brides and babes

excuses.excuses

2011-03-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

So, I've been a little (ok, a lot) absent on this blog for the last 9 months. Well....I've been growing one of these which has been a big part of it all! :)

He or she will make his or her appearance 2 weeks from today or sooner! We couldn't be more excited!!!

i.stink

2010-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Am I horrible about blogging in the summer or what? Most of my time spent at the computer currently consists of answering emails, updating timelines, contacting vendors, and creating ceremony orders. Bottom line: wedding season keeps me hopping (not to mention so do my kids!).

All this to say, that I will post when I have a minute. But for now, I'm running, running, running and meeting the needs of my brides...just as it should be in July!

DIY.wishing.tree

2010-06-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

A wishing tree for the new parents. So sweet. When guests arrived, they were invited to jot down a note of love and encouragement for Rachel and Shawn. The notes were then hung on the wishing tree that was hanging above the table.

DIY Wishing Tree:
-1 or 2 freshly cut branches
-string and pins or nails to attach it to the ceiling
-extra flowers for the tree (optional)
-tags with ribbons

The wishing tree was so simple! It was so cute to see all of the pretty little tags hanging from the branches. Loved it.

baby.shower.love

2010-06-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

My friend, Rachel, is due to have a baby girl in August, and I couldn't be more excited! Her shower was last weekend, and I'll be sharing some pictures and a recipe (yum!) from the festivities over the next couple of weeks.

Gerber daisies and Izze sparkling juice added the perfect splash of color! You can purchase Izze pretty much everywhere, and the bottles are a perfect addition to any shower. Don't they look great?

friday.favorite

2010-05-28T02:57:00.000-07:00

wooden house blocks ($20!!) from etsy seller justhatched

DIY.paper.globes

2010-05-25T04:18:00.000-07:00

These paper globes by Heather Bailey (featured on Hostess with the Mostess) are so adorable! I've seen similar ones before, but I love how she's put them on a stick and plopped them into little pots. So fun!

friday.favorite

2010-05-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

image via creative hostess

baptism.gift

2010-05-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

The husband and I were asked to be sponsors for our sweet little niece. I was determined to get her a special gift for her baptism. Etsy came through for me again! Is anyone surprised? I didn't think so.

I came across elm studios, and I was immediately in love. The one in the picture above is very similar to the one that I purchased. I included "Gift from God" as well as her name and the church. Instead of the city/state, I requested the verse reference Matthew 19:14 (which says, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"). And the little birdie is lavender instead of blue.

It was so sweet. My sister cried...I, of course, cried (because she was crying)...and then my mom had to join us. Why is everyone so stinkin' emotional? 'Cause we're girls.

So go check out elm studios if you have a minute. They have all kinds of cute stuff.

friday.favorite

2010-05-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

image via swanky tables

baby.in.bloom

2010-05-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

So, I'm assisting with a baby shower for my friend, Rachel, in the near future. Come to think of it, Rachel may even read my blog. Cover your eyes and quit reading for a week or so while I get some of these details ironed out!! I don't know if this theme is a surprise or not...I'm not the hostess-in-charge, can you tell? Ok, back to my point.

Anyway, I know I recently saw an adorable spring-ish shower on someone's blog. And (gasp!) I can't seem to locate it at this point! I remember there being some adorable gerber daisies (like the ones in the pic...only hot pink) and all of the pictures were fabulous. Can anyone help me?

Even if you can't help with the specific one that I'm thinking of, have you seen any other spring-y-ish showers that caught your eye? Leave me a comment with a link or shoot me an email (jaclyn@simplyelegantfw.com). I would love it!

image via thoughtfully simple

friday.favorite

2010-04-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

image via weddings fresh

black.and.white.cakes

2010-04-20T03:57:00.000-07:00

Black and white is so classic. I'm so drawn to it wherever I see it. My husband isn't surprised, of course, since my closet is full of it! It matches virtually every wedding I attend! :) I blend in.

Polkadot Bride featured a several black and white cakes on their blog the other day, and I was in love! I've pictured a few of my favorites. The ones above are fun and sweet. The one below is...sigh...simply elegant.

photos via Polkadot Bride

onesie.baby.shower

2010-04-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

Are you in love already? Janelle, one of our talented photographers here in the Fort, threw this adorable baby shower for her friend Sarah.

