Thursday, February 12, 2009

New Buys

I finally have a little bit of extra cash... so here are my new buys.



Bracelet above from etsy seller BelleNouvelleDesigns


Earrings from Etsy Seller Rinnovata
On top of all of this... my wonderful mother has offered to book E and I a coordinator. We are using Ana from Twofoot Creative, who is a former knottie, and who I am extremely excited about. I finally get to throw my ideas off of someone who HAS to listen lol!
My awesome mom also offered to pick up the rental bill... which considering we are doing a backyard wedding, will be a huge, and I mean huge, so this takes a HUGE burden off my shoulders!!
So excited!!



Monday, February 9, 2009

What have you done

I found this on the blog We Met in a Bar. And I figured, I am bored enough to do it. You can all get to know me a little bit better.

All things bolded are things I’ve done:
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland - Disneyworld
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - not anymore though lol
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House - the outside...
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - sort of... working in an airport you have a lot of chances... but I am usually to scared to have a full conversation with them... I like to leave them alone. They are only human.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Not too bad 47 out of 99

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Vintage Glam Flea Market

So... I follow the Vintage Glam Blog pretty regularly! And I stumbled across not only her great classified section called the Flea Market but also a great giveaway from 1928 Jewelry.
I fell in love with multiple pieces of jewelry already from 1928 Jewelry and will definitely be visiting that site to possibly buy my wedding jewelry and bridesmaids jewelry from. 
The Flea Market is great for brides on a budget (like mwah!) or at least trying to stay on a budget (like mwah!). They currently have anything listed on the classifieds from a 1920s vintage cake topper to free martha stewart magazines. Check it out!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Cake Idea

I am loving this cake below... would probably change up the colors... but size is perfect, motif is perfect. I love it. Not sure where I got it from or who to credit (sorry:)

Bridal Shower Ideas

Okay I know it is REALLY early to be thinking about my bridal shower... but my mom brought it up, so I started thinking about it. As a little girl I always love playing tea party, and I think that a tea party themed bridal shower would be awesome!! Although I don't want to go with the "typical" tea party colors i.e. pinks and pastels... I am thinking bright yellow, white and black, and damask. If I was not doing the casablanca themed wedding, these would so be my colors. Growing up, I always wanted yellow to be my main color in the wedding, but changed my mind when E and I started talking about the wedding. So I figure having it for my bridal shower would be perfect!! So here are some pictures for what I am looking for. Of course I want the yellow instead of lime green though. Pictures are from Jennifer Skog Photography

Below are some inspiration boards and pictures with the yellow that I am going for (not sure where I got these from, so please let me know if they are yours so I can credit you!!):





Oh and we have to do the glamorous hats for the shower as well like the one below!! I have always wanted to wear one of these hats, but since I don't go to the derby very often, or to afternoon tea, I have never had an excuse to get one... well here is my chance!!!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

My Awesome Monograms





Okay so Jessica from Jessicas Design Shop designed my awesome monograms!! I hate designing monograms, so I knew I wanted to get someone else (an expert) to take care of them for me. And they are perfect!! I hope to use each of them in different parts of my wedding, from the invites to the aisle runner, to details at the reception I am pumped!! Which one do you like best???
Check Jessica out, she is awesome!! Oh and I figured out how to make text a link. Yay!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Zodiac Sign

So I got one of those stupid forward emails from my bridesmaid Pam.... I don't plan on forwarding it on, but it did have tidbits about different zodiac signs that I thought were interesting. I am a Taurus so this is mine... lets see how much it holds up!

TAURUS - The Enduring One. Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard -passionate. Express themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined. Indulge them selves often. Very generous.

So the boring part is definitely true... hard worker definitely true... I have endurance. I love stability and security (duh I work for the government!)
Shortcut part not so much me... I like shortcuts.
Definitely NOT patient, but I am reliable.
I consider myself a good friend for sure and definitely give primo advice (at least I think so lol)
I am definitely passionate and I try to be kind. The emotional part is VERY true as well as the temper tantrums... man I can throw some good hissy fits!!!
I am VERY determined, and love to indulge. Definitely generous.

Well I think that sums me up fairly well!

Lets see E's.
GEMINI - The Chatterbox. Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express them selves. Argumentative and outspoken. Like change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally.

Haha... I just laughed at the Chatterbox part... that man LOVES to talk my ear off that is for sure!! I wouldn't say E is that outgoing, but definitely smart. Witty?? I wouldn't describe him as necessarily witty. The adaptable and needing to express themselves is very true... as well as the next part. Man him and I will debate for hours (of course I always win lol). Very outspoken... actually we both are! Now the last part is so true. He is sooo beautiful... on the inside and the outside. My sexy man!! That is why I love him so!!

