Steampunk Fashion: Mindy's Memos

Mindy's Memos

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Hi friends! Whether you’re leaving for your honeymoon soon after the wedding or waiting a few months, traveling in general can be a stressful experience. I trust you’ll do the obvious like get any necessary vaccinations and pack according to the weather, but here are a few other things to keep in mind as you prep for an amazing vacation:

Be mindful o...

Be mindful of your name change. Your plane ticket will need to match your ID and/or passport. Because it can take some time to get all that sorted, I recommend waiting until after your honeymoon to begin the name change process. So remember to book all your travel in your maiden name!

Copies, copies, copies. Make backup copies of your passport, itineraries, hotel confirmations and other important documents – you can store them in a secure, password-protected Dropbox online or keep extra printed copies on hand (do both, preferably). This way you can access them anywhere.

Tend to your bills. Autopay is your friend here! Set up payments for all your bills so you can come home to, you know, running water and electricity.

Organize your home. No need to go on an intense cleaning spree, but simple things like cleaning out the fridge, making your bed and taking out the trash before you leave will make your homecoming so much nicer.

Get yourself travel insurance. I’m a big fan of insurance, especially for traveling out of country. Insurance can cover things like medical emergencies, lost luggage or even last-minute cancellations. Having the peace of mind is so worth it.

Last but not least, enjoy the moment! You’re about to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your partner.

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Flickr/fabulousfabs

Honeymooners & Destination Couples: Renew Your Passport Now!

Hello friends! You know I always tell you not to procrastinate with the nitty gritty things involved in your wedding. Well this time it’s pretty dire! If you’re planning a destination wedding or an international honeymoon and your passport is out of date, renew it now…seriously!

Here’s why. According to The New York Times, the State Department is ...

Here’s why. According to The New York Times , the State Department is anticipating a pretty big surge in renewals this year and next. Around the 2006/2007 timeframe was when an initiative went into effect requiring passports for travel to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Now those 10-year passports are set to expire so the State Department expects an influx of applications.

The bottom line? Don’t haste and get that renewal application in as soon as you can! Visit the State Department website for more info.

An while we’re on the subject, here are a couple other tips if you’re planning any wedding-related travel:

Some countries now require that your passport have at least six months of validity beyond your travel date. Meaning if your trip is in April 2016, your passport should be valid until at least October 2016.

If you’re changing your name, wait until after the honeymoon (this is probably the only time I will condone procrastination). The name on your airline ticket and passport needs to match. You’re probably booking your travel pretty far in advance, so wait until after the trip to get all that pesky name change paperwork done.

In addition to a passport, some countries also require a visa for entry. You can get that info on the State Department website.

Consider purchasing travel insurance! This can help protect you in case of cancellations, medical emergencies and more.

Don’t worry, once you get these pesky admin tasks out of the way, you’re in for a trip of a lifetime with your other half. Enjoy!

xox,

Mindy

Header image courtesy of Flickr/lucastheexperience

Hello Friends! Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day filled with lots of love-friends, family, and chocolate! Valentine's Day is one of my favorites because I absolutely love the deep red hues and fabulous florals that come along with the holiday! I would love to share some of my weekend events with all you on this Presidents' Day Monday! Enjoy! xoxI ...

Hello Friends! Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day filled with lots of love-friends, family, and chocolate! Valentine’s Day is one of my favorites because I absolutely love the deep red hues and fabulous florals that come along with the holiday! I would love to share some of my weekend events with all you on this Presidents’ Day Monday! Enjoy! xox

I held a divine New York City Valentine’s Day party, decorated with lots of red and roses!

For Valentine’s Day my husband gave me this “Kiss Me You Fool” clutch from Kate Spade! The clutch was handcrafted by the artists of Masoro, over 150 Rwandans whose skills have become a foundation of a new small business. Not only do I love the purse, but I love that it helps a community as well!

As some of you may know, I recently released my “Baby Keepsake Book & Planner.” I spent last Friday signing a bunch of them! This is a great item to keep track of all of your unforgettable first baby moments! You can buy the book on my website shop or on Amazon !

Loving my Valentine’s Day inspired #manicurefriday! This is “Fondola Gondola” by Essie!

Hi friends!
Today I'm sharing one of my all time favorite wedding traditions... the toasts! Each wedding toast is so different and unique to the couple - some are very nostalgic, some are funny and some of a mix of both. Here are the toasts that are traditionally given at a wedding -

Rehearsal Dinner Toast - I always love rehearsal dinners! It's usuall...

