tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69814009419371854422024-03-05T19:49:14.206-08:00Pretending To Be An AdultIt is hard to be an adult! Come learn with me as I figure out what it takes to be a grown up while I pretend to be an adult.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-59856596941049242632015-11-13T13:37:00.002-08:002015-11-13T13:37:38.305-08:00I'm Moving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Everyone!<br />
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Before the wedding things got crazy! And me being the crazy person that I am decided this would be a great time to move my whole blog over to wordpress to give me a little more freedom to do what I wanted with it. </div>
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Well that didn't happen... </div>
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Until last week! <br /><br />
I spent a ton of time doing design tweaks and getting everything looking great (and working better) so I could get back to focusing on the important stuff. More awesome content for you guys! I still have a lot of work to do on it, but I plan to be up and running (and posting again) in a week or two.</div>
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So head over to <a href="http://pretendingtobeanadult.net/">pretendingtobeanadult.net</a> to see the new space and make sure to sign up for my email list so you don't miss any posts in the transition over! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-76025694879752359562015-09-03T21:28:00.001-07:002015-09-08T11:47:18.148-07:00Creating A Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR3PlGZ6y4c_fJcFDYDSgFRROWtdm6n-fIMqXtegrKAmywkeQFSnsTksP8DdkR4keWjBO9q6WbomVcmt_TNo84F3ZpKYWwqKR2zQqHMy8E7okJHnPnWD2aK1edNrjHNb4dSHNEBQjQ9Dt/s1600/creatingabudget.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Creating a budget, how to make sure all your bills get paid and maybe even save some cash. Pretending to be an adult" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR3PlGZ6y4c_fJcFDYDSgFRROWtdm6n-fIMqXtegrKAmywkeQFSnsTksP8DdkR4keWjBO9q6WbomVcmt_TNo84F3ZpKYWwqKR2zQqHMy8E7okJHnPnWD2aK1edNrjHNb4dSHNEBQjQ9Dt/s1600/creatingabudget.png" title="Creating a budget, how to make sure all your bills get paid and maybe even save some cash. Pretending to be an adult" /></a></div>
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When it comes to looking like you have your adult life together the best place to start is managing your money. If you can pay all your bills on time and throw some money in savings each month you are doing pretty well. It can also save you a lot stress and time scrambling that you can put into other difficult adult activities, like figuring out how to clean your whole apartment before your mom comes over in 15min!!! GASP! (Don't worry I got you! The post is coming soon)<br />
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Where was I? Oh yeah budget!<br />
Creating a budget can also save you a ton of cash and give you a lot more freedom with your money. You won't impulse buy those cute shoes and then find out a week later you have no money for food for the rest of the month. If you know where all your money is going, then you know that you can totally afford that cute dress! (...and you should so get it! It is ADORABLE! btw)<br />
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So here is my starter guide to creating a budget and sticking to it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 1</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Get all that paperwork together in a big pile</b></span></div>
Gather bills, bank statements and anything that involves money going in or out. (If you are a paperless person, log into your online financial accounts)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 1.5</b></span></div>
Figure out how you want to create your budget. I use a combination of things. Usually a paper worksheet or spreadsheet to plan, then a budget tracker like <a href="https://www.mint.com/" target="_blank"><b>Mint</b></a> to keep up on how I am doing and how much I actually spend each month.<br />
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Oh and just to make the not so thrilling topic of budgeting SO much more exciting I created a super cute worksheet you can use! (you can get a sneak peak in the image at the top of this post) It goes hand in hand with my steps in this post. Click the button below to get it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil69chR5Bf59SxsfHDnQQ4gPPsZvcOBcT9lw_8bLikts2HFnTENAyEoITZPkVZ_UU7O6Q9uNmZ064BBJ0lPU7Y_T8S6vmDn8kFO2aGT_JbpWd-ufu0H75IztXxiBWz0cv03Awfndyqn98G/s1600/bubblebar.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="24" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil69chR5Bf59SxsfHDnQQ4gPPsZvcOBcT9lw_8bLikts2HFnTENAyEoITZPkVZ_UU7O6Q9uNmZ064BBJ0lPU7Y_T8S6vmDn8kFO2aGT_JbpWd-ufu0H75IztXxiBWz0cv03Awfndyqn98G/s640/bubblebar.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 2</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Figure out your money coming in</span></b></div>
