*blows off dust*

I just had this weird desire to stop by and post something. 

I don't know if anyone will read this. 

I kinda feel like Matt Damon in The Martian, trying to contact the outside world... on a deserted planet. 

#BringHimHome 

Maybe I'll start blogging again?

Do people still do that?

If you're still out there, holla at me. 

Once upon a time, there was a girl who hated vampires.

Once upon a time, there was a girl who hated vampires.

Actually, she hated anything "scary".  She didn't watch scary movies.  She didn't go to spooky houses.  And she didn't read scary books.

Actually, she didn't read books at all.  This was a very dark time for literature in this girl's life.

During college, she was forced, often tortured, with reading.  She spent four and a half years reading text books and syllabi. Occasionally, she would find time to read a magazine or a newspaper article...and blogs, of course, but books were just a thing of her past.

Until one day, a couple of her friends started talking about a book.  It was this tragically romantic book about a girl who moves to a place where trees are covered in moss and it rains 90% of the time.  The girl meets a god-like boy at her new high school.  He seems unattainable and completely uninterested.  Until one fateful day, when he saves her from a van skidding across the ice...WITH HIS BARE HANDS.  What the what?  Come to find out, it's a book about a girl who falls in love with a vampire...and vice versa. 

For obvious reasons, the girl adamantly refused the book.  There is no way that she would ever, and I mean, EVER read a book about vampires.  *Refer to the title of the post*

Two weeks later, the girl had devoured the books...all of them.  No, she didn't eat them.  *rolls eyes*  She prefers brownies.  By devour, I mean she read the books non-stop.  She didn't eat, sleep, do laundry, or talk to her friends, until the very last page was read.  Then, she read them again.

And so began her love affair for all things sparkly.  And Edward Cullen.

Now, let's skip ahead about a year.  These vampire books became a movie, and a new love began to blossom.  She found herself head-over-heels, not only for the sparkly vampire, but also the god-like creature that portrays him, Robert Pattinson.

She began filling her office with all things Twilight and Rob.  She started a blog.  She went to Twilight Conventions.  She threw Twilight parties.  She got a Twilight tattoo.  She traveled to Forks.  I guess you could say, she became a Twihard, in every sense of the word.

So, as her final hurrah...one last Twilight party (that lasted 7 days)...she made the pilgrimage to the Black Carpet.  That's right, and she slept in a tent in the middle of LA for three nights

(well, for a couple of nights...sorta...she had a room at The Luxe across the street...WHAT? She couldn't risk being stinky when she met Robert Freakin' Pattinson!), she waited in line after line, she obtained ulcers from all of the worrying she did over whether or not she would even get into Tent City/Fan Camp (that's what they call the place they herd all of the fans while you wait to see if you get a spot on the Black Carpet), met people she would have never met any other way, rubbed elbows with Twilight Stars,

made friends who will last a lifetime, 

and ROBERT FREAKIN' PATTINSON.

 Stop back by later this week for a picture overload and to hear all about when she met Stephenie Meyer and Robert Pattinson.

iheartfaces - Best Faces of 2012

Way back when, I used to join in on the weekly iheartfaces Challenge almost every week.  But, we all know that I completely fell off of the blogging wagon, so I haven't linked up in quite some time (like years).  

One wagon I haven't fallen off of is the photography wagon.  I still love it.  I actually just recently upgraded my camera...like, it came in the mail YESTERDAY!  I can't wait to go all snap happy with it.  Unfortunately, I haven't even had the chance to play with it yet...but I did kiss it...and pet it...and called it "my precious".  What?  I really love it and it's been on my wish list every since I got my first DSLR, so it was a long time coming!

Today's picture that I'm linking up with this week's iheartfaces.com challenge is from my old camera, but I still love it, because I love these faces more than my new shiny camera.

I know, I know.  Two blog posts in one week.  Don't get all excited.  I'm notorious for going all guns blazing and then fizzling out like a dud on the 4th of July.

It's Dangerous To Go Alone - A Legend of Zelda Birthday Party

I thought about coming on here and just writing my post and pushing "publish" like no big deal...like I haven't been here in 7 months.  But I have to be completely honest and tell you that I almost forgot how to even get here.  I was going to feel really stupid if I had to email one of you and ask you how.  Fortunately, I got to hang on to a little bit of my pride, and I figured it out myself.

That being said, how the heck are you guys?