Here are the rest: How do yours hold up?

CAPRICORN - The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Patient and wise. Practical and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition. Get what they want.

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart ( Jan 20 - Feb 18) Optimistic and honest . Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.

PISCES - The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20) Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful.

ARIES - The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19)Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident andenthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (Easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.

CANCER - The Protector (June 21 - July 22)Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome. Excellent partners for life. Protective. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic.

LEO - The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22)Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos. Attractive.

VIRGO - The Perfectionist (Aug 23 - Sept 22)Dominant In relationships. Conservative. Always wants the last word. Argumentative. Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic.

LIBRA - The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22)Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind. Have own unique appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible.
SCORPIO - The I One (Oct 23 - Nov 21)Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive. Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become O bsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships.Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional.

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome). Indulges self . Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.

More E-Pic Examples

Okay I cannot wait to show these to E so he will actually get excited about the engagement pictures. After seeing these he should go tell his Prof to go ... himself! These are awesome!! Photographers include: http://www.hee.ca/, Hyon Smith, and Todd Kim

Beautiful Program







I just found some pictures of a program I really like. I want something simple for my program, but that still incorporates our theme... these are beautiful and are from Gold Star Press from Etsy.

Mr and Mrs


Love this detail for E and I's chairs at the reception. I will probably decorate them with lots of bling though to make them Moroccanesh! (if that is a word!? lol)
They are by Studio J Photography. I found them off of Budget Savvy Bride Blog

Idea for Kids Table


I found this by way of Budget Savvy Bride's blog originating from Kimberly Hurst's blog. LOVE this idea for the kids table favor. I will probably do a little goodie bag for the kids and this one idea is a must have. LOVE IT!!

Engagement Shoot Dress ideas


Okay I have found all of these dresses at Nordstroms. I have realized that if you want a wide selection of dresses for a reasonable price, shop at Nordstroms. All of them are under $150, with most under or around $100. These are some ideas and looks I am going for. The weather could be freezing at the end of March or it could be a mild spring day. I would LOVE for the temp to be in at least the 60s, with partly cloudy big fluffly cloud type of day... but it could also rain and storm. But since we will only have a one time shot at it, I just want it to be decent. And I want to wear a dress in some pictures, so here are some options.

Ideas for Engagement pics





Okay, since my mind is on engagement pictures right now I figured I would share some great engagement pictures taken in DC. These are some must take pics!! They are all from borrowedbluephotography at http://www.borrowedbluephoto.com/



Chandelier I bought from Ebay

Okay... I just couldn't help myself. I bought a chandelier from ebay... so technically at this moment it doesn't go with my theme of Moroccan, but it does go with the vintage feel. So I am thinking I spray paint it a brass/antique gold/rust color like below and it will work awesome. Can't decide if I want to get a few more, but I am thinking of hanging it above the center of the dance floor for sure. I will leave my moroccan lanterns for the tent, I don't want to mix to much in the tent... I think they may clash. But if I keep it out on the dance floor I think it will work perfectly. Okay, I need to stop buying random little things until my mom book the coordinator since I really don't want to spend my money needlessly on things that won't mesh.



BTW - wasn't planning on getting a coordinator, but my mom offered to pay for it, and I definitely am starting to realize the benefit in having someone make sure all of my thoughts and dreams come together in a cohesive manner, rather than risk it being thrown together in a haphazard way. They are the experts!!

I am thinking something like this from http://www.beckersblog.com/

Some newer ideas

Okay... so I was reading some blogs today and got to thinking... about how to incorporate nice non-alcoholic drinks for the guests of mine that won't be slamming the bottled beers or signature cocktails (lol). Okay I know my side of the family... half of them are big drinkers, the other half are not or in "recovery" lol... E's side of the family is probably somewhere in the middle. So what perfect way for those that won't be drinking alcohol, than to do something cute like this so they don't have to wait in line!! Great for the kids too!

Both this idea above and the one below I got from http://budgetsavvybride.wordpress.com/page/3/
(bear with me I don't know how to do the whole link in a normal word thing I am new at this)
How to screen off areas... I am thinking something like this but with some nicer linens that go with my jewel colors... hmm maybe too much for the budget though!! But I love the idea!




Oooh Im Loving These

Photo above is from Project Wedding


These candle holders are awesome!! They are from CB2 (by Crate and Barrel). I found them on http://practicallymarried.wordpress.com/, which is one of my new favorite blogs! They are so affordable and as soon as I get some money together I may have to get some!! Although they may be a bit too modern... hmm.


For those of you silver brides, they have these in silver right now for $1.95 a piece... and they have awesome mercury colored silver vases as well!! These would be awesome for centerpieces

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=583&f=5201