Sunday, October 31, 2010

Trick or Treat!

Happy Halloween!

First, before I announce our winners, I want to thank all Etsy stores who sponsored our 100/100 celebration:


Please remember them when you are doing your holiday shopping! They all make such wonderful items!

The winner of three hair clips fromThe Ciao Bella Boutique is:  Julia!


The winner of $40 store credit to Silver Made Studio is: Luckiest Girl Ever! 

The winner of the Plume Delight giveaway is: Cassandra!


The winner of a pin of their choice from No Plain Ts is: Joy B!


The winner of a headband of their choice from Twenty Five Design is: Nicci @ Changing the Universe!


The winner of $25 store credit to Eclectic Whatnot is:  Matthew!


Congrats to all our winners!
Thank you to all my wonderful followers!


Be safe and have fun tonight!


Friday, October 29, 2010

MOMspiration

Happy Birthday to the lovely woman who brought me into the world, my mom!

Looking back at moments my mom and I shared, I surely gave her a run for her money during my teenage years, but I'm going to go ahead and blame that on genetics. {coy smile}  But she was there for me through and through.  And I love her for all of it:

-I must mention that she promised me a Slurpee if I figured out the logistics of a tampon. {hilarious. and true}

-She came to every ballet class until I could drive myself, and even then she came to watch.

-I vividly remember the evening I sobbed huge tears of sadness, after my first "serious" relationship ended (for like the twelfth time). As a grabbed tissue after tissue in the bathroom, my mom looked at me and sincerely said, "I know it hurts."  Something about that simple validation made everything as better as it could be.

-She insisted on piano lessons until I hated them. But now? I can sit and play my repertoire of party favorites and read a bit of sheet music.

I love the way one glass of wine makes her "drunk as a skunk" and her innocence towards pop culture.  Also? She and my dad ballroom dance with their "group" and they are ah.dor.able!

I will proudly carry the same handkerchief she did during her wedding, at mine, as my "Something Old."
Hopefully one day I can pass it onto a little girl to do the same. I can only hope to pass on her steadfast determination, desire to help others, and love of culture to my future little ones.

I love you mom, you make my heart smile!

----------------------
And now I ruin that perfectly good, sappy post with a reminder that today is the last day to enter my six Etsy giveaways!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Events to a T!

Don't forget! Tomorrow ends my 6 fabulous 100/100 celebration giveaways!

-------------------------

After much fretting on my part about how our Big Day will play out and the after the advice of many, we booked a Day-Of Wedding Planner (aka guest wrangler, flow adviser, and general catastrophe manager)!  Meet Tracy, of Events to a T:



When I think of Tracy, I immediately become serene and worry free.  I'm not kidding.  Just knowing we'll have someone to assist with arrival of vendors and unplanned surprised puts me at ease.  But Brides-to-be (and everyone) out there, please know Tracy is available for full or partial service, not just for Day-of.  Because she's awesome like that.  Did I mention she even has an Etsy store full of awesome party goods? Cuz she does.

However, for our Day-of, Tracy will manage all of the on-site logistics the day of the event down to the last detail. Events to a T will meet with us and walk through the Big Day and venue prior to the event and take on the complete coordination of the event the day of so that I can relax and know that everything is taken care of (aka get married and get drunk celebrate)

Day-of coordinating option offers:
  • Two (2) hour consultation in order to gather all needed information about your event
  • Walk through of all venues
  • Event time-line, flow and itinerary
  • Set-up and break-down
  • Coordinate, trouble-shoot and manage all aspects on the day of the event
  •  
All in all that equals =
AWESOME!

(But bridesmaids, that doesn't mean you're completely off the hook, mmmkay?)

I should probably mention that we know Tracy from Mike's previous job, where Tracy and Mike worked together.  Mike witnessed first hand Tracy performing her finest event planning there, so when we were in the market for a planner ourselves, Mike just knew Tracy was the gal for us.  And already she is amazing me with her resources and advice.  I know our Big Day will go smoothly with Tracy at the helm!

