Happiness and Lace

pretty disctractions.

2012-01-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

Well, school is back in and this time I've got a LOT of credits I'm taking. I like it, but it's a lot of homework. For some reason though, this much homework done all on my laptop has had me taking more "little breaks" to look at pretty things. I dream of one day having time to make more. I know that in reality it wouldn't bring me quite as much joy as school though. At least not right now. I just love it. Here are some of my favorites. I am in love with the color scheme of the top cake.

via designsponge

spotted on pinterest

I like this one because I really want a vacation to happen in the near future. A road trip in a motorhome like this would be ideal.

via fieldguided

Mean cakes should become the norm right? Instead of "Happy Birthday ____" we should all air our grievances about the person who's birthday it is. Okay, just kidding. It's important to be nice.

miracles happen once in a while, at secondhand stores.

2011-12-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

So, I went over to the D.I. today, just looking. I have been searching high and low for a certain type of shirt lately and well, I found it. In the maternity section. And I took it in real quick. I was so excited about this find. Then, I went over to the games section looking for rook cards (we can't get enough of them in our family) but found myself at the purses instead. I got three! It was just my lucky day. I couldn't post photos of them all because, honestly, I tried to take some but they are shiny and i'm not a photographer so I don't know how to make it look right. But if I just tell and don't show anything that's boring right? I feel silly taking pictures of myself. Maybe someday I will be more comfy with it but for now, one is enough. Here is the shirt and my favorite of the bags. For the record: one of the others is a big mustard yellow leather hobo, and the second is a pearly pink leather tote, the same color as the pinkish shoes in the post below.

THEN I am passing the furniture and (cue angels singing) this phenomenal yellow chair (pictured below) is just sitting there, with only $10.00 on the price tag. It was all over from there. Don't tell my mom but she's getting it for Christmas. I want to keep it for myself, but they say that's when you know it is a good gift.

So, I had to share the spoils of my lucky day. Have a lovely day everyone.

happiness & party shoes.

2011-11-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

I love these. For once something stylish AND affordable! I had to share.

photo from here

I know that this says $23 but the price has been reduced! $16.47 Aren't they great? I'll take one of each, please. Purchase them here.

happy christmas time! shopping tips & gift ideas.

2011-11-28T11:19:00.000-08:00

Because it is now officially the Christmas season, and it also happens to be Cyber Monday, I thought I would share a few tidbits of holiday shopping knowledge I have picked up since I became cheap and some gift ideas too because let's face it... sometimes you just need a little inspiration. This will be the first of a series of gift ideas I have for you.

The best gifts are personalized. How about decorating a mug for one of your friends or family members? Do something pretty, or related to an inside joke. Plain mugs are easy to find. Check thrift stores or dollar stores for something simple, purchase a set of ceramic paint markers, and go to town. Then throw in a packet of hot chocolate, some candy canes, or something else you think they would like. There you go.

This photo and tutorial from creature comforts.

The gift that keeps on giving: a magazine subscription. My personal favorite is Real Simple. This subscription is $12/year today for Cyber Monday here. Or, at the real simple website you can get 2 for 1. I have not met a lady who doesn't like that magazine, and I have personally received this subscription for the past 2 years and I love getting it every month! Anyway, you can find a magazine for almost anyone on your list this year.

A few ideas:

Ladies: Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living, People (If they like celeb gossip. Let's be real, who doesn't?),

Music lover: SPIN, Rolling Stone

Manly type: Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated

And last but probably best...

A sampler. This is a root beer sampler, but you could do it with really anything that someone really likes. Jam? Muffins? Cheese? Yes to all of the above please. Just print off a map (I would need assistance making it pretty, but it can't be too hard) and stick everything in a nicely organized crate.

photo from here.

and now for a few online shopping tips!

#1: Go to The Find and search for whatever it is you are planning on buying this year. It will come up with all online retailers that are currently selling it, and the price. This way you can compare prices and make sure you get the best deal possible.

#2: ALWAYS search for a coupon code before purchasing at an online store. It's worth a try. RetailMeNot is the best place to find one of these babies.

#3: In the past, I have gone to checkout while shopping online (just to check out the final price after shipping and handling) and then decided not to purchase right away. To my surprise, a few days later I received an e-mail asking me to complete my purchase, with a 15% off code in it, and free shipping. I don't know which retailers do this and which don't, but it's worth a shot if you have a few days to wait.

Happy Gifting!

holidays and happiness.

2011-11-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

I am bursting with holiday cheer right now! I know, it is still just the beginning of November, but the true holiday season is creeping up so fast and I am already listening to the A Very She & Him Christmas album on a loop. I recommend it. (Only $5 here!)

So, for those who are as excited as I am and want to get started with their gathering, decorating and gifting like I do... here is my first little round-up of ideas.

Dipping gifts in confetti! Anything involving confetti is good with me. And you'll already be vacuuming pine-needles so why not add a little more color to your floor? Saw it here.

Paint dollar store toys gold, or paint them in glue and dip them in glitter to make them pretty table accents, gift tags, ornaments or whatever. They are just pretty. Tutorials here and here.

