I Made One Myself!-DIY

(above pic from Martha Stewart)
You remember my posting about these creative little centerpieces (here) ? Well, in it I stated that I would be alternating these luminescent photo frame centerpieces with the original ones that I planned on doing (simple floating candle centerpieces). Well, I have finally tackled that project and made one! Woo-hoo!
I started with some 4 x 6 silver frames that I found at The Dollar Tree. I also bought more of this same type, some unfinished wood frames and some silver 5 x 7 frames, but have only actually completed one centerpiece to share with you. You start with removing the backs off of these and only using the front frame and glass. The backs can be discarded, or you can actually use them for something like signs.
Since these frames were silver ( one of my wedding palette colors) I didn't have to hassle with painting it.
I then went on Picasa (I don't have Photoshop or anything like that) =(
I placed the pictures so that I could fit 2 pictures per sheet of vellum....'cause it's kinda expensive paper. I got mine from Michael's....a package of I believe 100 at half price with a coupon. woohoo!
Here's are a few of the sheets I've printed thus far.
After printing them out, it's time to cut.
I used the insert that came in the frame for a template for cutting.
When you're done, place the pics in the frames then attach the frames to each other. I used duct tape (from a 99 cent store), which holds very well. I've also read other directions that said you can use epoxy. I really like the duct tape because it's clean....no muss, no fuss, and no waiting for anything to dry.
And here's my photo frame with a candle placed in the center (in a candle holder high enough to keep flame protected).
I love it! And it was SOOOO simple to make. I only bought one set that I will have to paint.....or maybe I'll just find another set that I won't have to paint. =)
Is anyone else planning on using this idea? You know, you don't even have to use these as centerpieces. These would be great at a remembrance table....for those that have passed and couldn't be with us to share in the celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Hope you all have a wonderful day with friends and family. We will have much of our family missing from our get together this year for various reasons, but they will be in our hearts and in our thoughts. ~~~Happy Thanksgiving~~~~

My DIY Map Printed On Photo Paper

Do you remember the hand drawn map I made? Well, I just thought I would share the printed out view of it. The colors came out much darker in the printed out form.....which is totally fine with me. I really didn't need a map anyways, but I thought it would be a fun project (and it was!). =)

My Sweets Bags Display-DIY

So, I've shown you how I was going to use my monogrammed stickers that I got from UPrinting (here). They will be used on the purple cellophane bags for my "sweets" table. Now here is the way the bags will be displayed......
I made this mock up really quick just for blog posting purposes.
I have 2 tall cylinder vases like this that I will be using. It's not exactly the way I want it.....the word "enjoy" will be in different writing. I used a stencil I had for the letters on this, and I am not impressed at all with the results. I think it would have come out much better freehand. But other than the font on the tag, I think they will work out just fine.
I got the template for the tag/label here . (Wedding Style Guide)
You are able to type into the blank space directly onto the downloaded template, but I felt the lettering was too small for my taste. Template comes in paled colors of purple (shown), yellow and green.

Square Cupcakes?

Can you believe I had never seen these before yesterday? Do I live under a rock, or what? They are so freakin' cute! Especially because they're not your regular run of the mill round cupcakes.
I wouldn't mind having these at our wedding. I was watching the Martha Stewart show yesterday (on destination weddings) and they showed these square cupcakes. I immediately looked them up online. They also go by "mini cakes", but I'm not really sure that they are one in the same.
Very pretty, but not sure if these can only be done in fondant..........

Pic sources: cakethat.com, photobucket

Thee Stickers Have Arrived!

Here they are....just arrived yesterday. My monogrammed 3 x 3 stickers from UPrinting and Sand Dollars & Sunflowers (thanks Brittney, you rock!). They're pretty BIG! I wasn't sure if they would look okay on my "sweets" bags for my Sweets Buffet.......
...but I think they look alright. I'll try and post a pic soon of the way my bags will be displayed.
BTW....I got my bags from a dollar store by my house(30 bags/ $1). NOT BAD! =)
Anyone having a candy or sweets buffet? What type of bags will you use (if any), and how and will they be decorated?

Monkey Tails?

