tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83801777278407389222024-03-12T23:00:35.056-07:00The One!My shameless attempt at vintage, glam, my mind fixtureUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-31191696674867560062010-10-31T10:24:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.360-08:00Jennifer's Joyful Boutiqe, Obsession du jourIt's almost November, which means J. and I are getting ants in our pants to find out whether the baby is a boy or a girl. November 22 is the big day, which means I can finally start shopping for things like clothing, decorations for the nursery- you know, the priorities. And that's why I've started trolling etsy for the cutest baby gear I can find... you know, just in case I don't get enough at my baby showers :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Today, my obsession is with the etsy store<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jennifersjoy"> Jennifer's Joyful Boutique</a>! Ok, so maybe some of these goodies will be a better fit if "its a girl" than for a boy, but I'm still having fun window shopping either way! And <b>key wedding tie-in</b>: this could be just the place to find your flower girl a hair accessory or a little thank you gift for the little ones in your wedding.<br /><br /><br /><br />Ok so on to what I am in love with. First, the custom art- such an affordable way to personalize a nursery!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGlVtfLCwV46H0-HMYlVni0zrnoy5I_FRUJQlG0glUfoczfQ2mQ7kSEzrBkXARsPQyEF6ymCZAsgYYsBl4n3UrGMMZjePRr7iZy33OxvC31FCS_msxs0Eu11aOlCXGrS0xudkjpX52Jg/s320/Sailboat.jpg" width="318" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMVqf5VcSkX1lxqO6rzhYUe3joPGtADJCBKG56FzSLi_1o0tJOnDqn3-qqZL2Wdl9qpjg0iEr-zYWQMDnO1zGHV5wr_-TEAz_mk6BUr6ETPYP4X427B0gWyg7Qms5bkSmVpeWygP6oPY/s1600/Frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMVqf5VcSkX1lxqO6rzhYUe3joPGtADJCBKG56FzSLi_1o0tJOnDqn3-qqZL2Wdl9qpjg0iEr-zYWQMDnO1zGHV5wr_-TEAz_mk6BUr6ETPYP4X427B0gWyg7Qms5bkSmVpeWygP6oPY/s320/Frame.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Or what about a hair flower? Brides love them, and what better way to add a little pizazz to a white flower girl ensemble for $7.95? Or in my case, what better hair accessory to foist upon your baby (they can't stop you!) while you take 1000 pictures? Yeah I'm going to be <i>that </i>mom.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikR_Q4732OU0oSYdBjV97fW9lYiPPozStWk895PBmcoOMttBa6OXe7-BuLK6F5XTvRx6aXadhqSn8lrcJCmxFxUVN7tvF7IQrQR8rd903MRJC4dIX09jzHBfk6ZwEhNccc7wy42sm8Y1I/s1600/hair+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikR_Q4732OU0oSYdBjV97fW9lYiPPozStWk895PBmcoOMttBa6OXe7-BuLK6F5XTvRx6aXadhqSn8lrcJCmxFxUVN7tvF7IQrQR8rd903MRJC4dIX09jzHBfk6ZwEhNccc7wy42sm8Y1I/s320/hair+flower.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /> I'm also really loving the little clip and bow holders- also hand painted. I live in a tiny house so I'm really into objects with dual purposes- and this is the perfect combination of decoration and storage. It also makes it easy for your toddler to pick out what they want to wear, since everything is on display. Maybe even teach them to put things away?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTM2sp6oOpuMdF4Rxbd9E_BnWleewRMXCVcouxaMKOtidDHjeCvclwovHt_dC6480JQh7cWjSFnh2Uth7EzocNOhVnevXatLEPiKVT-Ht1qerrMkaFob4oNnCF4y9xwRxAayPB38jHh0/s1600/owl+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQTM2sp6oOpuMdF4Rxbd9E_BnWleewRMXCVcouxaMKOtidDHjeCvclwovHt_dC6480JQh7cWjSFnh2Uth7EzocNOhVnevXatLEPiKVT-Ht1qerrMkaFob4oNnCF4y9xwRxAayPB38jHh0/s320/owl+holder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWENJADs4u8RvOYvKTUnGlJSJCbeC5gpQG6V_yexKpHHnaRtkqMuC1LFNQmC3eYnEGCzFbWkNMSK6_ehprID3znSwZJ_mMc6cnk5pXC9QCYZbK-L2_4QppDJYnurT3nXuv4MPS6C8C4g0/s1600/Butterfly+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWENJADs4u8RvOYvKTUnGlJSJCbeC5gpQG6V_yexKpHHnaRtkqMuC1LFNQmC3eYnEGCzFbWkNMSK6_ehprID3znSwZJ_mMc6cnk5pXC9QCYZbK-L2_4QppDJYnurT3nXuv4MPS6C8C4g0/s320/Butterfly+holder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLFXASfe3WV93tjGWMF4eI3jJypB5Gvbs0ijPzygwG5XlUDSGAQ5T9qogsO3eYGpjcM3SPjS6G0kod08tMkwhNEunEda-UJQUZcmHzOHSXGQad74Ls3AsZb4ate2J8xmlUbPin5wMjvQ/s1600/Initial+holder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLFXASfe3WV93tjGWMF4eI3jJypB5Gvbs0ijPzygwG5XlUDSGAQ5T9qogsO3eYGpjcM3SPjS6G0kod08tMkwhNEunEda-UJQUZcmHzOHSXGQad74Ls3AsZb4ate2J8xmlUbPin5wMjvQ/s320/Initial+holder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Definitely head over to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/jennifersjoy">Jennifer's Joyful Boutique</a> to check out all the adorableness happening! All images courtesy of Jen!<br /><br /><br /><br />Disclaimer: this is totally my opinion and I was not compensated in any way for sharing this post. However, I do actually know Jen- she's awesome- you will love working with her!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-3503860774952189502010-10-24T06:49:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.373-08:00DIY Mercury Glass- FINALLY!I remember well how last year at this time, I was itching to find a good tutorial for DIY mercury glass. Alas, everyone who had tried it said the same thing- it's very tough to do and very difficult to get a good result. That is, until I came across <a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2010/08/35th-power-of-paint-party-mercury-glass.html">this post at Domestically Speaking</a>. Maryann (who I'm dubbing genius of the century) came up with a great trick to take basic glassware from this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NPkO-BDH_voZd9D94b0ncJ2QRq_8OwXFlgQR25AhwwNfZjEX9dfC2UqmhxqxtkOBHprZZtRx_bqsToCJ_MlqRjiIOWDJQcSFFI15ua8GqxkwhguefkqG9aMraCDt6Iq_VvazeOHplXY/s1600/mercury+glass+1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NPkO-BDH_voZd9D94b0ncJ2QRq_8OwXFlgQR25AhwwNfZjEX9dfC2UqmhxqxtkOBHprZZtRx_bqsToCJ_MlqRjiIOWDJQcSFFI15ua8GqxkwhguefkqG9aMraCDt6Iq_VvazeOHplXY/s320/mercury+glass+1_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><br /><br />to this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPZ37wmnyAwJXL0OEkuTSf_ySIhMd7lHGbywtt4keucfbydhdTP0h81W-AZV6y4ZdmZFWVAF7f_cEun0_NJKyC6DKp75WAIId5iOQx-kPVSLaGvTSX5H_ldRtuW_Iva4DVcSc3iNk-nE/s1600/mercury+glass+7_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPZ37wmnyAwJXL0OEkuTSf_ySIhMd7lHGbywtt4keucfbydhdTP0h81W-AZV6y4ZdmZFWVAF7f_cEun0_NJKyC6DKp75WAIId5iOQx-kPVSLaGvTSX5H_ldRtuW_Iva4DVcSc3iNk-nE/s320/mercury+glass+7_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br /><br />The trick? Spraying droplets of water on the surface before the paint. Why didn't I think of that??!! I solved my own problems by hitting the discount stores, but you could get major mileage out of inexpensive craft store or ikea finds, which would allow you more uniformity too. Love it! Head on over to <a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2010/08/35th-power-of-paint-party-mercury-glass.html">Maryann's blog, Domestically Speaking</a> to learn more!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-33823181199338663312010-09-19T08:10:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.392-08:00Newspaper-Style MenusYou may recall a few weeks ago I shared some rehearsal dinner invitations I made for my little brother's big day, using antiqued baby pictures and an art-deco Chicago style theme. Since their rehearsal dinner is at a steakhouse featuring checkered table cloths and old-Chicago styling, we decided to carry the theme through by making dinner menus that looked like old newspapers. Look how cute they turned out!! I'm a little in love, not gonna lie...