Steal the hair from the movie "The Notebook" for your wedding

I'm always on the hunt for good hair ideas for the big day.  Mostly because I think a lot of brides are starting to look the same, all gorgeous of course, but the hair styles have become uniform.  It's like they're all making appointments at the same type of hair salon and saying "Give me 'the bride'."  I'd like to introduce the newly engaged to a few alternatives.  Behold, the twist.

I found this gem of an idea on a blog that's listed in our directory.  If you've seen the movie The Notebook, and really, what girl hasn't?  Then you've seen the sweet retro styles of Rachel McAdam's character.  Why not give it a modern spin?  Love Notes by Lauryn has the tutorial here.

 Word of caution:  This is a major chick-flick based on an even girlier romance novel.  Do not be fooled into thinking this is really what your love life will be like with your husband.  That being said, future husbands should be issued this movie at the jewelry store when they buy the engagement ring and only allowed to propose after they've signed a legal agreement promising to mimic the Ryan Gosling/James Garner character to the absolute best of their ability.

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Charlie "deconstructed" with recycled scraps

(folded clutch)

Charlie "deconstructed"

(full view with strap)

Reception or Invitation idea: Significant Dates

Ran across this idea at a link party over the weekend and thought, "How perfect for a wedding reception!"  Actually, thinking more about it, this theme would be great for invitations or Save the Date postcards.  However you use it, it's a cute and cheap way to show the significance of your day.  Got a computer and some paper?  That's about all you'll need.  If you want to add it to an invite or Save the Date notice, just copy and paste it into your design.  Check out the Freebie page for free wedding invitation designs.

Smith Craft Adventures: Significant Dates Frame: Whew! It's been a whirlwind two weeks. Last weekend I helped host a bridal shower for my soon to be sister in law and then Monday I returned...

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Charlie "erosion style"

(opalo umber with fire treated romeo grey and blue details)

available at AOT

Candy Bar or Cookie Table?

Quick, you're craving something sweet.  Do you reach for the Mike & Ike's or an Oreo?  I can't decide either but both are a good option for a reception snack.  Both are also cost effective ways to feed your guests and keep them having fun at your party.  Get started with your brainstorming by looking over the ideas below.

Candy Bar
First your basics.  You'll need suckers, mini candy bars, licorice, bubble gum, and chocolate.  For a list of places you can buy candy in bulk, click here.  The cost can add up but if you space out the expenses by buying a little here and a little there, you can probably handle it.  Remember, it's candy so the shelf life is longer and most of it should be fine even if you buy it a few months in advance.  Don't forget some small brown paper bags for guests to take some sweets home.  You can even add stickers for a small price.  Click here to see an example.

Cookie Table
This one might be harder but could also be more personal.  Ask 10 friends/family members to whip up three dozen cookies.  Buy or bake a few dozen yourself.  Spread them out on the table with big silver platters and the same brown bag idea from the candy bar.  This time though, get the recipes from your friend and family bakers and make copies for guests to take with them.  They'll love it, the bakers will love it, and it's an easy and super cheap party favor for your guests.  This by far is your cheaper option.

Another option is to skip the wedding cake all together and pick one of these ideas as your dessert.  Or you could do a small wedding cake that's just for you and your new husband/wife for pictures and the head table, and let the guests stuff themselves with cookies or candy.

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Pottery Barn wall clock knock-off

I'm looking for living room ideas for our new home and ran across this idea.  I thought I'd share because I know how expensive these huge clocks can be.  They're kind of perfect for a living room or family room but if they're not in your budget (I understand that, they're not in mine either) then give this tutorial a look.

Check out this awesome Pottery Barn-inspired clock.  Great idea from Cheap like a Birdie.  I love a fellow cheapskate!  See her idea here.

By the way, Cheap Like A Birdie is in our free blog directory, is your blog?

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Centerpiece Cents: $2 Candle Holders

Centerpiece Cents is back!  The rule is:  No centerpiece must cost over $5.00 each.  What if you have a lot of tables?  Vases and flowers are your best bet however, individual vases can be pricey, even cheap glass vases bought in bulk can be between $10 and $20 a piece and that's just the vase!  What are you going to fill them with?  Let's get creative.

Check out these pretty candle holders from Momtastic.  Easy easy easy and all of the materials can be found at the dollar store and hardware store.  Click the link below for the quick tutorial.

DIY: $2 Candle Holders | Momtastic

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Wedding Hair, volume 3

We've compiled another addition of wedding hair ideas for the DIY brides looking to save some money and still be gorgeous on their big day.

We'll start today with this very cute up-do.  I'm not a fan of overly tight and complicated up-dos.  I think a lot of brides have the tendency to go this route because they want a look that will stay put all day long.  I admire the strategy but many brides walk away looking like figure skaters.  Loosen up ladies and try this idea from It's The Small Things.

If you're doing a summer wedding and you want simple but functional (the heat and humidity can be brutal!) think about the braided bang.  Look at LC's picture below for inspiration and then click here for the easy tutorial.

 

How about a beautiful hair-down look?  These are my favorite.  I love hair that's down for a wedding because it feels more natural and classic.  It's pretty but casual, goes perfect with a flowing veil, and takes less time to "fix" or repair as the night goes on.  Look at these pics and click here for some inspiration.

Want more DIY hair ideas for your wedding?  Click here for more pictures and tutorials.

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Easiest frosting recipe EVER: 2 ingredients, three minutes needed

So it's summer time.  Swimming lessons, soccer games, moving in to our new house, starting a new job, the months feel like minutes.  But you know, you got a family and you can't paint rooms forever so I took a break and made a chocolate cake.

Not having the time to whip up my favorite butter cream frosting, I quickly had to improvise and came up with the slickest little frosting recipe ever.  So simple, ready?

Easy Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting

Ingredients
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup creamy peanut butter

Directions
Put into a microwave safe bowl.  Cover bowl with a small plate or paper towel.  Microwave on high for one minute.  Stir thoroughly and spread on cake.  I then sprinkled the top with a few more chocolate chips and put it in the fridge for five minutes so it could set.  Took it out, served it up, and got compliments galore.  Enjoy!

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"Erosion" wallets and belts
"Erosion" wallets

"Kim" tri fold wallet/clutch