Some more wedding pics!

Christmas bulbs- Do you have extras?

Wow! I took a pinterest idea and created it! Sometimes they are flips, but this was beautiful even during the daytime.

1) grab some lights. I only has extra icicle lights!
2) find your extra bulbs! I ran to Big Lots (50% at the moment yay) and bought the ones I used! We just got married...of course we have all kinds of extra bulbs -- honestly it is just extra crockpots :)
3) shove them all in the glass! The container was actually from our wedding ♡♡
4) you are so creative and talented. Good job!

Vases!

One of my favorite things about crafts is glitter.  I knew without a doubt I would have a lot of it at my wedding.  Today I made a few of my vases! It is about 19 degrees out and still snowing! SNOW DAY!

Check out the picture below on how to make them! Be sure to pin it too!

Always There Designs~Review~

www.AlwaysThereDesigns.etsy.com

Interview with Ann, from Always There Designs

"As an engaged bride-to-be, I understand what it is like to try to find beautiful items for myself and my wedding without spending a fortune.  I create all of my jewelry to be affordable so everyone can enjoy it."

• Favorite type of jewelry to make:  Stamped jewelry.  It is so cathartic to be able to come home after a long day and be able to sit down with a hammer and make something beautiful.  There is something special about being able to put so much of myself into a piece of jewelry.  I literally start with a piece of metal and, by the time I'm done stamping, oxidizing, and polishing, I have made that piece of metal into a work of art.  And each piece is different.  There will never be two that are exactly the same.
• Getting started:  I have always been a creative person.  My mom is a professional photographer so I guess it runs in the family.  I've tried every type of craft out there, from sewing to scrap booking to pottery.  I always really enjoyed making jewelry.  I officially started doing stamped jewelry about a year ago when went to buy a piece myself and all I could find was sterling silver.  I knew that if I didn't want to pay that much, other people didn't want to as well.  So I set out to start making affordable versions myself and fell in love with it.  I played with several metals until I came upon aluminum and I've never looked back.  I prefer it over sterling any day and it really makes it affordable so everyone can enjoy stamped jewelry.
• College:  I actually haven't graduated yet!  I will be finishing up the last of my pre-med/human biology degree next year.  I had planned on going directly to PA (physician assistant) school after graduation but now I'm holding off indefinitely on that so I can continue with my jewelry.  I have found something I really enjoy doing with the jewelry and I can see myself doing it for years to come.

---- 

When I received my necklace I was so excited that it was a pearl - I love pearls!  Ann was so nice to talk to and discuss options, which is important to many brides or brides-to-be! One reason I instantly was drawn to her shop was the prices.  As she stated in her interview, she knows what money is like when you are planning a wedding and trying to actually "save" some for when life really begins. Yes that is me in my cute necklace!  Love it!  She "hammer stamped" Bride and added a cute Swarovski pearl to it.  Lovely! She makes ones that say 'Engaged', but 'Bride' does last longer ;)

Ann may give you something extra special at  Always There Designs if you mention that SAHM&TW(2b) sent you! 

Guest Book!

Hello again!

Check out this really cute guest book that an amazing lady on Etsy made! I love it! I think I may make a frame (have my future father in law do it) and paint it a rustic brown/gold color.  My wedding colors are Blue/Pinks/Gold!  Having a picture is a great idea, but I wanted a more unique idea that reflected Sean and I. 

I wanted something that I could keep hanging in a living room forever and act as a special display for all that dare to enter.  The moment I saw this I knew it was for me, well us ;)  

The guests sign each leaf of the tree.  More can be added if needed depending on your guest number and the colors allow for total customization to match your wedding.  The specific color I chose from Amy was Royal Blue and it is pretty! Notice the bottom of the Guest Tree.  I chose to have the verse "I have found the one whom my soul loves. Song of Solomon 3.4 "   It is absolutely true!      

