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

Love to Nora Ephron

 At first, you may not know the name.  You certainly know her work.  Nora Ephron is responsible for many of the tear-jerking, best-written, laugh-out-loud, heart-throbbing, hold-your-breath, can’t-get-enough of lines that we've heard in the movies.

Her movies are the reason people have faith and a sense of humor when it comes to love. Her plots are never SO outrageous that we can’t believe them to just be possible.Your best friend may fall in love with you.  The man you despise could win your heart for all the right reasons. You could look up one day and realize "they're the one" all the while faking an orgasm in a diner.   My personal favorite below.

Thank you Nora for an endless stream of laughter that brings such light and warmth to our hearts.

Photo Source:  People

WeddingPaperDiva Production Schedule

Whoop whoop!  The sound effect was needed.  WeddingPaperDivas- another vendor favorite- provides services and stationary that are affordable and creative. 

If you're going at the planning process alone, you're really not.  Check out their schedule of "to do's" or as I like to call it... your production schedule.

8 Months
Create your wedding website (good news… it’s absolutely free!)
Order your save the date
 

6 Months
Send your save the date
Order your wedding invitations with response cards, enclosure cards and thank you cards
 

4 Months
Order thank you cards for your shower
Get your guest list organized and envelopes ready to be addressed
 

2 Months
Mail your invitations (and prepare for the oohs and ahhs)
Order your programs, menus and place cards
 

1 Month
Order your favors or DIY them
 

Post Wedding
Send your thank you cards within two weeks of returning from the honeymoon.

CL personally believes you can give yourself 4 weeks.  You need time to unwind and get back into "normalcy"

Photo Source:  Russel and Hazel

Picture Says More

I came across this photo in GreenWeddingShoes, shot by Max Wanger.  When you can find a photographer that just "gets it"- you're pretty darn lucky.

Photo Source: Cupcakes & Cashmere

It's Henry!

It’s no surprise to anyone that the only Kardashian I can stand is Khloe.  She's a total wack-a-doo, has a huge heart, and in my opinion, is the most sane.

Khloe’s beloved LamLam gave her Henry as a gift to keep her company while he’s away -lets keep our fingers crossed that he will soon join the LA Clippers!  I digress… I love Henry because who would’ve thought that one of the most lovable characters in the whole Kardashian series would be a 6 foot tall, plastic, blow-up giraffe?

SO!  Here’s to Friday, here’s to Henry, and here’s to Khloe Kardashian who always looks fab riding Henry in her kitchen while wearing an Indian headdress.

TGIF folks- have a great weekend!!!

Photo Sources:  Khloe & Henry, Unplug & Get Your Hands Dirty, Orange Wedding, Giraffe Legs, JCrew Edie Calf Hair Wallet, Man Dancing, Bella Figura Ikaty: Antique Gold & Papaya , Coffee & Cream, JCrew Stripe Crystal Stretch Bracelet, JCrew Woven Bangle, Hermes cuff, Hermes gift box, Whiskey Bar, BHLDN Glass Glitter: Gold

Life's A Beach: Beach Wedding

I love big buns, flowing dresses with deep, scoop backs, and a certain amount of carelessness that comes with summer. Shoe’s optional.

The same rules can apply to a beach wedding. 

Photo Sources:  Love+Shipwrecked Bride, Glass bottle tabletop, Hanging fabric, Beach Picnic,  Deep scoop dress, Cascading glass bottles, Our Labor of Love Photography 'Welcome!', Anthropologie Habor Coffee Table, Cherub Girl, JCrew Starfish Ring, Cigar &Bottle Opener favor box

Inking Your Promise

Quick shout out to Ms. Lauren Hodgin (soon to be Mrs. Berkey) for inspiring this post!


A lot of my friends who are getting married right now have told me that they are writing their own vows.  This is nothing new.  What is unique about my inking group is that they sit with their soon-to-be-hubs (husbands *wink) and write their vows together.

Usually when someone says “we’re writing our own vows” it’s assumed that the other person is going to be surprised, but in this case, no.  Writing your own vows as a couple is declaring the foundation and promise you two are making to each other as a couple. 

May be not everyone believes in “for better or worse” or “as long as we both shall live”…. May be you believe in “we work hard, we communicate, we will be honest with one another and trust one another”.  May be some people believe in “as long as we’re both two, cool, blue souls” (anyone read Eat, Pray, Love recently?).

Writing your own vows is no longer looked at as being that totally rebellious, new-age couple.  It’s declaring the guidelines for your relationship and then using your faith, love, and dedication to make it work.

How would you two write your own vows? 

Photo Source: Trendy Bride

A Point of View

Did you know that the word HOBO actually refers to the phrase “homeward bound”?  Neither did I up until a few days ago, but kind of cool.  So I'm a hobo beginning tomorrow for my little sisters graduation from school.  Congratulations Tina!

My posting will be limited this week so in case I don't get the chance to hop on and write... I leave you with some boards that should suffice.  Enjoy!

The inspiration for this board was the marriage of the "Big City" (NYC) and traditional Southern charm and values. The bride I worked with on these pieces had a distinct point of view which made it very easy to create the inspiration boards. 

Weddings are a time to convey emotion and create that kind of intimate setting that doesn't necessarily come with dimmed lighting (although that's always nice!).   Small hints and keepsakes of your individual and married personalities should be present so your guests can feel who you are as a couple and celebrate it. Etsy much?!

