custom designed Invitation Suite - ENJOY!

*Click to Download ITB Invitation Suite*

I recommend printing on cardstock paper and using a paper trimmer for a more professional cut

Inspiration Board: Rustic Shades of Brown

InspiredGal — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:00:00 PST

Inspiration Photo (all items below are local and realistic pieces you can purchase for your wedding & use after wedding inspired by the image above)!

Sugar Molds - Rustic $29.00 at Napa Style

Roost Rustic Wood Shelves $36.00 by Roost at Velocity Art and Design
Made from colonial-era railroad ties procured from Northern India, Roost's recycled teak or other hardwood shelves have been waxed and polished to a deep sheen.

Roost Driftwood Vases $33.00 by Roost at Velocity Art and Design

Magioni Jug/Jar $1.95 at Crate & Barrel

Moreschi Signature Bands Printed Silk Tie $100.00$70.00 by Moreschi at Forzieri

Old Gringo Men's M175-145 Nevada Cowboy Boot $359.95$287.92 by Old Gringo at Endless.com

Maggy London One Shoulder Dress $128.00 by Maggy London at Nordstrom

Fergie Women's Quiana Wedge Sandal $89.95$49.47 by Fergie at Endless.com

Surace $12.00 at Aldo

Wedding Cakes that Inspire!

InspiredGal — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:00:00 PST

photo by: ConsumedbyCake

photo by: Vera Figueredo

photo by: hello naomi

Groom's Gift: keep him from getting "cold feet"!

InspiredGal — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:00:00 PST

I love these adorable socks from the online etsy shop of Erin Borges...

What a cute gift for your groom to have on your Wedding Day from his lovely Bride - Socks that say "In Case You Get Cold Feet", "Im So Happy You Walked Into My Life", or "By Your Side Every Step of the Way" in custom colored embroidery! All socks are made custom to match your wedding colors. When ordering just specify what color and shade of that color you would like and I will make them just for you! They also offer custom orders per request only. Check em out~

Recipe: How to make Chocolate Chip Cookie Crunch & Peppermint Ice Cream!

InspiredGal — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:00:00 PST

Makes 10 Servings
Mixing time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
8 Chocolate Chip Cookies
2/3 cup (about 4 ounces) bittersweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon corn or canola oil
2 pints peppermint ice cream, softened just until spreadable
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened just until spreadable
1 1/2 cups Fudge Sauce, warmed just until pourable

Directions:
"Line a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan with a piece of parchment paper that is long enough to extend over the two long sides of the pan.

Make the cookie crunch. Break each cookie into about 5 pieces. In a food processor, using on/off bursts, process the cookies to crumbs. You should have about 2 cups of cookie crumbs. Put the cookies in a large bowl and set aside.

Put the bittersweet chocolate chips and oil in a heatproof bowl or the top of a double boiler and place it over a saucepan of barely simmering water (or the bottom of the double boiler); the water should not touch the bowl. Stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Pour the chocolate coating over the cookie crumbs, stirring until the crumbs are coated evenly with chocolate. The mixture will look shiny and form pieces of crunch that vary in size from about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The crunch will go from shiny to dull and become crisp as it cools.

Assemble the loaf. Put 1 cup of the crunch in a container, cover it tightly, and reserve it to garnish the top of the ice cream loaf. Use an ice cream spade or the back of a spoon to spread 1 pint of the peppermint ice cream in an even layer over the bottom of the loaf pan, spreading it carefully to the edges. Spoon 1 cup of the crunch over the ice cream. Spread the vanilla ice cream over the crunch and spoon the remaining crunch over the ice cream. Spread the remaining peppermint ice cream over the crunch. Fold the edges of he parchment over the top of the loaf and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 5 hours, or up to 1 week.

To serve, chill a serving plate for about 15 minutes. Remove the loaf from the freezer and unwrap it. Use a thin sharp knife to loosen the ice cream from the unlined ends of the pan. Dip a dish towel in hot water, wring it out, and press the hot towel against the sides of the pan for about 25 seconds. Fold back the edges of the parchment, place the chilled serving plate on top of the loaf, and, pulling on the edges of the parchment paper, invert the loaf onto the plate. Remove and discard the paper liner. Press the reserved 1 cup of crunch onto the top of the loaf.

