{12 Days of Giveaways} On the Fifth Day of Giveaways…

It’s Friday…we made it!  Celebrate the end of the week by entering to win our 5th giveaway in our 12 Days of Giveaways promo.  Up for grabs today is a hair analysis with Greg Lee of G Michael Salon and a J Beverly Hills shampoo and conditioner for you to take home that will suit your hair’s needs.

I have fallen in love with this line; every time I use the shampoo and conditioner, it smells like a spa in my shower.  J Beverly Hills uses no sulfates or other harsh chemicals and it shows in the response your hair will give.  For me, my once frizzy/dry thick hair turns into silky, shiny, soft locks.  I barely have to use styling products after using the shampoo and conditioner – this stuff works. 

Enter to win by heading to G Michael Salon’s Facebook page and letting them know you’d love a free hair analysis.  Good luck!

xo.

Incoming search terms:

• late summer wedding decorations
• advertising idea for toms style your sole parties
• wedding venues in indianapolis for cheap
• shampoo promo
• SHAKE IT UP party theme
• coco lee wedding decoration
• coco chanel inspired birthday themes
• birthday hall decoration ideas
• wedding decor backdrop red
• maroko wedding decoration

{12 Days of Giveaways} On the Fourth Day…

It’s day 4 of 12 giveaways and we’re trucking right along!  Today, G Michael Salon wants to gift one lucky reader with a shampoo and blowout – leaving you looking quite snazzy for a date night, party, or whatever your little heart might desire.  And take it from me, these blowouts last.  And seriously, who doesn’t want a little pampering right about now?

Simply like G Michael Salon on Facebook and tell them why you are deserving of this lovely shampoo/blowout treatment!  For an extra entry, follow G Michael Salon on Twitter and tweet why you should be the lucky winner.

xo.

Incoming search terms:

• 12 days in indy
• 12 days of give aways
• 12 days of giveaways
• 12 days of giveaways 2011 blog and websites
• 12 days of giveaways the 4th day
• it\s the 4th days of giveaways
• j beverly hills tote
• on the fourth day of

{12 Days of Giveaways} On the First Day of Giveaway…

Pretty Indy is SO excited to be teaming up with the fabulous G Michael Salon to bring you a solid 12 Days of Giveaways to kick off the holiday season!  Check back daily to see that day’s giveaway.  And now for the kick-off giveaway item…

G Michael Salon is giving one lucky reader a J Beverly Hills paddle brush ($16) value!  The paddle brush is a very versatile brush that is especially great for long and/or thick hair.  It helps smooth your hair while styling and helps you achieve a nice, sleek look.  Because the brush is so wide, it’s great for thicker hair and also provides a little scalp massage in the process!

To win, simply head to the G Michael Salon Facebook Page.  Let them know that Pretty Indy sent you and you would LOVE that brush!  For an extra entry, follow G Michael Salon on Twitter and again let them know we sent you to win this fab brush.  You’ll have the smoothest, sleekest hair for all those holiday parties!  A winner will be chosen by the end of the day.

xo.

Incoming search terms:

• 12 days of indy
• 12 days of giveaways indianapolis
• g michael salon

{Snappening Guest Post} How to fall in love with fall wedding décor? Customize for your venue!

Ah. Nothing better than crisp air, vibrant leaves and beautiful homes or landmarks that seem even more picturesque against a colorful fall backdrop. If Autumn is your favorite season here in Indianapolis, we certainly don’t blame you—Mother Nature supplies so much natural beauty! What better time for a wedding?

For autumn lovers like you, there’s no better season to highlight the natural beauty of your Indianapolis wedding venue. Whether indoors or out, each venue has its own character and natural charm.

2011’s fall wedding décor trends are all about accentuating a venue’s natural assets—from grandiose staircases to outdoor gazebos, all Indianapolis venues provide new opportunity for stunning wedding décor. Consider some fall wedding décor trends customized for everything your wedding venue has to offer.