Make a list of all the income you have in a typical month. The easiest way to do this is by looking at how much you made last month and using that number. If you have a steady job where you make about the same every month this part is super easy! If you have an inconsistent income go with the lowest income month out of the past few months. That way you know you typically make <i>at least</i> that much and can budget around that number.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 3</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">List Necessary Expenses</span></b></div>
This is all the stuff you don't have much of a choice in paying for. Stuff like Rent, Utilities, Phone, Garbage, Water, Laundry, ect... When I do this I make a list in order of the bills that would have the biggest impact if I didn't pay them.<br />
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For Example: If I don't pay my rent I will be homeless. If I don't pay my electricity I will freeze to death in the winter. If I don't spend $100 in clothes this month I won't look new and fresh.<br />
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Your list should look something like this:<br />
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<b>Rent - $1,000</b><br />
<b>Groceries - $400</b><br />
<b>Utilities - $150</b><br />
<b>Student Loans - $300</b><br />
<b>And so on...</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">ADULTING BONUS POINTS!</span></b><br />
You can look at what you spent in previous months and take the average to use as how much you should budget for that category. Your budget will be more accurate and you may find fluctuating patterns that can help you save money once you know to watch out for them!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 4</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>List The Non Necessities</b></span></div>
This list is just all the stuff you would like to include in your budget if the money allows. Everything that didn't make it on the Necessary list. No you do not NEED a $100 monthly shoe budget... but if new shoes are super important to you add it to this list and see if you can make it fit in the budget later on. List these in order or what you want the most. It is best to use your numbers over the past few months to see what you typically spend in each of these categories.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 5</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Put it all together!</b></span></div>
Take your total number from your income list and put it at the top. Now going one by one down your Necessary Expense list subtract each expense from your income number.<br />
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If you get through your entire Necessary list and you have money to spare CONGRATS! You are living a life you can afford! skip to step 7!<br />
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If your starting income number runs out before you make it to the end of your necessary expense list continue to Step 6.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 6</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Make some tough calls</b></span></div>
Okay time to put your big girl pants on and take a deeper look at these lists to find your issue. When it comes down to it, you are either not making enough money, Spending too much money, or Both. Luckily these are all solvable problems!<br />
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<b>If you are not making enough money</b><br />
You can get a better job or an additional job. To make ends meat this might mean taking on a job you don't want, but unless you can make cuts in your spending you might not have a choice. It doesn't have to be a forever job, just one that will pay the bills until your situation changes.<br />
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<b>If you are spending too much money</b><br />
It is very simple you need to be spending less money. You need to make some cuts. This might mean downgrading your phone plan to bare bones, moving into a smaller apartment, trading your car in for one you won't have a payment on, or lots of other options. Now if you didn't listen to me and you put some non-necessities on your Necessary list you could just cut them and you might be done! So go make some cuts! Stop spending so much money!<br />
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<i>Oh by the way <b>rant warning</b>... </i><br />
