Unusual Wedding Gift

Source: anothermag.com via Mindy on Pinterest

I have to admit, now I've seen it all! This wedding gift takes branding to the extreme! Louis V waffles? I must say I am...SPEECHLESS! And you all know how hard that is for me!

I understand the heart-shaped waffle makers, but why anyone needs one of these is beyond me. But if you know a bride who loves this brand I guess it's the perfect wedding gift! Louis V Waffle Maker by Andrew Lewicki.

What Are Smart Brides Adding To Their Registry?

What are smart and health conscious brides adding to their bridal registry? ActiFry! In my opinion, ActiFry is the one new appliance (brought to you by the people at T-Fal), that no modern health conscious kitchen should be without.

Actifry makes 'frying' food faster, easier and healthier(using little or no oil) (1 Tablespoon!) Get fried food taste without deep fat frying. Instead ActiFry uses a new and patented technology with forced hot air and constant stirring with a paddle for perfect cooking everytime. It can decrease fat grams in some recipes from 14 gms. to 3 or 4gms. Impressive! See how it works!
A WDW Production by Nancy Vecchione

Doesn't that look easy? Perfect for the new bride who is a beginner in the kitchen (or the groom for that matter!) Look for giveaways by googling  'Actifry Giveaway' and maybe you'll even win one for your own kitchen!

Wedding Gift Shopping

Michael Aram Cheese Tray

Shopping for wedding gifts can be ... boring. Everyone has a registry filled with china and crystal, or worse yet a vacuum! Or they have let it be known they would prefer cash. (Yes I know, there are those of you who say cash is never boring, but giving it as a gift is, at least for me!)

In Home Gourmet and Home Decor Items

I love giving a wedding gift that on the couple's 25th anniversary they'll say, I remember, we got this from our wedding from ... Wouldn't that be nice?  Nicer than a check that you'll spend nearly as fast as it hits the bank?

In Home Items

Last night I found my new 'in place' to shop for wedding gifts, (Or for gifts of almost any kind!), a boutique called Free Reign, located on Ridge Pike in Conshohocken PA (just off the Blue Rt. (Rt. 476.) If I'm going to shop 'off registry' Free Reign is the place to go!

 Joey Fortman and Real Mom Everything (From Radio to TV to Fun Finds to Travel to Toy Time to Everything)

I only found it because I went to a blogger event sponsored by Joey Fortman (the host of BenFM's Real Mom Radio, catered by Dimeo Pizza Kitchen (who believe me, doesn't make JUST pizza!)

Dimeo Pizza Kitchen in Conshohocken PA

As soon as I walked in the door I was greeted by the smell of Dimeo's best pasta and pizza and the sight of a gift for every occasion! But most importantly, WEDDING GIFTS! Memorable wedding gifts.

Jewelry

Free Reign Boutique has created a world where personal, home and gifts all come together. They combine the best of jewelry, apparel, bags, tabletop and fragrance in a place where discovery is around every corner. For wedding, or even shower gifts, you will have no trouble finding that special gift.  Looking for that unique gift, for a wedding, anniversary, birthday or other occasion (don't forget, Mother's Day is coming up soon!) Head to Free Reign, where your only problem will be making a decision on what to buy! (Or not to buy!)


***Attending a party at this boutique meant I received some form of compensation. This did not effect my opinions as stated anywhere in this post.

Hatch My House - A Gift Registry With A Difference

Gift registries traditionally contain china, kitchen or household items, linens and an assortment of other items.  But what to do for the bride and groom who've been living on their own for years and have everything they need for their home? 

Hatch My House (HMH) is an online gift registry where anyone can sign up for FREE.  Design 'your house' and start saving towards a down payment, home improvements or furniture in a fun and interactive way.  You can actually note if you are saving for furniture or improvements on your existing home or if you're saving toward a down payment on a new home.  Your guests can donate a dollar amount toward a new front door or new windows or maybe a new washing machine! Practical yes.  But certainly a great idea.

The site serves more than 330 accounts and has already hosted more than 1000 transactions with a dollar total of $150,000 collectively. Hatch My House has been featured on DailyCandy.com and in Brides magazine.

No more worrying about sending china that gets broken in transit or choosing a gift the bride and groom might never use.  Hatch My House uses Paypal, a safe and simple way to have your house fund grow, with the knowledge that all transactions are safe.  Your gift sent via Paypal is 'safe as houses.' 

If you're a bride or groom about to set up a gift registry and wondering how to gently nudge people toward a helping you buy a home instead of sending useless gifts or duplicating items you already have Hatch My House is a good option. 

Newlywed Sports Fanatics?

Know a couple about to tie the knot who are sports fans? Why not get them tickets for their favorite basketball team for a wedding gift? Ticketamerica.com has NBA event tickets for some great teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets team. Purchase your gift for the new couple like phoenix suns tickets , sacramento kings tickets , or houston rockets tickets by clicking these links.  Easy shopping! No mall hassle!

