I came across this picture and thought how perfect would this be if not for a fall wedding, but for one where the bride is a teacher?  Use apples to decorate with!

Brings back the memory of my cousin/best friend’s wedding.  Her husband picked out the song, “Hot For Teacher” by Van Halen for when he took off her garter at the reception…it was HILARIOUS! 

So to all you teachers out there, take a break…instead of teaching, LEARN how to incorporate your being a teacher into your wedding, and turn your knowledge into an adorable hit! 

Happy planning!

I always love finding new and creative ways to decorate an event…and today I was inspired by a blog at www.socialeventdesign.blogspot.com.   Check out this great idea: Using lemons, this event planner created vases for flowers…now how creative is that!

 Much exciting news to share!  We are moving!  Fear not dear friends, it’s not far.  But it is going to be ours, and so now I get to PAINT!  If you ever saw our last townhome, you’d understand why I plan to paint again in red.   Not only did it look awesome, but the red wall became special because it was originally painted by my brother-in-law, who’s life was loved, and then lost.  So in memory of him, I want to paint in red again.  Though it might not be done as perfectly as he did it for us, I’m going to try my best!  Here’s what our old place looked like:

We used the red ~

And a tan color ~ with white trim.

 I loved it.  I miss it.  But now we have a chance to recreate it!  Since we do not have the exact paint chips, I tried to find the closest colors possible.  The colors we have picked for our new living room are:

Classic Burgundy by Benjamin Moore

& Bradstreet Beige by Benjamin Moore. 

I’ll keep my eyes open for swatches to show you, and of course, I’ll be posting before and after pictures soon!  Wish me luck on this red…last time it took us about 6 coats to cover the wall, so this time we’re being smart and using primer first…lol  Let the painting begin!

 Sometimes it all comes together.  Sometimes it unravels.  It’s life.  And I love it.

This past year has been a year of much needed discovery.  Even through lives lost, I’ve seen touched lives found.  I’ve seen people finding change in themselves for the better, and friends who’ve finally found true love.  I’ve seen friends who’ve gone through some hard times, but who have kept stepping forward refusing anything that tried to bring them down.  I’ve seen people discovering their talents, passions, and inner selves.  I’ve witnessed Faith being found, hope, and happiness. 

Along the road some ups and downs, twists and turns, highs and lows, but at the end of the day, I remain blessed, and know that I’ve discovered life…all over again.  That’s what it is…life.  Whether it’s something good that happens or something bad, life continues to go on.  

I live in the moment and don’t stress about the little things (ok maybe I do sometimes stress because it’s in my nature to worry, but for the most part it’s all good).  While sometimes procrastination gets me in trouble, I can proudly say that for the most part, it’s allowed me to breathe in my life.  Because sometimes you just have to stop and smell the flowers.  Stop and stare at the moon.  Stop and breathe.  And know that everything will be ok, if you just have a little Faith.

I’m not saying I’m her biggest fan or anything, and I know everyone has their own opinions about her cream denim Valentino wedding dress.  However, I have to say, Pamela Anderson still looked absolutely ravishing at her latest wedding, don’t you agree? 

If you haven’t grabbed the latest issue of OK! Magazine, head over to your local Walgreens and flip through it.  The photography, done by Damon Kidwell- www.damonkidwell.com, was shown in black and white, and really made it look classic…I do love black & white photography!  But in this case, I’m not sure if it was the photographer or if it was Pamela that made the pictures turn out so great!  Either way, congratulations Pam and Rick!

Planning a wedding?  Congratulations!  While planning can be fun, sometimes finding that perfect dress isn’t so easy.  If you’ve been everywhere and are tired of all the same hectic and crazy salons, why not try Edyta Milan?  Check out www.embridal.com, and see the difference!

Specializing in unique styles and class, with special attention to the bride, Edyta Milan is like a breath of fresh air compared to the many bridal salons out there!  The difference is noticed the minute you walk into the store.  The shop is beautifully designed, elegant, and not overwhelming…you can actually walk in there without tripping over racks and other brides.  It’s well organized and very well presented. 

Offering not only amazing bridal gowns, Edyta Milan also offers a large selection of bridesmaid dresses and other stylish evening wear!  They offer advice, help for not just the bride, but the groom too, with a great selection of different tuxes and suits.  They will help you pick out the perfect colors to compliment your dress and flowers, so that your wedding party is fabulously stylish and unique!

