blue {life, loves, & handmade}

Vacation!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:26:00 +0000

Hello, hello my beauties!

I am taking some time away from the shop and blog for a little r&r.

See you in a week or so!

xxCat

ps. The shop will still be up and running while I am away. Orders will not ship until June 9th but if you've been eying a little bit of BrideBlu, you can use coupon code: DISNEY15 to save 15% on your entire purchase*!

*coupon code valid now through June 6th, 2012

Eye Buy Direct | a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:11:00 +0000

I've needed to wear glasses since 6th grade. At first, like I am sure most kids do, I dreaded the idea of wearing glasses but today there are so many amazing glasses styles I am proud to be a four-eyes! The only problem is, prescription eyeglasses are not cheap with prices starting around $150 making it hard to justify purchasing multiple pairs. Enter EyeBuyDirect.com, an amazing company that offers a wide range of high quality, affordable cheap eyeglasses. How do they do it? How do they do so? By selling eyeglasses online EyeBuyDirect is able to cut the costs considerably and offer prescription eyeglasses starting as low as $6.95 including basic Rx lenses.

They have an amazing (and fun!) e-try feature that allows you to upload a picture of yourself and try on hundreds of glasses virtually. I spent hours playing around and finally narrowed it down to two choices:

I ended up going with these and I am in love! They only took about 3 weeks to arrive and I was sent regular emails giving me updates on the status of my glasses. Ordering with EyeBuyDirect.com was so easy ... the hard part was choosing which pair to go with.

Today, EyeBuyDirect is awarding one lucky winner with a $30 credit toward a pair of glasses (or sunglasses) from their store. What frame would you choose?

Giveaway is open to USA and Canadian residents. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*disclaimer: this post was sponsored by EyeBuyDirect.com but the review and opinions are entirely my own.

Flea Market Finds!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:08:00 +0000

This past Sunday marked the official kick-off of "flea market" season in Wisconsin. Whooo-hooo! I don't know about you, but I just love looking through peoples' old stuff. I have the softest spot in my heart for vintage jewelry in particular. As I am searching through an old jewelry box full of treasures, I can't help but daydream of the people who owned the pieces before and perhaps even worn to commemorate a special occasion ... a first-date, a first day at a new job, a wedding, an anniversary. There is something so magical and hopeful about unearthing a neglected piece of jewelry from a heap. It is like giving it a new life and a chance to make some new memories.

Here is a just a glimpse of some of the pieces I found. I have plans to have them available in the shop soon :)

Toms!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:24:00 +0000

Happy, happy Monday, friends! I had the best weekend and scored a few amazing goodies at the flea-market yesterday (pictures to come later this week). But first, let's talk about my new Toms!

I have been obsessed with Toms for a while now but never actually owned a pair of my very own. All that changed when I received a pair of heart covered ones for my birthday. I am in love. Not only are they super comfortable and extremely light weight they are also adorable. I totally get why people collect these shoes (I am already contemplating snapping up these for my second pair). Are you a fan?

How was your weekend? Up to anything fun and exciting?

Tookies - a Sweet Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:34:00 +0000

Tookies is a gourmet bakery home to delectable cookie-wiches, jar cakes and gourmet marshmallows all of which are handmade in America. They clearly not only have a passion for baking but also for crafting up delicious flavors that will have your mouth watering ... like these strawberry cookiewiches. Yum!

Their cookie-whiches rock my socks ... sugary-sweet masterpieces with rich butter-cream frosting nestled between two perfectly soft and chewy cookies, drool-worthy for sure! Exclusive to Tookies, these morsels come in a deliciously alarming array of flavors ... how would you choose just one? Luckily, they have a mix-it-up sampler pack option to make the decision a bit easier!

Oh, and don't even get me started on their jar cakes and gourmet marshmallows. Wow!

Lucky for you (and your sweet tooth ;), Tookies is giveaway 4 jar cakes PLUS a half a dozen marshmallows to one lucky winner! Enter via the Rafflecopter for below. Giveaway is open to US addys only.

