Rustic Favor Cones Plus The New Friday List

These cones aren't for ice cream, but for favors! They would be awfully cute for an Autumn wedding, don't you think? They're all handmade, which is hard to beat in terms of an eco-friendly manufacturing process. Available at Sunshine and Ravioli, the circle stamp on the front can be customized to meet your own needs.

Below you'll find "The List," which will become a regular Friday feature. Here I'll link to people who have supported either Earthly Affair or Earth Friendly Weddings, as well as events, promotions, and other fun content.

• If you live in or around NYC, check out Urban Wed, a unique, intimate bridal show hosted by Brooklyn Bride. Tix on sale now.
  

• Big thank you to The Green Girls and Green Diva for featuring us on their article, "Must Read Green Wedding Blogs."

• Super cute table numbers we created for a recent customer.
  

• Beautiful photographs, puppy love, and sunshine thoughts at A Fanciful Twist.

• Love this couple's light and airy chuppah found at One Love Photo.

P.S. Are you on Twitter? Follow us here!

Have a great weekend everyone! Hugs and kisses!

Date with the Corner Table in the Back

My husband and I don't have television at home. I mean, we have a television, but it's hooked up to a computer, so we watch things through Hulu and Netflix. Yes, the hubby is pretty good at computers, so he's made a potentially complicated system relatively easy, even paring it all down to just one remote. Anyway, when we took our trip to the Smokies, we were able to bask in the warm glow of a gigantic television, which instantly put our minds into a sort of euphoric, yet lifeless state. I was simultaneously reminded of why I love and hate television when we got sucked into a "Beauty and the Geek" marathon. Sometime after that there was a show on about weddings. I can't remember the name, but a very controlling mother-of-the-bride proceeded to tell the venue coordinator that if a guest was wearing something she didn't like, she wanted to move them to a table in the back during the reception. WOW! I didn't watch the rest of the show, but can you imagine?!! Poor Aunt Edna on the groom's side frets for weeks about what to wear to her lovely nephew's wedding, only to find out later she was relegated to a lone table in the corner because her bright yellow and purple pant suit was deemed "not good enough."

Sheesh. This turned into a long story.

Here is my point: Avoid the corner table in the back by wearing the always trusty, Little Black Dress. (Green With Glamour is having a huge sale today on all women's clothing. Below is the Date with Ned Dress, made out of charcoal hemp and recycled poly twil.)

Wedding Bouquet Made With Handmade Flowers

Today is one of those days where we got a few peaks of sun, but clouds have mostly engulfed our southern sky all afternoon. I honestly don't mind a little rain and clouds now and then, but this Winter has been so cold and dreary, I am more than ready to hop on a dinghy and paddle my way to the Virgin Islands. Of course, Summer in Atlanta gets hot, hot, hot, so I'm sure once I start melting in 90 degree weather, I'll be begging for Winter again.

In the meantime, the colorful and beautiful handmade flowers of Emerson Made will have to suffice in reminding me of bright, sunny days.

What's Your Ideal Wedding Vista?

Ah...the hubby and I just got back from a short hiatus to the great Smoky Mountains. We live near Atlanta, so it's a quick, scenic drive and the break gives us a chance to recuperate and regenerate. The vast and expansive mountain views give me a sense of ethereal renewal and I enjoy the feeling of being a part of something greater when I look at them.

So with that said, let's assume the weather would cooperate and travel would be no obstacle, what magnificent vista would be the ideal setting for your wedding?

Would it be a peaceful barn wedding in the country, such as this one?

A rustic and charming seaside wedding, such as this one?


Or maybe it's a romantic, urban wedding with a dramatic cityscape such as this one?

Healthy Monday: Brain Fog

The hubby and I are on a little hiatus, so I'm re-posting something I wrote about a year ago. I can safely say that one additional cause of brain fog is pregnancy!! I didn't think it was possible, but at four months pregnant, I'm 100 percent positive I would lose my head if it wasn't attached.
Today's Healthy Living Post is inspired by an article I recently found on Care2 called, "5 Causes of Brain Fog." It got me thinking... when planning a wedding, or any type of event really, it can demand a lot of your attention and it's important to remain organized. Even if you've hired a planner, not being able to think clearly (or not being able to think at all) can really hinder your ability to effectively plan your event. And even though you may feel at times you want to rip your hair out (MIL wants you to choose those invitations?!), you'll ultimately want to enjoy this experience. Below I've summarized the Care2 article for your own perusal, but if you're currently experiencing any of the below, please visit this link for more in depth info and possible solutions.

