Wedding trends for 2011- Happy New Year

We are hours away from a NEW YEAR. Here are my favorite wedding trends for 2011: Keeping it Simple

Long tables- Think family style tables

DIY(Do It Yourself)- handmade elements will shine at your wedding. Think centerpieces, flower arrangements. This is a great way to save money as well.

Vintage photography- Fun backgrounds in a relaxed setting. Old school poses. Add in a fun photo booth if you can afford it.

Scented candles- This will add to the atmosphere and accent your floral arrangements.

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's Eve and there might even be a few proposals tonight. Thank you to my loyal readers and I look forward to another great year. Hats off to 2011..Enjoy!

Bridesmaid Gifts

Who thought it was so hard to pick gifts for your bridal party?

Here are some gifts that you can shop for on sale after the holidays:

1. Pajamas
2. Stationary
3. Costume jewelry
4. Designer purse or wallet
5. Spa products
6. Perfume- Victoria Secret has an after holiday sale and you can really score some great deals!
7. Makeup

There are many great deals out there- so keep your eyes out. Even if you wedding isn't for 6 months, you can save yourself time and money by buying your bridal gifts now..Enjoy!

Wedding Dresses for 2011

There are many new wedding trends for 2011 and the dresses have caught my eye.

Two trends I have read about are:

1. Vintage Wedding Dresses:
There rare finds will be the talk of the night. Think cap sleeves and lace. A great way to save money would be to wear your mothers or grandmother's wedding dress.


2. Short and Sexy Wedding Dresses

If you are having a less formal wedding, a short and sexy dress might be the way to go. You can dress them up or down and they are very fun. You will also see some brides wearing vintage dresses for the ceremony and them changing into their "party wedding dress". See more pictures here.

Enjoy!

Instant Wins and Sweepstakes Tuesday

Happy Tuesday- ready to win: Here are some sweepstakes to enter.


Didn't get everything you wanted for the holidays. Enter here for a chance to win a $50 American Express gift card from Family Circle magazine. There will be 5 winners. Ends 12/31/10.




Enter daily here for a chance to win one of 5,000 limited-edition tubes of @InStyle Red lipstick from Revlon. Sweepstake ends January 14, 2011. Enjoy!

Celebrities in 2010

This year was a big year for many celebrities getting engaged- take Nike Lachey and Jessica Simpson, though it wasn't to each other. Everywhere you look you see wedding details for Prince William and Kate Middleton, they will wed on Friday, April 29th, 2011!

There were also some great big weddings this year from my favorite celebrities-Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin from True Blood, Hilliary Duff (I love Lizzy), Chelsea Clinton and David Annable (Brothers & Sisters).

I will be featuring a new celebrity engagement/wedding every Monday!!

Stockpiling Sunday

I was in Target today and they had all their Christmas decorations 50% off. This would be a great time to stock up for next year. You can also find many great items you can use at your wedding.

Here are some items to keep your eyes open for:

1. Candles- The more candles, the more romantic at your wedding- stock up!!

2. Bowls & Baskets- These would make great centerpieces

3. Monogrammed items- Ornaments, plates, etc.- Great for your wedding or for your bridesmaids

My Target also had candy, cake mixes and cookies for 50% off. Within a few days, the discount will most likely go down to 75% off, but the selection will be scarce. Enjoy!

Congratulations!!!

Vickie is the lucky winner of the note card giveaway from The Green Kangaroo.

Thanks to everyone that entered and I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend with friends and family...Enjoy!

New York & Company-up to 70% off

If you are ready for the after Christmas sales, you can start shopping now at New York & Company. They are offering up to 70% off in stores and on-line. Here are some great deals:

Three-Quarter Sleeve Cardigan on sale for $11.99 (68% savings)

Sequin Cardigan on sale for $19.99 (67% savings)

* This would be adorable for New Years Eve, it also comes in Winter White*

V Neck Sweater on sale for $11.99 (60% savings)

Happy Shopping. The malls are still open if you want to head in and score these deals today..Enjoy!

Are you having a Christmas Wedding?

Here are some gorgeous cakes. I love how festive they are.


Happy Holidays..Christmas is ALMOST HERE..Enjoy!

