Shout Out to Bloggers Who Love "The Fresh Hubby of LA"

Just wanted to give a shout out to all the bloggers who passed on The Fresh Hubby of LA video made by friends at Digital Princess Productions and rap and story by The Broke Ass Bride. Here are places you can now find it! It's off the hook!

The Broke-Ass-Bride
DiyWeddingGirl.com
Rock-N-Roll Bride
The Flash Dance
Globe Trotting Bride
Wishpot
Truly Engaging
The Unbride
One Wed
The Relentless Bride
The Blissful Bride
Not the Marrying Kind
Victoria James Weddings
One Barefoot Bride
A Day in the Life of Gemma and Josh
Cute N Boot
Gator Bride
Beth Helmstetter Events
Kickin' It Old School Style
Cachet Weddings and Events
Delighted Heart
Funk All Stars
Love to See You Smile

You guys rawk!!! xoxo
p.s. Let me know if I missed anyone and I'll add the link!

Bad-Ass Love Story Rap Video of Mrs. Broke-Ass-Bride

I'm a loyal reader of The Broke-Ass-Bride and today she posted the most awesomeness love story video I've ever seen! And who is it by... but our very own sponsor Digital Princess Productions. I'm told Mrs. BAB's husband wrote the rap and sent it over to the girls at Digital Princess who put together a shot list with 40 plus shots and multiple locations. That is some freaken dedication for wedding videographers, damn!
Here it is for your viewing pleasure!

Invitation Design on a Dime

Think you need an expensive design program to design beautiful invitations? Not true! The new Office Mac 2008 is only $134.95 and is the most souped of version I've seen yet! There are so many layout options it blows my mind.

I have a graphic design background, and when it came to my wedding invitations I had to design them on Photoshop and Illustrator. As much as I love them, they cost and arm and a leg and are not practical for the everyday users. Microsoft Office 2008 allows you to not only assemble things like save-the-dates, wedding invitations, and place cards with their new layout feature, but you can make wedding budget trackers. And it's easy to use! None of this vector confusion. And, if your super ambitious, you can do a PowerPoint love story with photos and music you can project from your laptop at your reception... wouldn't your guest love that!

For tips on using Microsoft Office Suite 2008, go to www.artofoffice.com.

Marla J for Every Occasion!

I am so excited to share this post! It was a community effort to bring such a cool little project together.

Super-talented Marla J Designs contacted me about possibly reviewing her jewelry designs for this blog. Now, I'm super-picky with fashion and art, so it's not as simple as writing a glowing endorsement about everything that comes my way. I thought to myself, "Well, let's see" and I looked into her selection. Can you imagine how thrilled I was to find that I just loved Marla J's designs?! Not only did I find her to be a super-cool person, she's an all-around entrepreneur and eco-conscious businesswoman! Those are two things that speak right to my heart. She sent me some samples while I arranged a photo shoot.

I asked the lovely Miss Broke-Ass-Bride herself if she'd consider modeling, and to my delight she said yes! She's a terrific model! I have to say, the camera loves her.

Next was finding the right photographer. I contacted the multi-talented Alexandra Breckenridge, crossing my fingers that she might be available. She agreed and we were on our way!

Oooh, so much fun!!! Check it out!

In the first pic, Miss Broke-Ass-Bride is on her way to meet the parents. A dash of old-time elegance goes a long way! Looking the part, she feels confident it will go smoothly. She's modeling a Satin Chocolate Fascinator embellished with Black Onyx and Feathers.


At her wedding shower, it's time to feel pretty and fun. She can goof around with her bridesmaids sporting a Silk Red Rose Fascinator embellished with Swavorski Cyrstals and Guinea Feathers.


When she goes for bachelorette night with her girls, Miss B-A-B takes no prisoners. The gorgeous Peacock Earrings highlight her eyes in vibrant green and blue. Eat your hearts out, boys!!!


Drama at the reception? Not for long!! Miss Broke-Ass-Bride puts every other girl to shame wearing a classic Ivory Open Rose Fascinator embellished with Swavorski Crystals and Coque Feathers. Completing her look are sheer White Peacock Feather Earrings, embellished with Swavorski Crystal and hung on Sterling Silver.


This all was sooo much fun! Please check everyone out individually via the links below. I'm so lucky to be surrounded with such talented people!

