Wedding Wednesday | Petal Scrolls

The most important part of your wedding day will be the joining together of you and your future spouse. In most weddings, this happens during the ceremony! Depending on your venue, ceremony decor possibilities are endless! {As always, check with your venue to see what guidelines/restrictions exist before getting your heart set on anything!}

One of the main focal points at your ceremony will obviously be the aisle. What better way to greet your guests than with a pretty aisle? There are many different options you can go with depending on your style and budget. Today, I’ll be sharing one of my favorite ways to decorate the aisle for your big day:

Petal Scrolls!

 
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As you can see, your possibilities are endless. You can use one color, multiple colors, one endless scroll, or a bunch of smaller scrolls overlapping one another.

Keep in mind, because of the intricate detail these scrolls require, they can cost a bit more than your other options. I originally wanted a scroll, but, being the bargain girl that I am, after talking with my florist, I decided to go with something a bit more simple! Again, everyone’s budget is different and if florals are one of the higher points on your list, go for it! Additionally, remember that after a flower girl and a few bridesmaids walk down before you, chances are, the scroll won’t look quite the same :) Wind is another factor to keep in mind as well.

Petal scrolls are absolutely beautiful and would be a wonderful addition to any aisle surface :)

Team LC for Life

Some people quote lines from movies. I quote lines from Lauren Conrad. It’s not just that, either. I use them in normal conversation. I’m sure you probably know some of the quotes I’m talking about if you ever watched Laguna Beach or The Hills {pre-Kristin Cav days, of course} Did I mention I’m Team LC all the way?

Anyway, some days I’ll be in a certain situation or something will happen to me and immediately I think back to an episode of Laguna or The Hills regarding something Lauren had said. It’s kind of funny actually.

Here are some of my most-used quotes as of late:

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The above is one of my favorite scenes, by the way. Who can tell me who she’s talking to? Ready, go.

Then, of course, whenever I think about forgiveness, I think about this one:

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In all seriousness, Lauren has always been my “go-to” girl for so many things:

1. Amazing life lessons like some of the above ;)
2. Make-up. Let’s just say I learned the cat-eye from her years ago.
3. Style. Especially in college. I’m pretty sure we had some of the same outfits.
4. Hair. Again, throughout the years, I found myself trying so many of her hairstyles :)
5. Life. Lauren has never given up on her dreams and certainly never expected anyone to just hand anything to her. She worked hard {and sure, maybe MTV helped get her name out there} but I truly believe she has natural talent and a passion for what she’s good at.

Let me just clarify that she is so much more than a “fashion icon” to me. I don’t really have “fashion icons” because, as I’ve gotten older, I believe style should reflect who you are as an individual and be less about following trends. However, Lauren’s style is definitely still a great inspiration. SHE is an inspiration and one of the few women I’ve really looked up to for years. {Not to mention her awesome quotes, right?}

Her books have been a guilty pleasure of mine, I adore her line at Kohl’s, and have loved seeing all the new projects she is taking on in her career.

As someone who is the same age as me, I think she is a beautiful, wonderful example and role model.

I can’t wait to share more of my favorite “Laurenisms” with you :)

Oh, and would you believe me if I said I had a “Team LC” shirt? I can neither confirm nor deny it…

Thanksgiving Recap

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! Thanksgiving Day here was really quite relaxing. I didn’t lose power like I did last year so things were definitely off to a better start.

I watched bits and pieces of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade {one of my only traditions} and then watched the National Dog Show! In the midst of that, I prepared deviled eggs and impatiently awaited the time to dig in to all the deliciously-smelling food. Let’s be honest – I was starving! So, in order to take my mind off how badly I wanted some stuffing, I spent some time hanging out with my cats!

Missy {black/white} is 16 years old and has been my little angel since I was just a little girl. She stays at my parents’ house so, when Stella and I moved back from Utah, the two had some real adjusting to do. I had to capture this moment below because Missy and Stella NEVER get close to one another!

They are both so different from the other yet so sweet and loving.

Then, of course, I took a little family portrait of me and Stella :)

Finally {at like 4:30!} it was time to eat! Thanksgiving was small this year; just me, my mom and dad {and Missy and Stella} as both of my brothers had other family plans this year. I’m excited for all of us to be together for Christmas, though! Anyway, back to food.

I was good this year and only made myself one plate. I knew I had to save room for my favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner.

So, while I waited ever so patiently again, I watched some Godfather and a whole lot of football with my dad. Then, it was finally time for…

PUMPKIN PIE!
Or, perhaps it’s Cool Whip with a side of pumpkin pie? Meh.
I thoroughly devoured it in 2 minutes.