Columns

Most traditional columns have a flat top, an ideal canvas to show off fall’s newest floral trends! Our favorites? Dahlias, chocolate-brown roses, chocolate-brown cosmos, fern curls and dusty millers. The how-to:

• Arrange bursting flowers on top of a column and allow them to drape down the sides. Consider laying a spengeri fern below your floral arrangement to drape down the sides as well.
• For a softer, wispier look, weave tulle and ribbon down the side of the column instead of greenery.

• Add twinkle lights to your floral arrangement for an added touch of elegance. White lights are preferable as they add that cozy fall / winter feel.

Archways

Whether you say your vows under an archway, walk under one to enter the reception venue or create one yourself, this architectural element is ideal for photo-ops.

• Add to the rustic ambience of fall by covering an existing archway with greenery and twinkle lights. Plumose – a long, draping greenery – is fairly inexpensive and covers an archway quickly.
• If you prefer not to cover an archway, utilize free standing plants or flowers on either end. Doubling up is also an attractive option for framing a doorway. Set up perfect photo-ops where guests might not expect!
• Twinkle lights are a trend that never seems to go out of season—but don’t they sound nice paired with the rich colors of autumn? For a simple but timeless look, wrap one strand around the arch. Keep things understated (and avoid the holiday or prom look!) by keeping it to a single strand.

A unique venue with multiple options? The Grand Hall in the Crown Plaza Hotel in Historic Union Station has spectacular appeal with its unique arches and columns.

Outdoor Gazebos

Many Indianapolis venues are lucky enough to have beautiful outdoor gazebos—and they’re not just for spring weddings anymore! And what better backdrop than fall foliage for breathtaking wedding photos?

• As most gazebos are painted white, decorate with bright fall color (red, gold, deep purple perhaps) so that it really pops.  Silky fabric is an ideal option as it will blow a little bit in the wind and stand out against the fall leaves.
• If your gazebo overlooks a spectacular location, less is more. Even just a few flowers will pack a punch (without being overwhelming! against a truly breathtaking landscape.

The Country Club of Indianapolis’s outdoor gazebo presents a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony or stunning photo-ops!

Staircases

Whether indoor or outdoor, a properly decorated staircase can add to the beauty of your wedding day. If it’s outside, keep it a little more understated in lieu of all the fall foliage.

• For a small set of stairs where the railing is no longer than a yard, very loosely wind a short length of tulle or chiffon and then bunch bright roses at either end. Make the flowers pop by choosing a rich, unexpected color like orange or brown.
• One of the newest fall décor trends? An orange and yellow material called sinamay mesh. It’s a rough-feeling mesh made of banana leaf and dyed in bright colors. It has a beautiful effect when twined along railings or banisters. Combine it with dried decor branches to add even more life to the room.

The Scottish Rite Cathedral’s grandiose staircase is an ideal option for wedding décor that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

The key to beautiful fall wedding décor is customizing to your surroundings! To find your perfect Indianapolis wedding venue, visit Snappening today. Happy planning!

###

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.

Incoming search terms:

• fall wedding ideas
• autumn wedding backdrop
• Fall Wedding Decorations
• fall wedding idea
• fall wedding venues
• fall wedding decor
• autumn wedding decoration
• indianapolis wedding venues inexpensive
• pretty picturesque backdrop indianapolis
• october wedding ideas

{Grand Opening} Nordstrom Rack Indy

I have a feeling I speak for the masses when I say I am pretty freaking excited for this store to open.  You say you want details?  I’ve got them.  Oh – and I think you’ll be extra interested to learn about Race Through the Rack…happy shopping!

OPENING DATE:  September 15, 2011

OPENING TIME:  9 a.m. (festivities begin at 7 a.m.)

REGULAR STORE HRS:  Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

LOCATION:  Nordstrom Rack Rivers Edge Shopping Center
4036 East 82nd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250

OPENING DAY FESTIVITIES

RACE THROUGH THE RACK:
Race Through the Rack is a sweepstakes held before most Nordstrom Rack store openings, including the new store at Rivers Edge Shopping Center. Customers can enter a drawing to win a 90-second, $2,000 shopping spree. The winner’s name is drawn and announced at 8:45 a.m. before the store opens (must be 18-years-old, present to win, and a legal US resident).