Jeweler - www.MarlaJDesigns.Etsy.com
Photographer - www.AlexandraBreckendridge.com
Model and Wedding Extrodinaire - www.TheBrokeAssBride.com

xoxo Siena

Dropping Those Pesky Pounds Before the Big Day

We can't all afford personal trainers, which is why so many of us are left up to DIY weight loss. Before and after my wedding I tried every diet under the sun. And, although they did work when I kept up with them, ultimately I'd fall off the wagon into a puddle of fat. Recently I had a huge breakthrough with commitment. Especially in the area of being fit. I would like to share my discovery with you all, in hopes, that it will help people achieve their wedding day weight.

Eating Right
Firstly, coming home from work, starving, and having to eat a salad with no dressing or fixings can really suck. But here's the thing, can you honestly remember what you've eaten yesterday, or the day before or the week before? I can't. But I can remember how miserable I feel every time I look in the mirror or at pictures. As much importance as we put on eating things that taste good, or temporary make us feel better, meals are forgetful and your wedding day you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Working Out
I had a really hard time keeping up going to the gym. I would be really good for a month, following my schedule, then I'd miss a day and really beat myself up about it and stop going - as if I've failed myself terribly. I thought, "If really wanted to get fit, I would be doing so." But here's the thing, just because life gets hectic or you get lazy and you miss a day or a week at the gym, does not mean your uncommitted to getting fit. All it means is you missed when you scheduled to go. All there is to do, is go back to working out as soon as you can and DON'T MAKE YOURSELF WRONG FOR IT!

How I Lost 17 lbs
I had been working out from time to time, nothing committed, and was stuck at 150 lbs. I felt miserable and had no stamina. The first 7 lbs I lost by accident. I discovered I had a cheese allergy and cut out dairy, which I would definitely try a few weeks leading up to your wedding. I had no idea dairy was so fattening. Then FOREVER I could not break 143 lbs. It seemed like any diet I did, I'd loose 5 lbs, fall off the diet and gain 5+ back. One day while staring in the mirror feeling miserable about myself, I realized how I had been doing this to myself. I started following the philosophy I explained above and I am now down to 133 lbs! I'm not perfect about eating right, or going to the gym, I don't have a set schedule or diet, but every time I fall, I just get up and move forward. I feel great, my stamina is awesome, and I don't hate myself for messing up on my goals!

Had I discovered this before my wedding, I would have been the weight I wanted. I did manage to loose some weight right before, but I will forever look at my wedding pictures and know that I didn't look the way I wanted to, and that's just sad. Don't let that happen to you.

Much love and support, Siena

DIY Wedding Invitations Contest

Anyone making their own invitations? Here is a perfect opportunity to show off your creative genius! Submit your invitations to Do-It-Yourself-Invitations.com with the chance to win 1st prize - a $100 gift certificate for jewelry, 2nd prize - a custom wedding poster, or the 3rd prize - a garter. There will be 2 other random drawings with chances to win prizes. The contest ends May 31st and you can submit and read more about it HERE

Win a Free Honeymoon at Sandals Carribean Resort

Yes you can! I got emailed about this and thought I would share it with all of you. It's for 3 nights and the giveaway ends May 20th and the drawing is May 22nd.

When I was searching for a honeymoon destination it never occurred to me to try to win one. Now that I'm on the other side I see there is a lot of opportunities for brides to win things for their wedding. So why not, sign up for everything, what have you got to loose?! I see now that I could have had so much more for practically nothing!

You can sign up for the Sandal's Giveaway here.

More info about the resort: You can win a three-night Dream Honeymoon for two at one of Sandals tropical resorts. Sandals has been voted World's Best Honeymoon Resort for the past eight years in a row. Imagine scenic settings where the ultimate of everything is within your reach. Including the most luxurious rooms and suites with exquisite views, along with thoughtful amenities. Each Sandals resort features a wide choice of international gourmet dining experiences, complimented by free-flowing premium spirits, served by a staff whose greatest pleasure is making you smile.
One other thing to note, I was informed the winner will have to pay a $25 per night room fee, but who cares $75 for 3 nights at a top resort, it's a steal!

Good luck and happy winning!
xoxo Siena

Perfect Planning for the Perfect Wedding

Those of you in or near Clinton, Connecticut March 22nd 2009, you can attend an event called Be Engaged - a series of conversations with wedding experts.  They will answer question like: How to pick a venue? When should I get my dress? And when do I send my invites out?  The conversations will be lead by Michelle Rago (Signature Weddings, Creating a Day Uniquely Your Own), Anne Chertoff (editor of Brides.com), Beth Chapman and Christine Toner.  More info here.