One of my New Year's resolutions was to make a point to stop by here at least a couple of times a month and dust off the cobwebs.  So, here I am.

*blows dust*

*coughs uncontrollably*

I have so many things that I've wanted to blog about.  I actually am having a hard time figuring out where to start!  I know crazy problem for someone who hasn't blogged in 7 months.  Trust me, it's not that I haven't had any "material", I just haven't had the time!

Did you all know that I went to LA to the Breaking Dawn 2 Premiere, camped out for 3 days, and met Robert FREAKING Pattinson?  I'm sure if you follow me on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram, you picked up on that little tidbit.  I still pinch myself every once in a while.

So, that's totally bloggable, right?!

I've also thrown a few parties and such that I would like to blog about.  I love putting stuff like that on here, because it's a way for me to keep track of my own ideas and I know I always love finding blog posts like that when I'm trying to plan a party.

Last Saturday, Isaiah turned 9!  Can you believe that?  When I started this blog, he was 4.  I seriously have NO idea where the last 9 years have gone.  He reminds me constantly that he'll be a teenager in 4 years.  WHA?!  No.  I'm planning on doing everything within my power to change the age of becoming a teenager...maybe adding in a few new numbers between 9 and 13.  Something.  I can't just stand by and let this happen.

So, Saturday, we had a Legend of Zelda party.  If you know Isaiah, you know that he always wants something crazy and off the wall.  It was fun going old school.  I should have paid more attention back in my Nintendo days, because I had to keep using the 8 year old (now 9...only 4 years away from a teenager).

Let me tell you, there are just not that many Zelda party resources out there!  I looked high and low...blogs, Pinterest, websites, etc.  I finally found a few good ideas over on the Zelda Party Channel.  Surprisingly (or not), there are more adult party ideas out there than their are kid friendly ideas.

Here's how we did it:

Isaiah's top request was a Triforce Treasure Hunt.  So, I found a free template for a Treasure Hunt online at Parents.com and customized it to fit our party.  I made some signs for different parts of the yard using places from the Legend of Zelda games.  I led the kids around the yard as they searched for pieces of the Triforce.  Sometimes, they would have to solve a math problem or a riddle to know where to find the next clue.  Then, when they had all of the pieces of the Triforce, they put it together and flipped it over for their final clue, which led them to Isaiah's Room where there was a treasure box full of gold (aka chocolate coins).  The kids loved it and it took up a lot of the party time!

The other activity that we did was making shields.  Even the girls loved this!  They totally got into designing their shield.  They put a lot of thought and hard work into them.  Then, they took them with them on their Treasure hunt!  

Along with some swords, of course, because it's dangerous to go alone! 

For food, we had pizza and Red Potion Punch.  The punch was a recipe I got off of the Zelda Party Channel website and it was DELICIOUS.  I'll definitely be putting it in my file for future use...would be tasty for an "adult beverage"...I'm thinking tequila or rum, probably.  I used frozen strawberries, so it gave it a slushie consistency.  I made individual servings by pouring it into 8oz Mason jars.  Since it started out semi-frozen, they stayed cold for hours (with the lids on)!  This was a big hit with the kids and the adults!

I basically just used lots of green and gold for the decorations and found some Zelda party supplies on CelebrateExpress.com...and failed to take any decent pictures of the decorations...so, just use your imagination. 

The piece de resistance of any party, if you ask me, is the cake!  My cousin's wife's sister  (did you get that?) started making cakes a couple of years ago and she has been a wonderful resource for me when I'm planning an event!  She never fails to come through with an AMAZING cake and she's always up for a challenge.  I love her...and this cake!  Isaiah loved it, too.

He was one very happy 9 year old...who will be a teenager in 4 years.  

Huntington Beach Mini Movie by the Fabulous Movie-Maker, Becca Darling

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  Two of my last three posts have been about Huntington Beach and how awesome it was.  Deal with it...'cause Honey Badger don't care.  "Toniiiiiiiiight...we ARE young!!!"


If you want to smile today, you should watch this.  It has that affect on people.

A ginormous THANK YOU to Becca @ The Texas Darlings for the video.  (She does this as a business, if you're interested.  They make great gifts!!)