Making stockings out of sweaters from thrift stores? A wall tree to hang them on if you don't have a mantle? Genius. Found here. Other ideas for thrifted sweaters: mittens, pillows, leg warmers or regular socks. Really anything you want can be made out of old sweaters.

Remember the cute felt ball wreaths and garlands everyone made last year? I might try it this time around. So rad, and a good way to add some extra color to your tree! I am going for very colorful, and very sparkly this year.

You can order felt balls here or try making your own with this tutorial here!

And, vintage puzzle piece gift toppers or ornaments! So easy.

Brown paper packages tied up with strings really are one of my favorite things. From here and here.

Happy almost holidays!

pippa.

2011-06-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Pippa Jameson Stylings. Whoa, these rooms are gorgeous!

I would love to say that I could realistically maintain an all-white floor but I shouldn't lie. It will never happen, but that doesn't mean I can't admire it from afar.

The contrast with the shutters in all photos is just perfect.

makin' me want cupcakes.

2011-06-23T06:49:00.001-07:00

I am not a huge cupcake person. I know. I love cake, but I find cupcakes hard to eat without getting it all over my face! Am I the only one? Anyway, these rad liners are making me want to make them just because of how cute they are. Maybe I could have a bake sale?! Yes... I think I will. Check them out here.

mystery room.

2011-06-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am just in love with this room. The colors are perfection. I want this to be my house.

found via this blog, originally from apartment therapy. I can't find it,
but I really want to know what the rest of this house looks like! If you have seen it, let me know where?
Danke schen.

fave summer party ideas.

2011-06-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

prettiest garland

this ginger ale with strawberries looks so good, trying it asap!

diy ice cream cone holders. need these!

gorgeous display of streamers and lights

via you are my fave, pinterest

pretties from around.

2011-05-05T07:25:00.000-07:00

I am totes dreaming about these gorgeous rooms.

The color combo is so pretty I really just might go out and do something drastic... I got a sewing machine for my birthday. (yes!) and I am out of school for a few months (yes!) So once I figure out how to use it I can hopefully start making my dreams a reality.

For now, this ring is only $9.99 at modcloth.

1. via 2. via

old photos & happiness.

2011-05-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

My Grandpa Ossian has been busy scanning all of his family photos into the computer and making them into DVD's. I discovered this while staying at his house last weekend and I can't help but want to share them! This one is so lovely. Grandpa is the one with the rad sunglasses and short trunks. A day at the lake (or river?) sounds amazing. Can't wait for summertime to hit!

van gogh cake

2011-04-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Syb, this is mostly for you.

Whoever made this cake is amazing. This must have taken ages! I love it.

an up-inspired floating house.

2011-03-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

National Geo is my hero!
They actually made this house float way high up in the air for a while last weekend.

UP is one of my favorite movies ever. It is the sweetest.

And I love balloons. I would love to have balloons all the time! Maybe I should invest in a helium machine.

sweetness for the weekend.

2011-03-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

Brownie Pecan Pie
Are you kidding? SUPER tempted to make this pie for a little get-together on Saturday or another one on Monday. It seems like the most evil, perfect pie ever. I am definitely trying it soon so I'll let ya'll know.

mmmm my mouth is watering!

Also have been wanting to try these Brown Butter, Bacon & Chocolate Chip cookies!

Bacon is popping up in desserts all over the place lately. It is apparently not just for the state fair.
What if they are gross though? The idea just makes me feel... dangerous. And I like it. All I know is I have to try these!

the declaration of ten dollar tuesdays.

2011-03-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

Introduction: I have a goal this year to learn how to do new things, one of which is sewing. I also just really like doing various diy projects and would like to fit more time in for things like this, so here's me trying to keep myself in good habits. Being on a student's budget, I can't spend spend spend on all of the finest supplies, but there are still a lot of things you can do if you want to get creative! Which, I do. So, I present to you ten dollar tuesdays, where I will share projects that cost $10 or less! I am thrilled about it. So my first project was something I already posted about here, I got the idea and couldn't stop thinking about it so I went ahead and made it happen.

You will need:

White pocket tee from Target, $8.
Gold sequins
White or gold thread, a needle and some scissors.

All I did was cut three strips of sequins the length of the pocket and then a little triangle shape for the bottom. The edges, where they were cut made a few of them fall off so if there was a spot that looked naked I would just hand sew a few sequins on there. It was honestly so easy.

For the sequins-I just bought a spool but you can have it cut, you'll only need one foot and that's generous. Always always always take a 40% or 50% off coupon with you if you are going to JoAnns! They will accept their own coupons or Michael's. They come in the mail or you can usually find them online.

wednesday whimsy.

2011-03-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

cake + bunting flags

This is the best. I like how the cakes both look classy while still fun to look at. I also like that The frosting is monochrome. I love to decorate cakes but filling 10 bags with different colors and tips and what-not is super time consuming! Sometimes you just need something a little more simple.

art.com groupon-mark as used.

