Gail is ENGAGED!!!

So what I didn't mention in the Bachelorette party post here was this.... in Dallas, we were keeping one of the BIGGEST secrets ever from Miss Gail. The truth is, we started being sneaky around New Year's Eve in Memphis. When Gail was in the shower getting ready, we were all putting our numbers in Brenton's phone. That way he would be able to include us in all the action! (Note to all guys: this is KEY when you are going to propose! Get advice from your girlfriend's friends!) Here is sweet little Gail and I, all dressed up on New Year's Eve 2010.

On the 4 of March, Brenton let us all know that he was proposing on Saturday March 20 in Memphis, Tennessee. We left for Dallas March 5 for Chelsea's Bachelorette Party. Through all the chit-chat, girl talk, talk of a soon engagement, we all kept our mouths shut. Yes, us girls know how to keep a secret; we don't tell everything ; ). March 20, Natalie and I headed to Memphis to meet up with Chelsea. Then we met some of Gail and Brenton's close family and friends at Memphis Country Club. We were all in the breakfast room when they arrived. Gail was shocked to see everyone, then Brenton got down on one knee and proposed!!! All the guests celebrated with a champagne toast followed by a four course meal. Delicious and so much fun!

These two were glowing the entire night!!! Love you both and so happy for you!

Posing soon after Gail said "Yes"!!!!

Chelsea, Natalie, Gail, and Me celebrating!!! We approve : )

"Diamonds are a girl's best friend...." Check out Miss Gail's Bling* Brenton did a fabulous job and got Gail the ring of her dreams.

Aren't they just the cutest couple!?!

Congratulations to the future Mr. and Mrs. Brenton Glassell!!! I am so glad that I was able to be part of your special day! Enjoy the planning process, before you know it, your big day will be here!!! I can't wait! You two are absolutely perfect for each other and there is no doubt in my mind you will live happily ever after! (ha) Love yall!

Lacey is ENGAGED!

Well, Well, Well folks.....something very exciting occurred last night in Maumelle, Arkansas for one of my best friends since fifth grade, Lacey.....She got ENGAGED!!!!

They rein-acted the proposal for family and friends when everyone arrived at Lacey's house! Aren't they so cute!?! I stole this picture from another bestie's facebook, thanks smalls!

Around 10:41pm Friday night, I was helping Allison and Dusty "do crafts" for a shower they are hosting today. Then I got a text from Miss Lacey... "Immmmmm Engaged!" I immediately called her and asked if she was just messing with me or if she was serious. On Thursday we were discussing her getting engaged, planning a wedding,etc. over lunch but neither one us thought it would happen before she left for Florida this morning!

Lacey said head to her house, so I rushed a mile down the road to congratulate the new couple and hear the story!!!

Check out that ring!!! There is a better picture below...Great Job BRANDON!!!

Lacey, Brandon, and the Tankersley family (minus Lauren who is in Greece!)

Now I know you are dying to hear the story:

Lacey went to dinner with three of her friends from Harding University. They went to Cajun's to celebrate a birthday. Lacey couldn't go out afterwards because she needed to pack for the beach; to leave at 5am this morning with her mom and sister, Shelby. Well little did she know on the way home- Brandon was at her house.

It was the first place he told her he loved her and wanted to propose at the same place. How thoughtful! Her family went to hide at Starbucks for the proposal, and Brandon's car was in hiding at Wal-mart so Lacey wouldn't get suspicious when she pulled on her street.

As she was walking to the door, Brandon was on the phone. He asked her if she remembered where he told her He loved her at and how nervous he was..He was a thousand times more nervous right now. Then opened the door.... Lacey was in shock as he led her to her room where roses and candles were. And she doesn't remember a thing from there. Seriously. She was so nervous she said she was shaking and didn't know what to say/do. haha Next thing she remembers is saying "Yes" and all of her family and the friends from dinner arriving at her house!

