my anniversary gift from jayson home

My husband and I recently celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. With me being an uncomfortable 38 weeks pregnant, and two other kids at home under 4, we didn’t go all out this year. A date night at our favorite restaurant Parisi made for the perfect celebration. And a small, sentimental gift from Jayson Home made personal with notes and photos inside made for the perfect gift.

I love these Numbered Boxes from Jayson Home for so many reasons – their vintage feel, the price and they make great gifts for everyone.

I wanted to sit and reflect on the past 5 years, which has been wonderfully exhausting with 2 {almost 3} kids, memorable, fun and monumental. There is no one I would rather share this remarkable and blessed journey with than my loving hubby, Tommy. I wanted him to know that the past years haven’t just been bills and diapers, but lessons learned, laughter, growth, love and fun. So, I bought a #5 metal Numbered Box from Jayson Home and filled it with photos of my favorite moments from the past 5 years and a letter with all my favorite memories shared with him throughout the past 5 years.

He loved it.

Good news for all you soon to be celebrating an anniversary, or for those of you who want a Numbered Box for your home, or want to give it as a gift to a friend or loved one…Jayson Home is offering Tutto Bella readers a free Numbered Box, and they sweetened the deal with a $50 gift certificate to Jayson Home online.

To enter the giveaway {you have 4 opportunities to enter the drawing}, you must:
1. Visit Jayson Home on Pinterest and become a follower. Then, come back and leave a comment telling us you did.

For additional entries, you must:

2. Visit Jayson Home online, and come back and leave a comment telling us about your favorite product.

3. Leave a comment telling us how you would use your numbered box and gift certificate.

4. ‘Like’ Jayson Home on Facebook, and come back and leave a comment telling us you did.

Giveaway will end July 25. Winner will be chosen via random.org.

at home with jayson home

When I first discovered Jayson Home while surfing the internet for home accessories a couple weeks back, I knew I was, well…home. I want to go to their landmark store in Chicago just to shop…but for now, online will have to do.

For nearly twenty years, Jayson Home has been selling modern and vintage furnishings, tableware, lighting and home accessories such as candles, pillows and books found from all over the world.

Although I love so many things; in fact, I could buy everything in the store, below are just a few of my favorite accessories from Jayson Home.

1. Burlap Vases, starting at $8
2. Ceramic 12-bud Vase, $22
3. Rustic Table Runner, $54
4. Farmers Market Baskets, starting at $20
5. Rope Handle Tray, $40
6. Moroccan Dessert Plate, $18
7. Checker Mother of Pearl Tray, starting at $250
8. Black Anchor, $8.50
9. Numbered Boxes, $12

P.S. You want to come back tomorrow because we have a fantastic gift idea and fabulous giveaway from Jayson Home. You don’t want to miss it.

{images via Jayson Home}

something special brewing

When I first saw these I love you more than coffee favors, I had to see more of the Etsy shop where they were created. And, the more I got to know Jennie-Mae, owner of Apropos Roasters, the more I wanted to drink her coffee and support her Etsy shop. I love her rustic, eco-friendly packaging, and of course what’s inside…coffee {or depending on your personal preference, tea or hot chocolate}.

I love a good cup of coffee, and I really love a good story…especially when people turn their passion into a successful business. And, that’s just what Jennie-Mae did.

In Jennie-Mae’s words: When I started Apropos, I didn’t have a lot of extra money, it all going into growing the business, so I started trading and gifting with coffee.  I traded coffee for hair cuts and produce at farmer’s markets. I gave the coffee as gifts during the holidays and when I traveled, I always left coffee at the house of whoever let me stay with them.
Anyway, some friends of mine were getting married and I wanted to do something for them so I came up with smaller coffee packs they could use as their favors, as a way of contributing to their wedding. Two years later and I’m in the wedding business selling more coffee favors than I can count. I never would have guessed!
Now I’m in the process of opening a “brick and mortar” shop in downtown Richmond because I need more space. That’s pretty exciting for me, as well. I’m also planning a trip for next year to a coffee farm so I can see first hand where some of my favorite beans are coming from.