5 causes of Brian Fog:

1. Stress: Well, this is kind of a no-brainer, but stress can cause a mess! (I've know people who have had one of their arms go numb all because of stress!)

2. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A fairly recognizable disorder which can cause impaired mental function. Magnesium supplements and light to moderate exercise have been shown to help.

3. Fatigue: Speaking from experience here, being sleepy can cause a lot of typos. You don't want to e-mail your caterer that you need 1000 canapes, when you actually only need 100. So get some sleep - at least 7 to 9 hours a night!

4. Nutrient Deficiencies: We need nutrients. 'nuff said.

5. Depression: Approximately 10 percent of Americans have feelings of depression, so if you think you have it, you're not alone. Seek help here and here.

Photo Credit: Dano

Felting Fun and Gifts

I never have wrapping paper. Instead, I re-use gift bags given to me during previous gift giving occasions. This is eco-friendly, yes. But does it really reflect my creative side? Nope. And honestly, I don't always have the patience to exercise my creative side. But my creativity, which has been stunted the last few months, might need to be unleashed into a world of felting fun. These little DIY Felt Gift Tags are super cute and I especially love the kraft paper used for wrapping, which is usually an eco-friendly choice.


So what would you use them for? Well, bridesmaids usually deserve a gift. Now what you plan to give them is up to you. If they haven't been very good bridesmaids, you can give them gumballs. (That's a joke folks, albeit a bad one.) But regardless, wrap it up with a cute little tag and you've got yourself a pretty nice looking package of gumballs.
Get the DIY tutorial at The Purl Bee

Have a great weekend everyone!

Finding New Uses for Old Cans

I don't like canned laughter. I don't like canned spam. And the canned cheeseburger sounds mighty gross (yep, they exist). But I think I'll take my flowers canned any day. Of course, not everything below is in a can. I think some of those are tins, but after browsing wedding images for nearly an hour, we're just going to call them cans. And if you don't like it? You can can it! (Boy, was that a corny joke or what!?)

Clockwise: Jose Villa, Amy Kumler via Snippet and Ink, Caroline Tran via Green Wedding Shoes, Little White Book

My Favorite Accessories

I know I post on here quite often about taking advantage of handmade, vintage, re-purposed, etc, but do I practice what I preach? Yes, for the most part! I am more a "buy used" kind of girl simply because "vintage" tends to be out of my price range, but every once in a while I splurge.

Today I just wanted to share my own little adornments. These little things that contribute to my somewhat discombobulated style, which I'm still trying to establish. Below is my first baby bump pic and the dogs romping in the snow. (If you follow my Twitter feed, you may have already seen this pic.) And that's my favorite Winter hat, purchased at Edie's Hats when visiting Vancouver, Canada (my favorite city, even over Paris and London, but a close second to Florence.)
And this is my most favorite accessory! This is what the hubby got me for Hanukkah, per my request. Okay, I have to admit... One of the reasons I like it so much is because nobody else has it. I get asked about this purse a lot. In the grocery store, in the mall, at conferences, etc... And I love it. It's handmade in Japan by Tago Design and Crafts, a small shop run by this talented gal.


What is your favorite accessory? Is it a pair of shoes? An heirloom piece of jewelry? And if you're getting married, do you plan on incorporating it into your wedding? Leave a comment and consider posting it on your own blog with pictures!

The Anti-Climactic Eye Candy Post

After yesterday I feel this is a bit anti-climactic, but this is a definitely more of an eye-candy post, so I'm just going to run with it.

I think we all have a desire to be unique in one way or another. You don't have to wear an enormous, bright yellow hat (although I totally commend those brave enough to do so) to stand out from the crowd. Sometimes it's something simple, like a beautiful vintage dress from Timeless Vintage Vixen, a delicate antique gold finished sparrow pendant, or a handmade clutch from Gracie's Bags. (Each one pictured below.)

Do you have a favorite personal accessory that you feel is extra unique? I do! And I'll share it with you tomorrow. :)

A Digression: Fear, Love, and Business

You'll have to forgive me today as I am digressing from regularly scheduled blogging. Instead, I'm going to divulge what's been going on behind the scenes of the Earth Friendly Weddings blog and Earthly Affair (we're one and the same for those who don't know). I have to thank Lara Casey and her amazing, intensive workshop, Making Things Happen, as well as Jeff Holt and Emily Ley, for encouraging me to reveal more of myself to you. This workshop forced us to explore some of our deepest fears, which I've shared with you below - straight from my notebook. This workshop has also been the catalyst for big changes on a personal and professional level, which are only in the cogitative phase, but still an exciting and scary prospect.