They both are so perfect for each other! Both on cloud nine and so very happy. Brandon had to head back to Searcy around midnight, and Lacey had to pack to leave this morning for Florida. She obviously wasn't going to bed anytime soon, so I stayed and kept her company while she packed! It was so much fun catching up till 1:30 this morning about everything changing in her life. I am so happy for the both of them. Congratulations Lacey and Brandon!! Love you both : )

Ways to Save on Your Wedding Day

This morning, I received an email from a Young Designs client. The Mother of the Bride forwarded me an article by Vanguard. I thought it was worth sharing with all of you, whether you are planning a wedding or not, you can get something out of this. Those of you who are in the wedding planning process, you know how expenses add up (and much quicker than you think), so if you're Bride trying to meet your budget, hopefully this might help you.

If you’re getting married soon, congratulations! It’s a joyous event to celebrate with family and friends.
Quick question: Is one of you a saver and the other a spender? There seems to be one of each in every marriage. And opposites—although they may attract—may also create some financial challenges.
Whatever your differences now, you’ll find that you’ll be happier if you can agree on goals together, and pull together to reach them.
Your wedding is probably your first opportunity to plan together.

Here are some good questions to answer together:

• Have you set a budget for it? (It can get pretty expensive if you leave costs open-ended.)
• How will you pay for it? (If you’re lucky, your parents may assume some of the cost.)
• Will you be going into debt to finance your big day? In that case, how long will it take to pay it off? (It’s better not to start off your life together overloaded with new debt.)
  The typical wedding today can cost about as much as a new car. But you can make the event both memorable and more affordable with some simple suggestions.
  

Ten ways to make your wedding more affordable

1. Trim your guest list. This is one of the quickest ways to tame expenses. Do the math: If your wedding costs $125 a head, cutting just eight guests saves you $1,000.
2. Save on engraved invitations by asking about thermography. This printing technique results in raised letters, and it costs far less than a copper-plate engraving.
3. Get married on a Sunday and have a brunch. It’s much less expensive than a sit-down dinner on Saturday night.
4. Have your wedding ceremony and reception in the same location. You won’t have to decorate two spaces with ribbons and flowers, and you’ll save on transportation.
5. If you’re planning to serve alcohol, stick with beer and wine. You’ll save plenty by nixing mixed drinks.
6. Strike dessert from the menu. Your guests will be served slices of your wedding cake.
7. Cut the cake cost. Want a mulitiered showpiece for the photos? Ask the baker to fashion the bottom tiers from Styrofoam coated with icing. Then serve guests sheet cake made from the wedding cake recipe.
8. Rent a historic house or botanical garden for your wedding. Your township parks department may rent scenic locales for less than the cost of a hotel ballroom or banquet hall. (Ask if they have kitchen facilities or the catering costs could rise.)
9. Omit party favors. Do you remember any party favors from past weddings? If you have 125 guests, omitting a $3 box of chocolates or monogrammed matchbook will save you $375.
10. Choose flowers that are in season. They’ll be less costly than forced blooms.

To see the article click here.

My Thoughts: If you are on a tight budget, decide what is the most important feature of "your" wedding. Don't worry about others opinions. What do you want? Then make sure you include that in the budget and eliminate something that doesn't matter to you as much. Example: If you are a bride that isn't big on flowers, incorporate other decor elements for your reception decor. I agree with the article on many of the points, some I would never chose for me personally, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't chose it, if it works best for you.

What do you think about this article??? Likes/Dislikes? I love your feedback so leave a comment below. And feel free to email me any wedding consultation questions you have at Shawna.YoungDesigns@yahoo.com. Good Luck if you are in the planning process! If you aren't, I hope that there was something you could take away from this article.

Today: Includes my new fav recipe!

Hope you enjoyed "Springing" forward this morning!! Today has been a super random day and I HAVE to share.

Today's Post:

• Volleyball Tournament
• Field Trip with Mom
• CHICKEN CURRY SALAD RECIPE (that you DO NOT want to miss)

This morning started at the Statehouse Convention Center to cheer on Hayley's team. They played at 8am and won. Then played immediately after that game. The second game didn't go the way we would have hoped. The other team won the first and third matches to advance. BUT, I must brag on my little cousin. She didn't miss a serve all weekend long (and played the entire time in every match)!!! That is HUGE!!! SO proud of you darling!!! Love ya!

Field Trip: After the games, Dad flew to California so he could play Pebble Beach this week, so mother and I went to one of our favorite breakfast spots, Ozark Mountain Smokehouse. We were debating which tasks we wanted to complete today, and decided to go on a field trip. To Lake Village, Arkansas (2 hours away). We wanted to go to Paul Michaels and see what all they had. So we headed out. Had LOTS of luck getting decor items for a few clients and the house (pics to come!). Overall, we really just had a blast today taking it easy! We got home this evening late and I decided I wanted to make this.....

