Apples & Salted Caramel Bridal Shower Favors

One of my co-workers is getting married this weekend so we wanted to put together a little bridal shower before her big day. We gathered for a nice luncheon and I was in charge of putting together favors for the occasion. I immediately turned to the interwebs for some inspiration. Since it's fall and all I thought an autumn-themed gift would be appropriate and I personally like favors that are edible. That landed me on this cute idea, and apple with a little jar of homemade caramel. You would think that caramel would be too tricky to make at home, but believe me, it's really easy (no candy thermometer needed) and probably tastes better than anything you can buy in a store! Get the full recipe for the homemade salted caramel plus links to make the favors below. 

The Best Way to Preserve Your Wedding Gown

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UPDATE: Blushing Bride is offering a $10 discount for all Marissa says... readers that place an order in October! Be sure to mention this blog when you place your order! 
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Have you ever wondered what people do with their wedding dresses after the wedding day? Let me tell you. They pay an insane amount of money for it to be cleaned, like hundreds of dollars... and then it gets bagged up and hung in a closet somewhere only to be pulled out someday when their daughter asks about it. Where's mine, you ask? Sitting in said closet, in said bag.

I know, I know some ladies pay an arm and a leg to have their dresses preserved, and where do those sit? In a closet or attic in their preservation boxes. If you're really crazy, you might do something like this. But honestly, that's a bit much. 

Well, I have a treat for you. Whether you're a bride who wants to remember her beautiful wedding day, or a special friend of a bride-to-be looking for a unique gift, these beautiful artistic creations from Brushing Bride are the perfect solution to capture your wedding dress in a timeless (and space-saving) way. I had the opportunity to talk to Krystina, owner and artist behind Brushing Bride and learn about how she started her business and what she loves most about creating these beautiful works of art. 

Mother's Day Gift Guide

If you've waited until the very last minute to pick up something for your mama. Here are a few ideas, most are available on Amazon Prime for next day shipping. 

1. Fitbit Wireless Activity and Sleep Wristband $99 // 2. Statement Necklace $26 // 3. French Press Coffee and Tea Maker $38 // 4. Salad Spinner $30 // 5. Fossil Rose Gold Watch $80 // 6. Flowers // 7. Birch Box Year Subscription $110 // 8. Toms $59 // 9. Garden Goddess Tool Set $30

Fitbit is perfect for the active mom, while the watch, necklace and shoes are perfect for the stylish mothers. If your mom loves spending time in the kitchen and she doesn't have a salad spinner or french press, both will change her life. For the gardening mama, this adorable garden set is sure to make her smile. Birch box, is the gift that will keep on giving all year long. It' a monthly subscription program that will let your mom try new beauty and grooming products each month.

Last but not least, I put flowers on there. While flowers might seem like a cop-out they are not, as long as they are done right. Don't order online, and don't pick out an arrangement from a book. Call up a local flower shop around where mom lives and talk to a real person. Explain your mom's style and taste. Does she like rustic, classic or modern arrangements? Do you know her favorite flower? Arrangements that have a lot or all of the same flower tend to have a dramatic impact. Also, consider switching up the vessel. A plain glass vase is just that, plain. Find a unique vase/container and she'll have it to put fresh flowers in forever! The key to having flowers not seem like an after thought is to make them different from any other arrangement she's received before! 

Most importantly, don't forget the card. While I'm sure you are all great sons and daughters and you tell your mom how special she is throughout the year, take a few minutes to jot down some of your favorite memories or reasons your mom is extra special to you in a Mother's Day card!

My favorite gifts

Christmas was amazing this year. For one, we got to spend a full week with our families! It was so nice to be able to stay longer than a weekend and have some quality chill time with our parents and my siblings. I also am fully aware that I overindulged on life (and food and drink) over the past seven days and need to step away from the cookies for the next month or more. I'm so blessed to have such generous people in my life and I wanted to share some really cool stuff that I scored this holiday! Read on for details and links. 

Last-minute shopping tips

So, you have seven days left to shop... don't panic. That won't help. I've got some tips for you if you have a few last-minute items to pick up or if you haven't even purchased one gift yet. Also, last week I put together a holiday gift guide if you still need some inspiration. 

2013 holiday gift guide

Are you in a panic looking for the perfect gift for someone on your list? I'm right there with you. Since I'm in full-fledged shopping mode for Christmas, I figured I would throw a little bit of my inspiration your way. I pulled together three gift lists that will hopefully help you find that special something for that special something. Let me know if there's any other must-buys this year that you've come across.