Wedding Whirlwind

I can't believe that last Thursday marked the four month mark until our wedding! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of planning and preparation. On April 13th we'll officially be married and there are so many things that still need to be done.  Everyone keeps telling me to stop worrying so much and that no matter what it will be great.  I know in my heart that just marrying the woman I love will be the best thing ever but the party girl and perfectionist in me is sweating the details.  I want everything to look and be amazing.  Even on our limited budget.  Here are a few of the wedding details that I know I want to include.

A Photo of Our Guests from the Balcony (I'd love one of them facing the camera too.)

Classic Make Up: Black Eye Liner and a Red Lip

Mini Champagne Bottles and Straws

Chinese Take Out Style Favor Boxes

Black Chandelier over the Dance Floor (DIY)

The details for me are very important.  I want those little things to stand out.  It's important to me that our wedding be unique and be totally us.  Hopefully, all of these details will make it memorable for our friends and family.

DIY - Wedding Inspiration

I'm a bit under the weather and don't really have the energy tonight to do this post, that will be up on Monday.  So I thought I'd show you some of the things that are possibilities for our wedding DIYs. I've been reading a great series that my friend Bree of Washington, DC Wedding Blog Capital Romance. Bree did tons of DIY for her own wedding and she is giving lots of tips on DIY projects and planning. It's a great series.

Clockwise from top: Honor and memory table of our married and partnered family members, Record cake stands for cupcakes and candy, Candle aisle decorations instead of flowers (evening wedding), Letter sign to add to our rock feel, Backstage passes for table cards.

I've been collecting ideas on Pinterest, in several pin boards.  Part of Bree's advice is to prioritize. That's what I'm trying to do now. Although I'd like to believe I can do it all, I know that's not realistic and it might drive my Honey so crazy that we won't make it down the aisle (just kidding). So in order to save our sanity, I'm deciding what we can realistically do and financially what makes sense.

Just a note, I'm doing a post for the DC Goodwill Fashionista this Thursday. So you'll get to see some of my DIY prowess there.

Mumbles on a Monday

I got up this morning and was in a huge rush. I had a client meeting and had to leave on time.  Then of course, because we live in DC and this is a way of life, traffic was not on my side.  I had to rush to get to my meeting and luckily I was on time. The rushing didn't start my day off well and I felt off kilter the rest of the day.  I'm sure that it doesn't help that my evil ADD is rearing it's head.  I need to narrow down my thoughts and ideas regarding wedding planning. We've found a venue and a photographer. Now I have to deal with sorting through the nightmare of catering.  I thought I'd share some of the things that are inspiring our rock n' roll style influenced wedding. Lots of these ideas are on Pinterest. I have even more and you can check them out on my boards.

Black chandeliers over the dance floor.  DIY, mercury glass, candle holders for the tables. Blue lighting and possibly black table coverings.  Peacock feathers and colors for decor and other items. A wedding dessert and candy bar displayed on mismatched, thrift store, cake stands and platters. Vinyl records as a backdrop for the photo booth. DIY table number, candle holders. Black beaded lace on the bodice of my dress. Glitter on the bottom of my shoes instead of all over glitter or crystals. Fancy shoes are mandatory! Save the Date announcements using custom concert tickets and a vintage rock poster/flyer.

We are going for a classy rock n' roll vibe for the evening.  I picture candles, mood lighting, and a lounge like club vibe. Since I can't find any photos of exactly what I have in mind, I've started making sketches to focus my thoughts.  I pulled out my sketch pad and my art pencils.

Thanks for indulging me, my friends.  If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.  I really appreciate all of the well wishes and support you are showing to me. The fabric suggestions you sent earlier were great! Keep them coming.

Have a great Monday (what's left of it).

Fashion and Style Quote of the Day (#7)

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ~Coco Chanel

I think I've told you all that I am part of great local group called the Capital Fashion and Beauty Bloggers (CapFABB).  It's an amazing group of people who not only love fashion and beauty items but have diverse backgrounds, ideas, careers, and personalities.  I've met so many incredible people because of blogging.

The members of CapFABB constantly inspire me.  I thought I'd share just a few of their blogs with you. Be sure to click on the link to see the full list. They are full of amazing fashion, style and ideas.  This time I'm going to highlight some of the things I love about them that have nothing to do with fashion.  Be sure to check out their blogs and all they have to say.  I only picked four this time but never fear, I'll feature more in the future. 

Wardrobe Oxygen - Alison's love of music

My friend Alison is the reason I'm a member of CapFABB. Back in the day when they were a fledgling list serve, she invited me to join.  My how CapFABB has grown. Among the many reasons I think she's great, is her love of music. She highlights great bands, festivals, and turns me on to new music constantly. Her beautiful family is always part of her blog. She also gives her insight on being more green and earth friendly. Her smile and positive attitude are contagious.

Apollinas - Beautiful (and I'm sure yummy) cakes that Apollina makes

Apollina is a lawyer and in her spare time she bakes beautiful cakes.  Hopefully, one day I'll get to taste one.  Can't you see that one above in our wedding colors? She makes baking seem easy and her positive and fun attitude make her blog so enjoyable. She's also a fellow bride to be. I'm really enjoying tidbits on her wedding planning.

BiblioMOMia - Her love of poetry and literature

She's a Ph.D. candidate in Literature and her feature "Sunday Words" is one of my favorites.  She selects beautiful and special poetry.  She has great ideas and encouragement for Mom's everywhere. 

