Archive for the ‘My Life’ Category

Making Things Happen | After.

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

{click here to read how I was feeling before Making Things Happen.}

Making Things Happen is something that everyone should experience. The day was filled with tears, laughter, deep thoughts, ambition, and a lot of fear. It’s very difficult to explain what occurred that day if you weren’t present so I think it’s best to describe what Making Things Happen is not.

Making Things Happen is not necessarily business centered. The focus of the day is really what you make of it and what your heart is feeling that very moment. For me, Making Things Happen was more of a personal, soul searching experience. Making Things Happen is also not a networking event. It’s true that I honestly left with 20 new friends, but I didn’t get to know them through casual conversation. I learned intimate details about them through what they openly shared with the group. That is how our friendship developed.

My absolute favorite exercise was one that I can surely do every single day. We spent time sharing encouraging words and compliments to each other. It was simple but such a great feeling for me. The compliments and words exchanged were so genuine and for me personally, I learned something about myself from them. We hardly ever express the compliments that we are thinking and I have realized that by sharing these you can really change someone’s day or how they see themselves. I have a new goal to compliment someone every single day.

As many others have shared, I too am changed from this experience. Yes, I am motivated to do great things with my life but I am concentrating more so on living a full life. To me a full life is, loving and appreciating my husband with every breath, fulfilling my life’s purpose to serve, and living every day with grace.

This “after” wouldn’t be complete without a thank you to all of those fabulous women and one brave guy, Skip, that I now call friends. Lara, Gina, Emily- thank you for reminding me to dream big and to do what makes my heart sing. Eve- thank you for being my “nervous buddy” for the day, I would have gotten back onto the elevator if you weren’t there to push me. To everyone else- thank you for sharing intimate details with me, it encouraged me to do the same and I know all of you will do great things with your lives!

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Posted in Just Talk, My Life | 2 Comments »

Making Things Happen | Before.

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Today I have the pleasure of finally attending the Making Things Happen intensive. Here is what I am feeling right now:

The opportunity to attend this intensive fell into my lap. I had every intention of attending but I simply couldn’t afford the investment, until one afternoon an opportunity arose that is solely responsible for making it possible for me to attend. That is all I can say about that, but I am grateful and feel certain that I am supposed to be going.

Besides feeling grateful, I am incredibly fearful. I am afraid of the unknown. It makes me anxious to not know what will happen during the next 8 hours but I am even more anxious about what will happen afterwards. The reviews from MTH Alum are incredible. Most attendees are inspired and moved to do remarkable things, but what if that doesn’t happen for me? What if I don’t feel changed at all? What if I don’t allow myself to be open with the others? What if I trip and fall on my face when I walk into the room?  Most of all, what if my fear hinders my experience?

There are  only two thing I am really certain of right now. One is that I will survive this experience because Stylist is along for the ride. His support alone can get me through anything. The other thing I am certain of is that I need this experience in my life and the timing couldn’t be any better. I need to feel like myself again and I need the push through my fears to be successful. I am wasting so much potential.

Wish me luck!

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Posted in Business, My Life | 1 Comment »

Officially Married One Year.

Saturday, October 9th, 2010

Today Stylist and I celebrate 365 wonderful days as Husband and Wife.

Before we were married, Stylist and I had dated for about 6 years and I assumed I knew everything about the man I loved and that our first year of marriage would be very predictable. I was so wrong.

I could never have predicted that our shift to marriage would bring us closer together. I didn’t think that was possible. I can’t explain the feeling (once you are married, you’ll know) but it’s incredible to now go through life knowing every single day I have an advocate, lover, partner in crime and best friend.

Kyle, I am proud to call you my Husband. Your never ending love and support is humbling. Your drive to do good in the world is contagious. Your ability to make me laugh at any moment is what gets me through the day. I love you.

I think one year of marriage looks really nice on us, if I may say so myself.

Posted in Just Talk, My Life | No Comments »

1st Anniversary Gift Ideas.

