Forgive me if I’m a little excited, but I have come to LOVE John Wind‘s pieces. It’s a lot of fun when I receive an email asking if I want to go a giveaway because I get to road test the piece myself before I give it away … see?? FUN! It has also added several fun pieces (2 necklaces, 2 pairs of earrings and now a bangle bracelet) to my collection. Plus, I adore anything vintage inspired, and his pieces are modern yet have that vintage flair.

Ok, enough rambling! Let me show you some of the amazing pieces in this collection, which would be perfect for gifts for this time of year … but especially perfect for bridesmaids. What a beautiful way for them to have something personal to remember your wedding day.

First, let me introduce you to the letters and what words they are paired with … mine (J) has the word “joy” written on the side. You can give them to a girl who starts with that initial (say, give the “C/confident” to your friend Carrie), OR if your friend Carrie is vibrant and fun to be around, you may want to give her the “V/vibrant”. How fun to be able to pick out an attribute or an initial. Pick whatever inspires YOU!

Now on to some of the pieces … necklaces, bracelets and bangles, oh my!

And now on to what someone will win! The gold inspired initial bracelet in your choice of letter. I am SO glad that gold is making a comeback … yay!

Ok, so here is the skinny on how to winny (corny, I know!):

1. Comment on this blog posting telling me what letter you would want and why (this doesn’t commit you to that letter if you win!).

2. Share this posting on Facebook and tag Hill City Bride so that we know that you shared!

3. Tweet this posting and also include @hillcitybride so that we know you tweeted!

4. You can also Instagram the photo if you would like and tag @hillcitybride in your Instagram photo. How fun!

Ok, that’s four ways to win for each of you. This giveaway will end next Friday 12/14/12 at noon, so be sure to enter while you can. It would be a GREAT gift for Christmas (or for yourself!).

Be sure to check out the full Inspired Initial collection by clicking here, too!

If you are new to the concept of Thirty-One, welcome, but being familiar with this company is something that is not new to some. Either way, their products are fun, durable and economical. I am excited to have Thirty-One consultant, Katie Lee, as a part of our Hill City Bride family!

Thirty-One is a direct sales company, which is mostly known for their bags and totes. They are available in a whole host of designs and patterns, and can serve great as honeymoon getaway gear, wedding organization or even gifts for your bridesmaids.

Here is a little bit about Thirty-One in Katie Lee’s own words:

Thirty-One is a Christian business that seeks to celebrate, encourage and reward women of all ages. The name Thirty-One comes from Proverbs 31 where the virtuous women that cares for and provides for her family is described. Most of our products are able to be personalized, which is a great added touch. 

We have a variety of purses, bags, luggage and accessories that make great bridesmaid gifts, and we even have wallets, messenger bags, men’s shave kit bags and various other items for the guys in your bridal party … that may surprise you. Many of our bags would be great to take along on the honeymoon, especially with your new name on them!

Here is some of the nitty gritty about home shows and orders: any order over $200 qualifies as a party, which means that you would get free and half price items as a reward. You don’t even have to host an actual show … your own order can potentially qualify for discounts and hostess gifts. 

Example bridesmaids/mom gift may be something like this

-Flat Iron case ($22)

-Mirror compact ($12)

-Small Rosette clip ($5)

OR

-Mini Zipper Pouch with their name on it ($12+$7 for personalization)

-Wristlet strap ($5)

-Manicure nail file ($2)

-fill the pouch with fun manicure products!

OR

-Cosmetic Bag with their name on it ($30 + $7 for personalization)

-Fill with tissues, makeup, or other wedding day essentials.

OR

-Littles Carry-All Caddy with personalization ($12 +$7 for personalization)

-stick a pack of tissues in the front pocket and fill with lotions or other essentials

Example groomsmen gifts:

-Men’s Essentials case with personalization ($16 + $7 for personalization)

-Fill with shaving kit items such as a nice razor, quality shave cream and aftershave moisturizer

OR

-Leather Money Clip Wallet ($16 + $7 for personalization)

-Give the wallet with a gift card to his favorite store or restaurant

OR

-All-in-One Organizer with personalization in Textured Twill ($20 +$7 for personalization)

-Fill with hobby items, car wash essentials or anything else that you  can think of!

