THE NEW HEARTS ON FIRE STORE (sneak peek of pics!)
I can’t believe it’s here! Today, the news officially broke about our new Hearts On Fire retail concept and store opening in Las Vegas, with a great Wall Street Journal article and video interview.
But this announcement is about so much more than a retail store. It’s truly about revolutionizing the industry…about changing the world of diamond jewelry and the way people shop for diamonds forever. Nothing like this has ever been done…and we are so excited to be at the forefront.
Designed by the same team that created the beautiful Apple stores (which also changed the world of retail as we know it), we couldn’t be happier with the results of our sleek, modern design and innovative, interactive shopping features.
And with more stores coming to major US cities and across the globe in the years to come (we already have several more locations to be announced for later 2012 and 2013!)…the excitement is only going to grow.
So check out the pictures, or if you are in Vegas, please stop by The Forum Shops in Caesars Palace to experience our store for yourself. We’d love to hear your feedback!
♥ HOF Girl
P.S. If you’re curious to learn more, you can check out the official press release with all the details here!
It feels like just last week I was writing about my six month countdown. And not even that long ago that I was saying “Yes!” with my beautiful, new diamond engagement ring. But with only one month left until our big day, boy is time flying by!
I just got my official wedding timeline and checklist, and am working furiously on all the final details. And with bridal showers and bachelor parties, it’s all starting to feel real.
But in between place cards, programs, wedding bands and bridal party gifts….I’ve realized there are a few other extremely important items on my to-do list.
Mainly – that now is the time to take a minute and reflect. Appreciate all the hard work you, and likely many others, have put into planning this special day. Chances are, when it comes time for the wedding, it will go by in a whirlwind.
I was becoming so preoccupied with the endless list of tasks on my plate that I 
started to forget everything else. So what I’ve done is find a new appreciation for it all. I’m taking time to spend with my fiancé…not talking about wedding to-dos. I’m taking time to ask for help and say “thank you” for everything. And I’m taking time to concentrate on all the little details that will make our day extra special, and make our guests feel welcome and appreciated – details I didn’t realize were as important before.
As a result, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I feel happy, excited and am truly enjoying every moment again. So bring on the next four weeks…because this girl is ready for anything!
♥ HOF Girl
Most guys think the hard
est part of proposing is deciding on the diamond engagement ring. Sorry…but it’s not.
What many forget is that once that part is over…they need to actually buy the ring in her correct size. And let’s be serious…what guy actually knows this bit of information?
I really recommend taking time to determine the correct size. Any woman who gets an engagement ring is going to be absolutely thrilled and more than eager to put it on and show it off. How disappointing would it be if the ring was too small…or worse, if it was too big and she happened to lose it right away?
I’m not saying you have to be perfect – that’s pretty hard to do. But if you try one of the tricks below…it should help you to get it close enough that she can enjoy it until getting sized properly.
Trick #1: Use a Ring Sizer
Many websites (like Hearts On Fire) will let you download or request a ring sizing tool online. You can also call a jewelry store and ask for one to be sent to you. Once you have it, match it up with a ring from her jewelry box and determine the size. Preferably one that is worn on a ring finger, but if not, just know what finger it is from since all of her fingers are not the same size. Plus, her non-dominant hand ring finger is generally about ¼ size smaller than the other.
Trick #2: Ask a friend
There’s a good chance she has looked at rings herself or has mentioned it to a friend. Confide in her closest friend or sister (if you trust them) and ask them if they know her size or can help get it.
Trick #3: Size it on Your Hand
This is a trick I learned from my own fiancé! I only owned and wore one ring prior to my engagement ring, so one day while I had it off, he slipped it onto his own finger. He marked how far down it went on his hand, and when he went into the store they were able to measure it with their ring size to estimate my size. And guess what…it was perfect!
There are many othe
r ideas out there, so think about what works best for you before jumping right in. Once you have a good idea of size, just talk it over with the salesperson and he or she should be able to advise best from there.
Finally, once you give it to her – even if it seems like a perfect fit – take it in to get it checked as soon as possible. It will make both of you sleep a little better at night!
If you have a ring sizing tip or trick…feel free to share below.
Good luck!
♥ HOF Girl
That’s right – it’s official! The NEW Hearts On Fire retail store is officially opening later this month.
As the first of many new U.S. stores…we couldn’t be more excited to make this announcement! This first boutique will be located in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada…but don’t worry if Vegas is not in your near future. There are several more Hearts On Fire stores already in the works for later in 2012…in cities across the country.