Use a large sharp knife to cut the ice cream loaf into slices a scant 1 inch thick. Pass warm fudge sauce to pour over each serving.

Choices: Substitute mint chocolate chip ice cream for the peppermint ice cream. Or, try a pint each of peppermint, chocolate, and vanilla. Chocolate and coffee ice cream is another good combination." (From: The Essential Chocolate Chip Cookbook, Photo by Kristen Strecker) SOURCE

Judith Ripka Fontaine Ring/Mint Green Quartz $850.00 by Judith Ripka at Saks Fifth Avenue
A faceted cushion-cut mint green quartz is set in 18k yellow gold and diamond heart-shaped prongs over a sterling silver band.

Nina - Electra (Grape Luster Satin) $89.95 by Nina at Zappos
Zappos.com is proud to offer the Nina - Electra (Grape Luster Satin) - Footwear: A special occasion calls for a truly special shoe, like the elegant Nina Electra. ; Lustrous satin upper. ; Pleated vamp with an oversized bow. ; Adjustable ankle strap with buckle closure. ; Leather lining. ; Lightly padded footbed. ; 1/2 hidden platform. ; Leather sole. ; 4 heel. ; 10.00 oz. ; Product measurements were taken using size 6. Please note that measurements may vary by size.

Budget Bride: Great finds for affordable At Home Weddings!

InspiredGal — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:00 PST

Cast Aluminum Gazebo

$710.00$349.00 at Restoration Hardware

Handcrafted of rustproof cast aluminum
Welded joints
Powdercoated with a durable, triple coat of UV-inhibiting pewter or bronze finish
Weighted legs ground them firmly in place
Glides allow for easy transporting
Will be assembled at time of delivery
Dimensions: 7' sq., 8'H

Shown in pewter.

Wood Risers, Set of 3 $99.00 at Pottery Barn
These unadorned wooden risers translate perfectly into rustic accent tables. Placed individually or incorporated into existing displays, they add an artfully natural element.

Small: 8” square
Medium: 10” square
Large: 12” square

Iron Crowns - Imperial $44.00 at Wisteria

Horchow French Pedestal $195.00 at Horchow
Shapely French-design urn planter with basketweave rim rests on an exquisitely styled pedestal base with an abundance of scroll, lattice, and shell details. Both pieces are handcrafted of fiberstone and have a hand-applied white acid stain with aged accents for an established look. We recommend adding a drainage hole to base of urn. Both pieces are outdoor safe, but urn should be moved inside during freezing temperatures. Made in the USA.

Urn planter, 17"W x 12"D x 21"T; weighs 11 lbs.
Pedestal base, 12.5"Sq. x 30"T; weighs 18 lbs.

Why we choose manmade materials. Today's composite casting materials offer an unparalleled value for outdoor decorating:

Great looks. They can be textured and finished to perfectly replicate a variety of natural materials at a significantly lower price.
Mobility. Substantial enough to stand up to wind and weather, yet at approximately one-fourth the weight of cement or stone, can be easily relocated for changes in landscape or design preference.
Easy care. Not susceptible to mold, mildew, or other problems common to natural materials.

Horchow Laurel Pedestal $245.00$122.90
Handcrafted resin urn holds up to an 8.5"Dia. pot. It rests on a coordinating pedestal, sold separately.

Urn, 13"Dia. x 18"T; 18"W with handles.
Pedestal, 14"Sq. x 19"T.

Why we choose man-made materials. Today's resin offers an unparalleled value for outdoor decorating:

Great looks. It can be textured and finished to perfectly replicate a variety of natural materials at a significantly lower price.
Mobility. It is substantial enough to stand up to wind and weather, yet at approximately one-fourth the weight of cement or stone, it can be easily relocated for changes in landscape or design preference.
Easy care. It is not susceptible to mold, mildew, or other problems common to natural materials.

The DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Bride - 40 Fun Projects for a One-of-a-Kind Wedding Book $19.95 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Written by the founder of the popular DIYBride.com site, this do-it-yourself handbook will help today's bride-to-be cuts costs and put a personal touch on her wedding. Ranging in everything from handmade engagement announcements and invitations to one-of-a-kind place cards for the reception, centerpieces, and memento scrapbooks and photo cubes, this book is full of great ideas that are fun and economical. Features 40 fun projects. Soft cover. 215 pages.

