The Average Joe: 2011 Gift Guide

Time’s running out to get that perfect gift for your man this holiday season. If you’re stuck…chillax. I’ve done some clicking around on Uncrate.com and found—what I think to be—some great gift ideas.

COAL HEADWEAR

If it’s been awhile since your man’s last haircut or if he’s just having a bad hair day, cover his head up in style this year with Coal Headwear ($40-$60). From fitted caps and beanies to bowlers and fedoras, this site’s got a great selection of high-quality headwear in cool designs for your guy’s dome. I’m partial to their “Considered Collection,” but really you can’t go wrong.

iPHONE LENS DIAL

Being a photographer, maybe I’ll be the only one who thinks this is cool—but hopefully not. If you’ve got an iPhone 4 or higher, you know the quality of the camera is pretty sick. With the iPhone Lens Dial ($250) it can get even sicker. This aluminum case offers dual tripod mounts for portrait and landscape shots, as well as a tri-lens dial with a 0.33x fisheye, 0.7x wide angle and 1.5x telephoto lenses.

RATCHETING READYWRENCH

Whether your man’s extremely handy or, like me, not so mechanically inclined, he should dig the Black & Decker Ratcheting ReadyWrench ($40). This one tool fits 16 of the most common standard and metric socket sizes. And because it can replace a whole assortment of sockets and wrenches lying around your garage, you may like it too!

MOONSHINE COLOGNE

Let’s be honest, you want your man smelling good, but not fruitier and perfumier than you. Moonshine Cologne ($75) will ensure that never happens. As its website boasts, this is a “woodsy aroma with hints of spice, including notes of black pepper, tobacco, leather, gin, and patchouli.” Plus it comes in a wooden box, wrapped in burlap sack. Nothing “perfumy” about that.

And with that, I’d like to thank you for a great 2011! It’s been great getting to know you this year! Happy holidays!

— AJ

(Email your column ideas to averagejoe.pi@gmail.com or tweet me @AverageJoePI.)

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Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Stuff Those Stockings!

It’s that time of year: Black Friday is over, Cyber Monday has come and gone, it’s officially December…and you still haven’t gotten (or even thought of?) those little gifts to pad out your Christmas giving list.  You can have the best intentions of making homemade treats that would do Martha Stewart proud, but really, who has the time to build a neighborhood of gingerbread houses with gumdrop chimneys?  In case you’ve fallen behind, here are four of my favorite stocking stuffer ideas – from the aromatic to the charitable, there’s something for everyone!

Drops of Joy:  Got a friend who’s perpetually stressed, a family member who can’t sleep, or a boyfriend suffering from crazy allergies?  Give the gift of aromatherapy with Sephora’s new line, 21 Drops.  These therapeutic-grade essential oils pack a serious aromatic punch for a whole host of conditions.  From the basics – stress and insomnia and focus, oh my! – to lesser-known ailments, like “immunity” for your sniffle-prone loved one and “hangover” for your buddy who hits every holiday party just a little too hard.  These little silicone-wrapped rollerballs are a great little gift to show someone you’ve been listening to their everyday stresses.

Sparkles Galore:  Last-minute gifts are always the hardest to find; there’s no worse feeling than standing there empty-handed when someone springs a gift on you.  To prevent such a situation, make up a few little goodie bags and keep them handy.  I suggest a little bag of homemade cookies or cocoa mix, a hand-healing lotion or lip balm from Avon, and a seasonally sparkly OPI for Sephora nail polish.  One complete gift bag will run you less than 10 dollars.  Never get caught without a gift again!

Dashing Duos:  Philosophy is so well known for its line of seasonally-scented products, and every Christmas they come through with some new, super-cool gift set.  This year’s Sweet Kisses and Merry Wishes set features lip gloss and shower gel duos in eggnog, funnel cake, peppermint bark, and pomegranate bubbly.  Divide the set into pairs and pop them into your friends’ stockings for around 8 dollars a gift.