Bath and Body Works coupons

Bath and Body Works is offering Buy THREE, Get THREE FREE Signature Collection Body Care.

There are some great coupons from Bath and Body Works if you have some last minute shopping to do..

Print a coupon here for a FREE lip item(up to $8) with any purchase.

Print a coupon here for any FREE item(up to $13) with any $10 purchase.

Both expire December 24th..Enjoy!

Instant Wins and Sweepstakes Tuesday

Happy Tuesday- time to enter some sweepstakes..It would be great to win these sweeps to start the year off right. Go on, enter now:








Enter the "A Very Merry Christmas" Contest here for a chance to win a Disney movie library, new TV and a new laptop. The voter's choice winner will receive $1500. Ends 12/27.






InStyle has a great giveaway to win a trip for TWO to Berlin and a $1,000 shopping spree. Enter here. This would be a great way to start the new year. Ends 12/31. Enjoy!

Giveaway ends TONIGHT!

The Green Kangaroo Note Card giveaway ends TONIGHT. Enter here..Good luck and Enjoy!

Bridesmaid Gifts

I recently was asked to help a friend with her bridesmaid gifts. It is nice to give a unique gift that matches your best friends personality. There are gifts for all price ranges.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Does your friend like to cook? Well, get her some kitchen items or a cute apron.

2. Does your friend love coffee? Get her a home brewed coffee maker or even a French press.

3. Does your friend have a favorite sports team? Get her a jersey or tickets to a local game.

4. Does your friend have a favorite restaurant/spa? Get her a gift certificate.

5. Does your friend love wine? Get her favorite bottle or even give her a wine of the month gift.

These people in your wedding party are your best friends, so get personal..Enjoy!

Saturday Movie Review: To Rent or Not to Rent

This week I got Sex and The City 2 from the library. I saw the first one in theaters with a bunch of girlfriends, but this time the girls watched it at my place. It was a great movie to watch with friends. The outfit changes were constant, and there wasn't much of a story line. "Big" and Aiden are both back in Carrie's life. Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte join Samantha for a trip to Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), where Samantha's ex is filming a new movie. Remember Smith???

With the economy how it is, the movie is a little over the top. Pick up this movie and make it a girls night. Add some food and wine and call it a night..Enjoy!

Congratulations!

And the winner of the Chick-fil-A Calendar is Lucy. Your calendar is in the mail and you can start using your coupons in January!!

If you haven't bought any Holiday Gift Cards yet, you still have some time. The Bonus Gift Cards make all the difference. Check out my full list here..Enjoy!

Celebrity Wedding

There was a surprise guest at Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's wedding this weekend? An Elephant.

The elephant had an elaborate headdress and was on the premises of Lionel Richie's Beverly Hills estate. There were 150 guests at the wedding, but Paris Hilton was not in attendance. The bride wore 3 different wedding dresses all by Marchesa. I haven't seen pictures yet, but I'm sure they will be on new stands soon.

Now why was the elephant there? The answer lies in an interview Nicole gave way back in November 2005. On "Larry King Live," she told guest host Ryan Seacrest all about her wedding plans. "I want to have a very, very big wedding. I want it to be very extravagant. I want like hundreds of people and elephants ... and a horse and carriage." Why elephants- Nicole said they are really good luck. Wow- are elephants the new celebrity trend. Hopefully there marriage can last. Good luck to them..Enjoy!

Chick-fil-A Giveaway Ending Today

The giveaway for the Chick-fil-A calendar of coupons ends TONIGHT. If you haven't entered yet, you still have some time, go here.

P.S.- Why in the world was there an elephant at Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's wedding this past weekend? Find out tomorrow..Enjoy!

Instant Wins and Sweepstakes Tuesday

Here are some great sweepstakes to keep you busy today. Good luck and what a nice treat it would be to win one of these great prizes before the holidays:


Here is a FOOTBALL sweepstakes. On December 30th the Syracuse Orange and the Kansas State Wildcats will meet for the first annual New Era Pinstripe Bowl, held in Yankee Stadium. On December 15th, 25 winners will be chosen at random to receive two tickets to the game, enter here. Hurry up and enter- especially if you live in New York.




