Filed under: The Inside Track
Haven’t you heard about the bird? I said a bird, Bird, BIRD! BIRD is the word!
It’s that time of year again… to give thanks for all we appreciate! And here, at Marilyn’s Keepsakes, there’s nothing we appreciate more than you — our fabulous fans and loyal customers!
So, in order to say thanks properly, we’d like to send the savings on to you with an exclusive $25 coupon! Whoop, whoop!
Thanks for all your support and have a blessed and WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2011
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Maybe it’s the brilliant designs or the standout color blocking… perhaps it’s the fun, graphic schemes or simply the epically b.e.a.uuuuutiful photography (whaddya say, Lindsey K!)… either way, there is no if’s, and’s or but’s about it… I love love love our new table runner designs!!
Available in a variety of colors and designs to match any taste, each runner can be personalized at absolutely no cost to you! Simply choose from one of our hot color options, fill in the overhang with your names, monogram or initials and see how many ‘ooh’s and aww’s’ will be gasping the day you say ‘I do.’ Don’t believe me? Well the proof is in the pudding, my friends; so, grab a spoon and enjoy these tasty creations!
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Personalized Table Runners cover a lot of ground and create a lot of drama, and they are extremely simple and easy to use! Printed on durable 100% cotton, our fabric table runners feature a polymer coating for a soft, canvas like texture to produce superior draping.
Because bold colors and schematic patterns cut down the need for decorations, you’ll be able to save on extra costs by simply adding your place settings and centerpieces to the already well fashioned tables.
November 17, 2011
I love fresh flowers. I know with their “here today, gone tomorrow” persona, it’s easy for some women to pretend poo poo them because of the expense. But I just can’t help myself! Even if their dead the next day, they are still a little slice of heaven while they last… no matter how short that while may be :)
And one of the hottest flowers to step out on the bridal market this fall are the colorfully cute, large blooming Dahlias. With their wide assortment of color schemes and statement-worthy blossoms, it’s no secret why these chic-topped stems are all the rage these days.
But if you still need convincing, check out the color arrangements below and see what I mean :)
White Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) marryyoume.com, unitedwithlove.com, jessicalynn402.blogspot.com (inset), bouquet-bouquet.com and diycoordinator.wordpress.com
Pink Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetbridal.blogspot.com, stjudescreations.blogspot.com, stjudescreations.blogspot.com (inset), floretcadet.com and sprout-flowers.com
Purple Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) stjudescreations.blogspot.com, birchblooms.blogspot.com, karmanlee.com (inset), stjudescreations.blogspot.com and boards.weddingbee.com
Yellow Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetweddingflower.com, exquisiteblooms.blogspot.com, exquisiteblooms.blogspot.com (inset), fleurchicago.com and bouquetweddingflower.com
Orange Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) google.com, thefullbouquetblog.com, theknot.com (inset), sprout-flowers.com and afloral.com
Red Dahlia Bouquets
photos courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) boards.weddingbee.com, bouquetweddingflower.com, weddingbee.com, savemoneyonawedding.com and weddingbee.com
October 18, 2011
courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography
Everyone knows that weddings are nothing more than a numbers game. Okay, so maybe they’re more than just that, but consider this… Everything from the amount set for the budget to the number of guests who’ll be invited, your future nuptials (as anti-romantic as it may seem) really do come down to numbers.
Which is precisely why this upcoming weekend is such an exciting weekend in the wedding world!
Both consecutively perfect and numerically chic, this Saturday will mark the second most popular wedding date of all time! Taking the silver medal only to the ultra lucky 07/07/07 wedding date, 09/10/11 will see over 37,000 couples exchange vows in front of family and friends, and according to theknot.com, this large bridal boo yeah comes as no surprise. September is already a super popular month to marry, but with the date creating such a consistent rarity, it’s almost become a downright phenomenon.
So, raise your glass, stretch out your dancing shoes and prepare to celebrate! This weekend is going to rock them all!
Other Popular Wedding Dates:
- 11/11/11. Even though it’s on a Friday, couples simply can’t resist the sequential sexiness of this mid-November date!
- 2/10/2012. Alright, math nerds. Who can tell me why this date is such a popular one? And no, it’s not because it’s my dad’s birthday, even though he’d probably like to this so :) That’s right. It’s a palindrome! The same backwards as it is forwards.
- 12/13/14. Also falling on a Saturday, this is the last chance for couples to get married on an increasing count wedding date!
September 8, 2011
This is as LEGIT as it gets, ladies. One of our most popular bridesmaids’ gifts ever – the Personalized Zebra Flask - is our featured deal of the day. But at 40% OFF its suggested retail, I’d say it’s more of a steal than a deal! (Yeah, I took it there.)
Because attendant gifts are generally bought in multiples, it’s always great when a bride and groom can find amazing gifts at affordable prices. And this personalized flask has stylish safari savings every bride will go wild about! (Pun intended.)
Click the image below to experience total savings all your bridesmaids will love! Cheers!
