I Heart Jake Ryan

Sixteen Candles (1984) will forever be a cult classic for teenagers.  American Pie has nothing on this movie.  This movie, in the best way possible, has wrecked me (and probably a lot of other girls too).  The dream boat, sensitive, jock shows up unexpectedly and whisks away the girl.  He even opens the car door AND gets the girl a birthday cake. And excuse me? In the most genuine and shy of ways says "Make a wish?"

This song, his face, and the remote possibility that this could actually happen in real life makes me giddy every time I watch this.  Time to reminisce!  YES PLEASE!

Vera Wang: Vampire Slayer

Vera Wang Spring 2013.  Calling Barnabas Collins and Edward Cullen...

Katherine

Kylie

Kendall

Kaye

Kaitlin

Kareena

Kirsten

Katarina

Kassia

Kathleen

Kimberly

Karen

Photo Sources:  Vera Wang

Open & Shut Case

What do you all think about closed-eye photos?  I think they’re either hit or miss. Posing with your eyes closed is a bit unnatural unless you are kissing, embracing or capturing a candid moment just at the right time.

It's hard to fake the "natural closed eye" look, especially if you’re just standing in an open wheat field with a smirk on your face- you run the risk of looking like you're trying to pass gas or are really constipated- you heard it here first.

Take a look at the mix of both hits and misses below.
PS- Never row a boat with your eyes closed... that's just dangerous.  Cheers!

DO soak in your happiness

DO love that your guy is a manly man wearing flanel and stands with a hose.
DONT whiff the horse.

DONT get it??

DONT squat on the ground. No, no.

DONT clench your hands and glutes with your eyes closed.

DO take a moment to realize how hot your wife is!

DO canoodle

DO canoodle some more.

DONT over pose.

DONT stand there looking like you farted and need emotional support.

DONT row a boat with your eyes closed!

DO.

Photo Sources:  All from GreenWeddingShoes.com ( Surprise Vow Renewal, Boho Feather wedding inspiration, California Barn wedding, Boho Chic wedding, New York wedding, Autumn engagement photos, Handmade Australian wedding, Margarita Ranch wedding, Handmade Barn wedding, Gypsy inspired wedding, Colorful Backyard DIY wedding) 

Happy Halloween 2.0

Tim Burton did us all a favor when he romanticized the unusual, weird, and ghoulish.  Incorporating these elements into celebrations that intertwine with All Hallows Eve is no longer considered taboo, but quite enchanting.

Skulls by Alexander McQueen, black tulle and lace overlays by Vera Wang, and silk letterpress invitations that look like they were produced by an old calligrapher who dwells 6 feet under,  Chanel No. 5.- all things that are hauntingly beautiful, classic, and always welcomed at any fete. 

The above too weird for you?  Perhaps, but weird is such a wonderful thing because….

“We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”- Dr. Seuss.

You liked that didn’t you? Weirdo!  Happy Halloween! 

Photo Sources: The Secret Life of Skeletons, Jeff Leatham flowers, holding hands, Chanel No. 5, Vera Wang Fall 2012 Janice, Josephine & June, Bella Figura Aria, Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Clasp Clutch Bag, Green Wedding Shoes Barn Wedding, leaves

One of Those Days

Typically when we hear, “I’m having one of those days” we assume it’s something bad. In this case, it’s GOOD!  I am having one of those days where it’s just a really good f-ing day and it’s not even 10 AM.

I read in an article that doing something at least once a week that’s different from your regular routine is good for your cholesterol. Sometimes instead of taking the elevator, I take the stairs.  Or may be I opt to drive a different way to work.   Today I woke up and went to a ninja spin class! 

*Note- The word ninja in this context doesn’t literally mean “a ninja”.  It just means something really bad ass and awesome.  Coined by thunder buddy, Pam!


I don’t know if it’s normal to be so excited about trying something new.  May be it was because I knew that this new thing was going to be good for me. I got to the gym pre-sunshine, chose my seat, and started moving my legs.  45 minutes later as Will.I.Am wrapped up there was this rush of “Holy Moses this is awesome, this is what I needed, this is bad ass, this is just SO GOOD!"