It included gorgeous food, a fun craft table where the guests created onesies for Sarah's baby (see more pics below), and of course....a "shower" themed photobooth! So fun.

Check out all of the details from Sarah's shower at happinest photo. Great job, Janelle!

friday.favorite

2010-04-09T02:57:00.000-07:00

image via dave and charlotte

bike.helmet

2010-04-06T03:42:00.000-07:00

With this warmer weather, my girls have been on their bikes so much lately! Of course they wear their helmets, but they aren't nearly as adorable as this helmet by nutcase. Oh boy is this cute. I wish we were in the market for one! Check out the entire line of nutcase helmets here.

happy.day

2010-04-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! Hope you are enjoying time with your family and friends!

image: mibo

friday.favorite

2010-04-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

Who wants to crash this wedding with me?!!

image via here

welcome.spring

2010-03-30T03:31:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else love spring as much as I do? Bright, fun colors. Warmer weather. Blossoms oozing out of the trees and ground. Stop me now! Dani at Wedding's Fresh shared these images recently, and I just had to post them here as well. They make me smile just to look at them.

Go ahead...soak in the pretty. And enjoy these as well...

Which one is your favorite?

take.note

2010-03-23T03:15:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering what to get your bridesmaids as gifts? I get asked all the time if I have suggestions! Honestly, it depends on your bridesmaids. However, I am convinced that stationary is the perfect gift to give any bridesmaid.

We all have thank you notes to write. And who doesn't love to get a handwritten letter in the mail? I do.

I gave personalized stationary as part of my gifts to my girls when Josh and I were married almost eight years ago. I still think it's a fab gift, and my only regret is that I didn't have an etsy option!

Check out these personalized note cards from etsy's Take Note. Only $14.50 for 12! Love.it.

You can also order some thank you notes from you and your future hubby. Or some for your flower girl. Or your future mother-in-law. Or your own mother. Or yourself!

DIY.paper.flowers

2010-03-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

I've been holding on to this one for a while. I fell in love with these adorable little flowers the first time I saw them. They even look pretty stinkin' easy to make!

Check out the DIY tutorial over at dozi.

paper.cowboy

2010-03-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fun gift or activity for a little guy? Made by Joel has created this fun little cowboy that you can print off for free!

Yee haw.

5.years

2010-03-09T03:00:00.000-08:00

Guess who's 5?? My little m. She says to me the other day, "Mom, I don't know how to be 5!" I said, "You're doing just fine! It's a lot like being 4." So cute.

She's my little Martha in the Middle. If you have a middle child or know one (especially if your middle is a girl!), Martha in the Middle is a must-have!

dessert.tables

2010-03-04T22:01:00.000-08:00

Dessert tables are all the rage these days! Creative Hostess featured Natalie Camp yesterday, and Natalie shared six tips to help create a stunning dessert table!

image via Creative Hostess

baby.e

2010-03-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

I have a new niece! And I got to squeeze her on Saturday and snap a thousand pictures of her! Oh she is so sweet.

i.love.her

facebook.anyone

2010-03-03T19:32:00.001-08:00

I'd love to have you as a fan on facebook!

image via here

baby.wall.art

2010-03-02T03:56:00.000-08:00

from etsy seller sweetbeets

friday.favorite

2010-02-26T03:49:00.000-08:00

This one doesn't just qualify as a Friday Favorite. This would be an everyday favorite in my book. I am a hydrangea lover through and through (maybe we'll even plant some when we get around to the landscaping!).

