I'm going to need help narrowing down this list....

Alright this is the remainder of what I want to make for the wedding (not including the save the dates and invites which I am making too):


(photo from real simple)

Atleast this one is pretty simple! String, cloth. hang it up and done. Right?



(boutonneire from fritz rosenow)

I am making bouts like these but one with a superman, one with a car and one with a trombone.


(bibs from mint design blog)

I would love to make these since we are having bbq. But with some bbq image or something related more to our wedding.


(flags from soyoureengayged)

I want to make these in lieu of confetti or rice to throw.


(smores favors via miss pickles press)

I am probably going to make some stickers to seal them and I need to investigate where to buy homemade marshmallows. I've made them from scratch before but not sure if I feel like taking that on...

So I'm thinking I can do all these if I start now. Your thoughts? I think I really need to tackle my save the dates first though. I am waiting on my letterpress machine first!

Happy New Year's, all!

(from this etsy shop)

Apparently, I am making all of Once Wed

So I know I have talked about this before but I need to make 'the list'. The list is me narrowing down all the decorations I am actually capable of making (I'm sure the few couple will need to get scaled back). Here is what I've gathered so far (all from previous posts):


(flowers/vase and paper pinwheels from once wed)


(garland from once wed...maybe for our altar??)


(hair from ruffled...not a craft I know but good to narrow down nonetheless)


(wreath from once wed...love the details by this wedding bee poster...so I'm inspired by someone who was inspired by someone...)


(garland from once wed)

Faux Friday!!!!

I'm off for the week, ladies and gents! Heres something to tide you over (until I write up a post with some substance.But you have to admit this is pretty cool!) :

Spokane couple aims to recycle 400,000 cans to pay for their wedding
-posted by Ariel

(Photo by Tyson Habein for Yellow House Photo)

Andrea and Pete are combining two different kinds of awesome into one fabulous wedding: they're trying to pay for their low-budget summer 2010 wedding by recycling 400,000 aluminum cans. In a move that it's both uber-eco-friendly as well as budget minded, they're scouring their city of Spokane, WA to find cans to recycle. I cornered Andrea with a few questions about the project, and she told me all about their motivations, goals, and trebuchet bouquet toss… (read this rest here on Offbeat Bride)

it's either this or buy the world's best corset

I am not one of those people with totally unrealistic goals about losing tons of weight before her wedding day ( one of my mom's friend's daughter in law bought her dress several sizes too small in anticipation of losing weight). I do however, want to fit into my dress and look good in pictures (the picture part may never be saved, I don't think losing weight can stop me from making weird faces...or can it??). As I scanned the knot's list yesterday (why I do that to myself I have no idea), I saw one of the urgent items on my to-do list was "take better care of yourself" aka "get in shape, fattie". I felt a twinge of guilt clicking it off as I ate a salami and cheese sandwich. But I did because I bought these this weekend:



and


(both images via amazon)

Wish me luck because I totally hate working out.
(also, I'm totally buying a corset anyways)

There is only 7 interesting things about me so that works out

I have been nominated for the Beautiful Blogger Award by Sojourner's Truth. I am still kind of amazed that anyone at all reads my blog so this was neat!

The rules:

1) Thank the person who nominated me for this award. - Thanks a bunch Sojourneress :)

2) Copy the award & place it on my blog.

3) Link to the person who nominated me for this award.

4) Tell everyone 7 interesting things about myself.

5) Nominate 7 bloggers.

6) Post links to the 7 blogs I nominate.

--

7 interesting things about me:

1) I used to ride horses. It was the only sport I was ever good at (probably because the horse does most of the work). Also, I rode at a stable where I think they may have given trophies to everyone who competed (or showed up). I did atleast compete in a couple competitions that were legit. Regardless, I have the ribbons to prove it!

2) Many of my childhood photos are of me and a box of cheez-its (No lie, I'll try to find some to scan and prove it). Thus beginning my lifelong love affair with the delicious snack cracker.

3) I have traveled to Spain, Italy and Poland (Poland was probably the most fun and crunk)

4) I went to art school for painting but changed to Art History because I am a total nerd. Now I work at a college, not using any artsy skills in the workplace. So if anyone every wants to talk gothic architecture or the history of chinese art, hit me up!

5) When I was younger I had an epic crush on Rider Strong (thats Sean from 'Boy Meets World' for anyone who doesn't know)

6) The best concert I ever went to was David Bowie

7) I used to fake playing the flute in junior high concerts because I never practiced (Sorry, mom. Sorry, Mr. Smith. Liz, you already knew this). I did however learn how to play many songs from Phantom of the Opera. Because like I said I am a nerd.

