Minted: A Review + Giveway!!!

So, let me tell you a secret.
In my house, in my loft, in a little drawer, I have a small hoarding problem.

I have every wedding invitation I have ever received.

I also have the accompanying favors, programs, name cards, and any other wedding paper items that have come along. I like to keep these things and look through them later.

Also, at my Grandma's house, framed and sitting on her dresser, is her wedding invitation, from 50 years ago. I remember being a little kid and brushing my hair with her gold comb, brush, and mirror set, while reading over the words of her ivory invite framed in a silver platter style frame.

Here's what I'm saying: The invitations might be my favorite element of weddings. 

Minted.com recently contacted me about sharing with you guys a little bit about their Wedding Invitations.
Browsing through their selection makes my heart tingle. There are all kinds of different styles, from classic, to modern, to vintage, to eclectic.

If I were getting married right now, I'm pretty sure I would have a hard time deciding on which of their amazing invitations to send. They even have these awesome inspiration boards, built off  the style of different invitations they offer.

wedding fiesta board by annie clark. See more Minted wedding invitations

This might be my favorite part of not being married yet, the fact that I get to still get to plan and dream of my
someday wedding.
Will I be the kind of bride to choose a more classic look? Or something more outrageous?

Orange, gold, and butterflies board by Caroline. See more Minted wedding invitations

Inspiration Board board by Keri. See more unique wedding invitations

Estate Wedding Mint board by Kim Dietrich Elam. See more unique Minted wedding invitations

And here's what else. Minted offers so many millions of adorable other things, notebooks, prints, address labels, note cards, and plenty of other paper goods for those of us who aren't walking down any aisles anytime soon.

I mean these journals?!? Come on! I'll take one of each please.

The great news for you is that Minted wants to offer one lucky A Cuppa Kim reader a $50 credit to their online store - to be used on ANYTHING your little heart desires (not just wedding invitations). Can we say, OH YEAH!

I've only done a few giveaways on this here little blog, and I have to tell you, they have all been products that I love. This is no exception!

• So here's the way it works, head on over to Minted.com and let me know what item you would get if you won the credit! Leave me a comment for an entry.

• Get a second entry by leaving a comment with a link to your favorite inspiration board. I'm curious what your style is!

• A third entry for sharing a link to this giveaway via social media: twitter, pinterest, instagram, or facebook. You can share as many places as you like, but just one entry. Leave a comment letting me know!

And that is it! Everybody can have up to three entries!

PS: Minted ships internationally, so this giveaway is open to everyone everywhere! 

 Entries will close at noon on Monday, April 15, and I will announce the randomly selected winner Tuesday Morning!


This happy little giveaway and review post is sponsored by Minted.com. All stories and opinions are my very own. Please & thank you.

Cari & Jordan: The Wedding (Part 2) & the Not-So-Insta-Flight-Home

You want more wedding?

I hope you said yes. 

Because there wasn't really a choice.

But this post will wrap it up!

We dropped of the beautiful, blushing bride.

To her nervous, excited, and ecstatic groom.

They had their official "first look" photoshoot.

With the super-fab photographers.

I tried really hard not to be the super annoying girl with a camera standing behind the professionals.

So I stood behind a tree.

And a car. 

Way less annoying, right?

We rode around LA, stopping at the Biltmore, Union Station, and Elysian Park.

The bride and groom made us pose in front of Dodger stadium.

I believe 50% of the wedding party wanted to boycott.

But the groom has groom-power.

And he used it.

Even though I smiled.

I was really grimacing on the inside.

(Roll Giants).

Jenny the wife-tographer rode around with us.

She was fun!

A stop back at the Biltmore for formal family photos.

A quick freshening up.

Prayer with their Pastor, Tim Chaddick,

and it was time to get these two fools married.

You know how everyone says their favorite part of the ceremony 

is watching the groom's face as his bride first appears?

That's my second favorite.

My first favorite?

The moment the pastor introduces for the first time Mr & Mrs, 

and the couple turns to their friends and family,

with gigantic, huge, brilliant smiles,

and the bride fist pumps her bouquet into the air.

THAT is my favorite wedding moment.

Props to my sister for knowing this, and being sure to get that shot.

 One of the perks of being in the bridal party?

Access to the bride and groom.

The San Mateo crew got a few minutes with the lovely couple before the reception began!

Look at these beautiful people.

Welcome to our San Mateo family Jordan.

Cari & Jordan are both teachers.

The wedding venue was the Los Angeles Library.

Invitations were old timey check out cards.

The envelopes were lined with pages from old books. 

The program included another library check out card,

and personalized pencil favor, 

to leave as "guest book" wishes for the Mr & Mrs

inside card catalog drawers.

And, what is a wedding without a photobooth.