Each wedding is its own personality.  Don't be afraid to put yourselves into the day, rather than colors and gimmicks.  Guests aren't there to celebrate gimmicks- they're celebrating the pair of you.  Your union. Your unique personality.  

 Photo Sources: 100 LayerCake, 1991 Jeep Wagoneer, Amsale G560C Bridesmaids, Amy Atlas, Bella Figura hanging table cards, BHLDN Moonlit Peep Toe with Pom pom, Georgetown Cupcake, GreenWeddingShoes, Rustic Bard Wedding decor with chandeliers, SparklersOnline, Tonya Peterson, TwoBirdsBridesmaids

It's OKAY To Say No

 

This can be a doozy. I’ve received my fair share of frantic phone calls asking “how do I say no?”  Confrontation is not fun, no one likes it. It’s awkward and oh-so-present.  We can only shoo it under a rug for so long until it pops its nasty little head out and OMG, it has to be dealt with.  I promise… this won’t hurt a bit.

Mothers of the Groom (and Mothers of the Bride) are a unique species. They’re kind of nuts. Yup, I said it.  I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I referred to my mom as “the dragon” when my sister got married… so believe me when I tell you I’m not shouting from the rooftops without taking a slightly personal jab at my own family. Love you mom!

I digress… You have a set idea and plan in your head for what you want and how you want things to go. Like all plans, there are going to be some detours, questions, pop-ups, and things you’ll have to work around or make plan B’s for.  Depending on how involved your mother in law wants to be is going to determine how many times you’ll have to say “no”.  I fully understand that every situation and mother of the groom (MOG) is different (especially if his family is contributing funds to the wedding)... but we'll save that for another blog.  

I truly believe MOGs come from a good place- they want to contribute and be a part of your special day, but sometimes it can come off as slightly invasive, dramatic, and pushy.  Stay calm and carry on! 

Some ways to say “No" here and there:

I really appreciate your ideas, but we’re going to go with…
That’s a great idea- I think we’re going to…
We’ve already set/ordered/paid for and so we’re selecting…
To make things as easy as possible for everyone…
I like…, but thank you for the suggestion.
Halt, I am Reptar! (Rugrats? Nickelodeon? Anyone, anyone?)

The last one is my favorite... but that's just my sense of humor. If you forecast a ton of input and opinion that you don’t want distracting you, a FAMILY EMAIL OR LUNCH is best prior to the beginning of the planning process to express and communicate how you feel:

“I’m really excited to begin the planning process for our wedding! I want to make sure that the time between now and our walk down the aisle is as stress-free, fun, and pleasant for everyone as possible. I appreciate that people will have an idea or something that they would like to contribute and {name of groom} and I are fully open to hearing everyone’s suggestions, but please keep in mind that we have our own thoughts and plans for the day and want to make it unique and special to us."

Polite, to the point, and respectful.  If you start to fluff or go around the subject for the sake of saving awkwardness, you’re not doing yourself or anyone else any favors. Overall, be kind and positive. Say thank you for any input and ideas you receive, but be direct.  She’s going to love you, her son, and the whole day no matter what!

Photo Source:  "It's OK To Say No"

Signature Cocktail

I get it; it’s been done before, the Bride-Ini or Groom-Driver.  A drink that intertwines the name of the happy couple with a libation served at the cocktail hour or reception. How about a more subtle approach? Some of my favorite ideas keep trendy or fad themes discrete. Kind of like your garter. We know it’s there, but it’s hidden (and for good reasons!)

BHLDN has created a colorful menu of cocktails that incorporate flavor in more ways than one.  What you can find are 5 recipes and descriptions that will surely add to the festivities by clicking HERE.

 In the words of BHLDN:

 “…we turned to some of the top practitioners from America's burgeoning craft-cocktail scene for their take on bespoke wedding cocktails, which run the gamut from understated classics to true marvels of modern mixology. Click through for recipes and tasting notes from our favorite bartenders in New York, Chicago, New Orleans and more.”

Sounds pretty legit to me.

PhotoSources: BHLDN

A Little Neon Never Hurt Anybody

Happy first Monday after the wonderful 4-day week, last week.  Who else agrees that places of business should only operate four days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day? It’s a little dark and a little drab outside today so this post is perfect to literally ‘brighten’ things up.

Neon is a huge trend that’s being embraced by summer. It’s refreshing to see that people aren’t afraid to use color!  Go get a cupcake and enjoy!

Photo Sources:The CreamEvent, Broach Bouquet, Georgetown Cupcake in Lemon Berry, Sunshine, Bubblegum Pink), Balloon Ribbons, Holi Festival ofColor (Utah), JCrew Patent Leather Skinny Belt in Neon Peach,  FACE Stockholm® nail polish for JCrew , The Cream Event place setting.

Gold On The Ceiling

The Black Keys are undoubtedly one of my favorite bands and ‘Gold on The Ceiling’ finds its way on repeat most days. 

What resulted was my first inspiration board of the summer. Love.

Photo Sources: Bella Figura 'Fugue' letterpress invitation in Silver Shine + Gold Matte, Gold Maxi Sequin Gowns, Goldfrapp, 'I woke up wanting to kiss you', JCrew Bracelets: Track Link bracelet, Classic Pave Link bracelet, Classic Link bracelet, Judith Leiber Butterfly Minaudier, Gold Camera, Gold Skull, Chanel Gold Fingers, JCrew Girls Pearl Bobby Pin, Fashion Institute of Technology with mentor Preston Bailey Chandelier