Weekend Recap

Hey all! Doing another Weekend Recap with the amazing Bella from Dateless in Dallas! 
I have been so busy the past two weeks with my upcoming bridal shower (this coming weekend! -- P.S. I chose APRIL because of "April Showers,"  get it?) and my Uncle I was close to just passed away the beginning of last week.  So I've been in a bit of a funk lately along with running around like a chicken with my head cut off!

So Friday evening we had our menu tasting at the venue I will be getting married at.

Let me tell you, It WAS SOOOOO GOOD!  We started off trying two soups.  A tomato soup and a mushroom soup.  My fiance is not a soup eater, nor a fan of mushrooms, and he DEVOURED the soup.  Although we will not be serving soup at the wedding because it will be in the Summer, it was very tasty! It looked like a mini pot pie with the crusted top.

 

We tried 2 soups, 2 salads, 2 different types of chicken and two different filets, each served with mashed potatoes, risotto, and veggies.

This is the beautiful fountain where our cocktail hour will be  

(not IN the fountain, but next to it)

Examples of napkin folds, and table numbers

Beautiful gazebo on property

Momma/Daughter bathroom #selfie

Outfit

It was such a wonderful experience and I am so blessed to have shared it with my parents and my fiance. Wonderful evening!  When we got home my fiance had to head to work for another hour to get their stuff ready for the weekend.  I was working on some finalization of wedding planning when the first earthquake hit.  We got up from our chairs and stood in the doorway until it stopped.  My poor pups were freaked out.  We quickly turned on the news and watched where it was located.  Apparently there were several earthquakes in the surrounding areas right after. (and ANOTHER on Saturday! What the heck!)

Saturday was spent running errands and getting a few necessities for my bridal shower with my mom and little second cousin.  I started off my morning with a cup of coffee in my FAVORITE mug since I was little, "It's not PMS, I'm always Bitchy."

 

 We took my little cousin to lunch at Panera and I snuck a photo since he wouldn't smile. 

After we ran our errands, I was invited to go to a Hockey game to watch the Kings!
It was my first ever KINGS hockey game, I've always watched the Ducks.  Such a fun experience!

 

LA from the freeway

Sunday was spent working on wedding plans, cleaning, doing laundry, and being lazy with my pups.   This weekend was very nice after a rough week. You'll be seeing more Bridal shower posts coming up, because it's this coming weekend!!  Xo

Wedding Q+A With Morgan @ Believe In The Sparks

Today I am happy to announce to have one of my favorite bloggers, Morgan from Believe in the Sparks, over at my blog to discuss her upcoming Wedding Q+A's that I have asked her.

Take it away Morgan!

When is your upcoming wedding?

April 12, 2014

How did you meet? / or Engagement Story?  ( Whichever one you would like to write about, or both if you wish)

Steven proposed on December 20, 2012 at the Alabama Theatre. Every December the theater plays holiday movies leading up to Christmas, so one night Steven and I, along with my parents and brother, decided to go see my favorite Christmas movie, Elf, play. Little did I know that this was all part of a greater plan. After the movie we walked outside to a crowd of people surrounding the marquee. I turned around to see what all the fuss was about when I saw it: "Morgan, Will You Marry Me?" written in lights on top of the marquee. I didn't think it couldn't possibly be for me, but the minute I looked down I saw Steven on one knee holding the most gorgeous ring I had ever seen. Of course I said "Yes!" and the entire crowd broke out in applause. The night Steven put my name in lights was a night that changed my life forever. I'm so lucky to marry someone who put so much thought and effort into giving me the perfect proposal!

How many bridesmaids did you choose? How did you go about choosing them?

It was actually very easy deciding on bridesmaids. have 5 bridesmaids and I consider them all to be more like sisters than friends.- My maid of honor, Rachael, and I have been friends since middle school. My bridesmaid, Cortney, and I also met in middle school when we both started competitive cheerleading. We became fast friends and have continued our friendship for over ten years now. Two of my bridesmaids, Katie and Bailey, are college sorority sisters. We formed a quick bond and spent four years attached at the hip. Lastly, I couldn't imagine my wedding day without my soon-to-be sister in law, Morgan (same name! Isn't that crazy?!), standing by my side.

What is your color scheme, and what made you choose it?

Our colors are different shades of purple - everything from lavender to plum and anything in between. I saw a picture soon after we got engaged with different shades of purple incorporated into a wedding and I fell in love. I told my wedding coordinator about my inspiration and he took off with the idea! I can't wait to see how everything comes together!

What was the most stressful thing you've came across in the planning process?