And here are 7 favorites of mine:

• you are my fave
  
• The Bowie Bride
  
• A Los Angeles Love
  
• Bride on a Shoestring
  
• A Summer Picnic Wedding
  
• Erin ever After
  
• Mason Jar Bride
  

still not sure about haggis

Couple updates (and actual wedding ones!):

1-I got my fascinator in the mail! It is even better than the photos online! I cannot recommend this etsy seller enough. Please, blog friends, if you are still looking for a hair accessory for the big day (or know someone who is) hit up FataleFemme's etsy shop. Speaking of, everyone I've ordered from on etsy has been great.

2- I do not know if I have ever posted about this before but the future hubs has decided on his wedding attire:

(image via offbeat bride...which has 3 tagged pages worth of kilt weddings)

He wore them to his proms. My main concern was that he was wearing it to be funny but if he is truly representing his Scottish heritage, I say go for it. One quick question: how bad is red tartan going to look with some of my yellow wedding ideas? I think it may confirm I need to buy these shoes however.

3- as a result of the kilt ( or atleast the kilt got the convo going), the honeymoon may have changed locales from New Hampshire b&b to:


(image via lonely planet)

Still need to figure out financially if we can make it work but exciting news nonetheless!

The Day after aka Road to Recovery

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday! We had parties galore on Christmas eve and we had a party here for Christmas day. No matter how much I stress or worry usually everything turns out fine (maybe stop worrying so much in addition to the normal new year's resolutions?). After being nervous I would run out of food we of course have tons of leftovers and we teamed up to do all the dishes last night so it was so nice to wake up to a basically clean house. Also, I was so psyched to get Ryan a really good gift this year, especially since he got me the best gift ever:


(image via i-diy)

It was on back order so it will be arriving shortly and I am drooling in anticipation! I also got clothes, house stuff, cute christmas stuff, tons of scarfs and mittens and some sweet gift cards (Michaels! woo-hoo!)

Now that the Christmas 2009 project is out of the way, time to really start crackin' on wedding stuff (even though I think I still have another Christmas party today)

Hope everyone has a nice weekend/ vacation time ( if you're lucky!)

Merry Christmas Eve!

(image from someecards...ha ha kidding but not really)

Cough Drops and Caramels

So I have to say I felt like crap for most of today so I was glad I didn't have to work. Luckily 2 of my favorite guilty pleasure shows were having marathons! I did make some homemade egg drop soup that turned out good and I did manage to get a good amount of things done like decorate the house, bake cookies, make marshmallows, exchange gifts with my dad and prep some appetizers for Christmas day (I'm making a big antipasti platter so I'm marinating various olives, cheese, etc). Also, I've cleaned up so far in the christmas gift department! woo!

Here are some things that I've been bookmarking:


(image via creature comforts)

how perfect is this? something as simple as beautiful script and adorable tags can really make something extraordinary. Good inspiration for my smores favors!


(image via frolic!)

what is the summer equivalent of this? because I totally love it!

Lastly, this post made me spend hours looking at velvet flowers on etsy

***Also, I am a maniac tomorrow so not sure if I will post but I promise I will try!

I think I'm in love....

...and I don't care who knows it!


(vivienne westwood shoes via once wed)

I also really love the yellow ones. Could I buy these and paint the black heart white? Is that weird?

I love fake fridays

First things first:

I am psyched for the office Christmas party today at the pub down the street (half day and last day of the work week! yesssss!)

I had a performance review yesterday in which my boss said when i started working there she felt like she 'had died and gone to heaven'

I have that itchy, scratchy about the get sick feeling which I am fighting tooth and nail. Hopefully I win!

Also, I don't know about you but since the Time's 50 of the world's best design blogs list came out I've been slowly exploring each one (I was very happy to see a lot of my daily reads on there already!). I love finding new blogs to read because usually I read each one with such intensity that I get caught up on all their past posts very quickly. And I love finding new excellent etsy shops they reference. On that note, here is some great stuff I found (from both new and old sites)!


(image via elizabethbentz's etsy shop)


(tea towel from jewelweed's etsy shop...sadly, sold out)



(Regina B bag found via this is glamorous...now only if I felt comfortable spending $300 on a handbag...)


(hankie from the curiosity shop found via design is mine)

and lastly, I sorta don't care that this is fake because it is so damn cool looking (if you like yellow and are feeling like you want to bling it up):


(via beth1818's etsy shop)

time to shovel out my car aka happy monday

(image via sketchy santas)

weekend recap:
good friends, good food, christmas crafts and lots of snow
also, got my brooches in the mail and they are great!

how was yours?

Reasons today is going to rock:
1- have a dunkin donuts gift card
2- last real day of work before Christmas

Also, did you see this great post on wood cake stands over at You are My Fave? LOVE! Check out this awesomeness:


(via you are my fave & ilovelolliblog)

Happy Friday!

(image via lovely clusters)

Reasons today is going to rock:

1- I am wearing the coziest leopard print socks
2- most of my half day at work today is a Christmas party

Happy Friday all! What are your plans this weekend? I am going to a party, finishing Christmas gifts and baking a ton of cookies with my best lady (and maid of honor)!

