Gift Ideas for Your Bridesmaids

I'm getting married in 18 days! So, to say I've had wedding on the brain would be an understatement. I've been consumed with tying up loose ends, contacting vendors, and just trying to get everything in order so I don't have to think about anything but marrying R.B. on the actual day.

One thing I did early was pick out and buy my bridesmaids' gifts. I love gifts (receiving them is one of my love languages). But, as much as I love receiving them, I love giving really good gifts even more. I start thinking about what I'm going to get people way ahead of time. And, I get really annoyed if I can't find anything good. So, it was important to me to get gifts for my bridesmaids that they will actually like and hopefully be able to use. 

Here are a few ideas that I had during my search for the perfect gift...

Do your girlfriends love to cook? This adorable casserole carrier would be perfect for those who love cooking for other people.

Via DDP Monograms & Gifts

Who doesn't need a lovely monogrammed tote bag? And, these are really well priced!

Via Ballard Designs

Monogrammed soaps and towels make elegant gifts that everyone is sure to use. 

Via Personalization Mall

Personalize these burlap pillows based on where each of your bridesmaids is from or what team they cheer for. 

Via TwoPeachesDesign

Personalized stationary makes a good gift because it's something people rarely buy for themselves. 

Via Sugar Paper

Have you received a great bridesmaid gift? What about a horrible one? We'd love to hear about them!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

The Wicks & Willow giveaway ends tomorrow!

A few weeks ago, we featured our Mother's Day Gift Guide. So, with Father's Day just around the corner (Sunday, June 15), we knew we couldn't leave out dear old dad.

Here are a few gifts that your dad is sure to love...

1. Nike Fitbit One: For the dad that's always on the go, help him track his steps, calories, and sleep so he can live a healthier lifestyle. Dad will be sure to thank you once he's feeling like a new man. 
2. The Pill Warm-Up Set: Does your dad need a little help mastering his golf swing? The Pill golf ball is shaped like a tire, so "inaccuracies send it wobbling, rolling at a curve, or falling on its side." Dad will know exactly what's wrong with his swing and be able to make adjustments so he can become the next Adam Scott! And, there's a Father's Day sale going on right now. Get 25% off with the code "dad."
3. State Traditions Cuff Links: For the sharp-dressed dad who loves showing his state pride, State Traditions offers cufflinks featuring several different states. These are sure to be a conversation starter. 
4. Williams-Sonoma Ultimate Grilling Rub Collection: Every grill master needs a great seasoning collection, and Williams-Sonoma products never disappoint. Plus, you'll get a great meal out of this gift!
5. Leather Wallet: Doesn't it seem that men are always in need of a new wallet? This American Bison thinfold leather wallet from Orvis is stylish and functional. And, you can get it personalized as an added touch. 
6. Membership in the Dollar Shave Club: Buying razors is a necessary evil. They're so expensive, but dad (and we) can't live without them. Help him save some money by giving him a gift card for the Dollar Shave Club. For as little as $1 a month (depending on the type of razor he chooses), your dad can get a new razor every month. I got this for my brother for his birthday, and he has loved it. 
7. A Unique Card: Just let your dad know you're thinking about him by sending a card. He'll feel so loved, and you can personalize it and tell him exactly how you feel about him. 

Would you get any of these gifts for your dad? Which is your favorite? Be sure to plan ahead so dad knows just how much you love him!  

MeetMontgomery: Wicks & Willow + Giveaway!

First, we want to say THANK YOU to everyone for spreading the word about Z+M and helping us reach 300+ Facebook likes!  We are simply blown away by the love and support! So, now that we've said thank you...we want to show you gratitude with a giveaway!

This is our first post in a new series we're calling MeetMontgomery where we'll be featuring local business owners right here in Montgomery.

Our first MeetMontgomery interview is with Melissa Warnke who some of you locals may recognize as a reporter/morning anchor for WSFA 12 News, but she also owns and operates Wicks & Willow where she makes stunning candles set in vintage tea cups and mason jars.  Aren't they gorgeous?!

Melissa and her husband Adam both grew up in Cullman, Alabama (where they were high school sweethearts!), attended Auburn University and now live in Montgomery with their two adorable yellow lab/cocker spaniel mixes, Abbi and Cami (who are the sweetest pups).

Here are a few interview questions to help you get to know Melissa!

Z+M: Tell us a little about what Wicks & Willow is and what you offer?