My favorite reason to get a Guest Tree instead of the typical ideas for a sign-in is what it represents.  The Guest Tree reminds me everyday that we have so many people who would love and support us, from the tips of the leaves down to the roots.  It includes everyone who loves and wants to share in our happiness and joy.  Each signature of a person on my family tree, either related or just by friendship, holds a special place in our hearts and home. 

If you would like to talk to Amy about her Guest Trees and customization's, just visit her shop or contact her on FB!  Having something truly unique as this will forever last on your wall and in your heart!

Housewarming Gift

I keep trying to think of a present that would be personal and also go with a new house.  I hate getting people gifts that they will not use, unless I can use them of course :)

I saw this cute saying and decided to do this.  This gift can be used for many occasions. How wonderful!

Bread so you'll never go hungry. 

Candles so you'll always have light through the darkest times.

 Honey so you'll always enjoy the sweetness of life. 

Olive Oil so you will be blessed with health and well-being. 

Salt so there will always be flavor and spice in your life. 

Wine so you will always have joy and never go thirsty.

Include some of my favorite things (send it my way please!) - Italian bread, Yankee Candle, Organic Honey, Italian Olive Oil, Sea Salt, and Barefoot Moscato wine!  Put it into a big basket with a hand towel that will be used in the kitchen.  Everything will be used one way or another!

Wedding To-Do List!

Wow!  It is so hard to believe it has been a little over a year (since Dec. 15th) that I've been planning a wedding.  SO many things are on the checklist that  brides/grooms need to get done within a certain time frame because slots fill up - caterer, photographer, reception site, church, etc.  Well this little bride to be has things crossed off left and right!

1. Wedding location (church)
2. Reception site
3. Caterer
4. Photographer
5. Bridal Party
6. Wedding Gown
7. Bridesmaid's Gowns
8. Groom's suit
9. Groomsmen suits
10. Alcohol
11. Bartenders
12. Decorator - Wall/Ceiling Draping
13. Bridal Shoes
14. Work out ...er... stay the same weight/measurements
15. Get dress altered
16. Register for gifts
17. Save the dates
18. Bachelorette Party
19. Bachelor Party
20. Hair/Make-up
21. Guest List
22. Centerpieces
23. Candy/Smores/Cookie Bar
24. Transportation
25. Hotel rooms
26. Invitations
27. OMG who knows what else.... geesh...

Shutterfly 2013 Holiday Cards

I thought of the best Christmas Card idea ever - we wear matching red sweaters with a white collared shirt underneath and do an 80s pose.  I saw the pose on a movie and instantly thought it would be a good laugh instead of all the boring Christmas cards people usually send.  I always use Shutterfly for my photobooks and want there to check out their 2013 Christmas Collection.  Go there now!

 

Hello Save The Date/Christmas Card!

We all know how much I love the photobooks, so be sure to check them out -- great presents for Grandparents if they are filled with a years worth of photographs.  BEST PRESENT EVER!

 

Shutterfuly also has a Tri-Fold card that would make an amazing Christmas card, but can also double as a Save The Date!   Because my wedding costs keep building (Pinterest you lied and said it is possible to have a wedding under $6k Boo) I am looking everywhere to save a few dollars - this tri-fold doubles as both :) 

There are so many new card designs for Holiday Cards 2013

o   Classic: Traditional colors, iconic illustrations, aspirational sentiments, snowflakes, monogram

o   Contemporary: trend forward colors, texture and layering, water color techniques, shine, glitter, Instagram pictures are perfect for this style

o   Whimsy: humor and nostalgia meet, fun sentiments

o   Merry and Bright: all about color and having fun

o   Religious: metallic type treatments, incorporated story ideas

o   Photo Basics: multiple colors, vertical type, family name highlights

Interested in all these new designs and ideas?  Shutterfly and I have joined up to give you $50 to use on the site!  Just enter using the giveaway links below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Be sure to join in on the Pinterest Party --  #PhotosYouLove on October 16 at 8 PM ET!  You never know what interesting ideas you will see at this Pinning Party (tm)!

