07/12
something special brewing
When I first saw these I love you more than coffee favors, I had to see more of the Etsy shop where they were created. And, the more I got to know Jennie-Mae, owner of Apropos Roasters, the more I wanted to drink her coffee and support her Etsy shop. I love her rustic, eco-friendly packaging, and of course what’s inside…coffee {or depending on your personal preference, tea or hot chocolate}.
I love a good cup of coffee, and I really love a good story…especially when people turn their passion into a successful business. And, that’s just what Jennie-Mae did.
In Jennie-Mae’s words: When I started Apropos, I didn’t have a lot of extra money, it all going into growing the business, so I started trading and gifting with coffee. I traded coffee for hair cuts and produce at farmer’s markets. I gave the coffee as gifts during the holidays and when I traveled, I always left coffee at the house of whoever let me stay with them.
Anyway, some friends of mine were getting married and I wanted to do something for them so I came up with smaller coffee packs they could use as their favors, as a way of contributing to their wedding. Two years later and I’m in the wedding business selling more coffee favors than I can count. I never would have guessed!
Now I’m in the process of opening a “brick and mortar” shop in downtown Richmond because I need more space. That’s pretty exciting for me, as well. I’m also planning a trip for next year to a coffee farm so I can see first hand where some of my favorite beans are coming from.
We wish you continued success with your new shop, Jennie-Mae!
Here’s some of my other personal faves from her cute shop you need to check out.
Coffee Wedding Favors in Vintage Red and White
Coffee of the Month {or Week} Club
{great gift for coffee lovers…each month the recipient will receive 12 oz. of beans in his/her mailbox along with a “coffee card” to read information about the variety of the month}
Something is Brewing Baby Shower Favors
Good news for all you Tutto Bella readers because Jennie-Mae is offering you a 10% discount {good until November 1, 2012}.
Just enter TUTTOBELLA into the discount box at checkout.
Visit Apropos Roasters today to get something delicious brewing in your life…or coffee pot…today! If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, contact Jennie-Mae and she will help you create it!
{images via Apropos Roasters}
07/09
here comes the bride
I love ring bearers and flower girls in grown-up suits and dresses made for their pint-sized bodies…and I love them even more when they have accessories for their outfits, and handmade signs.
My son has been a ring bearer in three weddings, and I’d say we’re 2 for 3. For Jenna’s wedding, he refused to walk down the aisle with anyone but me, and with a binky in his mouth. Not his finest moment. But, for Jodi’s wedding, he was absolutely perfect pulling his sister, the flower girl, in an antique wood wagon down the aisle with a sweet smile on his face. And for our friends 2012 winter wedding, he looked like a big boy walking down the aisle with a priceless, shy {yet proud} smile on his face, and did exactly what he was told to do…all with his pants falling down {they were HUGE, and the non-planning mom that I am didn’t put the pants on until the day of the wedding, and being that we were late, we had to improvise and attempt to use paper clips to hold them up}.
I LOVED the antique wagon my son pulled my daughter in at Jodi’s wedding. My mom found the wagon at an antique fair, we nailed a piece of wood to the back, and with paint and a brush, free-handed: here comes the bride. So adorable…and a great décor piece in your home once the I do’s have been said.
Need more inspiration and just overall cuteness? Here you go…
{images via Jenna Walker Photography, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, Joyful Joyful Designs via Etsy and Preston Bailey}
07/05
mojito mania
One of my BFF’s just recently asked me for some ideas for a mojito-themed bridal shower. The fabulous bride-to-be didn’t want a typical bridal shower, but loves mojito’s and accessorizing with jewelry, so the hostess {my friend} wanted mojito’s and accessories to serve as the inspiration.
So, here’s some ideas I came up with…{I’m not even a mojito-loving woman, but I wanted a refreshing mojito after doing a little party research for the mint flavored drink}.
BAR
Nothing seems more fitting than a Mix N’ Muddle Mojito Bar with these fixin’s suggested from Bon Appetit.
Nothing seems more fitting than a Mix N’ Muddle Mojito Bar with these fixin’s suggested from Bon Appetit.
Create a sign for the Mix N’ Muddle Mojito Bar like this bride and groom did {found at Martha Stewart}, and fill old crates with bunches and bunches of limes….LOVE THIS!
Don’t forget to have a bucket or glass filled with green and white striped straws for your guests to decorate their cocktails.
DESSERT
Serve delicious mojito popsicles like these found at Sugar and Charm Blog.
Guests will be totally impressed with green and yellow jello shots like Loralee Lewis created for her recent party.
Serve delicious mojito popsicles like these found at Sugar and Charm Blog.
Guests will be totally impressed with green and yellow jello shots like Loralee Lewis created for her recent party.
Mojito cupcakes topped off with a slice of lime.
DECOR
Fill vases at varying heights with limes and flowers.
Use a three-tiered centerpiece and fill with all things green, including limes and mint.
Hang green lanterns in a row above tables, or hang lanterns from trees throughout the backyard party space.
{If you’re creating family style seating, I love a long row of short centerpieces with hydrangea or white flowers. If you don’t have a cabinet full of empty vases, you could improvise and use mason jars, wine bottles or tin cans spray painted green or covered in decorative fabric/paper} to hold bunches or single bud flowers}.
Dress up the table and food/drink stations with lime green votives and acrylic lime glassware from Pier 1.
In addition to topping off drinks with a parasol, carry the parasol look over with an adorable parasol topiary.
Use vases, martini glasses and other forms of glassware for a chic jewelry display.
If you opt not to spend money on flower arrangements, a cheap and cute ‘green’ centerpiece is wheat grass. You can even grow it yourself a couple weeks before the party.
PLACECARDS/LABELS
Use limes for the base of a placecard, and insert a toothpick and flag to write the guest’s name. You can use green patterned washi tape for a festive toothpick flag found here.
Or, if you opt to use the limes as food labels, a great free placecard option is a paint chip card {with party coordinating colors} with the guest’s name typed on it. {I think this idea is so cute…I’m using it for an upcoming party of my own}.
FAVORS
Treat guests to a mojito muddler.
Treat guests to a mojito muddler.
Candy rings and jewelry that will double as decor and a sweet favor.
Hope to have some pictures from the party soon.
If you plan to have, or have had or attended a mojito party…or any cocktail themed party…please send the pics our way. We love a good cocktail-inspired party!
{images via Martha Stewart, Sugar and Charm Blog, Thoughtfully Simple, Pinterest, Bon Appetit, Rustic Wedding Chic}
07/02
name blocks
First, we fell in love with Jessica at Blue Bird Heaven’s printer drawers {remember this post} turned into antique and chic jewelry displays. Well, she has expanded her shop…and now it’s time to happily shop again!
Among her many selections my personal new faves are Jessica’s rolling pin hook racks , garden faucet hook racks, banister spindle bracelet display, wedding accessories and my new favorite shop section, block and key racks.
When Jenna and Will asked my hubby and me to be their son’s godparents, we were honored and joyfully accepted. My only dilemma for the new {and precious} little man…the perfect gift.
Combine everything I was looking for: Vintage + Custom + Keepsake + Unique = Custom Baby Block Rack by Blue Bird Heaven.
Dante’s nursery is grey, black and white, so per my request, Jessica used a distressed white board and painted the vintage baby blocks black. I loved the final product.
Not only are her products beautifully made, but her customer service is outstanding. She answers e-mails and orders promptly and makes sure you get your order in time.
I couldn’t be happier with my purchase for my sweet little nephew and godson…and I know his mommy and daddy like it too!
Hope you shop Blue Bird Heaven today! There’s a gift for everyone…even yourself!