Melissa: Wicks and Willow is a hand-poured soy candle collection I started in July 2012 specializing in tea cup candles and mason jar candles. I also offer a really unique refill program. Customers can bring their own cups, jars or containers to me and I can make it into a candle for them.  That has been one of my favorite things.  People have brought me pieces of their grandmother’s china or their wedding china to make into candles.  It’s a way for them to enjoy and display those pieces, rather than just having them stored away in a cabinet.  Because I use all natural soy wax, it doesn’t harm the container.  The refill program also applies to candles purchased from me in the past; I can refill that same container. 

Z+M: Where did the you get the idea to start Wicks & Willow? 

Melissa: That is a question I get asked all the time!  It actually was not planned at all. I never set out to make candles.  My husband Adam and I enjoy antique and flea market shopping.  From one of our shopping trips, we ended up with a box of vintage tea cups and saucers – I just couldn’t pass them up because they were so pretty!  They sat in that same box in our closet for several weeks.  One day, I came across a blog about making your own candles, and decided I’d finally put those cups to use!  It took me several tries to get it right.  Most of the first candles I made looked awful!! I couldn’t get them smooth on the top, or the right combination of wax to scent, or the wick to stay in the right place. After lots of trial and error, I was finally happy with the way they were looking.  I posted a picture of one on Facebook, and someone asked if it was for sale.  The rest is history!  About a month later, I created Wicks and Willow, got my business licenses and opened up an online shop. 

Z+M: What is your favorite part about owning/operating your own business? 

Melissa: There are two things I love.  One – I love knowing that something I made, in my kitchen, with my own hands…is something that people enjoy and use in their homes or to give as a special gift to a friend, bridesmaid, mother, aunt, etc.   I have taken a piece of beautiful piece of china that was discarded or not wanted anymore and given it new life as a candle.  It’s so neat that I have been able to sell candles to customers all over the country and other countries as well.  My first online sale went to a sweet lady in Australia!

The second part I love has been the people I’ve met through this process.   There are so many creative and inspiring people who are makers and creators and small business owners in Montgomery.  Many times, they also have full time jobs or they have started a small business that grew into a company that they now operate full time.  It’s been really cool is to have been a part of some cool collaboration projects with those folks.  There is a really supportive community of creators in Montgomery.  And, of course, my customers!  Many of my customers have become good friends of mine.  They have told their friends about Wicks and Willow and even alert me when they see a great set of china for sale somewhere, haha!

Z+M: Where do you get your inspiration? 

Melissa: I love DIY and home décor blogs.  It gets me into trouble sometimes, haha!  I am always wanting to work on new projects around our house.   But, it gives me ideas for styling my candles for photos and events.  I also discover new ways to incorporate them into different kind of home décor.  Wicks and Willow definitely has a certain aesthetic and look, but they appeal to a wide range of tastes.  China is one of those things that can be a part of a very cottage-type or eclectic style as well as a more refined style.  

Z+M: What advice would you give someone who wants to start his or her own business and/or new creative venture? 

Melissa: I would tell that person to go for it!  My advice is to remember that creating a brand is just as important as creating your actual product.  You can start a business with a relatively low start-up cost, but I wouldn’t skimp on your logo design or your photography. Those are things that make a huge impact and can really set you apart.  Also, go overboard with communication, especially if you’re selling a product.  Answer questions in a timely manner, fix something if they have a problem and always go out of your way to make things easier for them.  Word of mouth is so HUGE when you start a business.  If people feel good and excited about your business or product, they will basically sell it for you!

Z+M: What’s your favorite part about owning your own business?

Melissa: I like the flexibility of deciding my own schedule.  If I am busy and want to take a month off from candle-making, for example, I can do that!  And this may be kind of weird – but most of the time, it is relaxing to make candles.  My full time job is very go-go-go with the pressure of constant deadlines.  I do thrive on adrenaline and being around people, but it is nice to slow down for a little bit in the afternoons and focus on making something with my hands.  And I can do it all in my home! 

Z+M: What is your favorite thing about Montgomery? 

Melissa: My husband and I love Montgomery.   It’s such a unique combination of history, southern charm, and everything Alabama!  We have found such a wonderful community of friends here, so it really feels like home to us now.  We have always felt like this city is a place that offers young professionals opportunities to get involved and make a difference.  And, I think that with any city, your experience is what you make it.  We have enjoyed getting plugged in with some non-profits and organizations around the city.

And now it's giveaway time!