If you are a fan of the clothes at The Loft- then enter the 25 days of Loft Love List. Enter the sweepstakes here. There is a daily instant win prize as well as the Grand Prize. The Grand prize winner wins all 25 Instant Win Prizes:

11/29/2010 – (1): Orange and Purple Ribbon Teardrop Choker. ARV $64.50
11/30/2010 – (1): Faux Fur Gloves. ARV $29.50
12/1/2010 – (1): Lace Scallop Dress. ARV $98.00
12/2/2010 – (1): Long Cable Foil Print Scarf. ARV $39.50
12/3/2010 – (1): Long Beaded Necklace. ARV $39.50
12/4/2010 – (1): Beaded Clutch. ARV $39.50
12/5/2010 – (1): Cardigan with Grosgrain Trim. ARV $54.50
12/6/2010 – (1): Striped Sequin Tote. ARV $59.50
12/7/2010 – (1): Tiered Lace Blouse. ARV $69.50
12/8/2010 – (1): Flower Stretch Belt. ARV $34.50
12/9/2010 – (1): Cowl Neck Sweater. ARV $59.50
12/10/2010 – (1): Wrapped Beaded Bracelet. ARV $39.50
12/11/2010 – (1): Floral Print Twisted Hem Skirt. ARV $69.50
12/12/2010 – (1): Long-sleeve Boatneck Tee with Lace and Stripes. ARV $39.50
12/13/2010 – (1): Striped Mohair Tunic. ARV $59.50
12/14/2010 – (1): Ribbon Flower Slipper. ARV $24.50
12/15/2010 – (1): Chiffon Flower Hat. ARV $29.50
12/16/2010 – (1): Banded Bottom Ruffle Shell. ARV $49.50
12/17/2010 – (1): Loft Cozy Cable V-Neck Sweater. ARV $49.50 – 59.50
12/18/2010 – (1): Print Beaded Top. ARV $49.50
12/19/2010 – (1): Striped Cardigan with Sequins. ARV $69.50
12/20/2010 – (1): Purl Stitch Solid Scarf. ARV $34.50
12/21/2010 – (1): All Over Sequin Tee. ARV $69.50
12/22/2010 – (1): Cardigan with Jeweled Front Embellishments. ARV $69.50
12/23/2010 – (1): Military Wool Twill Blazer with Faux Fur Collar. ARV $138.00

Winner will be announced on or about Tuesday, December 28, 2010.

Good luck and Enjoy!

WEDDING FAVORS

So last week I attended a friends wedding and guess what the wedding favors were?

Playing Cards- How cute!!

I am always looking for playing cards and this is a great set to travel with. Since she ordered 100, they were $1.50 each. There are 12 different adorable stickers for your front label to choose from. She ordered them here. I think these cards would make a great statement at your wedding and people will be talking about them and using them well after your wedding..Enjoy!

Holiday Gift Card Bonus Giveaway

Happy Holidays to all my readers and here is a great giveaway for TWO $10 Bonus Gift Cards. One $10 Bonus Gift Card to Applebee's and one $10 Bonus Gift Card to Macaroni Grill.

How to enter: Just let me know what you want to see more of on my blog in 2011.

How to get extra entries:
-Enter one of my other giveaways (left hand side under current giveaways)
-Post about this giveaway on your blog, linking back to Saving Money for a Wedding.
-Grab my blog button for your blog or become a Blog follower
-Subscribe to my blog

The giveaway will end on Sunday, January 2nd @ 11:59 pm EST. I will pick the winner randomly and will send them an email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email. Good Luck and thank you all for checking out my blog. The gift cards are Bonus Gift Cards I got FREE when I purchased Gift Cards for the holidays.

P.S.- If you want to see all the great Bonus Gift Cards you can pick up this Holiday Season- check them out here..Enjoy!

Holiday Bonus Gift Cards

Many restaurants are jumping on the bandwagon of Holiday Bonus Gift Cards. Every year, I have been seeing more and more restaurants(most are chains).

Here is a new list for this holiday season. Each Bonus card offer has their own details, so make sure you check them out on the websites or in the restaurant. For example, some bonus cards you can use right away and others you need to wait until January.