So please, check out Tracy of Events to a T:
at her site, on Twitter, on Facebook, and Etsy.


{photo by Danielle Cover Photography}

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Budget Woes

A "wedding budget" is the biggest oxymoron I know.
It's bigger than "jumbo shrimp" or even an "accurate estimate."
But that's mostly because monetarily speaking, it just keeps getting bigger.


We began our budget by asking our families flat out how much they felt they are able to contribute.  We graciously accepted however much their wallets allotted and threw in some ourselves.
We used The Knot's planning tool to enter the entire amount and then it spit out the breakdown for us.  We figured some areas might cost more or less and it will all even out.
Right?
Wrong.
You will always be over budget.

As our day-of planner said (which, as I write this, I realized I have yet to write about her!) if we remain within budget we will be the first couple to ever do so.

Of course, we came across extra expenses we neglected to budget:
-Day After Brunch (for out-of-town guests)
-Postage for Save the Dates and invites (although you could argue that the "stationary" line item covers this, but then we need to come down $100 to include the postage)
-Welcome Bags (for hotel staying out-of-town guests)
-Tips/Gratuity (assuming the wait-staff, photographer, etc. meet standards)
-Guest Book & pens
-Videographer (ok, we did budget for this, but seriously low-balled this one)


So that budget we worked so hard to create? tweaked to make the numbers more realistic? scraped and cut out items?

Well, I opened the window, smelled the fresh air of reality and then?
I threw it.
I threw the budget out the window.

I mean, yes, sure we still do have our basic working frame-work.
We still are aiming for a relative amount.
I'm thanking my lucky stars my retro-active paycheck will cover most overflow.
But still, how about that chocloate fountain?
What's another $500?
Optimistic Pessimism?
There - that's another oxymoron right there.

How do you stay on budget in life? when planning for a wedding?

{image source}

Friday, October 22, 2010

Giveaway Celebration!!

Be sure to check out all SIX giveaways from different Etsy sellers!
These would make LOVELY holiday gifts, or a fun treat for yourself.


It's my way of saying thank you to my dear followers.
Love ya!



Have fun, and good luck!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

100/100 Celebration Giveaway: The Ciao Bella Boutique

Wrapping up our 100/100 Celebration, we have something to talk about:  






The Ciao Bella Boutique features lovely, handmade hair clips, pins, headbands and earrings!

Lindsey is a stay at home mom to three kids. After having two super cute boys, she had a girl named Bella. With two crazy boys that are into dirt, trucks, cars and sports, she says it is so fun to have a girl. She loves anything girly, which is why she make hair accessories, tutu's, and necklaces!

I found two hair clips that I am head over heels for...

 Check it:

The colors are so vibrant and beautiful, they are truly eye catching!  The fabric is delicate yet the clips are sturdy.  My favorite part about her clips, though, are the alligator clippy part, which is surrounded by ribbon and very gentle on your hair.  They stay in my fine, blonde locks so well, without tearing it out when I remove the clip.  My only regret is not buying one in deep red to match a special dress I have!  Looks like I'll be back at Lindsey's store again...

More of these, please:




The Ciao Bella Boutique is offering one lucky winner a THREE hair clips of their choice!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:
*You must either be a Google Friend Connect follower or Like me on Facebook to enter*(afterall, this is a celebration for my followers! Not a follower yet? Do it now!)

Mandatory Entry:  Go to The Ciao Bella Boutique and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry!** )

Bonus Entries
1. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry/tweet)
*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.
**Anything appropriate or something like:  "Check out the celebration with @CrowndVic and The Ciao Bella Boutique #etsy #giveaway http://ow.ly/2Xpmn "
2. Heart The Ciao Bella Boutique on Etsy (1 entry)
3. Like The Ciao Bella Boutique on Facebook (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 10/29/10 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid for USA and Canada only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or have it in your profile! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!


{photos by The Ciao Bella Boutique}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my amazing hair clips and proudly wear them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

100/100 Givaway Celebration: Plume Delight

Continuing our 100/100 Celebration, we have a real beauty:  





Plume Delight features elegant, handmade peacock feather accessories and jewelry!