:: GOOD LUCK! ::

Update: Adrienne M. is the lucky winner! Thanks for playing :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Jewelry Box: Give a Hoot

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:38:00 +0000

I adore owls and when I spotted this one in a pile of vintage brooches while out thrifting a few weeks ago, I instantly fell in love with his big eyes and art deco look. I pinned him on to my cardigan at the last minuet and even Andy complimented the look! Note to self: vintage brooches are a great way to dress up otherwise simple looks.

Life has been super busy around these parts lately. It is strange, the busier and more overwhelming things seem to be, the more I seem to get done (does anyone else experience this phenomenon?). Poor Juice cut the bottom of her paw at the dog park last week Thursday and ended up needing stitches so things have been pretty low key around the house while she is healing. She has to wear the cone of shame when her humans aren't home ... which makes her look unbelievably sweet and super sad at the same time.

I am very much looking forward to this weekend ... lots of fun is on the horizon. Andy and I have plans to play cards with friends and I'll be scoping out one of my favorite flea markets! Hooray!

Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:28:00 +0000

A little peak at what Andy and I have been enjoying as part of our dinners as of late. Hearty, veggie packed salads complete with sunflower seeds, avocados, peppers, sweet onions and Havarti cheese. Sigh ... isn't springtime the best?

Nesting Pretty | a giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 10 May 2012 11:27:00 +0000

With Spring in full bloom it seemed so fitting to showcase the lovely Etsy shop, Nesting Pretty. Tamara, the owner and designer of this sweet shop, creates gorgeous pieces of jewelry that are feminine, whimsical with the perfect dash of vintage charm. Many of her designs are clearly inspired by nature featuring colorful blooms, birds and leaves ... perfect for pairing with summer dresses and sandals!

As you all know, I am a huge supporter of handmade. Buying handmade allows for a personal human touch that just can't be duplicated in a mall. Case-in-point ... you have to check out this post on Tamara's blog about a extra special custom wedding order she just finished up (teaser: it involves vintage lockets and personalized engraving ... rad, right?).

Today, Tamara is offering up a pair of leaf hairpins and these whimsical earrings to one lucky winner! Aren't they just lovely? I especially adore those hairpins which would be perfect for pinning hair back on a hot summer day ... effortless beauty!

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is opened worldwide. Good luck!

Update: Pauliina O. is the lucky winner. Thanks for playing!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rainbow Sightings

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:10:00 +0000

Hi there my beauties! Just dropping by to say a quick "hi" :) This week (and last week) has been nothing short of crazy with the shop. With only a moment to post, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share with you this picture of a rainbow Andy and I spotted at 8,000 feet while out flying a few weeks ago. I love the contrast of the sullen clouds with the sun fighting to break through. Mother nature is so beautiful.

I'll be back on Thursday with a new giveaway to share with you. Horray! Hope you are having an amazing start to your week :)

Neena Creates - a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:11:00 +0000

Alright all you hopeless romantics, if you haven't had a chance to feast your love-fest loving eyeballs on Penelope's shop Neena Creates, that needs to change right now. I promise you will fall head-over-heels in love with her uniquely hand printed t shirts and accessories featuring love quotes and, to up the romance factor, many are written Latin or french ... oh-la-la.

To say I'm obsessed is a bit of an understatement. Her tees and tanks are all so adorable, the hardest part is deciding which one is my favorite. Luckily, she is helping us all out by offering a special 20% off with code HEART (I have this one and this one hanging out in my shopping cart right now).

\\// Win It! \\//

Want a chance to win your choice of a tee or a tank from Neena Creates? Simply enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway is open worldwide. Good luck my beauties!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hearts + Stripes!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:57:00 +0000

I am totally obsessed with this dress. It is from Forever 21 but I was lucky enough to snag it on Ebay for less than $10! The black and white stripes and the boat neck cut of the neckline make me feel so Parisian-chic every time I slip it on.

In a few weeks we kick off the official "flea market season" here in Wisconsin. Hooray! I am so excited to get my hunt on and *hopefully* snag some new vintage treasures for the shop. Speaking of vintage finds, let's talk about how fun this clear Lucite heart necklace (most likely from the 60's) is! To make it more of a statement piece, I opted to hang it on a longer vintage chain.

