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

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!

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!!

Maui Jewelry

When the weather is dreary I always think of vacationing, and one of the most beautiful places I've been is Maui. While staying there, you see signs asking people not to take the beach home with them. In fact rumors were created saying if you take any of Hawaii of the island, you'll have bad luck for 10 years! And I can't blame them for being so cautious, because if I could, I'd plop the island in my pocket and take it home with me!
I met Jamee Jones, jewelry maker and owner of Jonara Blu Maui, who runs her business out of Maui on the side of the Volcano. Imagine the view! She draws all her inspiration for her jewelry from her breath-taking surroundings. She mixes shells, pearls, silk and beads into delightful pieces that are perfect accessories for any beach wedding. This is a excellent way of taking a piece of Maui without offending the islanders.

While scheming my imaginary Hawaiian wedding, I picked out my favorite piece called "Champagne Circles," (love the name also) which is made with mother of pearl shell, Swarovski crystal, silk, gold and freshwater coin pearls. The freshwater pearls are an added bonus for me, because it was my husband’s first gift to me! And I also handmade freshwater pearl necklaces, as gifts, for all by bridesmaids.