Steak ‘n Shake: Get a $5 Bonus Certificate for every $20 in Gift Cards you buy

Ben & Jerry’s: Get a FREE scoop of ice cream wyb $10+ Ben & Jerry’s Gift Cards


Brio Tuscan Grille: Get a $20 Bonus Gift Card for every $100 in gift cards you buy

CiCi’s: Get a FREE Adult Buffet wyb $20 in Gift Cards



California Pizza Kitchen: Get a $20 Rewards Card wyb $100 in Gift Cards

Applebee’s: Get a $10 Bonus Gift Card wyb $50 in Gift Cards

Chili's: Get 10% off all gift card orders of $100 or more



Carrabba's: Get a $20 Bonus Gift Card wyb $100 in Gift Cards

Macaroni Grill: Get a $5 Bonus Gift Card for every $25 in gift cards you buy

Stir Crazy: Get a $25 Bonus Card wyb $100 Gift Card

On The Border: Get 10% off all gift card orders of $100 or more

Jamba Juice: Get a FREE 16 oz Smoothie wyb a $25 Gift Card

Joes Crab Shack: Get $5 in Bonus Bucks wyb a $25 Gift Card

Outback Steakhouse: Get a $20 Bonus Card wyb $100 Gift Card


Red Robin: Get $5 in Bonus Bucks wyb a $25 Gift Card

Ruth Chris Steakhouse: Get 10% back in Bonus Gift Cards for every $250 in Gift Cards you buy

Check back tomorrow for a GIVEAWAY for a Bonus Gift Card....Enjoy!

Celebrity Engagement

Kelsey Grammer got engaged to Kayte Walsh this past week. Walsh was spotted in Washington D.C. last weekend wearing a large diamond engagement ring. Grammer recently split from his wife(Camille) over the summer. If your a big TV fan like me, you can see Camille Donatacci on “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Grammer is also on the show. It is crazy to see their marriage unfold.


Grammer and Walsh started dating this year. Grammer has been married 3 times. Hopefully Walsh is the lucky one..Enjoy!

Excedrin FREEBIES

I'm still out of town, but wanted to share a great deal for some FREE Excedrin with you. Sign up for a FREE bottle or Excedrin Migraine and Excedrin Extra Strength. The coupons will come in the mail in about 2 weeks.

Get your 2 FREE coupons for Excedrin here. These would be great to keep in your wedding day kit. You never know who will need some. Enjoy!

Getting Ready for the Holidays!!

I have so much in store for all of you over the next month. With the holidays here, I have many reviews and giveaways to share. I will be taking the next few days off from blogging regularly to get some things in order behind the scenes and I have a friends wedding this weekend. Have a great rest of the week and don't forget to enter my current giveaways:

The Green Kangaroo Note Card Giveaway-ends 12/20

Chick-Fil-A 2011 Calendar of Coupons Giveaway-ends 12/15


Enjoy!

Wedding Colors

If you are still having trouble deciding on your wedding colors- check out all the hottest colors on weddingchannel.com.

Here are some of my favorites:

Green and White

Purple and Black

Blue and Silver

Check out all the colors and photos here..Enjoy!

Instant Wins and Sweepstakes Tuesday

Enter daily here to win the Better Homes and Gardens All I Want for Christmas Sweepstakes to win an $8,000 check so you can get that one thing you really want for Christmas.




In need of a vacation? How does a trip to Japan sound. Sign up here for the Japan Winter Dream Getaway Sweepstakes.

Good luck, Enjoy!

Monday's Healthy Tip

This weeks pyramid topic is Vegetables. My least favorite, but with age I am eating more veggies. You should have 3-6 servings a day!!


Any vegetable or 100% vegetable juice counts as a member of the vegetable group. Vegetables may be raw or cooked; fresh, frozen, canned, or dried/dehydrated; and may be whole, cut-up, or mashed. Vegetables are organized into 5 subgroups, based on their nutrient content. Some commonly eaten vegetables in each subgroup are:

1. Dark Green Vegetables- examples are: broccoli, dark green leafy lettuce, spinach
* A spinach salad is a good choice at your dinner table*

2. Orange Vegetables- acorn and butternut squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin
*Squash makes perfect side dishes*

3. Dry Beans and Peas- black beans, navy beans, split peas, tofu
*Soups are a great way to incorporate your vegetables*

4. Starchy Vegetables- corn, potatoes and green peas
*Corn on the cob makes a great treat for dinner*

5. Other Vegetables- Eggplant, green beans, okra, onions, tomatoes
*Eggplant is one of my favorite dishes and it is very healthy*

Enjoy!