God, I love Design Sponge

I would really love to make both of these for the wedding. So wonderful!

(looks like I'm adding more to my to-do list than checking off!)

shopping fun!

So I can check a couple things off the dreaded to-do list. I purchased these today:

1. my fascinator

(image via fatalefemme's etsy shop)

2. pins for the bridesmaids/moms/officiant

(image via Beth1818's etsy shop)

3. postcards (to be used in lieu of guest book...obviously I need more than 2 but it's a start!)

(image via reamsoffun's etsy shop)

the dreaded to-do

(image from here)

Sorry for not posting yesterday but this time of year is filled with lots of non wedding stuff. Unless you wanted to hear about my ideas for the Christmas dinner I'm having or the gifts I'm making. So yesterday I took a vacation day and tried to finish up a good majority of my Christmas gifts. I got a chunk done but not all. I have a sense I will need a serious amount of vacation days to get all my wedding decor & crafts done. Here is the mammoth list:

As soon as the holidays are over, do the following:

1. finish & send out save the dates
2. finish invites (send out later)
3. make bibs ( I've mentioned this a couple times but if you are new to reading this, since we are having bbq I was thinking of stamping disposable bibs with the date, intials, maybe a pig or something to have at people's seats)
4. measure & photograph venue (for decorations)
5. narrow down and decide on decorations and centerpieces
6. make decorations & centerpieces
7. finish boutonneires
8. check out flowers at farmers markets ( spring/early summer)
9. make favors ( atleast I have a while for this!)

things to buy:
1. flower pins (for the ladies)
2. rings
3. fascinator (I think I will today! #2! #2!)
4. shoes
5. paper & postage for save the dates and invites
6. favor ingredients & packaging
7. decoration & centerpiece materials

I'm sure I've left something off but I'm sure I can scramble around to do it later

Whats your countdown list looking like?

Full

After a weekend full of gluttony (aka weekend of 3 christmas parties and a cheeseburger and staying up way past my bedtime), I am feeling satisified/ panicky about eating so badly. But damn do I love all appetizer parties. In part why I am having a christmas one. I was supposed to have a fitting this week but after talking with my (future) sister-in-law have canceled it and need to reschedule for a time closer to when I am actually getting married hopefully negating my cheesy intake this weekend. Also, leaving me more time to buy some kind of corset and more time to make christmas gifts in time. Ry also set up a time to meet the caterer so my crazy anxious self is psyched. I would be jazzed about some kind of tasting plate (pulled pork, pulled chicken, green beans, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes....yummmm. Oh lord, here I go again with food).

Also anyone stressed out about this holiday season should go here.


(from old once wed post...wouldn't it be great though???)


(super cute wedding and bride via lucky me...I'm pretty sure she is wearing an awesome stephanie james dress)


(paint covered engagement shoot via brooklyn bride)

Things I Want

1. These shoes


(image via peonies and polaroids, the brand is miss me)

2. This dress (wouldn't it be a great bridesmaid's dress? now I just need it to go on sale....)


(image via anthropologie)

3. Her hair


(image via green wedding shoes)

Uh-oh

(again from fatalefemme's etsy shop)

I think this might be the one....



Thoughts?
(this one was just posted so it missed yesterday's post)

Happy Friday!

(image via country living...i love that it looks like they are up to something)

Happy end of the week, all! What are you up to this weekend? I am going to a couple Christmas parties and craftin' and cookin' up a storm.

Also (in the christmas spirit)- how great would that wedding topper look as an ornament on a tree? Add some string, BLAMM-O! You're good to go


Good links to get you through today:
Love this table setting. Kumquats out-cute clementines, any day.

How great would this be for a winter wedding? Cheap and colorful, baby.

Awesome, awesome proposal.

Lovin the simple, easy decor here.

I need your help, ladies

(all images via fatalefemme's shop on etsy)

I'm going to buy a veil from this fab-u-lous lady (check out her etsy site! her stuff is so charming and incredibly affordable)

And I need your help deciding which one.

Just to let you know, there's already a vote for the bottom one.

Me vs. Snow

I am up earlier than normal because my commute this morning is going to be getting its butt kicked by snow. Let's hope my head start gets me there at some kind of reasonable hour.

Last night, I had a slight, lets be honest, major freakout. Do you ever have one of those days where one thing goes wrong and you immediately think of everything thats ever gone wrong and it snowballs into some kind of crazy enormous issue when it really was something tiny? No, just me? Basically, I messed up a couple christmas presents I was making and that spiraled into me being nervous about fitting into my gown and getting the wedding ready on time. Normal segueway (sp?) right?

So here is some inspiration to get you (and me) started on a happy note this Wednesday:


(awesome garland via once wed)


(pinwheels via style me pretty....definetly making these)


(adorable bride via style me pretty)

Also:

Please buy me everything from here. Pretty please???

More centerpiece inspiration! And you can buy the supplies here.