Charitable Cheer:  Need a gift for a community service-minded friend or the person who already has everything?  Give a charitable gift through Heifer International.  This activist gift catalog lets you order an animal – from a $120 llama to a $20 flock of ducks – and gift it to a family in a struggling part of the world.  The organization helps each family use its animal – for eggs, wool, breeding, or work – to better the local community.  Sure, it’s unconventional – but nothing keeps you prettier than helping others!

Do you have a go-to stocking stuffer?  Keep us in the loop!

Cheers,

@KimmieTrubiro

Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: On-The-Spot Fixes

Pick your best holiday outfit.  Maybe it even has chic turkeys on it somewhere.  Wear it for an hour, pick up a dainty holiday party appetizer and *boom!* drop it on whatever fabulousness you were wearing.  I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a klutz when it comes to maneuvering through holiday parties – in heels – with a plate of food – and a glass of wine – in my hands.  It’s almost inevitable that I’ll trip, fall, spill, and generally ruin the façade of being effortlessly put together.  Even if I hold it together for the evening, chances are I’ll wake up less than refreshed after a night of festivities.  Here are my quick fixes for little life’s little snags.

Pull Yourself Together:  If you find yourself having hair, makeup, or wardrobe issues during some festive event, there are a few ways to minimize damage.  You can completely save the day by keeping three things in your large purse, desk drawer, or glove compartment: white vinegar, black tea bags, and lots of natural-hued hair ties.  Dabbing vinegar can lift even a red wine stain from a white shirt (for real!).  Tea bags can be used wet to reduce puffiness and redness; apply them dry to your face to remove oily spots or under your arms if – eek! – you forgot to put on deodorant.  Besides the obvious use of getting frizzies out of your face in a chic bun or braid, hair ties can fix anything.  Broken bra strap, popped button, broken necklace, too-big blouse – you name it, a hair tie can fix it with a little creativity.

Party Aftermath:  It seems to be typical of the holiday season that you stay up late doing very non-work things during the work week.  Whether you’re sporting an ugly Christmas sweater, schmoozing with your boss or having cocktails with out-of-town friends, there are lots of November/December mornings spent looking like you slept in a drainpipe.  The fix?

Clothes: Pull the focus from your sleepy, sleepy face with a work-appropriate pop of color.  Step 1: White silk short-sleeved blouse.  Amazing with everything.  Invest in one now. Step 2: Super-bright pencil skirt (red is so hot – and holiday friendly).  Step 3: Gray tights and oxford pumps (hello, menswear).  Step 4: Tuck the blouse in and add a skinny black lacquered belt.  Done.

Face: Buy a Benefit Eye Bright Pencil and leave it in your purse through the whole holiday season.  Nothing perks up your face faster than bright eyes, and a little dab of this at the inner and outer corners is how I convince the rest of the world that I’m ready to go when, in reality, I’m sleepwalking.  Light pink blush (ahem, Nars Orgasm) is also a go-to for waking up your exhausted (read: hungover) face.  No time?  Gently pinch your cheeks for a rosy, awake look.  If you really can’t be bothered, opt for a low, loose side bun and plunk a bold hat on your head.  I just got the cutest black-and-white plaid number at Nordstrom Rack on 82nd – check out their awesome hat section!

Do you have a go-to fix during a beauty emergency?  Share with us!  Have a pretty – and beauty disaster-free – weekend!

Cheers,

@KimmieTrubiro

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Kimmie’s Pre-Weekend Pretty-Up: Skin Solutions

Our skin says so much about our overall state of mind, and often we don’t even realize it.  In today’s stressful world – hello, bad economy – a whole host of emotions can send your skin into a spiral of hormonally-induced weirdness.  I stressed so hard pre-vacation last week that I gave myself hives for three days – ew – so this week I dug deep to find the causes and cures of these common problems.  From breakouts and blushing to dry skin and red spots, here are my skin solution picks.

