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15 Sep |
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2:08 am Posted by Kristy |
Okay, so maybe Grandma doesn’t know it yet, but she’s going to need a lot of stuff. You can help her out, and help yourself too in the process. After all, you’ll want her to be fully equipped when you visit, especially if you plan (or maybe just hope) to have her keep baby on a regular basis. Short of throwing Grandma a shower or sending out extra baby shower invitations to her dearest friends, register for some extra items your self. Otherwise, pick up the cheaper brand of these following items at your convenience, as you see them:
Sleeping
Start with a pack-n-play, the most portable, versatile, and down-right practical piece of baby gear out there. It will fit anywhere, serves as a diaper changing station and playpen, and is so quick and easy to set up. Grab extra sheets when you see them.
Changing
Short of a fully-blown changing station, a simple changing pad moves easily from sofa to floor to kitchen counter, whatever is most comfortable for grandma. A fitted cover or disposable changing pads helpful if the pad doesn’t wipe easily. Buy wipes in bulk, but not diapers, since you may not use them all before baby grows into the next size.
Feeding
A portable, strap-in booster seat is a more economic and space-saving solution for Grandma’s house than a high chair. If she’s still got a high chair leftover from yesteryear, you may want to examine the paint (for lead) and safety (straps and tray may no longer suffice). Stock up on a few bibs, utensils and sippy cups too.
Toys
Scout out a few basic toys at consignment stores or wipe down Grandma’s collection of ancient toy treasures to see what you’ll let baby play with. Books for bedtime are also important, so check out used bookstores or library book sales for discarded copies of a few favorites. You can also cycle through your own books and make sure there’s always a book basket at Grandma’s.
For fabulous, fun baby shower invitations, shop www.LookLoveSend.com for original, adorable designs, printed on premium quality papers. You can personalize your baby shower invitations online quickly and easily with your own information, including adding a photo or special monogram. Coordinating baby thank you notes are available too.
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13 Sep |
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9:05 pm Posted by Nicola |
Moving far from home with the address on your Save the Date cards? The number of couples choosing a destination wedding has increased by 200% in the last 10 years. We’ve already shared 5 simple truths about destination weddings…but if you’re still on the fence, here are 5 more truths that may convince you to travel for your I do’s.
- Destination weddings offer a neutral setting: Particularly helpful if the bride and/or groom has a demanding family – an original and neutral wedding spot should alleviate any conflict about who’s church, which wedding reception site, who will perform the ceremony, etc.
- Easier and cheaper honeymooning: while some couples choose to honeymoon in a completely different spot from their ceremony, many decide to stay local and relax. What better way to truly explore a special area while saving on travel expenses?
- Planning help is available: sites like www.destinationweddingmag.com offer many resources to help couples plan their wedding event. Hire an expert to help navigate paperwork legalities, reception site logistics, and any special customs for the region.
- You don’t have to pay for your guests’ travel expenses: For couples who are concerned that they should pay, not to worry, etiquette states that guests are responsible for their own travel costs.
- Negotiate and take advantage of package deals: Many wedding locations offer fantastic perks for destination couples, a free upgrade to the honeymoon suite, a group airline discount, a bonus photography package. It can be a competitive business so use that bargaining power to your advantage.
A destination wedding is the chance for a truly out-of-the-ordinary event that will be memorable for all involved. The team at LookLoveSend loves destination weddings and is pleased to offer a diverse selection of fantastic save the date cards well-suited for such a special wedding event. Enter our free monthly sweepstakes for a chance to win $500 off your wedding stationery order with us!
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11 Sep |
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10:14 pm Posted by Kristy |
If you’re looking for offbeat or whimsical containers for your reception table centerpieces, recycle containers originally used for very different purposes. All of our suggestions are very inexpensive items found in your own home, or at local flea and antique markets and thrift shops.
You can look for inspiration from your wedding reception cards or other wedding details you’ve decided on already. If you have already established a strong idea about your wedding style, consider how you will arrange the containers. Break away from using a single container and scatter them around the table in odd numbers, depending on space and size.