You remember my post on the awesome bout I fell in love with? If you don't remember, you can look here. I really like it because it has a "manly" masculine look to it, don't you agree? Well, I found out a few things about the dark swirly thingy that's in it. It's called a Fiddlehead Fern, but also goes by the name of Monkey Tails, Uluhe Ferns and False Staghorn.
I was thinking of incorporating this "monkey tail" into my bouquet. I think just a few speckled around my bouquet would be enough. But I don't really plan on making my own bouquet (though, that can change), but I am definitely planning on making a DIY bout....ok, not definitely...more like probably. hehe
Here is another bout I found using this strange fern.......
....and more.
Here, they've used them in their centerpieces. They look interesting, but as centerpieces they sorta creep me out. They somehow remind me of venus fly traps, even though they look nothing like them....hmmmm?
Here's a whole family of them. =)
A bouquet with them. This is about how many I think I would use in a bouquet....maybe a little less considering the least expensive you can probably find these for is about $1.50 a piece! Expensive little suckers!
I also found out that these are edible! They are, from what I understand, a unique
delicacy from northern New England, particularly prized in Maine and New Hampshire. They are also very rich in vitamins A and C. Whoulda thunk?
And here's yet another bouquet with these whimsical, strange and expensive (maybe even yummy?) little guys.
Anything a bit "unusual" you'll be having in your bouquet?


Pic sources: marthastewart.com, camflor.com, sherrilee.wordpress.com, jesse leake photography, photobucket, petalsedge.com, visionart and wedding day photo

2010 Mini Photo Calender Templates

This is so cool, and just in time for the holidays. You can get these templates for free....exclusively from Shutter Sisters. These are great for gift giving, save-the-date cards, or even in place of sending out Christmas cards. Favors for an upcoming wedding? They are sized to fit into a cd jewel case.....so many possibilities. So go get your free template now!

UPDATE: SeeHere! Don't Miss Out On This!

I don't know if you've already heard or not, but SeeHere.com is giving away 50 photo cards....AND free shipping! So you pay absolutely nothing! No obligations to do anything!
But this offer ends this Saturday, so hurry on over. This is for ANY 4 x 8 photocard....perfect for your Save The Dates, Holiday cards, bridal shower invites.....anything goes!
Oh, and you don't have to get all 50 in the same style either. You can get 10 of these, one of these, 22 of those....so forth and so on. What a deal! But wait, that's not all. You also get ENVELOPES for these.
So my UPDATE....I forgot to post the coupon code you will need to enter at checkout for this special offer...DOH!
Here it is: freebies4mom-1109

(Courtesy of freebies4mom.com)

8 Wedding Songs To Skip- from the knot

The knot just posted this article: 8 Wedding Songs To Skip- written by Bethany Porter

We're not saying we don't like these songs (okay…we don't like the "Chicken Dance"), but we think it's time to reconsider whether these really are wedding music essentials. Here are eight songs you might want to add to your "do-not-play list."


1. "YMCA" -- Village People

Why to Skip It: The fact that everyone knows the words, everyone knows the dance, and that this song fits lots of occasions -- between innings at a baseball game, for instance -- does not automatically qualify it as a must at your wedding.
2. "Chicken Dance"

Why to Skip It: At a wedding, everyone's dressed to the nines and feeling festive. Is this really the best time to flap your arms like a chicken in front of that cute bridesmaid/groomsman/new spouse? Didn't think so.
3. "Stayin' Alive" -- Bee Gees

Why to Skip It: There aren't too many people who know more than one line and one dance move to this song -- leave "Stayin' Alive" to the Saturday Night Fever reruns.
4. "Every Breath You Take" -- The Police

Why to Skip It: The Police are legendary, but the tune is a little high school dance-ish, and the line "Every move you make…I'll be watching you" is a little stalker-ish.
5. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" -- Bonnie Tyler

Why to Skip It: This song is worth skipping if only to avoid any guest from reenacting the profanity-laced rendition made famous from Will Ferrell's wedding in Old School.
6. "Macarena" -- Los Del Rio

Why to Skip It: You may know how to do the dance -- but do you really want to? Besides, everyone has a few certain relatives they'd rather not see get down with that hip swivel move.
7. "My Heart Will Go On" -- Celine Dion

Why to Skip It: We're not passing judgment on Celine Dion, but Titanic propelled this song into the realm of romance cliche. Besides, remember that Leo died in the movie -- a bit tragic for a wedding.
8. "Mony Mony" -- Billy Idol

Why to Skip It: Not sure what Billy Idol is singing in this song? Most other people don't know, either, and when that's the case, a good 10 percent of sing-alongers will find a way to say something objectionable.

-- Bethany Porter

Our Wedding Recessional Song

We just began last weekend thinking of the songs we will incorporate into our wedding.