Can you tell the endorphins haven’t really kicked off yet? 

Point is- today is Friday and it’s awesome.
Ask yourself- Whats something that I can do that will totally get me pumped up?
Holler at this commercial because it just does it for me.

So yeah, I'm totally having one of those days. And it's freaking awesome.  Have a great day and weekend y’all!

Renee

Save Face

Soon-to-be brides see an array of specialists and industry gurus before they say, “I do”. Everyone from personal trainers, to event specialists, caterers, photographers, it goes on and on…

One of the most sought after go-to folks that brides make appointments with on multiple occasions before their nuptials are dermatologists- the savers and magical genies of our facial epidermis.

Dr. Ronald L. Moy, a contributor of HuffPostWeddings explains some of the things brides can do to prep their skin to achieve an even more radiant and glowing face.

1.  Repair your damaged DNA
Believe it or not our DNA structure becomes compromised when exposed. This damage actually builds as we grow older, but something can be done!  It can be restored.

How?  Find a skin care line that contains DNA repair enzymes.  This will reprogram your skin to act, behave, and look the way it once did before things like UV rays, smoke, and pollution got to them.  It’s suggested hat you begin your regime 8 weeks prior to your nuptials for full affect.  And keep up the good work afterwards. It doesn’t take a lot of time in the morning or night and you’ll feel and see a noticeable difference.

2.  Resurface, tighten, and thicken skin with specialized facial treatments.
Facials at spas are great, but go to the dermo.  Many dermatologist offices now offer facials and treatments that are actually better at targeting skin ailments. They can also perform more specialized treatments such as peels and lasers which you can’t always get done at a spa- nor would I want to. 

Typically when you leave you’ll have a goodie bag with you with the products that were used on your face to keep up maintenance at home.  My recommendation would be to get a facial every couple of weeks (every 6 to 8- like a hair cut) leading up to your I do.  This might sound like a lot, but it’s not.

Dr. Moy suggested that you can get a facial or treatment even 1 day prior to your wedding, but I don’t recommend this.  A lot of the times when people get treatments on their face, there can be blotching redness, and you can even break out a little.  This is all normal, but you wouldn’t want this happening 24 hours prior to your wedding.  My suggestion would be to get your last facial 7-10 days prior to wedding, and have an emergency, regular dermo appointment schedules 48 hours before.  If there’s a blemish or something that needs a quick fix it won’t disrupt your face. 

3. Consider custom laser protocol. 
I don’t think this is necessary. However, if you’re going for the big enchilada schedule an appointment with your dermo to discuss your options.  For dark spots, scars, or other more serious ailments laser treatments can be used to resurface the skin. 

Just don’t put a light saber to your face.

4.  Drink plenty of water!
This is my recommendation! Take that, Dr. Moy, just kidding.  But this is really important. I get facials and it's been drilled into me by every Aesthetician to drink MORE water.  Water is vital to healthy, glowing, elastic, baby-butt, smooth skin.  If you're not drinking as much water as you should, start today! Not only do we need water to survive, but it helps to flush out toxins in the skin- the ones we don't want  showing up on wedding day!

You can see a noticeable difference if you just upped the water-intake, use a Dove soap bar, and apply Aveeno (non-scented) moisturizer. And try not to sleep with makeup on.  Works for me!

Cheers!

PhotoSource: http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/page/3

Fall Camping Inspiration

Fall is here!  The air is a little crisper, the mornings are a little chillier, and we get an extra hour of sleep coming up- whoo hoo!

After the running around and care-free craziness ( a #goodthing) of the summer, its nice to regroup and settle into fall.  Things get a little cozier, a little warmer, bundling is preferred and encouraged, and it’s time to reap the benefits of a year that is almost coming to a close. 

Rusted clay and mustard (duh) are the color inspiration, but the main attraction is certainly the black and white photo.  It's pretty darn good- I'm a sucker for these.  