Porcelain Teapots
Perfect for the garden party look, teapots found in antique shops and thrift stores come in many shapes and sizes. You’ll be hard pressed to find two that are alike, and this is exactly the effect to go for. Look for patterns that complement the type and color of flowers you plan to use.
Glass Bottles
Milk, wine and colored glass add vintage flair to your tables. Use a burlap or grass-cloth piece of fabric to place them on. Loose arrangements of wildflowers make a rustic statement, while weathered glass strikes a perfect contrast with a tightly wrapped formal bouquet.
Tea Tins
Tea, biscuit and other dry good tins found in a country store lend old world charm to your table decor. You can use them for your flower arrangements or to hold menu cards or favors.
Paint Cans
Wrap a mix of large, gallon-size can and quart-size cans in beautiful paper or fabric. Use a complementary color or coordinating pattern to a simple, monochromatic flower arrangement. Or, choose a neutral color or wrap with a natural fiber fabric to keep the emphasis on the flowers.
If you’re still looking for beautifully designed wedding invitations, including wedding reception cards, shop the collection at www.looklovesend.com. Our wedding reception cards are part of a complete wedding invitation suite, designed to coordinate with all the components you could want for your special day.
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10 Sep |
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8:28 pm Posted by Kristy |
Are you getting a jump-start planning for your holiday season? Is it too soon to pose that question? Whether you are a careful party planner or a last-minute-throw-it-all-together-with-eggnog hostess, make this your year for a themed holiday party the whole family can enjoy. Never mind elegant glassware, bountiful greens draped around the stairwell, and intricate mantel scenery on display. Save your ice sculpture sketches for another year. Just focus on getting out your holiday party invitations right after Thanksgiving this year so people put your party on their busy holiday calendars first!
Themed Holiday Party Invitations
The three fantastic holiday party invitations below can be your inspiration for the perfect family-focused holiday party. Whether or not this is your year to showcase your home, (don’t feel bad if it’s not–many of us feel a bit Scrooge-ish with our stretched time and resources), you can plan a fun party without too much fuss:
 Tacky Sweater Party by Lauren Poole |
 White Elephant by Alison Slippey |
 Holiday Cookie by Amanda Zoss |
Tacky Sweater party
Also called the Ugly Sweater Party, you’ll have to decide whether or not to admit you actually intentionally bought that holiday sweater thinking it was hot stuff. In any case, everyone has something to reveal just how poorly primary green and primary red look side by side. The kids are the only ones that will really look good. Take lots of pictures to send out afterwards!
White Elephant Party
A gift giving exchange that can work two ways: either everyone in the room wants the best gift, or everyone in the room wants to get rid of the worst gift. Much like a Yankee swap, everyone brings a wrapped gift within a certain dollar amount. Gifts are placed into a center pile, guests draw numbers, and start choosing in order, unwrapping one at a time. The next person in line can either choose a new wrapped gift, or take the one already unwrapped.
Cookie Exchange Party
Sometimes also called the Cookie Swap, is an easy party if you organize ahead of time and send out extra holiday party invitations for no shows. We’ve blogged before with some helpful cookie exchange party tips to pull this party off for a groups of ladies, but you can easily adapt yours for the kids by adding in a sugar-cookie frosting station.
Get your holiday party invitations out early this year. Start looking now for ideas and inspiration at the growing collection of unique holiday cards at www.LookLoveSend.com. All original designs are printed on premium card stock, and while you shouldn’t need it if you start now, approved orders ship the next business day!
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9 Sep |
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9:12 pm Posted by Nicola |
Considering a destination wedding? With an estimated 25% of couples traveling to say ‘I do’, the number of couples choosing a destination wedding has increased by 200% in the last 10 years. If you’re having doubts about the location to set on your Save the Date cards, consider the following simple truths about destination weddings.
- Smaller guests lists rule: the average guest list for a destination wedding is 40 and this is a good way of inviting just the people who matter the most and skipping the distant relatives and co-workers. Make the most of your time with guests by arranging one pre-wedding and one post-wedding activity at your wedding locale.
- Cost savings: destination weddings usually cost less than hometown weddings due to smaller guest lists, abundant travel package options and possibly favorable exchange rates. Think about it, fewer guests means a smaller wedding venue, fewer tables and centerpieces, less food, smaller cake, etc.