Bridal Party Perk: Hijacking it.

I love me a good photobooth.

And I love me some photobooth props.

Old lady wig.

Statue of Liberty Crown & Torch.

English Bobby Hat.

Fake Cigarettes.

Hipster Glasses.

I love it all.

My friends are good sports.

I love weddings.  

As much as I joke that I'm going into wedding retirement in 2012, 

I really love being a part of the most important day of someone's life.

After all, one of my spiritual gifts is being bossy.

I love telling people what to do, where to be, and what to remember -

all on behalf of the bride & groom of course.

When I say that it was an honor to stand up there next to Cari and Jordan that is no joke.

During the ceremony I was just in awe of how far the 14 year old girl in a fuzzy purple hat has come.

The girl who was crushing on Jordan from hundreds of miles away.

Will now be by his side, serving the Lord they love, for the rest of their lives.

It has been an honor to have a front row seat for that.

And for the exchanging of their vows.

Their commitment and covenant.

After a fantastic and delicious brunch the following morning, hosted by the mother of the bride,

it was time to return to the 650.

I think LA liked us a bit too much.

And didn't want to let us leave.

Pouring rain meant, delayed flights and hanging out at a very leaky LAX.

Going through their super weird security set up.

Eating soft serve McDonalds cones.

And trying to catch the 49er game in a city with a very confused football identity. 

But like most things in LA, VIP treatment is plentiful.

And we got to take a sweet ride on Southwest's Lone Star One.

Pulled by a California trailer.

When LoneStar One landed in San Francisco,

the flight attendant neighed.

Um, yeah.

"Whoaaaaaaa......big boy!!!"

I think we brought a little Texas home with us.

Linky link with Jeannett:

Cari & Jordan: The Wedding (Part 1)

Whew.

What a weekend.

It was crazy, jam-packed, fast paced, beautiful, magical, and so many other good descriptive words.

I definitely took my fair share of pictures.

Enough that I think I need to break up my posts. 

So for now, let's start with the pre-wedding events up to the Bride and Groom's first look.

Betsy, Cari & I had a good old fashioned snuggle fest on Thursday night at Cari and Jordan's future home.

These girls know how to snuggle.

We had a fun time staying up way too late. 

Telling way too many stories.

Talking about the periodic table of elements.

Using a theraputic salt rock light.

And experiencing the "Urban Africa" shower.

Although, I think it is more of a "Rainforest Cafe" shower.

I had been warned.

Words cannot describe it.

I didn't think there was such thing as too much water pressure.

I was so very, very wrong.

I'm just glad to be back to my simple shower.

Anyway, Cari has already set up her "girly space" in their future bedroom.

Complete with the vintage handkerchief from her Vintage Bridal Shower.

In the morning, we packed up everything for the wedding and honeymoon.

And headed out.

For breakfast at Coffee Bean.

Followed by meeting up with Cari's mom and Aunt for a Mani/Pedi sesh.

Shellac mani's all around!

(Once you go shellac, you never go back)

We got checked into our room at the blinging Marriott.

Got settled in.

Glammed up.

And headed out for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Please note the amazing view.

We hit the streets of LA, and walked over to the Los Angeles Public Library.

An amazing building in the heart of LA where the wedding would be held.

Cari and Jordan definitely picked an incredible venue, with so much character.

Location, location, location.

We rehearsed.

 And then we headed out for some pre-wedding carbo-loading.

Tortilla chips abounded at El Cholo.

After dinner, the bridal party headed out on the town.

We ended up at Cari and Jordan's friends' apartment.

You're gonna want to click that link.

I felt like I had walked into a living Anthropologie display.

After making several attempts to find a place to hang out, we ended up at an Irish Pub.

Where a local band was playing.

I really hope they are going places.

And by places, I mean far away from me and my ear drums.

Way too loud.

The Marriott girls woke up bright and early and took a little walk down the street to Starbucks.

We breakfasted on some delicious oatmeal.

And got well hydrated.

Don't wait to hydrate.

Especially on your wedding day.

Do you see that cute sign?

It's like it knew Cari would be coming in.

After a breakfast full of giggles and hilarious stories,

we headed back to the hotel and it was game time.

The makeup artist arrived.

And Cari's beautiful friend Jen did our hair.

Her amazing friend Christa came by with a steamer, and took care of all of our dresses.

It was a fun, and surprisingly relaxing morning of getting our glam on.

Once Cari was ready, we were able to spend a few moments 

laying hands on her and praying with and for her.

It truly was a special time of lifting up Cari and Jordan before the Lord, 

as they approached the most important day of their lives. 

It was a privilege and honor to be there that day, 

and also to support them in their obedience and love for Christ.