Get creative and rustic- give your guests Cinnabons, provide wool blankets, and retreat in your decked out tent. Cozy!

Photo Sources:  Jeep Wagoneer, Shabby chic vow wall, West Elm bedding, B&W kiss, rust table setting, I Love Camping vintage sign, yellow and brown wool blanket, Cinnabon

Bitchless Bride: 5-Minute Planning

HAPPY MONDAY!

I came across an article from fellow bride-blogger, Bitchless-Bride that I thought would be of interest to you all! If the name doesn't grab you, her article will.   She is, and I quote, a “Straightforward, Foul-Mouthed Wedding Planner”. Totally up the CharlotteLucey alley.  Her most recent article is a home-runner for brides who have a knack for not getting caught up in the petty details of planning a wedding. Chillax, enjoy, breathe. 

Bitchless-Bride ,who is also an event planner, wants you to know that you can save the drama for your mama (or the grooms mama) and plan your wedding in literally 5-minutes with 5 things to keep in mind things.

Yes your wedding day is going to be awesome, but the planning process should be also (ah hem, have you read my "About". It makes me sad when I hear brides say, "I just want this to be over with”. That is so not the point or attitude you should have. Everything from the initial “Will you marry me?”, through cake or cupcake tasting, venue picking, and so on should be…. Dare I say it?  Enjoyable and fun?  It’s your wedding!

Below are Bitchless-Bride's steps. Although only 3/5 are my personal preference, I understand how all 5 can help your cause of staying sane, planning an awesome wedding, and having it be about you and the hubs-to-be!  #1 is a home-run. 100%. Cheers!

1. Don't ask everybody and their mother what they think about your wedding plans. Honestly, "don't ask, don't tell." In this case, it'll keep you sane.
   
2. Don't second-guess yourself. If you find "the wedding dress", then quit looking. If you love red velvet cake, then get red velvet cake EVEN if not everybody likes it. Screw them; it's your wedding.
   
3. Don't get band, get a DJ. The great bands book several months to years in advance. Meanwhile, there are some amazing DJs out there that have a much shorter booking span.
   
4. Don't have a sit down dinner, have a cocktail party. Ask the venue or caterer to choose their favorite or most popular passed hors d'oeuvres and stationary items, and skip a tasting. (You could even pass mini cupcakes instead of a traditional cake. Yes... even though I'm over the whole cupcake trend, when they're mini, they get a free pass.) A cocktail party also means you don't have to worry about escort cards, place cards, menu cards, etc....
   
5. Don't allow yourself to get stuck in the minutia of how crazy you're supposed to be. Educated decisions don't necessarily have to take a long time. The just have to be, um, educated.

Follow Bitchless Bride on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@BitchlessBride

Hipster Wedding

 
We all know what a hipster is- or what we think a hipster is. If you’ve been watching Gallery Girls on Bravo (Monday nights at 10 PM) I don’t think anyone would debate that the ladies from Brooklyn are hipsters. Brooklyn is probably known as the hipster capital of the US. Just saying folks.

A friend of mine from high school recently posted a link to her Facebook which I thought was great- Are You At a Hipster Wedding?

You can find great examples of weddings that are definitely hipster on the Internet, but you don’t have to pigeon hole yourself for making unique style choices for your wedding. It’s a reflection of your personality as a couple remember?

Having bold, box font on your invitation, a bearded officiate, and a ceremony in a barn doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re throwing your hands up at a traditional affair. We put lots of labels on weddings; traditional, classic, bohemian, shabby chic, hipster….etc.

As long as your wedding isn’t a cluster you–know-what, incorporate your spirit, your story and your personality as a couple as much as you want.  

…But take a look at the road map from Refinery 29 and see if you’ve ever been to a “hipster” wedding or planning one yourself. Cheers!

Hump Day Photos

I love BuzzFeed.  What? Never heard of it?  Well basically it's every amazing thing that lives on the Internet right in front of your face. And today they posted "The 50 Most Romantic Photographs Of All Time". Couldn't resist- favorites  below, but click here for all photos!