Hi friends!
Today I’m sharing one of my all time favorite wedding traditions… the toasts! Each wedding toast is so different and unique to the couple – some are very nostalgic, some are funny and some of a mix of both. Here are the toasts that are traditionally given at a wedding –

Rehearsal Dinner Toast – I always love rehearsal dinners! It’s usually the first time the couple’s family and closest friends get together to celebrate the upcoming I Do’s. It’s tradition for the groom’s father to make a speech and toast at the rehearsal dinner. The father/son relationship is a very special one, so I always love to hear what the father of the groom has to say!
Father of the Bride Toast – Typically during dinner the father of the bride will give a speech and raise a toast to the new couple. This is one of my favorite moments at a wedding as the dad bids his farewell to his little girl and toasts to her new bond with her husband. There’s usually not a dry eye in the house!
Maid of Honor and Best Man Toasts – after the father of the bride toast typically comes the maid of honor and best man toasts! These toasts are typically filled with embarrassing stories and fun memories of the bride and groom. It helps lighten the mood and get guests ready for dancing!

There are a few things needed for a great toast – prepared notes, personal memories about the bride and groom to share mixed with funny stories, well wishes for the bride and groom, and of course – a great beverage to toast with! While some couples opt for a champagne toast, I’m a big believer in toasting with wine that’s already at the table – as long as it’s good wine of course!

One of my favorites to serve at weddings is the Votre Santé line from Francis Ford Coppola . It’s of course high quality wine, but also has well-designed labels (very important to a wedding designer!!), and the name of the of the line is perfect for weddings – “a votre santé” means “to your health” and was a toast Francis Coppola’s Grandmother would give each time she raised a glass. The toast became a family tradition – so of course this wine is perfect for toasting at weddings!

One of my favorite toasts to give to the newlyweds is “to life, laughter and happily ever after!”

xox Mindy

Hi friends!
The year has just begun, and we're already seeing new engagement ring trends! I'm a jewelry lover, so I love keeping my eye out for what's happening in the accessories world... I also make sure to take of my jewelry! No bride plans to lose their new ring, but it's smart to have a plan in place just in case. I always suggest to my brides to ins...

Hi friends!
The year has just begun, and we’re already seeing new engagement ring trends! I’m a jewelry lover, so I love keeping my eye out for what’s happening in the accessories world… I also make sure to take of my jewelry! No bride plans to lose their new ring, but it’s smart to have a plan in place just in case. I always suggest to my brides to insure their precious rings! Most homeowners policies do not automatically include jewelry coverage, so it is a good idea to look into insuring your jewelry separately. One of my favorite companies is Perfect Circle , by Jewelers Mutual Insurance. You can go on their site and use their calculator to get a quote on what it would be to insure your ring! Engagement and wedding rings are a symbol or your commitment to your spouse, so make sure you take great care of it!

Now on to my favorite trends…

Yellow and Rose Gold

Platinum used to be the go to for brides, but I’m seeing more and more women opt for yellow or rose gold. I even love the look of mixed metals – a yellow gold engagement ring with a platinum wedding band. In this day and age, there are no rules! Lauren Conrad, Emma Roberts, Blake Lively and Jennifer Aniston have all embraced this trend, and I think we’ll be seeing even more of it in 2014!

Art Deco

From Ashlee Simpson to Christina Aguilera to Scarlett Johansson – brides are loving art-deco inspired settings! What I love about this trend is each ring looks like a one-of-a-kind. Plus they have a vintage twist – which is so me!

Statement Settings

The classic solitaire may still reign as queen of engagement rings, but edgier brides are opting for statement settings! Leighton Meester and Mary-Kate Olson have both been spotted out with chunky settings

Take care of those pretty gems! They mean too much to let anything happen to them… so be sure to check out Perfect Circle !

xox Mindy

Hello friends! Diamonds are a girl's best friend... and Blue Nile has lovely diamonds. They just launched their Leave Nothing to Chance app that you can use to define your fashion personality! Are you a Jet Setter, Queen Bee or Understated Beauty? There are over 30 fashion personalities and you have to take the quiz to find out which one you are.

With you...

Hello friends! Diamonds are a girl’s best friend… and Blue Nile has lovely diamonds. They just launched their Leave Nothing to Chance app that you can use to define your fashion personality! Are you a Jet Setter, Queen Bee or Understated Beauty? There are over 30 fashion personalities and you have to take the quiz to find out which one you are.

With your results you’ll get a cute info-graphic and (this is the best part) you’ll also get a few gift recommendations perfect for your style that you can share with your spouse, family and friends!

Everyone that takes the quiz will be entered to win a three carat diamond tennis bracelet. Plus, I have EIGHT $50 gift cards to give just to my readers!! Leave a comment below and let me know which fashion personality you are. We’ll pick the winners on 12/9.