Eating out is not a necessity. Take that money you were going to spend on dinner out and buy some groceries and MAKE YOUR OWN DINNER. Cooking is not hard and anyone can do it. I don't want your excuses. I don't even care if you are boiling pasta and heating up canned sauce to put on top. If it tastes bad then that is just all the more incentive for you to learn how to cook! You might even find out you like it! GASP!<br />
<i>End Rant</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 7</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cut some more & save</span></b></div>
If you have made it all the way to step 7 you are paying everything you <b>need</b> to pay. Hopefully you even have some left over. Now before you go out and spend all that extra money you have because you budgeted, you need to take care of a few things.<br />
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Go back and make more cuts to that budget, yes I know there are some things in there you feel like you need, but you need to start with bare bones before you can start adding "Luxuries" like new (<i>insert items you think you need</i>) the one you have works fine so stop complaining.<br />
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NEXT you need to put some money into savings. Before you make that budget for your obscure kitchen gadgets collection, take a nice heaping amount and put it into a savings account. You should have an emergency fund of at least $1000 to start off with. After that you can start throwing money into savings for big purchases or maybe a vacation? This cycle of saving up before you spend is what keeps you out of debit so it is a good habit to start on now.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 8</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Let loose a little :) </span></b></div>
If you are too stingy with your money and not already in good spending habits you are at high risk for a spending binge! You need make a few small purchases like coffee with the girls or that dress you have been eyeballing, so you don't just give up and go back to an <i>unbudgeted life. GASP!</i><br />
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WARNING! This is NOT an excuse to impulse buy things. Give yourself a certain budget for these items. (I call it fun money in my budget) You can also use it in combination with your non emergency savings to finally buy that new TV you have been saving for months and months to get! This time you actually deserve it and it will be a completely guilt free purchase!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Step 9</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Add your non necessities</span></b></div>
If you still have something left after all this you can start making your budgets for the non necessities. (or pay off debt!!! I know I am no fun...) Just make sure that before you start spending money according to this new awesome plan you have made, that you know exactly where every penny is going! Every bit of extra cash you may have not accounted for should go someplace in your budget. So if you find some extra cash you missed go back and update the budget, because if you leave it up for grabs it will end up lost.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Watch, Rinse, Repeat!</span></b></div>
This is not a do it once and done type of thing. This is something you have to keep tabs on and revisit at least once a month to see how things are going. It took me 4 months of tweaking twice a month to get a realistic budget for myself the first time I did it. I had no clue how much I was typically spending on food! I spent all of what I thought I would need in groceries for the month in the first week of my first budget. So keep at it, it gets easier the longer you do it.<br />
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Still need some help? Don't worry I got you! Click the button below for the 6 page interactive budget worksheet I made just for you! (It is the cute one at the top of this post +4 more pages!) It goes right a long with the steps I have laid out in this post. AND it does all the math for you! (I tried to take out as many icky parts as possible!) You're Welcome!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil69chR5Bf59SxsfHDnQQ4gPPsZvcOBcT9lw_8bLikts2HFnTENAyEoITZPkVZ_UU7O6Q9uNmZ064BBJ0lPU7Y_T8S6vmDn8kFO2aGT_JbpWd-ufu0H75IztXxiBWz0cv03Awfndyqn98G/s1600/bubblebar.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="28" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil69chR5Bf59SxsfHDnQQ4gPPsZvcOBcT9lw_8bLikts2HFnTENAyEoITZPkVZ_UU7O6Q9uNmZ064BBJ0lPU7Y_T8S6vmDn8kFO2aGT_JbpWd-ufu0H75IztXxiBWz0cv03Awfndyqn98G/s640/bubblebar.