Hope you're all having a super great week! XOXO

14th Wedding Anniversary and Underage Marriage

Fourteen years ago today I married, Michael.  I know.  I know.  You guys are sitting there counting on your fingers, doing the math and thinking "how is this possible?  She's been married 14 years?  She must have just been a baby!"  Well, I wasn't technically a "baby", but I was only 10.  Kidding.  Plus 10.  I live in Oklahoma, not Arkansas.  Give me a little credit.  (*hold up hands in defense*  Totes kidding.  I love Arkansas.)

I remember that day so vividly. There was the missing iron, and then the missing best man who was supposed to have went and found the said iron. I later found out that my mom and aunt dropped two cheese trays and salvaged the cheese cubes that were "on top", so if you ate cheese at my wedding reception, don't 
worry...I'm pretty sure they followed the 5 second rule. 

Thanks to one of my lovely servers, who was also the star goalie on our HS soccer team, my cake was saved from hitting the floor...well, some of the cake. It was a mess, but fortunately we got some nice pics, had more in the back, and got a free cake out of the deal. 


Ah, yes...those are things that come to mind when I think back on one of the most important days of my life.  More importantly, I think about the "dash" that is between 1998-2012...I think about the love that Michael and I share. I think about Isaiah and how I'm glad he's here. I think about the home that we've built. I mean, we technically built a home and did not get divorced. Although there were a few days that were touch and go. If you want to try your marriage, build a house...and live with your in-laws for 6 months while you're in the process. I will pitch a tent and pee in a can before I do that again. Our life may not be exactly the way we thought it would be this far down the road and every moment has not been perfect.  There have been knock-down-drag-out fights and I threw a phone at Michael's head once.  We are both "passionate" people...nice way to say bullheaded and stubborn.  But I wouldn't have it any other way. There is not a trial or valley or mountain or even a little hill that I would take back. Each one has put us on a this path and kept us moving along life's journey. I'm just glad that I'm on this journey with Michael.   Hopefully he doesn't read this, it'll go straight to his head.

If you're reading this Michael, I love you!  I can't wait for the weekend!

Oh, Look! Palm Trees! Californication or #HB7...whatevs

I can't believe it's been over two weeks since we got back from Cali.  It kinda feels like a dream on some days.  Especially, when I'm slaving away, punching numbers all day.  I can't just look out my window and say, "Oh, look!  Palm trees!"

Have you guys seen the sand and seashells in Cali?  AH-mazing.  At least to people who don't live on the beach...and who've had *achem*toomanyglassesofwineandsakeandpossiblyshotsoftequila* a little too much sun.  Yeah, that sun will totally go to your head.  You've really gotta watch that when you're in Cali.

Also, you know how when you've been with good friends and you have little inside jokes and then you come home and those inside jokes aren't as funny.  Yeah, there's that.  Totally pisses me off when I can't get anyone to laugh at "'scuse, the lady" or "Honey Badger don't care..."

Where are these people's sense of humor?!?!  I mean, seriously.  Makes me want to just jack their shit up. 




*skip the snoring and go straight to 0:30* (Sidenote: I love Viv's mom voice at the end "be good"...did you hear that, Skillz?!)

Sorry about that, Skillz.  I wouldn't ever jack your shit up, you know. I love your face.  It would be totally rude for me to do that or oh, I don't know, say, chunk a shoe at you or something like that...

Yeah, that wouldn't be nice at all.

I'm so thankful for sweet friends, who never take pictures or videos of you for blackmail purposes, and never throw you under the bus...ever. 

(Sidenote:  He looks like he's holding a purse...but he wasn't, totally straight.  His girlfriend told us to "keep it klassy"...uh huh, ok.  Sure.)

+

There are just not enough people like the #HB7 in this world.

I'll be back soon with more from the Cali trip!  There are just too many pictures and videos for one post.  *waiting patiently for Becca's awesome mini-movie! 

If you want to see more, go visit one of these girls...Impulsive, Seriously Shawn, or Connie.

GET IN THE HOUSE, CARL!

While you're at it, link up to TTUT w/ Skillz and Shawn! 

Hope you're all having a great week!! XOXO

A Gift For The Bride: Wedding Day Survival Kit

Last month, when I did the wedding shower and reception for a close friend, I was looking for something that I could give her that would be useful.  I had already bought the lingerie and the wedding gift.  So, I was wanting something for the wedding day that she could really use.  This is what I came up with. 

A Wedding Day Survival Kit:

I found the adorable white satin, quilted bag at Michael's and I filled it with everything she could possibly need on her big day.

