Torn with Table Numbers

I have a whole slew of questions to ask our reception site at our next meeting, including "are table numbers included?". I'm guessing not because all the pictures I've seen of the space have had different table number options. So, that leaves me with the task of deciding what kind of table numbers we want! Here are my options...

I like this option because I used the same template for our card box. Will anybody actually make the connection that the table numbers match the card box? Probably not. But, I do like continuity! Plus, they would be relatively easy to make, and they look cute!

These make me smile! Maybe I'm just a photo hog, but I like the idea of being in the picture! Plus, they're so cute and kinda quirky! Rather than holding up a piece of paper with the number on it, I think I like the idea of us standing near the number somewhere around town, kinda like this...

...but with me in the picture! Oh, and Steve... :)

As a bride on a budget, I'm trying to avoid extra costs, like table number holders or frames. So, I like the idea of doing a folded setup, like the last photo. And, with my new printer, I can print them out in all their colorful glory!

Ciao,

Mission Accomplished: Card Box

Well, I've officially completed the card box! So, without further ado, here's the finished product:
Using The Bona Fide Preppy Bride's card box as a guide, I was able to integrate our damask print and our colors into this adorable card box!

As projected earlier, I ended up using a pink and white damask wrapping paper from Target (sorry, can't find the link, but it was bought in stores) and orange ribbon from Michael's. The "cards" tag at the front utilized a Martha Stewart template for table numbers - ugh, gotta love Martha!

Sure, the wrapping paper has a few wrinkles in it and the orange ribbon isn't exactly parallel to the edges of the box, but they are pretty undetectable in average lighting. I'm so glad to have my first DIY project checked off my list!

Hehe...a cute picture of Brocolli cuddling up to the box! He loves it!

Ciao,

Drink Up!

So, I thought this would be a really cute option for the bars...
Of course, we'd tailor it to fit our wedding colors and theme. So, instead of a lime, we'd probably do an orange. And, naturally, we'd decorate the card with the damask stamp!

We may have to run this option by our reception site once we figure out our beverage package. We probably won't have any "signature" drinks. So, perhaps we'll list the different types of wine, beer (hello! It is Wisconsin!!), and soda. Now I just have to practice my penmanship...

Ciao,

Am I sick?

That's what my mom always asks when I do something completely against my nature. I have been very "anti-mirror" for wedding centerpieces for quite some time. But, this Martha Stewart mirrored centerpiece has me rethinking my position...

There's something about it that I actually quite like. Perhaps the fact that it's lifted? The 1" height makes it more of a platform than a mirror. Or perhaps it's the scattering of votive candles that makes the mirror less "mirror-y".

I'm not saying I'm totally convinced about this mirror thing, but it still looks pretty fab!

Ciao,

Cute as a button!

While I still have a ways to go with the pom-poms for our favors, I am already excited thinking about what we're going to fill them with! Since Steve is the candy fiend of the relationship, I let him pick out the candy, so long as they were pink and orange. So, he picked out sugar buttons:
To be honest, I've never heard them called "sugar buttons" before. I think the standard name is "Smarties". But, just as non-Kleenex brand kleenex is labeled "facial tissue", non-Smarties brand Smarties must be called "sugar buttons".

So, the plan is to buy 20 lbs of candy (approximately 1.5 oz per favor), mix the colors together, and serve them in the little flower favors! At about $100 ($0.50 per person) for the candy and $26 ($0.13) for the materials, these favors are fairly cost-effective!

Ciao,

Rehearsal Dinner Dress

Since I'm making my wedding dress, I won't have the "pleasure" of going dress shopping. Ok, obviously said sarcastically. As much as I love shopping, I hate trying on clothes. And I can't imagine having a nosy salesperson analyzing every aspect of the dress. I'm sure it's not as bad as I imagine it to be, but, combined with my love for sewing and dress design, it just makes sense to avoid the whole thing and make my own dress!

However, the rehearsal dinner dress is a different story. I've already started looking for some cute dresses! I have been planning on wearing a white dress for the rehearsal dinner, but I wouldn't be opposed to pink (I mean, it is my favorite color!)

With the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale just around the corner (starting July 17th), I am hoping to bag a great deal on a dress then. But, in the meantime, here are some dresses I've had my eye on.


Ciao,

Still Swooning Over Cakes...

I don't know how else to start this post other than "CAKE BALLS!" Ok, that probably sounded way less mature than I anticipated, but, seriously, they're cake balls...

Apparently, all you have to do is make a regular red velvet cake, turn it into crumbs, and combine it with cream cheese frosting to get some super moist and delicious cake balls! Obviously, my paraphrased instructions aren't going to cut it, so here are the full directions from Bakerella.