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpbJWExTCtDorZl5O9F_Jb2xhdZ_1xTQFA7t2BSj2B5Tm4s60jfbAHQs9vmJizjuK6dVscKUIzu-LVHILqfjsVoPmgyQy8GxLZ8f1QYZb73suTrVlPSojBGwgub1t5UI9xOhRrqioavQ/s1600/livepreview.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSpbJWExTCtDorZl5O9F_Jb2xhdZ_1xTQFA7t2BSj2B5Tm4s60jfbAHQs9vmJizjuK6dVscKUIzu-LVHILqfjsVoPmgyQy8GxLZ8f1QYZb73suTrVlPSojBGwgub1t5UI9xOhRrqioavQ/s640/livepreview.aspx.jpg" width="497" /></a></div>The fonts are all art-deco style fonts I found on dafont.com, and for this project I featured March Madness, Deco Card and Herald Square. And the baby photos are the sames ones from the invitation. All in all, these took me about an hour to make, and I'm just going to print them on plain paper on a color printer and leave one at each place setting- the fact that everything is a little bit casual only makes it that much better, I think!<br /><br /><br /><br />Are you working on any fun projects right now?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-76020445527635176602010-09-17T18:28:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.405-08:00The Luckiest Girl in the World!I know, we're still working on getting those images fixed- I'm sorry friends! But I've got a REALLY great excuse I swear. J. and I have been working hard to get a tenant into my condo, which in itself has been a project. But the big news is twofold: (1) I just got a NEW JOB! and (2) we're expecting our first baby and we finally hit the 12 week mark so we can share the news!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />The bliss is beyond measure. We are ecstatic! I mean, a baby, that alone is awesome. But to be able to also say that after two years of working at it, I've finally found the perfect position for my career path (and they think so too)?! It's all happening at once and it's almost too much- almost, but not quite- I embrace it with open arms.<br /><br /><br /><br />So yeah, I'm sorry about the images, and I swear we're working on it. The One! will go on! To make up for the missing images, here's a shot of our little bean at 7 weeks 3 days to tide you over...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdLF-gDiUVyNVAGZVf5sD16IE4TVE_yjNWKbbZ5crX4Kwm9-TgKYrVg5KqAXGAyhQN5Woqdua_bhOn-SDEHZ7BtmbNDmbxVOSRxsXcCZAW3dOMGriCAAsfD0ZqLg3_DaIs7pwo8x8GXg/s1600/baby+7+weeks+3+days%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdLF-gDiUVyNVAGZVf5sD16IE4TVE_yjNWKbbZ5crX4Kwm9-TgKYrVg5KqAXGAyhQN5Woqdua_bhOn-SDEHZ7BtmbNDmbxVOSRxsXcCZAW3dOMGriCAAsfD0ZqLg3_DaIs7pwo8x8GXg/s320/baby+7+weeks+3+days%282%29.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />SO HAPPY!! :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-46265511491611117792010-09-09T19:23:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.416-08:00Progress! (and patience)So you may have noticed... The One! just got a fabulous makeover from <a href="http://www.designsbykassie.blogspot.com/">Designs By Kassie</a>- and I just want to say right now, Kassie works quickly, is super responsive, has wonderful creative ideas, and was very reasonably priced. I am so excited about our new look and hope you like it too!<br /><br /><br /><br />Of course, while I was working with Kassie on the new design, all my old images stopped working. Where did they go??? Here's what we do know- it wasn't Kassie's fault!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46GbtMYlX9Qa_Xui5hO2MTSrt_lZYYzC2zyG2pH4F3AX7ASQ7c8WIQHuIJKpL6bHdzvtHEehUieScZAJ2myqFNQotKTC_EqsbgsPIt-_fds-5yHCefrBefgUPk_6nYDBGZZYv-x23dII/s1600/shoulder_shrug1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46GbtMYlX9Qa_Xui5hO2MTSrt_lZYYzC2zyG2pH4F3AX7ASQ7c8WIQHuIJKpL6bHdzvtHEehUieScZAJ2myqFNQotKTC_EqsbgsPIt-_fds-5yHCefrBefgUPk_6nYDBGZZYv-x23dII/s320/shoulder_shrug1.jpg" /></a></div>We think we figured out where they went (hello old server) but you may need to bear with us for a few days while J. and I get them back for you all! But we sure do appreciate your patience and hope to have some good surprises for you in the next few weeks!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ipeatunc.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html"><i>image source</i></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-16478369394888027532010-09-09T11:46:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.428-08:00For the Love of a Good MenuAnyone who has ever watched Top Chef knows how important presentation is. That goes for menus too- a great looking menu enhances the food and gets your guests psyched for eating. Mmmm I'm hungry just thinking about it. I've seen menus done in donzens of great ways, but my current obsession comes from my friend R's wedding. Girlfriend printed the menus using her home printer on standard-issue brown paper bags- perfect for carrying home the wedding favor post-celebration! I think this is such an adorable idea for outdoor, winery, barn, or really any kind of rustic wedding. But I also might use these for my next BBQ! Or, someday, maybe I'll make little lunch bags for the first day of school- I can see kids loving them too... and brown paper bags cost next to nothing. Oooh the possibilities! <br /><br />Check them out and tell me you're not in love too...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQKzRYkgXwZ6j55k6WLVRbKZdBHmLymemelmmOIuuh0mbS6Xb_8iWmArTF8qNJ8669VtNQpFPaDs1Pb7jKfa2nqbFH08pBNAieuOkC8fRB8HJXZ5nW15hb6vLQOEKAEjk4thg3QT9T80/s1600/menu+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQKzRYkgXwZ6j55k6WLVRbKZdBHmLymemelmmOIuuh0mbS6Xb_8iWmArTF8qNJ8669VtNQpFPaDs1Pb7jKfa2nqbFH08pBNAieuOkC8fRB8HJXZ5nW15hb6vLQOEKAEjk4thg3QT9T80/s320/menu+1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://athome.kimvallee.com/2009/08/farmers-market-party-favor-ideas-from-sunday-suppers/">image source</a></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0LvsRpbX7wTwAo7njk2aqI0Bzv41YeWi0i-mzAqLC1vZaA3uEnDy_KTi0oRAeV2E2VzRA6SESVOS04xXXDzRtUT_hkzmLVe3jCxNNXpFNw_dCwi4DFZAbW0uIgSL7nPEZcAP54p-3FU/s1600/Menu+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0LvsRpbX7wTwAo7njk2aqI0Bzv41YeWi0i-mzAqLC1vZaA3uEnDy_KTi0oRAeV2E2VzRA6SESVOS04xXXDzRtUT_hkzmLVe3jCxNNXpFNw_dCwi4DFZAbW0uIgSL7nPEZcAP54p-3FU/s320/Menu+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://www.thatssoyummy.com/thoughts/love-it-paper-menus-turn-take-away-bags/">image source</a></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6kz9t799p1lUTKcATUnWT_zJW_caDhfSIqq_d7S-s8YwFJ6YDHuhEeT9UionMHwghId3e-tdJk_b9eky1zBkLqd0wZXejzi6gJeh_lrD65RHD0m1wtMRPu3zAbrewm9K8-ZBzhFHvgc/s1600/menus+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6kz9t799p1lUTKcATUnWT_zJW_caDhfSIqq_d7S-s8YwFJ6YDHuhEeT9UionMHwghId3e-tdJk_b9eky1zBkLqd0wZXejzi6gJeh_lrD65RHD0m1wtMRPu3zAbrewm9K8-ZBzhFHvgc/s320/menus+4.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>photo by me- from R's wedding!</em></div> <br /><br />Are you considering making menus for your next celebration?