- Your destination doesn’t have to be the beach: while sun lovers may think nothing can possibly beat a barefoot ceremony in the sand, a destination wedding can take place in a castle, at a mountainside resort, countryside villa, or any other beautiful or meaningful setting.
- You don’t have to go too far: a destination wedding is defined as getting married just 100 or more miles from the bride’s home – passports and layovers not necessarily required.
- Your guests will be happy to come: most couples sending a destination wedding invitation are pleasantly surprised by the high ‘yes’ response rate. Destination weddings are usually held in desirable locations, most couples will host a welcome party or rehearsal dinner, plan a group activity and suggest some local attractions – for guests this could really be a ready-planned getaway with closest family and friends.
A destination wedding is the chance for a truly out-of-the-ordinary event that will be memorable for all involved. The team at LookLoveSend loves destination weddings and is pleased to offer a diverse selection of fantastic save the date cards well-suited for such a special wedding event. Enter our free monthly sweepstakes for a chance to win $500 off your wedding stationery order with us!
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7 Sep |
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1:51 pm Posted by Kristy |
It’s a smart strategy to think about how different types of wedding venues could inspire your wedding planning. From decor, to flowers, to the cake and more, the place you choose for your wedding will lend you many ideas for all kinds of details. But there are some practical considerations you should know about first before you get too far along dreaming about venue-inspired wedding invitation designs.
The most recent edition of Real Simple magazine’s Weddings identified 4 different types of wedding venues. Each of these venues might be perfect for one couple, but terrible for another. Here are some of the practical pitfalls you’ll need to overcome:
Traditional – A church and reception hall
- Lag time between ceremony and reception if you’re marrying in a Catholic church (ceremony must finish before evening Mass)
- Spacious reception halls designed for hundreds could overwhelm a smaller wedding
Home – Your own (or family), generally outdoors
- Rentals for large equipment and supplies, home improvements and even a one-day event insurance policy add significant cost
- You’ll have to do extra legwork for local permitting and parking options
Destination – A “getaway” location, such as a resort
- Get informed about local marriage-license requirements, including timing. Go online to find out more:
- By state: www.usmarriagelaws.com
- The Caribbean Islands: www.guidetocaribbeanvacations.com/wedding/CaribbeanMarriageLaws.htm
- Europe: www.marryabroad.co.uk
- Extra travel for otherwise hometown guests can turn your wedding into a pricier and more time-consuming commitment
Quirky – An unexpected place, building or attraction (museum, landmark, farm, university, etc.)
- Liquor license, fire plan and liability insurance are three potential add-ons you might have to figure out and pay for
- Get everything in writing if weddings aren’t their specialty
Most couples want a truly unique atmosphere to make their wedding memorable. And you’ll want to find a wedding invitation design that appropriately reflects that atmosphere and sets your style. Whichever type of venue you choose, you’ll find a wide selection of unique wedding invitations at www.looklovesend.com. You can also enter to win $500 towards your choice of wedding stationery in our monthly Wedding Invitation Sweepstakes. Click below, or “Like” us on Facebook and enter.
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5 Sep |
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10:08 pm Posted by Nicola |
A well-prepared mom-to-be will have her bag packed and ready to go at 35 weeks. One of the best hospital bag checklists out there for mom and baby can be found at The Bump. But after the baby shower and before the new baby gift, consider putting together a hospital gift basket for that special mom-to-be from the following list of simple yet useful luxury items.
Cashmere socks: to guard against those cold hospital floors.
'Heart and Stripes' by Alison Slippey
Baby thank you cards: a quantity of pretty custom cards will help a new mother get a head start on her thank yous before those exhilarating but very tiring first weeks at home with baby.
High-thread count pillowcase: hospital-provided linens just aren’t that soft.
A soft towel: [see pillowcase above.]
Gourmet or simply comfort snacks: so the hospital vending machine isn’t the only option during those hungry times.
- Aloe vera face wipes: for quick bedside refreshment before the visitors and the photos.
A recent bestseller or stack of magazines: to allow mom some well-deserved relaxation time.
A pretty bathrobe or cardigan: for comfort and style over the dreaded hospital gown while hosting guests.
