Photo Booth Fever

One of the things I love about having an Engineer as a husband is that when I conjure up something, The Mister can usually build it!

A lot of the things I come up with are usually random upgrades around the house, but for the last two years, I have come up with some sort of SOMETHING for Cy's birthday party. Last year, it was a drink/paper goods holder I saw on Pinterest -

Also at last year's party, we had a (somewhat ghetto) photo booth. It wasn't exactly labeled as such and it didn't get much use. So I am on a mission this year to build (for TM to build) a suitable photo booth that we can have for years to come. Here is the rough sketch of it...PVC piping is going to be our best friend...

We shall see how this beauty turns out. I think it's going to be amazing and I foresee a homemade photo booth at all of our future parties!

Confessions Of A Stay At Home Mom {Vol. 2}

The Mister is taking this Friday off from work and you know what I am going to do? Get my eyebrows done and go to the mall ALL BY MYSELF. #BeJealous

I never thought going to the mall solo would be so exciting to me (and exciting enough to blog about) but I have honestly been looking forward to it all week. My excitement lies in the fact that I don't have to lug a stroller, sippy cup, diapers, a child etc with me. All I have to do is grab my wallet, get in the car, listen to the music as loud as I want and go to the mall. This may not sound like a big deal to any non parents out there (please consider yourself lucky that at this point in your life you don't see the big deal in going to the mall alone) but for me, it's almost like going to the spa (almost).

Tuesday Treasure

Today I thought I would take the opportunity to showcase my wedding bouquet and The Mister's boutonniere. They were both handmade out of feathers and bling and were pret-ty spectacular.

#FurBaby

#BlingyBout

This may not be every one's cup of tea as I know people associate weddings with flowers. We made sure we still had fresh flowers on our tables and we had a bloom bar for our wedding favors where everyone could take home a bundle of fresh blooms.

Can we just stop and stare for a second at how amazing a feather bouquet looks against a grey chiffon bridesmaids dress?!?! #maj

#SoftnessForDays

#GroomsmanBlingyBout

Speaking of weddings - I have finally found all of our wedding photos WITH the photographer's watermark on them. With that being said, y'all can FINALLY (after almost three years) expect a proper write up on my wedding day! #getexcited

All bouquets and boutonnieres were purchased off of Etsy. #duh

5 Tips to Throwing the Perfect Summer Bash

With Cy's second (!) birthday well on it's way, I have been wearing my party planning hat lately to make sure all the details are taken care of for the big day. While we are not having it at our house this year, I still want to make sure that the location we are having it at is in tip top party shape. The Mister, Cy and I went to scope out the party room this past weekend and it looks like it will be fine to work my magic on...minus the (sort of dreadful) snow flakes hanging from the ceiling that I am told can not be taken down...alas, my creative mind will just have to work around the snow flake dilemma. 

#HostessWithTheMostess

With all of my party plans happening in the next few months, I thought I would post 5 tips to throwing the perfect summer bash -

1. Invites must go out a full month (if not 6 weeks ahead of time) - I don't know about all of you, but The Mister and my social calendar explodes in the summer. We are usually doing something every weekend (if not every other weekend) from Memorial Day - Labor Day. So, with all of that being said, give people enough time to plan...especially in the summer months!

2. Always include something for your guests to sign - This is a weird one and typically only applies to milestone parties (birthday, graduations etc) but I think it's a good rule to follow. When we had our memorial day party, I had my mom sew up some white table cloths, put some washable markers as the centerpieces and viola! A guest book! At Cy's first birthday party I had all of the guests sign a Dr. Seuss book. You'll never regret being able to pull these types of things out in 20 years to read!

3. If you are throwing a kid centered party, have favors for the adults too - After all, the adults are the ones that do most of the "party work." Getting the kids to the party, buying the present etc. They should be rewarded for that! Even if it is just a little something, the best party planners always think of every detail!

4. When you have a theme, run with it. - I mentioned this in a vintage (LOL) blog post. Every little thing, should be a little thing. Centerpieces? Theme them. Photo booth? Theme it. Snowflakes on the ceiling that you "can't" take down? Cut them down anyway. (Just (kinda) kidding on that one).

