looking pretty in plum pretty sugar

I know I seem to have a new obsession every week – I just can’t help it. My new obsession and item added to my wish list is…

a Plum Pretty Sugar robe {knee-length, beckoning creatures print robe to be exact}.

I just dream of putting this on with a hot cup of joe or tea in hand and curling up on the couch to read a good book….or who am I kidding, the latest issue of People Magazine.

Or, even in my reality of a hectic morning routine packing lunches and snacks, getting the kids fed, dressed and out the door for the day’s activity…if I were wearing a Plum Pretty Sugar robe {instead of my ragged old t-shirt and sweats}, I would feel pretty and feminine…and that is essential for a woman and mom!

For all of you brides out there, a Plum Pretty Sugar robe is the PERFECT bridesmaid gift {or gift to yourself}. And, what lovely photos the day of your wedding. You and all of your maids can feel pretty and pampered on the wedding day, and everyday after when you put it on. You can buy your maids matching sets, or get everyone a different color to spice things up. Whatever you choose to do, I promise, your maids will love you forever for giving them such a lovely gift.

Jacey, our fabulous girlfriend over at Damsel in Dior, gave each of her maids, her mom and herself a Plum Pretty Sugar robe to wear while getting ready for her wedding day {if you haven’t seen her wedding video by Lovespun Films, please do yourself a favor and see it here. Or, if you haven’t seen gorgeous photos of her wedding day, click here}.

{images via Lauren Ross Photography and Jacey’s girlfriend and bridesmaid Gia}

happy mother’s day

You are our sunshine,
Our only sunshine,
You make us happy when skies are grey,
You’ll never know dear,
How much we love you,
So, please don’t take our sunshine away.

To our mom, who we think is the greatest mom in the world. She gives of herself all the time, and if weren’t for her, we wouldn’t be the women we are today. We love you, mom!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you amazing moms out there who teach profound wisdom, give selflessly and love unconditionally everyday!

diy framed burlap table numbers

I am excited to share another DIY project from my own wedding: table numbers.

For the look, we wanted rustic. Something with burlap (love!). Something simple. Something that complimented the entire table setting.

Here are easy DIY steps to make table numbers with burlap fabric.

You will need:

– hot glue gun
– glue sticks
– scissors
– frames
– wood numbers

How to:

1. Stock up on frames from Michaels.
{hint: never buy frames that aren’t on sale at Michaels! if there’s not a sale goin’ on, wait a few days and there’s guaranteed to be one!}

2. Purchase your fabric. Super cheap.
{we went to Hobby Lobby}

3. Since I’m not the most patient person in the world, I decided to skip tracing the sample photo onto the fabric and dug right in to cutting while tracing.
{it’s okay if it’s not exact – the frame won’t show the edges in the front !}

4. Cover the entire glass with glue from your glue gun. Be quick – it dries fast! Press firm into the fabric after placing it onto the glass. Burlap is tricky – it’s tough to get it to stick completely. Don’t worry if it’s not entirely stuck onto the glass. When you glue the numbers on, that will act as a double coat of glue 🙂
{ps the glue won’t ruin your frames. it’s very easy to peel off – dry or after soaking in hot water for a few minutes! you can definitely reuse the frames!}

5. Place your new burlap covered glass into the frame and close the backing.

6. Glue your wood numbers and carefully place onto the burlap.
{we went to Hobby Lobby for the numbers and stained them red with a wood stain from Home Depot}

7. Voila! You’re done! Absolutely beautiful 🙂

Be creative!
I used these two for the gift table and guest book table to throw into the mix – so fun!

{images via Tutto Bella & Jenna Walker Photographers}

PINTEREST pics of the week: gifts for the grad

It’s that time of year we celebrate those who are about to embark on a new journey in their lives. Maybe they are about to enter the fun and crazy-filled college years. Or, maybe they are celebrating a milestone of a college graduation and about to enter the ‘real world.’ We salute you grads of 2012. Congrats!

For those of you stopping by the endless open houses and celebrations, we found some fun and creative gift ideas via our new favorite site, Pinterest, that will make your gift stand out from the crowd.
{BTW, you can follow us on Pinterest by clicking here}

8 x 10 Art Print She Turned Her Dreams Into Plans by Lindsey at Pen and Paint via Etsy. Lindsay at Pen and Paint is offering Tutto Bella readers 10% off with code BELLA10. 

Write Your Own Way Necklace, Waxing Poetic {$79}

DIY Caddy, Creation Corner
{fill a shower caddy with Top Ramen, a book reading light, ear plugs, shower shoes, 5 hour energy, first aid kit, Febreeze, Pop Tarts, Hand Sanitizer, ear plugs, etc…visit Artsy MaQnolias for more kit ideas}

We all know new grads LOVE and NEED money, so step out of the box a bit and package it creatively with a…

Money Lei, Your Home Based Parties

Here are some other grad gift ideas we found around the web too…

Dogeared Jewels Forget Me Not Necklace, $64 from Zappos
{Make a wish and put on your necklace. wear it as a reminder that I love you.}

Here’s to You by Dan Zadra and Kristel Wills, $14.95 from Compendium Incorporated
{This company has SO MANY great products and gifts for the grad including, Dream Every Day Journal, The Book of 5 by Dan Zadra and I Believe in You by Dan Zadra}

Curly Girl Stainless Steel Travel Mug, Shine Your Light on the World, $19.99 from Amazon
{this would be adorable filled with a Starbucks gift card or VIA packets for all the late night studying for those soon-to-be college students…I bought this for some of my grad parties this year}

{images via Pen and Paint, Waxing Poetic, Creation Corner, Your Home Based PartiesZappos, Compendium Incorporated and Amazon}

styled shoot at st. george

Summer romance.
Bright colors.
Picnic setting.
Antique furniture.
Lemonade.
And, don’t forget Grandma’s pie.

How easy it is to fall in love with these photos!

What are some of your favorite features from this St. George styled shoot?

VENDOR LOVE

Photography:  Gideon Photography
Event Planner: 
 Middle Aisle Weddings
Floral Designer:  My Favorite Flowers
Invitation Designer:  Kortney Eggertz Design
Dress Store:  Lauren James Bridal 
Bakery:  Grandma Toblers
Event Venue:  Nisson Park