05/01

to: mom

Motherhood is complete happiness for me. My children amaze me everyday and I can honestly say wouldn’t want my life any other way. As a mother, I have grown as a woman and a human being.

Having said that, I have also never been so tired, dirty, worried and had my patience tried so much as a mother. 🙂

I have an unbelievable amount of gratitude for my mom and all she did for me and a high level of respect for all the wonderful moms doing the best they can to raise happy, healthy children.

Today, we have a few treasured finds to show your mom you care on Mother’s Day.

{P.S. You should order today as Mother’s Day is 12 days away}.

FOR THE ANTIQUE LOVING MOM
Rewired Basket, Home Decorators Collection {$24}
{this would be adorable filled with short glasses, a bottle of vino, bread, cheese, grapes and some meat along with a soft blanket for a picnic…it would double as a gift and a fun Mother’s Day outing}

  FOR THE FUN IN THE SUN MOM

Two Color Striped Floppy Hat, Echo Design  {$42}

   FOR THE COLORFUL MOM

Gecko Bangles in a variety of colors, Fornash {$25}

FOR THE BEGINNING GARDENER MOM

Flowers in a Can, FredFlare.com {$15}

FOR THE NEW MOM
I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Noble, Amazon {$13}

FOR THE MOM WHO DESERVES A BREAK AND A LITTLE PAMPERING
Lollia Relax Evening Bubble Bath, Lollia {available for purchase at Fleur de Lis, a paperie for $34}

FOR THE SENTIMENTAL MOM
My Mom Scented Candle, Curly Girl Store {$17.95}

FOR THE CUTE, SPORTY MOM
Mom’s Toms Shoes, toms {$54}

FOR THE CLASSIC MOM
Echo ‘Pear Label Conversational Scarf’, Nordstrom {$38}

 {images via Home Decorators Collection, Echo, Fornash, FredFlare.com, Toms, Curly Girl Store, Lollia, Amazon and Nordstrom}

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04/24

books made for royalty by i see me

As you know from previous posts, I LOVE the custom books I See Me Personalized Children’s Books creates. I believe they make every child feel special with each book customized with his/her name and they make the perfect new baby, christening or birthday gift.

We own My Very Own Name and My Very Own Fairy Tale – and I cannot say enough good things about them. Seriously, I love them!

We were lucky enough to be among the first to view their new custom books for boys and girls, My Royal Birthday Adventure.

So, I have a 4-year-old boy and a 2-year -old girl, and they both loved I See Me’s Royal Birthday Adventure books. My son loves dragons, knights and medieval imagination, so he felt so proud to be named a knight for the day. And, he loved seeing his name on every page, whether it was in the text, or on flags, scenery or stars in the sky. And while my daughter was a bit young for the book, she loved the castles and being called a princess.

My favorite part about the book…they made my children feel special, while teaching them the importance of being who they are on the inside.

The words and images take children on a wonderful medieval adventure filled with castles, royalty, magicians and animals. And the images are detailed and colorful, which makes it read like a piece of art children can continuously discover.


One of my favorite lines from the book, “Dear {child’s name}, you are our brave birthday knight {or princess} today because you are special in every which way. You’re a striking young boy {beautiful girl} ,but that’s only one part. It’s the inside that counts. It’s what’s found in your heart. You’re generous, caring, creative and kind, curious and humorous with an intelligent mind.”

 We’re not just going to talk about these wonderful books and not offer you a chance to win one.

Today, I See Me Personalized Children’s Books is offering a lucky Tutto Bella reader a chance to WIN A FREE PERSONALIZED I SEE ME ROYAL BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE BOOK for your little one.

To enter the giveaway, you must:
{1.} “Like” I See Me on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment telling us you did {you have to leave a comment so we can enter your name in the drawing}.

For additional entries:
{which means you can enter the giveaway up to four times}
{2.} Visit I See Me on Twitter and become a follower. Then come back and leave a comment, telling us you did it. If you are already a follower, then leave a comment to tell us that you are.
{3.} Follow I See Me on Pinterest, then come back and leave a comment telling us you follow them. If you are already a follower, then leave a comment to tell us that you are.
{4.}Visit I See Me to look at their wonderful books, then come back here and leave a comment telling us which book is your favorite.