Redness: Ever seen a nervous bride walking down the aisle, turning various shades of splotchy red?  Rashes and hives happen when you have some kind of emotional overload – your body releases adrenaline and histamines that display on the skin as your body’s temperature rises.  Hives generally come in large, raised patches that itch and last for a few hours.  To block the histamine buildup, take an oral antihistamine (like Benadryl) or slick on some hydrocortisone cream (I swear by it).  If your red marks are splotchy and all over, it’s likely a rash.  Rashes can be minor allergic reactions or stress-induced, so taking an antihistamine, applying a topical anti-allergy cream and thinking calm thoughts can squelch a rash within 30 minutes.  Cold compresses work on both rashes and hives, so relief might be as simple as running your faucet.

Sensitive Skin: Skin sensitivity strikes seemingly at random and causes itching, irritation, discoloration and stinging.  This sudden sensitivity can be caused by new products, unfamiliar perfumes, new exposure to detergents or chemicals and stress.  Sensitivity will usually take care of itself in a week or so, but in the meantime switch to only fragrance-free cleansers and lotions – like Aveeno – and take an Omega 3 supplement to restore your skin’s elasticity.  Make sure you talk with your MD prior to taking any new supplements.

Impromptu Acne: Breakouts hit the best of us at the worst possible times.  Unfortunately, the more stressed out we get about breaking out, the more oils our skin produces.  Zap zits with a powerful spot treatment, keep your hair off your face and take some time out to do yoga, go for a walk, or have a short nap.  Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated and flush toxins from your body.

Do you have any tricks for pop-up skin issues?  Share them here!

Cheers,

@KimmieTrubiro

{Guest Post from Snappening} Birthday Party Ideas You Haven’t Used

Who said kids get to have all the fun on their birthdays? NO ONE, that’s who! So, we at Snappening are here to tell you about a few birthday party ideas that you haven’t used. And whether it’s celebrated at an Indianapolis event venue or at your own humble abode, you can definitely pull it off. Here are a few ways to keep it classy, shake it up a bit or just go right for a raving good time.

Sunday Brunch: A Royal English Tea Party

As Coco Chanel once told us, “A woman should be two things: classy and fabulous.” That is exactly what this brunch idea prides itself on. And who doesn’t want to pretend they are the latest English princess, Kate Middleton, on their birthday? A royal English tea party is the perfect excuse to dress in your Sunday best with all your fabulous friends and enjoy some quality (and classy!) time together. Here are a few things to remember when planning this one:

• Tea.  Obviously! To appeal to wide range of tastes make sure you have a variety to offer to your guests. Looking for a traditional black tea? Try Harvest Café’s English Breakfast tea. In the mood for a nice jasmine green tea blend? Try Hubbard and Cravens’ Jasmine Pearls.
• China. You finally have an excuse to put your fine china to use! If you don’t have any, head to your local thrift shop or Goodwill. You are bound to find some unique pieces. We are digging the eclectic look of mismatched teapots, sugar bowls, cups, saucers and small plates for dainty finger food. Keep it chic by selecting pieces that complement your selected color palette. The overall affect is quite lovely!
• Pastries. Be sure to set up a feast of bakery-fresh goods! Some of our favorite places to pick them up include Taste Café and Taylor’s Bakery. These will make it easy to have visually appealing presentation and an easily served meal for your guests.
• Linens and Fresh Cut Flowers. Lacey table cloths are a must for creating a ladylike atmosphere. Consider layering a lacey table cloth over a solid colored table cloth to give your room a pop of color. Place vases of fresh cut flowers around the room for the last touch. Consider using fragrant flowers like roses, peonies and lilies.

Ethnic Flair: Moroccan Themed Party

Talk about spicing things up! Nothing says Moroccan like bold, bright colors, grab a healthy amount of lightweight chiffon at the craft store and multiple colors and start draping. That’s the first step to this party theme that goes underused. Let’s talk details:

• Green Tea Martinis. Green tea is one of the Morocco’s most popular drinks, so we say put a spin on it to make it a super chic cocktail to get the guests in a celebratory mood. Just add ½ oz of grand marnier, 2 oz. of vodka and lemon, and 1 oz of chilled green tea in a martini shaker with ice. Garnish with lime and serve.
• Beautifully Diverse Food. The theme can represent a mélange of culture so the options are infinite. We suggest keeping it simple with ethnic party favorites like hummus (perhaps a fun new flavor), pita and veggies. To add a little meat, grill some chicken or lamb kebobs! Oh, and couscous. Lots of couscous.
• Just Dance. After a few green tea martinis, it’s time to dance. But, to stick with the theme, belly dance. Seriously! You’re never too old to bust a move.