Help them start a new 'family tradition' of attending NBA games as a couple.  These are easy to ship, no unwieldy boxes or expensive shipping, and you won't need anywhere near the amount of wrapping paper you'd need for all that fine china! And NBA tickets won't break either!   And while you're shopping for them why not pick up some tickets for you? Why should the newlyweds be the only ones having all the fun? Ticketamerica.com, the answer to all your shopping for wedding gifts!


**The author has been compensated for writing this post. Any opinions/thoughts are the authors own.

Modern, Sleek, Perfect Gift for the Newlyweds

Looking for a gift that suits the newlyweds who are sophisticated and chic with a modern twist? This sleek and modern carafe suits the couple who are fans of I Dream of Jeannie, Modern Style.   This bottlenecked Barbara carafe by Design House Stockholm (chosen by The Dwell  Editors for their collection on Open Sky)—with a glass ball stopper-hopper in its base—will rub them the right way.

Give The Gift of Edible Romance

Dean and DeLuca are the premier purveyors of everything gourmet, so why not give your favorite bride and groom a picnic basket and pack it with goodies from your local D&D store?  They have a selection of great food to choose from, just visit their stores or their web site. Then pack it up in a pretty basket.

Warm Me Up!

Sherpa Micromink Blanket...oh my GOD! These blankets are to die for!  I buy them for friends, I buy them for family, I buy them for ME! If you are like me and have thin blood and are ALWAYS cold in the winter time this blanket is a must have!  One for the bed, one for the couch in the living room, one for the media room... I've always loved fleece blankets but these Sherpa Microminks are the best I've ever found.  And not only that, right now they're on sale at jcpenney.  I got mine (a brand new queen size blanket, usually around $100 online for $39.99 plus tax. Then I used a coupon code for an additional $10 (the coupon code was FALLSALE).  I had it delivered to the store where I'll pick it up, so no shipping costs. 

I am tempted to buy out the supply just to have wedding gifts on hand for the next ten years! Oh, who am I kidding, they're for me, I just know the next time I want one they won't be selling them anymore! So grab one now, for you, for a friend getting married, for Christmas gifts--they're warm and comfy and make a perfect gift! BTW, they come in throw sizes as well, on sale, originally $50 for $19.99 (no coupon code, you need to spend $25 to use that). 

Wooden Placemats - Laser Cut Perfection

Designer Sarah Finn used high tech woodworking to laser cut pieces of wood veneer.  Use them as place mats or as a centerpiece on a hall table or buffet.  Not in the market for a place mat? Consider framing them and hanging them on your wall or using them as a frame for a collage of wedding photos.  I never thought I'd say place mats were romantic, but  these are.  They are the perfect wedding gifts or shower gifts.  If you're looking for something smaller, Sarah also designs a set of four coasters.  The coasters are available at Hygge.com. 



A Personal Gift--Given With Love

I saw this DIY wedding gift and fell in love! What a perfect gift.  The tutorial to make it is on The Hybrid Chick's website--if you're like me you can't wait to try it.  Perfect for a tile or for some coasters if made with smaller tiles.  If you're looking for a personal gift that no one else is giving, this is the perfect answer!  Christine is one of a group of women who post to this site and make it a great resource. Take your time browsing through it or bookmark it for an afternoon of pleasure when you have more time.  Talented crafters, ideas to die for...what more can you ask?

Perfect for the Newlyweds Who Love Beer

 

Simon Pearce opened his first glass blowing workshop in Kilkenny Ireland in 1971.  Prior to that he worked with his parents at their workshop, the Shanagarry Pottery honing his design aesthetics and glass blowing skills.  He later worked for various European glass blowers and traveled throughout Europe learning his craft. 

Simon is known for his quality glass used to make everyday objects that are beautiful and functional.  In 1981 Simon moved to the United States seeking independence from the European glassblowers as well as looking for less expensive energy costs.  His first workshop in New England utilized hydroelectric power to power not just the workshop but the entire facility of glassblowers, potters and a retail shop and restaurant.  The Glassblower Cafe is known as one of the finest restaurants in the state of Vermont.  Simon has expanded into two additional workshops, another one in Vermont and one in Maryland where he maintains the same superior quality of lead free glass that is handblown by master glass artisans.  The attention to detail on rims or handles is a hallmark of Pearce's work. 

Simon Pearce glassware is the perfect wedding gift or a gift for your groomsmen.  Classic design married with function make his glassware a welcome gift for everyone. 

Happy Memorial Day!

Just wanted to wish all my readers a Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy your cookouts or beach trips or the day at the pool. See you tomorrow! Nancy&Bill

Hand-Painted Eco-Friendly Tuscan Salad Bowl from Woodward and Charles

Photo courtesy of: http://woodardandcharles.com/

This rich looking salad bowl from the Saigon Series is engraved and hand painted. It is made from eco-friendly and safe rubberwood. Please handwash to preserve the hand painting. The bowl measures 12" x 4.5" and can be ordered from Woodard and Charles' web site. http://woodardandcharles.com/. Perfect for those nights you're serving spaghetti or other Italian foods. Top your salad with some juicy black olives and feta to offset the design and color of the bowl.

