Fashion Fridays: One Hot Mama!

Hi dolls! Happy Friday!  Before I forget, here is one last reminder about my giveaway to Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Williams-Sonoma.  The contest closes next Monday May 9th so enter now!  The winner will be announced Tuesday morning. Wouldn't it be nice to start the week off right as a WINNER? Yay!  Don't miss out on it. Click HERE for the full details.

Ok, so in celebration of Mother's Day, I am dedicating today's postings to my mom's favorite brands.  She is such a versatile person and can look great in anything, whether it's a $10 shirt she bought at Target or a $1000 dress from Ellen Tracy.  She's just cool like that.  Don't let her petite frame fool you - this lady has curves and she can flaunt it like no other! That's her below on my wedding day.

I KNOW for a fact we will be hitting up these stores tomorrow and I have a hunch she will be picking a few of these items.  Can't wait to see what she wants (so I can "borrow" them from her). These stores also have great deals going on so make sure you check them out.  She is going to look like one hot mama after this weekend!

Ann Taylor: Now thru Sunday (May 8th) - 25% off everything in stores and online; use code MAY25
Tory Burch: Now thru Sunday (May 8th) - Free limited edition Je T'aime mirror with any purchase of $250 or more
Coach: Free shipping on orders over $100
DKNY: Free shipping on orders $250 or more

What are you getting Mom for Mother's Day? See anything you think she'd like?

ANN TAYLOR

TORY BURCH

COACH

DKNY

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{One-Three . Four . Five . Six}

Top Pick Thursday: Gucci Platform Purple Shoes

Oh my.  If I had known about these amazing Gucci shoes for my purple 

wedding...well...we'll just leave it at that.  Aren't these to die for? A girl can dream...

 

Gucci - $795 Pre-order only

{Image via Saks Fifth Avenue}

Fashion Fridays: Coach Madison Sophia Satchel

This will be my next big splurge. Lovely. Just lovely. Should I get black or purple?

Image via Coach

Also comes in silver/pearl grey. To see the complete collection, click HERE.

Trendy Tuesdays w/ The Limited

Over the weekend, I was browsing The Limited online store looking for business attire and I noticed they also have an entire wedding section for the bridal party and adorable cocktail dresses for those attending the party. Talk about affordable AND beautiful dresses! Who said you can't have both!  I love these two wedding gowns.  Even if you aren't shopping for your wedding, can't you see myself wearing these to a special event or gala?

1. Strapless Rosette Wedding Dress $298 USD

2. One Shoulder Embellished Wedding Dress $298 USD

Ok Wedding Guests - I didn't forget about you either.  Found these oh-so-elegant cocktail dresses for you, which can also be bridesmaid dresses!

 Images via The Limited

(Left to right)

1. Cap Sleeve Ruched Dress $118 USD

2. Colorblock Tank Dress $118 USD

3. Ombre One Shoulder Dress $89.90

New Year, New Life, New Beginnings

I'm back!!!!  Happy New Year everyone!!!!

Life is beautiful and everything is perfect. Just perfect.

Last Saturday, I got married and I am still beaming from the wedding.  I can't wait to post all the pictures, but since it will take a little time to post, here are a few teasers I gathered from our photographers, Nookie Doodle, and friends and family. Enjoy!

1.1.2011: Our Life Begins

Nookie Doodle

Nookie Doodle

Image via Matthew Trevino

Image via Matthew Trevino

The Love of My Life

My Loving Grandmother & Aunt

My Sweet Friends

I Made It Mondays: DIY Wedding Painted Vases

This past weekend, I took a trip to the 99 cent store in search of my latest and greatest DIY project for the wedding. I came across this idea at Style Me Pretty and wanted to try it for myself.  It turned out pretty good (for my first time) and only took about 20 minutes to do!  Let me know what you think and if you have other tips for me. 

What you need:
1. Assorted empty bottles and vases (all shapes, sizes, and textures)
2. Spray paint - $4.99-$5.99 at Hobby Lobby
3. Gloves - I suggest a couple pairs since the paint dries quickly and can get sticky
4. Rubbing Alcohol - To clean the vases
5. Newspaper - To line the floor

Instructions:
1. Clean and dry bottles and vases thoroughly with rubbing alcohol.
2. Put on gloves and hold spray paint at least 6-8 inches away from vase.
3. In a well ventilated area, spray paint items with several light coats of paint to cover entire piece. Allow each coat to dry completely before spraying the next.
NOTE: Resist the urge to "over" spray or the paint will drip down the vase.  It's better to spray a little to cover the entire vase and repeat this several times. Also, do not spray too close as this will give the same dripping effect.