The weather has continued to be so amazing lately. Andy and I have really been enjoying the girls (our two retired racing greyhounds, Gin & Juice ... who really need to get a proper introduction on the blog soon!). We been taking regular trips to a lovely dog park right near our house. It is a fully fenced in 3.5 acres of wooded hiking trails where the girls can be off-leash and play with other pups while Andy and I get a bit of a hike in. It is the perfect way to spend our early evenings after work and before dinner.

Happy Wednesday!

The Blooming Thread - a handmade giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:17:00 +0000

One glance at Ryan's lovely Etsy shop - The Blooming Thread - leaves me absolutely weak-in-the-knees and makes me want to go on a major *heart*-fest. Her lovely line of pretty pastel lockets, brooches and hair pins totally speaks to my inner girly-girl. Inspired by flowers and color, she is constantly introducing new pieces to her shop ... it is one you are going to want to heart (or at least bookmark!) for sure. Wouldn't a floral brooches or one a locket (with a picture nestled inside) would make for a winning mom's day gift?

Today, Ryan is offering up this multicolored fabric floral brooch and these darling purple hair pins to one lucky winner! Giveaway is open world-wide. Enter via Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Anchors Away!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:59:00 +0000

I am still getting used to these fashion-related posts. Andy (my hubby and photographer) always teases me and, because we snap these shots in our backyard, he is always sneakily glancing around saying, "what will the neighbors think?" But at the end of the day, I look forward to setting up an outfit post here and there especially because when I am creating a new piece of jewelry or treasure hunting at a local antique shop I often think to myself, "hey, this would look totally amazing with x".

This past weekend, I made up a Knotty bracelet for myself. My wrists are pretty tiny and one of the best things about making your own jewelry (or buying handmade for that matter!) is the fact that everything can be customizable ... including the size. Similar to well fitting clothing, I think that jewelry looks much more amazing when it is is tailored to your body.

It was about half-way through our photo shoot that Andy pointed out "hey, you're wearing nautical stripes!". Ummm, yep honey, I planned it that way :)

Hello Mr. Robin

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:18:00 +0000

Sigh ... I love Spring. The warming weather, the longer days and the fact that everything seems to be coming out of hibernation from the long, cold winter celebrating in bright shades of green. But my favorite thing about Spring is listening to the excited chirping of birds early in the morning as the sun is rising. While I love spotting the brilliant red plumage of a cardinal or the bold blue of a blue jay, there is a special spot in my heart that will always belong to the robin.

no. 1 robin brooch no. 2 robin tote bag no. 3 robin bobbies no. 4 bird sculpture no. 5 robin post earrings no. 6 note cards no. 7 paper cut robbin

Felterie Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:33:00 +0000

I have been enamored with the felt bowls Sharon's shop, the Felterie from the moment I laid eyes on one. In fact, I was looking back through my Etsy conversations and I realized that I have featured her bowls in countless treasuries I've created over the past few months. I guess you could say that I have a bit of a crush on her whimsical, colorful felted wool bowls.

I think that it is because I adore being organized (or, at least, the IDEA of being organized) and I love pretty things. These bowls would be a perfect way to add a bit of adorable organization to your life and most cost less than $20 ... perfect for gift giving!

Sharon has graciously offered up one of her bowls (winner's choice, under $20) to one lucky BrideBlu reader. Hooray!

Oh, and what's even better? She is throwing in a generous 20% off discount towards anything in her lovely shop with coupon code: BRIDEBLU.

Enter via Rafflecopter form below. Open to anyone who walks on earth :) Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I like big bows ...

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:13:00 +0000

Dating vintage jewelry can be tricky sometimes. Some styles just transcend through the years making it hard to pinpoint exactly what year a vintage piece might be from. However, when I came across these vintage bow earrings, they had the 1980's written all over them. I should know, I grew up in the '80s ... where "BIG" ruled in hair, boomboxes and accessories.

They almost didn't come home with me. I traditionally gravitate toward smaller, more minimalist styles. But these large-and-in-charge bows packed a certain something that I just couldn't pass up. I opted to style up these bold earrings with ... you guessed it, a bow sweater. In honor of a decade where it was perfectly acceptable (if not expected) to match your eyeshadow to your top (even if that top was hot pink) it just seemed like the right thing to do.

