Telling you about Etsy is not at all “breaking news,” but I thought I would share my new favorite website/shopping obsession. For those who are not familiar…oh, who am I kidding, you all know what Etsy is.

As someone who would love to be truly crafty, but really only has great organizational skills and perfect penmanship, Etsy is a creative haven. I look at all the beautiful, unique goods and wish that I could duplicate their efforts. In some cases, I’ve tried and failed (the next time I make an attempt, I’ll make sure to blog about it…it’s a hot mess), but mainly I just wish that my mother’s sewing abilities had been passed on to me or that I was a wiz with a hot glue gun. On weekends, I’ve sometimes found myself perusing the site for hours—not necessarily for anything in particular, but just to see what’s out there. This has sometimes resulted in some great purchases, other times in putting me behind in work!

Since my discovery of Etsy, I’ve found a lot of great gifts—especially for newly engaged friends!! I like these gifts more than others because they’re unique (limiting the chance that someone would buy the same gift) and they’re supporting individuals, not corporations. Here is a sample of some of my favorite purchases, with links to each seller’s shop, so you can browse their great products:

Personalized bowl from Paloma’s Nest

This was an engagement gift over a year ago, personalized with the bride and groom’s names and wedding date. I feel like these are everywhere now, though! I’ve seen them used for ring storage/display at home or even for the ring bearer to carry on the wedding day.

Bespoke map heart from Bombus

This engagement gift was extra special. I asked for it personalized with a map of Germany to recognize where the groom is from and the place the couple was engaged. Bombus’s site is absolutely awesome, and I really want to get one of her bowls, since you can personalize the location and Mr. Turkey absolutely loves maps.

Personalized city skyline notecards by Architette

I am an Architette frequent buyer at this point—you saw my personalized cards. These are great options for a bride-to-be or even a newly married couple (would make super-cute thank you notes).

Philly moleskine journal from Art Shark Designs

I got this for myself to put in my purse for when I have “great” ideas. How cute is the Gocco print?

What do you all think? This is just a small selection, too (like I said, new favorite). With all the upcoming weddings this year and new babies on the way or just arrived, there’s an endless supply of fun products to browse (and maybe even buy). I just found out about a new engagement this week, so I’m currently on a mission to find a perfect gift for the happy couple!! Maybe in the future I’ll blog again about my Etsy finds.

Do you love spending oodles of money and time on Etsy? Any favorite sellers I should be aware of?

This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.

The Sealman and I have decided to exchange gifts on the morning of the wedding. Initially, I was against the idea—we were having a big, pretty wedding and get to spend the rest of our lives together, what more do we need? But then I saw a gift that I really, really wanted to get him and decided it was only fair to afford him the opportunity to do the same.

I’ve mentioned this before, but Mr. Seal sold his big, expensive gold and diamond chain in order to buy me the most beautiful engagement ring he could find. For that, I’ve held onto a bit of guilt—even though I didn’t personally love the chain, I knew that it meant something to him so it therefore meant something to me. Some guys aren’t into diamonds or flashy things but, as we’ve established, Monsieur Seal isn’t your average dude.

My Mr. Seal is also a watch guy, so when I saw this beautiful, diamond accented Bulova watch—I knew it was the gift for him.

Image via Macy’s

In person—thought you can’t tell by my pictures—you can really see the beautiful mother-of-pearl face and just how pretty and shiny the band is.

In addition to the watch—given his undying love for his Yankees—I had to get him something Yankees related. I’m a sucker for spoiling the Sealman (as he is for me).

I initially only intended to purchase one item and this was what I bought.

It’s a keychain with game-used dirt from the old Yankee Stadium—I think the Sealman will really appreciate it.

BUT THEN…I found something else I just had to get him. I know I’ve yet to share with you our groomsmen’s gifts but—for now—let’s just say Mr. Seal will fit in perfectly with his dudes.

Cufflinks via Etsy seller qacreate

The cufflinks are made from a game-used Derek Jeter jersey. El Capitan happens to be the Sealman’s favorite player.

Anyhow, I bought these gifts over the course of almost two years and, perhaps I went a bit overboard, but whatever. He deserves it.

