Monday, December 31, 2012

A Mother, Wife & Professional's New Years Resolutions


I don't typically make it a point to write out New Years Resolutions. I'm not saying that I don't believe in them; I'm just a very reflective person throughout the year. With that said, I think for those that are not as reflective, resolutions can bring out the best in people. I am going to go ahead and write out a few for some self awareness. I consider my resolutions, the resolutions of a mother, wife & professional. I want to be the best at all of the above & I struggle with each of them.
 
-First, I will try not to let my fear have so much control of me. This requires some explanation. When I became a mother, I also became a terrified nurturer. Feeling such a strong force of love is terrifying. It's never fully understood, until you stare at your new baby. You realize how much it would hurt if they were no longer yours- if things you couldn't control, took them from you. I spend a lot of my time anxiously listening to noises in the middle of the night (suspicious wind sounds that mirror murderer sounds). I scan the crowd at the movie theatre nervously praying, that we will not become victims to a madman. I get misty eyed when I think of the first time my daughter comes home from school & her friends have been mean to her. I want...I need to work on these things. I need to understand that there is so much that I cannot control. I need to accept this fact & not let it control my life & occupy my every thought.
 
-Secondly, I want to make more time for my supportive husband. We need more date nights & less homebody nights (I must repeat this to myself over and over and overrrr).
 
-Much like everyone else, I'd like to be more healthy. This doesn't require much explanation. I want to feel good & I want to LOOK good!!
 
-I have a lot of goals for myself professionally; I want so much for my life professionally. I want to be comfortable in my own skin & not feel so intimidated by others with far more experience than myself. They were once far less experience than they are now. 2012 was such a year of change. At times I was so scared of the changes and possibilities, that I lie awake night after night. Towards the end of 2012, things started slowly picking up for A Stylish Affair by Jessie. I want more. I truly believe that it isn't work if you love what you're doing. I want to be more excited & less nervous. I will be successful (I must repeat this to myself over and over and overrrr).
 
I'm sensing a trend...perhaps my resolutions are more of some type of mantra. Regardless what they are, I feel good writing them out.
 
I hope everyone has a wonderful 2013. I hope your resolutions are full of reflection & self awareness.

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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!




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Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Pajama Party

We decided to start a (hopefully) annual Christmas Pajama Party. I decided on a red, gold & brown color scheme. I wanted it to feel like an old fashioned, county Christmas. Our precious little girl had such an amazing time! We served desserts, hot cocoa & milk!




 

 
For dessert, we served sugar cookies, vanilla cupcakes, brownie pops & smores pops!
 
 



 
 

 
 
 
 
For the activity, we set up a super fun Reindeer Treat station. I read this idea on one of my favorite mom blogs: HERE . The girls got to scoop some tasty treats to leave out for the reindeer. My favorite was the "flying powder" (flour & glitter mixed together).
 
 
 

 

 











 



 
We had such a blast! I really do hope to turn this into a wonderful holiday tradition.


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Thursday, December 20, 2012

Holiday Party Ideas


If you are hosting the annual holiday party this year, you may be wondering what your options are. Here are a few ideas:
 
- Have a pajama Christmas party. Have guests come over in pajamas & serve hot cocoa & tons of different desserts. Watch a Christmas movie or walk around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights.
 
- Dress it up with a cocktail party. Have your guests arrive in cocktail attire & serve tons of fun cocktails & appetizers.
 
- Holiday cookie decorating party. Pre-bake dozens of cookies & have your guests decorate cookies with lots of frosting & sprinkles. You can even supply your guests with their own monogrammed aprons.
 
Don't forget to have fun!



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Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Winter Wedding Flowers

 
Here are some winter wedding bouquet ideas:
 
- Hypericum Berries
- Pinecones
- Poinsettias
- Amaryllis
- Carnations
- Tulips
- Anemones
- Ranunculus
- Bells of Ireland
- Star of Bethlehem
 

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Thursday, December 13, 2012

Some Wedding Color Scheme Ideas

Here are some of my favorite wedding color schemes:
 
 
 Butter cream, grey & mustard yellow is perfect for a summer outdoor wedding!
 
 
 Lavender, purple & canary yellow make great tropical weddings or even winter weddings!
 
 
 Navy, canary yellow & grey make PERFECT nautical weddings! It can be preppy or rustic!
 
 
 
 Coral, aqua & celadon can make a great nautical wedding or a shabby chic reception.
 
 
Green, black & ivory are such elegant fall wedding colors!
 
I hope this helps inspire your choice for wedding colors!
 

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

How to Write Your Wedding Vows


If you and your soon-to-be husband/wife have decided to exchange personal vows, you may not know where to begin. I like to pass along a little formula that has proved helpful to get the words flowing. Always write from the heart of course, but this should help keep those vows a little more organized, and a little less scattered.
 
-First, write about how much you love him/her.
 
-Then, write about something he/she has taught you & how it has forever changed you for the better.
 
-Next, write about your future together.
 
-If you'd like, you can throw in a little joke or two about your relationship.
 
-Talk about a big step the two of you have taken & how it has bonded you.
 
-Finally, write what you vow in your marriage; to be devoted, to cherish & adore him/her, to lift him/her up when he/she is down & most importantly, to be his forever.
 
Make sure your officiant is okay with you two exchanging hand written vows. Also, try to stick to 5 minutes a piece.
 
Good luck & don't forget to speak from the heart!
image: here




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Monday, December 10, 2012

HUGE BLOWOUT HOLIDAY CYBER SALE

I rarely do this, but i am going to shamelessly plug my shop. The only reason that I'm making an exception is that I feel that this is a blog on advice for saving money on weddings & parties. I feel that is my frugal duty to report that we are having a HUGE sale! Save up to 50% customized party packages & wedding decorations!
 
 
Prices are already marked down up to 30% off original prices
Enter FREESHIP at end of checkout to receive FREE SHIPPING!
Enter THANKYOU10 to receive an additional 10% off purchase total!
 
Hurry! These offers expire January 5th!
 




 

 
 
 


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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Hidden Wedding Expenses


When couples plan their budget, there are a few little expenses that can be costly, but aren't discussed. Don't forget to stash away some cash for these expenses!
 
-Gratuity. A lot of vendors don't charge gratuity, but it is customary to tip them! 18%-20% off total     bill is a good amount.
 
-Dress alterations. Your dress may cost $1,200, but don't forget ( if you're most women) your dress will need to be altered.
 
-Rentals. Your caterer or venue may supply the table linens, but what about the napkins? Your wedding cake looks fabulous, but what about a cake stand?
 
-Attendants' gifts. Have a huge bridal party? It is customary to spend about $75 on each person in your bridal party (not including bouquets & boutonnieres). That party of 10 can get a little costly if the expense isn't planned for.
 
-Event Insurance. Some venues require you to supply additional event insurance. Typically a policy for $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 can cost you about $150 - $300.
 
I hope this helps prepare you!




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