New twist on tradition

Read the Full article HERE New twist on tradition.

Your wedding flowers can be stylish without spending a fortune.

If you like the idea of hanging flowers from the wedding aisles but are worried you can’t afford it, you might like these new vases from CathysWraps. The containers adapt to hang flowers for outdoor garden weddings or indoor church weddings from chair backs, to shepherds hooks to church pews before being repurposed as reception centerpieces.

Post-ceremony flowers in CathysWraps watertight vases may DO DOUBLE DUTY as centerpieces. Ask a friend to transport the buckets to the reception for use on the cocktail tables, the bar area, powder rooms, entryways, cake tables, etc.

At the end of the day, give the flowers to special guests or have a friend to drop them off at a local nursing home or hospital and continue to spread joy and love from your special day.

Katy has a talent for designing charming elegant wedding flowers and is introducing a new idea for DIY Wedding Flowers. If you have family and friends that want to help with your wedding flowers, DIY Wedding flowers might be for you. If you’re in the Seattle area and would like help selecting and ordering flowers, getting  advice on designs and floral arranging tips, ask Katy about her DIY Wedding Flower Packages.

Put your name in the hat to win one of Katy’s fabulous floral designs and mention WeddingWire or CathysWraps to receive a complimentary CathysWraps vase to take home and enjoy.

Visit Katy’s Daisies at the Seattle Wedding Show, January 16th and 17th at Booth 1431

Laura and Shawn sent this sweet photo of their wedding ceremony. Florist, Frances Monroe of Floral Arts in Fayetteville, NC, provided the hydrangeas and her mother, Susan, put them together when they got to the garden. “We did very little decorating at the garden, because it was already so beautiful with the plants blooming there.”

To recreate this look: Follow the instructions for making a floral frog in my last post. Cut hydrangeas to approximately 4-6 inches and make a 1 inch slit in the stem to aid water absorbtion. Add greens and arrange.

Smaller hydrangeas work best. If you can’t find smaller stems, separate large stems into small bunches. Using extra stem pieces, support the smaller flowers by wrapping together with floral tape before inserting into foam.

Photo’s courtesy of Tina Maloch of ArtForYou.

Katy and her daughter Elizabeth taught “Holiday Centerpieces 101″ turning fresh greens and red and white carnations into sweet little centerpieces.

Are you looking for simple cost-conscious decorating idea’s for the Holidays?

Here are two fun frugal ideas to decorate your home for Christmas. Dress up a plant or tiny tree with a little pot and decorative wrap from CathysWraps. Add a coordinating tag and you have a super-easy hostess gift. Mix and match in REVERSIBLE Water Resistant Sleeves! This Red Kalanchoe and Ivy Topiary came from a local nursery and were simply re-potted into a Pot from CathysWraps. Choose from the Red & White Polka Dot Pattern or our original Floral Print and fold the sleeves together. Add a coordinating gift tag and nestle in the pot for a simple stylish Homemade Hostess Gift or Holiday Party Centerpieces. Order your CathysWraps from our Etsy Store HERE. Colors: Red, Green, Black & White, Soft Pink and Hydrangea Blue.

How to Be Entertaining on a budget.

Simple and Easy Holiday Decorations you Won’t Find at Micheal’s Stores, from CathysWraps LLC.

What You’ll NEED:
A 4 inch potted plant from your local nursery or grocery store.
One CathysWraps pot, one Decorative Sleeve and one gift tag. Available HERE at my Etsy Store.
The moss is optional.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Re-pot a 4 inch holiday plant or mini tree into CathysWraps Pot, just drop it in. Fold CathysWraps Decorative Sleeve together, add a gift tag and nestle in your 4 inch holiday plant. If you prefer fresh flowers, make a little Mussie Tussie Bouquet, tie off with a string or a rubber band, trim stems short and add water. Note: Our wraps are water resistant but it’s best to keep them dry.

What do you all think, would you give these as hostess gifts?

Get the Stiletto Woman Magazine to view the interviews of these exceptional ladies, see the photos, and read related articles that empower women!

1. Jennifer Sbranti, http://hostesswiththemostess.com/
Hostess with the Mostess®, (HWTM) is an innovative online resource for hip, modern, and unique entertaining ideas. They provide party themes that are clever, contemporary and out of the ordinary – then help you recreate them yourself with detailed how-to’s, where-to-buy’s, tips, and advice. Celebrations with a modern twist!

2. Gigi Lee Chang, http://plumorganics.com/
Plum Organics was born to give parents more choices and provide babies with more nutritious baby food. They use baby-approved recipes and organic ingredients.

3. Lisa Bacon, http://yummywebstudio.com/
Lisa originally started her web and graphic design company in 2004. She is a mom, wife, graphic designer, amateur photographer, and more!