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-91908833999354599012010-09-08T15:23:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.447-08:00Amazon Mom- For People Who Like Discounts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOX2wMqIPvIvhEwMfov0sW9X7bKFCtF3tBPeDOsbOlLT9HH-sJyR5cq5Cpi6rUNrNIHzYbSihly-UJ0MtJsq_yxiqK8_guC_xIB3LWuK5q_zjlsjsGmqGu-kw7eP1LbIdKR8ppXPRPexs/s1600/ws_Amazon_woman_1680x1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOX2wMqIPvIvhEwMfov0sW9X7bKFCtF3tBPeDOsbOlLT9HH-sJyR5cq5Cpi6rUNrNIHzYbSihly-UJ0MtJsq_yxiqK8_guC_xIB3LWuK5q_zjlsjsGmqGu-kw7eP1LbIdKR8ppXPRPexs/s320/ws_Amazon_woman_1680x1050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>No silly not that kind...<br /><br /><br /><br />I just learned from the lovely lady over at 320 Sycamore, about a pretty kick*ss program called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info/ref=amb_link_353707502_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=right-csm-1&pf_rd_r=1Z6B97YGKRPWTMPK45Z5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1273455902&pf_rd_i=507846">Amazon Mom</a> where anyone who cares for a child (aunts, uncles, grandparents, sitters) can sign up and get FREE Amazon Prime for 3 months! That's FREE stwo day shipping with no minimum kids! <br /><br /><br /><br />Of course, this is going to be super handy for all the brides out there. And if you happen to also be a mom, there's some great kids deals like diaper discounts (its 30% off diapers and wipes)- but I'm planning to use my 3 months on CHRISTMAS SHOPPING! <br /><br /><br /><br />And nobody even paid me to write this. I'm just really enthused!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><a href="http://wallpaperstock.net/amazon-woman_wallpapers_12496_1680x1050_1.html">image source</a></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-14579509143226313922010-08-17T14:51:00.000-07:002010-11-07T16:18:15.959-08:00You Just Can't Keep Me Away...I know I know, I'm retiring. But I had to share these little rehearsal dinner invitations I made for my little bro's upcoming nuptuals because they might be my favorite design ever, and I really did these myself! The dinner is being held at an old Chicago steakhouse where the color scheme involves lots of vintage green, so I grabbed old art deco fonts from www.dafont.com and went wild! I kept things simple because the happy couple is definitely more into "understated" than "over the top" but I think they came out juuust right.<br />
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I love them, potentially more than I love the adorable couple (ok just kidding guys)! :)<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3281" height="622" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/2009/livepreview.aspx_.jpg" title="livepreview.aspx" width="402" /><br />
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Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-7304653677845755272010-08-09T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.471-08:00Moving On, Moving UpA year ago when I started this blog it was kind of a bucket list thing. I do a lot of writing for a living, could I write a blog for a year? I thought so. What I didn't anticipate was that I'd develop such a great group of followers, nor did I know how rewarding blogging would be! I have learned so much about relationships, about crafting and planning, and about gathering as a community in support of one another- miraculously, all through a silly, geeky blog. And although it's been gratifying beyond measure to participate in this world, I have to face facts: I'm waaaay too busy to do this for the long haul. I will ALWAYS love weddings but I am officially over-saturated with wedding knowledge- knowledge I no longer need. It's generally a good idea to walk away from something while you still love it, no?<br /><br /><br /><br />Furthermore, J. and I are looking down the barrel of some big changes right now. None are so big we can't manage, but I need to take some time to prioritize my career and family right now- and unfortunately the blog doesn't make money or cuddle. So even though it's a bummer to slow down, I need to focus on the rest of my life for a while.<br /><br /><br /><br />The good news is that I can save some $$ because I won't be paying hosting fees anymore. The bad news is that I have to move the blog to another (free) platform- which I will be sharing with you as soon as I figure it out- so all those postings won't be gone forever. And don't worry, I'll still post from time to time when I have something good to share! PLUS I'm still holding out hope that I can hand The One! over to a new bride-to-be who may be looking for a way to share her adventures (so please email me if you are interested)!<br /><br /><br /><br />It's hard to figure out how to end a post like this without sounding cheesy, so I am forced to accept that I will always be a cheeseball, and end with two of the cheesiest things I can think of. First, the always-quotable Elizabeth Gilbert:<br /><br /><br /><br /><em>"We search for happiness everywhere, but we are like Tolstoy's fabled beggar who spent his life sitting on a pot of gold, under him the whole time. Your treasure--your perfection--is within you already. But to claim it, you must leave the busy commotion of the mind and abandon the desires of the ego and enter into the silence of the heart."</em><br /><br /><br /><br />Elizabeth always nails it, doesn't she? That's totally how I feel- I need to chill for a while and focus on some basics. Oh and the second cheesey thing I hearby bequeath to you? From <em>Titanic</em>...<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://danahentoff.wordpress.com/"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3275" height="234" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/spjgk11-400x234.jpg" title="spjgk11" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I'll never let go...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />xoxo,<br /><br /><br /><br />Sarah :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-79071427029523906802010-08-05T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.483-08:00Not Your Mother's StencilsWe're all familiar with the stenciling fads that people either love or hate- we all know someone who filled their house with them, and today they incite love or hatred (generally because they are deemed "too country" or because the artist wasn't very talented) among most people. But today there are a new kind of wall decals which seem to have replaced stencils as the new "it" wall treatment. The are peel-and-stick decorations that can be easily removed. And I have to say that when used sparingly with an editing eye,I think they can be really cute! Apparently I'm not alone in this feeling, and that is probably why they're also becoming a hit in the wedding world!