Rave: Neon Meets Neutral

It’s a sophisticated way to have a “highlighter party” outside of college. No, we don’t suggest wearing white T’s and writing on each other with your favorite school supplies – however, the color idea is all the same. Pair neutrals (think tan, beige or gray) with neon accent pieces to create an inimitable contrast in the look of your event. Dim the lights, hang some neon paper lanterns and let your (sophisticated) rave begin.

• Neon Cocktails. What better way to support the neon theme than to have a cocktail that is just that. Mix citrus flavored vodka with Blue Curacao liqueur, lime juice and pineapple juice and garnish with some bright fruit!
• Get creative. This theme is all about being bright, so turn on the lightbulb in your brain and get creative. We’re thinking… twine. Wrap your cocktail glasses with it to bring in the neutral theme to the neon cocktail. Hang your décor with twine instead of streamers. Tie your silverware in bundles with it. And contrast with neon everything – plates, napkins, balloons… and maybe even glowsticks.
• Entertainment. This is a sophisticated rave, Snappeners. But a rave is not complete without techno and upbeat, fast-paced music. Use neon playing cards if you want to have some tournaments, or bust out an old-time fave, Twister.

Now’s the time to celebrate in style with one of these hidden gems. But if you just can’t imagine pulling a birthday party together on your own, there is always the option to bring in one of Indianapolis’s professional event planners! Celebrating your birthday party in Indianapolis never sounded so fun!

Crystal Grave is the president and CEO of Snappening, LLC. To see more fun event planning ideas, check out 1,600+ Indianapolis event venues, browse 80+ Indianapolis event planners or check out more information, visit www.snappening.com.

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{Guest Meggie Dials} Running on the Go

I run marathons which means lots of miles and lots of hours spent either on a treadmill, with a personal trainer or out on the Monon Trail. And managing that time commitment into my schedule means I often can’t prepare for work with my full suite of beauty products, large mirror and closet full of clothes right next to me. Instead I am usually in a humid locker room with a much-too-tiny gym issued towel wrapped around me, fumbling through trial sized products while trying to get to work on time. But the good news is that I have become a master at living out of a gym bag yet and now you can be too!

Whether you are getting ready in the morning or for a hot date after exercising, the important thing is to be prepared. In the beginning, you must make a checklist. Outfit? Check. Shoes? Check. Undergarments? Check. (Trust me, I have forgotten these more times then I should mention) Jewelry? Check.

And when it comes to toiletries, it’s not easy to pack of all your products…you’d never be able to zip up your gym bag! So here’s where the art of getting ready on the go really takes becomes an art form.

• Do yourself a favor and hit up the “trial sized” section of your drug store. There’s no need to haul around a full-sized deodorant. And though your shampoo and conditioner may not come in small packages, you can purchase empty bottles and fill them up with your own stuff.

• If you’re like me, you buy economy sized bottles of lotion. Not only are you going to want to lighten the load, the risk of lotion spill is much greater the bigger the bottle. My trick? Purchase a bottle of lotion that is small, yet refillable. Then when it gets low, take your economy supply and transfer some to the smaller bottle.
  • Note: Throw all the liquid bottles in a gallon-sized baggie to prevent spillage. We’ve all been there and cleaning hair serum off your clothes isn’t easy.

• Hair products are a bit trickier. They’re expensive so I hate spending even more money on a trial size. This is where I ignore the “smaller is better” rule and pack the full thing. It’s worth it. Speaking of, if you have course, curly, wavy or frizzy hair, you absolutely must try Aveda’s Smooth Infusion products (specifically the Style-Prep Smoother and Glossing Straightener). I never get ready without them.