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Deciding on a 1st wedding anniversary gift for Stylist was not an easy task. I wanted to stick with tradition and buy a “paper” related gift but that is where I was stumped. When I think of paper I think of a DIY gift or something he probably wasn’t going to enjoy all that much, or something really cheap.

After brainstorming for awhile I stilled ended up with a rather cheap gift but I know he is going to love it. Since I struggled with finding a gift I figured I would save you all some trouble and list my ideas. (P.S. this list does include what I am giving to Stylist but you’ll have to guess!)

1. An album of your wedding photos. This could certainly be a DIY project if you are on a tight budget or enjoy those types of projects but I personally would contact your photographer for this. Your photographer took your photos with a creative eye and they will be able to lay out a beautiful professional album. Also, I love that is supports a small business owner! But, again, that’s just my opinion and preference.

2. A subscription to a local newspaper or magazine. To me this is very old-married-couple-esque but I love it and I think it’s rather creative. Stylist if you are reading I would be happy with InStyle Weddings, a copy of Southern Weddings V3, People, or of course Us Weekly.

3. Sporting event or concert tickets. What I love about this gift idea is if the scheduling works you could potentially attend the event on your actual anniversary. So, it serves a double purpose- gift and date night idea!

4. Calendar. Not my favorite idea but it a made the brainstormed list. This could be an electronic calendar, date book or even a DIY project. You could even have a boudoir shoot done and use those images for your calendar or gift your hubby with a little black book of the images.

Any other great ideas to share?

Posted in Inspiration, My Life | 1 Comment »

Our Wedding Day :: Bloopers.

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Today, I continue to embrace Anniversary Season by discussing some bloopers…

It doesn’t matter if you’ve attended a million weddings in your day or you work in the wedding industry, wedding day “bloopers” are inevitable. As you’ve heard a million times before, no wedding is perfect, and today I stand behind that statement.  There were definitely no disasters on our wedding day but a few moments I either laugh really hard at or am still surprised they even happened.

Our funniest blooper moment was during our grand entrance. I was adamant about having a wrist loop for my dress. I loved my dress and the detail on the train so I didn’t want to have to bustle it immediately after the ceremony. Anyway, I was so pleased with my loop until it became my worst enemy during our grand entrance. Style was holding the same hand that the loop was attached to and as our names were announced he raised our hands into the air, which caused my dress to trip me. Luckily it wasn’t a full blown fall-on-my-face trip, but I am sure guests noticed. It makes me laugh thinking about it now.

My next blooper moment is forgetting to do anything with my finger nails. It may sound petty to some but I was standing in the kitchen of Stylist’s farm house having my nails painted minutes before our first look. See for yourself. And, yes, Monica’s expression proves she too can’t believe I forgot a manicure!

You all know how much I hate ugly hangers, right? Well, I was one of those brides who completely overlooked the hardware that her beautiful dress would be displayed on. Luckily, our photographer is a rockstar and had one I could borrow.

Do you have a wedding day blooper of your own you’d like to share? Leave a comment!

Posted in City Bride Happenings, Fall Weddings, Just for fun, My Life | No Comments »

It’s Anniversary Season!

Tuesday, October 5th, 2010

I can’t believe it but in 4 short days, Stylist and I will celebrate our first wedding anniversary. For those of you readers who don’t know me personally, I must admit that every significant event in my life is surrounded by a season. In the past, the biggest season was Birthday Season. But now, thanks to my recent marriage and a dear friend who introduced me to how awesome anniversary season can be, I have one more thing to celebrate.

This week I won’t bore you with the mushy details from our wedding day or how wonderful this past year has been (I could go on and on) instead I will share with you details like blooper moments, 1st anniversary gift ideas, and my advice for a happy marriage.

And, since every post is better with pictures, here are two of my favorites from our wedding day.

And, if you’d like to read about the planning process leading up to this amazing day you can do so here, on Bespoke.

Posted in Fall Weddings, Just for fun, My Life | 2 Comments »

Happy Birthday, Sister!