Winner will be chosen via random.org. Must enter by Friday, May 4, 2012. 

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Filed Under: gifts, kid, lifestyle Tagged: ,
02/06

when life give you lemons…

make lemonade…or at least something sweet with the lemons!

Last week I was into bright yellow sunshine and this week, it’s lemons. Apparently I’m into yellow right now. The cheerful hue has me day-dreaming about lemons, sunflowers and spring all day.

My grocery cart will be filled with lemons at my next trip to the grocery store {the lemon loaf looks too delicious not to make right now} and the next time I throw a party, I’m keeping lemons in mind. They make such sweet favors…no one will leave with a sour taste in their mouths.

Lemony Lemon Bread, Glorious Treats
{You can find the recipe here, yellowdrop twine at The Twinery and print the FREE printable labels here, courtesy of Glorious Treats and The Twinery}

 Homemade Limoncello, Matt Bites
We served Limencello at my wedding because 1. I’m Italian and 2. it was a fresh welcome to the party mini-drink. Although is was a hit, we should have more clearly expressed its potency or limited 1 per person…preventing some from passing out on a rock at 9 p.m. {wink, wink Nicole} :).
I love the idea of making homemade Limencello and sending it with guests as a favor…and with packaging as cute at Matt Bite’s who can resist? Giada DeLaurentis shares her homemade Limoncello recipe here. Salute!

DIY Lemon Drop Favors via Style Me Pretty
{created by Posh-Paperie}
Lemon drop candy, vintage bottle caps, small containers, ribbon and parchment paper make this DIY doable and adorable.

Homemade Lemonade Favors, Style Me Pretty
These homemade lemonade favors are so clever and make beautiful gifts in the vintage bottles.

{images via Glorious Treats, Matt Bites and Style Me Pretty}

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12/30

2011 in review

for auld lang syne

2011 is another one for the books. It’s been a year of ups and downs {mostly ups}, fabulous parties, new trends and stories to share. We’ve each compiled our favorite’s of 2011. Maybe you have some favorites moments/discoveries/obsessions of 2011 you’d like to share – if so, we’d love to hear them.

Looking forward to all that 2012 brings…

Jessica’s Top 11 of 2011
1. Favorite event of the year: The Royal Wedding. No one looked more gorgeous than Kate Middleton {although her sister was a close 2nd} and there was not a better fairy tale to be told than the Royal Wedding.
2. Favorite athlete: Tim Tebow. My husband loves watching sports, so I’m used to ESPN being on ALL THE TIME. However, I’ve been a huge fan of Tim Tebow for quite some time, and have the utmost respect for him. He’s a good role model for our kids, a great athlete {frustrating to watch at times} and easy on the eyes too.
3. Favorite new project: Tutto Bella Blog. This has been a great creative outlet for me, and I’ve met so many wonderful people through the world of blogging. It’s been more work than I anticipated, but it’s a passion and I love doing it. Thank you all for your support and inspiration.
4. Favorite new obsession: Pinterest. If you haven’t signed up, you have to – become at Tutto Bella Blog follower. It’s a wonderful resource for DIY inspiration, wedding ideas – it’s a creative mecca and I LOVE it.
5. Favorite song: Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band. My hubby and I went on a double date with my bestie and her boyfriend to see Zac Brown Band at Red Rocks {coolest venue ever} and fell in love with this song.
6. Favorite party featured on the web: Milkaholic Sip and See by Carrie Sellman of Half Baked. I thought this party was so creative and so many unique ideas that people can bring into their own baby showers.
7. Favorite show: Parenthood on NBC. I can relate to everything on this show and I’m addicted. 🙂
8. Favorite place to find homemade goods: Etsy. This website is genius and so many talented people make and sell unique goods you couldn’t find anywhere else. You can find almost anything on Etsy.
9. Favorite patterns: Stripes and Chevron. I LOVE stripes so much, I am painted my daughter’s room in stripes {I will share photos soon}. I love this entry wall of stripes. And, oh how I love Chevron. Pillows, rugs and walls and furniture – I love it all.
10. Favorite DIY project: Oh man, this is a tough one because I ADORE DIY projects, but two top projects that come to mind are the individual cake stands I discovered at Bump Smitten. The possibilities are endless with the idea of making your own cake or cupcake stand. I also love Martha Stewart’s Decorative Tray with the Chevron pattern.
11. Favorite new ice cream flavor: Ben and Jerry’s Dublin Mudslide. Irish cream liqueur ice cream with chocolate chip cookies and a coffee fudge swirl…seriously delicious!