With WONDERFUL customer service, you can’t compare.  Edyta Milan has you covered.  I won’t spoil the other surprises, you’ll just have to pop in there yourself one day!  Don’t forget to try and make an appointment though, so you can get the full experience.  Enjoy, good luck dress finding, and happy planning!!!

Edyta Milan - www.embridal.com, 708-352-1995

I have not posted in a week, but do not fear, more posts are near!  Life got really crazy and hectic for a little while, and still is.  However you know I can’t stay away too long, so I’m back. 

More to come, but for now just a little post to say good morning and hello!  I can’t wait to show you today all of the fun things I’ve come across lately!  So sit tight, little kittens. 

“Good Things Come To Those Who Wait”, a very familiar expression, which I find I’ve held onto all year long.   With hard times come good times.  Yes, my friends, so true.  ‘Tis life!

If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “It’s not easy being green”, well, guess what…times are a changing!  Ask Kermit The Frog, he’s shown here checking out the new Ford Escape Hybrid, which they’re saying is the the most fuel-efficient SUV on earth!

If you aren’t going to run now to buy a hybrid, why not go green in other ways?  In honor of Blog Action Day, here are a few ideas I have on how to go green…let’s all get this green ball rolling!  Transform with me.  Read with me.  Go green with me.  Together, we can all make a difference, and make our planet healthier!

1. Recycle, recycle, recycle!  Whatever you can.  Don’t have recycling in your neighborhood?  Try to get it started, or save them until you visit a friend or family member who is able to recycle.

2. Turn garbage into gifts!  I enjoy keeping my magazines for two reasons.  Rather than throw them out, I keep a few every now so I can show my kids someday what articles were important back in “my day”.  Not a pack rat like me?  Then get creative!  Rather than throwing out magazines or bottles, I enjoy modge-podging bottles for friends and family.  Just cut out pictures/phrases from magazines that remind you of that person, put them together onto the bottle with tape making a collage, and then use Modge Podge as the laquer finish for the bottle…wrap a ribbon around the neck, and wala!  Art!  From the heart!  This also works great with shoe boxes, frames, anything!  I LOVE Modge Podge!

3. Don’t buy paper plates.  Or plastic cups/silverware.  Instead, get off your butt and do the dishes!!!  Not only are you helping save the planet, you’re also saving your ass by getting more excersize…lol!

4.  Plan your weeks in advance.  That way you use less gas running back and forth everywhere because you forgot you had to do something else!  Or, carpool with friends/family, split the cost of gas, and wala, more green in your pocket and more green in the planet’s pocket!

5.  Stop!  Don’t throw out that stack of used paper from your work!  Instead, keep used paper in pile, and at the end of every month, donate it to schools to use (the other side which is blank).  See now you’re saving trees!

6.  When you’re done using your coffee pot, toaster, lamp, fan, whatever, unplug it!  Not only are you saving energy, you’re also saving money!  And please, turn off those lights when you’re done using them.  Or buy some energy efficient bulbs.  Better yet, if you can, light some candles!  Now you’ve set a relaxing mood. :)  Aaaah way better than that darn light which was probably giving you a headache anyway!

7.  Plant a tree.  Flowers.  Grow something!  Earn a green thumb, and you’ll earn a green planet.

8.  If your water tastes good, drink it!  Pour it into a glass from your sink.  Come on.  Do we really need to keep drinking out of bottled water???  No…unless of course your water tastes gross, and if that’s the case then invest in a water cooler instead.  Less waste.  Same great taste!

9.  Bring your own bags when you go shopping!  Check out some cool ones from Trader Joe’s, they’re only $1.50 each, I believe!  And they’re cute!  See?  Green AND trendy!

10.  Go digital.  Invest in a digital camera, that way you’re not wasting film rolls/containers, or paper, because you can just print the pictures you want!

There.  Those are my 10 great ideas…pretty simple, and even if you’ve already heard them before which I’m sure you have, at least it’s a good reminder.  Now I challenge all of YOU to come up with 10 green ideas too.  I challenge YOU to go green!Get posting, get green.  Now where’d Kermit go?! lol

True Love Can Last Forever.