OR

Check out the new spirit collection and get him a cooler in his favorite team’s colors!

Example Flower Girl gifts

-Mini Organizer ($15)

-Fill with coloring books and craft supplies

OR

-Thermal Tote with personalization ($18 + $7 for personalization)

-Fill with some of her favorite snacks

OR

-Ruffle Cinch Sac ($25)

-Fill with fun little girl dress-up items

Ring Bearer Gift ideas

-Cinch Sac in Camo or another boyish print ($20 +$7 for personalization)

-Fill with little boy toys

OR

-Square Utility tote in Textured Twill with personalization ($25 + $7 for personalization)

-Stick his favorite sports ball in it!

The possibilities are endless!

If you would like to take a peek at the catalog, just click here, and click here to go to Katie’s personal Thirty-One page.

-Phone: 434.229.7866

-Email: kelee@liberty.edu

Vintage is all the rage nowadays … upcycling, recycling, doing something new with something old. Enter these three beauties from John Wind Maximal Art (and you can win one of them!). It has been a long time since we have done a giveaway, and we thought it was about time to do so.

John Wind has been designing jewelry for years, and this year he is thinking “modern vintage” for brides and bridesmaids alike. Retro chic button earrings are the newest look, and they are perfect with an updo for dressing up.

These 1940s inspired beaded flowers in midnight blue are the perfect “something blue” for a bride.

These sparkle buttons have a gold plated bee icon perched “just so”.

And THESE are what you can win! These are faux seed pearl knots (purchased from 1960s overstock) attached to new button bases. How perfect for a bride! I love the fact that they are old made new again.

What can you do to win? Just follow the instructions below, and when you do post a SEPARATE comment for each thing that you do.

1. Comment here telling us which earrings are your favorite! It’s hard to choose, I know.

2. “Like” John Wind Maximal Art on Facebook by clicking here (or let us know if you are already a fan!).

3. “Like” Hill City Bride on Facebook by clicking here (or let us know if you are already a fan!).

Interested in purchasing these items? They retail for $34 per pair, and they are part of an exclusive collection that is not available on their website called “High Tea at Hampton Court”. Feel free to call their customer service number at (800)573-3308 to inquire about these beautiful pieces, and don’t forget … one of you will win the seed pearl knots! Entries close on July 18 at midnight!

These DIY necklaces are so darling, and you can put just about any saying in the tiny bottle (as long as it’s not too long!). Imagine putting some glitter or a small trinket to add some color, and you could even tie on a charm for each bridesmaid around the neck of the bottle. These hail from Victoria Diaries, and just click here to head over to their site for a fun DIY!

Photo from Victoria Diaries

I love shopping local because I know that I am putting money back into my community while supporting my friends. Sometimes it seems like more effort than just going to a big box store, but it really is worth it. Plus, I really enjoy supporting my friends (and making new ones!).

I asked the advertisers of HCB to come up with some creative gift giving and holiday entertaining ideas to make your holidays easier.Yes, I know that they are known as “wedding” vendors, but they really are so much more. All of the ideas contain clickable links on the business name. Take a peek …

For those who love fashion and accessories:

For the girl who likes a little sparkle, why not stop by Celebration on Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg? They offer jewelry and accessories for special occasions … you may even find a little “bling” for yourself for New Year’s Eve!

For something very special, why not stop by Bowen Jewelry in Downtown Lynchburg? They offer gift certificates along with beautiful jewelry that will bit any budget. My personal favorite is their estate line … so many beautiful items to choose from!

Are you in need of a dress for the holidays? Well, stop by Church Street Bridal in Downtown Lynchburg. They have a wonderful selection of beautiful gowns (not just for brides, but also for special occasions … trust me!) in a plethora of colors to choose from.

For help with your holiday (or future) entertaining:

If you are hosting a Christmas get together, why not take the time to relax a little? Love Is in the Air can help you with your catering and centerpiece needs … it’s the holidays, and you deserve to enjoy your own event.