COMPLIMENTARY REUSABLE TOTE:
The first 1,000 customers at the new Nordstrom Rack at Rivers Edge Shopping Center will receive a complimentary reusable tote with their purchase.

REFRESHMENTS AND MUSIC:
Our opening day celebration is a way for us to thank our customers for shopping with us. We offer complimentary breakfast refreshments and feature music and personalities from a local DJ.

WHAT’S INSIDE THE NEW STORE
+ Discounted apparel, shoes, accessories and cosmetics for the whole family
+ 25,000 pairs of shoes: Women’s sizes 4-13; Men’s sizes 7-16
+ Designer shoes
+ 2,000 pairs of premium denim for men and women
+ Bra sizes 32A to 42DD
+ 1,500 Men’s ties
+ Kidswear and Kids’ Shoes
+ On-site alterations

ABOUT NORDSTROM RACK
Nordstrom Rack is the off-price division of Nordstrom, Inc. offering on-trend clearance merchandise from Nordstrom stores as well as items purchased specially for Nordstrom Rack. The store offers significant savings on great brands with most at 30-70% off.

Incoming search terms:

• nordstrom rack indianapolis
• nordstrom rack indianapolis hours
• nordstrom rack indy
• nordstrom rack indianapolis opening date
• nordstrom rack indianapolis store hours
• nordstrom rack indianapolis opening
• nordstrom rack indy hours
• nordstrom rack indianapolis hours of operation
• nordstroms rack indianapolis
• nordstrom rack hours indianapolis

{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.

Incoming search terms:

• shake it up party ideas
• shake it up birthday party ideas
• shake it up birthday party
• shake it up birthday ideas
• Coco Chanel themed party
• coco chanel party theme ideas
• coco chanel party theme
• chanel theme party
• shake it up birthday party theme
• shake it up birthday theme

Indy Getting Hitched Giveaway

Have you taken a peek at Indy Getting Hitched?  It’s a fantastic and very comprehensive wedding resource for Indy – a perfect site for those of you in the process of planning a wedding!  To celebrate the premiere of their website, Indy Getting Hitched is hosting a fab party – and they want to see YOU there!  The only two words I needed to hear were cocktails and giveaways to know I was in…but of course there will be a slew of Indy’s best wedding vendors with tons of helpful information to give you as you plan your big event!  They’ve given us a nice little bunch of tickets to give away – all you need to do is tell us why you want to go!  Click for more event details.

Good luck – we hope to see you there!

Incoming search terms:

• manicure room interior in salon

{Guest Post – My Best Friend’s Hair} Hair Trends as We Look ahead to Fall

As we look ahead to the new season, we begin to mentally evaluate our wardrobes.  Are we well-stocked on coats, jeans, scarves and sweaters?  Sometimes we might not think about getting our hairstyle ready for the cooler temperatures as well.  Just like fashion, hair trends change dramatically from season to season.  So what can we expect for fall?  We’re glad you asked.

Taking a cue from the past, we welcome back bangs.  No, we’re not talking about the overly-teased and hairsprayed poofs of the 70’s but rather the fringed bangs often paired with a bob that were more popular years before.  Old fashioned?  Outdated? Absolutely not!  In general, a big trend as we enter fall and winter this year will be paying homage to the past and still being fabulous!

When it comes to upkeep, your current hairstylist might suggest you go in for a cut and color every few months or so.  But this fall, you might be able to add a little bit more time between appointments!  This is made possible by a trend we can’t decide if we love or hate, the ombre!  Grown out roots of dark browns and sandier blondes create a halo of pop around the head, while the lighter color continues an inch or two down from the roots.  We started to see this trend back around the same time last year and into fall of 2010 and this look (love it or hate it) isn’t going anywhere.

As a little girl, we remember getting excited to put on a bright, bowed headband and skipping off to school.  While we’d like to think we’ve matured a bit since then, we can’t help but still love headbands!  Big designer names like Fendi are going bold and bright when it comes to headbands.  These accessories are inexpensive and versatile and hey, they’re the perfect bad hair day solution!