After tissues were passed out, and tears were dabbed, not wiped, 

it was time to take the bride to meet her groom.

Another post is in the works with a few peeks at their first look,

the ceremony and reception!!!

Meet Jami: A Guest Post

Good morning friends!!!

I'm busy recovering from an awesome wedding weekend.

Here is a sneak peek of the fun we had while shaking off some nerves before the ceremony:

PS, have I mentioned how much I love this app? 

For $2.99 they send you two copies of the photo booth strips in the mail

Yes please!!!

Anyway, while I get my life, act, and photos together, I wanted to share with you a post from my friend Jami from Call Me Blessed. 

Jami is a blog friend, made real life friend back in September when I finally got to meet, and hug her at Blog Sugar. 

She truly is beautiful inside and out.

And I'm not just saying that.

She is pretty amazing, and her and her family are going to be heading to Mexico to build homes in the name of Jesus. 

Jami has a heart for Jesus. And a heart for people.

Please take a minute to read what she has to say, 

and maybe would you consider joining me and hopping over to her place and supporting 

her, and and she will be doing for the Lord?

Hi, my name is Jami and I blog at Call Me Blessed. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to share with all of you a missions project my family is working on. 

For the past two years Hubby has gone to Mexico with our church to build houses.

I am still amazed that this can be done. A group of people can go for four days, be the hands and feet of Jesus and completely change the lives of another family.

These families live in shacks made of pallets and cardboard. Sometimes they don't even have that. These are families just like yours and mine.

Families with Moms and Dads who love their kids the same way I do.

Kids who just want to play, be carefree and have a bed to sleep in.

Hubby, I and my two oldest kids have the opportunity to go and give a family some security. A dry place to lay their heads. The kids and I will be able to play with the local children. The group even does a Vacation Bible School while we are there. We are so thankful for the opportunity to get our hands dirty with our kids. To show them how blessed we truly are. To experience how taking just a small bit of our time and resources, and sharing the love of Christ can change everything for someone else.

I won't pretend that I don't have any nerves about this trip. After prayerful consideration and seeing the pictures and videos Hubby has brought home, I don't see how I can't go.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded, and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Luke 12:48

pictures from Hubby and W's last trip.

We are traveling with a missions group called Yugo. Please go to their website, see the amazing work they are doing and help us spread the word.

We are trying to cover all of our own travel costs but still need to raise money for the building materials. Every dollar helps. Instead of buying a Starbuck's coffee or a magazine today, will you consider helping us change lives in Mexico?

I hope you will consider partnering with us in this journey. The more money we raise, the more houses we can build. We would also love to have you praying for us. Praying for God's provision financially and safe travel.

To donate, you can simply visit Call Me Blessed and click on the "donate" button in the left sidebar. 

I can't wait to share the pictures and memories we bring back with us

Bridal Shower Goes South

If you've been around A Cuppa Kim the last few months, you know that I have had some bridal activities going on. I was honored to be asked to be a bridesmaid for my sweet friend Cari in her upcoming wedding.

Cari is a NorCal girl, living in a SoCal world. 

I co-hosted a bridal shower with Betsy and Jessica a little over a month ago. We hosted the Northies. 

Betsy, the maid of honor, who lives in SoCal, hosted another shower a few weekends ago for the Southies. 

She basically did a TON of work for my shower, and then again for her HERS. She is a beast like that.
Her awesome recap is HERE.

She loves Cari and has a huge, creative and ambitious heart.

Combining all of that means a million thoughtful details.

And she didn't even have a pinterest account! (I. KNOW. Good news, she has one NOW.)

Upper left you have a fall decorated mantel with handmade "bowl fillers". 

Upper right are handmade vases - color coordinated to the teal and red theme of the shower.

Bottom left are the clock cookie favors - did I mention, the theme of the shower, Around the Clock.

And last are Almond Cupcakes (which were SO. GOOD.) and cute little labels for each "meal" throughout the day (she planned the food to go with the Around the Clock theme!)

She also made the most amazing chicken wings (and I don't even really like chicken wings), Whoopie Pies,  Noir Bars (to die for, and so bad for you that they may actually kill you), fruit and veggie plates, cucumber tea sandwiches, my brie, mini quiches, and a few other little finger foods. 

Cari gets married THIS Saturday, and I am beyond excited to stand by her side as she says I DO to the love of her life.

Did you, or will you give to the Wounded Warrior Project this week? Please hop over here and let me know - As a part of the Happy Day Project I'm giving away a few goodies that support WWP - just leave a comment and you are entered to win!

Palm Springs Before the Rings: A Bachelorette Party!

This past weekend, I headed to Southern California for some sunshine, friendship, and bridal celebrations.

2 out of 3 ain't bad.