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dalidecals.com/Personalized-Wedding-Reception-Dance-Floor-Wall-Decal-Sticker-Graphic.html"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3266" height="350" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Decal-1.jpg" title="Decal 1" width="350" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.thisnext.com/tag/wall-murals/"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3267" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Decal-2-400x400.jpg" title="Decal 2" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.weddingistas.com/weddingistas/2009/10/wonderful-graffiti-wedding.html"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3268" height="396" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Car-decal.bmp" title="Car decal" width="396" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.tradingphrases.com/category_40/Designer-Favorites.htm"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3269" height="306" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Ceremony-decal.jpg" title="Ceremony decal" width="310" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.tradingphrases.com/category/all22.htm"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3270" height="369" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/FrontDoors1-400x369.jpg" title="FrontDoors1" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Best of all this trend is AFFORDABLE. Custom designs on etsy or from internet vendors run anywhere from $25-100 which isn't bad when you consider I know people who spent $1000 per centerpiece (not me though!) and I have seen them in discount stores for less. In fact, I recently purchased a little quote for my foyer for 75% off, and it was only $4.50. I bet those of you out their with those fancy little cutting machines like the CriCut could even figure out how to make your own. Definitely worth keeping in mind for budget ceremony decor!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-6737845963748959132010-08-03T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.497-08:00New House!I really don't think it's possible to overemphasize how busy this year has been. My most recent excuse? The lovely little colonial you see below! J. and I moved in on Thursday with very little broken to show for it. Yipee! I can't wait to show you the inside! In the mean time, if you need me you can find me unpacking, planning a housewarming BBQ, or maybe even passed out, because I am definitely feeling exhausted... but happy!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3258" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/House-298x400.jpg" title="House" width="298" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-23697697294721920182010-07-29T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.508-08:00We're Moving!<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3242 alignnone" title="120709boxes-1" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/120709boxes-1-400x267.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" /></p><br/>Wow, it's hard to believe that we're moving today, but we really are. It's kind of incredible to remember how we got to this day. I bought my condo in March of 2008, tried to sell it between January and June of 2010, failed, and decided to list it on the rental market instead. In the mean time, J. and I have been working nights and weekends to renovate his house, one we've had a tenant living in for the past 2 years. It has been a ton of work. A ton. We are both absolutely exhausted and that doesn't even count the pending moving exhaustion we're sure to feel later today!<br/><br/>So with all that said, you'd think I'd be too distracted to notice the small part of me that's feeling sad to leave. I am not a person who feels nostalgic about <em>everything</em>- I have moved many times and never felt much sense of loss. I try to follow that time-tested cliche: it's best to live life looking forward and not backward. But something about this move is different... a significant slice of my life took place in this condo- it's the place J. and I first lived together, where we got engaged, and where we began our married life. I already miss seeing the pictures on the walls, snuggling in front of the fireplace, or sneaking down to the pool after a thunderstorm before everyone else figures out the pool is open again. And I will miss the way this house is pure, unadulterated "me."<br/><br/>But.<br/><br/>The new house is a force to be reckoned with and together, J. and I have put our stamp all over it. It has original subway bathroom tiles, fabulous hardwood flooring, adorable architectural features like arches, and period-appropriate schoolhouse light fixtures throughout. We have demolished, polished, sanded, patched, stained, painted, weeded, and installed this house to near-perfection. Enough is done that we can move in, and enough is left to do to keep us interested (hello yard!)! It's the kind of old, shopworn, creaky old house that I grew up in- the kind of house that really <em>gets me</em>. This house has a story to tell. I'm excited to figure out that story, even if the story starts out, "once upon a time there was a house whose previous owner was bad at fixing things properly..."<br/><br/>I will try to share some before-and-after photos with you guys soon! But in the mean time, onward I go!<br/><br/><em><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/-103420">image source</a></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-33430003223907398422010-07-27T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.522-08:00Succulents for Norkle<div style="text-align: left;">Today, a gratuitous post of succulent wedding inspiration for friend Norkle, who is hoping to incorporate them into her own upcoming nuptials. In addition to being easy to do in advance, they are adorable, no? They are sort of vintage, sort of modern, sort of southwestern, sort of romantic, colorful, soft, playful- I think that's why they've become so popular! All images link to their sources, except the first which is my own photo, from a friend's recent wedding!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3245" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/succulent-267x400.jpg" title="succulent" width="267" /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3570123028_9f603799b8.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flickr.com/photos/enovember/3570123028/&usg=__70CPHPlQrMlcDivXp4RaEE-4AWc=&h=333&w=500&sz=88&hl=en&start=3&sig2=xH0tcZF2CeTC9UNVrpKUbQ&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=UhQRmMc-3shbeM:&tbnh=87&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsucculent%2Bwedding%2Bbouquet%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:*%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=rBdHTLLvDsSAlAecspTtAw"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3246" height="266" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/bouquet-400x266.jpg" title="bouquet" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://global.theknot.com/join/memberlogin.aspx?target=http%3a%2f%2fweddings.theknot.com%2fWedding-Details%2f25853%2fdetailview.aspx%3fid%3d25853%26type%3d19%26MsdVisit%3d1%26PgReferrer%3dimgres"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3247" height="250" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/centerpiece.jpg" title="centerpiece" width="250" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://kugab.blogspot.com/2008/10/blue-and-green-succulent-wedding.html"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3248" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/succulent_wedding_kuga_designs.jpg" title="succulent_wedding_kuga_designs" width="300" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/2009/06/real-wedding-vanessa-douglas.html"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3249" height="282" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Cake.jpg" title="Cake" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Would you incorporate succulents into your own wedding? How would you use them?