We definitely decided on our recessional song, which will be "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. I love this song so much...it gives my soul a lift, and puts a big smile in my heart and on my face. What better song to end the wedding ceremony with?
I remember the first time I heard this song....it was on my daughter's myspace page (when she had one). Love at first sound! I'm soooo glad that my Honey also loved it the first time I played it for him. It was meant to be played at our wedding.



Thanks Born to be Mrs. Beever, for giving me an idea for a post today. Like I told you.....I was having a tough time thinking of what to write about today....hope you don't mind.



You see, I have to post everyday during the month of November because that is what I commited to. (NaBloPoMo)
I think I've done very well up to this point, although I did have a few days where I just sort of put "whatever" type of stuff up. Oh well, at least I'm writing, right?



Born to be Mrs. Beever also committed to this, and I believe already had a whole months in drafts waiting to be posted. Good idea! I wish I had that many ideas in my head. Most of my thoughts right now are about getting projects that are half done or not even started, DONE. I'd like to put all this craft stuff put away once and for all, especially since Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve will be here at our house.
OK...I've begun to rant......so......



What songs have you decided on for your processional and recessional? I'll write about our processional tomorrow.....gotta spread this out, you know?

I Can't Wait Til They Get Here!

The sticker design has been sent in and approved, and now all I have to do is wait for their arrival.
Thanks so much to Brittney from Sand Dollars & Sunflowers for having her giveaway for 250 labels from UPrinting!
I will be using these for my sweets buffet bags. And since there are so many, I may use a few for the outside envelopes of the invites....if they don't look too big on the envelopes, that is. I ordered 3 x 3 stickers, so we'll see.
Hurry, hurry, hurry! Oh...I can't wait to see them.

Have You Gotten Your Man's Ring Yet?

Aren't these just gorgeous? And the price....wow! These rings are from Titanium Kay. This is where I bought my Mr.'s ring, which was also only $99. I got the Tungsten Greco Carbide style.
But these.....wow....I really like these.
I had a really great experience with Titanium Kay. They tell you on their site exactly how to measure for their rings (it's a little different than the usual way) to ensure the best fit. I followed their guidelines and it was a perfect fit! And I received it in something like 2 or 3 days!
Have you gotten your Mr.'s ring yet? What kind was it?

Cupcakes, Cake or Fake Cake?

So I am now considering going with :
a) a cupcake tower, with a small cake on top for us to cut -OR-
b) a partially fake (DIY) cake with the top tier real for us to cut and sheet cakes in the kitchen for the guests


My Mr. found a friend of a co-worker who does cakes, so I will email her with what I want (my original idea of a small real 2 tier cake for display and sheetcake in the kitchen). Depending on what THAT estimate is, I may have to consider these other options.
Has anyone else done the fake cake thing?

Totally NOT Wedding Related.....

I love Fall! Leaves, leaves and more leaves! I was driving down a street today in the city next to mine. Street after street of beautiful freshly fallen leaves in many different hues. I thought, "I want to stop and grab some of these leaves". So I did. So now....what to do with them?
So I found a vase, then filled it with water so the leaves wouldn't dry and crumble.
So pretty.........but it needed something.
So I threw a brown lid I found (off of a chocolate candy box....well hey, it matched Fall colors!), then topped it with a scarecrow head I had pulled out of the abyss (our garage).
I really don't know how long the leaves will survive submerged, but for now I'm a happy camper.

I Just Did It! Our L.A. Times Announcement

I had almost forgotten about this! The deadline for this FREE offer is only until November 30th, so I had to create this pronto before I forgot again!
So this is a limited time offer for an announcement in the new Together section of the Los Angeles Times. A regular $195 value!!! (which in my opinion is WAY overpriced)
So yeah....how very exciting. I really wasn't even considering doing this, but as soon as I saw FREE, I was THERE!
The latest it would let me post this in the paper is January 31, 2010....so that's the day I'll get to see it in print. I didn't want it to post too soon, seeing as we're not getting married until September.
So anyone in the Los Angeles area? Hurry.....like I said, it's over November 30th!
Has anyone else put an announcement in the paper, or planning to? And how much does it cost if it's NOT the Los Angeles Times?

Giveaway! 50 Thank You Cards WITH Envelopes!