Y'all know my love of peacock everything!  This shop is perfect for my wedding.  I had a tough time deciding among all her lovely items, but finally chose "Chelsea -- Pearl Accent Peacock Clip."

 Check it:

I Die! It's so perfect and wonderful!  I picture it in my hair on my wedding day, soft flowing locks around it, off to the side of my head, vibrant colors catching your eye.... sigh!

Here are some other beauties I had a tough time choosing from:




Plume Delight is offering one lucky winner any item up to $25.00 value!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:
*You must either be a Google Friend Connect follower or Like me on Facebook to enter*(afterall, this is a celebration for my followers! Not a follower yet? Do it now!)

Mandatory Entry:  Go to Plume Delight and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry!** )

Bonus Entries
1. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry/tweet)
*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.
**Anything appropriate or something like:  "Check out the celebration with @CrowndVic and Plume Delight #etsy #giveaway http://ow.ly/2Xpa3 "
2. Heart Plume Delight on Etsy (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 10/29/10 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid worldwide, however only shipping within the continental US is covered.  Entrants who wish to enter, and if win, request shipping outside of the US will need to cover the shipping cost incurred. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or have it in your profile! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!


{photos by Plume Delight}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my amazing hair accessory and excitedly wear it in anticipation of my wedding.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

100/100 Giveaway Celebration: Silver Made Studio


Next up in our 100/100 Giveaway Celebration...

Poetry, images, and silver collide at:
Silver Made Studio





Silver Made Studio features simple, yet gorgeous, hand stamped bracelets, cuff links, earrings, leather cuffs, necklaces and rings.


    Check it:


Gah! I love the statement this duo makes both in beauty and in prose.  That you can share this with the one you love makes it even more stunning.  It's taken from e. e. cummings' poem:

i carry your heart with me
















i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Now that we have our quality literature fix for the day, let's take a look at some of Silver Made Studio's other pieces:





Silver Made Studio is offering one lucky winner $40 store credit!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:
*You must either be a Google Friend Connect public follower or Like me on Facebook to enter*(afterall, this is a celebration for my followers! Not a follower/Liker yet? Do it now!)

Mandatory Entry:  Go to Silver Made Studio and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry/tweet)
*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.
**Anything appropriate or something like:  "Check out the celebration with @CrowndVic and Silver Made Studio #etsy #giveaway http://ow.ly/2XhVq "
2. Heart Silver Made Studio on Etsy (1 entry)



Giveaway will end on 10/29/10 at 11 PM EST.


Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid for USA only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or have it in your profile! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!


{photos by Silver Made Studio}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my beautimous pieces of jewelry and  proudly wear them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own, except for the poem - that's all e. e. cummings, my favorite poet.

100/100 Giveaway Celebration: No Plain Ts

Next up in our 100/100 Celebration, we have a woman on a mission:  





Heather wants you to "Turn Your Plain T Into Something Special!"
With her beautiful cluster flower pins, no Tshirt will ever go plain again.
(My wardrobe is singing in praise of these pins!)

No Plain Ts features gorgeous flower pins, clips, and necklaces, for all you handmade loving accessorizers.

Check it:
I can't wait to attach this pin to one of my Ts, to turn it into something special and truly different!
This is her signature five flower cluster pin done in a three color combo. She put together burgandy, grey, and white and added black, faceted gems into the center of each one.

It is attached with two pinbacks to keep it secure and laying flat. The last picture is just to show what her pins look like on a shirt. That listing is for the burgandy, grey, and white pin. Each pin is handcrafted and no two are alike.


Here are some other pieces:

 

Totally kicking myself for not getting this one!


No Plain Ts currently has a SALE....Buy two pins and get the third half price. Just add all three to your cart and purchase as usual and I will refund you back through paypal for the third half price pin.


No Plain Ts is offering one lucky winner a free pin of your choice!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:
*You must either be a Google Friend Connect follower or Like me on Facebook to enter*(afterall, this is a celebration for my followers! Not a follower yet? Do it now!)