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-70355427689332121082010-07-23T01:47:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.537-08:00Black Friday Magic- Liberty of London on Sale!I'm not even going to pretend this is a wedding related post, though <a href="http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_br_display-ladders?ie=UTF8&node=1263430011">Target's Black Friday sale</a> (today, online only) certainly could be the perfect place to score some wedding gear for your centerpieces or favors. Nope, what I want to talk about is how, as a part of that sale, <a href="http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_se_pagelist_btm_1?ie=UTF8&node=2365378011&searchSize=30&searchView=grid5&searchPage=1&rh=&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchRank=pmrank">Liberty of London goodies are 25% off</a>! I am on a spending freeze right now and I already have a LL canister in the guest room so I cannot, repeat CANNOT, buy anything. It's white knuckle city around here. So please let me live vicariously through you all! Go check this great stuff out today if you have a chance! All images are from Target's website:<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/LL1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="size-full wp-image-3252" height="260" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/LL1.jpg" title="LL1" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/LL2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="size-full wp-image-3253" height="260" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/LL2.jpg" title="LL2" width="260" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3254" height="260" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/LL3.jpg" title="LL3" width="260" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3255" height="260" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/LL4.jpg" title="LL4" width="260" /></div><br /><br />I'm going to go to work now and daydream! But let me know if you score any awesome deals!<br /><br /><img height="96" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/LL1.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 88px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 320px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-91886899271033254472010-07-22T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.556-08:00A Perfect ThanksA few weeks ago I helped throw a baby shower for one of my besties and bridesmaids, we'll call her E-Rod, and we had a seriously fun time eating, decorating onesies, and joking around about what the baby would look like and which of his/her honorary aunts he/she would like best (I won that contest hands down, obviously). So with all that fun as it's own reward, I was especially touched with E-Rod gifted us these adorable and thoughtful thank you gifts. <br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3233 " height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/June_Ohio_491-268x400.jpg" title="June_Ohio_491" width="268" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br />Inside these adorable (and shower-theme coordinating I might add) bags, E-Rod included a lovely thank you note, along with awesome swag- Starbucks gift cards, Vosges chocolate bars (oh baby) and Mad Housewife Merlot. Have you ever seen anything cuter? I love that this is something anyone- even the noncrafty folks- can do, and on any budget. I'm shamelessly planning to steal this fabulous idea one of these days! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3234" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/June_Ohio_492-268x400.jpg" title="June_Ohio_492" width="268" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-59577583950336758282010-07-20T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.580-08:00I'm a sucker for it...<div class="mceTemp mceIEcenter" style="text-align: left;">Seersucker! Ok, I know, bad bad bad play on words. But who can help it? Little ring bearers in summery seersucker suits are potentially the cutest thing I've ever seen. And more affordable then tuxedo rental too!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You can score this one for $39.99 at In Fashion Kids </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.infashionkids.com/bosutansesun.html"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3224" height="340" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/seersucker.jpg" title="seersucker" width="226" /></a></div><br /><br />My good friend R.'s ringbearers wore seersucker ensembles for her wedding, wearing their vests (sans jackets due to the heat- a great built-in contingency she planned for), and they looked incredibly adorable. With hot pink bow ties too. Who is in love?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-3228" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Rielly-1-267x400.jpg" title="Rielly 1" width="267" /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-3229 " height="337" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/R-2.bmp" title="R 2" width="504" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-88228683985096566822010-07-14T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.593-08:00A 4th of July Engagement Celebration!<p style="text-align: left;">Sometimes having a wedding blog is really, truly, awesome. Like, for example, when I get to share super cute, super fun parties with everyone! This particular celebration was in honor of my brother A. and future sister-in-law Diana, which was held at my mom's home in Ohio on the 4th of July! The weather was perfection and we ended up with a huge crowd and loads of tasty food, courtesy of my mom. I made the invitation-postcards on VistaPrint, my dad brought the red velvet cake and 1931 Packard with him, and the decorations were scored on a budget from the Christmas Tree Shop (my favorite)! Guests brought some great gifts for the happy couple, including customized honeymooner tees, and a book of family recipes my mom and I collaborated on. It was such an all-American party too, with bocce ball, whiffle ball, horses, flowers, and lots of family. Who could ask for more? </p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">We are so excited to welcome D. into our family and I can't wait to share their upcoming October wedding with you all!</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3210" title="July_Flowers_134" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_Flowers_134-400x267.