If you have “visions of sugarplums dancing in your head”, but you do not have time to make any sweets yourself, you should give La Bella Torta a try (really, do!!). They offer cookies, pastries, gift baskets and pies … or a gift certificate towards a special occasion cake would be a wonderful option, too.

Many times music makes (or breaks) a party, right? We’ve all been there! Well, Official Entertainment can help with your own celebration, or you can give gift certificate for their services … how fun would that be? From the Big Band sounds of the 40s to the Billboard’s Hot 100 of today, they have you covered.

Photo booths are a TON of fun, so guess what? The Virginia Photo Booth Company is offering a 25% discount on any of their photo booths during 2012 when you purchase one as a gift … what a fun option for a party!

Do you have an event coming up or know someone else who will soon? The gift of an intimate event space is perfect! Tresca on 8th is known for their big, beautiful ballroom, but they also have a lovely space upstairs with comfortable conversation areas for up to 60 people. It is a great place to host a shower or other small affair.

For any occasion, RS Exclusive can help out … whether is in in the area of decor or coming up with a fun color coordinate “candy bar”, a certificate for their services will help out even the most savvy hostess.

For those who love memories (or anyone!):

The gift of memories is one that will last a lifetime, so why not create some with Stone Blue Productions? A gift certificate would be perfect for any type of photo session … they also offer canvas prints and quality albums for showing off those great moments. As Jeremiah said, “Great memories are always in style.”

Need a gift for a whole family? Consider a gift certificate from Jane Bradley Photography for a fun filled family photo session. It is a gift that they will treasure for years to come!

Who doesn’t love a sale? If you purchase a gift certificate for a session with Visions by Heather Photography, you will receive a $50 portrait credit in December … either keep the credit for yourself or add that in as an extra little gift for the recipient. How fun!

KD Burke Photography has a style all their own, and they offer gift certificates for all of their services … sessions, prints and the like. Give memories as a gift this year.

For those who love to shop:

If you have never been to The Farm Basket, you are really missing out! They have a lot of gift ideas … from Vera Bradley to items to help out in the kitchen, they really do have an amazing selection. When in doubt, give a gift certificate, which can be used towards merchandise or even a delicious lunch (my favorite is the chicken salad!!).

At Your Service Events Planner offers Carlson Craft gift certificates, which would be perfect for those who love things that are personalized.

Have you been to The Corset Corner lately? Not only do they have beautiful, quality intimates, but they recently opened an entire gift section of their shop on Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg.

For a little pampering:

If you want to give the gift of beauty or pampering, why not consider a certificate to one of our spas? SPA 4109 or Bodyworks Day Spa and Salon are sure to treat your recipient right (or even you … wouldn’t you love a massage during all of the holiday hustle and bustle?). Both stores are in the Boonsboro area and also offer lots of little pick me ups (such as shampoos and beauty items) that make wonderful, luxurious gifts.

If you are looking to stuff that stocking (whether it be for a man or a woman, mind you), Mary Kay has plenty of offerings … from nail polish to soothing lip treatments, they can add that “oomph” to an otherwise blah stocking.

For a new look either pre or post holiday, consider paying Mitchell’s Salon on 7th in Altavista a visit … they are in the hair business, which is their definite area of expertise!

To surprise the man in your life:

For the man in your life (oh yes!), why not schedule a session with DulceNoche, a division of Allegra’s Studio, and present him with a Little Black Book (filled with sultry photos of YOU). Yes, you can still have your session and images back by Christmas.

Speaking of fun photos, you can stop by Boudoir in Boonsboro and pick up a little pretty something for yourself or even another family member … they offer pretty lingerie along with pajamas that are “Christmas morning photo appropriate”, and they also have accessories and other fun things, too!

And, finally, to beat those holiday blahs and bloats:

Are you worried about how you will look and/or feel for those holiday parties? It Works has a whole line of vitamins to keep you healthy along with their slimming body wraps … who says you have to leave the holidays with extra fluff around your middle? No muffin tops here!

If you want more ideas, just check out all of the links to the right … I love our family of vendors, and I hope you will support them this Christmas season.