Mandatory Entry:  Go to No Plain Ts and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry!** )

Bonus Entries
1. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry/tweet)
*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.
**Anything appropriate or something like:  "Check out the celebration with @CrowndVic and No Plain Ts #etsy #giveaway http://ow.ly/2Xbcw "
2. Heart No Plain Ts on Etsy (1 entry)


Giveaway will end on 10/29/10 at 11 PM EST.


Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. If it says 2 entries please leave 2 entries! Valid for USA only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or have it in your profile! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!


{photos by No Plain Ts}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my pin and  proudly wear it.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

100/100 Giveaway Celebration: Twenty Five Design

We continue our 100/100 Celebration...



Fabric flowers are my newest obsession, thanks to:  







Twenty Five Design features fashionable, handmade accessories showcasing Torie's famous fabric rosettes on headbands, hair pins, necklaces, and even rings.

And I have almost every version.
    Check it:
Cute, right?!

I absolutely love wearing each of those items.  I get many complements on every one!  They are well made and very sturdy, retaining their shape without fail (even when you wash your hands wearing the ring!).

My favorite? The headband!  Growing out my bangs is a labor of love, but my Twenty Five Design headband saves the day.  Torie, you'll be hearing from me again soon. (and one lucky winner will too, because....)

Here are some other snazzy pieces:




Twenty Five Design is offering one lucky winner a headband of their choice!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:
*You must either be a Google Friend Connect public follower or Like me on Facebook to enter*(afterall, this is a celebration for my followers! Not a follower/Liker yet? Do it now!)

Mandatory Entry:  Go to Twenty Five Design and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry/tweet)
*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.
**Anything appropriate or something like:  "Check out the celebration with @CrowndVic and @25Design #etsy #giveaway http://ow.ly/2X6H9 "
2. Follow @25Design on Twitter (1 entry)
3. Heart Twenty Five Design on Etsy (1 entry)
4. Like Twenty Five Design on facebook (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 10/29/10 at 11 PM EST.


Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid for USA only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or have it in your profile! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!


{photos by Twenty Five Design}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome accessories and  proudly wear them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own.


100/100 Giveaway Celebration: Eclectic Whatnot

First up in our 100/100 Celebration, we have one of my favsies:  


Eclectic Whatnot features gorgeous, handmade dSLR camera strap covers, for all you snap-happy people out there, AND beautiful aprons, too!

Here's my previously purchased strap, that I never take off my camera!
 Check it:

Notice the turquoise and brown color scheme totally matches my blog? 
I can't get enough of it! 
S W O O N! 

The slip covers measure approximately 24" long and 2 1/4" wide, the perfect size for dSLR straps.
The strap itself, featured above, is made of cotton. The ruffle is made of knit. It's easy to machine wash cold, tumble dry low or air dry. {Of course, do not bleach, unless you want that 80's look}


Here are some other snazzy pieces:






Eclectic Whatnot is offering one lucky winner $25.00 store credit!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:
*You must either be a Google Friend Connect follower or Like me on Facebook to enter*(afterall, this is a celebration for my followers! Not a follower yet? Do it now!)

Mandatory Entry:  Go to Eclectic Whatnot and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry!** )

Bonus Entries
1. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry/tweet)
*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.
**Anything appropriate or something like:  "Check out the celebration with @CrowndVic and @EclecticWhatnot #etsy #giveaway http://ow.ly/2X1A5 "
2. Follow @ElecticWhatnot on Twitter (1 entry)
3. Heart Eclectic Whatnot on Etsy (1 entry)
4. Like Eclectic Whatnot on facebook (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 10/29/10 at 11 PM EST.


Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid for USA only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. Please make sure you leave an e-mail address or have it in your profile! If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!


{photos by Eclectic Whatnot}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my camera strap and  proudly wear it.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

100/100 Giveaway Celebration!!


In honor of receiving 100 Google Friend Connect (GFC) followers and 100 Facebook likes, we're having a celebration!

For you, my lovely followers, is a chance to win gorgeous handmade items from 6 different Etsy sellers!

