Newly Wed-nesday: The Borrowed Bridesmaid

Planning a wedding? By now you've rented a venue, rented tables, chairs, decor and maybe even a port-a-potty or two. It may surprise you at some of the other items you can rent. How about your bridesmaids dresses? Yep, sure can. Why not? Men have been renting tuxedos since the dawn of proms.  Just think about it from your attendants perspective. When we recently got married we planned a destination wedding. We kept our bridal party small. I wanted all of our family and friends to be there and enjoy the day with us without breaking the bank. Traveling and even attending a wedding is expense. Asking friends and family to pay for all the costs involved in standing up just seemed a lot to ask of them. Having said that, we all want those closest to us by our side on that special day. So, for your bridal party, no matter what the number of attendents, renting dresses is a long over due idea. Not only is it affordable but it's super easy and convenient. For bridal parties spread out in different areas its a welcome solution. The site I really like is littleborroweddresses.com. Here is how it works.

First, select your dress style and color, and yes, you can choose a different style for each attendant. They will send you a free swatch to ensure the color and fabric is to your liking. Then place your reservations. Next, the dresses will arrive two weeks prior to the event. In addition to your ordered size, they will send you a back up size with every dress ordered. That's genius. The dresses are designed to not require alterations and are quite forgiving. Finally, both the worn dress and the back up dress must be returned the next business day after the wedding. No need to clean. Send it back in their prepaid mailer and you are done. One tip. LBD recommends reserving three months before the event, but can accommodate last minute events. The cost per dress is approximately $50 - $75 depending on length and style. LBD does sell their dresses new if you prefer. Super simple. It's an option to consider. I mean, truly, they aren't going to wear those dresses again. Just sayin' Happy planning! Ta! THM

Let There Be Light!

Ok, I'm a little OCD about room lighting. Poor lighting can mean too much, too little, or just having it coming from all the wrong places. Really, I actually find it hard to be comfortable in a room with bad lighting. I told ya, I have issues. That is why I think I love lamps. They, in my opinion are one of the top 5 elements that make or transform a space.  Not only from a practical lighting use, but they can add mood, personality, texture, pattern and color. You do not need to spend big money to have a big impact in any room.  One of my other hobbies is scouring the clearance aisles and websites for crazy bargains on stuff that is actually nice, pretty and useful. Here are a few of my finds today. Oh, look at that they are all lamps...shocking.

Target - $42.50  Classic but works in so many applications. Great functional piece for a bedside or desktop. perch then in a room with transitional home spun style and lots of vintage and dimensional fabrics.

JcPenney - $32. So perfect. The linen shade is a great addition of texture, the cream washed finish makes it an easy pairing with any color palette. The shape keeps it from being too feminine.

JcPenney - $62.00 This is right on trend with 2013. Yes, brass is back. You are going to be seeing a lot of over-the-top decor and antique style this year. Pair this with a beautiful big mirror and on an old chest and you have a designer go to look.

West Elm  - $6.99-$9.99 Pendant lights are so much fun and they are a necessity in any kitchen no matter how small the space. These cuties come in a variety of colors and in three sizes. The industrial, high gloss design gives then a funky flare that can pair with contemporary, urban or retro styles.

If you only change one thing in your home this year, switch out a couple lamps and you will refresh and update with the flick of a switch!