4. Sidney Loney & Nancy Ripton, http://justthefactsbaby.com/
These ladies are professional journalists and new moms who know what it’s like to need answers in a hurry.

5. Jennifer Threat, http://doubledutchmag.com/
Double Dutch Magazine was created by Jennifer, who gained her sales and marketing experience at Buzz, Good Housekeeping, Ebony, and Essence magazines.

6. Kendra & Amy, http://smartmomjewelry.com/
The two started Smart Mom in 2002 as a way to promote pretty and practical ideas for real Moms.

7. Grace Bonney, http://designspongeonline.com/
Grace is the Brooklyn-based writer who runs Design Sponge, which is a daily website dedicated to home and product design.

8. Lesley Spencer Pyle, http://hiremymom.com/
Hire My Mom provides businesses with top talent for temporary and permanent projects.

9. Shannon Davis, http://beyondmotherhood.com/
Founder Shannon Davis sees Beyondmotherhood.com as a launching pad for women who want more than the title “mom”.

10. Jennifer Zankan, http://jenerationpr.com/
Jeneration PR, Los-Angeles based company who creates innovative PR solutions for its clients.

11. Jenifer Merifield, http://gcdamagazine.com/
Girls Can Do Anything Magazine has a mission to inspire courage and the ability to make healthy choices, in female youth.

12. Michele Welsh, http://safetytat.com/
SafetyTat, a child safety product was born of necessity one weekend at an amusement park.

13. Candace Nelson, http://sprinkles.com/
Baked fresh in small batches throughout the day, Sprinkles Cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients.

14. Heather Flett & Whitney Moss, http://rookiemoms.com/
The Rookiemoms.com website was inspired by Heather & Whitney’s need to have at least one fun activity per day for their baby’s first year.

15. Zem Joaquin, http://ecofabulous.com/
Ecofabulous is your trusted friend, personal shopper, and inside source for living the well lived ‘eco’ life.

16. Dr. Debbie Berebichez, http://thesciencebabe.com/
Dr. Berebichez is a highly motivated, multi-talented young woman with a strong interest in the world of science and media communications.

17. Darcy Pollack & Anna Barber, http://scribblepress.com/
Scribble Press was created by Darcy and Anna as a place for kids and families to write, illustrate and publish their own books.

18. Kate Rolston, http://realsavvymoms.com/
The goal of RealSavvyMoms.com is to ease the learning curve for pregnant women and new moms by offering support, education and information.

19. Jeannie Lorin, http://beautysociety.com/
Beauty Society began as a quest to bring glamour and success to all women. Jeannie has been at the heartbeat of change occurring in the skincare industry.

20. Lynn Broadwell, http://herecomestheguide.com/
Since 1990, Here Comes The Guide has truly been the California bride’s best friend, providing an easy way to find wedding locations and professionals.

21. Deanna “Dede” Sutton, http://clutchmagonline.com/
Dede saw a need, and met the call! CLUTCH has been an industry leader in forging the movement into the digital age for its African American female demographic.

22. Roberta Lachman Jacobs, http://doingbusinesswhilefemale.com/
In launching thinkBIG, Roberta hoped to make what she and others have learned accessible to a wide audience.

23. Yana Berlin, http://fabulously40.com/
Founded in 2006, Fabulously40.com provides information, resources and community to help women unleash their hidden creativity, and more!

24. Cinnamon McCann, http://financialfashionhouse.com/
Financial Fashion House® provides the unique experience where women of all walks of life can obtain financial information specific to their needs.

25. Stacie Francombe, http://getmarried.com/
Stacie is the founder and CEO of Get Married, the only multi-channeled wedding resource with platforms online and on television (Lifetime Television) every weekday.

26. Stephanie Vozza, http://theorganizedparent.com/
The idea for The Organized Parent came from a peanut butter sandwich! Being organized is a daily choice, and this website is a resource to help you do that.

27. Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff, http://ecostiletto.com/
Is your carbon footprint the size of an Ugg boot when it could be a Manolo? Well then, you’re in the right place when visiting EcoStiletto.com.

28. Barbara Hennelly, http://kidaroundmag.com/
Kidaround Magazine is a local lifestyle magazine for today’s modern moms, revolutionizing the local parenting publishing landscape.

29. Lisbeth McNabb, http://w2wlink.com/
W2WLink is a community dedicated to professional women helping other women get to where they are going — faster.

30. Tonjia Coverdale, http://divasnbabes.com/
Divas N Babes is the home of the haute mama and cool babe! The company is committed to mommy/baby empowerment.

31. Wendy Tuey, http://proudbody.com/
Wendy developed the #1 pregnancy belly cast kit company nationwide and a trusted name in the industry.