However, I did later burn some of those calories later by playing Rock Band and killing it on the drums. I even played the Expert level on two songs. I’m moving on up and, yes, I am a nerd.

Other weekend plans consisted of a random day trip to Richmond where I went to the art museum. Only in Virginia would they have a tobacco exhibit. It was actually quite fascinating. Oh yeah, and I also became quite intrigued by the whole mummifying process. Who knew?

A tiger skin made out of 500,000 cigarettes. Insane, right?

I also went to a music festival in DC with Moby as the main headliner. I can’t even tell you how much I love live music. There’s something so awesome about bass so loud you can feel it vibrate in your chest. Those DJ’s put on a great show!

Sunday was full of Kardashians re-runs, more pumpkin pie, a library trip, and enjoying Christmas lights in my neighborhood :) Oh, and going to Michael’s with my mom for Christmas decor! Have you checked out their ribbon? Amazing.

Now, I want to know how YOUR Thanksgiving was? What time do you normally eat? What’s your favorite food to eat? Any Thanksgiving Day traditions? :)

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

I’m grateful. Looking back on all that has occurred since Thanksgiving Day one year ago… wow. My life has changed entirely. While I had no idea that I’d be where I am now – waking up alone, in this bed, in this state – I’m grateful for it. I’m grateful for the unanswered prayers and the blessings in disguise. I’m grateful for the people that were placed in my life, even if only for a little while, who have taught me how to love, how to stand up for myself, what I believe in, what I disagree with, and how to become a better person.

Every day is a new day. As each day passes, we are given another chance to grow and be thankful for what we’ve learned and experienced.

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I’m grateful for this life that I’ve been given.

I’m grateful for this country that I live in. Despite the horrible state we are in economically, we have so many more freedoms than many people around the world will never get to have.

I’m grateful for having a family who loves me.

I’m grateful for the close friendships I have and for so many memories.

I’m grateful for my health, my shelter, and food.

I’m grateful for two little kitties who have shown me how special pet companionship truly is.

I’m grateful for the little {yet big} things; the sound of crashing waves, the smell of coconut, when someone says “thank you” and means it.

What are you grateful for?

What ever your Thanksgiving plans and traditions today may be, I wish you a beautiful day full of food, laughter, love, and gratitude!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! :)

Wedding Wednesday | Giving Thanks

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this Wedding Wednesday post will be about giving thanks back to the family and friends that attended your special day. Because of technology and the talent of so many graphics companies, making ‘thank you’ cards for your guests is now easier and more fun than ever! Today,I’ll be sharing with you some different ideas for pictures that can be taken on the day of your wedding!

Banners

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Signs

Using wood, paper, etc. you can paint or print your “Thank You” to showcase for your guests.

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How cute are the fans?

Then, of course, you can get super creative and write the “Thank You” on some rather creative surfaces :)

Miscellaneous


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Last but not least, some of your may know beautiful Kristen over at Love Lipstick and Pearls. Look what she and her husband did for their thank you’s!

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Fun, right? Again, these are just ideas for ‘thank you’ pictures you can take the day of your wedding to later use once you get the images back from your photographer! There are tons and tons of other ideas for thank you cards which we’ll get into another day :) Many of these options above are totally DIY which can save you quite a few dollar bills!

Also, some exciting news – Joelle has started a new link-up for all of us Wedding Wednesday lovers :) Be sure to head on over and find some other wedding-related posts!

What did you do for your “thank you’s” or what do you plan to do one day?

Make That Change

It’s that time of year to think about all that we are grateful for. I’m grateful for change. As hard as it may be at some times, change means that we are learning, growing, and becoming.

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Time certainly can help change things. But, let’s ask ourselves where the change really stems from. Time can push things along, make things go away, etc. However, we are the ones who allow that change to happen. At some point, we make the decision to change. Change usually does happen over time. It’s a process. But, I think once we are able to start that process, we will truly start to see change occur in many aspects of our lives.

As many of you know, I moved back to my hometown in Virginia from Utah about three months ago. It’s been a process. Time has flown by, but, I can look back at my life two months and even one month ago and see the change that has occurred. Today, another big step will be taking place.

Today, I officially will become a Virginia resident again!

This time last year, I was officially becoming a Utah resident; getting my Utah Driver’s License, getting my Utah plates, and switching my car insurance over to Utah, etc. {I waited 11 months to do that. Oops!} Now, here I am switching it all back over to Virginia. And, you know what? It feels right.