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So tell me what it your biggest budgeting tip?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OR</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are you saving up or splurging for?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-87903058316357310892015-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:002015-08-27T05:00:06.735-07:00Pretending To Be An Adult!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Internet!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may have noticed a few changes around here... For example the NAME OF THE BLOG! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*gasp*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a few weeks all to myself between jobs to get some serious stuff done! I had a lot of time to think and make and plan and decided I was ready to get back into blogging! There was just one tiny (HUGE!) problem. I wasn't as super excited about wedding planning as I used to be and could easily see myself getting burnt out on the topic once my wedding was over in October (a little over a month away!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it was time for some changes around here! I joined the <b><a href="http://xosarah.com/badassbabes/" target="_blank">Badass Babes</a> </b>and got down to business! The Badass Babes really gave me the focus and accountability I was lacking. So with a big THANK YOU to Sarah, I give you...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>PRETENDING TO BE AN ADULT</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought long and hard about what interests me, what I learned, and what I could help other people with. I decided I could share what I learn as I struggle every day with the balance of seeming like I am a grown up and feeling (and thinking) like a kid. I know there are a lot of people out there just like me having this problem and having someone to follow along and <strike>laugh at</strike> learn with them would be a huge help! I honestly have no idea what I am doing... but I LOOK like I have my act together, and I know you totally can too! ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So along with a whole new bag of adulting topics (sittin' pretty in the side bar there) I will continue to post wedding topics and every day life stuff. Here are a few posts in the works to get you all excited:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to create a budget</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to make a cocktail</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clean your room! </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saving money on a wedding venue</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to send a letter</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sound good? Great! I will be kicking things off next Thursday with "How To Create A Budget"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because if you have you finances down and you can pay your bills on time you are basically an adult... well almost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are you struggling with right now as you </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">pretend to be an adult?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me know in the comments and I just might do a post about it! You might never know if you don't ask! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-31781380143181871452015-06-29T08:00:00.000-07:002015-08-01T12:43:26.497-07:00Time For A Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh My Goodness! I am a crazy person!<br />
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So 6 months ago I took a job with a crazy commute that left me with enough time at home to eat and go to bed. So I had to put all of this on the back burner. That was a big mistake, I am not happy and I don't have enough time to sleep a full 8 hours let alone plan my wedding or keep my etsy shop going! I have done a lot of thinking and this blog and my shop are so much fun for me I have to get them up and running again so I am going to MAKE SOME TIME!<br />
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To start off I am launching a whole new series of items in my shop for bloggers and taking on freelance work! YAY! If your blog needs a new logo or some custom graphics I am here and ready to help!<br />
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As my first order of business I offer to you the Blue Marble Social Media Icon Set for bloggers now available in my <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/236093333/blue-marble-social-media-icons?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a>!</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/236093333/blue-marble-social-media-icons?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"><img alt="Blue Marble Social Media Icon set by Fezfetti" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1a1X7x5_wkdIE9PhCbYxqhouslMy9EviAwREfoU8MKqobta1X2wtULi49f4-G2V0Hgz6HIYZ-m87U5IBQr9PByZnehKU6GXAPDy-rBVIUjFwm4wVQMbHZjPQI5IGawHk_d_T94fkKsTfu/s1600/Blue-Marble.png" title="" /></a></div>