To see more beautiful pictures that show love still exhists in this world, go to:

http://www.veer.com/products/gallery.aspx?gallery=1439

 Kramford Video- 630-231-8459

Wedding and special event videography, Creative, affordable, unobtrusive videography!

You know you’ve got a good vendor when you hear about them through word of mouth from several friends, and of course, several great posts on all those wedding boards!   Advertisement through rave reviews, the best kind.  Make your customer happy, and your customer tells everyone how wonderful you were, and then they tell their friends, and the chain forms.  That’s how we found Patrick.

If you haven’t gotten the pleasure of working with Patrick Kramford Videography (www.kramford.com), I’m excited to tell you about him!  After interviewing several videographers when planning our wedding, we fell in love with Patrick’s work, professionalism, kindness, and beautiful talent.   But it gets better than that…he’s also a lot more affordable than your average big name videographer! 

You can tell when someone really takes pride in and cares about their work.  This is his passion, and it shows.  Everyone was so happy with our wedding video and montage, that since then several of my friends and family members have used his services for their wedding and events! 

He has a way of editing and creating videos to make them seem almost movie-like.   He captures the emotion.  The feelings.  The happiness.  And the great thing is that when he films events, he doesn’t use that annoying light that makes your guests feel like a deer in headlights…so what you get is your beautiful day, just the way it was.  And quite the amazing memory to live over and over again. 

So if you’re looking to capture your day on video, or to create a photo montage, contact Patrick Kramford!  Check out his website, www.kramford.com, you can even request a sample video to see how amazing his work really is!  Happy planning!

In the Chicagoland area?  Check out the Chicago Antique Market this month! 

MARKET ADDRESS – 1350 Block of West Randolph and inside the historic Plumbers Hall

Collectors, dealers, retail buyers, designers, domestic and international visitors, families and friends come together to celebrate, preserve, swap and shop treasures from the past.  Fun and fabulous food and drink specialties abound! Come and dine al fresco against the backdrop of the beautiful Chicago skyline.   DON’T DRIVE — THEY’LL PICK YOU UP AND DROP YOU OFF! Free Trolley Pickups on the hour from Water Tower Place, with return shuttles back to Michigan Avenue every half hour!

$8 both days 9am-5pm, children under 12 free.
Early outdoor shopping on Saturday only at 7:30am for $20.
October 27-October 28
Indoor air-conditioned and outdoor market featuring 150 quality antique dealers of furnishings, housewares, artifacts, vintage clothing, jewelry, sterling, porcelein, lighting, toys and collectibles galore.

Calling all bloggers! Join millions of other bloggers and myself on October 15th for BLOG ACTION DAY!

Watch this video, learn about Blog Action Day, and get involved! Together, we can make a difference. Happy blogging!

From Yahoo! News ~ Too cool not to share!

Spyglass House

Maui’s Spyglass House is nothing fancy; it wisely lets its oceanfront location do the heavy lifting. There are six rooms, divided between two houses. The common-area living room has amazing views. Sit in a Sky Chair hanging over the lawn, or do some yoga at the yoga center that Spyglass House runs a few blocks down the street. The hippie-chic town of Paia, half a mile away, is packed with eclectic restaurants and boutiques, but there’s a kitchen and barbecue grill on-site if you’d rather not leave the premises. 808/579-8608 or 800/475-6695, spyglassmaui.com, $120 ($90 for shared bath), includes breakfast.

Calla Lily Inn

Rod and Charlotte Callahan renovated a 1950s hotel in downtown Palm Springs, Calif., giving it a comfortable, nonintimidating feel. The nine rooms are large and tasteful, but the real star is the courtyard. Vibrant foliage–including palms and lemon, lime, and grapefruit trees–surrounds a rectangular pool, with the San Jacinto Mountains providing a glamorous backdrop. The five fountains don’t hurt, either. 760/323-3654 or 888/888-5787, palmspringscallalily.com, from $109 (two-day minimum on weekends), includes evening cordial.

Galisteo Inn

Galisteo is 25 minutes outside of Santa Fe, but feels farther. The inn is a low-slung 18th-century hacienda, redone in 2004 with elan. Walls were painted in vibrant colors, and objets de cowboy art have been deployed with precision. The hotel is surrounded by 15 acres, home to apple and other trees. (You can pick fruit and feed it to the friendly llamas.) The Pecos Wilderness area is 10 miles away and has great hiking trails. The Galisteo Inn’s chef, Enrique Guerrero, trained with Thomas Keller, of the famous French Laundry in California. 866/404-8200, galisteoinn.com, from $115, includes breakfast.