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3216" title="July_4th_2010_008" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_0081-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3203" title="July_4th_2010_009" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_009-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3218" title="July_4th_2010_012" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_0121-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3219" title="July_4th_2010_017" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_0172-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3220" title="July_4th_2010_027" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_0271-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3221" title="July_4th_2010_029" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_0291-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3215" title="July_4th_2010_030" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_0301-268x400.jpg" alt="" width="268" height="400" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3211" title="July_4th_2010_034" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_034-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3212" title="July_4th_2010_065" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_065-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3214" title="July_4th_2010_181" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_181-268x400.jpg" alt="" width="268" height="400" /><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3213" title="July_4th_2010_072" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/July_4th_2010_072-400x268.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="268" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-49930367582166320822010-07-12T05:17:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.604-08:00A Brief Pause From Our Regularly Scheduled Programming...You may have noticed my posting has been a little light lately- my apologies. I've been SWAMPED! J. and I are in the midst of some serious DIY renovations in our soon-to-be new home, not to mention I've helped to throw 3 showers in 4 weeks, and now, to add icing to the cake...<br/><br/>My very first niece was born on July 6! J. and I got to meet her Saturday and she is just absolute and utter perfection. I'm in love. While we were there, of course I grabbed my camera and started playing. Look at this great shot I got while J. was holding her! I'm just so excited to learn all the things my new camera can do, and I adore this one! Though, let's keep it real, you'd be hard pressed to take a bad photo with such a gorgeous subject. Introducing baby Ella Grace!<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3200" title="Ella" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Ella.jpg" alt="" width="547" height="366" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-67270067037320065902010-07-09T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.615-08:00Those Handy Little Freebies (Part II)You may recall that a couple of weeks ago <a href="http://www.theoneny.com/blog/2010/those-handy-little-freebies/">I blogged about the free downloadable template I used to create a bridal shower invitation</a> for my stepsister. Well, after figuring out how simple it was to do I was pretty hooked, and I started looking at other downloadable templates. And that is how I discovered (courtesy of <a href="http://www.i-do-it-yourself.com/2010/04/download-print-invitation-templates/">iDIY</a>) these STUNNING downloadable templates from <a href="http://www.downloadandprint.com/category/invitation-templates/">Download and Print</a>.<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3113" title="2" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/2.png" alt="" width="198" height="300" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3114" title="3" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/3.png" alt="" width="198" height="300" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3115" title="1" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/11.png" alt="" width="198" height="300" /><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3116" title="4" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/4.png" alt="" width="198" height="300" /></p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">These templates have quickly become all-stars in my crafting projects because they are so easy to use- you download them in word, print them on cardstock, and then just use a paper cutter. Because the background color comes from the paper itself, you have tons of flexibility in terms of color scheme, and I especially love that you can choose your own fonts. Love!</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">I used the last ones (Dandelions!) to make an engagement party invitation for my Stepsister's upcoming e-party, and look how cute it came out! I ended up photoshopping the design a bit in order to make it into a file I could upload to <a href="http://vistaprint.com">VistaPrint</a> (you knew they had to be involved somehow didn't you) because I knew I was not going to have enough time to print these myself, but I'm still extremely thrilled with the product!</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3117" title="Sarah invite" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Sarah-invite.jpg" alt="" width="322" height="498" /></p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">Are you sold yet?</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-52891640692985794922010-07-05T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.626-08:00The Psychology of Romantic Love<img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3098" title="Rom" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/Rom-266x400.jpg" alt="" width="266" height="400" />I definitely agree with the school of thought that marriage takes work- of course it does. I think everyone can agree on that. But what's even more interesting to me, is the kind of continual soul searching required by marriage. I just finished reading<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Pray-Love-Everything-Indonesia/dp/0670034711"> <em>Eat Pray Love</em></a> by Elizabeth Gilbert, and in it, she talks about happiness in the way I think about marriage:<br/><em>Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it.</em><br/><br/>One might argue that my attitude is just another predictable manifestation of the Protestant work ethic we hold so dear on the east coast. One might argue I've taken too many feminist theory courses. And of course I've only been ,married for 6 months, so right now I'm still pretty blissful, what do I know? Then again, as a child of divorce I've always been pretty in-tune to the marriages around me (there are some pros- and enormous cons- to this level of "tuned in-ness" but it is just how I'm built). So, for better or for worse, whether I'm being fatalistic or realistic, I think a fundamental amount of work is required to maintain a healthy marriage.<br/><br/>And that is precicely why I was thrilled when my bridesmaids gifted me the book <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Romantic-Love-Nathaniel-Branden/dp/0553275550">The Psychology of Romantic Love</a></em>. This is a great book. A. Great. Book. I'm not a huge book-review-writer so I'll keep this short, but suffice it to say that the book is absolutely chock full of insight into modern relationships and it floored me how I could look around me and see one application after another in my world. Once you begin reading the book, you probably won't be surprised to learn that the author is one of the leading authorities on self esteem issues. My favorite insight is that we have to stop fighting the fact of our "aloneness" in order to be ready for a partner. I also like the discussion of one's partner as a sort of psychological "mirror" which reflects the person you actually are. I think this is an absolute must-read if you are in a serious relationship or if you like pop psychology. It is super-duper interesting stuff with super important practical applications.