Yes....these come with envelopes! Mine didn't come with envelopes...maybe because I got 250! But that's ok....I know where to get the perfect size envelopes for dirt cheap! In fact, I have a bunch of them already that came in a bag full from a nearby thrift store.
Well, there's only a few more days left to enter. Katerina from Girl With A Ring is hosting this one....her FIRST giveaway! November 15th is the deadline. So hurry on over to Girl With A Ring and enter!

250 UPrinting Cards Have Arrived!

So here they are. My winnings from the UPrinting giveaway. They arrived late afternoon yesterday. I heard the sound of the UPS truck parking in front of my house, then the thud of a heavy box hitting the concrete on my porch. It's them...I just know it's them. I rushed over to the door and quickly pulled the box in. Oh....I hope they came out ok.
So.....much different than the #2 card that won in the voting, but I think I like these. This being the front of the card.....
and this being the back. Yes....I think these will work out just fine. I didn't have the words "thank you" printed on them because I knew there was no way I'd be using 250 thank you's....probably not even in my lifetime! So I made them more generic-y. I told the Mr., "Yeah, we'll just get a bunch of different stickers and put them on....bunnies (Happy Easter), hearts (Happy Valentine's) and so on and so forth. Our family can get the same card delivered to them for every occasion! lol I know you know I'm kidding, right???
Well, anyways....thank you UPrinting and Bride On A Budget!

Totally Bummed...No Baker

We had always planned on hiring a guy that works with my Mr. to make our cakes. He's a baker on the side, so slam dunk for us.
Well, we just barely started going back and forth with giving him ideas on what we would like, how many guests, etc.
Well, come to find out this evening, my Mr. was talking to him at work today when the date was brought up. Turns out he's going to be in Paris during our entire wedding week!
BUMMER!
We didn't have a Plan B! Anyone have suggestions on finding a very inexpensive baker? I will be looking on Craigslist to start.........

Quick Question

Does anyone out there know if I can have a buttercream cake and still put a silk ribbon on it...like the pic above? Or does it have to be something like fondant or marzipan? I'm just thinking about the consistency of buttercream....will it be too "mushy" to hold a ribbon nicely?
So please, anyone knowledgeable in this field.... I'd really appreciate some insight.

A Secret Giveaway!

I don't know what it's for, but I for one don't really care! Behind door #1, 2, 3 or 4! I'll take whatever you got! lol
So head on over to Ramirez Family and enter to win the big ????

Girl With A Ring UPrinting Poster Giveaway

Girl With A Ring is hosting a giveaway for an 18" x 24" Poster from UPrinting. Go to her site for details. Last day to enter is Sunday, November 15th.

Quick and Easy DIY Vase Makeover

So simple and beautiful. Made with Mod Podge and handmade paper. See full tutorial on how to make these at Natural Home Magazine's article.
I really love the paper they used for this picture.

What Type Of Icing Did You Have?

So I know there are many different options for the icing on the cake. There's buttercream, whip cream, fondant, marzipan and a few others. So what did YOU use on your wedding cake(s), and how did it turn out for you?
I've been planning on using buttercream, but just found out that my honey's friend, who is tentatively going to be our baker, hasn't worked much with buttercream. He normally does whip cream topping. He said he can practice with the buttercream, but....idk.
So I'm just wondering what eveyone else has already had experience with. I've heard that fondant doesn't taste very good.
Your experiences will be very helpful. Thanks! =)

#2 Won, But Can Never Be

NOPE! This will not be the design printed on my UPrinting cards afterall. =(
You remember #2 sample from my poll to select your favorite of my card designs? Number 2 ended up being the favorite by far, so that is the one I sent in to UPrinting. Well, they emailed the proof, and said that the picture was blurry. They wrote I had to either fix it, send in an alternate, or approve it as is.
I wasn't about to take the chance with 250 cards coming back to me blurry and non-usable, so I tried to remedy the problem. I sent it in again, to no avail. It came back again saying the same thing. The prepress team gave me a call and discussed how I could fix this. It seems that the background I had found online to use on my card was the biggest problem. The resolution just wasn't good enough. They told me that when I create a design to send in to them, to double check it by zooming in on it 500X. Yup, a 500X zoom. They were very helpful.
So I went back to my other samples to see if they would work. Number 7 was the runner up, so I zoomed in 500X on it, and no way. Super blurry!
I went back online trying to find a nice "wallpaper" looking background and zoomed in, only to find that this was really not working out. I then decided to get my own purple scrapbook papers and take a picture of them. I uploaded, zoomed....and nope! Still not good enough. I was really tired of stressing on this, so I finally said screw it.....no background. I designed a card with just plain color background. I zoomed...looks good. Sent it in.....came back a-ok. So now I'm just crossing my fingers that I like them when they come in.
I'm not posting the "plain" design on here....you'll just have to wait and see it when I get them in the mail!
Has anyone else used UPrinting for anything? What kind of design did you use?