McMenamins Old St. Francis School
What was once a 1936 elementary school in downtown Bend, Ore., has been converted into a lodging-and-entertainment complex. The classrooms are now 17 hotel rooms, but the property appeals to locals, too. There’s a movie theater, microbrewery, restaurant, and Turkish soaking pool. Groups should consider the four cottages, which sleep 2 to 10 people. Like McMenamins’ other properties, this one has character to burn. 877/661-4228 or 541/382-5174, mcmenamins.com, from $94, includes movie theater admission.

Numero Uno Guest House

In the residential Ocean Park neighborhood of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Numero Uno is a 1940s house that’s been turned into a hotel. The inn, which was totally renovated in 2005, is on the beach; you can hear the waves from your room. Numero Uno’s restaurant, Pamela’s Caribbean Cuisine, has tables on the sand. Go for dinner, or just for the house drink, a Lemon Squeeze–Bacardi Limon, with lemons and limes steeping in it, and cranberry juice. 866/726-5010 or 787/726-5010, numero1guesthouse.com, from $60, includes breakfast.

For more charming hotels around the world, for around $100, go to:

http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-dyn/content//article/2006/10/02/AR2006100200403_4.html

Happy traveling!

Say “Cheese” but spell “Love”! 

I love the idea of using signage at weddings, for different photo shots, like the wedding party did here for the bride and groom!   Hold up letters that spell out “LOVE” or “JUST MARRIED“.  Get creative & have fun with it.   I’ve also seen where the bride holds a sign that says “THANK” and the groom holds up a sign that says “YOU“, they then use that picture for their wedding thank you cards.  An extra special little touch!

Love this photographer’s work?  Check out her blog to see more great pictures taken by her talented self! 

Go to: http://katetriano.wordpress.com/

Photography by Kevin Teachey ~ unusual, unique, vivid and quite lovely!

Will you look at this picture!  You’d think it was a carriage ride through a winter wonderland, but if you look more closely, you’ll see it’s not winter at all…but rather a photo taken in infrared.  Beautiful, isn’t it?  Kevin Teachey has an awesome portfolio, containing pictures of nature, life, and also some wedding photography as well.  He’s got a unique eye and talent! 

To see more of his stunning work, go to: http://photo.net/photos/kevin%20teachey.

 NEW!  Send a simple message this holiday season… joy.

 Guess who has a new holiday card out?  My favorite letterpress designer, Bellis Studios!   Read her blog at: www.bellisblog.com to find how she created this new beautiful & fresh design, or purchase your set at www.bellisstudios.com!

Set of six letterpress Christmas cards, 5.75″ x 4.375″ (A2) with matching envelopes features her own Christmas tree illustration. Colors are pale citrus green and cranberry red. Printed on white (crane’s beautiful 100% cotton ‘Lettra’ paper). Blank inside.  Go to www.bellisstudios.com and get yours now! 

You don’t want to be like me and still have cards waiting to go out from 3 years ago yet do you?! lol  So get shopping!

Check out some of these great fall wedding inspirational ideas…aren’t they so pretty!? 

It’s great when I come across these ideas while surfing other blogs…sometimes blogs can be so much more helpful than actual websites, as they’re updated more often with new pictures galore! 

These pictures were found at: www.createmyevent.com, a wonderful blog filled with tons of inspiration, ideas and advice for all sorts of different events!

String of Pearls Creamer & Sugar by Mariposa

Care for some coffee with your cream and sugar?  Then you’re just like me!  Extra cream and extra sugar won’t be a problem with this adorable Creamer and Sugar, which includes a lid and spoon! 

I fell in love with this little set, a pop bead design marks the style and trademark of Mariposa’s String of Pearls.  So put away that big bukly Coffeemate creamer carton and serve your next coffee or tea with style!

Get yours for $74.00 at:

www.madisonavegifts.com.

Want to look just like Gabrielle did on the show “Desperate Housewives“? 