We wish you continued success with your new shop, Jennie-Mae!

Here’s some of my other personal faves from her cute shop you need to check out.

Coffee Wedding Favors in Vintage Red and White

Airmail Wedding Favors

Coffee of the Month {or Week} Club
{great gift for coffee lovers…each month the recipient will receive 12 oz. of beans in his/her mailbox along with a “coffee card” to read information about the variety of the month}

Something is Brewing Baby Shower Favors

Good news for all you Tutto Bella readers because Jennie-Mae is offering you a 10% discount {good until November 1, 2012}.
Just enter TUTTOBELLA into the discount box at checkout.

Visit Apropos Roasters today to get something delicious brewing in your life…or coffee pot…today! If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for, contact Jennie-Mae and she will help you create it!

{images via Apropos Roasters}

name blocks

First, we fell in love with Jessica at Blue Bird Heaven’s printer drawers {remember this post} turned into antique and chic jewelry displays. Well, she has expanded her shop…and now it’s time to happily shop again!

Among her many selections my personal new faves are Jessica’s rolling pin hook racks , garden faucet hook racks, banister spindle bracelet display, wedding accessories and my new favorite shop section, block and key racks.

When Jenna and Will asked my hubby and me to be their son’s godparents, we were honored and joyfully accepted. My only dilemma for the new {and precious} little man…the perfect gift.

Combine everything I was looking for: Vintage + Custom + Keepsake + Unique = Custom Baby Block Rack by Blue Bird Heaven.

Dante’s nursery is grey, black and white, so per my request, Jessica used a distressed white board and painted the vintage baby blocks black. I loved the final product.

Not only are her products beautifully made, but her customer service is outstanding. She answers e-mails and orders promptly and makes sure you get your order in time.

I couldn’t be happier with my purchase for my sweet little nephew and godson…and I know his mommy and daddy like it too!

Hope you shop Blue Bird Heaven today! There’s a gift for everyone…even yourself!

to: dad

For those special men in our lives that protect and guide us…our wonderful dads. Buy him something special for Father’s Day this year {June 17} to say I love you. Below are some fun finds to get your shopping started.

We’ll share our dad’s gift with you too {it’s adorable if I may say so…but our dad is a #1 fan of the blog…thanks, dad…so all you fab readers have to wait a bit longer to see it}

1. Dad’s Playbook, Uncommon Goods {$13}
2. Guinness Aftershave, Nevermore Body Company on Etsy {$22}
3. Personalized Hand Stamped Key Chain, Fired Up Ladies Hammer on Etsy
4. Blended Scotch Whiskey {of your choice} with Custom Label, Whiskey Blender
5. Bocce Ball Set, Restoration Hardware {$84}
6. Beer Bottle Label, Pinhole Press {$11.99 for 15 labels}
7. Carved Leather Bracelet, DIY, full tutorial here from Lil Blue Boo
8. Car Wash Kit, DIY

{images via Uncommon Goods, Restoration Hardware, Whiskey Blender, Pinhole Press, Fired Up Ladies Hammer, Nevermore Body Company, Lil Blue Boo and Martha Stewart}

summer, summer, summertime…

time to sit back and unwind.
~ lyrics courtesy of Will Smith’s Summertime song…you knew it, huh? 

As I was creating my lust-list for Damsel in Dior’s Follow Fridays last week, I found myself lusting over and over again for summer entertaining items. Since I wasn’t able to share all of them with you then, I’m sharing them with you now.

Take a look…don’t you just love and want them too? I know they would look perfect on my antique wood picnic bench on the back porch.

Happy Memorial Weekend everyone. Hope you entertain in style this weekend. And, most importantly let us all take the time to remember loved ones we’ve lost, and particularly honor and remember those in the military service who have died serving our great country. We are forever grateful.