I know it sounds crazy, but I haven't really felt stress throughout the process. That mostly has to do with the fact that I have the most amazing mom and wedding coordinator on the planet! Seriously, my mom is loving every minute of the planning, and I am loving having her throughout this process. 

What are you most passionate about leading to the big day?

Finally becoming a wife to the man of my dreams! We have been engaged for 14 long months, so I am itching to get down that aisle and say "I do" to my husband!

If you could start planning all over, what would you do differently?

Don't rely too heavily on Pinterest. Long before Pinterest came along I envisioned having a southern, rustic wedding, however, Pinterest has all but run that idea into the ground. Thankfully (again) I have a wedding coordinator who sees past all the Pinterest fads and has promised to give me exactly what I've always dreamed of having without it looking like it came straight from the internet.

What's your best piece of advice for future brides out there?

Don't rush things! You only get to be a bride one time, so soak in every minute of it. Everything will work out in the end, so don't stress (too much) and don't worry about the things that you can't control. In the end you will walk away with your husband and that is most definitely the most important part of the day!

 
 

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!  I am co-hosting this Weekend Recap with Bella from Dateless in Dallas!

On Friday evening I kept it pretty low-key working on bridal shower crafts, and wedding planning.   My fiance and I went in the spa and had a few beers and kept it low-key.

Saturday I went shopping literally ALL-day with my mom!  We ended up both getting a new bra (Victoria Secret of course) and I received two free panties.  I found my wedding earrings and bracelet! Kate Spade of course!

Btw, I bought a toss garter with a built in flask.  Pure genius if you ask me! 
& I purchased a super cutesy swim suit for the BACHELORETTE cruise in April!

Sunday the girls came over to help finish the final bridal shower details.  We acted very goofy, and took some photos!

After the girls left, my fiance came home from his games, and we went out for pizza and drinks with his team parents!  We had a little too much fun!

Sorry my Weekend Recap this week was so short! 

We really didn't do anything too crazy this week!

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Top 5 Things To Love About Your State

No matter where you are from, I bet you can find 5 things to love about your state.  Link up and tell us what you love about where you are from!

Top 5 Things I Love About California

The Weather - Okay so this is obviously a no-brainer.  It rarely ever rains.  The weather stays above 75 about 90% of the year.  What's not to love?  I love laying being able to layout in February soaking up some sun.

There is ALWAYS Something To Do - The beach is only 20 minutes away (@ least from where I'm from), Vegas is a short 3 hour drive, If I want snow, the mountains are about 45 minutes away,  LA is 30 minutes, Hollywood is about 45-1hr (traffic blows of course).  San Diego is an hour and a half drive.  We've got plenty of zoo's. Disneyland is 20 minutes away, Universal studios is about 45 minutes.   Need I say more?   Literally anything you can imagine, we've got it all right here.  Oh and San Francisco of course!

The Fashion - With LA being so close, you can find the best fashion anywhere. (Even without breaking the budget)  The trends come out to Cali before most states so you have a chance to get a head start.

Disneyland - Ok so this was also mentioned in "there is always something to do," but because we live so close to Disneyland, we have annual passes.  So whenever we have nothing to do, we go for a few hours and head home.  We love going, and it never gets old. (at least to us)

You Can Wear Sandals Almost Year-round -  This also goes with the whole weather thing, but seriously who wants to wear boots all-the-time?  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love pulling my boots out of my closet for a month or so, but sandals are just so dang comfortable; easy on, easy off.  

- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - -  

Fun Facts About California You May Not Already Know:

1. California was originally known as the Bear State. As California boomed—and the bear population was wiped out—it became the Golden State.

2.  California is the only state that's hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics

3.  California's most famous for its Gold Rush in 1849, but it also had a Silver Rush in the Calico Mountains from 1881 to 1896.

4. California has the best produce in the nation (fact).

5. There are 3 NFL Teams. (Raiders, 49ers, Charger)

6. We in California "claim our area codes."  We act like it's our identity.

Like the 818, 714, 909.  Trust me.. we seriously do. 

