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 GardensDesign SpongeA Cup of JoeGreen Wedding Shoes iDiYdlkdesigns Flea Market TrixieWhimsical Wonderland WeddingsA Perfect PlayroomMartha Stewart}

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. Pillowsrugs 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}

{coupon} suspended moments

We’re so happy our giveaways last week were a huge hit with all you fabulous brides. Thanks to the giveaway sponsors, Suspended Moments and Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry.

Congratulations to Emily and Kristin for winning the bridal hanger and engagement bracelet. You lucky ladies!

Good news for all you brides out there, or for you non-brides looking for the perfect bridal gift…Dawn from Suspended Moments is offering all Tutto Bella Blog readers 15% percent off any item purchased from her shop. Coupon expires January 31, 2012. Enter Tutto15  in the coupon code box when completing your purchase.

Happy Shopping.

Thanks to all of you who entered our giveaways…we hope to have more wonderful giveaways in 2012. Hope we were able to help you shop for several people on your list this year with our list of Favorite Things.

{image via Jenna Walker Photography}

{giveaway} engagement bracelet by kathryn giarratano jewelry

Every bride wants something:

sparkly
unique
special

{let’s be honest, she wants these things all the time, whether she’s a bride or not}.

Well, we found the PERFECT thing that can be worn on her wrist that’s all of the above and more ~ Kathryn Giarratano’s Engagement Bracelet. It’s stunning and beautifully hand-made by Kathryn herself.

It can be her “something blue” on her wedding day, or throughout her engagement she can wear it as a reminder that she is a beautiful bride about to marry the man of her dreams and when she becomes a Mrs., she can still wear it {to accessorize an outfit} and remember the special time in her life before she said, “I do.”

Kathryn, owner and creator of Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry, is a Denver-based designer and Colorado native. After working as a fashion consultant for Saks Fifth Avenue she decided to follow her dream of creating a line of jewelry that is fun, funky and can be worn by women of all ages. Thus Kathryn Giarratano Jewlery was born and we’re grateful it was because she creates one-of-a-kind jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings, for women that we LOVE.

Kathryn has always had an amazing sense of style and the girl can accessorize! Even as a preggo mama {when sweat pants call out your name}, she always looks chic and adorable.

Her jewelry has been seen on celebs on E! News and the Grammy Awards. Her pieces are sold at specific retailers {including the fabulous Fleur de Lis} or you can e-mail her directly at kathryngiarratano@gmail.com for orders.

She creates distinct jewelry for brides on their wedding day, as well as coordinating pieces for the bridal party. Jodi {a Tutto Bella sister} worked with Kathryn to create her bridal jewelry, as well as bracelets for her bridesmaids. The pieces were beautiful {and made a great gift for the bridesmaids}.

Today, we’re so happy because Kathryn is kindly offering her beautiful Engagement Bracelet to a lucky Tutto Bella reader {$50 value plus shipping}.

To enter the giveaway, you must:
{1.} Visit Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry, then come back here and leave a comment telling us which piece you like best {earrings, necklaces or bracelets}.

For additional entries:
{which means you can enter the giveaway up to four times}
{2.} “Like” Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry on Facebook. Come back and leave a comment telling us you did {you must leave a comment so we can enter your name in the drawing}.
{3.} Leave a comment telling us who you would give the engagement bracelet to {even if its yourself} or tell us a funny or romantic engagement story.

Winner will be chosen via random.org. Must enter by Sunday, December 18, 2011. Winner will be chosen Monday, December 19, 2011.  

{images via Kathryn Giarratano Jewelry & Jenna Walker Photography}

{giveaway} suspended moments bridal hanger

A personalized bridal hanger from Suspended Moments is one of my absolute favorite gifts {for the bride}. It’s personal, lasts forever and is the perfect prop for a bridal dress photo opp on a bride’s wedding day.

Believe me, if you bring this as a gift to your next bridal shower you will get so many ooh’s and ahh’s, and the bride will always have it to remember the special day she became a Mrs.

If you’re already married, or not getting married anytime soon, this is still a great gift idea at your next bridal shower {or holiday} for a friend, a sister, aunt or cousin. And if you don’t know anyone getting married this year, personalize one for your own closet to hang your already-worn bridal gown or another special garment.

Dawn, owner and creator of Suspended Moments, is fantastic to work with and makes Suspended Moments THE place to purchase personalized bridal hangers. She is so responsive, sweet, talented and will work with you to find the color you’re looking for {if you choose a custom color instead of a wood hanger}.

I worked with Dawn this past summer to purchase hangers for one of my BFF’s and my sister. They LOVED their hangers {and so did their photographers}.

Dawn offers a wide range of gifts at Suspended Moments you are sure to love. Personalized hangers for the entire bridal party, personalized baptism/christening hangers, custom child’s hanger, cake toppers, ornaments and place cards. She crafts each personalized hanger and gift with wire, wood and as much tlc {tender loving care} as if it were for her own child or wedding.


Today is a really good day for all you Tutto Bella readers because…Dawn is offering one lucky Tutto Bella reader a FREE personalized wedding hanger {$25 value plus shipping}.

To enter the giveaway, you must:
{1.} “Like” Suspended Moments 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 three times}
{2.} Visit Suspended Moments, then come back here and leave a comment telling what your favorite Suspended Moments product us.
{3.}Leave a comment telling us who you would order a hanger for {even if it’s for your own upcoming nuptials}.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For those of you who don’t win, Dawn is graciously offering a discount code to everyone. The code will be announced on Monday, December 19, 2011 when we announce the winner.

Winner will be chosen via random.org. Must enter by Sunday, December 18, 2011. 

{images via Jacey at Damsel in Dior, Tutto Bella and Suspended Moments}