 

 

Photo Sources:  BuzzFeed (1. Photo by Alfred Eisenstaedt.Image by Time & Life Pictures - Alfred Eisenstaedt / Getty Images, 2.Photo by Rich Lam.Image by Rich Lam / Getty Images, 3.Photo by Shannen Norman. Source: shannennatasha.blogspot.com, 4.buzzfeed.com , 5.buzzfeed.com Smoking photo by Philippe Halsman, 6. everyday-i-show.livejournal.com, 7&8: Photos by Tim Dodd. See A Love Story In 22 Pictures for more.  Via: timdoddphotography.com, 9. all-that-is-interesting.com)
 

Perfectly Imperfect

Guess where the inspiration for this board came from.  PS- Hi! It’s been a ridiculously long time. I thought this board was appropriate because I am proud to say that I’m imperfect. This blog is imperfect.  I love that.

I don’t think perfect exists except for the “big man in the sky” if you know what I mean.
So here is my perfectly imperfect board and post.  Cheers!

Photo Sources: Table setting, Love is Sweet box,  Dandy Bread Candy "Perfectly Imperfect", dessert table, B&W maxi, Bella Figura Florian invitation,   Chanel compact, JCrew tuxedo bow bracelet,

Green- Thumb

Yesterday I found myself in a pre-fall frenzy.  I blame the Internet and Pinterest.  The 2012 Fall/Winter look books and pre-order glimpses crept through my eyeballs and I was slowly rekindling my love affair for brisk weather, layers of henley’s, flannel, and chunky sweaters.

Then it happened- hunter green and mustard yellow. This happens every year. Remember More Than I Do? The boards have come along quite nicely since then and I must really like that sofa. 

The wedding program above is probably the most creative one I've ever seen and something that probably every wedding guest read instead of laying flat in their lap. I know I'd keep this one. A fantastic idea popping up everywhere on Pinterest are thumb-print guest books. It's a new take on the regular ol' guest book.  Instead of just dabbing a note with a pen, this is something that can later be framed and displayed as art in your home.

My other favorite thing in this board is the hydrangea runner cascading down the tables. It looks like the tables, for lack of a better word, barfed up a beautiful display of white and green hydrangeas. It's modern, overgrown yet clean, and completely romantic. Clear acrylic chairs are also pretty sweet.

Photo Sources:  Caplan Miller Acrylic Hydrangea table setting, Hydrangea table runner, GWS rustic wood alter, Etsy thumb print guest book, wedding program, JCrew High-shine wide cuff, JCrew Marigold ring, JCrew Arabelle dress in monterey pine  Anthropologie Atelier Chesterfield Sofa, Birch Blaze Photography bride

Girls- They Wanna Have Fun

Back from a great weekend that kicked off with Olympic excitement! This Monday brings something a bit more delicate and flirty. The inspiration for this board comes from the photo of Ms. Lana Del Rey.

Her voice is sultry, she’s uber feminine, and always a little weird and quirky.  What’s not to love? And who wouldn’t want that pig piggy bank!  Oh yeah, and being a girl/a lady/a woman- it's totally as fun as it looks!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun was necessary, but I thought of this version by Greg Laswell instead. Enjoy!

Photo Sources: Lana Del Rey, Pink & Green roses, DIY Paper Lantern, Pink Love Salts, Mint Chiffon, pink chair, Jadie & Johnny bridesmaids hydrangeas, white roses, JCrew Wixon purse, Piggy bank, JCrew Feather Fete, Scotch Naturals polish, JCrew tiny dots tights, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun- Cyndi Lauper

A Small Act of Kindness = Awesomeness

 Sometimes I use this blog as a way to just get some thoughts out or tell a story that has absolutely nothing to do with Pinterest, or fun ideas, or boards, or events, etc.

I’m not the most diligent twitter-er but wanted to rush to the glorious 65 people who follow me (we’re the little blog that could) and just tell the small twitter-verse about my morning:   a total stranger just made my day- and it's only 8:55 AM. what will you do? ‪#actonit‬ ‪#payitforward‬

This is how that tweet came to be.

