01/10

oh the places you’ll go

Maybe you’re a world traveler. Maybe you want to log the locations you’ve visited in a creative way. Maybe you have an entire list of places to visit and explore. Maybe you hold a special place in your heart for a particular spot in this great big world. Maybe you and your fiance want to incorporate the places you’ve traveled together on your wedding day. Or maybe you just love maps, or have some lying around that need a new purpose.

Whatever the reason, with these map/globe projects you can feel like a world traveler…without the jet lag.

Globe Bowl, Better Homes and Gardens

Chalkboard Globe, Design Sponge {I love this project for kids too}

Large Map of Italy, A Cup of Joe

Centerpiece, Green Wedding Shoes

Map Envelope Liners,  iDiY

Vintage Map Necklace, dlkdesigns on Etsy

Map Decoupage Furniture, Flea Market Trixie

Map Art, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings

Playroom Map Decor, A Perfect Playroom

Decoupage Map Tray, Martha Stewart

{images via Better Home and Gardens, Design Sponge, A Cup of Joe, Green Wedding Shoes,  iDiY, dlkdesigns , Flea Market Trixie, Whimsical Wonderland Weddings, A Perfect Playroom, Martha Stewart}

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01/05

push up the goodness

A new {well, semi-new} trend in the party world are push-up pops. They were big in 2011 and we anticipate they will continue to be big in 2012. They are too cute not to be! Whether you fill them with one, or all three, of the delectable C’s{cake, cupcakes or cookies}, or ice cream – they are a must-have at your next party.

These bright Picasso-like push-up pop creations found at Hostess with the Mostess are a colorful addition to any dessert table. 

One Charming Party has recipe ideas for push-up pops that make our mouth water, including cake+fresh berries+whipped cream, and the other one is for the chocolate lovers out there.

Chocolate Cookie Push Pops by The Decorated Cookie are made with easy to make and find ingredients. Oh how I love oreos!

The combination of combining chocolate cake and Kahlua frosting sounds irresistible to us too, Erica, of Sweet Tooth, and makes for the perfect party favor.

Fill push pop containers with sherbert ice cream to create a refreshing watermelon treat like Firefly Confections did. I have fond memories of this desert because my bestie growing up {love ya, Jamie} use to serve watermelon cake at her summer birthday party. It is so yummy.

For a complete book dedicated to Push-Up Pops, Courtney Dial Whitmore of Pizzazzerie, has a fabulous looking book, Push-Up Pops, set to release March 1, 2012. Her recipe for Mocha Madness {with coffee ice cream, oreo cookies and chocolate}, which looks divine, can be found here.

You can find push up pop containers at Culinary Direct, Amazon or where I found them to be the cheapest {and can be bought at lower quantities}, Etsy.

{images via Firefly Confections, Pizzazzerie, Hostess with the Mostess, One Charming Party, Sweet Tooth and The Decorated Cookie}

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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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12/22

merry christmas and happy holidays from tre sorelle

We’re taking some time off to be with family this holiday season, but we will be back in less than a week with more “all things beautiful” for you.

Since we couldn’t mail each of you our Christmas cards individually, we found a more paper-friendly way to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

With love, Tre Sorelle

{in case you have a hard time reading the fine print:
they came without ribbons, they came without tags,
they came without packages, boxes or bags.
our children are miracles and give us great joy,
for we are blessed with one girl and one boy}.

{images via:}
Jessica’s card: Meredith Moran Photography – up and coming Denver-based photographer who specializes in kids, families, weddings, engagement, lifestyle/artistic and business photography. She is a joy to work with and has an artistic eye for those priceless snapshot moments.
Jenna’s Card: Tutto Bella
Jodi’s card: Jenna Walker Photography

{All cards were designed by Tag and Company ordered through our favorite stationery store, Fleur de Lis}

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12/21

it’s a wrap

If you’re like me, you still have to organize and wrap all your gifts this year.  The clock is ticking…3 days to go until Santa arrives.

I know I’m opting for the brown paper packages tied up with string {aka, Kraft paper/red and white striped twine} for my wrapping this year… I love the way it looks together – so simple, yet festive and a bit rustic.

Use your creativity to wrap gifts this year. It’s all about the presentation people! I know it’s more work and it will be ripped off in a matter of minutes or even seconds, but a beautifully wrapped present under the tree, or even brought to a party is a statement piece and shows that you went above and beyond to make this holiday special.

Here are some wrapping tips to help you and/or your elves wrap this year!

1. Upcycle: Use objects sitting in your closet or garage that you’re not using anymore. Use an old sweater for a warm and cozy gift-wrapped bottle of wine. Step by step instructions for a DIY Wine Wrap found at Grey Likes Weddings. I love the idea of using maps, newspaper, doily’s and recyclable shopping bags. You won’t need to spend more money on wrapping paper, it gives your gift character and some shopping bags out there are cuter than wrapping paper. 🙂 For how-to instructions on how to wrap your gifts using Trader Joe’s shopping bags {photo on the bottom row, 2nd from the right}, visit A Creative Mint.
2. Embellish: Whether it’s a flower made from burlap, ribbon or paper, initials, buttons, bells, feathers, ornaments or candy, add something unique to seal your gift. Directions on how to make a fabric pom {seen on the photo on top row, 2nd from the left} can be found at Style Me Pretty.
3. Use your creativity: Everyone’s loves the original look of children’s artwork, so why not have your child draw holiday designs on Kraft paper or solid-colored wrapping paper. A book wrapped in Kraft paper, topped off with a library card and wrapped in twine is so adorable and thoughtful for the reader in your life.
4. Think outside the box: For the baker in your life, present your kitchen utensils in a hot mitten wrapped with a big bow. Or for the tool lover or first-time homeowner, make an arrangement of tools and house necessities in a galvanized bucket.
5. Personalize: Create a modern, handmade wrapped gift using stamps to spell out the recipient’s name, or add a new or old photo to the top of the present so he/she will know who the gift is for, and also have a snapshot to add to their memory books.

{images via Style Me Pretty, A Creative Mint, The Haystack Needle, Allora Handmade, Martha Stewart, Pinterest and Design Sponge}

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