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That is all for this week! See you again soon for more exciting things!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-2767889709035906022014-10-02T10:35:00.000-07:002014-10-14T10:37:39.775-07:00October Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KSw-JE-1ZnNKKnLyCPD4jq7yCG070s2BDz-g9aJoXMaLk2w7l-HPKB6G-Ro_QdPpsqdgd1eqDvrdvf06EuZLWIOpVmrsYv65GJTGXwecobohlaZ2jxi7vT628X-6Avz4ccSsjm-hxbX_/s1600/octoberupdate.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KSw-JE-1ZnNKKnLyCPD4jq7yCG070s2BDz-g9aJoXMaLk2w7l-HPKB6G-Ro_QdPpsqdgd1eqDvrdvf06EuZLWIOpVmrsYv65GJTGXwecobohlaZ2jxi7vT628X-6Avz4ccSsjm-hxbX_/s1600/octoberupdate.png" /></a></div>
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I am sorry for the lack of posts recently, but life continues to be crazy. Wedding planning had been put on the back burner for the past few months and because of that I haven't had much to write about here.<br />
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I am happy to say October is going to be very different. I totally redid my <a href="http://desultorydilettante.blogspot.com/2014/02/making-plan.html">Wedding Schedule</a> and started doing crazy catch up work. I officially have one year as of this month before I get married so time is tickin' to get everything done, and boy do I have a lot to do! In the next few months I will be getting a lot of my decor tested out and made so that means I will have a bunch of DIY tutorials here on the blog.<br />
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Here is a little sneak peak on what's coming soon:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOsOgBJlOQYc-Kw4pc8C7BGkFdjN_VreUUu3uVN4epT1dr4g8dG5GKlvkeXhf8U0WOF4h3cvEsAdTAo90-vD5vqd290OkR08AG8sG9M_To9fuS0A5xxvOnBqKILHNQXkuJ7LY3sQieLK9/s1600/test.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOsOgBJlOQYc-Kw4pc8C7BGkFdjN_VreUUu3uVN4epT1dr4g8dG5GKlvkeXhf8U0WOF4h3cvEsAdTAo90-vD5vqd290OkR08AG8sG9M_To9fuS0A5xxvOnBqKILHNQXkuJ7LY3sQieLK9/s1600/test.png" /></a></div>
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I also have a lot planned for Fezfetti! I am launching a new item this week and have something new launching each month until the end of the year! Like my other items they will be instant download so no waiting for shipping! Check out my shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fezfetti">HERE</a><br />
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Here is a sneak peak!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/205005357/halloween-treat-bag-topper-printable?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img alt="Buy them here!" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXOMgdQRekv4-6O6dKRlQE2Bpopr5Ch5vRfPbMl3naHpL4lkZxZw-VL5mSflV0IBkQU8hhCbeGIk_b2VRlTwXrdSVyLQvXwvYMc7VIe9RRSRK-9jbIhlZld9amzx8mBZqsmOqjimNrKn-l/s1600/topper.png" /></a></div>
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That is all the updates for now, see you next week!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-52764727847175112232014-09-04T09:16:00.001-07:002015-08-01T12:43:15.891-07:00Pin Party! Makeup!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgaNNl-qvutNzUE5VrdRLeY1b9LzAlrz9SfaY5Z1Om6xFdaHZKf6iezvqlufGVeSmlW0XMyS4TC9azOP3B-f3NWRHbZS2P6t4I8wHW-XmQ9wwKlkBQh3RUtQt7iTX4D4wWEOJAjSCAEHK/s1600/pinmakeup.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgaNNl-qvutNzUE5VrdRLeY1b9LzAlrz9SfaY5Z1Om6xFdaHZKf6iezvqlufGVeSmlW0XMyS4TC9azOP3B-f3NWRHbZS2P6t4I8wHW-XmQ9wwKlkBQh3RUtQt7iTX4D4wWEOJAjSCAEHK/s1600/pinmakeup.png" /></a></div>
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Woo! Pin Party! This month's pin party is all about gettin' pretty! I have been pinning wildly about make up inspiration! Although I am pretty sure I am going to try a bunch of these for everyday looks. So get ready, here are my favorite wedding make up pins so far!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.designsnext.com/beauty/eyes-makeup/7-creative-eye-makeup-ideas.html"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/a5/bb/ee/a5bbee9b3c49b0349e86e8f1686bb52c.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.designsnext.com/beauty/eyes-makeup/7-creative-eye-makeup-ideas.html">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=507866619233581&set=a.468094326544144.104467.465921763428067&type=3&theater"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/c4/90/09/c49009ea42f2b3d32126af0f6eff6067.