2011-02-28T10:26:00.000-08:00

I bought a Groupon to Art.com in December and I didn't realize that it would be so hard to choose anything. That website has too much! And to be completely honest, there was nothing I was in love with. I really liked learning about art history in high school and my freshman year of college (yes, I took it twice) but I guess lately I am more into a different style of art, nothing of which I could find on Art.com. Anyway, I ended up realizing that I could order prints and canvases of my own photos from that site instead, so that is what I did. I chose these two pictures from our wedding. Yes, almost 1.5 years into our marriage we still have no framed pictures from our wedding. Or a wedding album! Yikes. I need to get on that. I got this first one on a canvas and the bottom one printed for a frame we already have. I can't wait for them to arrive! The best part is that I even found a free shipping code for Art.com as well, so I paid $5 back in December for the $50 credit, and that is it. Hooray!

toms times five.

2011-02-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

So my husband is in a super cool band called The Vibrant Sound. He is also an Engineering student at BYU. A few weeks ago, a kid in one of his classes came up to him and acting completely starstruck, asked him if he was in that band. He said yes, and the guy asked him if he would be willing to give him drum lessons in exchange for shoes. Toms shoes! He gets them wholesale or something. Husband said heck yes, and today he got a surprise delivery. 5 pairs of brand new toms shoes! Much excite. Do you know the toms shoes story? For each pair you buy, Toms gives a pair to a child in need. Read more here. So, we love Toms. Now husband has 6 pair, and I have one.

Small tidbit: Husband texted me the other day and I thought it was funny so I will share it. He said it was ok. "Sketchers is making a shoe called Bobs that are identical to Toms. I will punch the first person I see wearing them." So watch out Sketchers, we do not think you are a worthy replacement.

sewing project: chevron pillow shams

2011-02-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Me and my honey do not have any real bedding. Decorating our bedroom is the last on my priority list, and we don't make our bed that often anyway! (That should probably change...) So I have been dying to find some chevron fabric for throw pillows and what not. Some befell me thanks to my fantastic mother-in-law. I knew just what to do with it, I had the perfect amount for two pillows. Finally! Something to decorate my bed. So my super Mom helped me thread the bobbin and sat next to me for moral support while I did my first real all by myself sewing project! I am so thankful for my mom and Jacob's for always being so generous with things like this. I can honestly say that these were super easy, if you want to learn, these are perfect for a first-timer. I found the tutorial here at DesignSponge.

If you were at my wedding, yes that is one of my table cloths I am using as a bedspread. If it helps my case, it was originally a bedsheet! I am honestly a little embarrassed to be putting pictures of my bedroom here, but it is like any room, a work in progress. Any love you can show for the shams will make me feel a little better?!

local lovin': beyond glaze

2011-02-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

Beyond Glaze is today's coupon on Deals That Matter. It is a credit for $12 to Beyond Glaze, for $6, HOWEVER! If it is your first time buying a deal at Deals That Matter, guess what? You get a $5 credit automatically for signing up making this deal only $1! The Beyond Glaze website does not offer pricing so I'm not sure how far the $12 will get you but hey, it's practically free. The best part? Deals That Matter gives 15% of all sales to charity. Today's is going to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. So I had to share this one! Oh and I have tried these donuts and they are divine. I can't wait to get my paws on them! Especially the German Chocolate one pictured above.

*Update! I e-mailed Beyond Glaze and their pricing is as follows: A dozen is $18.70, half $9.95, and single $1.85.

button.

2011-02-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hello lovely friends! I am working on my blog design and trying to make it a little more professional looking, if you will. So, I finally did it. I got a button! So you are more than welcome to put it on your page. Thanks to those who read this. I love you all.

color combos to die for: gold + baby turquoise

2011-02-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

I am calling it baby turquoise because I like it. And I can't get enough of gold right now.

annilygreen on etsy

monkeypuzzle on etsy

in my kitchen: almost home-made oreo cookies

2011-02-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

Recipe:
1 box devil's food cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil

Wash your hands, put all ingredients in a bowl. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. The mix is so thick that a mixer won't really do the job and there is no point in dirtying a spoon because that won't really work either! So don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Use your hands to mix everything together. Once thoroughly mixed, roll into little balls and place onto greased cookie sheet, like pictured above. Cook for about 8 minutes. Take them out and let them cool. After they have cooled completely, fill with your choice of frosting, I probably use about a 2 teaspoons but it's whatever your preference is really. This recipe is easy, pretty quick and always a crowd pleaser. People beg me for these cookies lately. I am happy to oblige.

Wilton Buttercream Icing

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine softened
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
(approximately 1 lb.-when you buy it in bags it will say how many lbs. is in it)
2 tablespoons milk

A lot of my friends use cream cheese frosting which is divine with these cookies. The reason I used this buttercream is because I made it originally for a Relief Society activity (3 batches!) and then it barely got used so I had to use it so it wouldn't go to waste. No complaints here! It is very yummy and tastes a little more like a classic Oreo. In my opinion a million times better though.

making things pretty, making pretty things.