Jute ... creative inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:25:00 +0000

Hubs and I stopped by the grocery store the other day in a strip-mall that also happens to have a JoAnn's Fabrics (which is a huge hooray for me and an eye-roll for hubs ... why is that?). Of course since we were so close and we had time, I begged to stop in for a "minute". It was one of those "I don't have anything specific in mind" kind of trips, which in an inspiring place like JoAnn's Fabrics, can turn out to be the best kind of trips.

As we wandered around the store, we found ourselves in the lace and trim section. I was absentmindedly looking at all of the lovely (but so expensive!) laces when I spotted the prettiest soft brown colored jute rope. Once I got home, my creativity juices really got flowing and this bracelet was born. I really love the contrast of the soft naturally earth-toned jute mixed with warm gold.

For those of you unfamiliar, jute is a natural fiber second only to cotton in the amount produced each year. Jute fibers are composed of a mix of plant and wood fibers producing a final product that is off-white to brown in color. Bonus ... it has a lovely (but not too over-powering) earthy, almost wool-like scent. And, despite its appearance of being scratchy, it is actually quite soft and snugly!

no. 1 nautical dog bow tie no. 2 canvas & jute clutch no. 3 jute tea light candle holders no. 4 hand dyed jute no. 5 boho patchwork jute belt no. 6 rustic jute heart no. 7 oval hanging chalkboard no. 8 packaging kit

Ummm, happy Friday the 13th everyone (yikes!).

FineThreadz Obi Belt Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:47:00 +0000

FineThreadz is a handmade shop full of eco-friendly knits, linens, and silks. Sharron, the one-woman mastermind behind FineThreadz, learned the art of sewing on her grandma's knee. Sewing is such a talent and the fact that Sharon's skills were passed down to her through generations is just extra rad!

FineThreadz features a killer collection of casual and totally "everyday" wearable dresses, tops, jackets, skirts, and accessories. Because everything is made by hand, FineThreadz assortment is always changing as Sharron sources new materials and cooks up new, amazing designs.

There was one thing in particular that really caught my eye when I was browsing her site ... Obi Belts! Inspired by the Japanese Obi Belt, Sharon's gorgeous belts are crafted from leather and available in so many exciting shades - pistachio green, yellow, eggplant! - as well as more demure, neutral shades of browns and blacks.

One lucky reader has the chance to win her (or his) choice of Obi Belt from FineThreadz! Which one would you choose? I would have a really tough time narrowing it down to a final choice but I really love this one!

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway opened worldwide. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

made: 5 layer dip

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:08:00 +0000

While I absolutely adore any variation of 7-layer dip/salad, I've never made up a batch without having a reason (i.e. : bringing it as a dish-to-pass for a party). But this past weekend I had a craving like no other so I opted to throw all caution to the wind and whip up a batch. It was (and still is) delicious.

Here is how I made it:

5-Layer Dip

// Ingredients //

1 can of black re-friend beans

8 oz container of sour cream

8 oz guacamole (though I prefer making my own)

1 package taco seasoning

1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 bag taco flavored shredded cheese

// Directions //

STEP 1: Mix taco seasoning and sour cream together. Set aside.

STEP 2: Spread a layer of re-fried beans across the bottom of a 13x9 glass baking dish. Top with a layer of guacamole, followed by a layer of the sour cream/ taco seasoning combo, followed by a layer of diced tomatoes. Garnish with shredded cheese.

STEP 3: Enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips!

Don't Make a Peep

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:10:00 +0000

More than any other holiday, there is something about Easter candy that really gets my mouth watering. Perhaps it is the cute shapes (who can resist a chocolate rabbit?), or the lovely, romantic pastel colors. My favorite Easter treat are Peeps. In fact, every year, my mom sends me a care package stuffed full of them (thanks mom!). The other day, I came across what I consider a genius idea on Pinterest ... Peep S'mores!

Pretty self-explanatory to make and they are absolutely delicious!

Happy Easter!