(My three biggest fears are failure to myself and to others, not being a good wife and mother, and being broke!)

So here goes my friends:

You want to know something weird about me? I like to learn new words. The more complicated the word the better. And the reason is this: If I knew more words, I think I would be better at expressing myself. This only works to a degree, because no matter how expansive my vocabulary is, to truly reveal one's self is difficult. (And for the record, my memory is terrible so I don't remember half the words I learn.) So I'm just going to tell you my story as if we were chatting in a coffee shop. Friend to friend.

I started Earthy Affair while I was working full time as a graphic designer. It wasn't a bad job. There were parts I liked and parts I didn't, but that's how it usually goes, right? At some point, I realized the corporate life wasn't my cup o' tea. I had to get out. I was suffocating. So I worked really, really hard to bring this little business of mine to life. Coming home at five-thirty and working until eight, grabbing some food, and then working some more. One night, I just laid in bed and cried because my biggest fear was that I would fail. With my head buried in the pillow, my husband took me in his arms and consoled my heart with a speech that gave me new life. I kept going and with a lot of love and support, Earthly Affair was born.

That journey began in 2007. Here I am today, 28 years old and due to have a little girl in July. Yes, that's some big news, which quite honestly has me somewhat terrified. Although I am excited, running a business and taking care of a child is scary, but I know it can be done. I've realized in my haste to bring Earthly Affair to the world, I never really took stock of how I, as a person, could make this brand so much stronger than what it is. At the risk of sounding like the biggest cheese ball alive, I have ridiculous amounts of love in me. (And now that I'm pregnant? Forget it! I get teary eyed over pictures of puppies.) One of the reasons I never really focused on wholesale with Earthly Affair is because I truly love each and every one of my customers. I refuse to give up that connection. When I fail them (which is few and far between, but I'm not going to lie, mistakes happen), my heart breaks and I feel as if I let down a friend. I am so honored and overjoyed to be let into their lives, even if momentarily, it's a feeling which no word of the day has been able to encapsulate thus far.

I'm not sure exactly what changes are in store, and it may be a while before they are realized, but I ask you to be patient with me. I so appreciate each and every one of you who read this. For it's because of you I feel a little less insignificant in this big, crazy world.

Alright, we'll be back to regularly scheduled wedding stuff tomorrow. :)

Five Unique Ways to Give Yourself Some Love This Valentine's Day

photo by Hello Naomi

This Sunday is Valentine's Day. A day when we are all supposed to buy into the candy hearts, the overpriced roses, and the cheesy cards with big cursive letters. And then give them to our significant other in an attempt at commercial grade romance.

What am I doing?! Shooting down the most romantic day of the year on a wedding blog! I'm not trying to be the pessimist. I actually love Valentine's Day. I love the fact that it's an excuse to be pampered by your honey, to write love letters, to get a little "lovey dovey" as they say. But let's face it - you don't need Valentine's Day to get your romantic self on. So what about this? Use Valentine's Day as an excuse to love yourself. Sit back and take stock of the lovely person that you are.

Here are five unique ways to give yourself some love (that also happen to be eco-friendly):

1. Write yourself a love letter. Yes, this sounds narcissistic, but nobody else has to see it. Remind yourself of what makes you special and of all the wonderful things YOU have to offer the world.

2. Force yourself out of your comfort zone. Try a new class at the gym, take on a difficult DIY project, go skydiving, etc... Just do something that makes you a little nervous and you'll come out of it with a major confidence boost.

3. Hang out with your friends. Your friends should be people who make you feel good. If they aren't, then you need new friends. I know that's harsh, but I'm a pretty firm believer in this. Good company is almost like food for the soul, so take advantage of a good, hearty, heaping of it.

4. Cry. This may sound counterproductive, but sometimes a good cry can be very emotionally purging. Own your feelings and understand it's all a part of who you are.

5. Eat a brownie. I really only put this on here because I love brownies and this is how I plan to be good to myself. I mean, I really love them. Especially when they are served warm with vanilla ice cream. My husband will have to share Valentine's Day with me and my delicious chocolate brownie a la mode. Don't worry, I'll make him one too. :)

Yellow Flowers!