2011-02-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

I am so inspired this weekend by the creative things that people come up with! I love a good DIY project. Sometimes I wish I was a stay-at-home wife so that I could do things like this more often. But I do have some time this weekend and next away from my husband (not exactly jumping for joy on this one) so I have rounded up a few ideas I'd like to try. These all come from the amazing blogger Liz, from Say Yes! to Hoboken. She is an inspiration!

framed jewelry organizer

cutest valentine's day banner ever

(check. mine is not quite as chic but i still like it)

the sequin pocket tee

(i really want to wear this for my valentine's date on monday!)

this gala skirt

Also, I am inspired to try making this tote, originally found at american apparel and sadly! no longer in stock. It looks pretty easy though. I am not schooled in the ways of sewing yet but my mother is trying to teach me and I am desperately trying to learn, one project at a time.

befores and afters.

2011-02-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

Design Sponge is one of my favorite blogs. The reason for this is their frequent featuring of before and afters! I am a sucker for a nice pre-loved piece of furniture and hope to someday get better at it. I have tried a few things here and there and they've turned out okay but I haven't done anything too fabulous yet. Here are two that caught my eye today.

Elle's side table:karen's log:

ice cream is happiness.

2011-01-17T08:55:00.001-08:00

via

Even though it is totally freezing outside, I have really been craving ice cream lately. These balloons make me want it all the more, and along with it, some friends and some pretty decorations!

party number 1: swap

2010-11-15T21:20:00.002-08:00

i have always loved throwing parties, and my growing obsession inspired me to actually try to do one of those really cute ones that other bloggers have mastered. it was super fun. i loved planning it and especially enjoying it. there were muddy buddy cones, cake pops, guacamole and sangria (the non alcoholic kind!) party 1, down. what should i do for party 2?

glamping.

2010-09-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

spotted this on brunch at saks and couldn't love it more. i need a good-looking fort like this in my living room for fort friday -and i'd probably keep it up saturday through thursday too.

happiness inducing design

2010-09-21T22:10:00.000-07:00

love this house tour i saw on apartment therapy! such a pretty space.

also a fun print found via design is mine. so cute- i would love to have this in my house.

by kelly lasserre, buy it here
xoxo

once upon a time i fell in love with a rug

2010-08-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

images above via made by girl

image above via lonny magazine

image above from the home of jen from made by girl

images above from made by girl

image above from lonny magazine

home is where the heart is

2010-04-21T08:11:00.001-07:00

I love this house tour! I found it via Apartment Therapy. Doesn't Candi Mandi have the best style? I love all the colors and how it's simple but still... not.

hammocks and high tea.

2010-03-06T22:45:00.001-08:00

i have been searching HIGH and LOW for some cute drawer liners (or something like that) and finally i stumbled upon some gorgeous ones! did i mention they are scented? bonus! thank you, hammocks and high tea. you have the most dazzling patterns. though i do not intend to hide them in drawers- that would be silly! they also have other cute, small household items- tea towels, placemats and the like. oh you should visit! go here.

a little preview....

bloomingville

2010-02-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

i love this. it's a danish company-check it out here. i like it mostly because i feel like i could re-create these looks very easily without spending lots of cash! but isn't it so pretty? found it via decor8

the home of jo kornstein

2010-01-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

to me this house is the most phenomenal thing! it inspires me. it gets me to the nearest thrift store as fast as possible. it is so beautiful. i want my house to look like this. my favorite parts are the living room mantle and the bathroom. INCREDIBLE. so this post is mostly just for me so that i can look at it whenever i want to. if you like it too, then lovely. it was featured in vogue uk, i found it via decor8 and photography is by hugh stewart.

daisy, our vintage beauty

2009-11-07T07:15:00.000-08:00

finally we have our wedding photos! blogging has not been so easy lately though, i do not work on the computer 8 hours a day anymore, and my home computer is not fit for such intricacies! (mostly because i can't store the pictures on it, the old bag) but here is a little peek. i really wanted a vintage car for the wedding day so i searched high and low and couldn't find anything in utah. all of the car services only carried new nice cars,limousines and imports, etc. i had almost given up when out of the clear blue this client of my mom's, Sam, called her office and told her that he bought a 1937 buick. since she knew that i was looking for a vintage car she asked him what he was going to use it for- low and behold- a car service! for weddings! (and such.) i could not have been more excited when i spoke to him on the phone! his service is called something vintage something blue and he works around the salt lake area. this beautiful car's name is daisy. we had so much fun riding around in her back seat, sam drove us home from the temple and the best part was people honking at us because they knew we were just married. we also caused a car accident! right next to us, this lady and her kids were pulling up to the light that we were stopped at and just staring at the vintage beauty, and they rear-ended the truck in front of them! they were all laughing so hard and so were we. i don't think the owner of the truck was laughing though.

shelves and happiness.