Get her Pink and Green “Joy” Apron at: http://abctvstore.seenon.com/detail.php?p=13175 for only $78.00!  “Sweet and flattering fine halter apron. Fully reversible and made of high quality cotton.” 

You don’t have to be desperate, but if you’re domestic that works too!  I just think it’s simply adorable…don’t you? 

Love the fashionable apron but looking to spend a little less? 

Check out the post on www.lifeinaventicup.com (for a special discount code for you).  They found some great ones (see left) for around $30.00 at www.thepepperkids.com!  

I just love how fun and flirty these are!  Don’t they just make you want to get up and cook something?  Very rarely do I actually FEEL like cooking, but with these adorable aprons, I’m in!

On a more serious side… 

“Knowledge is power.” That’s really the case when it comes to mental health. A little education goes a long way to understanding what you or someone you know is going through and getting and past any shame to decide to talk to someone.  This post is in honor those who are going through it, have been through it, or know someone who is.  Because there is hope, and there is help. 

Here’s a song & video to all of those who have lost a loved one due to suicide.  The Fray - “How To Save A Life“.

Check out www.mpoweryouth.org, a site for youth & others to learn about and find help for issues such as suicide, depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, etc. 

For more information or to get help, go to: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/suicide.  If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

 Planning a “Ghoul’s Night“?

With Halloween right around the corner, you might be thinking about how to plan a spooky night of your own.  Fear the ghosts but not the night, with inspiration from www.hostesswiththemostess.com, you can find all the fabulous things you’ll need to plan your perfect Halloween party!  Whether it’s a “Ghoul’s Night In” or a classic night of spookies, you’ll love the ideas they have to offer!

Thanks to: http://ready2spark.blogspot.com/, for the great find! 

Check out her blog for more inspiration…she’s got it down!

“I Do What She Says” Pillow Cases

Check out these hilarious pillow cases perfect for the newlyweds! Gotta love a good laugh, and afterwards a good night’s sleep. Get yours at www.target.com, a set of 2 for only $27.99!

Gotta love ‘em! Now sweet dreams.

A Must See & Do: The Ritz Carlton Chicago Anniversary Suite!

If you ever get the chance, even if it’s just for one night, save up and experience the Anniversary Suite inside the Ritz Carlton of Chicago.  My husband and I stayed here on our wedding weekend, for 4 nights (thank you Mom!!!), instead of going away on a honeymoon.  But fear not, we were treated probably better than any other honeymoon we might have taken had my husband had a less demanding job at the time!

The minute we walked into the Ritz Carlton, they knew our names, and continued to greet us as “Mr. And Mrs….”the entire time.  We have no idea how everyone knew who we were.  We’re just normal people, but were treated like royalty!  Every person in that hotel, from the concierge to the elevator guy, knew our names…and greeted us by name as we would walk through.  They were helpful in hand-picking romantic tables at restaurants for us, helping us with whatever it was we needed, ensuring we had an enjoyable stay.

Not only was the service amazing, but so was the hotel itself, of course!  We had the pleasure of staying in the 860 sqft.” Anniversary Suite”, which is a suite, mind you, with an actual DOORBELL because it’s so large!  The “Anniversary Suites” are on the corners of the building, between the 24th and 27th floors.  How cool.

You walk into your suite to the foyer where there is a beautiful bar, then through an arched doorway is a huge living room area with beautiful furniture and decor.  As you walk through the living room, you open the French doors to your bedroom, which in itself is amazing, with the most comfortable king bed in the world, and amazing panoramic views of the city! 

Next to the bedroom is 2 marble bathrooms, (one is shown above) which features an oversized deep soaking tub for two, and of course, another amazing view of the city and Navy Pier.    The glass-enclosed shower is beautiful…you sing in it and it sounds as if you’re in an opera house! 

The entire suite was just the most amazing suite I’ve ever been inside of.  Beautiful decor, furniture, amazing floor-to-ceiling windows with awesome views of the city, comfortable seating and bedding, and luxuries beyond belief.  Truly the most romantic place on Earth!  So you must, if not today, or tomorrow, then as soon as you can, experience the Ritz Carlton Chicago Anniversary Suite.  It’s heaven, in the city!

If you’re interested, check out this link for more info: http://www.fourseasons.com/chicagorc/guest_rooms_and_suites/anniversary_suite.html. 