<br/><br/>I'm not saying I have it all figured out- or that Nathaniel Branden does either- but this is a great read!<br/><br/>Have you read any books that have really spoken to you, on the topics of love or marriage?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-84108732405847012422010-07-02T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.638-08:00One Woman's Trash...Is another's treasure? This isn't generally a phrase I think of when it comes to weddings. But I recently stumbled upon a new wedding resource, <a href="http://www.idonowidont.com/">I Do Now I Don't</a>, and I was intrigued. The founder first got the idea when his engagement didn't work out. What to do with the ring? Well, apparently due to the retail markup on jewelry, the retailer wouldn't give much of a refund back, so he found another way to sell the ring and his website was born!<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.idonowidont.com/343ct-Diamond-Ring-with-213ct--CENETER--EGL-H-color-Si1-,name,54566,auction_id,Diamond-Rings,qid,1838,pid,1,pageno,auction_details"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3055" title="ring 1" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/ring-1.bmp" alt="" /></a></p><br/>Of course, not all the jewelery on the website has such a sad story, but it's really such a great idea. You can buy rings, obviously, but they also sell other jewelery and even wedding gowns. And the site seems to have a lot of built in protections so buyers and sellers feel safe.<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.idonowidont.com/Diamond-18k-white-gold-engagement-ring-,name,54521,auction_id,Diamond-Rings,qid,1838,pid,1,pageno,auction_details"><img class="size-full wp-image-3056 aligncenter" title="ring 2" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/ring-2.bmp" alt="" /></a></p><br/>The flip side of buying a ring with a prior story, is that some people are certain to fear passage of a "bad karma" but really, it's just an object right? The meaning only comes from what you assign to it. Seems like a great idea to me! The sellers get more return on their investment than they'd get at a jeweler, and the buyers get more bang for their buck.<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.idonowidont.com/BLOW-HER-AWAY-____ONE-TIME-DEAL-317-G-si2-CUSHION-CUT,name,72159,auction_id,auction_details"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3057" title="ring 3" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/ring-3.bmp" alt="" /></a></p><br/>What do you think, assuming quality isn't an issue, would you feel comfortable buying a ring from <a href="http://www.idonowidont.com/">I Do Now I Don't</a>? I kind of think I'd be ok with it, and then I'd be even more ok with taking the money I saved and spending it on a honeymoon upgrade! Plus, isn't there something to be said for taking a found object and giving it a new life? I usually think of this concept in the context of home improvement (salvage an old dresser!) but why not bigger ticket sparkly objects too?<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.idonowidont.com/Brand-New-Solitaire-Plus-Ring-w136ctw-Genuine-Diamonds------,name,54122,auction_id,auction_details"><img class="size-full wp-image-3058 aligncenter" title="ring 4" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/ring-4.bmp" alt="" /></a></p><br/>(By the way, I'm not getting comped for this post, I'm just interested! And all images link to their source.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-83422176642630288742010-06-30T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.651-08:00Why Post-It Notes Will Never Be Obsolete<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2460" title="untitled" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/untitled1.bmp" alt="untitled" />Friend R. recently pointed me to this idea for planning seating at your wedding, which I think is an excellent tip, especially for all you visual people out there. R. had 250 guests at her weddding, and so determining seating for her group was quite a task. Overwhelmed, R. turned to a friend in fundraising, who recommended using pink and blue post-it notes to plan the seating. Apparently this technique is quite popular for planning benefits and fundraisers, and it makes total sense. With so many guests, I think it was the perfect approach- and it's the kind of thing that literally <em>anyone</em> can do. Here's how it worked:<br/><br/>Here's what she did:<br/><br/>Step 1: R. blew up an image of the room layout which had been provided by her venue, and had it printed on large paper.<br/><br/>Step 2: R. cut out smaller pieces of paper in the shape and size of the tables in her layout. <br/><br/>Step 3: Using post-it notes in pink (with ladies' names on them) and blue (with the men's names), R. started by affixing post-it notes to the "tables." She played with varying combinations until she had her guests all "seated" into the right groups.<br/><br/>Step 4: R. Then put the tables onto the big sheet of paper in different configuations, until the locations of various tables worked perfectly. R. made sure to take into account things like the location of the bar and band, the location of her family members, and so forth. In her case, she tried to keep generations together, and family members together. Of course, there are many ways to seat people, but this worked for her group!<br/><br/>Step 5: When all was said and done, R. assigned the table numbers based on the room layout. <br/><br/>R. says the biggest challenge in her planning was dealing with all of the different stakeholders in the process- mothers, in-laws, friends, fiances- they all had opinions and she knew she could never make everyone 100% happy. So at the end of the day, she did what all smart brides do- she did her best and then cut herself some slack!<br/><br/>What other tips do you love for figuring out tables and seating?<br/><br/><em><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://neilperkin.typepad.com/only_dead_fish/images/2007/10/28/fffoundpostitnote.jpg&imgrefurl=http://neilperkin.typepad.com/only_dead_fish/2007/10/post-it-abuse.html&usg=__WKA6lWCHk0tnpwE--nfj4x0taew=&h=378&w=470&sz=60&hl=en&start=3&sig2=m62AHbG4_abePqq9Jnc_xg&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=McVrnBHGKj9goM:&tbnh=104&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dpost%2Bit%2Bnotes%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dgmail%26rls%3Dgm%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=24SVS-j9GoKXlAe0ocH_AQ">image source</a></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-81449698364366252122010-06-28T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.664-08:00Kristin and Chris's Dreamy Engagement PicsI love engagement shoots. They are such a great way for couples to show off their sense of style, their personality, and their love for one another. Kristin and Chris's engagements- shot by <a href="http://www.dreamscapestudio.net/">Dreamscape Studio</a>- are no exception. These two have been together through thick and thin for many years (I know because Kristin and I go way back to law school times!) and I can honestly say you won't find a cuter, more loving couple anywhere. And I love how they chose both country and city chic locations for their photos. It just goes to show you that kind of balance works in relationships AND photography!