2009-10-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

I am obsessssed.

via decorology. Now that I have my own home to "make" I just want to do it all. It is a work in progress, but finally starting to feel like a home and not just a mess of mismatched things. (okay, most things are still mismatched but maybe that's how I like it.) I have some cutie shelves in my family room and I have so many fun ideas for them. Who else loves these pictures? It's fun to find ways to use things that I have had forever in new ways. I am very thankful right now for my impulse to collect home decor in the recent years even though I had nowhere to put any of it until now. It is coming in so handy!! I might even be ready to invite people over soon....

2009-10-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

{ sally jane vintage}

love this picture. i feel like it goes with the gloomy day it is outside. but in a good way. lovey and i are off to see a movie and have a party day to celebrate my day off and our lub.

nesting and happiness.

2009-10-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

All I can think about is decorating my house, it must be the married in me! I just have this itch! It seems easy. I think of so many ideas all the time... but.. what I need is FREE ways to decorate, considering the complete lack of funds I have to put towards it. Oh except for the $400 something dollars I have to Bed Bath & Beyond. I wish I could trade it for other stores! They don't have what I want. I am looking at the blogs I used to look at daily and not many of them are helpful right now because I already planned my wedding. As much as I love weddings I am not into it right now! I need some home decorating cottage style budget friendlyish reads. Anyone know of any? I am going on a hunt! :) I will report on what I find.

My usual go-to is better homes & gardens. They have a bunch of little magazines that have the cutest ideas and easy tutorials!

happiness!

2009-09-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am back. I feel sheepish and I wonder if anyone even checks this anymore!? Things got super busy with moving, starting a new job, and trying to fit wedding planning and errand running into every spare moment that there was. Things have calmed down- a little. I will blog more about the wedding later but I do want to just say how PERFECT it was! I have loved every second beginning the night before when we had our wedding dinner til now. That dinner, the wedding, the reception, and the honeymoon could not have gone smoother! Marriage is the best thing in the world and I am so happy and excited that I get to enjoy this happy feeling forever.

Now for some good news- Courtney Brooke took our pictures and she is awesome, and now they have been featured on a couple blogs! So since I am a punk and don't have time to post them myself I am going to share those links if anyone is interested in checking them out. I can't wait to see the pics from the wedding at the temple and the reception.

Featured on:

Grey Likes Weddings and Wedding Chicks

also, Kate Osborne was our second photographer and she has posted a few from the wedding on her website! Here is the direct link.

lists and happiness.

2009-08-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

I love making lists. Lists (and my cute fianceeee) are usually the only thing that can help me in my moments of panic. You know, when you have so much to do but you have no idea where to start? So I feel like making a list today, but not a list of things I need to do asap, because that is not fun.

list of things I dream about-

jacob and i getting to live together, just the two of us.

being so poor we eat cup noodles in different variations every day-and don't mind.

being his wife forever.

being an aunt to 2 cute boys and the baby girl in linda's tummy!

decorating our new little house. making it our home for the next 2 years.

getting our first puppy together.

graduating college and moving somewhere new.

starting a family.

going on family vacations to the lake.

watching our children grow up and being best friends with them.

living in the south and having a wraparound porch.

us still cuddling when we are 80.

laundry and weddings and happiness.

2009-08-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

So, these pictures are awesome, am I right??! Who would think of a laundry themed wedding shoot? So creative! So adorable! I love this shoot. Justin and Mary Marantz and their affiliates are responsible for bringing us these lovely photos. My favorite idea here is having pillows on the picnic bench! Perfect for the theme and a creative way to save your guests from numb-bum.

goodness gracious sakes alive.

2009-08-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

see more and read about it here

SUCH a cute wedding. i had to post it. definately in my top five, if i had one. i keep getting super excited about some of these weddings i see (ahem, william and penelope for nashville magazine) and then i figure out that it is simply a wedding shoot. for those of you who don't know, sometimes the raddest vendors get together and make their perfect wedding just to take pictures of, and it is no one's actual wedding. this is silly! i mean, i am not complaining, because like i said they are always perfect and beautiful and everything i want in a wedding, but why don't you just let it be my wedding? that would be much less of a waste i think. soon i will post another great one i saw- laundry themed! who would've thought?

xoxo

moosies and happiness.

2009-08-03T14:36:00.000-07:00

via fieldguided

this just made me smile and i wanted to share it.

ps. my cake stands & plates came today. can't properly showcase on my blog everything i have for the wedding so i guess you will just have to wait and be surprised. i'll have you know they are so very cute i could just die.

vases and whatnot, and happiness.

2009-07-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

So! I have been away from the blogging for a little while. Unintentional. But it was fun going around catching up on what I've missed on everyone elses lovely blogs. This particular picture made me very excited, it is exactly the look I am trying to create for our wedding celebration! So pretty, right? I love the colors. Below that is my very crude phone picture of some of the stuff I've gathered so far for the tables from thrift stores. I am well on my way to a nice collection I think.... I guess we will see how it all turns out! In 1 month and 27 days!!!!! ahhhh I can't wait.

birdcages and happiness.