August 9, 2011
Alfred Angelo has done it, my friends. He’s created a line of fairy tale, dream-come-true dresses perfect for the princess bride in all of us, and there’s nothing (and I do mean NOTHING!) that I love more about this than that each one is modeled after one of the grandest princesses of them all… a Disney Princess! Whoop, whoop!
Not only are the dresses too cute to boot, but each one is reasonably priced (under $1,399) and available in a size to fit any princesses’ frame (0 to 30W).
So, without further adieu (and in no particular order of ahhhmazing), I give thee, Alfred Angelo’s Line of Disney Dresses…
Ariel. Not even ten leagues Under the Sea could this dress’ beauty be hidden from view!
Jasmine. Open the crowd’s eyes to A Whole New World.
Aurora. You’ll never want to Sleep in the Beauty!
Tiana. You may have Kissed a lot of Frogs to get to your Prince… but in this dress, who even cares??
Cinderella. Not even a Glass Slipper or room full of ladies in waiting can outshine you!
Belle. Captivate the hearts of even the most Beastly men on the day you say “I do.”
Snow White. Wicked Queens and Poisoned Apples beware… there’s a princess ready to party!
July 7, 2011
Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice. (courtesy of geektyrant.com)
Firstly, if I can provide any ease of mind to a nervous bride-to-be dreading her soon-to-be man’s bachelor party, it’s that men – as a whole – are pretty sad planners. No offense dudes, but many of you demonstrate lackluster skills at best when it comes to gathering and executing a well oiled plan. And after seeing firsthand how my Mister’s bach party debacle developed slowly only to and unravel quickly, I feel safe to say that the notion of poor planning is one explanation how many of these testosterone driven myths are crushed.
The other? The chivalrous men attending said bachelor party, duh! (See, fellas, I knock your planning skills, but totes believe in gentleman mojo!) Of course when movies like the Hangover (part I and II) or the 80′s classic Bachelor Party are setting the standards, it’s easy to see why so many soon to Mrs. get their undies in a bunch beforehand. But fear not, my little chick-a-dees, for there is hope beyond the Hangover!
According to an MSN report on Bachelor Party Myths, here are 10 Myths every bride should know about their man’s last fling before the ring:
Myth #1: The party must take place in Vegas. As much as most men would probably love to celebrate in Vegas, it’s not always fiscally possible. So, they will often times opt to make merry a little closer to home. Some party it locally at their favorite hot spots. Some take it back to nature for a manly weekend of roughin’ it and not showering. Still others will even choose a night in playing cards and drinking brews with their best bros.
Myth #2: Strippers are always involved. Believe it or not, ladies, some men simply don’t enjoy strippers. Shocking, right? But it’s true. Many men feel – especially as they age – that strippers aren’t a necessary part of having fun. In fact, they can think of several other things they’d rather use their moolah on than a half naked, uncomfortable dancer.
Myth #3: Everyone will get severely intoxicated. Speaking from experience, not everyone can party like a rockstar. (Especially one who’s been outta the college game for 5+ years. Oy vey.) Plus, most men have responsibilities. Even if they don’t have a wife and kids waiting for them at home, they more than likely have jobs, bills and chores or their own. All of which become increasingly harder to do when you’re milking a two-day hangover.
Myth #4: The groom-to-be will fool around with the “entertainment.” Okay, am I the only person that thinks this “myth” is too ridiculous to even be considered a myth at all? Maybe I’m just naive, but I can’t think of one guy friend, family member or otherwise that even took this into consideration. I mean, doesn’t that completely negate the point of getting married? And if that’s his interest, why propose in the first place? Silly.
Myth #5: The event is exclusive. Often times, wedding guests have to be cut to solve other issues – the budget’s too big; the venue’s too small; etc. But that doesn’t have to be the case for the bachelor party! If you’re a groom who’s only inviting family to the big event, it’s not necessary to only include them on the BP invite list. Most dudes branch out, especially if there were people knocked off because the wife-to-be wasn’t a fan.
Myth #6: Guys will lose a ton of money gambling. Again, just like Myth #1 was busted for not always being fiscally responsible; the same goes for Myth #6. Not every bachelor has dollars burning a hole in his britches, but even if he did, he’s not always willing (or wanting for that matter) to spend it on gambling. It’s a total preference thing.
Myth #7: The group will show up at a club and throw money around. Does anyone else see a pattern forming? Haha! Not all BP’s are high roller events, and even the ones that are, aren’t going to necessarily make it rain $20 bills just because they can.
Myth #8: Guys don’t do anything buy drink and ogle women. While drinking and some ogling may be standards at some, not all bachelor parties feel the need to only do that. In fact, some won’t do either at all. While my cousin’s bach party had booze, they definitely didn’t have women. They spent a whole day on a golf course playing teams and vying for King of the Green. (Go ahead, be jealous – haha!)
Myth #9: A guy only goes to the party to get out of the house. Um, I’m not even justifying this myth with a response. Everyone knows there’s 1000′s of reasons :)
Myth #10: Guys don’t miss their significant others. Aww, how sweet is this myth?? It’s true! Most dudes out on the town do at least at one point or another miss their lady half. In fact, many would even admit to sending sweet messages here and there just to remind them how much they mean. Love love love this one! See, how much nicer is it to believe in the good of guys, rather than they’re all cheating, drunk lunatics who steal, gamble or otherwise destroy their lives in one night? Much, muuuuch nicer :)
June 7, 2011
You put the lime in the coconut and drink ‘em both up!!