This one is just so striking with the blue ribbon. I'm in love. I would carry this in a heartbeat!!! I want to get married again (to my husband, of course) just to carry it.

personalized.pocket.mirrors

2010-02-24T03:14:00.000-08:00

These pocket mirrors would make a perfect {personalized} gift for your bridesmaids! The best part? They're only $4.95. Seriously.

etsy seller iszle...love it.

fruit.and.flowers

2010-02-21T20:09:00.000-08:00

Green is all the rage right now. And so are apples. How cute is this apple tucked right in there next to the hydrangeas? It fits the color scheme perfectly! Great touch.

image via Classic Bride

DIY.moss.letters

2010-02-18T19:43:00.000-08:00

Want some moss letters for your wedding or reception? Polka Dot Bride has a DIY tutorial posted! Cute and economical. Love it.

pencil.love

2010-02-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

happy valentine's weekend.

image via swanky tables

brownie.favors

2010-02-08T03:42:00.000-08:00

If I had to choose one dessert to have for the rest of my life, I'm pretty sure it would be brownies. Ok, I'm definitely sure it would be brownies. With milk. Yumo.

How cute are these little Valentine's Day favor bags with little heart-shaped brownies?!! Perfect for Valentine's Day and perfect for a wedding favor. I'm drooling on my keyboard.

via Happinest Photo

friday.favorite

2010-02-05T03:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorites...can't wait for Sunday. Go Colts!

valentine's.treats

2010-02-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

Can we say yum?!! sweet designs

airplane.theme.birthday

2010-02-01T03:52:00.000-08:00

Sweet Designs posted this airplane themed party over on their blog today! How great are these little airplane cupcakes?!!

And they had cute little favor bags too!

I just love the details and the colors that they used for this one. Keep up the good work!

friday.favorite

2010-01-29T03:42:00.000-08:00

via Fey Photography

i.love.you.more

2010-01-26T03:10:00.000-08:00

Love this print by Red Letter Words.

friday.favorite

2010-01-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

via The Ritzy Bee Blog

DIY.wall.decor

2010-01-20T03:23:00.000-08:00

This is a print that I found over at babygadget. The mom (of course) who put it together originally, did it herself. Now they've made it into a print. This is so cute, and I'm certain that I could find a cute alphabet to glue onto a piece of canvas!

Anybody have any DIY wall art? I'd love it if you sent me a pic...I'll post it if you send it!

back.from.vaca

2010-01-18T12:33:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my blogging vacation! I wish I could say that I was there, but I wasn't. I was hosting Christmas parties, coordinating Christmas weddings, and drinking lots of hot chocolate. Yum. Let the 2010 fun begin!

picture via here

friday.favorite

2009-12-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

Love the monster stocking.

via presser foot

DIY.wreath

2009-12-08T03:06:00.000-08:00

Threw this together in about 10 minutes for the shower!

Materials at full price:
straw wreath (didn't even remove the plastic!) $2.49
5 pink feather boas $3.99 each
fat ribbon $3.99 for the roll
t-pins (already had these) or hot glue gun

I bought everything at Hobby Lobby, and if you get it when it's on sale or when you have a coupon, you can do it for about 1/2 the price! Love it.

1. Attach one end of a feather boa with a t-pin.
2. Wrap the boa around the wreath and pin with another t-pin at the other end of the boa.
3. Repeat with the remaining boas.
4. String a fun fat ribbon through the wreath.
5. Hang it on a door or somewhere in your home.
6. Admire your adorable wreath.

It's just that easy.

baby.shower.details

2009-12-03T21:49:00.000-08:00

So, I made the cupcake toppers with some inspiration from The TomKat Studio....thanks Kim!

I even made the cupcakes and frosting from scratch...yes, scratch. I didn't think they were too much better than Betty Crocker's (I spent at least a half hour mixing the cupcakes when I could have done it in 5 minutes with a box mix), but I heard lots of rants and raves. I guess it was worth it! :)

I did chocolate covered peanuts for favors. They were yummy! I don't even know where I came up with the thought, but they were a huge hit with the ladies...and my girls (who filled the bags!).

I'll post my DIY wreath from the shower soon!

baby.shower.preview

2009-11-23T21:47:00.000-08:00

My sister's baby shower was so.much.fun. I'll post more pics once I get them organized!

baby.shower.invites

2009-11-18T21:58:00.000-08:00

These are the invites the I made for my sister's shower. It's this weekend, so I've been super busy prepping for it. I'll post more pictures once I've recovered! I just wanted to give you a sneak peek!

friday.favorite

2009-11-13T02:24:00.000-08:00

via Swanky Tables

sweet.print

2009-11-10T02:40:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for some sweet prints to adorn some kiddo walls, check out printspace on Etsy. So many adorable prints!