5. Use Pinterest sparingly - If you hang out around this blog often, you know my stance on Pinterest. No one wants to go to the same Pinterest party (or wedding, but that's a whole 'nother blog post) 7 times in one summer. Use Pinterest as a stepping off point in your idea. Be creative and elaborate and come up with your own ideas. Don't be a #PinterestPartyMoocher!

Fashion Friday {Social Media}

Pre-baby I used to pour over glossy fashion magazines and dream about all the pretty things in life. Fast forward to 2014 and I barely have time to shower, so Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are the main places I get my fashion fix these days. Here are some of the pretty little things I've come across this week -

I have written about my obsession with Lilly Ghalichi in the past. This week, she has been hitting it out of the park (per usual) with her Fash-tagrams. I am drooling over this romper. The good news. everything she has been wearing lately is available on WantMyLook.com for pretty decent prices! You can find more of Lilly's looks on her Instagram or Facebook.

Another fashion account I follow on Instagram is called @UpCloseAndStylish. This Fash-tagrammer is always dressed amazingly cool and chic. This was one of my favorites from this week - 

Outfit deets - Jacket | Marni | Jeans | JBrand | Shoes | Valentino (duh) | Clutch | Hermes

That jacket is TO DIE FOR. 

DylanLex is another one of my favorite Fash-tagrammers. She has her own necklace line and is known for her over the top style of said necklaces.

I have been coveting these gorgeous pieces for a while now. But alas, with an $800 price tag I suppose I can be happy with just seeing them on Instagram every day! #FashionLeSigh

Summer Weddings {Rent the Runway}

It's no secret that I am absolutely obsessed with Rent the Runway. As someone that wears cheaper clothes 99% of the time, being able to rent a well made, gorgeous garment for hundreds of dollars less than I would have to buy it for is a great feeling. In fact, The Mister and I have a wedding to attend in July and I just put a RTR order in this morning! I can not wait to rock my rental.

Even though I only rent from RTR once or twice a year, I still make sure I keep up to date on their stock so I can recommend a look to one of my friends if they need it. With that being said, I thought I would put together a summer wedding guide with some of my favorite dresses on Rent the Runway...Enjoy and happy renting!

Daytime/Brunch Wedding/Bridal Shower -

1. Tibi - Rental price - $100 (Retail $575)

2. Vivienne Westwood Anglomania - Rental price - $125 (Retail $870)

3. Trina Turk - Rental price - $30 (Retail $378)

Nighttime Wedding - 

1. Mark & James By Badgley Mischka  - Rental price - $70 (Retail $345)

2. Nha Khanh - Rental price - $40(!) (Retail $650)

3. Parker - Rental price - $35(!) (Retail $355)

Bachelorette {Guest} - 

1. Josh Goot - Rental price - $98 (Retail $1080)

2. Robert Rodriguez - Rental price - $30(!) (Retail $600)

3. (Y'all know I love me a romper!) Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent - Rental price - $65 (Retail $328)

Bachelorette {Bride} - 

1. Herve Leger - Rental price - $125 (Retail $880)

2. Nha Khanh - Rental price $75 (Retail $425)

3. Herve Leger - Rental price - $80 (Retail $1350)

Black Tie - 

1. ML Monique Lhuillier - Rental price - $125 (Retail $698)

2. Tibi - Rental price - $100 (Retail $495)

3. Issa - Rental price - $275 (Retail $1995)

Accessories - 

1. Slate & Willow - Rental price - $20 (Retail $150)

2. Kate Spade New York - Rental price - $50 (Retail $328)

3. Elizabeth Cole - Rental price - $45 (Retail $373)

4. Kenneth Jay Lane - Rental price - $20 (Retail $125)

5. Av Max - Rental price - $15 (Retail $105)

#OOTD

Deets - Shirt | WalMart (!) | Shorts | JCPenny | Belt | H&M | Sunnies | Wet Seal | Shoes | Steve Madden | Bangles | Forever 21 

Bar Blooms

When we registered at Crate and Barrel I was obsessed with bud vases and needed them for the centerpieces on our wedding tables. Fast forward to almost 3 (!) years later, and I have all these lovely bud vases to use in my vignettes. That's the beauty of having centerpieces that wedding guests don't take home!