I decided to go to Starbucks this morning. The ‘bucks on Peachtree in Brookhaven has a really small parking lot.  Some people park on the other side of the lot (5 ft. difference) and some people stay in their cars and go through the drive-thru.  I chose the drive-thru considering I was in gym clothes.

There’s an odd area by the entrance of the drive-thru line where cars can come in from two sides.  You can either continuously inch your way closer and closer to the car in front of you so THAT person, in THEIR car, OVER THERE, doesn’t CUT YOU OFF… or you can let someone go. Yield- it’s a beautiful thing.

But there is no yield sign.  It’s just me and the morning. Me and the radio. Me and my brain thinking about what we could get at Starbucks but ultimately agreeing on “Nah, you always get the same thing… iced skim chai latte”. I was in no rush, I was just there. In my car, enjoying the morning and getting some Starbucks. 

I saw what could have been a competing SUV perpendicular to me. “I’m not going to fight you for that spot in line.  I’m just chillin’.” It wasn’t a big deal to me, never has been.  I didn’t think too much about it; I just let them go ahead of me.  The person ordered their drink and 20 seconds later so was I (wow what a wait!).  I said good morning to the person on the other side of the intercom and placed my order.

Once I pulled around, I saw the arm of the person in front of me with multiple beaded bracelets pay for her order and do some fun little gesture with her hand- I always wonder what people are saying.  She pulled away and I had my $5 ready to give to the Starbucks register… “The woman in front of you wanted me to tell you thank you for letting her in front of you AND she has paid for your drink”.

Are you serious? What? Me? May be you don’t think this is a big deal. May be stuff like this doesn’t make you excited or feel good. I felt awesome.   Letting someone go in front of me at the Starbucks drive-thru is not some huge, grand gesture in my opinion, but this woman felt I did something worthy enough for her to pay for my $3.91 beverage.

The “are you kidding me?” reply spilled a few times as I looked ahead to see if the woman was still there, but her and her SUV had pulled away.  The Starbucks guy got a nice little laugh out of my surprised reaction and sent me off with a smile and "Have a good one!" Oh believe me I will.   Pretty good stuff if you ask me.

I wish I could say thank you to her.  So to this perfect stranger who made my day, “Thank you.  Your small gesture of kindness put me in such a wonderful mood and mindset for the rest of the day.  Whoever you are, you rock. Or as I like to say, awesome-sauce."

Question:  How can you make someone’s day- even a strangers? #payitforward #goodthing #awesomesauce

Happy Friday the 13th

Happy Friday the 13th!  Coincidentally it’s also National French Fry Day.  This was brought to my attention by the wonderful JCT Kitchen & Bar here in Atlanta, GA.  If you haven’t been make your reservation today!

I love Friday, the 13th.  Not in a creepy, horror, Freddy-meets-Jason type of way, but I’ve always liked the number 13…. And it’s Friday!  Whoop whoop! So enjoy the weekend, may be let your freak flag fly a little bit more than usual today because lets face it- we’re all kind of weird.

Have a great weekend!  

Photo Source: Black Truffle Fries

Don't Be Late.

Please, please, please, please, please… and one more… pleeeeeeeeeease don’t be late.  This blog is being discussed from a general, all-around point of view.

I worked at a boutique, started-out-as surf/beach shop when I was 16 all the way through college. I met some of my best friends working there and calling ourselves  “Moonies” was always fun (still is).

My Manager at the time always appreciated when us opening girls arrived early. Usually 15 minutes prior to the store opening to straighten, settle with our coffee, and if necessary grab an accessory to prance around the store in so customers would notice and want to purchase!

As we stood around waiting for the 10 AM ding to hit the computer, the topic of punctuality came up. I don’t remember the story or who/why we were on the subject, but I’ll never forget what she said…

"When you are late, you are telling other people YOUR time is more important than THEIRS."