My World Turned Upside Down

It's funny how just one little grain of sand in the whole spectrum of an hourglass can flip your world upside down. That's exactly what just happened to me last night. I'm not ready to go into details, but everything I thought WAS, is NOT. A future laid out and planned has now seemed to change course in such a drastic manner.
I sit here, tears rolling down my face, in anger, confusion, sadness, shock....typing away to total strangers just to get my pain out there into the universe.
But one thing I know for sure, is that I am is a survivor. So this too shall pass.
Thanks for letting me vent.

Purple Pitchers

I found these purple pitchers at a dollar store near my home. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to have them. Even though they are plastic, how can you beat $1 each? And they're so pretty. I love the way they sparkle when light hits them.
I bought 9 of these (one for each table except ours) and figure we'll have them so that our guests can have water with ice close at hand. And can you believe that I grabbed the last 9 of these in purple? It was meant to be.
We are planning on hiring someone (hopefully a friend of a friend) to do things like pick up guest's plates, walk around and fill water pitchers, etc. I've looked on Craigslist, and have seen people who do this for $15/ hour. Not bad....we can deal with that. I really don't want my family/guests having to work at our wedding. I just want them to sit back and enjoy. We are having a taco buffet for food, thus no waiters.
We will have a glass pitcher at our table, which I already bought from DD's for $3.95.
Originally, we were going to buy water bottles, put a water bottle wrap on them and put them in a tub....but I think this new idea will be what we end up going with. Either that, or we will have the water bottles, and have guests use pitchers for punch/other drinks at the tables...? I don't know....we'll figure something out. I'm so easily confused.
How will your water be served at your wedding?

DIY- My Sweets Buffet

I know that candy buffets are very popular these days, and decided I would like to have a "sweets" buffet that would include candy, pastries, nuts and whatever else we can think of. Definitely we'll have Twinkies (the Mr.'s fave) and Nutty Buddy's (my fave). I also will have candies in our wedding colors, and the Mr.'s own personal nut mix (he makes this and takes it to work with him daily).
Thus far I've bargain hunted for these plates/trays and scoops for our buffet. For the most part, these are thrift store finds. I'll try and introduce them in groups.
My raised platters/ bowls. I used various cups and candlesticks for bases, and bowls and plates for the toppers. I haven't actually glued them on yet, as I have been busy with other things, but I do have the epoxy ready to go. The one in the far back right is actually a cakestand I got free from freecycle.....if anyone's heard of that. The plates/ bowls shown here are from Target and Dollar Tree (all $1 ea.). Bases are from the thrift store except for the back middle candlestick (Dollar Tree). Thrift store bases were .45 each.
I am planning on putting silk flowers or purple/lavender paper pom poms under the cup bases for that extra lil touch.
These containers with covers were all from the thrift store $1.95-$3.95 ea.
These are all open containers. The purple cup was from Target for $1...I just really liked the color, and decided I will put Pixie Stix in it. All the rest but the heart (Dollar Tree) were purchased from the thrift store. I know that the bottom right one is a dip/appetizer dish, but it's perfect for candy! It was $2.95 and the other 2 glasses were .45 each.
These are 4 more bases I'm trying to find toppers for.....
OK....found one! The 99 Cents Store. Three more to go!
These are prongs and scoops. 4 pk of prongs for $1 at Dollar Tree and a 3 pk of scoops at Walmart for...I believe it was $3.95. Oh, and I totally forgot I had bought 5 mini plastic scoops at Blake's for .39 each.....now where are they? Hmmm....
And I also have 2 glass jars with tops from Ikea that I've had for a few years now.....I'll include those in my buffet too, if I need them.
And that just about covers my first phase of the sweets buffet. I really just wanted to round these up so I can pack and put them away. You see, I have ALL my wedding stuff in our bachroom, and I need to clear it out for Thanksgiving because we just might have Thanksgiving here this year...YIKES!! I just might post a pic of my backroom, but I really probably shouldn't. It is just so embarrassing! It's a wreck! So maybe I won't...lol!
Are you doing any types of buffets? Any creative or unique ideas?