The Green Kangaroo Giveaway

If you haven't ordered your photo holiday cards yet, now is a great time at The Green Kangaroo. A great idea is using a picture from your engagement or wedding. At least the weather is still nice in Florida this time of year. If you live up north, here is a really cute holiday photo card:

Bird & Branch- Latte

Remember you can order save the dates, wedding invitations, wedding programs and so much more from The Green Kangaroo. I love how you can choose your theme and work your whole wedding around it.

I have another note card giveaway for one of my readers to win. Check out all the great note cards below along with their matching wedding stationery. One Lucky reader will win their own Note Card set (keep reading):

• Floral Toile Notes - These come in light Navy ink on Antique White paper. QTY. 75 notes + coordinating antique white envelopes. Check out the matching invitation & save the date.
• Magnolia Thank You Notes - These come in Plum ink on Champagne paper. QTY. 50 notes + coordinating cream envelopes. Check out the matching pocket invitation and save the date.
• Cari Notes - These come in Harvest & Cranberry ink on Champagne paper. QTY. 50 notes + coordinating cream envelopes. Check out the matching: invitation, save the date, and program.

Now for the best part: The Green Kangaroo is offering one of my lucky readers their own set of note cards (from the 3 listed above).

How to enter: Take a look around The Green Kangaroo and let me know your favorite item or items! Then come back here and leave a comment. This question must be answered to gain an entry in the giveaway. Each of the following will give you an extra entry in the giveaway. Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do:


-Post about this giveaway on your blog, linking back to Saving Money for a Wedding.
-Grab my blog button for your blog
-Become a Blog follower
-Subscribe to my blog
-Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post and let me know which post- - 2 EXTRA ENTRIES


The giveaway will end on Monday, December 20th @ 11:59 pm EST. I will pick the winner randomly and will send them an email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email. Good Luck and thank you all again for checking out my blog and a special thanks to The Green Kangaroo. Enjoy!

Saturday Movie Review: To Rent or Not to Rent

I finally finished The Good Witch trilogy. The series stars Catherine Bell as Cassandra Nightingale(I love her in Army Wives) and Chris Potter as Jake Russell.

The first movie was The Good Witch(2007). Cassandra is a mysterious women who moves into the haunted Grey House in town. Instantly the neighbors find her odd and the towns people do not like having her around. Cassandra opens a shop full of unique items in town. The only one who is not plotting against her is the town's police chief Jake and his two kids(Lori and Brandon). Jake is raising the children since their mother has died. Jake's father lives with him to help out as well. Throughout the movie you are questioning if Cassandra is a witch or not? I love her character and she has a great personality. She offers a nice love potion in her store which wins her fans.

The next movie was The Good Witch's Garden(2009). This was a great sequel and stars the same great cast. Cassandra is settled into her home and making a nice garden at the Grey House. She is dating Jake and his kids love her. Cassandra puts an ad in the paper to offer her home up like a Bed & Breakfast. She does get one taker. As you can guess, this is not the visitor she expected. He claims to be the rightful heir to the Grey House and takes her home from her. Jake's father is still helping around the home and finds love in this sequel from his gardening. Can Cassandra work her magic to get her home back?

The final movie in the series was The Good Witch's Gift(2010). Cassandra "Cassie" and Jake are planning their wedding and with Christmas only a few days away, they pick Christmas Eve to get married. This movie also brings back an un-welcomed visitor. There was a bank robbery many years ago and Jake put this man in jail. He is back in town as he got released for good behavior. Turns out Jake's son Brandon is dating this man's daughter. The money from the robbery has yet to be found. Cassie works her magic on this man and the city sees good in him. Get ready for a magical wedding where everything falls into place.

The Good Witch's Gift has this trilogy going out on top. Maybe we will see another one next year. We can only hope. I recommend watching all three of these movies in a row to get the full effect of the holiday season. You should be able to catch these three movies on the Hallmark channel all month long..Enjoy!