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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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!





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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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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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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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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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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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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!

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE SAVINGS

 

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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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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