Inspired Butterfly Gift

I stumbled across these beauties on ButterFlyartGifts.com. At quick glance I wondered if the butterfly's were sacrificed for a great gift, but after reading more information on their webisite, I discovered, all their butterflies live a long and natural life. And, any purchases you make helps save the rain forest, how rockin' is that! There are several different varieties you can purchase on their site, my favorite being the Blue Morpho. Anyone having a butterfly themed wedding, or just loves butterflies, as I do, this site is perfect. I think it's a lovely gift for the bridesmaids, because every gal is as beautiful as a butterfly ;)

Bringing Your Loved One's Down the Isle

There are many times when loved one's can't make it to the wedding. Sometimes it's money, distance, circumstances or a passing. I love the idea of honoring those important to you, while walking down the isle, by wearing them in a locket around your neck.

With Stacey Samuels love for antiques, she founded Vintage Rehab in February 2008. Not only does she sell her own designs and lockets, but she can recycle family heirlooms into renewed and stylish jewelry! How awesome is it to take your out-of-fashion, precious heirlooms, and turn them into something you can wear now. By recycling old treasures, Vintage Rehab is also an environmentally low impact business! I do love Green!

Vintage Rehab is having a 25% off jewerly sale for Valentines Day, check it out!

DIY Gift Box

I think the nicest gifts you can give someone are handmade. Really, instead of the sugar -coated almonds or little chachke you decided on in a panic, how nice would it be for your guests to give them something lovely, from the heart? Here, I've made a Dragonfly Box that is a great gift by itself or you can fill it up with your favorite treat! I will walk you through how I did it:

What you need: (I purchased everything at Michael's)

1. Small Box
2. Ornamental Dragonfly or Butterfly
3. Ribbon (Martha Stewart has some nice ones!)
4. Glass Beads
5. Glitter
Glue
Scissors

1. Twist the included wire (on bottom of the insect) in the shape of a flat circle and glue to lid of box.

2. Cut enough ribbon to fit over lid of box. Trace the length of the ribbon with a small stream of glue and attach it to lid.

3. Put small dabs of glue inside lid and wrap ribbon so that the ends of the ribbon curl around the lip of the lid. Cut excess ribbon to look tidy. Let dry.

4. Put lid on box and use a pencil to trace where the ribbon will go on box. Cut and glue ribbon around the box to match up with markings so that the ribbon looks like it's wrapped around the whole box (when lid is on).


5. Put a spot of glue on the center of the lid and add beads to it. Then put more glue around beads and add glitter, carefully shaking off any excess.


You can place your new gift box directly on top of place settings, which can add another decorative element to your tables!

xoxo Siena

p.s. Feel free to contact me. If you want to try to make something or need an idea, let me know... I'll help you out! DiyWeddingGirl@gmail.com

My cool isABelt

I never wear belts, because they do that square thing to your waist, so yes, I suffer from plumbers butt. Also, my weight fluctuates so much I have fat-day pants and not-so-fat-day pants. I discovered this handy belt called isABelt. I just love it because it wears flush to your waist, invisible under your shirt, can accommodate any weight gain and loss and go with any outfit!

What got me even more excited is that it's a women owned business, owned by three lovely ladies, Lori, Elise and Leslie Wilkins. AND they have a breast cancer belt we're they donate part of the proceeds to help the cure! I love supporting good causes!I know that when I was gathering goodies for my Bachlorette Spa Day, I had trouble finding things to put in my girls goody-bags. I would have loved to give them these cute breast cancer belts and support a good cause in the process. It would have been a present they would have actually used instead of the useless shower cap I got them.

isABelt has belts for every sized woman and one for men called hisABelt. *cute*
Here I am enjoying my isABelt... which I wear all the time!!

Random but possibly really useful!

It didn't occur to me that this could possibly be an issue for a bride-to-be, until, I went hiking in Eaton Canyon and got poison oak on my arms. It itches like crazy and looks hideous! I though: "My goodness, what if this happened to someone right before their wedding day?!" It makes sense right?! Hiking is such a good way to get in shape. Anywho I did the basic Calamine Lotion on my arms and it helped some, but, it just wasn't fast enough. I've had poison oak plenty of times and tried antihistamines and all that good stuff, and still, I remember it taking FOREVER to go away. I had just bought some ORIGINS Oil Refiner Skin Purifying Tonic and out of desperation I tried it, rubbing vigorously on my arms, and then applying the Calamine lotion. Immediately the itching went away, and the next day the rash was significantly better. I only do it twice a day, and I've never had poison oak go away so fast! I imagine if I was really diligent about applying it, the poison oak would have been gone in a few days!
Thought I'd share my little discovery! xoxo