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20 Apr |
Introducing Beth Mueller: Designer of Stylish Baby Shower Invitations |
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5:01 am Posted by Kristy |
Beth Mueller was born and grew up in rural Indiana, a place from which she draws inspiration for much of her artwork. Other sources of inspiration include her travels, family, and ordinary day to day experiences.
While studying at Eckerd College, Beth worked at Studio Santa Reparata in Florence, Italy, where her love of printmaking, graphic arts and Italian food was born. She then served a two-year apprenticeship in the studio of John Glick. Before becoming a full time studio artist, she worked as a camp counselor, supervisor for a housing shelter, waitress, bartender and a math teacher. Not necessarily in that order!
Beth designs and makes a line of fine art prints, stationery and pottery in Barre, Vermont, where she lives with her family. Her work is sold in galleries and shops around the world. Many of her pieces are included in numerous private and museum collections. She enjoys bringing the unique aesthetic of her ceramics work to her designs on paper for LookLoveSend, creating a fresh new look for the happiest of occasions.
Recent trends in traditional celebrations like couples baby showers, and even baby showers for men, have designers like Beth showcasing their talent to create stylish and modern designs. These designs have a clean simplicity that broadens their appeal to a wider range of tastes, including audiences seeking something fresh and inspiring. Beth’s design work is a perfect choice for your special occasion stationery needs, including wedding invitations, baby shower invitations, birth announcements and more.
For a better look at Beth’s work and our other inspiring designers, visit looklovesend.com. Subscribe to receive 20% offyour first order!
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19 Apr |
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5:01 am Posted by Kristy |
The digital camera went mainstream for professional wedding photographers a little more than a decade ago. Even then, however, traditional photographers were not entirely comfortable shooting digital at dynamic, somewhat unpredictable, physically-demanding events like wedding receptions.
My own wedding photographer, talented as he was, did the best with what he had to work with: a cold, icy January night, a dimly lit, 18th century clapboard church, and a rustic New England castle. I’m not complaining about my wedding photo album; but today’s brides and grooms are much savvier–both in terms of style and technology. They seek out photographers capable of capturing unaffected and carefree moments that createlong-lived memoriesof that special day.
But eventoday’s most talented, best equipped photographers can physically only be in one place at one time. Guests are often in a better position than the official photographer to capture the high jinx or tender exchanges worthy of display in wedding photo albums.
Brides and grooms used to count on disposable cameras to capture the guest perspective. But disposables today often sit idle on tables while click-happy guests turn to their own higher-megapixel cameras and mobile phones.
So how do you collect these valuable spontaneous spectator shots? Register ahead of time on a photo-sharing website, such as Shutterfly or Snapfish, with an account unique to your wedding. Then print the website address and log-in informationon wedding placecards or other wedding favors that guests take home.
Your DJ or band leader can also announce your photo-sharing website. To determine what photo-sharing website works best, visit one of the popular sites like Shutterfly or Snapfish, or check out reviews at http://photo-sharing-services-review.toptenreviews.com/ Decide what amount of time and expense you are willing to commit toward collecting guests’ images and whether creating additional albums is worthwhile for you.
For a look at wedding place cards, wedding favors and other original wedding stationery, visit looklovesend.com and subscribe to receive 20% off your first order.
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18 Apr |
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5:01 am Posted by Nicola |
My second-grader was recently invited to his first sleepover birthday party. I knew he was going to have the time of his life when I dropped him off and within seconds he was tossed a football, ran off to join his buddies, and left me holding the sleeping bag, pillow and gift. The next 17 hours – from 5pm Saturday until 10am Sunday – were so “awesome” and “sweet” that my son has since been counting down the months until he can have his own sleepover birthday party.
A frequently asked question is how old a child should be for his/her first sleepover. Gerald Deskin, Ph.D., a California-based psychologist and coauthor of The Parent’s Handbook recommends answering the four questions below about your child:
- Does he ask to sleep over at a friend’s?