2009-07-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

I love birdcages! My cute friend, and fabulously talented photographer Courtney sent me this picture saying that it reminded her of me. So nice! How lovely is this photo though? What a fun idea. I have toyed with the idea of using a birdcage at my wedding on the present table, for people to put cards in or something. There are lots of ways to display them I'm sure, and what a fun way to bring something new to the table. What would you use one for in decor?

pretty lights and happiness.

2009-07-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

via fieldguided.

This is so beautiful! I hope everyone is having a fabulous wednesday. I am. I got to have my favorite sandwich for lunch, and I got to carpool to work with my honey. I am happy as can be.

serving trays and happiness.

2009-07-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love these trays! They are so adorable. It's so fun finding things like this to serve desserts or appetizers on, it just dresses up a party so much more, you know? I also like the idea of hanging them on a wall for decoration. Splendid!

proposal and happiness!

2009-07-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

We are officially engaged! He built this fort on the top of the Crabtree building at BYU (that building happens to also be the location of our fourth date and first kiss!!!!) We watched the Stadium of Fire fireworks from up there, the view was amazing, and he proposed while they went off!

It was PERFECT!
here is a picture of my ring. i love it, he designed it for me!!! :)

fireworks and happiness.

2009-07-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July weekend!

I hope you all have a relaxing and fun time with loved ones! This is one of my absolute favorite holidays because I LOVE FIREWORKS. I can't wait! xoxo

stationary and happiness.

2009-07-02T10:58:00.000-07:00

Up until now I have kind of had an idea of what I wanted for our invitations but now I REALLY know what I want! This lacy, doily-like pattern is perfect for my theme. I want to re-create this look but with different colors. I am so excited. Now it's just a matter of having this drawn up.These were designed by Courtney Scowby Design.

madewell and happiness.

2009-07-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

So I did a little browsing on one of my very favorite store- Madewell's website yesterday, and MMM! I love their new line. I want to go back to Vegas so bad just to go shopping. Too bad i'm saving my money this summer! (Actually I am doing very will with that and I am proud of myself..it's hard for me) but really I am just lusting after these lovely scarves and bags and... well, let's face it- I really like EVERYTHING at that store. I wish they would live in the now and let me shop online! Ah! Don't be surprised if you see me walking around in this outfit within the next few weeks...

headbands and happiness.

2009-06-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Monday,
You are a punk. Just kidding, but why do you have to come? You ended my perfectly good weekend, yet again. Let's just skip you next week okay? Deal.
Love, Sarah Jane

I am loving all of the cute headbands i've seen lately... but to my shame, I haven't actually worn one. Here is the situation. I am pretty sure my head is funny-shaped. The bands either don't sit down on my head, or they make my ears poke out (which is weird cause my ears really aren't pokey-outy) or they just hurt. Is that normal? I want to figure out a way to wear them!! (and pull them off....) anyone got any advice for me?

Aren't these lovely?

They are from band.o

This bride works it well.

It doesn't hurt that max wanger is an amazing photog.

Have a phonom weekend!

2009-06-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

I am off to Vegas for the evening and then tomorrow I'll be at Velour in Provo for the VS cd release! {COME}

all three photos via decorology

I am so obsessed with the different ways we can use florals right now!

announcements and happiness

2009-06-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Not wedding announcements! Color announcements!!!! These are mine. Making these color boards is too much fun. I can't stop.

{click to enlarge}
From top to bottom, left to right: gray dress down east basics, plum dress inspiration board via elizabeth anne designs, flowers , dessert tray hire things via style me pretty, lemonade alexandra grabewski, flowers dandelion ranch, parasol 100 layer cake boards, pie bhg, pink drink the knot, gray suit gq, yellow shoes, polaroid photobooth via google images, and color swatches 100 layer cake color boards.
I love my colors. Do you?

how-to's and happiness.

2009-06-25T10:13:00.001-07:00

Something J and I have been worried about is wind! Our wedding date gives us a pretty good chance of it not raining. If it does, we have a back-up (but for the most part it will be much less fun if it is indoors so mother nature we are begging you please do not rain!!) Then we started thinking though, what if we set up everything outside and then wind hits!? This could cause major havoc. So I googled and here is what e-how said.

"When most people think about bad weather ruining their outdoor weddings, they think about rain. It's far more likely that you will have problems with wind on your wedding day than with rain, however. Wind can kick up in all seasons, and it can upset your decorations, your linens, your cake, your glasses and many other parts of your wedding. Making a plan to deal with wind ahead of time can stop it from causing real havoc.

Things You'll Need:
Weights
Fishing weights
Hurricane lanterns
Tent

Step 1
Choose a location that has natural protection from direct winds. If you're getting married on the beach, some cliff-side and cove locations are protected from direct wind. If you're getting married in an orchard or park, trees can offer some protection.

Step 2
Choose a sturdy tent with weighted sides to stand up to strong winds. Cheap tents can buckle and even crumble when hit with moderate winds. Get a guarantee from the tent rental company that your tent well stand up to winds of X mph.

Step 3
Plan to have an indoor backup location. A good idea for all outdoor weddings, you may need to use your backup location if particularly strong winds set in. Even if you have a tent, you may not be protected in seriously strong winds.