Please stay tuned as they start.... tomorrow!

{source}

PS: This really shouldn't be a PS.  It's more important than a post script. 

Help show your support for the teens who took their lives because of anti-LGBT bullying.  
Wear purple today to support LGBT youth.
For more information, visit: http://www.glaad.org/spiritday
~love all, accept all~
 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

8 Months Away!



{Need a reminder of things we've done so far? 

As of recently we:
   -picked our wedding favors
   -mailed 60 of 120 Save the Dates, yesterday!
   -won a photographer!
   -chose a father-daughter dance song
   -scheduled two more upcoming catering tastings within the month

Finally, We're working on:
-choosing a caterer
-engagement party invites (party scheduled over winter break to accommodate the arrival of a very special tiny guest, my newest niece Madelyne)
-rehearsal dinner location

I'm sorta thinking about:
-wedding invites
-my waistline
-if people will notice that our Save the Dates are magnets, since I taped them to the inserts... grr...
-my good friends' wedding on FRIDAY!!!!!!!!  Yay Ian and Ashley! Weddings where you know both the bride and groom are so much fun!

What are YOU up to?!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Father-Daughter Dance

June 19, 2011, our wedding date, also marks the 45th wedding anniversary of my parents and happens to be Father's Day as well.  Well, actually, my parents' anniversary is the day prior, the 18th, but it's close enough for the waterworks to flow as we celebrate both events.

But let me tell you.
When it comes time for the father-daughter dance, knowing it's Father's Day will make my eyes more wet than dry. And I have the perfect song.

I emailed my dad to tell him my idea, but before telling him my thoughts I made him guess:
(I know it cuts off part of the image, but if I shrink it down, you can't read it!)










I felt like it was a stretch and a challenge for him to come up with the answer.
Then he replied (Sorry, answers covered up to leave some things unknown for our guests!) :

What I'll tell you is this:  he correctly guessed the movie, song, AND artist!
I knew at that moment it was our song.  My daddy knew exactly the right answer.
And I can't wait to share that dance with him, on Father's Day, for our father-daughter dance.


What song makes you think of your dad?

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Love me? "Like" me!

Last week my Google Friend Connect (GFC) followers crept up over 100!  Amazing!

AND my Facebook likes are up to 99!  Ninety-nine, folks!

If we can get those Facebook likes over 100, then I have a little celebration up my sleeve. I'm waiting for the right time to reveal a giveaway extravaganza. (that might have a LOT of Etsy sellers participating!)

Thank you to all my followers and friends who have come so far with me!
And if you don't already "like" my Facebook page.... well, why are you still here?
Get over there!


I'm talking "celebration" here!
{that's my photo, it seemed loosely appropriate and fun}

Friday, October 15, 2010

My First "No"

I hope everyone we invite to our wedding RSVP's with a big, fat "yes" followed by sixty exclamation marks.  Hell, I'll even settle for hoping the majority of people say "yes" and accidentally forget the punctuation.

Coming back to reality, I realize not everyone will be able to share in our day, but I still hope the people who mean the most to us can make it.  Ok, I will even take the necessary invitees' attendance along with approximately many of our closest, as well.

Invariably the "no's" will come in.
We'll sigh, understand, and pine for more of the opposite responses to show up.
It's never the people you want to come, or the ones you can live without, with the responses you want.

But, I didn't expect my first "no" would come so soon and from someone so close.
My Save the Dates still clutter our kitchen table!  There are no formal invites purchased or remotely close to chosen!


Still, life is busy happening and beyond my control.

A quick email came my way last week, one sentence, asking for the date of our wedding. I'm not gonna lie - I blushed and kicked myself for not sending out the Save the Dates, yet. {Sidenote: We are SO close to mailing them. I even bought stamps!}

A couple days later, while this friend and I were chatting, she shared beautiful news: her family is growing! How exciting and wonderful to welcome baby #2! I'm honestly thrilled for her!. I squee'd with joy and then my face fell a little bit, as I got selfish.  While honored to hear the news so early, I realized quickly why.  Her due date is right before my wedding.  She won't be able to make it, despite planning and having a huge desire to be there.