- Can he spend 4 hours with a friend without fighting or missing you?
- Can he get ready for bed on his own?
- Has he had successful sleepovers at a relative’s house?
If the answer is yes to all 4 questions, you can say yes to the sleepover.
Hosting a sleepover party certainly requires more prep work than the traditional 2 hour dropoff-games-gifts-cake-pickup event. The parents of my son’s friend did an amazing job and made it look effortless, so I took the following pointers for when I’m up for slumber party hosting duties.
- Keep the invitee list manageable; 6-8 guests is a good number.
- Get a contact number from each child’s parent at dropoff.
- Announce the menu in the birthday party invitation, especially if a guest has known allergies.
- Make arrangements for siblings to stay with a relative or friend, they will surely get a better night’s sleep without whispering kids in the next room.
- Allow age-appropriate movies and snacks but specify a bedtime and stick to it (knowing that it will likely be at least 1/2 hour before the kids actually sleep!)
One final note. Due to the “special” factor of a sleepover, it really isn’t necessary to worry about party themes and such. However, my son came home with the most perfect goodie bag for the event – a homemade sports-themed pillowcase filled with books. I have big shoes to fill when my son turns 9!
See our selection of fantastic birthday party invitations available at LookLoveSend.com – there’s something for all ages.
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17 Apr |
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2:01 pm Posted by Kristy |
Many of us today can barely manage to get our own suppers on the table. So our desire to help out a new mom - by taking charge to organize and schedule meals for her – is heartfelt. But what’s the best way to act on our good intentions without getting overwhelmed by phone calls and emails over details like delivery times, meal preferences or even food allergies?
Internet websites for do-gooders abound, with tools to organize and schedule meals for those in need – without overly relying on any one single person. One popular site, www.mealtrain.org, is a free, interactive online calendar that runs itself once someone has registered the new mom. It’s easy to getfriends, neighbors, family and co-workers on board; the site provides essential information like home address, food preferences, optimal delivery times, and even reminder emails to the person with thenext scheduled meal.
Here’s how to get the train rolling:
- Start a “meal train” with only yourself as a committed meal provider.
- Grow participation through email, Facebook invitations, or by word of mouth (suggest the site when people hear the news and ask how to help.)
- Make good use of the baby shower, by printing the website address right on the baby shower invitations. Or, collect email addresses as guests arrive. Then you can email out a MealTrain invitation afterwards.
If you are an expecting mom, and don’t think anyone else has stepped up to the plate, go ahead and sign yourself up! At the very least, suggest MealTrain to friends or family.
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16 Apr |
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3:59 am Posted by Kristy |
The engagement party. The bridal shower. The bridesmaid dress. Alterations.Shoes. Complicated undergarmets. Mani-pedi. Hair and make-up. Travel and lodging. The honor of serving as a bridesmaid can give your credit card strip a workout.
So when you receive the bachelorette party invitation, is there an expectation for you to bring a gift? And, if you are planning the party, should you mention gifts on theinvitation?
Recently, this question of specifying gifts on bachelorette party invitations was posted on thebump.com. Most answers came from new moms, most of whom are post-bachlorette and post-wedding. The resounding answer was yes to fun gifts, no to mentioning gifts on the invitation. Most responders concurred that gifts should be optional. Your efforts organizing the party, or simply attending, is gift enough!
On the other hand, depending on the personality and tastes of the bride, gifts for themed bachelorette parties can strengthen the female bonding. Lingerie parties, wine tasting and spa essentials area fewcurrent trends in themed bachelorettes. If you are the party organizer, just keep in mind other costs that some will bear if they are also part of the bridal party.
If the invitation makes no mention of gifts, but you prefer not to come empty-handed, here are some inexpensive ideas:
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Party gags. These are fun gifts to be used during the festivities (you know… those straws!) Even that notorious blow-up groom can serve as an innocent signature board for willing participants the bride meets along the way.
