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Custom Bouts!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
I came across the cutest handmade boutonnieres on Etsy.com tonight and I just have to share them with you girls! Seller ekaminsk has 100% feedback and I am seriously thinking about having her create some custom bouts for our wedding! They are pretty affordable at $10 each. Let me know what you think!
Gearing Up For The New Year!
Monday, December 27, 2010
The new year is quickly approaching and you know what that means...RESOLUTION time! Now, I have a history of taking my New Year's Resolutions very seriously. Two years ago I gave up chicken (the only meat I eat) and went an entire year as a vegetarian. That was tough. This year, I resolved to train for and complete a triathlon, which I achieved in June. That was REALLY tough. Now I am going to share my resolution for 2011...my wedding year.
Since my relocation to Alabama, I have become increasingly unhealthy. Candy, soda, lack of exercise. I feel like crap.
Starting January 1st, I will be following these 10 commandments I've set for myself, and I'll update you all on my progress. The following will help me keep track of my "healthiness":
1. Drink 8 or more glasses of water per day.
2. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
3. Exercise 5 times per week for 30 minutes/session.
4. Incorporate more veggies into my diet, which means, try new foods!
5. Cut down on Internet time (sad, I know). No more than 1.5 hours on the Internet each night.
6. Switch to whole grain pasta, bread, cereal, etc.
7. Eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack EVERY day. (Sometimes I forget to eat lunch and then I pig out at dinnertime).
8. Walk my dog, Mini Pickles, longer and more often.
9. Call and/or write my family/friends more often.
10. Give my lovely fiance lots and lots of kisses!
It's a lot, I know, but all of the above is what healthy means to me. I am actually very excited to start this challenge! Can't wait 'til Saturday!
What is your New Year's Resolution?
TO GET HEALTHY!
Since my relocation to Alabama, I have become increasingly unhealthy. Candy, soda, lack of exercise. I feel like crap.
Starting January 1st, I will be following these 10 commandments I've set for myself, and I'll update you all on my progress. The following will help me keep track of my "healthiness":
1. Drink 8 or more glasses of water per day.
2. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
3. Exercise 5 times per week for 30 minutes/session.
4. Incorporate more veggies into my diet, which means, try new foods!
5. Cut down on Internet time (sad, I know). No more than 1.5 hours on the Internet each night.
6. Switch to whole grain pasta, bread, cereal, etc.
7. Eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack EVERY day. (Sometimes I forget to eat lunch and then I pig out at dinnertime).
8. Walk my dog, Mini Pickles, longer and more often.
9. Call and/or write my family/friends more often.
10. Give my lovely fiance lots and lots of kisses!
It's a lot, I know, but all of the above is what healthy means to me. I am actually very excited to start this challenge! Can't wait 'til Saturday!
What is your New Year's Resolution?
Pretty Stamps!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
I am crazy about vintage stamps! They add a personal touch to every invitation and allow you to mix and match to fit your theme and/or personality. I love the flowers and birds and cannot wait to use them on our wedding invites!
If you're thinking about using them for your save the dates/shower invites/wedding invites, there are a few things you need to know. Many of these stamps have low values so you will need a lot of them to add up to the standard 44 cent postage fees today. Also keep in mind that some larger invites or odd sized envelopes cost up to 59 cents to mail. Additionally, you will need to find stamps that are unused (have not been cancelled) and make sure they are US stamps. Always buy from a reputable seller and read reviews if you're using Ebay or Etsy.
Okay, so where exactly can you find them??? Well, they are not too hard to come by. You can search google.com for a local stamp shop, most of which will sell vintage stamps at face value (find the stamps that are cute and old yet have no value to collectors). If you'd rather buy them online, check out VerdeStudio on Etsy. They have 100% feedback and a large selection. They will even create a custom collection for you if you tell them your theme/colors. Be prepared to pay a tiny bit more though. Another option? Shop at Kenmore Stamp Company.
Share your thoughts! Are you using vintage stamps on your invitations?
If you're thinking about using them for your save the dates/shower invites/wedding invites, there are a few things you need to know. Many of these stamps have low values so you will need a lot of them to add up to the standard 44 cent postage fees today. Also keep in mind that some larger invites or odd sized envelopes cost up to 59 cents to mail. Additionally, you will need to find stamps that are unused (have not been cancelled) and make sure they are US stamps. Always buy from a reputable seller and read reviews if you're using Ebay or Etsy.
Okay, so where exactly can you find them??? Well, they are not too hard to come by. You can search google.com for a local stamp shop, most of which will sell vintage stamps at face value (find the stamps that are cute and old yet have no value to collectors). If you'd rather buy them online, check out VerdeStudio on Etsy. They have 100% feedback and a large selection. They will even create a custom collection for you if you tell them your theme/colors. Be prepared to pay a tiny bit more though. Another option? Shop at Kenmore Stamp Company.