It is a diamond jewelry store experience like you’ve never seen before. Stay tuned for more details and pictures in the next few weeks!
Are you as excited as we are?
♥ HOF Girl
Since I’m planning a long distance wedding, I’ve had a bit longer of an engagement period than some brides. But while I love the extra time for my planning, I have to admit that at times its caused me to forget that I’m even getting married. To forget to relish in the excitement and joy of the whole experience.
I think it was because 
after my fiancé proposed, there was such an incredible “honeymoon period” of happiness. But life quickly got “back to normal” and I realized I had to remind myself occasionally to take a step back and just enjoy this amazing time.
Because being engaged is a wonderful feeling. It’s something that I have absolutely loved every minute of. I took some time recently to ask the amazing community of Hearts On Fire Facebook fans what they loved most about being engaged….and the responses were overwhelming. It was hard to narrow it down to any at all, but I’ve picked out a few of my favorites to share below.
A few to make your heart melt…
- “The world becomes a wonderful place. You know that there is someone in the world who loves you unconditionally at that point in time. You have eyes for no one but each other.” – Joyce B.
- “Knowing that I was going to marry the man I loved and spend the rest of our lives together and the moment he cried as he gave me my ring and asked me to be his wife.” – Sue B-E.
- “Knowing I was marrying the love of my life :)” – Shannon S.
- “Being reminded every time I look at my hand that I’m promised a best friend for the rest of my life. Knowing that I’ll always have someone to count on and grow stronger with. Also, when people say “GIRL let me see that big ole rock!!” I love being engaged!!” – Alissa N.
One just for fun…
- “Ok the truth? The presents and parties.” – May H.
And something I am so looking forward to…
- “The best part was watching his face and the tear roll down his cheek as I walked towards him at the alter.” – Kenzie R.
Cheers to long and happy marriages for all!
♥ HOF Girl
Congratulations on being named a bridesmaid! Maybe it’s your first time…or your fifteenth. Regardless, the old saying that “you can shorten bridesmaids’ dresses and wear them later,” just doesn’t work for many people. 
I, like so many other brides, think my bridesmaid dresses are cute and simple, and could definitely be worn again. But reality is that most of my girls won’t ever do that. Reality is…most of your bridal party will spend the couple hundred dollars and have the dress sit in their closet for the next 10 years or so.
But I figured…bridesmaids have been dealing with this dilemma for years, so surely there are practical solutions today? Well, lucky for women everywhere, there are actually are some fun, creative, and just plain practical ideas out there for you! Here are a few of my favorites…
1. Donate it, sell it or pass it on to a friend
Outside of general thrift stores, there are a few great ways to do this now through sites like BridesmaidTrade.com (sell, buy, or rent bridesmaid dresses), Newlymaid.com (donate your dress and receive credit toward a “wearable” dress), and The Princess Project or Donate My Dress (both of which accept dress donations to help provide free dresses and accessories to underprivileged girls).
2. Get creative!
Not ever going to wear the dress again, but like the fabric or color? Give your home a facelift and save yourself the money! Fun websites like Chica and Jo (helps turn dresses into tablecloths and chair covers) and Planet Green (make pillow covers out of the material) can help you with these small DIY projects.
3. Do something meaningful
Maybe you’re a bit more sentimental than others and can’t bear to just “part” with your dress. That’s fine too! Is your friend excited to start a family soon? If so, you could get a start on her eventual baby shower and use pieces of the bridesmaid dress in a baby quilt. Or get creative now and fashion a personalized album cover from dress material, and fill it with pictures from the wedding. Now you’ve got a keepsake perfect for you or her!
I’m sure there are so many more great ideas to not let these dresses go to waste! Do you have a creative idea on recycling or reusing a bridesmaid dress after the big event? Let me know in the comments below.
♥ HOF Girl
In the spirit of “Marathon Monday,” today’s post is a guest blog from my sister J, who is running the Boston Marathon for the first time on Monday, alongside two of our own amazing Hearts On Fire family members! They are all an inspiration to me and so many others…so please enjoy!
Marathon Monday. To many, this exciting phrase might not mean much, but here in Boston…it means everything.
For some, it’s the Super Bowl of running…the goal every runner strives to achieve. For others, it’s a day to celebrate…a major holiday where roads are closed and work is canceled. And starting early in the morning, eager fans spill outside to line the entire 26.2 mile course.