Happy honeymooning, anniversarying, or just plain experiencing!

Today’s Subject: Neaplitan Ice Cream!

Ever since I was little, whenever I’d eat neapolitan ice cream, I’d always just scoop out the chocolate part for myself to eat.  The other flavors, vanilla and strawberry, I never really cared for.  I like them, just fine, but I much prefer chocolate.  I love chocolate! 

So as a child, whenever my parents would buy neapolitan ice cream, my sisters and I would always just scoop out the flavor we liked best, which between the 3 of us, ended up being either the vanilla or chocolate, but never the strawberry.  It’s just how it was.  It’s just what we did.

Tonight, I went grocery shopping with my father-in-law (while visiting them) and he asked which flavor I wanted.  I figured since I knew he liked vanilla, and I liked chocolate, we’d just get neapolitan!  Perfect!  Right?  Well apparently we grew up in somewhat different houses. 

I served myself some chocolate out of the neapolitan like I always do, and left the rest.  Not 15 minutes later did my father-in-law get himself some ice cream, and jokingly yelled, “Jaime….you are going to drive me nuts like my sons did when they were little, aren’t you!”.  I was confused…he had this smirk on his face like I was nuts, so I asked what he was talking about. 

He said, “You do the same things my sons used to do, and it used to drive me crazy.  You dig the chocolate out of the neapolitan ice cream, and leave the other flavors!  You’re supposed to scoop all three together, not just the flavor you like!  If you wanted chocolate, I could have just gotten you chocolate!”.  Then he laughed. 

Aaaah yes, I am officially “one of his kids” now, aren’t I! :)  Too funny…so this leads me to wonder.  Do you scoop all 3 flavors together when eating neapolitan, or do you pick out only your favorite flavor like I do?  Maybe I’m not the only crazy one after all.

 Oh, the things you can do!

Over at http://chicago.apartmenttherapy.com/, check out some of the entries for the Fall Colors Contest Roundup!  I’m loving this one…though it’s not listing who sent the entry in, what a creative idea!!! 

It’s always fun to add your own little unique touches to your home, and this person decided to do it by adding a little art to their stairs!  Often we forget that space, and worry too much about the top of the stairs, when all along, the part we really look at, should be just as pretty too!  So get the paint out, or throw up some cool wallpaper onto those stair panels.  Get creative!  Use your stairway canvas to add new color and art into your life.

Hosting a “Girls Night In“?  Throw a spa party! 

Check out the beauty items all the celebs are loving at: www.jaquabeauty.com.

Jaqua Beauty helps you with tons of party tips and ideas.  To view them, just go to their site!  They teach you how to:”Be pampered by indulging in different treatments and packages. Be creative by setting the mood. Be delicious with spa menus and recipes. Be talented and create your own  spa treatments.” 

Be beautiful by being you.  But whatever you do, make it scrumptious too, and don’t forget the chocolate cake! :) 

Make It Unique.  Like You!

I’m all about swirly, girly, frilly and fun…so of course I fell in love with this wall design, found on Design Sponge.  View the original post here: HERE!

While I know it’s easy to just throw a stencil pattern up there on the wall, how cool would it be to just paint freehand, whatever design comes to mind, and make it yours? 

Oh, the inspiration….(sigh).

Love this wall design but don’t feel like painting?  Buy it at Velocity Art and Design!

www.velocityartanddesign.com

My have times changed….

What’s up with this video?  Did women really sit around all day worrying about how to make their husband a decent cup of coffee? Be for real. Check out this old coffee commercial.

Finding the perfect wedding dress is never easy, until you find the one that just makes you smile and your eyes tear up.  Then you know it’s “the one”.   I knew it with my wedding dress, and hopefully you get that same feeling when you buy yours. 

Sometimes it’s just the little details that make your dress so perfect.  I’m loving this rhinestones on the back of this dress!  Come on, let’s say it together: “ooooohhhhh…..aaaaaahhhhh!”. 

This photographer did a great job at catching just the right detail needed for the shot…see more of their work at: http://abrittonphotography.wordpress.com/! 

Happy dress hunting!

So you are thinking of having your bridesmaids all wear the same shoes, huh?                  

What if you let them pick their own style instead? 

I LOVE shoes, so of course I truly appreciated this photography from: http://katemcelweephotography.wordpress.com/!