DIY.fabric.flower.containers

2009-11-06T03:39:00.000-08:00

Oh this is a Friday Favorite for sure. Check it out!

Once Wed.

be.thankful

2009-11-03T06:56:00.000-08:00

Vale Design just posted a free (yes, FREE!) PDF of falling leaves flat cards and place cards. I'm definitely going to be printing several of these up for Thanksgiving!

friday.favorite

2009-10-30T03:31:00.000-07:00

keep calm gallery

we've.been.booed

2009-10-26T03:03:00.000-07:00

Oh this is fun. You must jump over to the TomKat Studio and take part in some booing!

On a side note...we live in the country. We're going to have to hit some of our friends' houses! :)

friday.favorite

2009-10-23T03:57:00.000-07:00

via Weddings Fresh

apple.pie.punch

2009-10-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

I just found this over at Swanky Tables (who got it from the Food Network). Can we say y.u.m.?

Apple Pie Punch
2 cups apple juice or cider
4 ounces spiced rum
2 ounces cinnamon Schnapp's
1 red apple, sliced

Combine apple cider, rum, and Schnapp's in bowl or pitcher. Serve punch over ice and garnish with red apple slices.

This recipe serves 4.

DIY.play.kitchen.revisited

2009-10-13T03:07:00.000-07:00

Remember this?

Well, Erin's sister-in-law was so inspired, that she created a couple of her own...

I loooooove this black one! So chic.

via Sutton Grace

friday.favorite

2009-10-09T03:59:00.000-07:00

I found this image over at the Savvy Event the other day! I love how these candy favors double as place cards. Loooove it. Double duty.

DIY.cards

2009-10-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

I was browsing my blogs the other day, and I found several of these:

Little Birdie Secrets was doling out a little inspiration for World Card Making Day. I'm stealing a few of the (easy) ideas! I love homemade cards, but I'm such a simple girl that I only snag the easy ones!

I'm going to be making some thank you notes for my sister to send out after her shower. Anybody have any good inspiration?

Check out all of the ideas here.

it's.a.girl

2009-09-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

So, I just found out yesterday morning that my sister is going to have a girl! I am so excited.

Needless to say, I am planning the baby shower, and I'll be sharing lots of fun stuff that I find for it right here!

photo via etsy seller The English Pea...$10! You know I love it.

become.a.fan

2009-09-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

Facebook anyone? If you're on, Simply Elegant would love to have you as a fan! There's not much up yet, but we'll get there.

On a side note, I think I need an extra hour in the day just for commenting on blogs and updating all of my pages. Does anyone else feel the same way?

photo credit here

rose's.bouquets

2009-09-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

This one is for my Fort Wayne brides...

Rose's Bouquets is giving away $500 worth of flowers in honor of their 6th anniversary! Check out their Facebook page for more details. Enter by Oct. 31.

photo via Rose's Bouquets

pomander.balls

2009-09-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

I love pomander balls.

I love them for flower girls. I love them for decor.

Aren't they just perfect for these chairs?!!

baby.boy.bedding

2009-09-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I saw this baby boy bedding while browsing the Target ad. Ten pieces on sale this week for $99...free shipping!

So cute. I need a boy.

I love Target. Who doesn't? (crazy people...that's who)

DIY.play.kitchen

2009-09-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Brace yourselves...this is impressive!

Worn out entertainment stand...

...turned adorable little play kitchen.

I'm not even joking when I tell you that Erin at Sutton Grace did this herself for about $65 which included the cost of the entertainment stand on Craig's List.

Love the repurpose. Check out the whole project on Erin's blog!

friday.favorite

2009-08-28T03:34:00.000-07:00

check out this adorable wedding here.

orange.and.pink

2009-08-24T03:59:00.000-07:00

via here.

friday.favorite

2009-08-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

image here

textured.bouquet

2009-08-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

Love it.

Source.

diy.thank you

2009-08-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

TomKat Studio posted this DIY thank you that you can print up for your child's teacher! Super easy and super cute...my kind of project! Thanks Kim!

stationary.for.the.littles

2009-08-12T18:27:00.000-07:00

Can I tell you how much I love this stationary? We send thank yous out all the time, and I would love to use these for special occasions.