I am  have been compensated with product as per FTC regulations and love it!  

Picking a photographer ...

I can say this is harder than trying to pick a dress!  It is for me at least ...

There are 3 photographers that I like ....

1. Jessica Fike Photography
2. McMillen Photography
3. JNB-Photography


So here is the breakdown

Jessica Fike Photography- $2,650 Love the use of so much color! Very vivid :) BUT it is only for 8 hours .. is that enough time to capture it all?
-1 shooter, +500 for second
-8 hrs coverage, print rights
-100 engagement, 800 wedding photos


McMillen Photography - $2,900 -  Hometown photographer and stays the entire time!  Most of my friends had him do their weddings, but they are not as colorful as I'd like!

Included:

-2 shooters, no time limit

-700-900 photos, print rights

-7-800 photos in proof book

-$450 photo credit

-Engagement shoot w/8x10

-10x10 album 40 pgs/75 images

JNB-Photo- $2,000 -  Husband/Wife team, just did one of my friends weddings.  Great pictures, especially creative ones of the bride.  They also stay the entire time and know the typical SWPA things we want captured.
Included:
-2 shooters, no time limit
-5-600 photos, print rights
-Proof Book of all images
-Engagement shoot
-Memory Vault of pictures

So basically I have to choose between bright, vivid colors from JFike, Amazing package deal from McMillen, or a creative Hubby/Wife team. 

 

Help me pick a  photographer! 

Let me know which one you like!

Buyer Beware!

Have any of the brides began looking for matching bands to go with their engagement rings? Are you going to be engaged and found rings you love? Be sure YOU tell your future fiance to research it ENDLESSLY before a decision is made.  I am in the situation now that the only band to match my ring has to be custom made, despite what my future hubbster was told when he purchased it.  Why would someone just say there is a bad that matches it - no worries to a guy who is already nervous about buying a ring, especially if it is already costing a good chunk of money?  So as a reminded - check what is being told because you do not want to end up being in a spot where you have to spend a ton more money on getting a band custom made to actually go with your ring although the sales associate said there was one to match it. As you all now I am from the Pittsburgh/Morgantown area and I do not yet want to say the store we are having a problem with until  find out what they are going to do on their end.  Boo....

JazzyWear!

There are quite a few things girls love -

 Diamonds, perfume, jewelry, and shoes. 

Founded in the year 2008 in Athens, Ohio, JazzyWear is an online shoe boutique that features stylish flats, pumps and boots for women. All shoes are offered in audacious colors and styles! 

If any of you are living in the Cali area, please pay attention:  JazzyWear does SHOE PARTIES!  Yes, you heard me correctly- no more candle/food/31/etc parties.  This is amazing ... now if we only lived on the West Coast.  E-mail Jazzy at  jazzywear@gmail.com for more info on how to do this!


We picked this super cute pair of sandals to review.  They are called the  Mini Turquoise Hawaiian Sandal and were a hit.  For those of you who have been following the blog my wedding colors have changed just like the weather in this town - from one extreme to another. Finally it has been decided that it is going to be navy, shades of pinks and gold/silver- sometimes you have to Pinterest hours to figure it out.  Anyway, the blues fit perfectly with what  I wanted.

To begin with they were delivered fast!  I loved the little paper they were wrapped in when delivered - kind of like a surprise present inside that little box!

Another thing I loved is there are matching adult/children shoes!  I can just imagine the cute pictures that can be done with bridesmaids and flower girls during the reception.  Everyone kicks their heels off for flips (besides me because I am short) during the reception, so they should look cute while dancing the night away!  Plus, they are a steal - $12/$15. 

If you are looking for a unique pair of sandals or heels, check out her site.  But more importantly ... they make great presents!




 


  

Teal Mason Jars!

'Ello! 