• Invest in a travel hairdryer. Not just for size, but for convenience so that you never have to unpack it from your gym bag. These little guys can pack a lot of heat which is good for tight time schedules.

• Speaking of, if your gym has the option to rent out a locker, I’d consider it. Duplicate the essentials like a hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, razor, hairbrush etc and leave them at the gym. It’s so much easier to have everything in both places! And you can bring your own towel to store on location so that you don’t have to try covering your parts with the petite, scratchy towels the gym hands out.

• Stock up on those perfume samples! The risk of breaking your bottle is too severe. Just don’t bring it. But a lot of places give out tiny samples of perfume and I always toss these in my bag. I may smell different from one day to the next, but if one breaks, I am not losing valuable scented goodness. My all-time favorite perfume? Bond 9. Every scent is amazing and lasts forever. I’m currently rocking Washington Square.

• And finally? Make-up. I consciously have a small make-up bag with all my essentials so I can toss it in a gym bag or suitcase and have my daily necessities handy. But then I found the Smashbox Style File (pictured)…and fell in love. Grab a tube of mascara and you have everything you need to primp your face without having a full Caboodle of products (yes, I said Caboodle). And even better? A style guide accompanies it so you can do eye makeup like the pros! And if you are looking for a product that keeps that just-worked-out glow all day long, use NARS Orgasm blush. It looks amazing on every skin type. (*Warning: they do have a version out called “Super Orgasm” and though every girl may be tempted, it will make you look like an 18-year old cheerleader with body glitter everywhere. I learned the hard way. You’ve been warned.)

Being active and healthy doesn’t mean you have to show up to work sweaty in spandex. With preparation and a few tips from a girl who spends at least three mornings a week getting ready away from home, you’ll be all set. And though those extra minutes of sleep sure sounded good at 5am, you’ll be sitting at your desk, pretty in Indy, proud of the fact that you dragged yourself out of bed and are now energized for your day. See you in the locker room!

- Meggie Dials

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{Guest Crystal Grave} Beat the Heat: Tips for Staying Refreshed at your Next Outdoor Event

As all summer socialites know, endless barbecues and picnics—along with the high temperatures and bug swatting that often accompany them—can get exasperating! The key to a blissful summer bash is feeling refreshed. No need to break out the grill (or a sticky sweat) in that adorable cocktail dress.

Food and beverages made in advance and served room temperature or chilled make for a very happy host and delightfully cooled-off guests. Remember: an exciting summer menu doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Cool drinks, hors d’oeurves crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients and no-bake desserts capture the essence of summer! Cool off with these do-ahead recipes and party tested tips:

Delightful Drinks

• Water with a twist of…practically anything!

Simply mix ingredients in cold water, chill for several hours and voila! You have a refreshing pitcher of water infused with light, natural flavor. Get creative with ingredients: lime, lemon, orange, mixed berries or fresh herbs add the perfect hydrating touch.

• Watermelon and Cucumber Tonic

This reinterpretation of the not-as-summery gin and tonic is perfect for a colorful outdoor party. Mix watermelon, lemon, cucumber and mint with gin (preferably Hendricks, a variety infused with cucumber and rose petal flavors). Sweet, refreshing and shockingly pink!

• Strawberry Margaritas

Can’t pass on this easy summer classic! Combine fresh strawberries, ice, tequila, lime juice and sugar in a blender and process until smooth. Salt the glasses, add lime wedges and prepare to sip on pure summer.

Light Appetizers

• Fruit Medley with Mint and Lime

Combine seedless green and red grapes, plums, peaches and nectarines in a bowl—but take it one step further than your average fruit salad! Mix water, sugar, lime juice and mint sprigs for a dressing that adds kick.

• Homemade Hummus

Pair this light and versatile dip with crisp veggies and crackers. The recipe is simple—and the perfect hummus is all about flavor variation!

• Crab, Corn and Tomato Salad with Lemon-Basil Dressing

It’s summer and the ingredients are fresh—what better time to craft a beautiful salad? Try this recipe that’s a unique combination of sweet and tart.

