meet…saddle shoe signs

You were first introduced to Saddle Shoe Signs with our latest Peppermint Wonderland photo shoot, and today we are going to introduce the company to you, and the fabulously talented Meredith Moran – the woman behind Saddle Shoe Signs. Yes, this is the same Meredith of Meredith Moran Photography. Not only is she a fantastic photographer, but she also makes the signs with her own two hands. We’ve  seen her work up close and personal…and they are beautifully handmade. In fact, we want some of our own!
Saddle Shoe Signs are vintage-inspired marquee lights.  Our signs are rented by the letter so customers can spell whatever they’d like, creating a custom sign perfect for their event,” Meredith said. “There are so many people out there buying “Eat, Drink & Be Married”, or ” I Do”  signs for their weddings, only to be stuck with the sign after the wedding (& we all hope there isn’t going to be another wedding!), or stuck with the hassle of giving it away, selling it, or just throwing it away.  How about the grand opening for your store or restaurant?  No need to be stuck with a “Grand Opening” sign after the “grand opening”.”
Rental prices are $35/letter for the first 2 letters, $25/letter after that. Outside of Denver, there is a minimum 3 letter rental, in addition to a mileage fee for traveling outside Denver. They deliver and install signs. All rental letters are red, but Meredith can make a letter in a different color for an additional fee.
For all you blissful brides out there, Meredith sweetened the deal. If you book her for your wedding, you can get a sign for free. Click here to see her portfolio.
Letters are also available for sale on Etsy {how cute would these letters be in a home…I can just see JOY on my mantle next Christmas}, and are made with heavier/high quality material. You have the option to choose from 20+ colors. Visit Saddle Shoe Designs on Etsy here.

valentine’s day printables

We have cutesy kid-and-adult-friendly DIY Valentine’s for…all the hot mama’s, the stud{s} in your life, all the cutie’s and for those who make you giggle! Some are healthy and others are not, but they are all adorable, and for Valentine’s Day, that’s all that really matters, right?

The original and new files {revamped with stripes} are available for a $3 purchase here.

DIY Adult Valentine’s

you are one hot mama
{fill the bag with hot tamales, fold over the custom tag and staple closed}

happy valentine’s day stud muffin
{fill the bag with a homemade poppy-seed muffin, fold over the custom tag and staple closed}

Poppy-seed Muffin Recipe
Makes 12 muffins
recipe adapted from our wonderful mom

Add the following ingredients to a large bowl and mix:
2 cups flour
1/8 cup poppy seeds {a used a little more, but less than 1/4 cup}
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter

Add 2 eggs{1 at a time} to the above ingredients and mix well

Add 1 cup plain yogurt and 2 tsp. almond extract and mix into the rest of the mixture.

Put the muffin mixture in baking cups and bake in the oven on 400 degrees for about 15-20 minutes {It took me about 18 minutes}.

DIY Kid Valentine’s

i think you are quite a cutie
{fill a bag with clementines, fold the custom tag over the top of the bag and staple closed}

friend, you make me laffy
{fill the bag with laffy taffy for your silly friends, fold the custom tag over the bag and staple closed}

The original cutie file {the orange bubble}, can be bought here.
The original laffy taffy file {the blue bubble} is available too.

{images via j. sorelle}

Last Minute DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

If you’re like me, you’re still not done with Christmas gifts this year and Christmas is less than 2 days away. Don’t panic and take a deep breath. You’re not too late {well, a little}…just make your way to target or walmart, craft store or your closest “carry almost everything store” and make one of these lovely, thoughtful and DIY gifts. Channel your ‘inner-Martha.’

Nail Polish ‘MistleTOES’, Supreme Courtney

Holiday Cinnamon Stick Candle, Paula Deen 

Personalized Hot Cocoa Mug, Mountainside Bride

Grinch Pills, Craft Fabulous

DIY Recipe Book, The 36th Ave

Reindeer Beer {fun party favors for your friends}, friend via Facebook

Money Tree, Then She Made

{images via Paula DeenCraft Fabulous, Mountainside Bride, Supreme Courtney, Then She Made, The 36th Ave}

Stella and Dot Sparkle from Within Bracelet

NOTE TO SELF: Never leave a draft post up on the computer screen…because my 2.5 year old daughter somehow managed to actually post an unedited and unfinished draft. My apologies for the early, not-yet-complete email you received last night of this post. Kids…gotta love ’em.

As I was saying…

Sparkle from the Light Within…and it doesn’t hurt to add a little sparkle to your wrist too. 🙂

We are big fans of Stella and Dot jewelry, and with a wide range of prices, there is something for every gal on your list. This year, we’re loving the simple, dress up or dress down, Light Bracelet FRIENDSHIP TIES, Sparkle From the Light Within. For only $19 , you can apply the one for me, one for you motto for this one.

You don’t have to attend any party, or even charge your credit card for this one, because Christine Morris, personal stylist for Stella and Dot, is offering Tutto Bella readers the Stella and Dot Light Bracelet for free. And, this giveaway will still be happening after Dec. 25…yay for more fabulous things after Christmas!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends on December 28. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send us an email!{images via Stella and Dot}

favorite things continued…

We’re not done yet…our magic number for this year was 12 for the 12 Days of Christmas, so here’s the rest of our Favorite’s List.

7. Logitech iPad, Logitech or Best Buy – makes typing e-mails and documents on the iPad SO much easier. {$99}
8. Norwex Cleaning  Supplies – I know, its ridiculous that we have a cleaning product in here, and believe me, none of us enjoy cleaning, but its a fact of life and its so important to use non-toxic cleaning supplies for our health, our children’s health and our environment. Plus, these products make it so easy!
9. Stella & Dot Light BraceletFRIENDSHIP TIES, Sparkle From the Light Within {$19} – our friend and fave Stella and Dot stylist, Christine Morris, may be hooking you up with this lovely bracelet if you’re nice, not naughty, and read our blog tomorrow for a giveaway opportunity.
10. MukLuk Slippers, Target {$44} – love this style too.
11. Vino2Go, The Wine Sippy Cup – genius and everyone needs one of these!
12. Santa Poo, Ho Ho Ho, Oh No, Gotta Go, Poo-Pourri – we love all Poo-Pourri products and love that they actually work, but this is just too fun for the holidays.

{images via The Product Farm, Target, Norwex, Logitech, Stella and Dot, Poo-Pourri}