There's no NFL team in Los Angeles.
Read more at http://www.rantlifestyle.com/2014/01/18/20-things-nobody-tells-moving-southern-california/#e6IrPpl6Sd6j8fdz.99

California has absolutely the best produce in the nation and that's fact.
Read more at http://www.rantlifestyle.com/2014/01/18/20-things-nobody-tells-moving-southern-california/#e6IrPpl6Sd6j8fdz.99

California has absolutely the best produce in the nation and that's fact. You have grown up with strawberries the size of your fist that taste like sugar. You know what a jicama is and why it rules. You've never had to ripen an avocado after you buy it. Your cilantro is always green. Jalapenos are 99 cents for two pounds, and never have blemishes.
Read more at http://www.rantlifestyle.com/2014/01/18/20-things-nobody-tells-moving-southern-california/#e6IrPpl6Sd6j8fdz.99

California has absolutely the best produce in the nation and that's fact. You have grown up with strawberries the size of your fist that taste like sugar. You know what a jicama is and why it rules. You've never had to ripen an avocado after you buy it. Your cilantro is always green. Jalapenos are 99 cents for two pounds, and never have blemishes.
Read more at http://www.rantlifestyle.com/2014/01/18/20-things-nobody-tells-moving-southern-california/#e6IrPpl6Sd6j8fdz.99

Also, if you could do me a HUGE favor and spread the word to help my boss's son who has muscular dystrophy:  Urge the FDA to Say YES to Accelerated Approval for safe, effective therapies for children with Duchenne, sign the petition:  http://wh.gov/lEfaZ

Can't Stop Won't Stop

Top 5 Things I "Can't Stop, Won't Stop." (aka cannot live without)

Country Music -- Something about the way it makes me feel, the way I get in the "line dancin' mood."  It for sure makes me a better person.  Somehow, someway.

Blogging -- Whether it be my own blog or constantly reading other blogs, it truly is inspiring to read what people have to say.  Plus don't you have those moments when you say to yourself, "I am SO blogging this!"?

Love -- That feeling of knowing someone is always there for you, waiting with open arms.  Someone you can always talk to, turn to, with unconditional love.  That feel-good feeling inside.

Pinterest -- I don't know about you, but I call it an obsession.  I may need to start going to PA (Pinterest Anonymous) meetings because there is not a day that goes by I don't check out new DIY projects or home decor on Pinterest. Please tell me I am not alone?

Puppy love -- Not a single day goes by that I don't think about our fur babies.  

What's not to love?  They are always happy to see you, the best snuggle buddies, and so cute!  They keep me company when I am alone, and they are so funny!

Now it's your turn, Link up and tell me what you Can't Stop Won't Stop.

Arizona Kind of Weekend : Spring Training

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! I sure did.  I am linking up with Bella from Dateless in Dallas for yet another wonderful Weekend Recap!

Thursday morning my fiance and I took a plane to Arizona for Spring Training.





 

As soon as we landed in Tempe, we went to breakfast and of course started off with a few cocktails.   The game started at 1PM, so after breakfast we got ready for the game.   We know a few players on the Angels team and Diamondbacks so we hung out with a few of them on Friday evening in Scottsdale.  But Thursday night we went to Mastros for dinner with the travel ball parents.  The food was amazing, and we went to the bar area after for some cocktails and live music!

Friday my fiance had to coach his travel ball baseball teams, and I went to hang out my the pool with the ladies.  Then, we ended up heading to Scottsdale to a strip of bars and ended up with cocktail service at Whiskey Row.  One of my good friends met up with us who lives down the street from Whiskey Row.

Saturday morning I went to watch my fiances travel teams play their last game.  Unfortunately they lost and were done for the rest of the weekend.  So we decided to spend the rest of the day poolside with more cocktails of course!
We ended up staying at the hotel for dinner and hung out by the fire pit till super late.
I ended up stealing borrowing  a golf cart because the hotel was so big and I needed to get to my room to pick something up to continue hanging out!





We hit the road Sunday morning to head home.  Such a wonderful and much needed weekend that's for sure!
 

Q + A with Kate

Back to that Q+ A again, this time with Kate from Green Fashionista.  I have followed Kate's blog for quite some time now.  Love her blog, love her!  Time for her Q+A.  If this is your first time and you'd like to see some previous Q+A's with some other lovely bloggers, feel free to check them out here.

When did you get married?
 We got married on June 26th, 2010

How did you meet? / or Engagement Story?

  We met at my favorite outdoor bar on the water *when we still lived in CT* in the summer of 2008. My best friend introduced us who I met at freshman orientation in college, but she and my husband grew up in the same town and went to high school together. I've jokingly questioned her as to why she took so long to introduce us!

How many bridesmaids did you have? How did you go about choosing them?

I had 6 Bridesmaids and my younger cousin was a Jr. Bridesmaid. I chose my best friend who introduced us as my maid of honor of course, and the rest of my wedding party was comprised of my future sister in-law, cousins, and good friends from over the years. 

 What was your color scheme, and what made you choose it?

 My color scheme was gold and soft pink with cream accents. I wanted a soft romantic glow at the reception, and had a lot of candles around the centerpieces and the fire place by the dance floor was filled with glowing candles, it was really pretty.

What was your favorite thing about your wedding day?