A few of you asked how I created this pretty mason jar that I plan on using in my wedding, as well as others!  I did a few wine bottles in different gold and gold/glitter colors and decided I was going to try it on some mason jars. I know there are probably easier ways to do this, but all I did was get a big glass of my favorite drink and spray paint away.  This is MANDATORY!  Optional is 90's Rap on Pandora - never gets old.  :)

Just a tip - go to your discount thrift stores because they can usually be found there! Or if you want to be extra thrifty just use your spaghetti/pickle/salsa jars! As for the spray paint, well I just thought it was a great color! As an added bonus engine enamel can get to a higher temp. if I decided to put a candle inside too!

1. Wash and dry your jars!
2. Go outside on a nice day that has no chance of rain - it dries faster!
3. I did not mind getting a little paint on me (Acetone takes it off BTW) so I stuck my hand in the jar and did a light coat around it a few times (probably 3 times).
4. I then let it dry a little by sitting it on an old garbage can from my college dorm room - yeah, it was from a little while ago !
5. The easiest way I found to spray the Mason Jars was to just walk in a circle and make your way up the jar - creates the even coat you want without having "clops" of it! 

Need help?  Just ask me below and I'm sure I can think of an answer!

Expensive!

Why are weddings so expensive?! We are looking to buy a house and planning a wedding so it is so difficult to find a great place that we can afford to get married!

We liked 3 places, all different locations and looks.
Location 1- old hotel with gold everywhere. Problem is that in pics I looked at the lights showed in every picture as a bright blob, the hotel is nice but distinctly old looking, and it has to be in July. :( Price is $23, 940 George Washington Hotel at WashPa
Location 2- newer hotel that is huge! Problem is it would be on my future hubbys bday, almost $30k. But she woyld throw in at least 70 $ extras per person for free if we do his birthday date! Price is $28, 224 Waterfront Place Hotel at Morgantown
Location 3- pretty party room and a hotel! Problem is I'm not sure where we can get pretty pics to pose for our photographer. Price is $20, 480. Hilton Garden Inn At Southpointe

Which would you go with?

Wedding locations...

Weddings are SO expensive!   Is it really a problem that I'd much rather get married in another country and not have to deal with spending $26,000 on a wedding?  I know it is to feed my guests, make them drink all types of alcohol, and then send them home.  My problem is I'd rather use the $20,000 that is left for a house, a new car, or for my student loans.  Holy crap I am in a predictiment!
I was at my Grandparents yesterday and my Grandad (he is just so smart) said you two like to travel, go somewhere and get married.  How am I supposed to argue with that?  Oh yeah, I'd rather not take my Granddad/Nana/HubbsNan out of the country.  Boo! 

So I then looked into All-Inclusive's in the USA.  WOW Expensive! Just for 2 people it is about 3k.  You are still in the USA so why is it so much?! We can go to Mexico to an amazing resort like the Riu for that much.  Ugh... so angry with the pricing of stuff..

What do you guys think about it?

Diamond... we have a problem!

So I went to pick out my wedding band today - did not get anywhere except let down! I am not a big nit-picker when it deals with stuff, I am just a funny girl who basically goes with the flow.  But Huston Diamond, we have a problem ... haha.

The store told my fiance when he purchased my ring there was a band that matched it perfectly and not to worry.  When I went to the store to look at the choices and find which one I liked best THERE WERE NONE!   The lady said she would order some and we can come back in to try them on.  While eating lunch in Pittsburgh I received the call back that said the only band I could get that matched it would be more than the single band they offered($3250) and the single band would "Leave a gap between rings".  Who wants a band that does not match their ring and does not fit perfectly?   Why did the associate tell my future hubbster about the wedding band when there are none that match it anyway?  Very upset in the service ... That is just part of the problems that I dealt with on that day...  I absolutely hate when someone tells someone something just to get a sale, a rather large sale if I may say so, especially to someone who does not know anything about jewelry in the first place!  

Personalized Gifts!