4. Wait about 15-20 minutes or until completely dry.

5. Add flowers of your choice with water and there you have it!  An inexpensive and elegant look! 

Wedding Wednesdays: My 30-Day Wedding Checklist

It's crunch time!  Here's my last-minute checklist for the month and a few pictures to give me inspiration for my wedding decor. Happy planning!

Image via Wedding Wire

GUESTS/BRIDAL PARTY

1. Get a final headcount of guests

2. Start seating arrangement, escort cards, and place cards

3. Make sure the guys have been measured for their tuxes

4. Remind the ladies to get their alterations and schedule makeup appointments

VENDORS

1. Cake: Meet with bakery to finalize cake size, flavors, and decoration set-up

2. Food: Schedule our tasting

3. Flowers: Finalize floral arrangements for bridal party and reception

4. Décor/Drape Lady: Finalize colors and draping details

5. Music: Email our DJ for the final music list and quick run-through for the evening itinerary

6. Photographers/Videographer: Send itinerary for wedding day

CHURCH CEREMONY

1. Meet with Fr. Chris one last time for our wedding ceremony

2. Gather all paperwork for Fr. Chris

3. Design wedding programs

4. Church rehearsal the day before the wedding

HEALTH/BEAUTY

1. Hair: Meet with stylist for quick run-through

2. Makeup: Schedule a trial-run & send wedding day itinerary

3. Eat healthy, Keep hydrated, Exercise, Lots of Sleep, Repeat
4. Pick up my dress on the 30th

MINI-PROJECTS

1. Divide up projects for reception set-up and assign each person a “task”

2. Finish my wishing tree

3. Make party favors (yay!)

4. Make “signs”

5. Buy liquor (can’t forget about this!)

6. Work on slideshow

Image via SB Wedding Chic

Image via The Wedding Community

Image via The Wedding Community

I know – it sounds like a lot…but it really isn’t. My best advice to everyone out there (bride AND groom): DON’T STRESS!  At the end of the day, this is YOUR wedding day.  It’s something that will only happen once; therefore, shouldn’t you enjoy it??? YES!

DIY Wishing Tree Tags

In lieu of regular guest books and picture frame sign-ins, I decided to make a wishing tree for our sign-in table.  I wanted something a little different that could also be used as a nice decorative centerpiece and naturally, the wishing tree crossed my mind.

Did you know the wishing tree is actually a tradition of the Dutch?  They write their best wishes and/or advice for the happy couple and hang it on the tree.  I thought this was a neat and creative idea. Go Dutch!

www.save-on-crafts.com

I researched a lot of sites for the manzanita branches, crystals, vases, vase fillers, and wishing tags.  These are my 3 favorite:

Save On Crafts

Blooms and Branches

Hobby Lobby 

I decided to make the wishing tags myself to save a little money and have an excuse to do a creative project.  Since I am expecting between 200-250 guests, I made 125 tags.  I got ALL my materials at Hobby Lobby for 1/2 off! They are ALWAYS running sales so keep your eyes peeled for their specials!  Here's what you'll need:

1. A hole puncher - $0.00 (already had this at home)

2. Scissors - $0.00 (already had this at home)

3. Printer/Ink - $0.00 (already had this at home)

4. 1 pack of 50 thank you cards w/ envelopes - $6.99 x 2 = $13.98

    (each card will make 4 wishing tags)

5. 5 packs of 18ft. 1/4 wide ribbon (I used purple & ivory) - $1.99 x 5 = $9.95

    (each pack will make approximately 25 ribbons - 8.5 inches per ribbon)

GRAND TOTAL for 125 tag: $12.95 

(after taking into account the 1/2 off special and tax) 

YOU CANNOT BEAT THIS DEAL!  I took me probably 1 hour to do.  So easy and fun!

To top it off, I went to Michael's to buy a cute box to put the tags in.  It was on clearance for $7.99. Yay!