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Feminine and frivolous Lingerie is a favorite,especially for brides who would never buyit forthemselves. But if they would also no tbe caught dead wearing any either, then go with a cute pairof pajamas.
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Useful For a gift with some shelf-life, look fora new travel bag or honeymoon accessory. Check out the modern chic selectionat cindab for some really original bags and specialty accessories.
To order your bachelorette party invitations, check out the selection of fun and original designs available at looklovesend.com .
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15 Apr |
Introducing Sarah Trainor, Designer of Modern Wedding Invitations |
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2:55 am Posted by Nicola |
We are thrilled to introduce designer, Sarah Trainor and her beautiful designs coming soon to LookLoveSend.com. Sarah will be contributing fantastic birth announcements, party invitations and wedding invitation collections to commemorate your special life occasions.
Sarah was exposed to art at an early age while traveling internationally with her family. This nurtured her deep love of art and design. Sarah attended the Rhode Island School of Design and MassArt, earning a BFA in Illustration and completing a Graphic Design Certification Program. Currently working as a freelance graphic designer, illustrator and website designer, Sarah lends her great design talents to companies in the medical, culinary, academic and financial fields.
Sarah exhibits a spectacular use of color in designs that are striking and modern. Her pieces have a pleasing symmetry and an elegant feel. See below for one of Sarah’s fantastic wedding invitation designs, “Wildflowers“.
Sarah lives in Arlington, MA with her husband and two young boys.
See Sarah’s beautiful designs at LookLoveSend by selecting your card type and querying by designer. Orders for a quantity of 50 or more ship free!
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14 Apr |
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5:01 am Posted by Kristy |
Is it time to start designing baby shower invitations that appeal to men? Swap out the pastels, storks and teddy bears for some stripes, solid colors and the occasional team emblem?
These days, many circumstances put an “expecting Dad” in the spotlight at a baby shower. If mom goes on bed rest, for example, or if office coworkers throw the Dad-to-be a baby shower, there may be an opportunity to rethink the traditionally effeminate baby shower invitation.
Today’s notion of fatherhood also explains thewillingness of some expecting fathers to appear at baby showers either as part of the team (as in a “couples shower“) or in the spotlight alone. Maybe their wives insist. Or maybe….just may besome dads simply expect and want to be more involved in preparations for their new infant.
This is especially true when it comes to the gear! Baby gear is constantly changing, with new products coming out all the time.So are the regulations that go along with them. Consumer Reports’ online readership tends to lean male, age 35 and older. These are the dads researching over their wives’ shoulders and checking the baby registry. From the latest in infant car seats, to the lightest-weight, ergonomically designed, infant carrier backpack, expecting dads tune into Consumer Reports. How else to explain the emergence an all-terrain, hi-tech “Donkey” stroller by Bugaboo, priced at an eye-popping $1,500?
For edgy and exciting baby shower invitations that appeal to a range of tastes, look no further than looklovesend.com. Their selection of original, high-quality designs are created by a deep bench of diverse designers who draw from a wide range of experience and talent.
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13 Apr |
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8:00 am Posted by Nicola |
If you are knee-deep in wedding planning details it can be fun to pause and see some wedding-related statistics. Below are some number-based facts; how do yours compare?
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The average American engagement is 16 months.
- The most popular month to get engaged is December, accounting for 1 in 5 engagements.
- The average engagement ring costs $5,847 and 70% of brides-to-be are presented with a traditional diamond.
- Each year an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed in the U.S.
- The average wedding has 175 guests.
- 20% of weddings are formal or black tie.
- The average number of bridesmaids and groomsmen is 5 of each.
- The 1st choice wedding cake is chocolate devil’s food cake with vanilla buttercream.
- The top wedding destination is Las Vegas, the site of 100,000 weddings per year. Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve are the two busiest “marriage” days in Las Vegas.