Share your thoughts! Are you using vintage stamps on your invitations?
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Yes, An Entire Blog About Chairs
Thursday, December 16, 2010
When I close my eyes at night I dream of...
Not just any chairs, Chiavari chairs!
CHAIRS
Not just any chairs, Chiavari chairs!
Chiavari chairs can easily transform any table (okay, nice linens and pretty flowers help)! You can do so much with them, like dress them up or hang cute little "Mr." and "Mrs." signs from them. If you're not convinced, have a look...
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Unfortunately for me, these chairs are not in our budget. At $7-$10 each, the cost really adds up! I will admit, it's hard to shell out $700-$1000 (for 100 guests) on chairs when most venues come with them. Here are the chairs that our venue, The Mansion on Peachtree, provides:
Hmmmm...not exactly what I am going for
So, I need to get creative and find a way to make these chairs a reality. Looks like selling old stuff on Ebay and Craigslist is in my future! I'll keep you updated on the progress of my "chair fund".
Some may say that spending money on chairs is frivolous, some may say "no one notices the chairs", and others might even say that the chairs provided by our reception venue are "nice". But the "nice" chairs do not make it into my dreams when I close my eyes and envision the one and only wedding I will have in my lifetime. I think this might be my splurge!
I would love your honest opinions on this topic. Am I crazy? Are you planning on renting (or did you rent) Chiavari chairs for your reception? Is there anything that you had/have your heart set on that deserved/deserves a splurge?
Our Proposal Story
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
I realized that I have been writing for a few months now and have failed to tell you all about the day Mr. CF and I got engaged. It was truly special and I was completely caught off guard and surprised (I was wearing my pajamas the whole time)!
He proposed on August 20, 2010...
I said YES!
Miss Cuddlefish's Version
After a tiring workout at the gym, I decided to take a nap. I was awoken by a phone call, it was Mr. CF! He was very upset and angry because his car broke down as he was turning into the neighborhood. He asked me to walk outside to help. I ran outside and as I neared the front of the neighborhood, I saw his car abandoned...no CF anywhere. Because I have watched one too many episodes of "Forensic Files", I found the scene to be suspicious and was convinced that someone had forced Mr. CF to call me to get me out of the house so it could be robbed. I would not go near the car! Trying to decide what to do, I took one last look from afar and saw a letter on the windshield. Hmmm! I opened it to find a note, which read:
After a tiring workout at the gym, I decided to take a nap. I was awoken by a phone call, it was Mr. CF! He was very upset and angry because his car broke down as he was turning into the neighborhood. He asked me to walk outside to help. I ran outside and as I neared the front of the neighborhood, I saw his car abandoned...no CF anywhere. Because I have watched one too many episodes of "Forensic Files", I found the scene to be suspicious and was convinced that someone had forced Mr. CF to call me to get me out of the house so it could be robbed. I would not go near the car! Trying to decide what to do, I took one last look from afar and saw a letter on the windshield. Hmmm! I opened it to find a note, which read:
"Ohhh Nooo! This poor cuddyfish ran into car trouble. Cuddlefish love the water, so find some on the double. The heat became too stifling to sit around and wait. If only there was a pool nearby, you could find him by the gate..."
I ran to the pool where there was another note!
"The water proved useless, this heat is just too much. A better place must be found, somewhere cooling to the touch. Cuddlefish love to sit and enjoy a cold delicious treat. If only there was ice cream, perhaps just down the street..."
I was convinced that I'd find him at the local ice cream shop so I walked very fast all the way there. Sweating from the extreme Alabama summer heat, I arrived at Brusters and there was no CF and no note! OH NOOOOOOO!!!! I waited and waited...confused. Finally, I decided to walk home.
Side note: There WAS a letter at Brusters in plain sight but she missed it! It read:
"Ice cream is no good on such a long hot summer day. Before a cuddlefish takes a bite, it all just melts away. Running all around is the most exhausting thing. Cuddlefish just love to relax, on a hammock that can swing..."
But no, I did not see that one. Defeated because I could not find the note that was still at Brusters, I started to walk home. When the house was in view, I noticed that there was a hammock in the front yard with another note!
"A cuddlefish might love the water and ice cream, and when a cuddlefish is tired, might even like to swing. But what the cuddlefish love to do the most, is cuddle with each other, and be so very close."
At this point I was crying and tired and ran in the house to find my final note:
"So when a cuddlefish gets hot and tired, and needs to just feel great, they seek the embrace of another cuddlefish, their one and true soul-mate. Look for the room where dreams are made, that is where I'll be. There's only one thing left to say..."