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=507866619233581&set=a.468094326544144.104467.465921763428067&type=3&theater"><b>Via</b></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/31/b3/14/31b3140c40f83282dd5fae0504eab0bd.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Don't have a link for this one :(</b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/576176" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/11/89/a5/1189a5bb18eb2506743862f49a493cc6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.modelmayhem.com/576176">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7d/bb/c1/7dbbc173c9041acccb882c8c4582eabd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7d/bb/c1/7dbbc173c9041acccb882c8c4582eabd.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/7d/bb/c1/7dbbc173c9041acccb882c8c4582eabd.jpg">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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Sorry, I couldn't help myself! Here are the serious ones!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/0e/37/ce0e370a7c3c9350973787f6b8b2dfef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/0e/37/ce0e370a7c3c9350973787f6b8b2dfef.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.pausaparafeminices.com/maquiagem/tutorial-maquiagem-esmeralda-com-glitter-para-o-carnaval/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/52/2c/01/522c01189752912e2efa948e702ea39e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/52/2c/01/522c01189752912e2efa948e702ea39e.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/52/2c/01/522c01189752912e2efa948e702ea39e.jpg">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/4f/0b/5a4f0b541af2d61e155bd44879a9b228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/5a/4f/0b/5a4f0b541af2d61e155bd44879a9b228.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://fuckyeahrockabillygirls.tumblr.com/page/14">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://stylefrizz.com/201312/festive-eyes-makeup-new-years-eve-party/"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2c/f8/5d/2cf85de4948a48a0e4ac22a64fb39265.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://stylefrizz.com/201312/festive-eyes-makeup-new-years-eve-party/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/49/3c/76/493c76c686853c0e06e63e10b051824c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/49/3c/76/493c76c686853c0e06e63e10b051824c.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/05/1a/98/051a988cba0759d3cc401cae7b5bf7de.jpg?crlt.pid=camp.izKwFrorETeO">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a2/e3/cf/a2e3cffbddd4a85c4f5977a88ff3ff63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a2/e3/cf/a2e3cffbddd4a85c4f5977a88ff3ff63.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://websta.me/p/562107490427485093_3500269">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-12208690741789966602014-08-21T09:00:00.000-07:002015-08-16T15:19:54.230-07:00Off Topic - Grand Canyon Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAVHnF8-xQ3_Nm0rr2aS4xnL_pAcreOelHxofSULsSZ7UaO-KBW-0Xg3rUX5vsrR6-KxBKzYkB7Sz4MK7YwZXXzJSyuFxqqG2W-XB9KQJWlGJ7cYUJk19hCGXuUtibP81vmNKrdimjTq_/s1600/grandvaca.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAVHnF8-xQ3_Nm0rr2aS4xnL_pAcreOelHxofSULsSZ7UaO-KBW-0Xg3rUX5vsrR6-KxBKzYkB7Sz4MK7YwZXXzJSyuFxqqG2W-XB9KQJWlGJ7cYUJk19hCGXuUtibP81vmNKrdimjTq_/s1600/grandvaca.png" /></a></div>
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Two weeks ago I wrote a post about making sure to set aside some you time. I had also mentioned that I was currently on a trip to the grand canyon, so I thought you might want to see a few pictures from the trip!<br />
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We had a great time on our vacation and also a work out! and sunburn... OUCH!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_z5Qh0BlCDt0kW8O1gGuIZMSrO_YCzztKZZMzFX0BKhU0qYQrMcqk9Rz_N2L7WaKbxV46tmEbAJEpB7SJ7Ayn3yHFwmkgLygI8-TDX7Lw9SuuqzZeZLcSZ8LhW_ZUtd4vIL_4OGLudkI/s1600/20140807_162204-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_z5Qh0BlCDt0kW8O1gGuIZMSrO_YCzztKZZMzFX0BKhU0qYQrMcqk9Rz_N2L7WaKbxV46tmEbAJEpB7SJ7Ayn3yHFwmkgLygI8-TDX7Lw9SuuqzZeZLcSZ8LhW_ZUtd4vIL_4OGLudkI/s1600/20140807_162204-PANO.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking back the most amazing part of it was how enormous the grand canyon is. I knew it was going to be big, but I didn't really realize it until I saw it myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaZXm4FzStB1UGt_ufhx0_WAGIzAV37ZZ63aECqsqirVgmxMdYIwvRb-wpUOCaweYAKMnjbBaPJ1wG3H1Yc7gvaZfGgSET8QamvxbJWNoX0Lx1jwmHwqs8cr9NnE89bVJnJLOMrfUnQo6/s1600/rock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaaZXm4FzStB1UGt_ufhx0_WAGIzAV37ZZ63aECqsqirVgmxMdYIwvRb-wpUOCaweYAKMnjbBaPJ1wG3H1Yc7gvaZfGgSET8QamvxbJWNoX0Lx1jwmHwqs8cr9NnE89bVJnJLOMrfUnQo6/s1600/rock.png" /></a></div>
