Monday, January 31, 2011

Movie Monday

This month, I have been in a movie mood. Thought i'd share the two I saw this past weekend.
Similar yet completely different.

Both unique and funny in there own way.
I approve :)

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Today

I have forgotten how much I missed Spring/Summer until today. The big man upstairs blessed Arkansas with one of the best days ever. Perfect. It is just gorgeous outside and puts everyone in a wonderful mood, especially me.

So how did I enjoy it?
Walked around Maumelle from about 11:30 and made it back home around 2:30pm. Yes, all walking. I got my exercise in for the month, finally. :) First stop was my grandparents house, then I was going to go to starbucks, but lunch as Zaxby's sounded better. Then it was walking around the lake, stopping by Lacey's house to say hello before she headed back to school, then walking back to my house. It was a perfect day. AND reminded me how grateful that I have a car.

Now time to get ready to attend a black-tie gala this evening with my parents. So it has been a relaxing but super enjoyable day.

Rehearsal Dinners

One of my favorite events to do, are rehearsal dinners. They are smaller than the weddings but more of an intimate gathering of family and friends that are the closest to the wedding party! And oh so special. Click here to see a few of the themed rehearsal dinners, Young Designs has done over the last year. This picture is from one I did mid-January for two friends from high school/college.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sara Evans - A Little Bit Stronger

Just because!

I love Sara Evans new song "A Little Bit Stronger" but love the video even more.

Just thought I'd share {especially since I finally realized how easy it is to add youtube videos to blogger- shhhh don't tell. THX xoxo} Pretty sure any lady/women/girl can relate to this video and relate it to some year/months/days of their life. Love her strength, plus it is in the movie from my last blog post.

Country Strong

So I have seen Country Strong twice now. I love it, such a heartfelt movie- that shows real life difficulties, triumphs, success and failure. Makes you think. Makes you thankful. Makes you cry {possibly} but worth watching. True Fact: you will come away with something from this movie. I did both times I saw it, and different thoughts/conclusions too. BUT enough with my blabbing, this is my favorite song from the movie!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Miscellany Monday

Linking up with Carissa at Lowercase Letters today for Miscellany Monday!

1) Obsessed with this series...The Bride Quartet
With a "snow" day in Arkansas, I loved crawling up on the couch and starting the first book of Nora Roberts' series about 4 friends who are partners in a wedding planning business. Little would I know that I would be inspired by these books, especially with Young Designs gearing up for the second year in the wedding biz. I've completed the first two, now I have two more to go to complete the series.

2) I guess I should thank Julia for getting me back on track with Nora Roberts' series. She was talking about book four the other night at dinner. Number two of my "miscellaneous" blog post is how much I have enjoyed and treasured my friends over the last few weeks. Whether it is a phone call or dinner date, I have finally had a chance to catch up with ones that I haven't seen recently or haven't seen in a year or so. This week I had a variety of meetings but was able to squeeze in dinner with Natalie, Julia, Molly, and Lesley all on different days. So yes, I ate out a lot but it was so worth catching up with them.

3) Another sweet friend, Lara, sent me this quote (we both love a good quote). I just had to share it with you all. I loved it.

Find whatever it is that you love to do (career wise) and do it! The right boy will fall in line according to the plan that the Big Man upstairs has for each and every one of us. Stay faithful, never settle, and don't push for something that's not really there!
Isn't it great?!

4) Momma and a few of her friends had "Rita" afternoon on Saturday, and I crashed it :)
Love these ladies, their knowledge and stories are always entertaining! Especially after a few 'Ritas. ha

5) I aged years today! When I took my little cousin to get her driver's permit. She had to take the written part and oh.my. When we walked in the room, I got a good laugh. It was the same room at the Arkansas State Police Headquarters that I took mine at...Oh some...almost TEN years ago???! Yes, coming on 24 in April means I got my permit ten years ago at the wonderful age of 14. Well, once I got over the shock, she was done. And passed! YAY!
We had a cheese dip break on the way home, which turned into an hour of driving around the backroads of Maumelle, and the baseball parking lot.

6) To cap off the day, the Bachelor just aired. LOVE the show. Dislike that Michelle is STILLL around! That's all I'm saying on that one. She needs to be gone. ASAP.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week :)

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

The New Cool Thing...

So hand written notes have always been popular and the "proper" thing to do. Well today is how to make yours stand out. I got a souvenir in New Orleans , when I went earlier this month, that I have been dying to show you.

Needing to write a few Thank You notes tonight gave me the perfect opportunity to use my new sealing stamp!
I bought the "Thank You" stamp and the wax candlesticks from a cute little boutique in the French Quarters of New Orleans. The lady there showed how to use them. A lot of stores are carrying them now and they are the perfect touch to add to a handwritten note.
Once you have your note written, envelope sealed, address labeled to sender, and your return label on {or your PSA essentials stamp- which I strongly recommend. I have LOVED mine from Sincerely Yours Online!} you are ready to seal your note.
Plus, I forgot to mention, you get to play with fire too!
Have a scratch sheet of paper handy, your envelope, wax sticks, and a lighter. Once you light the wax stick, let the flame settle, then rotate the candle on its side to let the wax drip. Like such...
When you get about a nickel size amount, you insert your stamp.
Let the wax dry for about 30 seconds then pull the stamp straight up to see what happened!!
A closer look... Such a personal touch!
So then...of course I had to try my other colors out for the other thank you notes. Here are some more pictures from my "Productive-Craft" time.