Friday, January 1st, 2010
Here is a shout out to my sister who turns 17 today!

Photo courtesty Mthree Studio

Chrissy, you are beautiful, talented, smart, and have the ability to make me laugh more than anyone I know. I love you so much and am so proud of the young lady you have become. Your future is bright and I can’t wait to see what 2010 and your 17th year will bring.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Posted in Just Talk, My Life | 1 Comment »

My Wedding Recap.

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

I have been married now for almost 2 months, so I think it is time for a recap.

Since this could get rather lengthy I will just share with you a few highlights of the day.

As I was finishing getting ready, Molly and Monica said they had a gift for me and from around the corner came one of my brides from this summer. I was so excited to see her that I began to cry and seriously, it was the only time during the day that I shed real tears. I was so happy that we both could share our wedding days with each other. She second shot with Molly all day and it was a great gift!

Stylist grew up on a dairy farm so we spent the afternoon running around the farm taking pictures with tractors, barns, and cows. These photos are some of my favorite from the day.

The ceremony was by far my favorite part of the day. I was so excited to become his wife that I tried to soak in every word and emotion during that hour of the day. The feeling of standing next to him in front of all of our friends and family was like nothing I have ever experienced. It makes me smile just thinking about it.

For our reception entertainment we hired dueling pianos. It was Stylist’s idea and well he’s a genius! The entire show was request based which really got our guests involved and enjoying themselves. My favorite moment during the reception was when “Ring of Fire” was requested. My bridesmaids encircled me as we danced and one of the piano players jumped on top the piano and played the trumpet. That song will forever remind me of that moment.

For photos of our wedding check out Mthree Studio’s Blog. She did a fantastic job capturing our day! (Thanks Molly!!)

Thank you to everyone who helped us plan, execute and enjoy our wedding day!!!

Posted in My Life | No Comments »

Giving Thanks.

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

I know this is a day early, but you better believe I will be soaking up family time and indulging in turkey tomorow, not writing blog a post. (sorry dear readers!)

Anyway, since there is so much to be thankful for this year I decided it deserves a post all by itself. I warn you this is a little mushy, so if you dare, read on.

I am thankful for:

The opportunity to help people as I follow my heart and dream.

The support and guidance I receive from my family.

The amazing wedding I had just 6 weeks ago.

The inspiration I find in the world and others.

The friends who gave me the confidence and energy to start a business.

My amazing husband who without a doubt will always stand by me, support me, and motivate me.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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A little randomness…

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

For those readers who aren’t familiar with my Recessionista Series (which can be found on the right side of the blog,) I’d like to share a little more about myself. Below you’ll find a list of some of my favorite things in life and other random fun facts. Enjoy!

  • My Starbucks order is always, no matter the season, a Caramel Frappuccino. The combination of whip cream and drizzled caramel on top is absolutely amazing.
  • My wardrobe consists primarily of J.Crew and Forever 21. Yes, I know, it’s an interesting combination. I love the classic look of all the J.Crew pieces and the price of Forever 21 allows me to change out pieces often.
  • My favorite fast food restaurant is Qdoba. I always order the same thing, vegetarian nachos plus guacamole. I eat there so often I have a Qdoba Card which allows you to earn free entrees for frequent dining. It’s pathetic.
  • I have joined the rest of the tweens on earth and have become completely obsessed with the Twilight Saga. I read the entire series all in a matter of three weeks. I also secretly have a countdown to the release of New Moon… only 2 days left!
  • If you follow me on Twitter you’ll often see me tweet about my Stylist, which is really my husband. I consult him daily on my outfit, hair, etc. Not because I am not capable of looking fabulous on my own but simply because he gives me the extra confidence and approval for the day’s look. And, I promise, he doesn’t mind the nickname!
  • One of my favorite parts of a wedding is the cake. I have a serious sweet tooth and LOVE wedding cake. So, brides, if I help plan your wedding please save me a piece of cake and I promise it will keep me more focused.

Thanks for reading my random fun facts!

Posted in My Life | 1 Comment »