Tantalizing Desserts

• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Refrigerator Cake

Sounds heavy, right? Surprisingly not! This light and fluffy cream cake is easy to prepare and the perfect end to any summer meal.

• Limoncello Raspberry Torte

Fresh raspberries, sugar, Limoncello and… cheese? A winning recipe indeed! Serve this confection with small knives to smear on shortbread cookies for added indulgence.

• Peach Ice Cream

As natural as ice cream can taste! To prepare, blend fresh peaches with a simple list of ingredients, chill in an ice cream freezer and enjoy after several hours. Your guests won’t believe it’s homemade!

And as any hostess-with-the-mostess knows, a party is best when the guests are completely comfortable! Don’t forget to provide these necessary tools:

• Inexpensive spray bottles with water for unbearable heat and bug spray into the evening.
• One or two large standing umbrellas for added shade.
• A bottle opener tied with a string to the fridge and set up a makeshift bar on a silver tray: cocktail shaker, muddler, strainer and long spoon should do the trick. Always be stocked up on ice!

Follow these refreshing party tips to leave sweat and summer party pessimism in the past… it’s sweet summertime! Make sure the livin’ is easy.

Crystal Grave is the president and CEO of Snappening, LLC. For more information or to sign up on the site, visit www.snappening.com.

Paige & Jill’s Beauty on a Budget – Summer BBQ

Now that it is officially summer and the days are getting longer, it is no surprise that our social calendars are swamped with outdoor activities and fun events.  With the Fourth of July right around the corner, we are here to guide you through looking and feeling your best at a summer BBQ (all while staying true to your budget, of course).

Outfit — The maxi dress is the way to go when it comes to dressing for that backyard BBQ.  There really is no way that a summer sundress can steer you wrong, and maxi dresses are all the rage right now.  The relaxed fit of this sundress is perfect for enjoying your favorite foods and beverages without having to worry about your dress uncomfortably clinging to your body.  Maxi dresses come in a range of prices but some of our favorites for the season have been found at Target and Macy’s for under $30.

Hair – A summer BBQ is the perfect excuse to let your hair go au natural.  Embrace the true texture of your hair and give up the blow dryer and straightner for the evening.  Textured, wavy hair, is the perfect compliment to almost any summertime look.  Need a little help getting that beachy look?  We recommend Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray for $23.  If your hair is naturally curly, the best way to fight that humidity is to pull it back out of your face.  Try a high bun like Keri Russell pulls off so well!  Make it your own with an embellished headband or bobby pins.

Food & Drink – You should never go to a BBQ empty handed, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank making appetizers or a tasty sangria. We have a tasty white sangria recipe, courtesy of Hungry Girl, that we absolutely love!

One 2-serving packet lemonade powdered drink mix (such as Crystal Light)

One 8-ounce can pineapple chunks packed in juice, not drained

2 cups sliced strawberries

1 orange, peeled, roughly chopped, seeds removed

1 peach roughly chopped

1 lime sliced into rings

2 bottles of pinot grigio

16 ounces diet lemon-lime soda

Combine powdered drink mix with 8 ounces water in a glass and stir to dissolve. Set aside

Place all fruit in a large pitcher.  Add lemonade mixture, 8 additional ounces water, and pinot grigio. Grover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. (Overnight is best.)

Just prior to serving, stir in soda.  Pour and be sure to get a nice amount of fruit in each glass.  Enjoy!

There you have it!  The ultimate, budget-friendly fixes for your summer BBQ.  One last tip of advice: don’t forget bug spray!  There is nothing classy or attractive about scratching mosquito bites or batting away bugs like a crazy person.  Just spritz on some scent-free bug spray to keep away those annoying bugs without masking your perfume!

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

xoxo

Paige & Jill

The Wedding Studio Opens Doors in Carmel

Pretty Indy gals, are you engaged – or planning on being? Are you or someone you know looking for a wedding dress and/or bridal accessories (think ridiculously amazing headpieces by a local designer)? Well then, we have the perfect place for you!

