Budget 'Moons

Once all of the vendors for your wedding are paid for, you may be wondering how you're going to afford a fun and relaxing honeymoon. With a little creativity, you can create a fabulous and budget friendly trip. The key is to keep things closer to home and to focus on the activities you want to do, rather then the locale. For the next few weeks, we'll be featuring some fun, low cost trips in the pacific northwest that you can create for an amazing honeymoon!

Adventure 'Moon
For an active, outdoor, full of fun vacation, our first trip is (believe it or not!) Leavenworth, WA. Yes, I know Leavenworth has it's fair amount of kitsch and cheese but, by keeping it local and in the mountains you can save money and have a handful of outdoor activities right at your fingertips. And trust, me there's so much to do that hanging out in the town will be a mere afterthough!

For accommodations, check out the Abendblume Pension. Located in Leavenworth, but off the strip, it's close to town but still peaceful and quiet. Abendblume is a bed and breakfast that offers incredible service, amazing views, comfortable rooms and some of the most affordable rates I could find for the quality that you receive. As with any B&B, breakfast is included. Perhaps stay in their Schneewitchen room which comes with a beautiful canopied bed, jetted tub, private balcony and fireplace.

When it comes to activities, Leavenworth isn't short on anything. A sampling of to-do activities includes rock climbing, river rafting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, wine tasting, tubing, movies, spa treatments, cooking classes, and more. You could easily find enough activities to fill each day.

So how does Leavenworth stack up on cost? For 6 days and 5 nights and a sample of activities:

• Hotel accommodations in a romantic suite+breakfast: $880
• River Rafting for two: $170
• Horseback riding for two: $90
• Full day mountain bike rentals for two: $80
• Touring local wineries: free
• Hiking: free
• Touring the town: free
• Tubing, two all day tube rentals: $30
• Total: $1,250

Our Picks for things to do: Check out the Osprey Rafting Co. For the above price, you get a half day of river rafting and lunch is included. Gustav's can't be beat when it comes to getting German sausages and saurkraut. They also have an amazing selection of beers to choose from. Tired from playing outside but not ready to hit your room yet? The Icicle Junction Activities Center has a movie house playing new films and mini golf (honeymoon+mini golf+sexy bet=fun for both of you!). Or wind down with a couples' massage in your room. Eagle Creek Ranch offers affordable horseback riding options for all skill levels and, if you're feeling gutsy, contact the Mountain School for guided rock climbs!

Freebie Friday: I Heart Earth Day!

Spring is finally here!! The tulips are opening, the sun is shining and . . .it's . . .FRIDAY!! And not just any Friday, the last Friday of the month. . .the last Friday of the month AND it's Earth Week!! Woo! So let's celebrate and give something away shall we??

In honor of the aforementioned Earth Week, BB Jean is giving away a delightful, 100% organic cotton tote bag featuring the endearing phrase "I heart to recycle" from Nordstrom! It's durable enough to hold a bagful of books, roomy enough to carry quite a few trinkets, but moderately sized so you won't feel like you'll be swallowed whole by your tote bag.
Take it along to the farmer's market and stock it with goodies, use it for a sightseeing daytrip, or just strut around town with it on your shoulder!

How do you win this fabulous item? Leave a comment on today's post telling me your favorite way to go green! One winner will be chosen randomly next Friday!

Freebie Q&A:

Q: Can I post anonymously?

A: YES. . . .BUT you need to send me an email repeating your comment and have your name and email in it so I know who you are in case you win!

Q: If I won last month, can I enter this month?

A: Sure!

Q: Will you use my info and send it to other vendors?

A: Eh, I'm not a fan of having my privacy invaded so no, your info will only be used to contact you in the event that you win.

Q: What determines the freebies that are given away?

A: I always try to pick local goodies first, if it isn't local I try to keep it eco-friendly.

Glamorous Wedding Wishes

Here's a stunning guestbook alternative from Here Comes The Guide. It features a wedding wish tree: guests write a "wish" for the bride and groom on provided cards and hang them from the tree. It creates a fabulous focal point to the entrance of the reception or ceremony, and at the end of the night, the "wishes" can be packed up for the bride and groom to read together on their honeymoon.