Last year, I joined the sideline crowd with lululemon’s cheer station on “Heartbreak Hill.” As one of the hardest stretches – and where runners need the most support – we arrived early, pumped music, and danced with motivational signs.
I still remember watching contestants pass by: Wheelchair competitors, with flexed arms and sweat pouring. Military crews in full uniform. The amazing Kenyan on his way to win. And the very last charity runner, winning a personal battle for both himself and someone else. And I knew in this moment, “I want that.
Fast forward one year later, and I could not be more honored, excited and – let’s be honest – terrified to participate in this monumental day.
Because, boy – I had no idea what I was in for! What spectators don’t see are the struggles with chaffing. Or trekking through snow…in the dark. Or determining if it’s even possible to chew and breathe at the same time.
That’s why the incomparable support of Boston’s sideline – from Newton to Boylston Street – now means more than ever before. It’s funny, but I’ve learned you actually do hear the things people say along the way. “You’re almost there!” starts at mile six. “It’s all downhill from here!” as you approach Heartbreak Hill. Or my personal favorite, “You’re looking great!” Really? With spit foaming at the mouth, and salt crusting to my face, I doubt it – but hey, thanks for making me think I do!
So, if you are in Boston on April 16, go stake out your spot and cheer on the 
runners. Because, we can train all we want and eat the right gel packs during the race, but it’s that smiling face, that crazy cheering fan that is going to pick us up and push us forward when we think we have nothing left.
And honestly, it really doesn’t matter what you do – hold a sign, hand out high-fives, or yell any ridiculous phrase. Because those small gestures mean more than you will ever know.
Have you ever experienced the thrill of a marathon? Or stood on the sidelines and cheered the runners on? Let us know!
♥ HOF Girl
So it’s time for the guest list. Take a deep breath, because this seemingly simple 
task will likely become one of the hardest elements of wedding planning.
Some people have very limited budgets, but lots of friends or family. Some people have parents who want to control the entire list. No matter what the issue may be….it’s not easy to deal with.
We tried to get a good handle on our guest list early, since a lot of major wedding planning decisions are dependent on the number of guests you’re inviting, including venue, food and bar options. But regardless of our efforts, finalizing the list was definitely one of the most stressful parts of the entire process…and these 3 issues were some of the biggest questions:
How Do Our Families Split Up the List?
The easiest way to handle a guest list is to decide on the final number, and then split up invites between both families and the bride and groom. But who gets more? Let’s start with the traditional – if the bride’s parents are covering the cost, they technically should control more of the list. However, size does matter…and if the groom has a much larger family, it is appropriate to give them a proportionate number of guests.
If the bride and groom are covering the wedding costs, it’s a bit different. You now “control” the list, and it would be fair to give equal distribution for your family/parent’s friends.
My advice? Before anyone starts adding invites, get a “wish list” from all involved parties. Then, devise a cut-and-dried formula for dealing with any discrepancies. For example, maybe parents’ close friends can be kept, but coworkers will be cut. Just be open and honest with everyone involved. This way, you don’t have to worry about hurting feelings or getting any surprise invites added on.
Does Everyone Get a Date?
This one is simpler than you think – “No.” Anyone married or engaged should bring their significant other, and anyone in serious, long-term relationships should get strong consideration for dates as well (but it’s not required). Everyone else? Unless you have room and probably an unlimited budget, there is no need to give everyone a date. Think about it this way – any “+1s” you pass out take away from other true friends or family possibly getting an invite. Most singles don’t expect to get an invite to a wedding anyway, and have more fun trying to meet someone there!
Regardless of your decision, I’d recommend that you handle it pretty straight across the board – if you are allowing some people to bring their girlfriend or boyfriend, but not others, it could get sticky.
How many do I invite? And do I over-invite?
I know a lot of people think they have to invite everyone they know, but I really recommend keeping your wedding manageable and personal. Remember, you do have to greet and thank every person who comes, and you want to spend at least a little time enjoying your wedding right?
For the number of invites, statistics will tell you 10-20% of who you invite won’t come so many people over invite based on that. But honestly, it all depends on your unique situation. My advice? Err on the side of caution, and be realistic. Even though our wedding required travel for 90% of our guests, we were one of the first of our friends and family to get married, and almost everyone we invited still RSVPed “Yes” to attend the big day.
The best advice I can give? Finish the list, send the invites, and then forget it. You can’t please everyone, and you shouldn’t try to. No matter what you do, someone will complain about you not inviting your aunt’s third-cousin’s daughter’s boyfriend….and that’s okay! Remind yourselves that it’s your day, and just enjoy celebrating with those who can make it there with you.