UPDATE: If you are interested in this bag,. I have it listed on Zazzle for purchase in the 2014 or 2015 version. I can also make a custom listing with the Bride's name and dates if you email me at cuppakim@gmail.com. If you're interested in just the graphic, email me as well!

Palm Springs Before the Rings 2015 Bag by CuppaCuriosities
Create your own bag at Zazzle.

Palm Springs Before the Rings - 2014 Bachelorette Party Tote Bag by CuppaCuriosities
Browse more Palm Bags at Zazzle

I flew into Orange County, where Betsy the Maid of Honor of the Century picked me up.
We had a quick post counseling ice cream sesh with the Bride and Groom, and then a good night's sleep before the weekend's shenanigans.

Betsy and Cari tracked down one awesome rental house out in Palm Desert.
It was the perfect house for our weekend of fun.
Three bedrooms, three baths, pool, hot tub, game area, gorgeous kitchen, giant projector screen.
Yeah, I was kind of impressed with the projector screen.
(It actually came in handy...stay tuned).

We had a total of 8-10 invited guests throughout the weekend.
Along with one, well, actually FOUR, VERY MUCH NOT INVITED guests.
Kinda rude, don't you think?
The good news is, Betsy has EATEN this kind of guest before. So she is very comfortable with them.
And the bride?
Well she did more than I did.
I think its cause she has Bride Power.
I mean how many brides do you know willing to kill cockroaches date beetles at their own bachelorette party?
Love that girl.
Both those girls.
I heart anyone willing to kill a roach so I don't have to.

Anyway, once those issues were taken care of, the festivities began.
Friday night, we kicked off the celebrations with virgin margaritas.
We had a bit of a snafu with the rental company regarding the pool heat - so we kept indoors for the evening - but got some serious craft on.
Betsy and I provided supplies for friendship bracelets, felt leaf garlands, and clothespin magnets.
They took the supplies and ran with it.
It was amazing the stuff they came up with.
Betsy and I took a second trip to Walmart to get more craft goodies.
The craft-elorette party was a total hit.

After a fabulous dinner of Betsy's chicken skewers, we kept with the bride's favorite food on a stick theme
(okay, it's not really her favorite, but she did text me after the shower asking me if I could live solely on food on a stick...I think there is a fairly decent chance that I could).

We had indoor s'mores.
While the girls watched bridal themed movies.
(The Proposal, 27 Dresses, Sweet Home Alabama, Bride Wars, and The Wedding Planner)

Saturday Morning, we got up and whipped up some breakfast.
Since I don't really do that whole touching meat thing, I scrambled eggs, and Betsy fried up some bacon.
In a desk chair.

The crafts continued through the day Saturday.
I was kinda jealous of everyone's creative skills.
They were creators.
I'm a copier.
But it was still fun.

We got the girls each a little goody bag that included a tank top, some candy, a drink coozy and straw.

Also, iPhones were in abundance.
I kept picking up the wrong one.
They were ALL WHITE. Kind of funny.

The sun came out.
And so did the pool guy.
So, we were able to enjoy some time in the H20.

For lunch, Betsy and I provided the deliciousness needed to make what I call "Caprese Grilled Cheese" sandwiches.

Bread
Pesto (aka Basil and Olive Oil)
Mozzerella
Tomatoes

They were SO tasty.

As the day wound down, it was time for the night to get riled up!
We decorated the house a bit, and then headed out to a local mexican restaurant for dinner.

After we concluded the fiesta of fun, we returned to the Heather (um, yeah, the house was named the Heather...weird), for some games and goodies.

Becky mixed up some mocktails, and we hit play on a certain scene in my favorite bride movie of all time, The Proposal (Betsy's idea) - to spice up the night.
Let's just say Ramon...or Oscar from the Office made a cameo appearance.
We played a few goofy games, and Cari...or should I say Jordan, received some sassy gifts.

Following the silliness, we had a Cold Stone style Ice Cream Mix In Bar.
With every topping and candy imaginable.
And oh yeah, we have dresses that are extremely tight around the ribcage to fit into in two weeks, no biggie.

Sunday morning came quickly....
Although, we did get that extra hour of sleep.
Wish I could take credit for planning it that way.
But credit or no credit it was more than appreciated.

We cleaned up the house, loaded the cars, said goodbye to the pool man and good riddance to the date beetles, and we were on our way to our respective homes.

And two weeks, this group of ladies will join back up to surround Cari and Jordan as they commit their lives together before the Lord!

We love you Cari & Jordan!!!!

<3 <3 <3

Photo Credit: Betsy
Also all of the hard work including but not limit to:
meat cooking, logistics, airport shuttling, bags & tanks, rental house hunt, menu planning, and beetle killing credit: BETSY