<br /><br /><br /><br />I can't wait to show you their WEDDING! Coming soon!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3165" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K-1-266x400.jpg" title="K 1" width="266" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3164" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K2-266x400.jpg" title="K2" width="266" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3163" height="266" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K3-400x266.jpg" title="K3" width="400" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3156" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K10-266x400.jpg" title="K10" width="266" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3162" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K4-400x400.jpg" title="K4" width="400" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3161" height="266" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K5-400x266.jpg" title="K5" width="400" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3157" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K9-266x400.jpg" title="K9" width="266" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3160" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K6-266x400.jpg" title="K6" width="266" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3159" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K7-400x400.jpg" title="K7" width="400" /><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3158" height="400" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/K8-266x400.jpg" title="K8" width="266" /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-88037101473666207722010-06-27T13:26:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.677-08:00Carry the Torch: Apply to Blog for The One!<span style="color: #000000;">On August 24, The One! will be a year old- I know it's still a little while till the big day, and yet, it's just around the corner! It's been such a wonderful experience for me to have blogged about wonderful wedding fun for almost a full year now! But as I've moved into my life as a married woman and further away from wedding planning, I've found a whole new world of competing demands on my time. As Robert Collier once said, </span>“<span style="color: #000000;"><a href="http://thinkexist.com/quotes/robert_collier/">One might as well try to ride two horses moving in different directions, as to try to maintain in equal force two opposing or contradictory sets of desires.</a>” The truth is that I want to do it ALL and the reality is that I simply cannot.</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000;">But I'm not giving up on The One! Instead, I'm looking for a NEW BLOGGER BRIDE (or two?) to whom I can pass the torch! Don't worry I will still post too, but I think we need to breathe some new life into this place! The ideal candidate will:</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000;"> - Share my desire to keep The One! as snark free as possible, while still maintaining enough space to allow for a few opinions!</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000;"> - Have an appreciation for budget friendly, DIY, and otherwise personal and unique wedding details!</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000;"> - Share my philosophy that weddings are first and foremost about commitment, family and love!</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000;"> - Be an excellent writer!</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000;"> - Be willing to post 2-3 times weekly!</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000;">If you think you're up for the challenge, please email me, sarah.theoneNY [at] gmail [dot] com, with your name and a brief paragraph about why you'd like to blog with The One! If you have a personal blog, please let me know the link, and if you do not, please provide 2-3 samples of your written work product- any relevant format will do!</span><br/><br/><span style="color: #000000;">I know there are so many of you out there who have good ideas and I'd LOVE to bring you into the fold!!<br/></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8380177727840738922.post-37127769829254570412010-06-25T01:00:00.000-07:002010-11-07T14:51:53.690-08:00Tacky Tacky TackyI generally try not to focus on the negative here at The One! but once in a while, I hear about something so appallingly tacky that it would be a crime not to share!<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-3184 aligncenter" title="tacky 1" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/tacky-1-300x400.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="400" /></p><br/>Ok so here's what happened. A friend recently received a wedding invitation where, directly on the invitation was the following poem...<br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em>To help us on our way</em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em>as husband and wife</em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em>gifts of cash are welcome</em></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em>to start off our new life</em>!</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">Um, excuse me, I know weddings often involve cash gifts, but seriously? Just because the poem is cute does not mean that the concept is cute. Every single etiquette guide I have ever read has said that under no circumstances may you mention gifts or registries on an invitation, unless you are specifically asking people NOT to bring presents. Because nothing is worse than making people feel like they are being invited to a fundraiser. To make things worse, most people are well aware of the rule and will judge you (severely) for doing it. Sorry guys but as a public service, I simply have to call this out.</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">But of course, I'm not only about being snarky. Here's a helpful tip- if you want to provide this information in a socially acceptable manner, put your registry information (with absolutely <strong><em>no</em></strong> requests for cash, there are <a href="http://www.theoneny.com/blog/2009/nontraditional-registries/">alternative registries </a>that can help you with that) on your wedding website, and the website information can be part of an invitation enclosure. That way your guests can find out gift information <em><strong>if they want to</strong></em>. And don't discount the value of word-of-mouth when it comes to gift giving. You don't need to put it on the invitation, and if you do, you'll just offend pretty much everyone who gets it.</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">A good cautionary tale though right? Have you ever seen any invitation faux pas? And how about <a href="http://www.tackyweddings.com">www.tackyweddings.com</a>? That should make every bride-to-be feel pretty good about her wedding choices!</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3185" title="tacky 2" src="http://s749.photobucket.com/albums/xx134/sarahstoeckel/tacky-2-400x299.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="299" /></p><br/><p style="text-align: center;"><em><a href="http://tackyweddings.com/2009/07/08/tacky-wedding-all-star-mini-me-bride-and-groom-neon-orange-showgirl-bridesmaids-and-super-fugly-wedding-dress/">images source</a></em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0