Quick post today! Love this little yellow rose, handmade by by blue.

Engagement Photo Inspiration

Cute couple. Cute yellow bike. Cute outfit!

Cute engagement photos! Guess what!? These two lovebirds are getting married at the Housing Works Book Store Cafe! Remember that chic little venue? I am going to e-mail the bride-to-be today to see if we can learn more about them. :) Until then, enjoy some of their inspirational eye candy! (All photography by Missy Photography)

Eco-Friendly Invitations

A recent customer of Earthly Affair sent us these! We did her programs and invitations in the Rustle style. The photographs look so pretty, I just had to share! (Photography by Kathleen Duxbury Photography)

Healthy Monday...Sorta

This Healthy Monday post is all about pies. Before you scoff at my idea of "healthy" though, hear me out... :)

I think if I could start a new business, it would be pie-grams. Little telegram pies with messages on the crust. No one would probably buy them and I'm pretty sure I would end up eating all of them before I ever got to sell one, but I love a good pie. Some might argue that pie is only good served à la mode during the hot summer months, but I think it works well as a hearty soul-warming food in the winter too. And if you're watching your calories, you can have your pie and eat it too. You just have to have a little pie! These single serving pie's-in-a-jar are awesome ways to curb your sweet tooth without expanding your waist line. Plus, don't you think they are cute enough to act as favors for a shower? You can even freeze them ahead of time! Get the lowdown on how to make them and different recipes on Our Best Bites!

Re-Wine Your Wedding

Candles are a spectacular way to add a little ambiance to your wedding. Of course, it's best to check with your venue first (not all venues allow candles) and don't place them next to any absent minded guests who like to have one too many. They might catch their hair on fire. Alright, that probably won't happen, just be careful where you place them. :)

Pictured above is a soy candle housed in a glass container that was once a wine bottle! Found at GreenerLandz on Etsy. Perhaps this is something they could do with the wine bottles left over from your own wedding? That might be a neat keepsake for your mantle.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead of you!

Packaging DIY Style

Sometimes DIY can be a more eco-friendly alternative to the mass produced stuff you find in every shop across town. Nice Package offers up a really cute and interesting array of DIY materials and all-in-one type kits.

Engagement Picture Inspiration

These engagement shots remind me a little of the dark, moodiness that was so ever present in the movie Sherlock Holmes (which hubby loved, but I couldn't really get into it). You gotta hand it to the bride and groom for originality - there is a lot of inspiration which can be derived from these! Dramatic with a hint of vintage-ness.






Thank you Marie-Gael and Michael for sharing your engagement photos with us!

photographer: Andrew Kung http://www.andrewkung.com/
assistant: James Lykins
location: Louisville, KY

Upcycled Headbands

Maybe not for the wedding day, but perhaps for a shower or rehearsal dinner? Upcycled headbands, made out of real newspaper and protected with acrylic, found at Fey Handmade.

Healthy Monday: Around The Home

I used to hate cleaning. Okay, I still hate cleaning, but I used to think the stronger the product, the better it cleaned. I was all for bleach. Now, a little more health and environmentally conscious, I try to take advantage of more non-toxic cleaning methods (especially since I would really like to keep the remaining brain cells I didn't lose to the bleach.*)

Fortunately, there are many safer alternatives to keeping your home sparkling clean. Green Daily suggests using lemons as a polish for sinks and as an odor eliminator, cream of tartar mixed with water acts as a more abrasive scrubbing agent, and baking soda mixed with vinegar and water makes for a powerful all purpose cleaner. Around our home, we use a vinegar and water solution to keep our shower clean and Trader Joe's "Next to Godliness" multipurpose spray for our kitchen and bathroom.

Your laundry detergent is something else to think about, especially if you're like me and get super sexy rashes from all those chemicals. According to Planet Green, you can make your own with just four basic ingredients: water, bar soap, borax, and washing soda. I've never tried this, but I would love to hear from those who have!


And last, but not least, this is a pretty humorous little video on the rather scary things that live in our cleaners: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k9K8V2-Itw (Just FYI: This is safe for work, but it may not look like it to the guy walking by your cube, considering it contains a shower scene.

What do you do to keep your home a little greener? I'd love to hear your comments!

*I'm not really sure if bleach causes you to lose brain cells, but it sure does smell stinky.

photos from Yvestown