The Domestic Dandy - Jeffrey's beautiful decorating ideas

Lest you think that CapFABB members are only women, I thought I'd introduce you to Jeffrey, The Domestic Dandy.  He highlights creative and many times simple decorating projects.  I love his super easy candle bling project! His sense of humor always makes me giggle. 


Be sure to check out these fantastic blogs and bloggers.  I know you'll love them as much as I do!


photo credits (top to bottom): CapFABB, Wardrobe Oxygen, Apollinas, BiblioMOMia, The Domestic Dandy

Inspiration - Pinterest and My Pins

Have you heard of Pinterest yet?  In case you haven't heard, Pinterest is an online, bulletin board.  Have  you ever been surfing the web and found something you love?  Then you have to stop and book mark it or print in out, or write down the URL.  Pinterest saves you those steps.  You can create boards where you "pin" things you find. Your boards and pins can be grouped in any way your choose.  I've created boards for my style inspirations, ideas for my office redo, sayings that I love, beauty ideas and items, wedding ideas, DIY inspiration and lots more. 

Any one can join Pinterest.  Just create an account and start pinning.  There is even an app that allows you to pin on the go. You can follow other members and "repin"  or "like" their finds.  You can search for other users via facebook or twitter using your list of friends.  I love it because it helps me keep ideas sorted and gives me inspiration for my blog and upcoming DIY projects. You can follow me on Pinterest.  Here are a few of my recent pins.

A full leather skirt is on my list of Wants

Great idea for a DIY project

Great storage idea for my office! I might use mine for bead supplies.

Maybe this will finally help me master the cat eye.

A pretty wedding updo that isn't too stiff or stuffy.

You can spend lots of time on Pinterest looking at other people's board and pins. I think it's fun to see what others find and get inspiration from them.  It's not just about fashion there are recipes, party ideas, home decorating inspiration, health and fitness pins, and so much more. The sky is the limit.  You should check it out, even if you just go to look.  I bet you'll get hooked and open an account soon, if you don't already have one.

If you already have a Pinterest account, tell me how you like it and leave me link to your boards in the comments section below.  I'd love to follow you.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Last Minute Gifts for a Bargain

Have you ever gotten a gift from someone you didn't expect and felt the need to return the favor?  Or left someone off your Holiday list? Or just waited until the last minute to buy a gift and had to scramble? I have and it can throw even the most seasoned shopper into a panic. The thought of running to the store at the last minute, giving a terrible gift or going empty handed is the worst.  Gift cards can be a good solution. They are sold in every grocery and drugstore. But I think that with a little creativity a quick trip to the grocery or drugstore can yield a more personal gift. .

Clockwise from Top Left - For the Reader, For the Wine Lover, For the Traveler,  For the Movie Lover, For the Beauty Girl

• For the Reader - A Subscription to a Magazine: Pick up a magazine they will love from the store. Fill out the pre-paid card and drop it in the mailbox.  Wrap the magazine and attach a little card letting them know they will getting a gift subscription.
• For the Wine Lover - A Great Bottle of Wine and a Corkscrew: Pick their favorite bottle, red or white and grab a corkscrew.  Even grocery stores sell corkscrews.  
• For the Traveler - A Travel Case and Travel Size Toiletries:  Every drugstore has a nice selection of travel bags and sample size shampoos, lotions, and fragrances. Pick a pretty bag and pack it with all of their favorite items or new things they could try. Then the next time they hop on a flight, they'll think of you.
• For the Movie Lover - A Bag Filled with a DVD, Popcorn, Candy and Sodas: Grab a container or gift bag and pack it with a fun cult movie, like Rocky Horror, microwave popcorn, their favorite candy, and their favorite sodas.  
• For the Beauty Girl - A Container Filled with Everything they Need for a Manicure: Grab a cute bag or bin and fill it with fun nail polish, nail files, cuticle cream, polish remover, clippers, and any other manicure goodies you can think of. 

All of these items can be found at your corner grocery or drugstore.  With just a little thought, you can come up with a fun gift for anyone.  It will be a personal gift and you won't spend a fortune.

Happy Holidays and Happy Last Minute Shopping

Real Girls!!

Best of Blog World - My Recent Picks

In addition to writing this little blog, I'm also an avid blog reader. I have Google Reader on my laptop and my iPhone.  When I have time, I check out other blogs for fun reads and inspiration. I thought I'd share some of my favorite posts from recent weeks, with you. I know you're scratching your head trying to figure out what the things below are and why they are in my blog this week.  Well, read on my friends, all will be revealed.

• Fabulous local blogger (and friend), Allie of Wardrobe Oxygen has a great blog about dressing your body, shopping economically, music, her beautiful daughter and lots of other fantastic tidbits. Her post about Bras this week made me nod my head yes and laugh.

• An amazing and quick DIY vest from Kirsten of Studs and Pearls! It's even great for those who think they aren't creative or can't sew.  You only need scissors and a scarf.

• I love the fun and sunny manicure on The Looks for Less.  I'm planning to try it soon. It may be a bit bold for some but you could tone it down by using more muted but Spring like colors.

• Kimberly of Fab Finds Under $50 is one of my favorites. This Daily Outfit post illustrates exactly why I love her blog. She's put together a fun and accessible outfit, gives you fantastic organizational tips and throws in a yummy recipe. Multi-tasking at its best.

• Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere has great style and is always trying out fantastic recipes. I made marshmallows from a recipe she published during the Holidays. I can't wait to try this homemade Pop Tart recipe!

I hope you have as much fun reading these blogs as I do.  Maybe you'll even find a new idea, recipe or project.