I ran into the bedroom to find my sweet man on his knee! He asked:
"Will you marry me?"
I fell into his arms and it was the happiest moment of our lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Minutes later, CF slipped the most beautiful ring on my finger and I ran circles around the house at top speed while Mini Pickles (our little dachshund) chased me. We went out for a yummy dinner and then returned to our home to watch "Forensic Files"!
Mr. CF's Version
After a very long day at work I decided to put my plan in motion. I stopped by the store to pick up some roses for our new kitchen table and then proceeded to place envelopes with notes in them in our favorite and familiar locations near our house. I made sure to tape the letters in very visible places and hoped nobody would take them and also hoped the wind would not blow them away. I parked my car right at the entrance of the neighborhood, took the roses and the last two letters and left the car there after placing the first letter under the windshield wipers. I hurried down the sidewalk hoping Miss CF would not see me and snuck through the fence into our backyard. I then called Miss CF and told her that my car had broken down and that I would need her help to drive the car home while I pushed it. I watched her leave the house and then entered the house and placed the final two notes and retrieved the ring. I then sat in the bedroom and waited for her to return. After a longer than anticipated wait and worrying that something terrible had gone wrong, I finally heard the door open and she came in sobbing uncontrollably. I was down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said yes!
I ran to the pool where there was another note!
"The water proved useless, this heat is just too much. A better place must be found, somewhere cooling to the touch. Cuddlefish love to sit and enjoy a cold delicious treat. If only there was ice cream, perhaps just down the street..."
I was convinced that I'd find him at the local ice cream shop so I walked very fast all the way there. Sweating from the extreme Alabama summer heat, I arrived at Brusters and there was no CF and no note! OH NOOOOOOO!!!! I waited and waited...confused. Finally, I decided to walk home.
Side note: There WAS a letter at Brusters in plain sight but she missed it! It read:
"Ice cream is no good on such a long hot summer day. Before a cuddlefish takes a bite, it all just melts away. Running all around is the most exhausting thing. Cuddlefish just love to relax, on a hammock that can swing..."
But no, I did not see that one. Defeated because I could not find the note that was still at Brusters, I started to walk home. When the house was in view, I noticed that there was a hammock in the front yard with another note!
"A cuddlefish might love the water and ice cream, and when a cuddlefish is tired, might even like to swing. But what the cuddlefish love to do the most, is cuddle with each other, and be so very close."
At this point I was crying and tired and ran in the house to find my final note:
"So when a cuddlefish gets hot and tired, and needs to just feel great, they seek the embrace of another cuddlefish, their one and true soul-mate. Look for the room where dreams are made, that is where I'll be. There's only one thing left to say..."
I ran into the bedroom to find my sweet man on his knee! He asked:
"Will you marry me?"
I fell into his arms and it was the happiest moment of our lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Minutes later, CF slipped the most beautiful ring on my finger and I ran circles around the house at top speed while Mini Pickles (our little dachshund) chased me. We went out for a yummy dinner and then returned to our home to watch "Forensic Files"!
Mr. CF's Version
After a very long day at work I decided to put my plan in motion. I stopped by the store to pick up some roses for our new kitchen table and then proceeded to place envelopes with notes in them in our favorite and familiar locations near our house. I made sure to tape the letters in very visible places and hoped nobody would take them and also hoped the wind would not blow them away. I parked my car right at the entrance of the neighborhood, took the roses and the last two letters and left the car there after placing the first letter under the windshield wipers. I hurried down the sidewalk hoping Miss CF would not see me and snuck through the fence into our backyard. I then called Miss CF and told her that my car had broken down and that I would need her help to drive the car home while I pushed it. I watched her leave the house and then entered the house and placed the final two notes and retrieved the ring. I then sat in the bedroom and waited for her to return. After a longer than anticipated wait and worrying that something terrible had gone wrong, I finally heard the door open and she came in sobbing uncontrollably. I was down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said yes!
Crafty Girls...Help Me Out!
Monday, December 13, 2010
I was looking through the photos on my computer tonight and came across a picture of some wedding programs that I love. Sadly, I cannot remember the source of this photo. If anyone knows where it came from I would love to know so I can give the site credit.
I am posting it tonight to ask all you crafty girls out there for some help. I want to DIY these programs. I think it is totally possible but I just don't know where to start. If anyone can give me some of the specifics on what type of paper was used for the cover (it has a jagged edge), where I can find those cute little gold frames used around the picture, etc. I would greatly appreciate it. Do you guys think it is possible for me to make 100 of these?
I am posting it tonight to ask all you crafty girls out there for some help. I want to DIY these programs. I think it is totally possible but I just don't know where to start. If anyone can give me some of the specifics on what type of paper was used for the cover (it has a jagged edge), where I can find those cute little gold frames used around the picture, etc. I would greatly appreciate it. Do you guys think it is possible for me to make 100 of these?