With wedding season in full swing and then baby season not to farbehind I thought I would let everyone know about Treat.  First off there are so many options it was hard to decide what to look at first.   

Birthday, Engagement, Wedding, and Graduation  Cards to name a few!

















For a limited time you can get free shipping on their gifts - mugs, calendars, etc. Go try it out :)

Interested in winning some? Well follow these steps and you can win 5 Treat Card Credits! 

Be sure to leave your messages below! This is a flash giveaway with 4 methods of entry! 

-Mandatory: Visit Treat.com and comment with your favorite card name and who you would send it to
-Like SAHM&TW on FB
-Follow @SAHMandTW  on Twitter
-Comment about the weather or your life 1x/day for extra chances!

I have been compensated with product in exchange for posting this campaign but love it!

Wedding Gowns = ?

A common question I have been asked is if I found a dress yet and it is always difficult when I answer! I found two dresses that I absolutely loved.   They are complete opposite of each other, one being a mermaid and the other being a ballgown.  What to do, what to do...  As with any decision I have to make I always number my choices and then say pick 1 or 2, flip a coin, or do a poll.  Yes, very scientific I know! In this case I asked my friends, some telling me which one they liked or either saying both gowns look great.  Geesh, could this have been any easier?  Nothing with me is...

I asked the simple question, posted some pictures, and decided to let complete strangers on a wedding board tell me the honest truth.  They have no idea who I am and I knew their opinions were based strictly on which one fit my body type more and which one I (vainly) looked better in.  I would have thought the ladies were going to say things like, "Ew, you look gross in this one; U-G-L-Y you ain't got no alibi; Get a haircut you hippie!"  The last line about a hippie was just something I made up, but I would have loved to have seen it.  (:  

Because I'm a teacher  my logical thinking order blossomed into a "teachable moment" because I knew I liked both dresses ... ask several places, add them up, do some math, present it as a lesson, give bonus points if someone figured out the ratios, and wa-lah decision is made.  At least for now.... 

Step 1: Add up all the opinions of complete strangers and my friends
Step 2: Write it on paper using a tally system
Step 3: Re-write it on a white board because it always looks better - in red
Step 4: Add all the tally marks up and check my work
Step 5: Do some math! Create ratios using total amount of opinions for each dress and total opinions all together. (:
Step 6: Percentages are just another step to reaffirm a decision. Check work from start to finish again.

 33% to 67%  Pretty sure there is a clear decision! 

Do you want to know which dress I picked? 

Well I think I'm going to keep it a secret, even to my bridesmaids!

  PS.  When Britt and my friends read this (Britt especially) they will text, reply to this post and then wonder which one for the next year!

Wedding Colors - Eeek!

Within the last 5 hours I have changed my options for wedding colors at least 4  times....

Oh em geesh.... 

Pinterest and I are having a LOVE/HATE relationship at the moment  ...  So many choices with only 1 wedding! How did you pick your colors? This is really difficult but I keep going back to the top two pictures for some reason!  I can always do summer brights for my shower ... either way they are all amazing pictures!

Source: thebridaldetective.com viaTri on Pinterest

Source: nycweddingphotographyblog.com viaTri on Pinterest

Source: theperfectpalette.com viaTri on Pinterest

Source: mywvwedding.com viaTri on Pinterest

Source: newenglandfineliving.com viaTri on Pinterest

625th Post!

Hello 625th post!  

I've decided on a color theme for the wedding and took it upon myself to try out a wine bottle centerpiece idea I had.  I love ombre stuff and tried a gold effect on an empty bottle of wine. 

Sample Invites!

I was a busy girl lately!  I ordered so many sample invites so we can all look at them and compare ...

Some of the companies I received invites (for free with codes) from include:

• Wedding Paper Divas
• Invitations by Dawn
• Minted
• Magnet Street

Each of the companies has an invitation that I like and matches our colors/theme, but in the end it will depend on the cost. Be sure to check back for individual posts on each company and their samples!