Care to make your own? You'll need a few larger vases, glass vase beads (or rocks, or other sturdy material), branches, strings of beads, card, pens and a sign explaining to guests what it's all about. Having your maids write you a few wishes in advance to hang on the tree before the reception starts isn't a bad idea either.

Show Your Mom a Little Love...

...and help other women in your community!

Soroptimist International of Bellingham is hosting a Mother's Day Brunch at the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom. Take the special women in your life out for a scrumptious seaside meal and feel warm and fuzzy from the fact that 100% of profit made from the event goes back to help other women in your community!

Soroptimist International of Bellingham is a nonprofit organization that seeks to better women and girls in their community and the world. Past projects have included annual scholarships for higher education, jerelry drives and fundraising for other organizations in Whatcom County including Lydia Place and the YWCA.

Need a few more reasons to bring your mom? How about amazing food prepared by the Harborside Bistro? Or perhaps the beautiful (and hopefully sunny) view of Bellingham Bay? How about instant seating? This event is for ticket holders only so you're guaranteed a chair when you arrive!

Tickets are $35 for adults and $16 for children 10 and under. There are limited numbers available so if you're interested, email me at info@bbjeanevents.com or call!

Little Cakes for a Big Day

I love cupcakes! They're petite, they're cute, they're just downright fun! And for weddings, they make a cost effective alternative to the traditional cake: smaller price per cupcake, no cake cutting fee, etc. And with the growing trend, it's becoming easier to find elegant versions for your fete!
This fabulous pic is from Trophy Cupcakes in Seattle. And their cupcakes. are. amazing. Although, they're a bit tricky to use for weddings in Bellingham, WA (for my own wedding, they had to be picked up the day before by a wedding guest) they're worth the stop when you're in Seattle and to utilize for events in that area. They have an amazing attention to quality and detail and can be extremly elegant when topped with buttercream flowers.

Bella Cupcake Couture now offers fashion for your cupcakes! Paper wraps are available in many colors and styles to complement your event.

Little details go a long way. Like these cupcake picks made by Kimberly of Blue Ribbon Design. She used leftover letterpress paper scraps to make little flags for each cupcake. This little addition was affordable and made the cupcakes look cohesive and match the event. I love it!

I'm all about making things easy for guests. Another alternative to the cute flags is to label your cupcakes. These picks were made from leftover paper used in the wedding stationery and printed in matching fonts. They make it easy for guests to determine which flavor to pick-these cupcakes were two of six cake/cupcake/pie choices for guests-making the dessert line move a little faster.

This has nothing really to do with weddings. Although, I suppose it would be a great treat to send a stressed-out bride . . . Either way, it's delightful and I'm so glad I ran across it on the Soap Queen's blog! Saint Cupcake, in Portland OR now ships a fun and festive cupcake kit to you or a friend. Their interactive selection tool online lets you drag and click three cupcake flavors, three frosting choices and three sprinkle types into your cart to make a fun "make-your-own-cupcake" set-no baking required! Everything arrives ready-to-assemble and includes a frosting spreader for instant gratification.

If you're in Bellingham, you're in luck. Tasty cupcakes have been springing up all over the place so you won't have to travel far to treat yourself. One of the most prominent sources is the Bellingham Farmer's Market. Liz Kovaks, owner of Icing on the Cake in Ferndale, WA has become a regular vendor at the Saturday markets with her amazing cupcakes and she also handles special orders for weddings and events. And, only a few weeks ago in fact, Katie's Cupcakes opened in Fairhaven. Located on Harris St, near the Village Green they offer a selection of cupcake and cookie goodies.

Where for art thou BB?!

It's been and will be a crazy couple of weeks for me and I apologize in advance for not getting the blog posts out in my usual timeliness. Not to fret though, when these weeks are over, I will have plenty of new inspiration coming your way (yes, the summer wedding season is almost here!)!

Please keep checking back for new posts- I promise I haven't abandonded my blog!

XO
BB

A Non-Peep-Eater's Guide to Handling Peeps

Yes, it's that time again. The sun begins shining a bit more, the daffodils start to bloom and the Peeps are back in stores.