Are you exchanging gifts with your partner? If so, what did you get?

This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.

With my second bridal shower just around the corner, I’ve been tempted more than ever to registry stalk to figure out what, if any, gifts I can expect at this upcoming soiree (I always peek at my Christmas presents). I’ve been pretty good about ignoring my instinct to check out our online registries every chance I get, but the temptation to give into my urges is getting quite strong. So instead of checking out my registry, I’m going to tell you ladies about it (and maybe we can commiserate together?).

For those of you who watched Friends (which should be everyone), I am the epitome of Rachel when it comes to gifts. I have a list. You do not deviate from the list. If you deviate, your gift will be returned. OK, I’m not that bad (I hope no one is), but if someone is going to spend money on a gift I think they would want it to be something we will actually use and want, so we naturally opted for a registry. Plus, I have some relatives that are pretty much the worst gift givers of all time. So many returned sweatshirts featuring cats…so many.

Miles Kimball

Anyway, we knew we had to register. Between the two of us, Mr. Pony and I already owned many of the typical registry items. He has a Dyson, I have place settings for 12; but we really wanted to use this as an opportunity to upgrade many of our kitchen items we purchased from garage sales or received as hand me downs and to mix in a couple new fun purchases that we wouldn’t normally buy for ourselves. So without further ado…

Ponies’ Top 10 Registry Requests:

1. Mini Trifle Bowls

Bed Bath and Beyond

These mini dessert bowls are probably my favorite thing on our registries. I love that they are so cute and petite and will be filled with yummy desserts in the future.

2. Rowenta Pro Compact Steamer

From Kohls

I actually already know that I am getting this at my shower because my mom is the worst at keeping my presents a secret. But I’m still super excited about getting it and using it for our upcoming events, like on my rehearsal dinner dress.

3. KitchenAid Teakettle

From Macy’s

While not as cute as our newest bee, I’ve always wanted a teakettle (weird, I know) and I can’t wait to brew up some peppermint tea this winter with the help of our fabulous new teakettle!

4. Nice towels

From Macy’s

One time during a huge summer sale, I purchased two very nice white towels from a department store. I would not have bought them if not for the huge discount, but I’m so glad I did. I love how they feel and I can’t wait to have more to use everyday!

5. Fiesta Lunch plate in shamrock

Macy’s

I’ve have had more than a few people ask me why I registered for just one single lunch plate. Well, truth be told, I am a Fiestaware freak. I already have 12 place settings, more serving dishes than I will probably ever need at one time, and loads of accessories, but I’m missing one green lunch plate. My cupboards feel incomplete. So, yes, I registered for one plate. And hopefully I will get it because our Fiesta now resides in D.C. and I miss it!

6. Le Creuset anything

Cooking (dot) com

I bought an old 5 quart Le Creuset pot on a garage sale last summer with Papa Pony for $5 because I’ve always wanted to say I own something by Le Creuset. Since then, Mr. Pony has become mildly obsessed with this line of products and we registered for a lot of it. We honestly do not expect anyone to actually buy us this stuff, but if we are lucky enough to even get a piece of it, we will probably use it all. the. time. Plus the enameled line coordinates perfectly with our Fiestaware which makes me strangely giddy.

7. KitchenAid Stand Mixer

KitchenAid

Ah, the stand mixer, every girl’s fantasy. Mama Pony has one exactly like this, and surprise, I’m getting one too (I told you, she’s terrible with gifts). She got me the slate Pearl metallic color, but I’m debating whether to keep it or exchange it for the punchy red one pictured.

8. Ice Cream Scoop

Oxo

I bought Mr. Pony an ice cream maker for our dating anniversary this year (best idea ever) and this little scoop will be perfect for getting all the yumminess out of the maker and into our cute little trifle bowls from #1.

9. Measuring Cups

Amazon

Having suffered through years of cheap measuring cups where the numbers wear off in the dishwasher, I’m very excited about these. Not only is the amount stamped into the stainless steel, they come in all the increments you’d ever need (no remembering fractions again)!

10. Salt and Pepper Mill Set

Amazon

Mr. Pony introduced me to the wonder that is cracked pepper and I’ve been addicted ever since. I can’t remember precisely which set we registered for, but anything will be an upgrade from the crappy ones I’ve been buying from the grocery store.