I totally get it. I mean, how could I not?
It's not like I'm going to stammer out: Yes, you must come with your newborn.  Sure babies can fly at 3 weeks.  Of course you'll be rested and ready to party.  Better yet, leave the babe at home.  It can totally get by without you.
Um, no.
I'm not an ass.

I love that she took the risk of sharing such precious news with me before disclosing it to the rest of the world.  It's not a matter of why she can't come.  It's just that I'll miss having her there, as I would any of my besties whose company I cherish at any event.  Our paths have yet to cross since college, and how wonderful a time and place to reunite.
Sadly, Mike and I were unable to make it to her wedding either.  Mike lost his job around the same time we received her invite, around the same time we started paying a mortgage for the first time.  The stars were not aligned.

And again the stars fail to fall into the right place at the right time.
So fouey.
I think this just means I need to get my butt out there to see the new babe, post-honeymoon!
And only "yes" responses from now on, ok?!


How do you process news you can't change, but wish you could?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Save the Date Inserts: Clearsnap Ink & Stampendous Stamp Reviews - Part 1

It always starts with a great idea:

I'll MAKE the Save the Date inserts! {I should have stopped here}

How hard could it be? {Hard enough for it to take 5 weeks}
I'll get Mike to help! {Sorry, but he's about as artistically inclined as a kangaroo}

Hind-sight is 20/20.

Luckily, over the summer I wrote to two lovely companies asking for their help in crafting other wedding elements.  Both Clearsnap and Stampendous sent me products for use and review!

 So I set out to make the Save the Date Inserts (a paper to contain our Wedsite, accommodation information, and things of the like)

It all started with a word document.
I wanted a border on the card that is to go along with the Save the Date magnet.  I fought with the copier at work to get things to line up.  As a double sided document I had a heck of a time getting the border on the outside and inside to match up, but finally did. (thanks, Michelle!)

Then the paper came into question.
I only had blue, normal paper.  It worked, but I wanted something to catch your eye.  I stumbled upon some blue card-stock; better than thin, flimsy paper!

But my printer had other plans.
I hand fed each paper -- all 65 -- to insure the printer cooperated.  (I put 2 inserts on each page to save time and space)

Finally I cut them all out, while watching many DVR'd shows.  Did you know Mike failed scissor cutting in elementary school?  It's probably true.  Even though we own a pair of left-handed scissors, he's not allowed to use them near important things.


Stampendous provided me with many great stamps:
On the left is their "Proud Peacock" rubber cling stamp.  On the right is their rubber cling "Peacock Points" set.  Not pictured above are the the "Peacock Plumes Mirror Silver" stickers, I received as well!  The smaller single peacock feather on the right fit my needs the best for this project.  I found the "cling" mounted stamps to be a little more difficult to work with than wooden mounted stamps, but I got the hang of it after awhile.  The stamps are well made and fun to use!

Clearsnap sent me 11 different shades of ink samples!
I received their Cat's Eye Colorbox Pigment Brush Pad (aka ink pad) in Platinum, Burnt Copper, Peacock Gold, Verdigris, Silk Green, Pheasant Gold, Gold Brocade, Amber Satin, Ruby Satin, Royal Silk, & Raw Silk.  The Silk Green and Peacock Gold (duh) fit my needs best. After testing the ink on card stock I purchased my own full sized ink pad in Cyan!  Their colors are gorgeous and the ink is easy to work with.

Put the two together and look what you get!
 
That's a lot of peacock stamps.
I combined the gold ink samples with the cyan ink to achieve  the two toned effect.
You can see that it took a few tries to get them juuuuust right.  However, once you do about 50 you end up messing up a few.  Then you try again.  I have no idea how many I made, but I did it.  And I cut them all out, too...

Stay tuned for the final reveal of the Save the Date Inserts in Part 2!
(Or however long it takes me to actually take the finished product TO the post office and put stamps on everything.  I should take pictures of them before I actually do that...)