I'm a bit partial to the girl line, but the boy options are pretty irresistible as well...

Get it at minted.

thank.you

2009-08-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

I'm feelin' a little chatty. Not surprising because I usually am!

Anyway, life has been completely crazy this summer, and we've been busy as usual. Thankfully, the second half of my summer isn't nearly as jam-packed as the first half so we've been taking in a bit more family time around the Meyer home.

Does anyone else find it extremely difficult to blog during the summer? I'm just terrible at it! I'm so sporadic.

Really, who wants to blog when it's 85 and sunny outside?

I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you that have been reading my blog. I have 18 followers on Google Reader (actually only 17 because I follow my own blog...I'm weird). And I also have 6 followers over there on the side...yay for my followers!! I feel so loved.

I have a few blogs that link me as well, so I'm going to give you guys a big shout out as well. I promise that I check in on you from time to time to see what you're doing! And I'm completely honored that you link me!!

Then I Got to Thinking
The Augustines
The Bigner Wedding
The TomKat Studio
Low Expectations

Thank you so much!

gifts.for.kids

2009-08-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

Amy Anderson at Let's Explore has some of the easiest ideas for kids over on her blog! She recently did this post about easy birthday gifts for kids.

Some of her ideas included this rabbit tote, a little chef kit, and a letter writing kit. These would work great for easy birthday kits as well as gifts for your flower girl and ring bearer!

baby.bingo

2009-08-03T11:00:00.000-07:00

baby bingo. etsy seller. clusterdesign.

friday.favorite

2009-07-24T03:10:00.000-07:00

image here

toothbrush.holder

2009-07-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

Every kid needs a toothbrush holder for overnight visits to Grandma's house! You can get this one from Urban Outfitters for only $8.

Not a giraffe fan? You can also choose from a panda, zebra, cow, hippo (who can forget this Christmas request?), or koala.

fridge.farm

2009-07-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite refrigerator toys. The kids just love it, and I find it creatively amusing.

It comes with several different animals (i.e. duck, sheep, pig, horse). And when you make a match it sings a little song....

"You made a match,
Look what you found;
You made a match,
Hear a pig sound (oink, oink)"

And then it gives you some little fact about pigs.

The best part is when you don't make a match! It still sings you a little song (pretend you had a sheep/duck combo)...

"You put a sheep in front,
you put a duck behind;
Put them together
And what do you find?"

Then, it answers it for you..."A sheep-duck? That's silly!" (And it giggles!)

It is so cute. A lot of toys would tell you to "try again" and I love that this one lets the kids be creative. Fun, fun.

LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set

friday.favorite

2009-07-17T03:29:00.000-07:00

image here

spinny.things

2009-07-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

Spinny People

Spinny Critters

Spinny Speller

These spinny toys over at Let's Explore are fantastic! First of all, they are wooden. I love, love, love wooden toys. Learning, imagination, fun...they have it all. And they're less than $10 each!

tomkat.giveaways

2009-07-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Kim over at the TomKat Studio is having a birthday this week! In honor of her (own) birthday, she's giving away lots of great stuff! Sign up by July 12!!!

Click here for giveaway #1.

Click here for giveaway #2.

Click here for giveaway #3.

Happy Birthday Kim!

monkey.doorhangers

2009-07-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

I love doorhangers! And monkey doorhangers for kids? Oh so cute.

These are available here from The Container Store in a 3 pack for $9.99. How great is that?

pictures...before.or.after

2009-07-07T04:14:00.000-07:00

"Are you going to see each other ahead of the ceremony?"

It is a question that gets asked at every wedding. I have my own opinions about the answer, but I'll leave that for later...maybe.

Olivia Leigh posted this at Elizabeth Anne Designs recently with some great info to take into consideration.

Ok, I'll spill...I am a fan of the pre-ceremony meeting. Can you tell by these pictures that I've posted? I think it's a sweet, sweet moment for the couple to spend a few minutes together ahead of craziness of the day.