- The number of wedding after-parties has increased by 11.5% in one year. In 2009, 30% of couples stayed late partying with their guests.
- The top 10 “first dance” songs include The Way You Look Tonight, Just The Way You Are, Come Away With Me, Unforgettable, Wonderful Tonight, From this Moment On, This I Promise You, Thank you For Loving Me, Don’t Want to Miss A Thing, and All I Ask of You.
- The average couple will spend three times more on their honeymoon than a regular vacation.
LookLoveSend.com can help with one aspect of your wedding planning byoffering beautiful collections of quality wedding invitations by award-winning designers. Sign up now to receive 20% off your first order.
Fact sources: The Knot, National Association of Wedding Ministers., BravoBride, Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette.
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12 Apr |
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4:00 pm Posted by Kristy |
Been surprised to see the “expecting dad” at the last baby shower you attended? Thegrowing trend in baby showers for couples has savvy designers widening the appeal of baby shower invitations with designs that appeal to both men and women.There are several reasons more and more couples are choosing to appear together at the baby shower.
Expecting parents are a team today. Including dad-to-be at the traditional baby shower reflects modern-day notions about the increasing role fathers play in the early years of parenthood. Gone are the days where dad sits in a cold sweat in the delivery waiting room, feigning camaraderie and calm while fumbling with a cigar. Dads today have a front row seat in the delivery room, some even with video camera in hand!
Another reason for the growing popularity of couplesshowers is that many first-time moms are simply older. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average age of a first-time mother has increased by 3.6 years since 1970.The most dramatic increase in first-time births has been for women over age 35! Being older often means today’s expecting parents are more educated, more economically independent, and live farther from their families. This gives friends and coworkers the dutyto step as shower hosts, thereby diversifying the guest list.
Couple baby showers are also simply a great occasion to entertain. Shower invitations should reflect a variety of styles, as well as the diversity of people who get invited. When a shower is for the couple, they can invite both single male and female friends, as well as other couples.
For inspiring designs suited for couples baby showers, look no further than www.looklovesend.com‘s selection of original, high-quality stationery designs. A diverse group of dedicated designers is creating a wide array of contemporary styles. Subscribe now and get 20% off your first order!
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11 Apr |
Get Your Heart-Shaped, Jelly-Filled Royal Wedding Invitation Soon! |
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5:00 pm Posted by Nicola |
Let’s assume that you won’t be receiving one of those coveted wedding invitations to the April 29th nuptials between Prince William and Kate Middleton…go to Dunkin’ Donuts and have a donut instead! The Massachusetts-based coffee and donut chain has announced that a commemorative donut for the royal couple will be on sale from April 24-29th. The donut in question is heart-shaped and jelly-filled with vanilla frosting and a hint of chocolate.
When asked about the company’s reasoning for this special culinary treat, a company spokeswoman said that the chief executive of Dunkin’s parent company is British and very excited about the wedding ahead.
Wondering further about the royal wedding hoopla, I decided tocheck online to see which commemorative items are being offered in the U.K. I came to the unsurprising conclusion that there is something for everyone, as evident from the sampled items below:
- The Royal Palaces, Residences and Arts Collection site offers a very traditional and serene selection of fine china and decorations with beautiful inscriptions to honor the couple. The commemorative cup shown below is available at http://bit.ly/dX0DoV
- A popular brand of British chocolates, ‘Quality Street’ is currently selling its chocolates in a limited edition souvenir tin with an image of the royal couple on the keepsake container http://bit.ly/i8FJVm.
- A website inspired by the famous royal hierloom engagement ringis aptly called http://katemiddletonring.net/. It seems that there is a replica ring available at any price range and – judging by the ‘sold out’ status of several – clearly a considerable market for such a souvenir.
There’s still time to buy a royal wedding keepsake, whether you opt for the traditional, the sweet or the shiny. But if you’re looking for something more simple and low-key…remember the $.89 option available soon at your local Dunkin’ Donuts store!