And since I am thankful for each and every one of you, I’m also sharing a 10% off code good through 12/31 on Blue Nile jewelry – BNAPP2013.

Happy shopping!
Enjoy xox Mindy

Hello My Friends...Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful 4th of July. I'm off to do a party but felt the need to say that I'm so proud to be an American. After traveling the world pretty much in the last few years there is truly no place like home. Yes amazing castles and landscape and food but when it comes to where my heart is, it is right home with the ...

Hello My Friends…Just wanted to wish you all a wonderful 4th of July. I’m off to do a party but felt the need to say that I’m so proud to be an American. After traveling the world pretty much in the last few years there is truly no place like home. Yes amazing castles and landscape and food but when it comes to where my heart is, it is right home with the comforts of my family and friends and my home.
Light a sparkler for me and let it shine! Stay tune for some new adventures…xox Mindy

Instantly Collect Your Guests’ Photos through WeddingSnap!

Hi Friends! A picture is worth a thousand words and that’s why I just had to share a new wedding photo sharing website, WeddingSnap! WeddingSnap makes it easier for you and your guests to share photos of your special day so you don't have to keep reminding them to send them to you.

It's really easy to use - after you sign up and select one of three differ...

Hi Friends! A picture is worth a thousand words and that’s why I just had to share a new wedding photo sharing website, WeddingSnap ! WeddingSnap makes it easier for you and your guests to share photos of your special day so you don’t have to keep reminding them to send them to you.

It’s really easy to use – after you sign up and select one of three different package and create an album code (like TaliandJordan) to share with your guests so they can jump in on the fun.

You’ll received 250 personalized info cards to give out so your guests can upload pictures from your wedding after. A copy of every photo that is taken will be automatically uploaded to your album, and those who don’t have smart phones can easily upload their digital camera pictures after the celebration! How amazing is that all your wedding photos in one place!!

I wish I knew about this for my son’s wedding so we could have all the pictures guests took! The first 20 people who read this and sign up with the code “Mindy20” will receive $20 off. Pictures are priceless, and WeddingSnap will make sure you get them all!

Learn how WeddingSnap can help make your day special day at www.WeddingSnap.com or visit their blog at blog.weddingsnap.com!

Xo Mindy

*Sponsored Post*

Photo by Elizabeth Messina

Hello Friends! Happy 2012!
As we begin the New Year I thought I would share something I FORGOT.
I decided to take a week off of work between Christmas and New Year's. Saying I would do it was easy - now I had to prove to myself and to my office that I could disconnect.
I woke up my first day of NO WORK and I FORGOT how to just la...

Photo by Elizabeth Messina

Hello Friends! Happy 2012!
As we begin the New Year I thought I would share something I FORGOT.
I decided to take a week off of work between Christmas and New Year’s. Saying I would do it was easy – now I had to prove to myself and to my office that I could disconnect.

I woke up my first day of NO WORK and I FORGOT how to just lay. Just lay in bed and do nothing. I jumped out of bed because it didn’t feel right to just lay around. I opened my bedroom curtains and I FORGOT how lovely the view is from my bedroom. I FORGOT that I have a gardner come twice a week to maintain the plants and flowers. I FORGOT I have fruit trees that wait for me to enjoy its delicious growth of lemons, limes and baby apples. They just grow and rot because I FORGOT they were there. I FORGOT to take the plastic off the new cushions I bought last summer for my kids and their friends to enjoy…were they laying on the plastic?

I went into my 13 year old son’s room and snuggled with him on my first day off. I FORGOT that he had grown about 2 more feet and his legs are longer then mine and my little boy was transforming into a man before my eyes…I FORGOT to notice. I went into my middle son’s room (he’s 21, 6’1 and about 200 pounds ) singing a wake up song I would sing every morning when he was little. He was half asleep but managed to sing all the words right back to me. I FORGOT how he used to be so angry every morning because of my horrible voice but now he found it funny. I FORGOT how I use to laugh hysterically as he would yell at me to “please stop singing!”
My dogs were confused at why I was the one feeding them and walking them but I FORGOT how much I love their sweetness and unconditional love and how out of shape I’m in… they walked me around the block!

I FORGOT that I can actually make plans with my family and friends and not have to cancel because I have a work emergency. I FORGOT that I can go to a movie and not only be inspired but I didn’t have to look at my Blackberry 50 times (ok, so 20 times- but I’mworking on it…) to see if someone needed me. I FORGOT that there is a whole city out there right in front of me that exists – it’s not only the box I put myself in from home to work to carpool to work to home. I FORGOT about me. My hubby and kids FORGOT that I can actually cook. I had 48 over for Hanukkah and I FORGOT where all my cooking utensils were and all my vintage bowls and platters that I bought for the moment I would have people over. I FORGOT how long it takes to cook a brisket.