Disclosure: Stampendous and Clearsnap are not related companies.  Stampendous sent me the stamps and stickers for the purpose of this review.  Clearsnap sent me the ink samples for the purpose of this review.  These opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Do me a Favor?

The second hardest thing* for me to pick for my wedding are favors.  We started off thinking of making a donation to a charity in lieu of tangible favors. We scrapped that idea when we realized there are too many choices, and differing opinions.  We moved onto candy, because who doesn't like a practical favor? Chocolate capital buildings seemed appropriate, but expensive too.  Also, they have nothing to do with our theme.

Wine corks?  Not everyone drinks.
Yankee candles? Too cliche.
Picture frames? Even more cliche.
Key chains? Flower seeds? A nice cocktail and an evening of dinner and dancing (you know, what we're already paying an arm and a leg for?!)

Then my daydreaming led me in a different direction to photo booths.  A space for guests to grab props, friends, and smile for the camera.  Plus they leave with a great memory captured in a picture, in their hand!

Photo booths are a growing trend.  My friend's wedding (Hi Joy!) had a similar set up, with only a back drop not a booth, but the same idea - where guests can ham it up and capture the moment. This is a great way to get pictures of everyone in attendance, too!  

Then a Wedding Channel Deal email (similar to Groupon) came my way, offering $100 for $300 off the rental of a large photo booth from Lovely Day Photo Works. With only 24 hours to research and execute my plan, I jumped and quickly found that Lovely Day's prices are very competitive for the DC metro area.   After some more phone calls, weighing the cost for the rental vs. the money actually budgeted for favors, we decided: yes!  
The photo booth will be our favor to our guests AND our guest book!
See, after taking a photo, guests can then put one of the strips in an album next to the booth, and write us a message next to it and sign their name.  Voila!

I'm hella-excited about this one.
We will have our "logo" (monogram, date, names, or something like that) on each strip.  Also? Unlimited Photos!   We will rent the prob box, full of silly hats, crowns, feather boas, plastic swords and things of the like, to make the pictures extra fun.  The large booth, which can seat up to 8 people, will allow for a lot of fun photos!
(Our wedding is going to be so much fun!)

The one hitch (there's always a hitch): set up.
It costs $60 per idle hour (hours when the booth is set up but not in active use, like during the ceremony).  So if I want to feel safe I have them come early and pay for 3 idle hours.  If I want to risk it, I have them set up during dinner, coming in through the front entrance with stairs, and hope they are not a sore thumb of a distraction. 
To stress or to spend money?  
Anyone wanna sponsor this one? $180 gets you the first photo with the bride in the booth!


Anybody out there attend a wedding with a photo booth?



*The first headache being bridesmaids dresses.  Gym shorts and Tshirts, anyone?
{image source}

Friday, October 8, 2010

Weddzilla Blog GURU!

Look over to your right.
Mmmhmm... right over there, in the right side bar, I no longer want you to vote for this lovely blog because...

I WON!
This blog is one of 25 blogs who received the most votes in the Weddzilla Blog Guru award contest!
And?!
It's this here blog's first award ever!



Thank you, thank you!
Thank you to everyone who voted!


Onto a little press-release and info on Weddzilla:

Weddzilla.com, a wedding website that creates a more efficient way to connect brides and vendors, and fully integrate the wedding planning process into popular social networks, is excited to announce the winners of their first annual 2010 Weddzilla Guru Awards, hosted by their star-studded Weddzilla Guru Panel.

Blogging has become an integral way that Nearlyweds and wedding professionals alike share ideas, find inspiration, and connect with each other. The Weddzilla Guru Awards recognizes the top 25 of these wedding blogs.

Unlike other awards in which the winners are selected by the organization, the winners of the 2010 Weddzilla Guru Awards are selected based on votes from the Weddzilla community of Nearlyweds and wedding professionals from across the nation.

Crowning Victoria covers wedding planning in the heart of our nation's capital, from the perspective of  an eager, young bride-to-be.  Vicki blogs about life, love, and the pursuit of her perfect wedding - a must read!


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