I will be very appreciative to receive anything from our guests, but receiving any of the above items will probably make me extra happy.

What’s your favorite item on your registry? Anyone else resisting the urge to registry stalk lately?

This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.

I had hemmed and hawed and complained about the registry a long while ago, here and here, but Mr. Magic and I finally decided on a couple of registries that would fit our grown ass up needs. The first registry we created was at

image via heidi and noah

I had suggested Bed Bath & Beyond for it’s affordability and awesome coupons, but Mr. Magic wanted something a bit more posh. After all, we’ll only get to request that our friends and families buy us expensive items that we could never afford ourselves once, right?

Walking around Crate & Barrel was hilarious, y’all.

First, Mr. Magic relinquished the laser gun scanner thingy to me, so I felt very powerful and a bit smug, like our relationship was so egalitarian, since he did not insist on holding the gun all macho man style. Then we took one lap around the store to get our bearings and our conversation went like this “We have one of those. And, we have one of those too.” We have one of these, but maybe we could get a new one…?”. The very first item we registered for was this…

Ice Cream Scoop via Crate & Barrel

…because the one we have is plastic and lame.

We added some simple, classic plates…

Maison dinner plate from Crate & Barrel

Some sweet beer glasses and drinking glasses…

Direction Highball via Crate & Barrel

Portland Beer Glass via Crate & Barrel

And some fun accessories and gadgets!

Clear Cold Beverage Jar with Stand from Crate & Barrel

Multicolored Napkins from Crate & Barrel

I did not find this to be a stressful experience at all. We were in there about an hour, and then we ate at the Cheesecake Factory. I went home later and added some more things online. It was totally quick, easy, and painless and we didn’t even argue, so take that stupid communication score of ZERO.

Our next registry was an Amazon registry. We chose this because there were a few specific items we wanted, but these things were from a variety of stores: Anthropologie, random online boutiques, etc. For instance, these lovely glasses! Oprah suggested these unbreakable drinking cups to me, and I am a sucker for Oprah’s favorite things!

Glasses from Elizabeth Bauer

We’ve already received these knives as a gift from my friend Batman, and they are beautiful, French, and extremely sharp. Someone needs to learn to be careful when cutting with these bad boys. That someone might be me.

Laguiole Steak Knives from Anthropologie

Mr. M is against “single purpose” items like this deviled egg plate, but I told him it serves two purposes – to hold deviled eggs and to act as decor. Duh.

Imprinted Egg Palette from Anthropologie

Mrs. Cola details how to set up an Amazon registry here. The only problem I have had so far is that sometimes the items are not marked as purchased…I just check after I have received something, and delete it if it wasn’t changed.

My Top Registering Tips:

1. Research beforehand. Don’t wait until you get into the crowded store to first discuss what plates you want. Narrow it down to a few choices beforehand and then decide on one in the store.

2. Keep a list on the fridge so when you say, “Hey, do we have one of those sucker outer and pour over thingies?,” your partner can say “no” and add “baster thingy” to the list.

3. Consider how much space you have in your kitchen or linen closets, and plan accordingly. Donate any old things to a local charity.

4. Reward yourself and your partner with french fries. Yum!

The only problem is, I’m hearing from some of our guests that we need more choices. Is a honeymoon registry in our future, perhaps?

Did you find registering to be easy or stressful?

This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.

I’ve got a bit of a dilemma and I need your help.

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You see, we had, once-upon-a-time, planned to exchange gifts and letters on our wedding day. I took my job very seriously and thought of the most painfully amazing gift to give Zeb. (Details soon, promise!) Zeb says he’s got a great idea too. Now, his practical side is taking over and he wants to save money by not purchasing each other gifts.

Are wedding gifts that big of a deal? Is this something that I can just throw off the list and not regret… like, say, unique table numbers? Do you cherish the gift that your spouse gave you on your wedding day?