1. A snack - Nutella on the Go!
2. MIO - a little energy to squeeze into a bottle of water
3. A small first-aid kit for any blisters or boo-boos
4. Purell - never know when you need a little hand sanitizer
5. Visine - can even be used to reduce the redness of a last-minute pimple pop-up!
6. Nivea Lip Balm
7. Tylenol
8. Hand Lotion
9. Pepto - for any pre-wedding jitters/upset tummy
10. Blue finger nail polish - just in case she forgot her "something blue"
11. Kleenex pocket-size tissues
12. Orbit gum - Dirty mouth, clean it up!
13. Travel-size sewing kit - for any last minute emergencies!
14. Wisps - for fresh breath with no mess
15. Q-tips - for eleventy million uses
16. Shout Wipe & Gos - you just never know what will happen from dressing room to alter

These would make great Bridesmaids gifts too!  You could even tweak them a little for Bachelorette party favors...add in some "hangover remedies".

The Bride loved it!  She said it came in really handy on her wedding day!

In other news, I'm heading to Huntington Beach in 10 DAYS!!!  Sofa king excited.  Seriously.  I'm sure you've heard already, but I'll be meeting up with Impulsive, Seriously Shawn, Viv @ The V-Spot, Becca from The Texas Darlings, Connie from The Young and Relentless, and Jen from Harried Mom of Four!  *name dropper* It's a repeat of our trip from last year...


BUT we're headed to Cali instead of Texas and we're adding in Connie!  I just read my Friday Confessions from last year's trip and I'm bouncing in my seat from excitement!  Bring on the fun, friends, and fornication...KIDDING.  I wanted to tag our trip #Californication, but they informed me there would be no fornication...and that name was already taken. 

I'm linking up today to TTUT hosted by my skinny ass friends Impulsive and Shawn. 





No rules, just fun.  Stop by and link up!  XOXO.

A Black and White Wedding

My first wedding EVER...on my own.  I've HELPED with most of the processes and planned my own...I've put together many many parties, bridal showers, and baby showers...but never a whole freakin' wedding!  Can you say "anxiety"?  I hope so, because I had it.  Bad.


To add to the overwhelming pressure of making a bride's special day perfect, I only had a WEEK!!  After putting together her Bridal Shower, and it being a success; the Mother-of-the-Bride asked me to step in and help them with the wedding after the Wedding Planner bailed.

I won't bore you with my internal turmoil.  I'll just get on with the details and pretty pictures.  

The color scheme of the wedding was plum, black, grey, and white, of course.  Such an easy pallet to work with!  I found most of the decor at Michael's and Hobby Lobby.  Most of the paper items (programs, tissue poms, etc.) on Etsy.  Again, with little time to work with, I had to make exceptions and do the things I had time for...skip things I normally would have done, and make compromises.  So, this is what is looked like when it was all said and done...

There were twenty 85 inch round tables that sat ten people, one extremely long head table, and three food tables.  Plus, a side bar for drinks.  All of those surfaces had to be covered and decorated.  So, we went with white floor length table clothes on the round tables and put black organza overlays on them.  The long head table and all of the food and cake tables had floor length black table clothes with black and white damask table runners.

For a touch of whimsy and to fill up some space due to the very high ceiling, I tied a mixture of black, white, and silver balloons on the backs of the chairs at the head table.  These were multi-purpose, because when it was time for the departure, I went through and snipped them all off, passed them out to the guests, and had them release them as the newlyweds left on their honeymoon!  It was really cute!

I did all the flowers myself.  I stopped by Sam's and seriously bought them out of white flowers.  Then, I looked for anything "plum"...and then picked up a few green stems, greenery, and baby's breath.  I think I spent about $150 all together and I was able to make 10 mini arrangements for the head table, a large arrangement for the food table, and 10 more "small" arrangements for the guest tables...I also make 22 tussy mussy bouquets that went down the center aisle in the sanctuary.  (I wasn't in the ceremony, so I don't have any pictures yet. BOO.  I made 30 of the tussy mussies (paper cones with a ribbon handle)...I'll have to do a post on them when I get some pictures from the photographer.)

The bride loves vintage.  So, I tried to put little touches of vintage wherever I could...like the pearls and the black and white photographs...I also those the candelabras were a bit "vintage-y".