Okay, so maybe you’re not a fan of limes (or coconuts for that matter), but you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who won’t go gaga over a wedding inspired by summertime favorites: citrus fruits!!
Bright, fresh and fun, citrus colored weddings can be a photographer’s dream! Everything from sunshine-y yellows and exuberant oranges to lovely limes and tantalizing tangerines create eye-popping images you’ll surely love to look at… over and over again… after putting the lime in the coconut – ahhh! Can’t stop singing it! Check out below and see what I mean :)
Look-at-Me Lemon.
courtesy of labellebride.com
courtesy of bollea.com
courtesy of weddingandcakes.com
courtesy of blog.dcnearlyweds.com
courtesy of breguetpm.com
courtesy of prettychicky.com
Oh my Darlin’ Clementine.
courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com
courtesy of loveolio.com
courtesy of weddingaces.com
courtesy of contemporarybride.com
courtesy of cameroningalls.com
courtesy of w-weddingflowers.com
In Love with Limes.
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
courtesy of handmadebymeda.blogspot.com
courtesy of projectwedding.com
courtesy of peacefulcake.blogspot.com
courtesy of oncewed.com
courtesy of redphotoco.com
Go Gaga for Grapefruits.
courtesy of onlineweddingdresses.net
courtesy of rebekahwestover.com
courtesy of stylemepretty.com
courtesy of alohaislandweddings.com
courtesy of blondeblueblog.com
courtesy of pinkbridesmaiddresses.org
June 2, 2011
Yep. It's only appropriate given the cost. Gag.
Everyone knows the big names when it comes to wedding registries: Bed, Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale’s, Crate & Barrel, JCPenny, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Pottery Barn, Target, etc. Of course, there are others, but I don’t have a single doubt that everyone reading this has either A) registered their wedding or B) bought for another wedding at one or more of these retail registry giants.
However, with more and more couples (Grandmothers, cover your ears!) living together and playing house before the big day, there has been a significant increase in couples looking to register elsewhere. Because they have several of the essentials perhaps already taken care of, brides and grooms are looking for less traditional ways to register… and my oh my how the selections have grown! Check below for the Top 5:
- MyRegistry.com. No need to worry about fitting the proper bridal mold of sticking to the 2-3 store registry limit. MyRegistry.com - like its slogan states – features “all stores (under) one registry.” Simply install the “Add to MyRegistry” button to your search engine tool bar and shop any store, anytime, anywhere. It’s a win / win for couples looking to expand their home into specific directions… without the burden of being specific to one store. Can anyone else say boo and yeah :)
- HatchMyHouse.com. Featured on b&g favorites like dailycandy.com and Brides, HatchMyHouse.com gives couples – looking forward to home owning – the chance to build their dream diggs with the help of their guests. After logging onto their site, couples have the opportunity to design their virtual home and giving their guests the opportunity to either donate or buy specific parts for them! Um, hello??? Love love love this! What do you buy the couple who “has everything?” What about a terrace overlooking their conveniently located lake? Purrrrrfection.
- HoneyFund.com. Already got your cabinets stocked with fine China and toasting treasures but would really like a place to honey*swoon? Well then, why not let your guests be a part of the post nuptial planning! By clicking on HoneyFund.com, soon-to-be newlyweds can register for their dream vacation and let their hair down in true, wedded bliss. I mean who needs a blender, when the margaritas are already on tap? Haha!
- IDoFoundation.org / JustGive.org. For the more charitable couple looking to do good during the “I do’s,” websites such as IDoFoundation.org and JustGive.org provide the opportunity for newlyweds to give instead of receive. Talk about generosity at its finest! Instead of registering for a bunch of appliances and dishware, why not give to a cause in need? Because if it’s truly in giving that we receive, couples registering at these locations will surely get the greatest gift of all :)
- MerciRegistry.com. Looking for something that’s totally you? Well then, peep out MerciRegistry.com and let your wedding gifts become just that. By choosing from one of their well crafted themes, brides and grooms can design, dinker and decorate their very own wedding registry website and pull in items from all over the world. Of course with greatness, there is sometimes a price, and in this case, subscriptions start at $65 :)
May 17, 2011
Every bride – even the most easy going, “not a care in the world” bride – has an opinion… and we want to hear ’em! Fueled by an excited energy to update our line with items you’ll love, Marilyn’s Keepsakes is taking product research to a whole new level!
In order to make our line even more fabulous, we recognize the importance of starting with a single bride’s opinion and growing from there. She is – after all – the main engine force behind the entire kit and caboodle, and we want to make sure she’s traveling in style :)
So, let us hear from you – yes, you! – and give us your thoughts on some of these Trend Vs. Tradition bridal accessories. Simply click on the link below and be a part of our first ever Survey & Save Blog! Whoop, whoop!
May 12, 2011
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