Lip gloss and hand lotion: for a simple post-baby pick me up.
iTunes card: whether it’s new tunes for mom or simple lullaby tunes for baby, the gift of music is always welcome.
The items above are simple and easy to find, yet will be a welcome surprise for any new mom as she is about to head to the labor & delivery ward. And if your gift doesn’t make it in time for mom’s hospital stay, it is very simple to send an order of baby thank you cards to the new family’s home. The diverse collection of baby thank you cards at LookLoveSend offers fresh high-quality designs that are guaranteed to ship the next business day.
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4 Sep |
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10:34 pm Posted by Nicola |
If you’re engaged, chances are you’ve bought a wedding magazine or two (or seven) to browse the latest trends and ideas in gowns, accessories, wedding stationery, and everything else wedding. And if you’ve read those magazine, chances are you’ve seen that Container Store ad promising a ‘vow to get organized’ and showing the bride longingly looking at neat rows of shiny storage containers. The team at LookLoveSend loves the many storage solutions offered by the Container Store, but regardless of the stores listed on your wedding shower invitation, read on for some of our favorite food storage tips.
- Store baked cookies after they have completely cooled. If you store them while they are still warm they will become soggy.
- Freeze a batch of homemade cookie dough so you can bake a batch at any time within minutes. No need to thaw the dough before cooking, simply add a minute or two to the baking time.
- Consult Real Simple’s food expiration guide to find out the shelf life for 77 of the most common household products and foods. For example: 4-6 months for an opened bottle of ketchup, or 3-4 days for opened tuna fish – not to be stored in the can.
- Freeze marinated meats in a resealable plastic bag to be defrosted in the refrigerator overnight. Meats will be tenderized and flavored as while frozen.
- Use square storage containers wherever possible for easier stacking and to take up less fridge/freezer space.
- Got bananas, berries, peaches or melon that is about to become overripe? Freeze it to make smoothies or frozen drinks at a later date.
Getting married as a great chance to get organized and stock up on storage containers for the kitchen and beyond. And if you’re the one hosting a wedding shower for someone special, checkout the growing collection of designer bridal shower invitations at LookLoveSend.com for diverse designs printed on superior quality paper stock that is sure to impress.
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1 Sep |
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9:00 am Posted by Nicola |
This is the time of year for new backpacks, messenger bags, one-strapped backpacks, or whatever other trend is currently in style for kids to get their homework, books and lunch to-and-from school. But whatever the backpack trend, the addition of monogrammed initials always seems to be a popular option. Often seen on wedding thank you cards and baby baptism gifts as well as school backpacks, the team at LookLoveSend decided to investigate the rules of the monogram.
'Chanson Thank You' by Sarah Trainor
A monogram is a symbol created by overlapping or combining two or more letters to create a single meaningful image. The monogram of an individual or a couple is often created using an elegant cursive font but may also take the form of separate block letters for a more modern effect.
Traditional 3-letter monogram for an adult
Consists of the person’s last name set in the center in a larger or highly elaborate font, with the first name initial to the left and the middle name initial to the right of the central letter. Mary Ann Thompson would be MTA.
Traditional 3-letter monogram for a child
To keep things logical for a young child in particular, the common practice is to create a straightforward sequence of first initial, middle initial, then last initial. Patrick Thomas Smith would be PTS.
Traditional 3-letter monogram for a married couple
This popular option combines the shared married name initial flanked by the first name initial of each person. Susan and Tom Jones would be SJT. No clear-cut rules about whose initial goes first!
Two-letter monogram for an engaged or married couple
An image that consists of entwined first name initials is a great option for engagement announcements or save the date cards. It’s also a great option for a married couple looking for a less formal monogram or who do not share a married last name.
In this age of email, texts and tweets, a stylish monogram is a welcome addition to any wedding stationery print, baby gift engraving or backpack lettering. Browse the collection of wedding thank you cards, save the dates and other wedding stationery at LookLoveSend to select a monogram-featured design. Or use the site’s simple personalization to create your own monogram by customizing text, font style and font sizes. And enter our free monthly sweepstakes for a chance to win $500 off your wedding stationery order with us!