I also love how the bride here allowed her bridesmaids to pick their own shoes, as long as they were in red, it appears.  It’s a great idea, so each girl can pick their own shoe according to their own style and comfort. 

Not everyone can fit into the same shoes, and it’s better to have everyone comfortable than to worry about them limping all day instead of dancing!   So let your girls get creative with their shoes…and have a fun, worry-free wedding!

Steps to Breast Self-Examination

It’s always worth repeating: The sooner a problem is found, the better the chances for treatment and recovery. Regular monthly breast self-exams are key to early detection and empower you to take charge of your health.

Just as your period ends (or at the same time each month if you do not have periods), check for any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts. Report any changes to your doctor or nurse. Go for regular breast exams and ask about a mammogram.

Step 1: Lying Down

• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder
• Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast
• Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin
• Follow an up and down pattern
• Feel for changes in the breast, above and below the collarbone, and in your armpit
• Repeat on your left breast using your right hand

These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.

Step 2: In Front of the Mirror

Look for any changes from normal. Inspect your breasts in four steps: 

• Hold arms at your side
• Hold arms over your head
• Press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles
• Bend forward with your hands on your hips

See your doctor or nurse if you notice any of these things in your breasts:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in size or shape
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends the following:

• Mammograms every year starting at age 40
  • Women under 40 with either a family history of breast cancer or other concerns should talk with a health care provider. Screening tests may be needed more often and/or started earlier.
• Clinical breast exams by a health care provider at least every three years starting at age 20, and every year after 40
• Breast self-exams every month starting at age 20

For more information about breast health or breast cancer, please visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure at www.komen.org or call 1-800 I’M AWARE (1-800-462-9273).

You’re getting married, but why listen to everyone else?  Whatever you do, make sure YOU have the wedding that YOU want.  Dress how YOU want to, make it your OWN style.  Gone are the days where you can only wear pastels in the spring, and darker colors in the fall.  Be bold, be you.  You want to wear white?  Then do it.  You want your girls to wear black in the spring, or pastel pink in the fall?  Go for it.  

Make it your day…because it’s nobody else’s.  Wear that tattoo.  Why cover it up?  It’s a part of you!  Rock your wedding like a rock star…and make it your own.  I love how this bride made her day unique and about her.  She definitely rocked it, and so did her whole wedding party! 

This is one of the coolest wedding parties I’ve seen.  Check out www.offbeatbride.com, for more pictures!

Leaf it up to fall to decorate your event! 

Let nature help you decorate your event.  Rather than spending all your dough on flowers, why not go collecting colorful leaves like you did when you were little, and place them all around! 

Float them in bowls or vases of water, scatter them down an aisle for a wedding, hang them, whatever your little heart desires.  Take advantage of this fall beauty and get creative!  

Fall in love!

It’s always a season for something, whether it’s the wedding season or the holiday season, it’s always something!  So why not always keep some stylish and fun wrapping paper on hand, just in case another “something” comes up!

Check out this awesome wrapping paper from www.whimsypress.com!  This lil’ shop has tons of unique, funky and fun wrapping you’re sure to love!  Now get up, stand up, and wrap it up.

“Grow Old With Me, The Best Is Yet To Be.” -Robert Browning

Love Rocks.  And so does this double rocking chair!   It reminds me of the scene in the movie “Notting Hill” where pregnant Anna is sitting on the bench with Will, and the movie ends with you thinking they live happily ever after.  Get your happily ever after with this chair…and lots of love of course too! 

Wouldn’t it make a great gift to your favorite couple?  If you’re interested, you can get it at: www.finewoodworker.com for $7,000 -$9,000. 

Otherwise, check out www.target.com for similar ones to suite your budget! 

I saw this kitchen on http://anindiansummer-design.blogspot.com/, and had to share.  I love how bright the kitchen is, light can add such a clean, crisp feel to a room, and keep a sheltered one from getting too depressed! 

My mom is always telling me, “Open the blinds, get some sunlight in here, the sun is good for you!  Or go out for a walk or something.”  I admit, sometimes my husband and I enjoy the dark (I love seeing the glow from candles), but a bright room really can make quite the difference.  So next time you’re feeling blue, just open up those blinds, and let the sun shine in!