I FORGOT that I started knitting 3 scarfs about 4 years ago and I found the bag I safely put away with inspiration for more knitting projects. I FORGOT that the feeling I get when I laugh is like the feeling I get when I see a dream I created come true…feels like home to me.

So as I get ready to go back to work I decided that along with the dreams I plan to create for my clients I will make a priority to take time for some of my dreams, my husband’s dreams my children’s dreams. I don’t want to go through life FORGETTING what could of been, because I just had to take one week off to REMEMBER what I FORGOT!

XOX Mindy

Just wanted to share the sweet bridal christmas tree that my lovely office surprised me with!!! They used my cake topper collection. LOVE it! Enjoy xox Mindy...

Just wanted to share the sweet bridal christmas tree that my lovely office surprised me with!!! They used my cake topper collection. LOVE it! Enjoy xox Mindy

Today is Mindy's birthday and we (her family and friends!) have taken over her blog for the day to give her some well wishes on this special day! If you want to leave a birthday comment we know she'd love to receive it! Below are some birthday sentiments from her nearest and dearest.Like Lucy and Ethel, Laverne and Shirley, Oprah and Gail.... we've gone thro...

Today is Mindy’s birthday and we (her family and friends!) have taken over her blog for the day to give her some well wishes on this special day! If you want to leave a birthday comment we know she’d love to receive it! Below are some birthday sentiments from her nearest and dearest.Like Lucy and Ethel, Laverne and Shirley, Oprah and Gail…. we’ve gone through it all together! It’s always an adventure
and I know there are many more to come. May your year be filled with good health, joyous celebrations, prosperity,
lots of our laughing attacks and no markets. Happy Birthday Friend…love you!
Always,
Janey

Your amazing talent, friendship, gracious warmth and leadership brings daily happiness to over 35,000 people (probably 36,000 by the time you read this). I am blessed to be one of them. Party on.
Love, Jay

To my sweet friend,

I truly hope your birthday is as sweet as you are & your day is filled with all the things you love.

Wishing you an abundance of blessings, today and all year through.
Happy Birthday, My Dear Friend.

XOXO Cassandre

Happy birthday Mindy from your favorite Gardeners.
-Mark’s Garden

dear mindy
for your birthday i want to thank you for all the things you have done for me (and martin) over the years. i will never forget the flower-surprise you did for me for valentines day (in the name of Martin) it was the most touching moment and i love you for that and for many other reasons. to work with you is the best you trust our work and that makes everybody feel at ease. stay healthy , sweet and beautiful for all the years to come. happy sexy birthday
then in the end of our life whats left is love.
simone ” peperoni”

Happy Birthday Mindy!!!! We Love you!
Melissa, Irene, Amy, Cassie, Kristen, James and Taylor

Mindy, just knowing you has enriched our lives. You are such a blessing to all those around you. You inspire us daily and we love you!
Leila, Ashley and Lauren

happy birthday beautiful mindy….you are as kind as you are talented…i feel lucky to call you my friend… i hope you have a wonderful day full of blessings…xoxo
love elizabeth messina

Hi Friends,
As most of you know I love to go to flea markets and find and add to my collections...I came across these pictures to share with you some of the fun collections in my kitchen. Oh and the beautiful dog in one of the pics is Zoe. Our family dog....if you have collections I would love you to share and I will post! Enjoy xox Mindy...

Hi Friends,
As most of you know I love to go to flea markets and find and add to my collections…I came across these pictures to share with you some of the fun collections in my kitchen. Oh and the beautiful dog in one of the pics is Zoe. Our family dog….if you have collections I would love you to share and I will post! Enjoy xox Mindy

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Steampunk Fashion

5 Tips on Prepping for Honeymoon Travel

5 Tips on Prepping for Honeymoon Travel

Honeymooners & Destination Couples: Renew Your Passport Now!

Honeymooners & Destination Couples: Renew Your Passport Now!

Weekend Recap: Instagram

Weekend Recap: Instagram

Wedding Toasts

Wedding Toasts

Engagement Ring Trends

Engagement Ring Trends

Blue Nile’s “Leave Nothing to Chance”… and a Giveaway!

Blue Nile’s “Leave Nothing to Chance”… and a Giveaway!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th!

Instantly Collect Your Guests’ Photos through WeddingSnap!

Instantly Collect Your Guests’ Photos through WeddingSnap!

I FORGOT

I FORGOT

Oh Christmas Tree!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Happy Birthday Mindy!

Happy Birthday Mindy!

A Couple of Collections

A Couple of Collections