Who knows where I’ll end up {let’s just be honest and say “California” one day} but for now, this is where I’m meant to be. It’ll be a new step for me to say goodbye to my plates with the slogan “The Greatest Snow on Earth” on them. It’s a small but necessary step in moving on from the life I once lived and onto something new and better. It’s one more thing I can do to make these changes myself :)

“If you want to make the world a better place
take a look at yourself then make that change.”
-Michael Jackson

Birthday Convention

For nearly two years, my friends were all a plane ride away. Now that I’ve moved back to the East Coast, they’re all a car ride away. For those of you who don’t know, DC traffic is known to be the WORST traffic in the U.S. Absolute worst. Leaving DC on a Friday afternoon/evening will only result in sitting on the freeway for hours on end. Let’s just say that in the amount of time it took me to get to my friend’s house on Friday, I could have flown to Utah.

My GPS even asked me, “Would you like to switch to pedestrian mode?” because that’s how slow I was going for so long. Nearly four hours later and I had made it to Richmond.

Friday was pretty low-key. Three of us went to the mall and then out to dinner for a total gab sesh to catch up on each other’s lives {we each live in a different area of Virginia} We finished the night by watching Bridesmaids. Hilarious.

Saturday during the day, we went back out to shop where I scored not one but TWO bargains on handbags. Love me some purses! I made another purchase which I’ll be excited to debut once Thanksgiving is over! That night, a bunch of us went out for my friend’s birthday celebration!

 
Me with the birthday girl!

It was a fun time had by all. I spent a portion of the night watching the end of the Tennessee game {finally a win!} and another portion on the dance floor. The place we went to always plays the greatest music so, it was hard to resist. Oh yeah, and some guy referred to all of us as “the good-looking birthday convention.” Hmmm.

When I lived in Salt Lake City, it was so difficult being so far away from my friends and family. Not only did I miss out on birthdays and other life events, but I couldn’t just meet up with a good friend or even drive a couple hours for a fun weekend getaway. Making new best friends wasn’t an easy thing for me to do. I truly believe that creating memories {and taking a bunch of pictures} is a huge part of what this life is all about. That’s why it makes me happy to know I have something planned for pretty much every weekend into the New Year already :)

The drive home only took about two hours so I entertained myself with music from 2gether, B*Witched, and other awesome groups from 10+ years ago. I’m pretty sure I’m one of the only people who has the 2gether album(s). I’m fine with that. The temperature was warm, the sunroof was open, and when I got home I was super productive. I’d say it was a pretty good weekend :)

I’m grateful for my friends. We’re each so different – different styles, different tastes, different careers, etc. I’m grateful for the insight they all give me and for their constant support. Even though most of us live in different cities, I’m grateful for being much, much closer and for the relationships that continue to grow each day.

Some Friday Funnies

Between stretching my imagination to the limit at Cirque and hours of reading and writing and analyzing and digging deep into my heart all week, my mind and brain power are just spent. I still have countless thoughts swirling around, waiting to be categorized and filed away. For now, though, they must wait. Instead of trying to gather those thoughts, sort them out, and put them down here on my blog for you to read about, I figured I’d end this week with something light-hearted.

 

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I figured this was fitting.

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You guys, I definitely had to have this conversation with someone yesterday as well as telling them about “anyway” instead of “anyways.” I’ve become quite the stickler on grammar. I figured if you’re in your twenties and still not using the proper form of words like “they’re and “their” then someone needs to start calling you out on it since apparently no one did before! Just sayin’ :)

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The fact that I saw this WHILE watching Inception, makes it feel like it’s a movie inside a movie inside a movie. Too much?

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I don’t get it but it’s hilarious. Earrings. Totally.

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Don’t think I didn’t tell that joke all day - because I did. Hint: it’s about a song.

Hopefully I brought a little smile to your face :) Sometimes when life gets too hectic, you just need a good laugh!

Have a lovely weekend!

Cirque Du Soleil: Quidam

I have been wanting to see a Cirque du Soleil show for quite some time now. Plays, concerts, festivals… any fun, live event and I’m there. Shows like this one are extra special to me though. So, thanks to my BFF Whitney {yes, this is the 3rd time this week that I’ve mentioned her} my dream came true, haha :) As I’m sure many of you know, Cirque du Soleil has many different shows going on right now, each with a different story or theme. Well, Quidam is the specific show that is here in DC November 16-20! Yep, we were there for opening night! Always exciting :)

So, Quidam. Let me set the scene for you here:
There is a little girl by the name of Zoe whose parents don’t pay her much attention and she feels sad and as if her life has no meaning. Seeking to fill the void, she goes into an imaginary world known as “Quidam.” Now, the word “quidam” means a nameless passer-by; one unknown. We are said to each have this quidam within us and through our time in this world of Quidam, we get in touch with that part of us. We proclaim our individuality and can emerge from anonymity. Of course, I learned most of that on their website :)

Me, Whit, her sis, and their good friend from Florida enjoyed a fun night of crazy trapeze, balancing, and comedy acts to say the least. Let me just say, WOW! There were moments when I couldn’t contain myself with laughter, there were moments when we’d look at each other with wide eyes, and moments when I almost had to cover my eyes because I was so on edge.