Whipping wind and heavy snow makes for some less than loved-looking locks.  That’s why we’re especially excited about this trend: big but easy updos!  Beehive-like monuments stood high on the runways, and while we don’t expect everyone to pull off those dramatic looks, we do expect updos to no longer be reserved for swanky social events.  Be it loose buns, big, messy bunches of hair or hair knots, this trend will allow for us to keep our dos in place even if harsher weather hits.

Let’s go back to color.  Sure, the blondes typically go a little bit darker as that summer tan fades, but this season we think color is making a comeback… and we’re not talking about calm carmel colors.  Streaks of pink, purple and even blue could act as accessories by themselves!  The celebs are already on board, but it seems like this trend is yet to take off in our area.  Still, we’re feeling confident that Indianapolis hair stylists are going to get their hands wet offering up this trend soon.

Want to look slick this fall?  Bring out the old aerosol can!  Starting late this summer, we’ve seen celebrities slicking their hair back in chic ponytails or low buns and we can tell from the pictures, these dos aren’t going anywhere!  And from a trend standpoint we don’t think they’re going anywhere either!

The theme this fall for hair: don’t be afraid to break away from the norm!  Whether it’s a pink streak or beehive updo, sleek is chic and old fashioned is back!

Guest Post from My Best Friend’s Hair

Launched in July 2011, My Best Friend’s Hair helps Indianapolis residents find their perfect hairstylist by allowing users to browse non-biased reviews and information about local hairstylists.

Incoming search terms:

• pg&e and offering from my best friends wedding
• best friends hair Indianapolis

{Cool Event Alert} TOMS Style Your Sole at Castleton Square; Sunday, August 14

A huge thank you to reader Taylor for alerting us to this fantastic event – she let us know that this Sunday, August 14, TOMS Style Your Sole will be rolling through Castleton Square Mall.  Simply purchase a pair of TOMS shoes ($44) from either Shi or Journeys from 12-5 and take them to one of the local artists on hand to help make those shoes your own unique pair.  The personalization is completely free, and all proceeds still go to the TOMS’ mission to provide a pair of shoes to needy children for each pair sold.  If you participate, we’d love to see your unique TOMS – feel free to send us pics!

xo.

Incoming search terms:

• toms style your sole
• style your sole
• artist at castleton to decorate toms
• toms shoes indianapolis
• unique toms
• toms shoes in indy
• toms shoes in indianapolis
• toms shoes castleton square mall
• toms castleton square mall
• tom shoes indianapolis

Want a $50 Sephora Gift Card? Here’s How.

Are you a golf widow?  Maybe you’re an avid golfer yourself…

Either way, wouldn’t it be nice to snag some green fees on the cheap?  While golf doesn’t directly relate to beauty, we wanted to highlight ChipOnDeals, a brand-spanking-new local company that is bringing the daily deal model to golf in Indy.

Launching soon (of course we wanted you amongst the first to be “in the know”), ChipOnDeals promises golf discounts of 50-90% – those are some serious deals.  If you fall into the category of golf widow, this frees up money that can be spent on beauty goodies, right? And if you are an avid golfer, well it sill frees up money to be spent on beauty goodies.

ChipOnDeals is looking for a few good women to spread the word, and that’s where you come in.  Whether you love to hit the links or you know others who do, we’d love you forever if you’d help.  Of course, this request doesn’t come without a little somethin’-somethin’ for you.

So what’s in it for you?  Just for spreading the word, you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Sephora to treat yourself to those beauty goodies we were talking about earlier.

Over the next week (today through next Friday, July 29), do any of the following and you’ll be entered to win – the more you do, the more entries you get.

1.  Sign up to receive ChipOnDeals e-mails - once launched, you’ll never get more than three e-mails a week.

2.  Become a fan of ChipOnDeals on Facebook and post this status update:  ”I just became a fan of @ChipOnDeals to save money on golf!”  Make sure you tag ChipOnDeals     so we can track your entry.

3.  Follow ChipOnDeals on Twitter and tweet: “Sign up for @ChiponDealsIndy and save $$  on golf.”

That’s it!  Good luck, gals, and happy Friday!

xo.

FEEDS