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Monday, February 18, 2013

Simple Things Made By {YOU}







If you know me you know that I looove, beautiful fabrics, papers, vintage and antique accessories! I'll be hosting Craft Workshops that merges the two! Above are samples of  DIY gift ideas that are the easiest to create. Even if you hire professionals for everything else adding a little personal handmade touch just makes for beautiful memories your guest will talk about for years to come.  Continue to follow my blog for more DIY Gift Inspirations or follow me on instagram at loveninafleurina for even more beautiful bridal inspirations.

Enjoy
Love...Nina Fleurina

Monday, February 4, 2013

Style File {Lily Ashwell}






...is the daughter of the famed Rachel Ashwell who founded the entire Shabby Chic movement and brand in 1989. If you're a true follower of my blog then you would know that the world of Nina Fleurina definitely has  the inspiration and influence of revolutionary style and when I discovered the hidden gem that is Lily Ashwell I had to share!
Filled the understated elegance of soft colors, feminine lines and youthful prettiness. Her collection obviously influenced by hints of shabby chic but it lends a boho feel that gives it a touch of individual style, whimsy and casual freshness. It's a little pricey with the price tags boasting $395 for a pair of overalls but, if my purse gave me permission to purchase anything from her collection I wouldn't hesitate...it would all be mine. In the mean time I can admire and share my fashion find for the time being. Hope you enjoy!

Love...Nina Fleurina

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

New Years {New Ventures} Introdusing the "Makers" Dozen

Introducing The "Makers" Dozen

New Year New Ventures!!! Over the years I have learned and mastered the art of gift design and product developing as well as graphics design styling and displays and I've inspired women to become designer, crafters and even take there display design to a new level. I've been asked to style creative gift wrapping, host bridal showers, make custom centerpieces, bake cupcakes you name it...yes I've done it! Lol. I don't consider myself a "Jack of all trades" I consider my self a "Maker" of stylish gifts and design And this year I will be hosting fun crafting workshops called "The Makers Dozen" I'm planning my first Diva's Craft Night Out Feb. 9th. If you live in Southern California and looking for a fun night with no kiddies or hubbies then go to my website and see what the buzz is all about! Feel free to bring a friend and spread the word!! #craftdiva #diygifts #craftingnightout. For more info log on to www.ninafleurina.com click the Workshop, sign up and join the Fun!!!

                                             A "Sweet" Affair Valentine's Day Workshop

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Nina Fleurina {Style File}

@ Home with HM


Did I hear that right...? HM is launching a home collection in the US? Who-hoo! I didn't believe it when I first seen it. As I was surfing the net today I came across the cutest foreign website dedicated to party planning and sylish living, soooo Nina Fleurina called Hola Mama http://blog.holamama.es/. Although it's mostly in Spanish I manage to figure out from the pictures that H&M is launching a be-yond adorably chic home collection and this Spring my humble little abode will not only have a closet full of bright pink over-sized sweaters but stylish pillows, tableware and glasses all at an affordable designer price. Yipee!

Check it out, see for yourself.











2013 DIY Do's and Don'ts {Wedding Guide}

YOU"RE ENGAGED...!



Now What!?

For Years you've been reading your favorite wedding blogs, you know the ones...Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, Wedding Chicks and the lists goes on. Tons of resources boasting the most creative ideas, photography, and style all things you should do yourself...hmmm, really.

If you're not a professional scrap booker, advent crafter, wood carver, graphic designer, floral designer, or savvy cake decorator then "Doing" the most special day in your life "Yourself" will quickly become a Nightmare.

You start to think of all the people you can ask to help you with your projects, MOB, BM's, Cousins, friends of friends, friends with handy brothers or the lady in your church who is "really" good at planning parties :/

Let me tell you Yes, all of these pictures are beautiful, creative and inspiring and yes you can have it all, but asking your Mother, Brides Maids and friends of friends to take on this responsibility will be a recipe for disaster, I've seen it happen to many times. From personal experience I've been privy to some horrible DIY wedding disasters from flower bouquets to catering I've seen the Best and the Worst of intimate wedding planning ideas and I've created a list of Do's and Don'ts of DIY Wedding Design. Below is a list of what you should and should not do...

PLAN, PLAN and PLAN some more

1-6mths Quick Wedding Do's and Don'ts.
No worries if you and your beau have said yes to a quick wedding, here's a few ways to start off right.

DO ~ Create a board a binder which can be done digitally or traditionally using images from your computer. Be realistic on what you want to do and conscious of your budget.

DO ~ Write a Project Timeline {It's like a MAP for your wedding planning}

DON'T ~ Wait to the last minute, you will be setting yourself up for disaster.

DON'T ~ Over buy! It's easy to over compensate paper, mason jars, trinkets and treasures that may never see the light of day. Know what each purchased item is being used for. Use borrowed items as fillers.