When I took on the role as "wedding planner", they still had not bought or decided on any kind of wedding favors.  After racking my brain, I thought about a CD with songs from their wedding.  The bride and the groom are both musical people, so it seemed to really fit them.  The bride loved the idea, so I got to work making a playlist in my iTunes account.  Then, I burned 85 CDs, made some labels w/ a thank you from the bride and groom and a list of the songs.  I put the CDs in some clear jewel cases and tied them off with some raffia.  If I would have had more time and a bigger budget, I would have ordered something like these...

They are from onefabday.com - amazing site for wedding favors!

Here's a few of the pics that I was able to snap quickly as I was buzzing around like a bee making sure drinks were full and the food table was stocked...oh, yeah...AND running the photo booth! <--another post all in itself!

All in all, I think the wedding was a huge success.  Everything pretty much went off without a hitch...the bride and groom were happy, which is all that matters.

And they lived happily ever after.

Links:

• I Spy Game for the guest tables (Paired up with a disposable camera, this is a great way to get some candid shots of all the guests!) - WeddingsbyJaime on Etsy
• Monogrammed Napkin Rings - EyeCandyEventDetails on Etsy
• Wedding Programs - iheartstationaryshop on Etsy
• Personalized Guestbook Art - PERSONALIZEDprints on Etsy

Remember, if you see anything you like or want to know more about, just let me know in the comments and I'll reply through email or just shoot me an email from my contact tab!

A Touch of Tiffany Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party

"I'll tell you one thing, Fred, darling... I'd marry you for your money in a minute. 

Would you marry me for my money? "
"In a minute."
"I guess it's pretty lucky neither of us is rich, huh?"
"Yeah."

-Breakfast At Tiffany's

A couple of weeks ago, I put together a Bridal Shower on a last-minute's notice.  I had to act fast, so I just went with a few things I knew about the bride-to-be...

1. She loves vintage.
2. She loves Audrey Hepburn.
3. I love Paris...oh, wait.  This wasn't about me?  Ooops.

So, I just started throwing things together.  Stop #1, my go-to bakery for some truffles and petite fours.  I knew I had to get this order in first!  I decided to go with petite fours in white with black Os (initial of Groom's last name) and chocolate with white Os...white cake with lemon filling and chocolate cake with raspberry filling, in case you want to know the finer details...or something to drool over. 

My Stop #2 was Etsy.  It's my go-to place for DIY original party supplies.  I found just what I was looking for and everyone was so helpful in getting me my PDFs in a timely fashion and customizing all of it to my color scheme.  My main purchases were some personalized party games, dessert table labels, tissue paper pom poms, french soaps for favors, and some adorable lips and moustache straw flags! (click on the items for links back to the Etsy shops) 

For the rest of the decor, I just used what I already had...I'm a lover of all things Paris and French, so I had a few Eiffel Towers lying around.  I picked up some damask black and white ribbon and some Tiffany blue ribbon at Michael's to use on the dessert table...and wherever else needed some ribbon. To add a little "Audrey Hepburn" into the shower, I printed off some quotes and put them in black and white frames and set them around the dessert table and food area.

I usually ALWAYS use fresh flowers, but like I said, time was short, so I used some large artificial white peonies in some little Eiffel Tower vases.  They looked cute and matched the "feel" of things.


For the favors, I ordered some FABULOUS VINTAGE-Y French Soaps from The French Market on Etsy!  They were a hit.  Each one came in a stamped glassine bag with seam binding wrapping.  So so cute...so so French and vintage.  

(photo courtesy of FrenchMarket on Etsy)

My favorite little touch was the French Sparkling Lemonade I ordered from Amazon.  It was DELICIOUS and paired wonderfully with our lasagna, salad, and bread sticks from Olive Garden (I know, not French, but Bride's request).

I also did the wedding last weekend, so I'll do a post on that next week!  It's all black and white and vintage...turned out really cute!


List of links:
Damask/Tiffany Blue Table Tents/Labels - Posh Pixels
Personalized Bridal Shower Games in Tiffany Blue - Duecuori
French Soaps - FrenchMarket
Lips and Moustache Flags - HeSawSparks
Tissue Paper Pom Poms - The Whimsical Pom
Grey Striped Paper Straws - Amazon.com
Lorina French Sparkling Lemonade (FROM FRANCE!!) - Amazon.com


If you see anything else in the pics and want to know where I got it, just ask me in the comments or shoot me an email!


Hope you all are having a fabulous week!♥