Wool & What-Not Bow Belt Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:45:00 +0000

I like to consider myself a crafty person. I can sew, cross-stitch, make jewelry, paint, scrapbook and decoupage with the best of them but knitting is my Achilles heel. I just can't master it. Various people have tried to teach me but to no avail ... I just end up frustrated with a knotted mess of yarn. On the other hand, Natasha, the women master-mind behind the lovely Etsy shop, Wool & What-Not, appears to have been born with knitting needles in her hands.

Her shop features a lovely collection of knitted goodies including crocheted granny-square iphone cases and laptop sleeves, adorable crocheted bunting, and - the ultimate stealer of my heart - knitted bow belts.

Today, one lucky gal (or guy ;) has the chance to win one of Natasha's knitted bow belts. Hooray! These sweet belts feature a large beautiful bow front and center and are fully adjustable to fit just about any waist.

Enter via the Rafflecopter form below. Open worldwide. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Summer & Strawberries!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:14:00 +0000

The weather has been unseasonably nice lately. Yesterday I cut the lawn for the first time this year (no foolin' :) and Andy & I have already started to discuss what veggies we want to plant in the garden this year (tomatoes & green peppers for sure!). I am getting excited for all of the fun summer time activities ahead: flea markets, farmers markets, trips to the zoo, hiking, and strawberry picking!

Ah, strawberries. They are my all-time favorite fruit. I enjoy them best cut up in a bowl with milk and a little sugar sprinkled in for good measure (yum!). When I found these adorable strawberry shaped lockets, I just knew that they needed to come home with me. At first, I was planning on making them into necklaces but, at the last minute, I realized that becoming charm bracelets were their true destiny.

What are you looking forward to most this summer? Happy Monday, friends!

Wish Daisy Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:33:00 +0000

By now, you all know my weakness for anything and everything glittery. I am like a bee to honey when it comes to sparkles so when I first saw Stacey's shop, Wish Daisy, I knew I was in trouble (the good kind!). Wish Daisy is Stacey's most recent entrepreneurial endeavor (she is also proud shop-momma to CreaShines - handmade polymer clay jewelry, accessories, and housewares). Her best sellers are an adorable collection of critters (foxes, penguins, elephants, rabbits, kitties, oh my!) covered in brightly colored glitter. So fun!

The best news? Stacey is offering up the chance to win one of her glittering, happy critters! Hooray! The winner will get his/her choice of: 1 {one} glitter bunny, a set of 2 {two} glitter kitties, or a set of 2 {two} glitter elephants.

Bonus! Now through May 1, 2012, Stacey is offering BrideBlu readers an extra special 15% off discount with coupon code: 100wishes. How rad is that?!?!?

Enter to win via the Rafflecopter form below. Open worldwide. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

introducing Pool (design files)

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:22:00 +0000

Now that Spring has officially arrived and the days continue to get longer I can't help but dream of the hot summer days ahead. Not that I can complain. The weather in Wisconsin has been amazing as of late ... unseasonable warm (60s / 70s) and sunny. When I get home from work, the dogs, Andy and I have slipped into a lovely routine of playing in the backyard before dinner to ensure we soak up what we can of this nice, sunny weather.

When the warmer weather hits, I find myself transitioning into a more relaxed, carefree style. There is something about these earrings - perhaps the antiqued brass or the sweet color of turquoise - that tickles my inner-bohemian personality and some how captures perfectly the very essence of a carefree summer day.

Dream House: Dining Room Benches!

noreply@blogger.com (Cat) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:52:00 +0000

There is so much that I would like to do with our house but, my beauties, I fear that I am decor challenged! It is a sad state of affairs. Thankfully there are wonderful web havens full of inspiration (thank you Pinterest!). Let's talk about dining for a moment, shall we? More specifically, let's talk seating. When I sit, I always prefer tucking my legs underneath me or sitting indian-style. Most dining room chairs are not well suited for my sitting style but I have found the perfect solution: benches! Benches perfect for those who like to curl up. Bonus: I love the slightly miss-matched style of pairing a bench with traditional dining room chairs.

image credits: 1 /// 2 /// 3 /// 4