Peep obsession has always boggled me. And those who like the taste of the sugary, corn syrupy birds boggle me even more. I was never really a big fan of them, and yet every year, there they were in my basket. It's like the parent manual states that there must be a packet of peeps in every child's Easter basket regardless of how many times they tell you they hate them. I still get them. But thankfully now I know what to DO with them . . .

So officially, here it is, my dedicated post to non-peep eaters. Here is a basic sampling of things to do with your stash of Peeps: from elegant and refined to downright trashy!

Cup-o-peep: I thought this was a super cute idea (more for the presentation then anything-but in my line of work presentation is key). Peep marshmallows in hot chocolate on Easter morning. Oh Dee Doh earns major points in my book for this cute number. And to transcend generations, add a peep to coffee for the grown-ups. Add some Bailey's in the coffee and I might even enjoy the peep-mallows with you!

Peeps! the book (it's almost like a bad off-broadway title: Peeps! The Musical!-although after what I found on the internet with these things, I wouldn't be surprised if it existed) gives you more fun food ideas to incorporate your peeps into. When I looked in the book, the Peeps and their friends were more of a garnish, but still I give the author some creative points. I mean, she made an entire book of these guys-and in a cute, fun and family friendly way. It would make a cute novelty gift for a hostess or party-loving friend at your next spring get together-or anyone obsessed with incorporating peeps into e v e r y t h i n g.





Peep-o-matic: Yes, there really is a make-your-own-peep machine. I guess it's only fitting that it's made by Wham-O. I'm still trying to figure out why there's a coupon for more Peeps on the box if you're already making your own . . . Either way, you too could create your very own assortment of REAL (see box) peepy friends for only $26! Additional peep ingredient kits not included.

The Peep Show: Not that I would encourage anyone to create things like this in their spare time, but you have to admit it is pretty funny!

And lastly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I18FIrE5xfk Peep jousting. My brother and I discovered this when we were young and it's been a fun activity ever since-although made even better with the inclusion of different colors (we started with yellow vs yellow when we were kids, made it difficult to keep track of which was which when the microwave was spinning). I would recommend putting your peeps onto a paper plate for easy disposal as the peep's marshmallowy insides get a bit difficult to deal with after cooking.

Have any additional peep-y activities that are part of your own Easter traditions? Feel free to comment! I'd love to hear what you do!

Real Weddings: Jessica and Hunter via Amorology

I came across this gorgeous wedding via Amorology's blog. It makes me sigh, and smile, and feel all fuzzy all at once. I had to share!

Something about mixing pale pinks and peach's with a nice smoky gray is so Victorian-chic to me . . .I think it's lovely.

I heart old umbrellas!!

Love this shot-love the mis-matched umbrellas with the formality of the bride and her maids. It's a very fun, but beautiful photo.

This is the part where I usually feel compelled to share the vendors with you, but this shindig took place in California... I do urge you to check out Amorology's blog though. Seriously, I could gaze at the eye candy that's posted there for hours! And check out more pics from this wedding-this event is a fantastic example of romantic elegance and the final result is gorgeous!

Stealing the Spotlight

I'm stealing the Vendor Spotlight post today to share some new goodies available to brides from BB Jean Events!

As brides make requests, BB Jean Events has been expanding its inventory to include various rental items for events. They're available to anyone BUT BB Jean brides always get first dibs and a discounted rate.

This month we've added hanging tealight holders. These awesome little guys can be used with tealights, colored LED tealights or even have flower blooms placed inside. They're perfect for decorating your reception space or a wedding arch and look even better when they're clustered together above tables. They're currently available to rent for $2.50 each and make a very cool alternative to paper lanterns.

Intersted in renting? Contact us and we'll let you know availability!

Freebie Friday Revealed!

Congrats to my anonymous commentator who wrote:

Relax, enjoy the day and have fun because it will be over in a few moments!

Using the random number generator at Random.org, this bride has won a super cute bridal scrap book with embellishments!

Thanks for all of the great comments! Stay tuned for our next giveaway of the month in just a few weeks!