Jenna’s Top 11 of 2011
1. Favorite concert of the year: Amos Lee with my husband. My Christmas gift, and it was a wonderful one with many memories I will never forget and wonderful music.
2. Favorite event: Opening up my paper & gift boutique Fleur de Lis in April. Truly a dream come true!
3. Favorite monthly club: Book Club! I have really met and fallen in love with the most amazing group of women – all of whom are dear friends.
4. Favorite book: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, a book I love so much I could re-read at least once a year. A great story filled with love, lust, history, architecture, mystery, conspiracy – this book has it all!
5. Favorite movie: Midnight in Paris – a smart, funny movie I really related to with living in Italy, being an old soul, and living your dream at any cost.
6. Favorite routine: Listening to the Today Show every morning as I get ready for work.
7. Favorite new snack/treat: Dark Chocolate Acai Blueberries from Costco. Simply delicious!
8. Favorite lesson learned: You can’t change people. You can only change yourself. Don’t let other people negatively affect your dreams in life.
9. Favorite fashion purchase: My new Ray Ban optical glasses. I am legally blind, so glasses are an everyday accessory for me. Good thing these Ray Bans go with every outfit 🙂
10. Favorite new obsession: Blogging about weddings and fashion on Tutto Bella Blog. Thanks to all of our readers for following! I feel lucky to be able to do this fun project with my two sisters.
11. Favorite new website: Reign, Denver’s Authority on Fabulous. I check this website every Tuesday/Thursday for new happenings and shops in Denver.

Jodi’s Top 11 of 2011
1. Favorite event of the year: My wedding on September 3, 2011. By far the best day ever. I am incredibly lucky to have married the most amazing man I know. Stay tuned for Tutto Bella’s upcoming feature of the wedding.
2. Favorite drink: Skinnygirl Margarita. Bethenny Frankel is the most entertaining reality star to watch on her hit show, Bethenny Ever After, and she knows how to make one delicious drink!
3. Favorite concerts: My hubby and I went to two of our absolute favorite country stars concerts this year – Kenny Chesney {at Red Rocks – you just can’t beat that venue} and Keith Urban, where he sang our wedding song, Making Memories of Us.
4. Favorite bridal shower gift: My personalized bridal hanger from Suspended Moments that my sisters got for me.  Definitely some of my favorite detail shots of my wedding 🙂
5. Favorite yoga songs: The Hop by Bajka & Radio City, Dog Days Are Over by Florence and the Machine and Gold Dust Woman by Fleetwood Mac.
6. Favorite trip: Our honeymoon in Maui. Drew kept our designation a secret until I saw our destination for Maui at the San Francisco airport. So fun!
7. Favorite cleanse: Clean by Alejandro Junger. I did this before my wedding last summer and I am starting it again the first week of January. Cannot wait to detox from all the holiday sweets and drinks!
8. Favorite wedding dress: My very own wedding dress, Amsale’s Bijou. I am beyond obsessed.
9. Favorite episode: ABC‘s Modern Family’s Door to Door episode. I nearly cried from laughing so hard when Cam and Gloria look for Stella the dog.
10. Favorite Pandora radio station: Adele radio. She rocks – I listen to it almost every day!
11. Favorite new project: Tutto Bella Blog. We are having so much fun with Tutto Bella! We are excited to share new ideas with you in 2012 and feature your unique décor ideas, parties and weddings!

{image via A Field Journal}

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