Saturday, November 29, 2008

5 Great Gifts for Groomsmen

I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving and survived Black Friday. The only shopping we did yesterday was online - and at Red Robin for dinner. Seriously, guys, ask for Alissa - she rocks the most!

Well, in honor of one of the biggest retail weekends of the year, we're going to touch on the subject of gift buying...for the boys, that is. If your groom is like mine, purchasing thoughtful gifts is as confusing as it is painful. How does he thank his friends for giving up a Saturday to dress like a Maitre D' and make small talk with his extended family? Check out these 5 ideas from The Knot and run them past your hubby-to-be. You'll score points by taking the guesswork out of it and making it look like he put a TON of effort into his purchases ;-)Just click on the image of the gifts that catch your eye to be linked to their page with more info. Each of these gifts range from $7.50-$24.95 and can be combined for a really great "Thank You" package!

1. Flasks. OK, I'll be honest. I only know one person who carries around a flask - but the idea is so cool...especially if your ceremony drags on and gets really boring - just kidding! These flasks can be personalized with his buddies' monograms and are all under $25!
Classic Engraving Circle Flask

Round Flask

Black Flask


They've even got a few for the girls, as well!
Pink Flask

Metallic Leather Flask


2. Cigar Paraphernalia - Pair a couple of high quality cigars from Old Town Cigar or Cigar Chateau with a personalized cigar cutter, single holder, or humidor!
Cigar Cutter

Single Cigar Holder

3. Personalized Beer Mugs or Glasses - Attach a 6-pack of each groomsman's favorite microbrew!

Engravable Beer Mug

Giant Beer Glass

4. Personalized Money Clips - Since girls carry purses filled to the brim with our wallet, make-up, datebook, gum, etc. we don't ever really "get" the idea of a money clip. But guys don't carry a purse and sometimes a wallet is just too bulky or heavy for dress pants. They can stick a few bills and a credit card in their clip and be good to go for the night.
Classic Money Clip

Personalizable Leather Money Clip

5. Pocketknives - Boys love guns and knives. That's all that needs to be said.
Locking Pocketknife

Stainless Pocketknife

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

More Wedding Cake Toppers...from Wal-Mart?

So, on Saturday I was at Wal-Mart for nail polish remover. Recently, my WM has undergone a major overhaul: virtually everything has moved to the most inconvenient and unintuitive location they could possibly imagine. However, as I wandered aimlessly through what used to be the cosmetics section (now home to bath towels and shower curtains) I spotted it. The wedding section. A couple of years ago, Wal-Mart was still one of the leading cheesy wedding crap distributors in town - but now it seems they've realized the potential for matrimonial parafanalia. Their products are still inexpensive, but many of them are REALLY cute! In fact, they've got an entire line of Martha Stewart DIY projects, accessories, and stationery!

Anyhow, what truly surprised me were two cake toppers. Read some of my thoughts on wedding cake toppers here. The first one is from Wilton, the famous cake decorating company.
See how fun non-tacky toppers can be???

Then there was this one from Martha Stewart. I admit, I don't quite get it. A bell hanging from a flowery branch? Whatever. But it's different, and that's what I appreciate. That and the fact that all of Wal-Mart's cake toppers are super inexpensive - not a one was over $30! Here's a link to all of their wedding cake toppers - some are even able to be personalized.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Mike Seltzer Jewelers 50% Off Sale


Mike Seltzer is once again having a 50% off Christmas sale! From now until December 24th, take 50% off almost any piece in the store! The discount can't be applied to estate pieces or diamonds over 1 carat - but there will be a smaller discount applied. If you haven't chosen your wedding bands yet - or are just beginning the engagement ring shopping process - swing by and see if they've got anything you like. Be sure to price pieces of equal quality in other shops or online stores before you purchase, though, just to make sure you're getting the most for your money.

Mike Seltzer also offers layaway and financing options, so don't let a smaller budget scare you off! Their hours are Tuesday-Thursday 10:00-5:00 & they are located in northeast Wichita at 2929 N. Rock Rd. (the intersection of 29th and Rock).

Click here to view the current sale flyer.