One lucky Z+M reader will win TWO candles from Wicks & Willow - one Blue Willow Tea Cup Candle and one Blue Mason Jar Candle (which burns for 120 hours!) in the scents of their choice. Scents offered include:

• Eucalyptus and Spearmint
• French Vanilla
• Lavender-Vanilla
• Red Currant
• Gardenia
• Cotton Blossom

To enter, you must use the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you're interested in purchasing candles from Wicks & Willow, you can visit Melissa's Etsy store, or if you're in the Montgomery area we suggest setting up an appointment to see all of Melissa's inventory - it's amazing! Just send her an e-mail at Melissa@wicksandwillow.com to set up a time! Her candles are also available at Hue Studio and the Gift Shop at Union Station.

Nail Polish Colors :: Summer 2014

I love getting my nails done and painting my own nails different colors.  Winter colors are great, but the spring and summer colors are by far more fun!  So, since summer is almost upon us (especially here in the South) I thought we could talk about some fun colors to dress up your nails.

I'm a huge fan of pinks and reds, but during the summer I think it's fun to mix it up with blues, greens, purples and yellows!  These colors are sure to be a statement...

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REMINDER: Make sure to enter our Stately Made giveaway here!  Jordan is offering Z+M readers a 20% discount in her shop through May 13 when you use the promotional code ZANDMBLOG. Entering is easy, so don't miss out!

Etsy Love

One of my very favorite sources for, well, ANYTHING is Etsy.  They have home decor, stationary, clothing and so much more.  What makes it even better?  I love that I'm buying handmade items directly from the maker!  (Which reminds me, don't forget to enter our Stately Made giveaway!)

Here are a few of my favorite finds as of late...

Letterpress Monogram Stationary from Dinglewood Design

Quartz Crystal Lamp Finial from Aimee's Rock Works

Brunschwig & Fils Gillian's Zebras Pillow Cover from Aurelia

{I have this pillow and absolutely love it! Great colors and beautiful craftsmanship!}

Octopus Blue Print from Alga-Net

Flower Dog Leash from Wagologie

Agate Coasters with Gold Foil Edges from Rock Paradise

Monogram Queen Sheet Set from Southern Linen

Antique Elephant Door Knocker from Arts of Brass

I could browse Etsy every day and still find new things I want need.  I've purchased several items, including the veil I wore at my wedding, and have yet to have a bad experience.  Do you guys use Etsy?  Have you wanted to try it, but haven't yet?

Another reminder to enter our giveaway for a set of beautiful hand-lettered cards from Stately Made!  You definitely don't want to miss it!  Just go here.  Readers of Zelda + Madeline will also get 20% off with the special code listed in that post!

2014 Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is just around the corner (Sunday, May 11), so we've put together a list of some unique gifts for your lovely mothers that they're sure to adore. 

1. Blooms by Heinau: Why give your mom flowers that are sure to wilt in a matter of days? These beautiful, natural flowers will stay fresh for over 6 months, and they're not even silk! The flowers absorb moisture from the air in order to stay fresh for months on end. A gift that keeps on giving!
2. Nautical Cheese Spreaders: Does your mom love to entertain? Then, get her these adorable nautical-themed cheese spreaders from C. Wonder. Bonus - you can take them on a picnic to the beach and be the trendiest family around!
3. Henri Bendel Candles: I absolutely LOVE these candles. My favorites are the Firewood and Mint Julep, and when they're burned at the same time, the smell is just divine! I have given these as gifts in the past, and they're always a hit!
4. Agate Coasters: Give your mom a beautiful AND functional gift! These coasters from High Street Market serve a functional purpose during parties, but also look great just sitting on your coffee table every day. 
5. Farmers' Market Herb Wreath: Isn't this wreath beautiful? I love it so much, I added it to our wedding registry! But, I know your mom would also love receiving this gorgeous gift. 
6. Yoga Mat Bag: With this handy yoga mat bag from Red Envelope, your mom can go straight from the office to yoga with Salvadore (Couples Retreat reference!) and look great doing it. 

And, if you want to get crafty, you should take a page out of Kelley's book and make this cute tassel necklace. Not only will your mom love her stylish gift, she'll feel extra loved knowing you spent time making the gift yourself. 

What are you planning to get your mom for Mother's Day? Is there anything you would add to the list?

Whether it's a gift, card, phone call, or combination of the three, we hope you'll be sure to let your mom know how much she means to you on Mother's Day and every day!