I do love red velvet cake, but when I heard about PINK velvet cake, you know I got on board!
So, apparently all you have to do is add make a buttermilk cake and add a touch of cocoa and pink food coloring, and you've got yourself a pink cake! Yeah, I'm pretty much in love! Of course, only the Pink Cake Box could make such a delectably pink cake! You have to check out some of their other designs too. Unreal!













Ok, done swooning for now...

Ciao,

Heel Grips

I swear, I must have a problem keeping shoes on my feet! I was wearing my new shoes around the apartment yesterday (can you tell I'm excited?) and the slingback strap kept falling off. I couldn't figure out if they had to be tighter or looser. I think the problem is that the strap hits too low on my ankle, so it doesn't take much for it to slip off. But, that's where Foot Petals comes in...

These fabulous little strips of...whatever...stick to the slingback strap and help it grip to your heel! I've never tried them before, but I know a few people who have and they love them! At just $6.95, I think it might be worth it!

However, like any good bride on a budget, I'm test-driving a cheaper option! I put a thin strip of duct tape on the strap instead. I doubt it's as "grippy" as the Foot Petals version, but it might be just enough. So, one strap is duct taped and the other is au natural. I'll post my results soon!

Ciao,

My wedding shoes!

I found the most fabulous wedding shoes this weekend! They always say third time's the charm...

So, without further ado, here are the gorgeous pink heels:


When I found them, I rattled off to my MOH why they were so perfect.

• Peeptoe
• Slingback
• Flower detail, aaaand...
  
• Pink!

They're not available online anymore in pink, but here's the link to the pair in black.

This may sound kind of silly, but I seriously think God brought these shoes to me! My MOH and I were shopping the Kohl's clearance racks (got a sweater dress at 90% off for $4!!!), and I decided to put back a cute cute cute blue cropped cardigan because it was only 60% off for $12. I mean, hey, I'm on a budget! So, perhaps God was rewarding me for not splurging!

I actually almost walked out of the shoe department without seeing these, since someone was blocking that particular aisle with their large heinie. Or maybe it was their cart...I can't remember. Anyway, we decided to take one last stroll through the area we missed and then we found them! The first pair we found were size 6, so we quickly ran to the size 9 rack. Low and behold, there were two pairs available! Oddly enough, one box had two lefts and the other had two rights (good thing I caught that! Hehe, I'd literally be dancing with two left feet!), but we got them sorted out and I'm ecstatic about them!

What a whirlwind, but at least now I can put the shoe search to rest!

Ciao,

My Bling

Over the last few years, I have refined my style again and again. However, there have been some mainstays that comprise my signature style. These items include ruffles, anything, and big chunky necklaces! So, naturally, I want to incorporate these into my wedding attire. So, the first step is the necklace!

I asked for this Banana Republic oversized pearl necklace for Christmas - I even ranked it #1 on my list! But, as luck would have it, my mom failed to get it for me. :( Luckily, my birthday was right around the corner, and I emphasized the fact that I LOOOOVED this necklace! Alas, I did get it for my birthday, and I couldn't be happier! :) I've already worn it a few times, but I plan to wear it proudly on our wedding day!


Ciao,

Yummy Candy Bars

Like menu cards, the "candy bar" is another one of those wedding things I never knew existed until I started planning! Although we probably won't have one at our wedding, they are a delicious way to incorporate the wedding colors!

Mmm...pretty (delicious) in pink!
Citrus-y sweet!
Old school favorites!
Scream Sex & the City with pink and feathers!
Ornate containers and classic candies are perfect for Spring!
Yummy goodies in our wedding colors!

Ciao,

Ouch, My Stamping Hand Hurts...

Well, the Save the Dates are done! At least the first batch of them... All it took was...

a paper cutter to cut cardstock into fourths...

stamp pads in fabulous colors like pink and orange...
and an inked up stamp!


The results, if you ask me, are pretty fabulous!

The stamp didn't always fill in ink throughout the entire imprint, but I think it looked a little more vintage and "worn in". After a few practices sheets, I determined that a few blots on the inkpad and medium pressure resulted in the best coverage.

Menu Cards

I've been on a bit of a stationary kick lately! It started last week when I purchased the supplies to make our Save the Dates! After a weekend of stamping (you'll see the results later this week!), I am on stationary overload! So, now seems like the right time to post on menu cards!

Whether at each individual setting....

or situated between two settings...

...I love the idea of a menu card!

My aunt offered to help with any of the planning, but she specifically mentioned menu cards. Honestly, at that point, I didn't even know there was such a thing as menu cards! But, now that I've done my research, I'm loving the idea!

I think we would probably do individual menu cards laying on top of the napkin like in the first photo. That way I don't have to find cheap frames or little stands for the card! :)

Of course, menu cards aren't one of the "essentials" of the wedding, and if the budget tightens, it would be one of the first items to go. But, if I already have the cardstock from the invites and a printer, it wouldn't be too expensive at all! Ooh, and it would look cute with the damask stamp we're using on the Save the Dates and invites!