My three notes that I am sending out tomorrow!!
I'll keep you posted if they notice the special touch :)

Happy Tuesday folks, hope you are enjoying your week to the fullest. Remember we are blessed beyond belief, no matter how crazy our lives seem right now.

My biggest thank you note should go to all of you who visit this blog, thank you!!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Advice from Regina Brett...

I got this in an email the other day and wanted to share it with yall!!! I am not a big one on chain emails, but love the ones that catch my eye. Here is the email:


"Written by a 90 year old
.

This is something we should all read at least once a week!
Written by Regina
Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland,Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument.
Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Half way thru January!?


Not quite halfway through January, but close enough for this recap post {so I remember 1/2011}!

WOW. What a fun year so far. Can't wait to see what the next 11.5 months bring. The end of the year/beginning of this year kicked off one of my best friends, Lacey's, wedding festivities. Thursday (12/30) was her bachelorette party in Little Rock! It was so much fun hanging out with these girls over the next 3 days.
Friday morning (12/31/10) Lacey and her mother hosted a Bridesmaids luncheon for all of us. It was so much fun. And delicious too. Our high school athletic director is a wonderful chef and use to own a bed and breakfast in Searcy, Arkansas. He still does events for friends he knows, and he prepared one scrumptious lunch for us. Here is the Bride, Coach/Chef Killgore, and Me.
Then it was off to get pampered for all of the bridesmaids.
Food, Spa, Laughing and catching up, what more could we want?
{these two Pictures: Maura Dawn Photography}
Then we were off to the rehearsal, where Young Designs coordinated the wedding and did all of the decor. The rehearsal dinner was at Cajun's Wharf in Downtown Little Rock. What a wonderful spot to celebrate Lacey & Brandon's wedding weekend and New Year's Eve.
Rung in the New Year with a few of my favorites {Mrs. Vickie (MOB), Lacey (Bride), Kristy (Bridesmaid)} all playing in the "floral shop" known that weekend as my kitchen :) Yes, it is tricky doing both (Bridesmaid/Decor/Coordinating) but with a great team and it can easily happen. What a memory we made, once I get the pictures from that night. I am sure I will HAVE to do a post for you!
Then Saturday morning, the first, we were all off to hair and make-up, then to the "chapel, cause she's gonna get married." Everything went perfect! AND I caught the bouquet....ha (the first time ever- should I be worried). Once I got all the wedding stuff organized, one of my best friends from high school, Molly, and I hit the road to 'Nawlins. {With the REST of Arkansas- We didn't drive 1 mile on the trip without seeing another Hog Car}.

First stop: Hotel
Second stop: Darius Rucker Concert in downtown NOLA!!!
Phone service was not fun. But other than that, no complaints {exception: the game}.

I Spy on Bourbon St......
Leslie, Shawn, Abby & Justin, Rachel & Blake, and LOTS of friends at Pat O's (not pictured).

Too Many Ohio State fans but even more Arkansas fans.
A few Ohio faithfuls...
Jessica and Morgan!! Jessica, JHO, is a fellow blogger who leaves me lots of sweet comments. Shout out to you :) since I know you will be reading this!!!
Oh the cowboy's and former hog.... Felix Jones
And no relation to Felix.... but a former hog as well, Matt Jones
Ryan and Seth
A few fans gathered to watch this dance/gymnastic group perform in Jackson Square. What a show, here is a picture of the guy doing a flip over seven people. SEVEN. Look closely and you can see him...
My favorite "I Spy" in New Orleans person...
Darius Rucker, he sang the Natl. Anthem at the game!!!

Bittersweet. Hog fans and flags were every where.
Couldn't wait to get into the super dome.
Found our seats, grabbed our dinner, and a drink {New Orleans is famous for their hurricanes and I was so excited they served them inside as well as on the streets.}
Molly and I sat with some of my family friends from.... ever since I was born. We had so much fun with them. We have trooped it through lots of hog football seasons and were so glad to be at the Sugar Bowl. Above is me and Mrs. Pam, Below: Mr. Hal, Mrs. Debbie, Mr. Mike, and Mr. Randy.

The hogs were called LOTS of times.

We were pulling for our team.
all the way to the last seconds. And you know the rest so we will skip ahead.
Thursday was a dreary day, but we weren't gonna let that slow us down. Molly and I had planned a "tourist" day! After lunch at Mother's, we toured the entire downtown area. It was so much fun!
St. Louis Cathedral
Cafe Du Monde: beignets are a specialty here.


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Then back from NOLA, it snowed in Maumelle.
Friday is rehearsal dinner time and Sunday the bridal fair in LR, so that will wrap the first half of January, 2011! Hope 2011 is treating you all well.