What Do You Fancy Most This Fall?

Keep an eye out for some hints about what our fall / winter collection will look like.  Autumn 2010 has us yearning for the glitz and glamour of old hollywood.  A georgeous vintage rhinestone necklace just might do the trick - but hurry - even though our shop reveal was mere days ago (as of this post), these necklaces are going quickly.  We'll be working hard to bring you more unique finds all season! http://www.etsy.com/listing/54479477/vintage-rhinestone-art-deco

Getting Organization Out of the Gray Area

For days the sky has been gray. The kind of enveloping gray that leaves the hour non-descript, uncertain if it is late morning or afternoon. Along with the resolute gray and much like the last thawing piles of Christmas snow, memories of the holidays are melting into a murky pool of bygone memories. However, the new year is young, and the resolutions are fresh, so despite the dreariness of the late days of January I've decided to make the most of this mid-winter lull.



My decree for the new year? Organization. Not very original, I know. But with the unyielding weather outside, I've decided to clear the fog of disorganization. The theory is this: I will spend x amount of time getting organized, then all remaining time will be spent in a flurry of absolute productivity. Ambitious, yes--but it's worth a try.

Similarly, many a generally well-organized individual gets engaged and suddenly turns into a perplexed bride wondering where to begin planning. Often times a wedding also means a move to a new location, or learning to co-habitate. Enhancing your organizational skills can improve the efficiency of your wedding day decisions and help you merge a household full of two individuals belongings, plus the addition of wedding gifts.

The Plan: Since everything is all about the details (for me), and nothing gets done without a list, I will break down my organization into tasks by identifying the "problem areas". You can adapt by making your own list. For example, tangled electronic cords are wearisome in our house. They can be found clustered anywhere--and yet they remain unused and unidentified.

My first simple goal began with organizing the notorious pile of cords into a manageable spot. I started with a through search to pull all (unattached) electrical cords from various drawers, cabinets, and closets. Once I had a satisfying cluster of cords sitting in front of me, I untangled and labeled.

{BRIDES}: (If you are a new bride, choose an important task, such as "catering" and make a list of your ideals--such as menu, number of guest, price, etc.).

The Materials: I picked up an array of labels in various sizes and styles to have at hand, plus markers for labeling, of course. You may choose one color (I used black) or pick a punchy color that you love, just be sure it's easy to read.

{BRIDES}: (This is the part where you start compiling a list of caterers contact info.--or whatever category you have chosen for this task. Start by asking for references, then do some research online. Always check reviews.)

Storage: Once you have everything sorted and labeled (be sure to toss /donate any cords for discarded appliances or electronics), choose a bin and a spot to store your newly organized stash. If the cords are used often, you might choose to place them in a silverware tray with dividers and store them in a drawer in your office or main living area. If the majority of cords are "extras" for your current electronics, a basket stored on a closet shelf will work fine.

{BRIDES}: (Start calling the vendor for your chosen task. Make appointments to meet with your top vendors, then choose "the one"!).

Congratulations! You're on your way to a more clutter free New Year!

REMEBER - {STORE LIST}:

* markers, pens

* sticky labels, various sizes

* bins, basket, or drawer organizer

Commited to Recyling in Style: New Life for Old Containers

Fresh fruit and fabric flowers. What do they have in common? A plastic container, it seems:

It has been a while since the announcement of Meadowbelle {Market} on Etsy. Along with an engagement--(congrats, Erin!)--our store has seen it's share of changes. One of the most recent developments has included wedding related items to our {Market} shop, courtesy of Erin's now "anything wedding" obsession. Among the additions, fabric flower fascinators have been quite liked--and due to their sometimes delicate nature, we have also been forced to become quite creative in packaging to be sure they arrive at their destination looking just the same as when they left our little workshop.

The solution to our delima has also been our contribution to recycling, which has found it's way in unlikely, empty fruit containers. Washed and dried, a plastic container that would have otherwise gone straight into the trash becomes the perfect traveling companion to a lovely and delicate fabric flower. Add a sweet little label, and you've got something that looks good enough to--well, reuse.

Now our challenge to you is: How many ways can you reuse this re purposed recycled fruit to flower container?

We've thought of a few, to get you started:

1. Wrap a friend's gift (include tissue paper and a pretty ribbon)
2. Organize a drawer
3. Hold make-up or jewelry
4. Protect your favorite pair of wool gloves or a scarf (add some cedar to repel moths)
5. Save delicate items from snags in your drawer
6. Put a few sachets inside or line with tissue paper & add some herbs to scent any space
We're sure you've got a few good ideas, too. So please, feel free to share with us!

Washed, wrapped, and packed with flowers -ready to ship to you.

{P.S.} We recycle our shipping packages, too!