DO ~ A list of Personal DIY Projects and Professional Projects it helps to delegate and task manage effectively

DON'T ~ Skimp on what's important, it's all in the details, you're {1}cake,{2} centerpieces/flowers,{3} food, {4}music and {5} photographer is what's gonna make you cry tears of joy or tears of sadness...literally. These are what I like to call your Five "Pretty" Points of Purpose. When it comes to making memories don't leave these details to chance especially not to you're future BIL's friend who just bought a hot dog cart...NO BEUNO!

DO ~ If all else fails, consult with a professional event planner/stylist. These days most planners/stylists are familiar with the world of DIY, some frown on the idea but a good event stylist can create the illusion of DIY with a professional look at an affordable price.

6-12 mths

So much can change in a year and creating back-up plans for your DIY projects will help minimize potential frustration.

DON'T ~ Underestimate you timing, 12mths may seem like a long time but timing is key.

DON'T ~ Do it all yourself. Again consult with a planner/stylist in the beginning they can help you minimize stress, maximize your budget and bring your vision to life.

DO ~ Create a vision board or binder, this is like a business plan and will play crucial part in your wedding planning. This can also help relay your vision to a professional. There is tons of inspiration online. Check out Pinterest.com {warning it's habit forming...}

DON'T ~ Assume others understand your vision, your family and friends want to see it all come to life, they don't want to make it come to life. This is a time to celebrate, unfortunately the people in your life work, have children, or both and there life doesn't stop because your getting married. Hey I'm just being honest.

DO ~ Rent more then you buy if this is an option. These days Weddings have become trendy, theme based with out of the box ideas, vintage chairs, food trucks, candy stations with lots of props and accents. These things make for great photos and décor but you could end up with a lot of extra wedding decorations that you don't know what to do with. Vintage, novelty and unique elements are charming and ideal but this can create over spending and over consumption for after the wedding. Use focal points, and dual purpose items, fans as favors on a hot summer day, or invite your guest to bring color schemed umbrellas as back ups for a Spring Wedding, if you have a certain style in mind give them options on where to purchase them. Just it case it showers the umbrellas would make good props for pictures and your guest can take them home. Every little detail helps and you don't have to do it all yourself. Which brings me to my last tip.

DON'T ~ Be afraid to relinquish control. Nothing in life that's done with great pride and joy is done alone.  Asking for a few friends to help may be an honor. If this isn't an option consult a professional. Either way a wedding is something you cherish with your loved ones, doing it alone is not necessarily Doing It Yourself. A house isn't built by one man alone nor is a home, and your wedding should be done alone as well.

I hope these tips help in making the best choices for you wedding day.  I've been planning events for many years and have learn what to do and what not to do and now I am sharing this wisdom with you.

Congrats!
I'm a So California Event Stylist feel free to contact me for consultation at www.ninafleurina.com

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Ode to {Bows}









Source {Pinterest}


Sometimes I feel totally obsessed with ummm... EVERYTHING! LOL! Seriously, I started obsessing over the functionality of "Bows" ask my mother. I think all of my businesses possessed a bow or two or three in every packaging, every label, every gift and to see them virtually trending everywhere. Wedding bows, shoe bows, hair bows, cake bows and everything in between. Stay tuned I'm sure follow up post to "The Bow" is soon to come! 

Love Nina,

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Wood + Winter Wedding {Cozy}











Although snow capped winter weddings are rare in Southern California, where sunny days are in abundance, and falling snow doesn't last more then an hour. Don't get me wrong the weather does get a little chilly around mid-December to about mid-March and choosing warm cozy elements for your wedding make a rustic wedding fit for a an Ice Princess on her very big day.
When choosing a rustic themed winter wedding start with aesthetics, fabrics, texture and visual displays that give the sense of warmth, intimacy and vibrancy. I love this style...more tips and tutorials to come...cuddle up and stay warm.

Love Nina,

{Source Pinterest}

Monday, December 10, 2012

Winter Weddings {Tulle & Chantilly}







It's been forever but between running my boutique, graduating from school and getting licensed as an Esthetician my world as been insane!!! I've finally settled down a little and started to do a little house keeping and a few changes are happening...{Excited}
If you've ever read my blog over the past couple of years I've blogged about everything from my family, my business, and my favorite things...weddings, shopping, luxury hotels, boutiques, friendships and in 2013 I have so much more in store!
I'm starting with an amazing website that I've discovered while searching for affordable bridal attire and accessories. I blogged about it on my other site and received a nice comment from the editor of the blog and website Tulle & Chantilly Ava Mellor. Nina Fleurina will become a full service stylish wedding blog and I promise to bring amazing vendors, DIY Tutorials, fabulous shops and so much more. Tulle & Chantilly is one of them and if you're on a tight budget but desire to look like a princess or a queen then this website is the place to be. They offer "Design It Yourself" bridal dress options. Once the honey and I decided what year to renew our vows...hopefully next year (#16th) then this is where I'll be, designing my very own gown. Glamorous!

Love Nina,

{Source http://bridalweddings.blogspot.com}