 My favorite thing about my wedding day other than marrying the love of my life and best friend of course was having everyone in my life that I love in one room. Several amazing family members have passed away since then, and I am so thankful that I had everyone there to celebrate and will always cherish those moments and the beautiful pictures.

What was the most stressful thing about your wedding day?

Feeling sick while taking pictures before the ceremony. My jaw started shaking while trying to smile for pictures and I got really hot and nauseous. I ended up running off to the bathroom where I thought I was going to be sick. Thankfully, I never got sick but my mom had to run cool wash cloths over me and my wedding coordinator got me some ginger-ale and peanut butter crackers. Turns out it was a combination of it being too hot, my dress was laced up too tight, and I hadn't eaten enough. A few grapes off the fruit platter in the bridal suite combined with champagne was bad for business.

 If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?

There's a lot of things I would have done differently.. including eating more before we started taking pictures before the ceremony. I also would have taken more time to take it all in and really be in the moment. When they say the day goes by in the blink of an eye and to try to slow down and enjoy it they mean it. 

What's your best piece of advice for future brides out there?

 Enjoy being engaged... you'll only be engaged for a short time, but you'll be married for the rest of your life. Live in the moment and enjoy the engagement party, registering for gifts, bridal showers, bridesmaid get togethers, dress fittings, and of course your bachelorette. Concentrate on all the fun events leading up to the big day. Also, don't be afraid to do a "first look" with your future husband. It was such a special moment, and his reaction to seeing me for the first time was priceless and we were able to have some time together before the craziness of the rest of the day and was the only moment where it was just the two of us until the wedding was over. Plus, it took absolutely nothing away from my walk down the aisle.

Such wonderful advice! Thank you so much Kate!  Wow! Getting sick on the actual day? That is one of my biggest fears.  Thankfully you were ok for the rest of the day!
I love your little details! Your bouquet is gorgeous!
Thanks so much for your honesty, I have never really thought about me only being engaged for a short while.  Although I have had a year and a half engagement, that all went by too quickly, and in just a short 4 months, it will be my turn to walk down that aisle.  I need to focus on soaking in everything because I know I will miss it! (Even the stressful parts) Thank you for sharing your advice to me and to my blog followers!  You made an absolute gorgeous bride Kate!

Are you part of the Wedding Bloggers Connect group yet?  If not, you can sign up here.
I would love to give a shoutout to the two newest members of the WBC, Krista Moy @ Classy & Sassy Mrs.  and Jackie @ City Girl Finding Her Place in the World! Welcome to the club girlfriends!

(Also linking this post up for Wedding Wednesday with Belle In Boots)

 

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Weekend Recap & Bridal Shower Planning

Sorry in advance for being a super lagger on my blog this past week! Slap my wrist!

I have literally been making DIY projects for my upcoming Bridal Shower and haven't even had the chance to sit and relax!  It's so crazy that last weekend it was pouring rain, and this weekend was hot and sunny over 80 degrees!  What the heck California! Figure it out!  I guess I shouldn't be complaining too much.  Anyways, hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

I am co-hosting with the FABULOUS Bella from Dateless in Dallas.

Grab my button at the end of this post, link back to both of us, add your link at the bottom of this post. Simple. Do it!

Friday Night:  The fiance is out of town in Arizona for Spring Training (I'll be heading out next week!) and I figured it would be a perfect opportunity to get things done around the house and work on projects!  I am so thrilled to have had time to myself to get things done without distraction!

Oh and I picked up some new glasses!  I love them! ( oh gosh.. I never thought I'd hear those words about me loving glasses coming out of my mouth! )  P.S. sorry for the crappy Iphone photo!

Saturday:  I spent the morning getting my oil changed.  I know, boring right?  But, my dad wanted to check out some new cars because he is thinking about buying my mom a new one very soon.  So it was fun looking at the cars while waiting for my own to be done!  I don't know about you, but I LOVE the new car smell! yummm!  The rest of the day was spent at the mall with my mom shopping for my upcoming bachelorette cruise attire!  Then, I went out to dinner with the fam!

Saturday night: I spent working on more projects ( I swear I have been so craft-crazy this weekend!)

I created/ designed some of my own games to have at the bridal shower- here is a sneak peak:

Sunday: I spent the day getting more projects done.  They are turning out amazing and I can't wait till the actual bridal shower to showcase everything!  

Oh and I made these fake "boarding passes" to put in the gift package I'm going to give my girls as gifts.  Sometimes it's the little details that go a long way!

Here's a sneakkkyyy peakkyy of some handmade signs and all DIY decor we will have displayed:

(Sorry.. quality blows)

 Lazy pups this weekend!  Who doesn't love a pair of weinies!?

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