Step 4
Weigh down centerpieces. Flowers aren't usually that heavy, so you'll need to put extra weight inside centerpieces to keep them in place in the wind.

Step 5
Protect candles from getting blown out by using hurricane lanterns as a backup. Lanterns and simple glass vases also work.

Step 6
Choose heavy stemware. A strong gust of wind can knock over a light wine glass easily. Metal stemware is naturally weighted.

Step 7
Stop the wind from ruining your hair by choosing a style that looks best when wind swept. A loose updo or tousled down look will only be enhanced by a little wind."

color and happiness.

2009-06-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

So I finally have colors! The problem now is that... i'm afraid I might like them TOO MUCH... Oh well what can you do, right? It might be normal... So the final verdict is jade, yellow/gold, plum & pinkish cranberry. Oh and of course gray. I know that pinkish cranberry isn't a very clear description but you just have to see it. I really like this lemonade picture. It serves no purpose except something beautiful for your eyes to feast on. But hey! look at the colors! Hooray

photo by Alexandra Grablewski

I am obsessed with this engagement shoot, nay, this photographer! I don't even know his actual name I just came across this photo and fell in LOVE. Isn't this such a beautiful setting? The colors are amazing. Too bad Japan is so far away...

via Yutu's flickr via vintage glam.

post script.. the novio and i are going to the big blue monster today to see what is in store for us in terms of tapestries and lights and what not! i can't hold in my excitement. these things are so fun. i love bargain hunting.

wedding wear and happiness.

2009-06-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

I am having a really hard time choosing some colors! I am being difficult, if you will. I just want it to be colorful and I have ideas in my head but there are so many I want to include in the decor. plum & light jade are for sure, maybe some cranberry, or turquoise, or chartreuse? and I would love to tie gold in somehow. Finally J and I did come to one SET decision about wedding party attire. Charcoal for the men, and light gray for the ladies. This is because I didn't want to have black, it just isn't going to fit with what I have in mind for the overall feel. Brown seemed good in some ways but a little hard in others and J does not like khaki! So we couldn't risk anyone showing up in it!(kidding, we just won't be wearing it.) So we decided charcoal. I am happy with this decision. Look at all of these fab examples of wedding parties in dark and light shades of gray.

top two photos from snippet & ink and bottom from flickr

And here is an inspiration board I just made (#2!) that kind of shows you a visual of what colors I am thinking about using. Feedback please! ...what do you think?

photos found via snippet & ink inspiration boards, green wedding shoes, and etsy.

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

I have always been a daddy's girl

I hope you all have a wonderful fathers day and get to reflect on lovely memories that you have had with your father, and make new ones as well! .

dress shopping and happiness.

2009-06-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Dress shopping. In utah. Let's face that we just don't have very many options! You look through magazines and sure, that's great and all but where are you going to find any of the dresses in the mags? New York, Cali, Texas, you know... bigger cities! Salt Lake just doesn't have the selections. Ok, I shouldn't say they have no selections. They have plenty of selections of FRUMPY dresses. But have no fear! There are a few choice places where you may find a non-frumpy dress, that you LOVE and the ladies there will gladly help you alter it into the perfect dress for you. Whatever sleeves or jacket you can dream of can be added on. It's lovely.

Bridal salons worth going to in Utah:

A Bride Beautiful
Danielle's Bridal
Alyse's Bridal
David's Bridal

Where I find my very favorite dresses:

A Bride Beautiful

I am about to buy my dress! I can't wait. It is made by Demetrios. Definately love at first sight when it came to this dress. I tried on some other ones but I couldn't get my mind off of the first one! It is perfect. I wish I could show a picture but I don't want to risk J seeing it! Also, it needs alterations. I want to change it from strapless to having sleeves and create a sweetheart neckline. Updates to come later.

wedding planning and happiness.

2009-06-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

First thought: this is going to be so much fun!
next thought: okay actually this is a lot to take care of
and then: freak out & weeping begins... feeling like you will never get it all done in the time you have alotted or within the budget.

Here is the thing. You do NOT need to spend a fortune on your wedding... even though the world tells you that you do. And I don't want to anyway! It is a party. It lasts one day, and after all marrying my sweetheart will be the best day of my life regardless of how much I spend or how the weather is. That being said, of course I want my wedding to be beautiful, and reflect me, and be fun for everyone that I love to be at instead of just something they have to be at. It is a celebration! So that is why I want it to be diy, and kind of like a garden party theme. I have always loved things like that.

First thing I did was look at wedding blogs and magazines, and then I started realizing exactly how much work this would be-even though I do have less to worry about than most brides, it's still a lot. I realized I needed to get a list going and take things one step at a time. It is too easy to get overwhelmed, so organization is essential. Most of the check lists you find online are very helpful, but they are for an engagement of a year or longer. Not as helpful timeline-wise if you only have a few months. But they still help, they just need a little adaptation! There are some good ones on real simple and the knot. I made my own using theirs as templates and adding my own personal needs and subtracting the things that I would not need.

Launch!