The only picture I could get of the actual show because, obviously, photography was prohibited. Here’s the stage set-up just minutes before the show started.

Quidam didn’t seem to have much of a plot. It was almost like a scene from our most random dreams. Characters that don’t quite make sense, strange mannerisms, the craziest of costumes and props. It was a bit difficult to put it all together. A random rabbit? A man with no head but a hat? Weird ghouls with alien heads hanging in the air and then disappearing? Maybe we weren’t supposed to be able to put it together after all. That’s what makes it Quidam.

Here’s a little of what we were seeing to give you an idea:

The German Wheel opened the show. This guy makes break-dancing look lame.



Aerial Contortionist hundreds of feet in the air, suspended by nothing other than silk.

The Banquine Act closed the show and was AH-MAZING! The majority of these people got tossed into the air at some point and that girl balancing on one hand? She got launched across the stage only to be caught by a man who was standing on a man who was standing on a man. You do the math. That’s three men standing on top of each other’s shoulders.

And, now for our favorite act of the night:


This act is known as The Statue. If this act doesn’t prove how strong and powerful the human body is, then I don’t know what will. The way these two artists moved so slowly and {what seemed} effortlessly to balance and support one another was absolutely astonishing.

I can’t even tell you how many times throughout the show I kept thinking to myself, “Wow, the human body is an amazing thing” as well as, “Man, these people have nerve!”

I wish I could tell you that Whitney was pulled up onstage and forced to pantomime a scene with an actor about going on a date in a car and he messed up her hair, tricked her into giving him a kiss on the cheek which turned into a real kiss {yikes!}, and embarrassed her in front of the entire audience. But, well, that happened to another girl. Maybe next time? Better yet, maybe next time they’ll let us become trapeze artists for the night!

The show was fantastic. If you haven’t seen a Cirque du Soleil show yet, I highly encourage you all to go. Check out the trailer for Quidam here. Guys, I think I might join the circus. And by circus I mean {you guessed it} the CIRQUE! ;)

 

{all Cirque Du Soleil pictures via}

Wedding Wednesday | Fancy Flower Girls

Before I get started with Wedding Wednesday today, I just had a little thought in my heart that I wanted to write about. You know those moments in life when things happen – they just happen? Certain events unfold effortlessly and just work together. One door closes and another door opens. That’s how I felt last night. Like that was God’s way of shaking His head, “yes,” telling me I’m on the right path. It’s a great feeling - an extra boost of confidence – another push to keep working hard and growing. It’s just the start to the rest of my life but I’m glad to see these doors start opening.

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Moving on to Wedding Wednesday – I spend more time researching and obsessing over the latest wedding/event trends than I do over the latest fashion trends. True story. However, when I’m able to find the latest wedding fashion trends, it’s pretty darn exciting. I’ll never be able to stop looking at wedding gowns. Bridesmaids dresses are fun, too. However, today it’s all about the little ones…

Flower Girl Dresses

I’ve found several Etsy shops that have some of the most beautiful and unique dresses for flower girls of all ages!

{via Bella Bean Couture}

{via Olivia Kate Couture}

{via Dolores Petunia}

{via Fille de Fleur Couture}

{via Beate Couture}

{via Vintage Precious Design}

{via Chic Lil Lovebugs}

{via Melissa Jane Boutique}

{via We Are TuTu Cute}

Like I said, there are SO many non-traditional, unique dresses out there for flower girls! You can mix and match colors, go with plain white, or just throw a small splash of color in! If you can’t tell, I’m quite the tulle tutu fan {growing up as a dancer will do that to ya!} so, if you’re crafty enough, you may even be able to make one of these on your own!

Most of the shops above take custom orders so the possibilities are endless! Fun fabrics, patterns, solids, flowers, ribbons – it’s up to you!

If you choose to have one, flower girls are an important part of your wedding. They’re excited to be getting dressed up to be in YOUR wedding and take pictures next to the pretty bride :) Don’t be afraid to get your flower girl some cute accessories to tie in your wedding colors. Chances are, she’ll wear them later when playing “dress up” too!

What kind of dress did your flower girl wear? If you haven’t had a wedding yet, do you think you’ll have a flower girl? Would you rather her wear an all-white dress or something with your wedding colors? :)