CHICKEN CURRY SALAD SANDWICH:

I am/was obsessed with Urth Cafe in LA. I loved their chicken curry salad sandwich, and haven't found anywhere in Little Rock with it. Well tonight I attempted to make my own version at 9pm. Yes I know, eat dinner earlier. How was it? Best thing EVER!! So much so, that I immediately had to share it with you. I am a picky eater, but LOVE this with a passion.
Ingredients: (Feel free to substitute for taste)

• Chop up some Chicken (I just used a Kroger rotisserie chicken because it was so late, but you can used grilled chicken or boiled, or whatever you have at your house, Tyson, Georges, etc.)

Make the dressing first, blend together in a bowl.

• 2 cups of Mayo
• 1/2 cup of chutney
• 3 tablespoons of mild curry powder

Then add in the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup of golden raisins
• 3/4 cup of celery (chopped)
• 1/2 of a medium white onion (chopped)
• (If you desire, add any of the following: cranberries, apples, crushed almonds, etc.)

Mix it all together...

Place on a bed of lettuce for a salad OR buy some tasty bread and add a layer of spring mix lettuce with the chicken curry salad. I suggest the latter. (And ta Da!!!) It is fabulous with a side salad and glass of sweet tea. Sweet tea, not pictured.

And the best part is, there is enough for multiple people or multiple meals, your choice.

Hope everyone had the best Sunday ever. Love you blog readers and wish you a wonderful week!

Volleyball Morning

Today started bright and early!!! My little, yet taller cousin, Hayley, has been playing on a Junior Olympic Volleyball team this year. Since January, they have had tournaments in Memphis, Conway, Springdale, Ft. Smith, and a few other places. This weekend their tournament happens to be in Little Rock. I was so excited that her first game was at 9am so that I could make it before I went to work. She has played Volleyball since the 6th grade, but I haven't ever seen her play (School, being in Fayetteville, and then LA this past year). Finally I got to watch her : ) Here is Miss Hayley before her first game!

Her Cheerleaders (Daddy, Mom, and Leah (Hayley's Mom))
Time for the games to begin! Hayley getting ready...
About to serve... She was her teams first server, and got the first 4 points. She did wonderful in the first game. They won 26-24 for the first set, then won the second set to complete the first match.

Sadly, I had to leave right after the first match. But my parents stayed for her next two matches. Game 2 at 11am: They Won!!! Game 3 at 1pm: sounded like a nail bitter. They lost the first set, won the second set, then lost the third set. But they advanced to tomorrows round. Hopefully I will get to see her play some more tomorrow! She has a natural talent for volleyball and gets the love of the game from her mother!!! That is one aspect of living back in Arkansas that I am excited about, seeing this one play Volleyball!!!

Hay: You did AWESOME today!!! Love you and Good Luck tomorrow!!!

Bachelorette Party Recap

My Apologizes blog readers...I have been M.I.A on the blog this week, and this post is long overdue. Last Friday, one of my bff's Natalie and I hit the road. We headed to Dallas, Texas to meet all of our friends. We had so much fun "roadtrippin" it. Food, jams, chit chatting, dancing and singing were all involved and the SUNNY drive made it even greater (check out the sky through the sunroof).
We made it to Dallas safely, and checked into the Fairmont Dallas. The Fairmont was the perfect place for our group to stay. The MOH (Maid-of-Honor) Ashley did a fabulous job on planning out the entire weekend including where we stayed. She put so much thought into what would be convenient for everyone traveling into town as well as going out at night. Great Job Ash- We loved everything!

So if you missed my "Warning: Dallas" post, let me catch you up. One of my very best friends, Chelsea Elizabeth is getting married in May. She and her fiance Seth have been dating since they were in eight and ninth grade. They are two of my very best friends that I met during my freshmen year of college (through Ashley). Chelsea and I have grown closer over the years through nannying in Tennessee (3 summers) at camp. She is one of those friends that I know for a fact, I am a better person because she is in my life. She has been there for me countless times over the past four and a half years; best days and worst. She always has honest advice and has her friends' best interest at heart! I am so excited about her wedding coming up in May. Chels and Seth are two of the best people I know, and deserve all the happiness in the world. I am so honored to call them friends and to stand by them on their huge day! Chelsea has been super stressed completing her Masters in teaching before the wedding, so she needed a fun get-a-way! SOOOO....