I have been wanting to spruce up our bar for a while. I was thinking that the way to do that was to add hanging lights to the top shelf, but have since decided against that idea. Instead, I want to add more storage to our very storage-less apartment. To do that, The Mister and I have been looking for a buffet to upcycle to replace the bottom part of the bar with more storage for all of our entertaining ware (and to keep a certain 1.5 year old I know from getting at things). While we are searching, our bar will just have to be a place for some blooms!

The bottom shelf of our bar has pretty much been empty since Cy has been mobile and interested in his surroundings. We are hoping by getting the buffet it will not only offer more storage but also make the space not look so bare. 

With my left over supermarket blooms, I decided to make some mini bouquets for our bookshelves. It must be so fun to be a florist...always being able to be around and create gorgeous things. 

Wednesday Wishes {Forever 21}

Forever 21 is killing me with some of their new merch. They are hot on the romper/jumpsuit/bodysuit train for the summer (as am I) and I could not be loving it more.

Here's a few Wednesday Wishes -

This right here, was made for me. I love me a long sleeve with short shorts and a high collar. 

I love this one because it would look adorable with a blazer in the winter. I usually don't show THAT much skin (anymore) unless it's appropriate for the occasion. My rule of thumb...only show two major body parts at one time - Major body parts being - Legs, arms, cleavage or mid-drift. Unless it's Halloween, then all modesty rules are out the window (#SorryNotSorry)

#BrunetteBarbie 

I love this bodysuit and feel as though it's an investment piece. Which I can't believe I am saying about a $13.80 bodysuit, but it really is. I think could be ultra chic in the right outfits. 

And of course, my wishes would not be complete without some shoe wishes - 

I have been looking for some gold summer sandals...

Gladiators have been in for the last few years and they are really starting to grow on me as I have been wearing flats more often. #MommyProblems

Love a good summer wedge...

As you can see, I am rather color-phobic in many of my fashion choices. Not even summer weather will get me out of black. Although I did buy this amazing pair of shoes the other day that are mint and I can't wait to pair them with something colorful.

#MintDreaming

 (These are from GoJane.com not F21)

Happy Shopping!

11 Etsy Finds for the Fashion Obsessed

One of the blogs I frequent, Back East Blonde, did a blog post today that was titled "13 Etsy Finds For the Dr Who Lover." Although I am not a Dr. Who Lover, I still relate to this post because I LOVE ETSY. It is always the first place I look for anything creative that I need. I love the idea of supporting the local artist. After reading her post, I was inspired to do my own Etsy list and since we love us some fashion around these parts, here are 11 Etsy finds for the fashion girl! (Or guy, if that's what you're in to!)

1. Scissor necklace for the fashion designer 

2. Adorable retro sunnies

3. Edible cupcake toppers

4. A personalized fashion sketch - You send the artist a picture of you in your favorite outfit for the artist to sketch (this would be a perfect birthday gift for that special someone. Ahem, I know you're reading this, Mister)

5. Chic graphic tee

6. Masqurade mask - For a fashion forward Halloween/themed party.

7. Porcelain ring - Fun Fact - I had a ring similar to this as my "something blue" in my wedding.

8. Minnie Mouse phone cases - Of course I had to add something Disney!

9. Black cat earrings - An ode to the magical black cat in your life!

10. Delicate bangles 

11. A fun fashion digital download - I think I need this for my craft room!

What are some of your favorite Etsy finds?

4th of July Fun

As I mentioned in a previous post, our entertainment center changes with the seasons/holidays. Since summer is in full swing and we are almost half way through June, I decided it was high time to unearth all of our 4th of July decor. A lot of it is from my buffet table from last year...

The crown (Hobby Lobby) has made a reappearance for the summer. The I <3 USA sign was purchased at Michael's on sale at the end of the 4th of July season last year. I found the printable online and got the frame at Christmas Tree Shops, I found the flags at Wal Mart along with the vase on the end, and the two floral accents up top were crafted by me with dollar store finds. Both the black stand and silver vase with pearls were found at Hobby Lobby as well. 

I also like to head to the Target dollar bin around Memorial Day and pick up some 4th of July themed paper goods. Tarjay never fails to impress me with their holiday merch!

(Cupcake ware purchased at Christmas Tree Shops last year)

Having all of this stuff inspires me to do another 4th of July buffet table this year. We'll see what I can conjure up! 

Happy Summer!