I am a traditionalist at heart. When the husband and I were engaged, we were absolutely not going to see each other ahead of our ceremony. Our photographer talked us (really me) right out of it, and it is one of my favorite memories of our wedding day.

A lot of couples continue to choose to wait until the aisle. I'm always a "whatever-works-best-for-you" kind of a coordinator. Thinking through whatever decision you make is the best thing that you can do.

One more pic because I just can't resist....

all photos by olivia leigh via elizabeth anne designs

bueller.bueller.bueller

2009-07-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm back.

Vacated the house, the blog, and weddings all in the same week.

I didn't check my email at all...not even once. It's been a couple of years since I left my computer for an entire week. It felt mostly good, but a little overwhelming at the same time. I kind of felt like a worried parent. And I'm typically not a worry wart when it comes to my kids.

I was going to post ahead, but I decided that I didn't need one more thing on my to do list last week. Sorry about that. Maybe no one even noticed! :)

Anyway, we'll be off and running again tomorrow! It's good to be back.

DIY.centerpiece

2009-06-26T03:31:00.000-07:00

I love these DIY centerpieces that Jessica put together for her reception.

Materials:
-wheatgrass
-soil
-glass container of choice
-thicker paper of choice for the bottom of the container
-ribbon
-flowers

Put soil in the bottom of the glass container.
Follow the directions for planting your wheatgrass.
Watch your wheatgrass grow for a few days.
Wrap paper around the bottom of the container.
Add a ribbon and a few flowers.

photo by Fey Photography

jessica.and.aren

2009-06-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

This is a little taste of what I did over the weekend! This was such a great wedding. I can't wait to show you more pictures! I have a DIY post coming soon from Jessica's centerpieces. Loved it.

Do you see that little flower girl behind the bride? She was adorable. I think the rose petals were her favorite part!

Photo via Fey Photography

a.camp.wedding

2009-06-19T03:55:00.000-07:00

Oh summer camp. How I love you and miss you (but not the mosquitoes).

I found this adorable wedding over at ritzy bee blog. I'm a bit partial because the husband and I met at summer camp when we were in high school.

We didn't start dating then...not until college. However, we both ended up working there while we were dating. The first time he told me that he loved me was in cabin 4, summer of 2000.

Then, in September of 2001, we were standing in cabin 4 once again, and he was asking me to marry him. Ahhhh, the memories...I love that man.

Why we didn't get married there...well, I don't remember. But we have wonderful memories there, and if I'd seen this post ahead of my wedding, I'm sure I would have seriously considered it!

photog.love

2009-06-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

Confession: I love photography. I love photography blogs. Once I get on a new photography blog that I like, I get myself wrapped up in it, and I spend way too much time browsing.

I stumbled upon a blog the other day that I've just fallen in love with. She doesn't allow you copy and paste her pics (for good reason), but here's the link to an absolutely adorable post:

angela weedon photography

love it.

great.pick

2009-06-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

My bride this weekend chose this dress in ivory from Caroline DeVillo. She had a matching ivory sash (which was fatter) for the ceremony.

Then, at the reception, she unzipped the bottom section...a nice little feature...swapped out the ivory sash for the black one and wore her adorable cocktail dress for dancing. Lovely.

Oh, and after the wedding, she's having the dress dyed black so that she can wear it again.

more.tomkat

2009-06-12T03:57:00.000-07:00

images via the tomkat studio

tomkat.studio

2009-06-10T04:47:00.000-07:00

Can I tell you how much I love Kim from TomKat Studio?

First of all, she's a mom with kids at her feet. (I'm all about moms in this business.)
And, she has incredible stuff in her etsy shop. (And I'm pretty picky...just ask my mom.)
Not only that, but have you seen how great she looks while she works at home? (I'm usually in my pajamas and no makeup.)

...and she follows me on her blog list. (Yay!)

Maybe someday, if I ever decide to move on from wedding coordinating, she'll hire me. But, she lives in Arizona and I live in Indiana and I'm not quite sure how all that would work. But I'll think about it and maybe come up with something.

Anyway, so check out these adorable offerings:

I'm going to feature a few more of her things on Friday because they are just so cute. Thanks for such fun stuff Kim! If I ever become rich in monetary terms, I will happily purchase lots and lots of things from you. Until then, I might get some of those cupcake toppers that are oh-so-reasonably priced!

all photos via the tomkat studio

itzbeen.