2009-06-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

This is the moment where this blog slowly begins it's growth into something of worth to someone other than me (hopefully.) Well, I am just going to come out and say it. I am getting married! I do not have a ring because we are still shopping, but it is happening, in three months! Yes, I have three months to plan a wedding on a budget of $10,000. How will I do it, you ask? This is where I am going to log it, so you can keep checking back. I want to share my ideas because I have gotten most of my inspiration from other wedding blogs and I believe that I can help other brides too! Including but not limited to: brides on a budget, brides who want to get creative and do things a little less traditionally, and of course brides in UTAH-as most blogs and wedding magazines do not cater to us, sad to say. Also, let's be honest- I need a filter for my ramblings and complete obsession with everything weddings. So here we go!!!

jade and happiness

2009-06-12T12:25:00.001-07:00

Is this not the most beautiful color? Green is my favorite. Especially in a shade like this where it isn't so cheesy. Oh gosh. I love snippet and ink for creating these inspiration boards for all to see (and drool over.)

weddings and happiness

2009-06-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

Every day I see so many RAD ideas, and I am just now realizing that I have not been sharing them, at all. This blog is totally not serving its purpose! Let me fix that.

When I first saw this Nashville wedding, I was in awe. Not only is it photographed by one of my favorite photographers, Tec Petaja, the design is pretty much RIGHT up my alley. I don't know if I could have imagined something better in my head. So when I found out that it was just a photoshoot and not an actual wedding, it all made sense. Go to Tec's website to see the whole shoot, see which vendors helped him out with it, and see more of the beauty that are these photos. I love you, pretend wedding, and you are the basic inspiration for my own wedding reception!

I also love the idea of having an old classic or vintage car in a fun color at my wedding. I just need to find out where to find one in good ol' slc!

Last but not least, how fun is this old soda fountain idea for drinks? So colorful! Go here to see more.

inspiration boards and happiness.

2009-05-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

<
Theme of this board? Things I like! Vintage, D.I.Y., backyard, picnic. These things inspire me. I can't get enough of the thrifted plates people can find for their weddings! I am starting my own collection just for my home now. So excited about this.

found photos via: snippet & ink, oncewed, green wedding shoes, summer picnic wedding.

monique lhuillier.

2009-05-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

how hard is it to find cute wedding gowns with sleeves? can i get a yes, please? i am on a constant search for cute ways to make modest hottest. i think everyone around here probably is. and there are so many different options for types of sleeves you can add to a dress, instead of just your basic cap sleeve made with extra material. so here- if i ever do find some, they will be posted here for your consideration. i am loving monique lhuillier right now. she is so lds standard friendly!

Love this dress with jacket by Monique.

Her jackets reign supreme. End of story.

this bow one is to die for, am i right?

last but not least. i love love love you, dress. part of monique's fall 2007 collection.

photos via brides & marisa & nymag & bridalstyle

celebrities and happiness

2009-05-21T10:58:00.000-07:00

i have loved Zooey Deschanel since the movie "failure to launch" she is so funny, and she has got a great voice. (check out she & him, her collaboration with m. ward) not idolizing- but sometimes i wish i WAS her.

country and happiness.

2009-05-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite groups as of late-- Old Crow Medicine Show. I can't get enough of this music. At first listen you would think they were a bunch of old guys. Au contraire.

“The twentysomethings in Old Crow Medicine Show marry old-time string music and punk swagger.” Rolling Stone

Listen here.

yellow and happiness

2009-05-19T11:18:00.001-07:00

CASS

found this and had to share with you. links are easier to do in blog than in email. by snippet & ink.

wallpaper wishes and happiness.

2009-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Even though all I have ever heard in my life is "never use wallpaper" I still love it, and want it! These designs are soo delish. I like how much personality it can give to a room. Someday, when I have creative freedom, (aka freedom from landlords) I will have something this beautiful on my walls.

Photo by Wai Lin Tse

Photo from Domino, {Blonde Redhead's Apartment} via fieldguided

I am obsessed with this second one.

things that i love.

2009-05-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

There are some things that I just live for. One of those things is making lists. I make lists of all kinds. Lists of what to pack. Lists of things I need to get done in a week. Lists of things I want to do before I die. You get the idea! I especially like making lists of things that make me happy. I have done this with various friends just for fun, including but not limited to: Dale, Stephen & Jacob. I even bought a book that is a list of 14,000 things to be happy about at B&N the winter past. I love them. When I came across this I was immediately in love and I had to do it too. My way.

So now I am going to make a list of things I love. I will probably do this very often. I will also probably ask you to make lists (if you want to, and you know you do) and send me yours simply because I want to know. What do you love most? What makes you immediately smile? What SMALL, SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT things do you value more than your most expensive material posessions?

1 music that changes your life
2 garage saling & antiquing
3 seeing very old people still in love
4 diet dr. pepper with a chocolate banana shake
5 hugs & kisses from the boy you love most
6 popsicles
7 hammocks and porch swings
8 sundresses
9 pretty pictures
10 mexican food

oh, and I also love photobooths.