Her favorite friends from the University of Arkansas......

and from her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee (well Germantown to be exact.)

Met up in Sunny Dallas, Texas for "Chelsea's Final Fling!!!!!"

Natalie and I were the first ones at the hotel. We had to try on the party masks and experiment with Nat's new curling iron!!! (My hair Before)

The bride-to-be's carload was still on the road, so the Tennessee girls, Natalie, and I headed to Mattito's for drinks and food! We "cheered" to the Bachelorette even though she wasn't here yet!! Ha with our YUMMY Blue drinks : )

(Alison, Katherine, Jennings)

A few of the Bridesmaids (Helen, Natalie, Me, Maggie)

Alison getting in a quick pose before we went back to the hotel to meet the entire gang....

Me and the Gorgeous Bachelorette!!! (Love you!)

An Aerial view

Quick Pic with Nurse Gail!!!

And Nat Jean!!!

After we snapped some pictures, we went to Ghost Bar at the W Hotel for the night. SO. MUCH. FUN!!! We danced, laughed, and just let loose! I am pretty sure we all needed this night in some way, shape, form, or fashion!!!

The next morning, we had Chelsea's Lingerie shower at the Hotel to start the day!!! I can't show too many pictures because Seth can't see yet (Sorry). But here are some fun ones!!!

Ashley (the B-Party Planner) demonstrating the red bows other use.... (She is going to kill me later for posting this pic! Love you A-Hale)

Let the present opening begin!!!

(Jennings, Maggie, K-Ray at the shower)

The Morning Shoppers (Amanda, Seanne)

haha Chels looks a little afraid here..... Probably thinking "What have my friends gotten me into for the day..."

haha My FAVORITE picture of all!!! Check out Ashley and Chelsea's faces : ) (Gail's in the middle of them)

Alison got these SUPER Cute t-shirts made for all of us, and Maggie got Coozies! Thanks girls!

After the shower, we headed to Breadwinners for lunch. Then off to "The Girls Room" for our workout class! Here is our group picture before...We had no idea what to expect!
Then, our instructor taught us a little bit of everything about pole dancing, yes Pole Dancing. I must say, I have a new respect for "pole dancers." (Can't believe I am typing that) But it is true, we definitely got a workout. We were sore the next day. Even had some bruises. But had an Absolute BLAST swinging around! Our featured dancer...the Bachelorette herself!!! (please don't kill me after this post!)

Our class was an hour and a half, and really was so much fun! I highly recommend it for a bachelorette party! Here is another group shot before we left!

Chels, Nat, Ali, K-Ray, and I headed to do some shopping, then went back to get ready for our final night in Dallas! First Mission: To get the Bachelorette all decked out! (I mean how many times are you going to get the chance to throw your friends a bachelorette party...? We had to go all out!)
We rode the trolley to Primo's where we had reservations for Dinner!!! I just love this picture of Ashley, Helen, and Katherine! So Pretty!!! And all three are wonderful girls!!! (Single too guys...Just sayin')

The other end of the table...Beautiful friends!!

Remember those masks Natalie and I tried on earlier....well they made their appearance Saturday night! (Tease, Flirt, Sexy) We had new names too.... (Slave 4 U (song was on), Available, This is your last chance for a fling) Hilarious- especially if you know us!

Smashley was posing with her light up ring and mask...watch out Dallas!

With Mrs. "Bad"....

Dinner was so much fun, then we headed off to Liar's Den! Amanda stole Chelsea's hat...she was either: A) wanting to be the bachelorette B)wanting free shots (hmmm? jk A. Troutt)

The DJ was playing some great songs, so you could find all of us on the dance floor!!!

We even Rated a few gentlemen at dinner and throughout the night...

And of course...Danced the night/weekend away!

and well...the end of the night...we felt our age had caught up to us!! haha

So much fun girlies, can't wait to reunite in Memphis in May for Chelsea and Seth's WEDDING!!! It will be here before you know it!!!