2009-06-08T04:44:00.000-07:00

Just when you think they surely can't come up with something better than sliced bread....they do! It's called an itzbeen, and I'm wishing I'd had one for all of my babies.

This is what it tells you...."itzbeen"...

2 hours and 28 minutes since we last changed the baby.
1 hour and 43 minutes since we last fed the baby.
45 minutes since we put baby down to sleep.
11 hours and 48 minutes since we (you fill in the blank for this one!).

Is this great or what? It might seem so simple. And it is.

I remember coming home from the hospital for baby #1, and I wrote everything down in a little notebook so I knew where I was in my schedule. It wasn't so I could be an anal mommy or anything. Honestly, everything was such a blur that I just couldn't remember when I had last changed a diaper!!

And when baby #2 arrived (not to mention baby #3), you are already taking care of another little one who is occupying a ton of your time. This might just be the nice little friend you were searching for.

This is also helpful when people are in and out helping. You're napping because Grandma is around. She heads out when hubby gets home, and all of the sudden you can't remember when baby-dearest went down for a nap because you were sleeping yourself!

I do like it. Thanks Preppy Mama for the tip!

diy.table.runners

2009-06-05T03:08:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic DIY for the budget savvy bride! Table runners are such an easy way to add some color and umph (is that a word?) to your reception.

Katie over at The Savvy Event just posted a how-to video all about making your own table runners. The best part is that you don't even have to know how to sew or having a sewing machine. Crazy, huh? Looooove it.

And I tell my brides all of the time that this is something that Aunt Marsha would love to do for you if you don't think you can do it yourself! You know she's offered to help...now take her up on it!

Thanks Katie!

photo and katie's blog post here

incredible.invite

2009-06-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

Do you have 4 minutes and 15 seconds?

You must visit Minnesota Mom and see one of the most creative wedding invites I've ever seen!

Wow.

don't.forget.the.guys

2009-05-29T04:23:00.000-07:00

via the fairmount bride

feathers.in.your.hair

2009-05-27T22:12:00.000-07:00

via something old, something new

peacock.feather.invites

2009-05-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Peacock themes are everywhere this year. I have at least one bride that is planning on using a few feathers in her wedding.

She is leanig more toward using mostly the colors (and less feathers), and there is plenty of inspiration to go around. I'll be featuring a few pics this week!

via Paper Crave

wall.art

2009-05-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

Check out this great wall art from Jack and Lulu. You can find a store near you right here.

Awww.

outdoor.birthday.banner

2009-05-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

Some little Meyer child just might have this for her birthday someday! Oh.So.Cute

via Ohdeedoh

oh.so.sweet

2009-05-18T03:12:00.000-07:00

I wish I had these adorable baby update cards from jack and izzy for all of my kids. When we decide to have a #4, these will be at the top of my request list once sweet baby is born.

In fact, one certain friend of mine (plug your ears Jules), might be getting them as well.

i.love.etsy

black.and.white.cake

2009-05-15T03:12:00.000-07:00

Two black and white posts in a row. I'm sensing a theme here! This cake would go great with this bouquet and the invites in the previous post.

I'm convinced that you can never go wrong with a black and white theme.

image via here

sweet.peony.press

2009-05-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

I am loving this Silhouette line from Sweet Peony Press. They are bold and elegant. Right up my alley.

lilacs.lilacs.everywhere

2009-05-11T05:13:00.000-07:00

Lilacs are everywhere in Indiana right now! They look gorgeous and smell even better. We have a pretty good sized bush right outside our family room.

I love how the decorators at the ceremony above incorporated them into the aisle way in large containers. It is a perfect touch for...ummm...the price of the containers. Can we say budget friendly?

They can also be used at any type of shower or birthday party....

first image

second image

flower.girl.basket

2009-05-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Ladies, this is a DIY that I found over at Once Wed. Total cost: about $6!! Oh how I love it on so many levels. I am such a DIYer for the simple reason that I'm so picky! (Just ask my mom.)

When you DIY, you get it just like you want it.