The Wedding Studio, a unique and intimate bridal boutique, recently reopened its doors in downtown Carmel in the heart of the Arts & Design District. Previously located in Broad Ripple Village, owners Cassandra Stevning and Leslie Jones have headed North to their roots. The new location opened on May 16th with new address 23 E. Main Street, on the 3rd Floor. Ironically, it’s directly above our favorite local lingerie boutique, Pillow Talk.

The new location features an intimate, open floor format with an outdoor terrace overlooking Main Street. The Wedding Studio is the only bridal boutique in Indiana to offer Birnbaum & Bullock designer wedding gowns collections. They also carry exclusive handmade bridal headpieces created by local designer Emily Clark of E.Milliner, who studied hat making in London.

You’re Invited! To celebrate the grand opening, The Wedding Studio is hosting a Grand Opening Open House and Cocktail Party on Tuesday, June 14th from 5:30 – 8:00pm. Enjoy cocktails and light appetizers, mingle while taking a walk around the new studio space, and preview the newest gowns from the Birnbaum & Bullock Fall collections.

The Wedding Studio
23 E. Main Street, 3rd Floor
Carmel, IN 46032
317-815-2000

Visit www.coutureweddingstudio.com to learn more.

Follow on Twitter  @ThWeddingStudio
Like The Wedding Studio on Facebook

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Paige & Jill’s Beauty on a Budget: Summer Reading List

There comes a time in every budget-bearing fashonista’s life when she needs to take a brief step back and give her wallet a break.  In preparation for summer, that time for us is now.  So we have decided to look at ways to spice up your life without having to spend a fortune.  What better way to get a little break from the day-to-day than to start a fabulous new book?  We put together a list of some of our favorites for any mood!

Genre: Chick Lit

Read:  Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

We’re sure by now most of you have seen previews for this star-studded flick set to hit the big screen this Friday (starring Kate Hudson & Ginnifer Goodwin).  But long before the movie came to fruition, this was a book we could not put down.  This “chick-lit” book is well-written and fun, while focusing on the idea of friendship and love and what happens when the two are mixed together.  If you’re looking for a light-hearted, entertaining read, we definitely recommend picking this one up off the shelves.  And there’s a bonus:  Something Borrowed is the first book in a set of three.  So there’s more where that came from!

Genre: Drama

Read: Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum

Simultaneously set in modern-day Wisconsin and World War II Germany, Those Who Save Us chronicles a young woman who will go to great lengths to protect herself and her young daughter while living in Nazi-occupied Germany.  As a mistress to a Nazi soldier during the war, Anna, is bound by shameful secrets that drive her daughter, Trudy, to uncover the truth.  But family secrets are not to be taken lightly, and what Trudy discovers changes her entire world.  This is no light read, but the thought-inducing storyline is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and will leave you thinking about what it means to survive weeks after you finish reading.

Genre: Suspense

Read:  The Lake Of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman

If you’re looking for something that’s going to keep you on the edge of your seat, look no further!  This is a story about Jane, a woman who has returned to her alma mater to teach Latin.  While attending school there, two of Jane’s best friends’ lives were taken by the lake on the school’s campus, and Jane had always thought that she was meant to be next.  This is the story of how the hauntings of the lake and the campus have come back in full force, and it is up to Jane to figure out why students are mysteriously disappearing. Every page is packed with suspense, leading up to an ending that we couldn’t possibly have predicted!

Genre: Historical Fiction

Read: The Rosetti Letter by Christi Phillips

If you haven’t been to Venice, you’ll want to leave on the next flight after reading this fabulous novel!  Phillips weaves an intriguing suspense story set in seventeenth-century Venice while contrasting with a modern romance between two academic rivals in the present day.  Centered around the Spanish conspiracy to overthrow the Venetian government, this story follows Alessandra Rossetti, a woman forced into the life of a courtesan and ultimately  finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens her very existence.  This story is full of romance and intrigue… you won’t be able to put it down!

There are SO many great books out there, and now that the weather is warming up, we can’t wait to get out on a lawn chair and dive into new stories.  What are some of your favorite books?  Do you have a favorite genre for the summer months?  We’d love to hear them!

Xoxo,

Paige & Jill

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