The wedding gift is something from the heart, something sentimental. It will make a memory and will be cherished for many years to come. I’m having a hard time letting this go. It isn’t something that will be sold or tossed after the wedding. It isn’t for the wedding but rather for the marriage, the relationship. It is a token of love, a symbol of devotion, but it also unfortunately comes with a price tag. Although I’m not worried about paying off our wedding debt, we will indeed have bills associated with the wedding. Is this gift worth the added expense?

I will admit that I am hesitant to nix the gifts because I really, really, really want to give Zeb this gift. It is a bit on the expensive sign and I fear that I could never justify the purchase after the wedding. I don’t know. A part of me wants to accept the love letters as enough but the other part of me really wants to do this for him—and yes, I would like a memento for myself as well.

My question for you is what are you doing? Married bees, what are your thoughts? Will I regret not exchanging gifts or will I forget about it soon after?

This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.

First up, the girls:

I gave each of my bridesmaids a grey wrap, to keep them warm in case it was cool later in the evening. The color looked great with their purple dresses and I think it’s neutral enough for them to wear again:

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I also decided to get them a piece of jewelry to wear, if they chose, on the big day. I was debating between earrings or a necklace and finally decided on a necklace. I purchased them all from Jeweled Blossoms (I purchased items from her shop prior to the wedding, so I knew her products were great). Again, I tried to choose an item that would both work with their dresses and would be something they could wear again.

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Coincidentally, they were each packaged in purple boxes… appropriate, no?

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Finally, I intended to make each bridesmaid a clutch to hold all their necessities, but I ran out of time and only completed two. So, my MOH ended up receiving one, while I used the other. They were fairly simple to make; however, because this was a last minute project, I didn’t take any pictures of the DIY process—a tutorial will have to come later. The (removable) flower was graciously sent to me by Mrs. Margarita.

Next up: The guys

I had absolutely no idea what Mr. Beagle’s groomsmen would like as gifts, so I let him take full control of the reigns on this task. He started and ended his search online, getting all that he needed from this site. For the groomsmen, Papa Beagle, and FIL Beagle, he decided to get very large beer mugs, personalized with their initials:

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The ushers got flasks, personalized with their initials:

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Our peeps received their gifts at our rehearsal dinner, the night before the wedding, and I think they were all well liked!

What are you getting your bridesmaids/groomsmen?

This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.

***If you are a Hottie Bridesmaid, please avert your eyes*** kthanksloveyou

The past few days I’ve been finishing up the BM gifts. I wanted to give them something heartfelt and that I made, at least partially, myself. All of my ladies are so wonderful. They’ve put up with all my obsessive color issues, flip-flopping about design elements, and they’ve pretty much just been there for me whenever I would start to have a meltdown!

As soon as I saw this post by Mrs. Stiletto (who borrowed the idea from Mrs. Latte), I knew it would be a great idea. So, my gifts are a spin-off from that.

I started off with a white canvas bag for each girl. Using fabric paint, I put each of their names on one and then added a kanzashi flower. The flowers are attached with safety pins so they can put them on anything!

Ready to see what’s inside?? OK, OK!

Inside the bronze box is some batting and a charm bracelet that I made for each girl. Each one has a different charm and a small tag that says “Made with love”. These bracelets are SUPER easy to make. Just head to Hobby Lobby, grab yourself a length of jewelry chain, some clasps, and charms. Then use pliers to pry the rings apart and attach each element. Super easy!

Next, in clockwise order, is a sample size bottle of Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Sleep body lotion. I LURVE this stuff!!! In the brown tin is an Ocean scented candle and then there’s a bar of lemongrass soap (both purchased at Pier One for a STEAL!). The tag on the candle reads “Thanks… for lighting up my day” and on the soap “Thanks… for showering me with love”.

I thought it best to wait to bake the cookies ’til a little closer to the wedding. Those tags will read “Thanks… for being so sweet”.

I also made a bracelet for all the other important women in my life. Mom, FMIL, F(step)MIL, step mom, 2 stepsisters (and Junior BMs), my and Mr. HD’s grandmas. I wanted them to feel included, too.

Now, here’s the part I need the hive’s help with. Which thank you cards should I use in their gifts? I bought two designs (also at Pier One!) but can’t decide!

Which ones do you like best?

This article was originally posted onWeddingbee.