32. Robin Gorman Newman, http://motherhoodlater.com/
Robin knows firsthand the challenges of being a 35+ mom. At age 42 she became a mom, and it’s changed her life in ways she couldn’t have imagined.

33. Karen Taylor Bass, http://taylormademediapr.com/
Karen, PR Expert/Media Strategist for TaylorMade Media LLC (TMM), an award-winning public relations consulting agency re-branded in 2004.

34. Ree Drummond, http://thepioneerwoman.com/
Ree is a thirty-something ranch wife, mother of four, moderately-agoraphobic middle child who grew up on a golf course in the city.

35. Tsh Oxenreider, http://simplemom.net/
Tsh says Simplemom.net is a cross between a mommy blog and a productivity blog. Her blog is a catalog of the resources, tips, and lessons she’s learning to keep things simple.

36. Christine Manlapeg, http://brandtexture.com/
BrandTexture.com has a goal to create enriching and enduring brand relationships with women while providing their clients with insights, ideas and more!

37. Clare Schexnyder, http://ohbabyfitness.com/
At Oh Baby! Fitness, their focus is to give new and expectant moms a place to find support, make friends, get fit and bond with their babies.

38. Angie Smith, http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ (Bring The Rain)
Angie shares the love, life, and loss of her daughter, Audrey Caroline. Their faithfulness and strong spiritual foundation impacts readers daily.

39. Patti Handy, http://kidscashcoach.com/
As a (CTA) Certified Life Coach, Patti uses her unique combination of life and work experiences to help clients take control of their money matters.

40. Suzanne Istvan, http://kidscashcoach.com/
Green Mommy Guide is to show moms the many options that are out there that are kinder to the environment and to their babies.

41. Barbara Theodosiou, http://mommymentors.com/
Mommy Mentors was founded in 2004 as a resource for all women — young and old, single, married or divorced, mother or not — to find support, and more!

42. Megan Thomas, http://peekaboopicks.com/
Peekaboo Picks is a free online magazine featuring fabulous finds for hip moms. Started in early 2007, the magazine has become a fast favorite.

43. Joan Ahlers & Cheryl Tallman, http://freshbaby.com/
Since its inception in October 2002, Fresh Baby has leveraged the ever-increasing consumer interest in natural living and healthy eating.

44. Cathy Skraba, http://cathyswraps.com/
Cathy is the designer behind this Seattle based company. Their collection ranges from vases for weddings and special events — to personalized gifts and party favors.

45. Marilyn Logan, http://marilynlogan.com/
Marilyn, also known as, “The Money Lady”, is a national radio and television personality, business owner, author and motivational speaker.

46. Shawn Kiraly Corry, http://blueskyebaby.com/
Blue Skye Baby provides many of the resources related to planning for the arrival of baby and beyond.

47. Robin Lucas, http://chicpeeks.com/
Chic Peeks Cleavage Covers are accessories created to wear with your low-cut fashions.

48. Leslie B Denman, http://gllopinc.org/ / http://thepurposediva.com/
Leslie also known as “The Purpose Diva” is a Certified Life Purpose Coach® and founder of Girls Living Life On Purpose, Inc.

49. Lisa Kanouse, http://saurette.net/
After 18 years in the fashion industry Lisa launched her own brand of children’s apparel line, Saurette, a collection of sophisticated children’s clothing.

50. Kristi Thomas, http://lunchology.com/
Since Lunchology launched onto grocery store shelves in March 2004, the business that began its manufacturing in the Thomas home has quickly gained momentum.

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
1. TheMompreneur.com
2. FranHarris.com
3. MomPack.com
4. TheBigMamaBlog.com
5. YourPersonalPoster.com
6. MightyGirl.net
7. MommyTooMag.com
8. PinkChicken.com
9. Girlfriendology.com
10. Owltastic.com
11. EmpoweringMoments.com
12. MomFaves.com
13. PolkaDotPatch.com
14. Bellapink.Typepad.com (Tara Frey)
15. SimplyVirtual.com
16. GuruMommy.com
17. CrazyAuntPurl.com
18. ThatCoolBroad.com
19. Czelablue.com
20. Lousecalls.com

This sweet little Fall Centerpiece was super easy and inexpensive to make. I found the Black Pansies on sale at Fred Meyer for .99 cents and pumpkins for .28 cents a pound. Just cut, scoop and plant.

Before the pansy turns into a pumpkin, plant it in the yard to enjoy next Spring.

You could also get a large Cinderella Pumpkin, scoop out the seeds, add a block of saturated floral foam and arrange fresh flowers and greens. We made these centerpieces for the Katie McKay benefit luncheon and they were amazing. The greens were gathered from our yards so the only expensive were the flowers and the pumpkins. The best deals for fall flowers and pumpkins were found at Trader Joe’s.