Blue Striped Table Cloth, Terrain {$98}
Galvanized Metal Rectangular Tray, Pottery Barn {$39.50} 
Wildflower Collection in Burlap Bags {for favors}, Terrain {$25}
Mason Jar Shakers, Terrain {$16}
RÅSKOG Kitchen Cart, Ikea {$49.99}
Smith and Hawken Metal Cage String Lights, Target
Striped Sea Grass Carafe, Terrain {$24}
Marimekko Unikko Green and Blue Melamine Plate, Crate and Barrel {$4.95}
Andros Blue Melamine Dinner Plate, Crate and Barrel {$4.95}
Wire Utility Basket, Terrain {$16}
Mason Jar Drink Dispenser, Pottery Barn, {$69}
Hammered Acrylic Drinkware Lime, Pier1 {$4.60}

 {images via Terrain, Party-Tales, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Target, Pier1, Ikea}

rx: sweet happiness

My sister-in-law recently graduated from nursing school {you go girl!}, so in addition to the new Bayan Hippo purse and Curly Girl travel mug we bought for her, I wanted to fill the purse with something medical-related and sweet.

What did I come up with?

Happy Pills.

Sometimes we need a reason to smile…and sometimes laughter, happiness and joy is the best medicine. Instead of filling prescription bottles with real drugs, we filled empty, clean prescription bottles {you can re-use old bottles or buy from amazon.com} with candy, gum, chocolate and mints.

If you’re hosting a medical school or nursing grad party, another fun idea is to stack them for a display on a dessert table, or give them as take-home favors. It’s affordable and so cute!

Or, for the girlfriend who just had her heart broken by a man – these would certainly cheer her up.

Or {the possibilities are endless}, how cute would it be to give to the bride in her day-of essentials/emergency kit or for a newly-engaged bride to get her through a year of planning? An I Do prescription bottle filled with breath-freshening mints. Or, one for each of the bridesmaids.

Good news for you…we are selling these in our Fleur de Lis, a paperie etsy shop. Check them out here and order today. {$5 for file as is and $10 for a custom file}

{images via Tutto Bella}

looking pretty in plum pretty sugar

I know I seem to have a new obsession every week – I just can’t help it. My new obsession and item added to my wish list is…

a Plum Pretty Sugar robe {knee-length, beckoning creatures print robe to be exact}.

I just dream of putting this on with a hot cup of joe or tea in hand and curling up on the couch to read a good book….or who am I kidding, the latest issue of People Magazine.

Or, even in my reality of a hectic morning routine packing lunches and snacks, getting the kids fed, dressed and out the door for the day’s activity…if I were wearing a Plum Pretty Sugar robe {instead of my ragged old t-shirt and sweats}, I would feel pretty and feminine…and that is essential for a woman and mom!

For all of you brides out there, a Plum Pretty Sugar robe is the PERFECT bridesmaid gift {or gift to yourself}. And, what lovely photos the day of your wedding. You and all of your maids can feel pretty and pampered on the wedding day, and everyday after when you put it on. You can buy your maids matching sets, or get everyone a different color to spice things up. Whatever you choose to do, I promise, your maids will love you forever for giving them such a lovely gift.

Jacey, our fabulous girlfriend over at Damsel in Dior, gave each of her maids, her mom and herself a Plum Pretty Sugar robe to wear while getting ready for her wedding day {if you haven’t seen her wedding video by Lovespun Films, please do yourself a favor and see it here. Or, if you haven’t seen gorgeous photos of her wedding day, click here}.

{images via Lauren Ross Photography and Jacey’s girlfriend and bridesmaid Gia}

PINTEREST pics of the week: gifts for the grad

It’s that time of year we celebrate those who are about to embark on a new journey in their lives. Maybe they are about to enter the fun and crazy-filled college years. Or, maybe they are celebrating a milestone of a college graduation and about to enter the ‘real world.’ We salute you grads of 2012. Congrats!