Good luck!
♥ HOF Girl
Every girl dreams about the day she’ll walk down the aisle in her flowing white wedding gown. She tries them on, she cuts out magazine pictures, and, today, she likely has a Pinterest board full of perfect wedding gown ideas
But when it comes down to the big moment, how do you actually find “the one”? How do you avoid making costly errors?It’s harder than you think, but it doesn’t mean you have to stress about it or not enjoy the experience!
Based on my own experience and observations from others, here are seven great tips to remind yourself during the process:
1. Plan for YOUR wedding – What time of year is your wedding? Is it casual on a beach or a formal affair? When it comes down to it, you can really wear whatever dress you want, but keep in mind, certain styles are more appropriate for some events than others.
2. Set a budget (and stick to it!!) – This one is SO important! Decide at the beginning how much you want to spend and don’t over spend when you get into the moment. Trying on dresses that are out of your price range can be a deadly mistake…so just remember you honestly can find beautiful dresses on any budget.
3. Have ideas, but branch out too – It’s great to know what yo
u want, but don’t be immediately turned off by other possibilities. The stylists at these salons are professionals and are great at recommending flattering styles for any woman. Love lace? Give beading a try! Love A-Line? Try a trumpet flare! You never know what you might fall in love with…
4. Don’t bring an entourage – I know we’ve all seen the ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ episodes where a bride-to-be brings 10 of her closest friends and family…and the appointment goes horribly wrong. As hard as it is to leave people out, especially those who are just excited and mean well, but really do keep your appointment to 2-3 people max. The rest can always come back for fittings or other events to feel included.
5. Choose a dress for YOUR body type – It’s easy to fall in love with a dress on a six foot, size two model…but let’s be honest, that’s not the body type for many of us. Are you petite, big-busted or broad-shouldered? Take time to choose a dress that you love on yourself – one that is comfortable, realistic and flattering…and one that makes you feel confident and beautiful while wearing it.
6. Don’t wait for the “Ah-ha!” moment – Again, TV makes us believe that we are all going to break down in tears and have this amazing feeling of finally finding the perfect dress. While you should know deep down that the dress you choose is perfect and “the one” for you, it’s okay to not have that big moment. When you think it’s the one, it probably is. And that leads into the next tip…
7. Don’t over think it – When you make a decision, stick to it. It doesn’t matter if you’ve tried on two dresses, or two hundred dresses. I only went to two dress shops and when I found “the one” I was so nervous to actually pull the trigger. I felt like I should have tried on more dresses, just in case. But I got great advice to stop before I confused and overwhelmed myself, and I am so glad that I did!
What did you go through to find your perfect wedding dress? Is there anything you are worried about?
♥ HOF Girl
When it comes to popping the big question…getting her to say “Yes!” should be simple and straightforward. She should love you, no matter how awkward, nervous or tacky your proposal may be. But unfortunately for all the guys out there…it just isn’t that easy.
Why? Because, most girls consider the marriage proposal the second-most important day to the actual wedding day itself (shocking to hear after all the time that goes into choosing that perfect diamond engagement ring, right?).
There are tons of websites and “helpful” friends who will give you pointers on how to do it “right” and how to make it special. But, honestly…I think it’s more important to just remember a few simple tips on what NOT to do…and then just work your magic from there.
Number One? Don’t overthink it, and I mean this. Anyone will recommend that you plan, practice and be creative. But, we’re also not saying to over do it to the point where you stop acting like yourself and your girl get suspicious, or worse – annoyed and angry. Trust me, I’ve heard sad stories of break-ups that happen moments before a planned proposal…
Second, don’t listen to your friends (or TV shows) who tell you to make it big and 
public. These kind of flashy proposals are right for some people, but more often than not, it’s not what she wants. It doesn’t have to be alone, on the couch on a Tuesday night…but just take a minute to think about what will make you and your girl happy and comfortable before dropping down on that knee.
And finally (and most importantly) – don’t tell too many people beforehand. It’s okay, and understandable to check with her best friend, mom or sister to get advice on the ring…and to talk to her Dad to get permission. But try (as hard as it is) to not tell all of your friends, or worse, any more of hers. The more people you tell, the more risk there is of the surprise getting blown, plus I guarantee she’ll love spreading the exciting news herself afterwards.
From here…my only advice is to be as thoughtful, creative and spontaneous as you please! Good luck!
♥ HOF Girl
