Flowering substitutions

With the economy in the shape it's in, you want to save money in every way that you can, however, that doesn't mean not having fresh flowers around! Bon Marriage talks about substitutions for your favorite over-the-top-expensive flowers. These carnations, — which look a whole lot like peonies — are adorable. Carnations are not only very inexpensive and available all year round, they are totally making a comeback. Also, I've never seen these muscari, but I really like them for their wonderful texture and unique shape. Better than hyacinths in my mind! Another great place to look for flower inspiration and advice is Bride's Flower Finder.

Free design goodies

CHIC FOR FREE: A relatively new blog on the scene has caught my eye and I wanted to share: Free Design Goodies, a side project of Summer Allen-Gibson's Design Is Mine site, is an awesome one-stop-shop to see all the clipart, stationary templates, desktop wallpapers, etc. that various sites are offering for free. I have used it a couple times already and use it a lot just for inspiration. Check it out for your next birthday cards, dinner invitations or bridesmaids gifts (the stationary is perfect for this!).

Making life Real Simple

Real Simple, my favorite magazine on the shelves today, has updated it's Web site recently, making it one of my favorite sites, too. The staff updates it everyday with new ideas and advice from recipes to their infamous checklists, and of course what makes this product better than most home/entertaining/cooking mags: solutions to help make life easier everyday. While the homepage is a little overwhelming to begin with, it grows on you as you spend hours just clicking away. They expanded the Beauty & Style "channel," which now features tips on everything you need from finding the best fitting dress to soothing your dry skin with the perfect lotion. And, they just added a new Celebrations section with tips and advice on how to plan everything from a dinner party to a wedding party. (Plus, it's much better than the overwhelming flashiness, but underwhelming content of this similar site.)