For those of you stopping by the endless open houses and celebrations, we found some fun and creative gift ideas via our new favorite site, Pinterest, that will make your gift stand out from the crowd.
{BTW, you can follow us on Pinterest by clicking here}

8 x 10 Art Print She Turned Her Dreams Into Plans by Lindsey at Pen and Paint via Etsy. Lindsay at Pen and Paint is offering Tutto Bella readers 10% off with code BELLA10. 

Write Your Own Way Necklace, Waxing Poetic {$79}

DIY Caddy, Creation Corner
{fill a shower caddy with Top Ramen, a book reading light, ear plugs, shower shoes, 5 hour energy, first aid kit, Febreeze, Pop Tarts, Hand Sanitizer, ear plugs, etc…visit Artsy MaQnolias for more kit ideas}

We all know new grads LOVE and NEED money, so step out of the box a bit and package it creatively with a…

Money Lei, Your Home Based Parties

Here are some other grad gift ideas we found around the web too…

Dogeared Jewels Forget Me Not Necklace, $64 from Zappos
{Make a wish and put on your necklace. wear it as a reminder that I love you.}

Here’s to You by Dan Zadra and Kristel Wills, $14.95 from Compendium Incorporated
{This company has SO MANY great products and gifts for the grad including, Dream Every Day Journal, The Book of 5 by Dan Zadra and I Believe in You by Dan Zadra}

Curly Girl Stainless Steel Travel Mug, Shine Your Light on the World, $19.99 from Amazon
{this would be adorable filled with a Starbucks gift card or VIA packets for all the late night studying for those soon-to-be college students…I bought this for some of my grad parties this year}

{images via Pen and Paint, Waxing Poetic, Creation Corner, Your Home Based Parties, Zappos, Compendium Incorporated and Amazon}

to: mom

Motherhood is complete happiness for me. My children amaze me everyday and I can honestly say wouldn’t want my life any other way. As a mother, I have grown as a woman and a human being.

Having said that, I have also never been so tired, dirty, worried and had my patience tried so much as a mother. 🙂

I have an unbelievable amount of gratitude for my mom and all she did for me and a high level of respect for all the wonderful moms doing the best they can to raise happy, healthy children.

Today, we have a few treasured finds to show your mom you care on Mother’s Day.

{P.S. You should order today as Mother’s Day is 12 days away}.

FOR THE ANTIQUE LOVING MOM
Rewired Basket, Home Decorators Collection {$24}
{this would be adorable filled with short glasses, a bottle of vino, bread, cheese, grapes and some meat along with a soft blanket for a picnic…it would double as a gift and a fun Mother’s Day outing}

  FOR THE FUN IN THE SUN MOM

Two Color Striped Floppy Hat, Echo Design  {$42}

   FOR THE COLORFUL MOM

Gecko Bangles in a variety of colors, Fornash {$25}

FOR THE BEGINNING GARDENER MOM

Flowers in a Can, FredFlare.com {$15}

FOR THE NEW MOM
I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids by Trisha Ashworth and Amy Noble, Amazon {$13}

FOR THE MOM WHO DESERVES A BREAK AND A LITTLE PAMPERING
Lollia Relax Evening Bubble Bath, Lollia {available for purchase at Fleur de Lis, a paperie for $34}

FOR THE SENTIMENTAL MOM
My Mom Scented Candle, Curly Girl Store {$17.95}

FOR THE CUTE, SPORTY MOM
Mom’s Toms Shoes, toms {$54}

FOR THE CLASSIC MOM
Echo ‘Pear Label Conversational Scarf’, Nordstrom {$38}

 {images via Home Decorators Collection, Echo, Fornash, FredFlare.com, Toms, Curly Girl Store, Lollia, Amazon and Nordstrom}