Wilton Tall 6-Tier Cake Stand $45.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Set on elegant lace-edged plates, the heavenly confections served on your special occasion will be dramatically and unforgettably displayed on this lofty 6-tier cake and dessert stand. Twist-together center columns make this stand easy to assemble and the strong plastic plates are interchangeable (except for footed plate) and offer superior stability. 13-piece set includes: 5 twist-apart columns 6.5"H, 1 bottom bolt, 1 top bolt, 18" footed base plate; 8", 10", 12", 14" and 16" separator plates.

Champagne Glass Entertaining Set of 12 $24.99 at World Market
Classic, restaurant-quality champagne flutes for entertaining and celebrations. Perfect for weddings.

Packaged in a convenient storage box
Set of 12

Wine Glass Entertaining Set of 12 $24.99 at World Market
Restaurant-quality wine glasses for entertaining and celebrations. This set features a classic silhouette ideal for red or white wines.

Packaged in a convenient storage box
Set of 12

Moorish Party Serving Tray $12.99$9.09 at World Market
The vivid geometric motifs of Morocco give these decorative home bar essentials beautiful aestethic appeal as well as their practical functional for entertaining and everyday use.

Tray, 13"Dia.
Sold Out: Set of 6 coasters, 4"Dia..

Bamboo Toothpicks or Forks Sets of 100 $2.99 at World Market
Take your pick. Party essentials especially if you're having a large gathering. Our bamboo toothpicks are perfect partners for olives, onions and other festive garnishes. Bamboo forks make it easy to serve appetizers and other party fare. Sold separately in sets of 100.

Toothpicks, 3.5"L.
Forks, 3.5"L.

Hexagonal Glass Beverage Dispenser, Stand and Glasses $140.00$19.99 at Chefs

Inspiration Board: Attire Options for Mother of Bride

InspiredGal — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:00 PDT

Jkara beaded chiffon gown
$200.00$120.00 by Jkara at Dillard's:
Fully lined champagne gown featuring a white/silver hand-beaded floral design on the scalloped bodice, a fully lined chiffon skirt and a back zipper. Of polyester. Imported.

Tadashi Capelet Gown $370.00 by Tadashi at Neiman Marcus
Mulberry.V neckline.Embellished brooch detail. Gathered cap sleeves and bust.A-line skirt.Silk.Imported.

Short Sleeve Evening Gowns By Mignon $438.00 at eDressMe

Evening gown
Short sleeve blouse top
Sequin a-line skirt
100% silk

JS Collections Beaded Mesh Gown with Bolero $268.00 by JS Collections at Nordstrom
Pleated panels detailed with tonal beading crisscross the bodice of an elegant mesh gown, perfectly paired with a sheer mesh bolero.

Dress has side zip with hook-and-eye closure; spaghetti straps; unfinished hem.
Approx. length from shoulder to hem: jacket 14"; dress 61".
Dress is fully lined, with padded cups.
Polyester; dry clean.
By JS Collections; imported.

Adrianna papell lace gown $188.00 by Adrianna Papell at Dillard's
This cap-sleeve back-zip gown features a nude bust with lace overlay and a tiered black skirt. Of polyester/rayon/nylon; lined. Imported.

Marc Bouwer Glamit! Beaded-Waist Gown $895.00 by Marc Bouwer Glamit at Neiman Marcus
Cocoa. Gathered detail. Off-the-shoulder neckline with beaded strap detail. Short flutter sleeves. Beaded band at natural waist. Straight skirt. Ruffle hem. Pure silk; polyester/spandex. Imported.

Cachet Beaded Lace & Satin Gown with Bolero $198.00$129.90 by Cachet at Nordstrom
Ornate lace highlights the Empire bodice of a fitted taffeta gown with a flared A-line skirt. A shapely bolero with scalloped cap sleeves provides light coverage.

Dress has back zip with hook-and-eye closure; spaghetti straps.
Approx. length from shoulder to hem: jacket 16"; dress 59".
Dress is fully lined.
Polyester
By Cachet; imported.

Ignite evenings tiered gown $180.00 at Dillard's
This stone hammered satin gown with back zipper offers a beaded sweetheart bust, cap sleeves and kissing tiers on the skirt. Of rayon/polyester/nylon. Imported.