I was 16. This stuck like the stickiest of post-it notes in my brain and has for the last 10 years. My family is notorious for being early.  Always have been, always will be. “If you’re early you’re on time, and if you're on time, you’re late." Period.  That’s how I was raised.   I prided myself (and still do) on getting to work early.    But having my 5’10, blonde haired, Cameron Diaz, surfer chic, superior at work say this just stuck in a different way. Don't be late.

So how does this apply to you?  It applies to everyone.  I recently had a coworker of mine tell me about a disastrous bridal shower which started 2 hours late because the bride simply didn’t show up until then. Guests began to leave within the “first hour” the bride was there.  Well technically it was the third and departing hour, so she had no room to complain or be upset with anyone.

For guests?  I'm yodle-lay-hee-hoo'ing you.  Don't think that a wedding starting at 6 PM means you can show up at 5:55 PM.  A proper usher or day of coordinator will block any guest from entering the ceremony 5-10 minutes prior to start time.  Sorry you were late.  It's suggested to arrive 20-30 minutes early to any ceremony.

Do not expect people to wait for you. You, Bride/Groom/Maid of Honor/Brides Maid/Best Man/Parents of the Bride/Parents of the Groom/ Guest- you, all of you- don't be late.   The world simply cant stop for all of us at the same time to cater to our watch.  That’s why we have iPhones.

I miss the moon- Dusty, Tiffany, Lyndsey, Lisa, Nicki- My Moonies.


Photo Source:  Bad-ass clock

Blue Hues

1. Masculine + industrial
2. Keep it clean
3. Keep it simple
4. Keep it cool
5. Just like this blog.
6. Glitter. Always glitter. Enjoy. 

Photo Sources: BHLDN Glass Glitter, 3 Jar Chandelier, Metal Wood Details place setting, BHLDN Paper Pom Poms, Bella Figura Charmed Seattle, man stance, New Zealand handmade wedding

Monday Monday

And we're back!  Hoping that everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July and that your recovery has/is going well.

I'm very happy to announce once again the engagement of my friends, Anna & Ben! I received the wonderful news via a splendid GChat "Hey!"  I thought my friend was telling me she was coming back to Atlanta for a work which would have demanded a cocktail or dinner (time permitting).  As I blurted out "ARE YOU COMING TO ATLANTA?" I received the "Ben and I got engaged last week" message.  A big, speechless-with-excitement "Oh!" expression appeared on my face and anyone walking by my door would've automatically known it was because of fantastic news.  I couldn't be happier for my friends as they begin this very new and exciting chapter of their lives (together). Xxoo.

I'm also very excited to announce the engagement of Erin & Robbie! Erin and Robbie had mutual friends, but didn't know eachother.  It wasn't until our friend (all 3 of us), Harriet, introduced Erin and Robbie during a regular night out with friends.  As fate would have it, Erin and Robbie got along immediately and the pieces just fit.  It also helped that Diesel, Erin's beloved English Bulldog, approved. Congratulations you two!

What shall we do this week? There are a couple of boards in the works- EMAIL ME if you would like to see a specific board on the blog.  I'm extremely happy that we've reached 95 likes on Facebook and are growing.  THANK YOU for your support and for spreading the word about the little blog that could :)

Make sure to tune in to The Bachelorette tonight at 8 PM on ABC.  For those haters out there- PSH!  I know you watch.  Have a great Monday y'all!

Happy Fourth!

Wishing everyone a GREAT Fourth of July holiday!  The Wednesday thing is a little tough, but the decision to take Thursday off was a must. Here's to tonight, tomorrow, and Thursday.. AND to you Old Glory!

Below is just my idea of an awesome Fourth of July celebration with some of my favorite things- I might try to put that in a song. Enjoy your week and weekend, be back Monday!

Photo Sources:  Jean Shorts, Crab Feast, Etsy Old Glory sign, Sparkler kiss, JCrew Indian cotton short-sleeve shirt in Palermo plaid, Macguire plaid, Newfoundland, Mansai Rope bracelet (red & blue), Mansai Hook bracelet, Wood skateboard, Ray Ban sunglasses, Van Boat Shoes, Georgetown Cupcake Red Velvet, Woodford Reserve bourbon, Old Glory