Handblown Glasses For Martinis -- Top Gift at Crate and Barrel

Photo courtesy of Crate and Barrel at http://crateandbarrel.com/

Enjoy the look of your favorite upscale martini bar in your own home. Serve your favorite martini in these two part handblown martini glasses, add ice to the bottom to keep your drink ice cold no matter how long you sip on it. Also use for serving appetizers like shrimp cocktail, caviar or ceviche. Easy online ordering available. Crate and Barrel makes your wedding gift giving fast and easy.

Keepsake Tiles by Sadie Ryan

Photos courtesy of: http://www.sadieryantiles.com/

Sadie Ryan Keepsake Tiles are unique gifts and the perfect way to display a copy of the invitation to your wedding.  Her tiles are crafted by hand using the age old practice of sand casting.  This process results in an antique white finish that is a perfect foil for your wedding invitation.  Each tile has a design at the edge to highlight your invitation information.  At this time they offer The Fleur-de-lis & Scroll Antique Finish shown on their web site. Tiles come in two sizes: 8.75 x 7 inches or 10.75 x 6.5 inches. If there is some information you do not want on your tile, talk to them when you place your order and they will try to accomodate you.  The stand is sold separately, but this makes the perfect keepsake for the newlyweds. They also do birth announcements and baby tiles. 

Nambé Butterfly Salad Bowl

Photo courtesy of George Watts' Web Site at http://www.georgewatts.com/

George Watts and Sons sell this salad bowl and servers that lend "serene beauty to fresh greens and ensures breezy functionality for the cook. With sweeping upward lines, a scooped interior, and a trim foot, this acacia wood bowl features a compelling grain and an undulating rim. On the servers, elongated handles and subtle curves make tossing and serving both elegant and efficient."  This bowl and servers make the perfect gift for the bride and groom and will last a lifetime. 

Waterford In Black

Waterford Black Glass Bowl (Photo courtesy of Bloomingdales.com)

Waterford Crystal has collaborated with acclaimed European fashion designer, John Rocha, to create his signature crystal collection. Rocha's crystal is described as "the perfect balance of texture, form and detail bringing both brilliance and simple beauty to any space -- whether through stemware or a single dramatic piece."  The Waterford Black Cut collection includes black cased crystal with clear diamond cutting that make a uniquely strong impression on the viewer.  This makes a great gift for the bride and groom who love black or who enjoy art glass.

Brass and Copper Ice Bucket and Tongs

Photo and product courtesy of: http://www.coppergifts.com/

Copper Gifts online store offers this solid copper ice bucket with tongs by Old Dutch which comes with a heavy white plastic lining and a separate raised plastic insert. The tongs and the top knob are made out of brass.  Priced at a reasonable $44.00 plus shipping and handling.  Copper is a gift that lasts a lifetime with proper care.  Copper Gifts also offers copper and brass care products.

Michael Wainwright "Truro" All Gold Small Bowl

Photo courtesy of:  http://www1.bloomingdales.com/

Michael Wainwright has been creating elegant porcelain since 1991. His pieces are is kiln fired porcelain that is fired at least three times.  No two pieces are exactly alike. His items are glazed by hand and fired to nearly 2200 degrees F., and 22-karat gold or platinum is hand painted on and then each piece is fired in a kiln one more time, resulting in a finish that is dishwasher-safe.  These make wonderful one of a kind wedding gifts sure to please even the most discriminating bride.

Picnic Baskets For Romantic Picnics For Two

Photos courtesy of: http://www.cooking-entertaining-gifts.com/

If you are looking for a romantic wedding gift for the bride and groom nothing could be better than either of  these attractive, well designed picnic baskets designed for the bride and groom to take on a 'date' after they get married.  The items can be purchased at http://www.cooking-entertaining-gifts.com/.   The top basket is meant for a special wine and cheese picnic so it comes complete with 2 handblown wine glasses (8 oz.), 1 nickel-plated bottle stopper with real cork, 1 stainless steel waiter-style corkscrew, 1 hardwood cutting board (6 x 6"), 1 stainless steel cheese knife with wooden handle, and 2 napkins. 

The  2nd basket called the Piccadilly Picnic Basket is reminiscent of simpler times, when picnics were grand affairs and life was slower so you had the time to enjoy them to the fullest. This red and white plaid willow basket measures 16" long and has a picnic service for two. Included are 2 plates (melamine, 8", white), 2 wine glasses, 2 sets of cutlery, and 1 waiter-style corkscrew. It features a matching roll-up flatware pouch.

Both of these baskets offer the bride and groom a chance to slow down and take the time to enjoy each other.