Christmas is Near!
Friday, December 10, 2010
My darling CF has been asking me to give him my Christmas list, which I finally completed. We both agreed that we were going to have a "small" Christmas this year due to the upcoming wedding and it's related expenses. It's been hard for me to keep things low-key (because I LOVE buying and giving gifts) but I think I did a pretty good job with his gifts and stayed within budget. I got him one practical gift, one fun gift, one hilarious gift, one unique gift, and one gift that is not needed but nice to have! I think he'll like all of them. As far as my little list goes, check out what I've been eyeing this year :)
This gorgeous limited edition "Formal Attire" crystal flat iron by CHI
(Perfect for straightening my thick, wavy, and frizzy hair!)
The Bonjour Salad Chef from Williams-Sonoma
(Perfect for my homemade salad dressings!)
Some Vera Bradley items in my new favorite pattern - Very Berry Paisley!
(Perfect for all of the travelling I do!)
This Peach Pitter from Williams-Sonoma
(Perfect for my obsession with peaches!)
A membership to the new YMCA in our town
(Perfect for getting in shape for our wedding!)
This cute little bowtie charm
(Perfect to add to my Pandora bracelet!)
If I get just one of these items I will be beyond happy! They are all so cute and so me! Did you make a Christmas list to give to anyone in your family? If so, which item is your favorite?
Pretty Place Mats!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Call me crazy but our wedding is 8 months away and I'm already thinking about the bridesmaid's luncheon that I will be hosting for my best friends! I want it to look classy and elegant (they deserve nothing less) but I want it to feel intimate and relaxed. Nothing too formal because we'll have that at the ceremony and reception the following evening.
I'm thinking about hosting this lunch, or possibly brunch, at NEO in Atlanta. Everything is white and feminine and I think it will be perfect for the occasion.
I'm thinking about hosting this lunch, or possibly brunch, at NEO in Atlanta. Everything is white and feminine and I think it will be perfect for the occasion.
I love the sleek European look. Anyway, choosing the location was easy! Now for the details (but not too many because the girls need a few surprises)! I was walking around Anthropologie last week and came across these vintage-inspired paper place mats designed by Cake Vintage. How frilly and girly! At $20 for 50 they are also incredibly affordable. Yay!
Wouldn't these look so cute? I can even have a calligrapher write their names on them instead of using place cards! Anthropologie always has the coolest finds and I'm so excited that they will be launching their bridal line and gift registry early next year!
Are you planning a bridesmaid's luncheon? If you're already married, did you throw one? Please share your ideas on how you plan on spoiling your girls!
I Received One Of These!
Every year after Christmas, I go shopping with my mom and get lots of fun holiday items for 50-75% off. When I get home, I immediately pack them away in a storage bin so that the following year I have a bunch of new decorations! Last year, I even picked up 5 boxes of cute greeting cards to send to family and friends this year. I had every intention of sending them out and even purchased a custom return address stamp and 80 postage stamps. Then...I saw the cute holiday cards that Shutterfly is offering which stopped me dead in my tracks! I had the pleasure of seeing one in person because my lovely cousin, The Real Life Mom, sent one to Mr. CF and I. Let me tell you that I LOVE the matte finish and both the design and quality were amazing. I headed right on over to Shutterfly to check out what else they had to offer and I want to share some of my favorites!
I'm loving their Holiday Cards:
I'm loving their Holiday Cards:
{Cranberry Joy Christmas Card}
I'm loving their Christmas Photo Cards:
{Retro Kaleidoscope Holiday Card}
And if you're throwing a New Year's Eve party and are looking for the perfect invites, they have those too!
{Funky Disco Ball Invitation}
Have you sent your holiday cards yet? If not, head on over before it's too late!
Need a little incentive? How about 50 FREE cards? If you're a blogger and would like 50 of these babies for free, click here to take part in this amazing offer!
Southern Sophistication
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Mansion on Peachtree’s (our reception venue) English Garden was the setting for this gorgeous blue and pink Southern Sophistication tablescape. I love the colors, the lace, the candelabras, the menus, the chargers, and of course the venue!!!!
{Styled by Lemiga Events & Photographed by Andrea Taylor Studio}
Weddings Unveiled
Monday, December 6, 2010
My comment was featured on the Weddings Unveiled blog the other day! I expressed my thanks to all of the lady bloggers out there and won 50% off a holiday card order from a fabulous stationer, Delphine (who has been featured in every wedding magazine imaginable). Sadly, I am not going to be able to use this discount. If any of you are interested, let me know and I will find out if it is transferable.
{Delphine Holiday Card}
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