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We did 2 trails while we were there one of the trails took you through all the layers of rock and through time with it. The rock above Larry thought would make really cool kitchen counter tops :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG84QwReNr7N4TdD1owTxd4qvYx1aHZypgFWjkfg5nWezZYi0Zh2LV2WMVjJ48VFz3uFzfI-9mHIwJQXkEsgpY81QnJORpzkv_B_dW9PjTjjWNiBJWmC5zf08HIpbejKFbvYKV_giQbTi_/s1600/usatgrandcanyon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG84QwReNr7N4TdD1owTxd4qvYx1aHZypgFWjkfg5nWezZYi0Zh2LV2WMVjJ48VFz3uFzfI-9mHIwJQXkEsgpY81QnJORpzkv_B_dW9PjTjjWNiBJWmC5zf08HIpbejKFbvYKV_giQbTi_/s1600/usatgrandcanyon.png" /></a></div>
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The other trail we did was quite the hike! It was the bright angel trail, named after one of the many types of rock in the grand canyon. We hiked about 2 miles total. The mile back all uphill was brutal, but a good work out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige6uJA8gUq-_dTE3Xs6JZmOdcronEAsXrVj9-hvLqZChFaKXAnzk88ecFJyr2z3L0YHBRokSVDhZNWOek07wf8kXMs89cM88YOSgHkRUT9XpS_8lBYLrg4wTooodJPj06atAvNpBJO1iU/s1600/burger.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEige6uJA8gUq-_dTE3Xs6JZmOdcronEAsXrVj9-hvLqZChFaKXAnzk88ecFJyr2z3L0YHBRokSVDhZNWOek07wf8kXMs89cM88YOSgHkRUT9XpS_8lBYLrg4wTooodJPj06atAvNpBJO1iU/s1600/burger.png" /></a></div>
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I had a Beet, Blue cheese, Bacon burger and it was weird yet delicious!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWJj0mNtXC4Ont9ZM2BpxZS74Xju0XGvWiRK4Jlxo0MK9gpWYlTshzqNbElP0x0vJrcwtLMDC4AEk0I_iqgUBaHYTn6v_zhMMlnN9C021UGXnoB1qaKDeaAsSL4qakkYY7ULCAtFExaud/s1600/crator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWJj0mNtXC4Ont9ZM2BpxZS74Xju0XGvWiRK4Jlxo0MK9gpWYlTshzqNbElP0x0vJrcwtLMDC4AEk0I_iqgUBaHYTn6v_zhMMlnN9C021UGXnoB1qaKDeaAsSL4qakkYY7ULCAtFExaud/s1600/crator.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We stayed in Flagstaff while we were there so with the crater being so close we took a tour there. It was cool and kinda cheesy so it was fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPkT9R42iAqg1-sR6PYtQUi46iYtb3-gOmNtRxOG7N-dVBPihL42CZ3lu1yaYDfNA4C1wbe95u3scZ7dFf_iWgPzLntDqkczddp3MQCszD-F4-ed3MZY2fovXt2UsvsQGpxi1OtW67cWs/s1600/food.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPkT9R42iAqg1-sR6PYtQUi46iYtb3-gOmNtRxOG7N-dVBPihL42CZ3lu1yaYDfNA4C1wbe95u3scZ7dFf_iWgPzLntDqkczddp3MQCszD-F4-ed3MZY2fovXt2UsvsQGpxi1OtW67cWs/s1600/food.png" /></a></div>
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Larry's grandma had told us while we were there to make sure to get a Navajo taco so we also tried to hunt down some place that had them. After a quick Yelp search we found a place and it just so happened to be where Guy from Diners, Drive ins, and Dives had a Navajo Taco! The photo on the Left is the Navajo Taco and the right is stuffed sopapillas which was also AMAZING! Both featured Frybread with different combinations of Mexican food ingredients.<br />
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Overall it was a super fun trip and a great break from the usual! If you get a chance I would highly recommend seeing it all, but maybe not driving there from Napa. We were really sick of being in the car by the end of the trip!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8IFgO4g-yQHqv7uJ8jCVo5H8amG4n54h__C751aS0g4DWhLgZKAVKAN3RN_mu2JupCqDF5OkUOI3BcMAyYMha2NWve8yCEiqhkO7cZaaZxPWSbEa31liUqWb1oiouidOPOMfIMK2fHQZ/s1600/car.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8IFgO4g-yQHqv7uJ8jCVo5H8amG4n54h__C751aS0g4DWhLgZKAVKAN3RN_mu2JupCqDF5OkUOI3BcMAyYMha2NWve8yCEiqhkO7cZaaZxPWSbEa31liUqWb1oiouidOPOMfIMK2fHQZ/s1600/car.png" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-84701099119367096082014-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:002015-08-16T15:19:42.207-07:00Using Pinterest Responsibly <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IG33fuWpmDc6-_iUuPjAgeqAkS4Wxz-GP6AjreXIin7Nxl8672J-jV1Fh44E3QR2Fnp4wGk9Y2J1OMfvqc8AOeecyVkW0pqN3xiFDlhTFZZimZhZqQ6Lc-kuEOnn-_E8-Vc8M2pdHYxS/s1600/pinterestreponsibly.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0IG33fuWpmDc6-_iUuPjAgeqAkS4Wxz-GP6AjreXIin7Nxl8672J-jV1Fh44E3QR2Fnp4wGk9Y2J1OMfvqc8AOeecyVkW0pqN3xiFDlhTFZZimZhZqQ6Lc-kuEOnn-_E8-Vc8M2pdHYxS/s1600/pinterestreponsibly.png" /></a></div>
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I don't know how many times I have been told "I wish I had Pinterest when I was planning my wedding! It would have made everything so much easier!"<br />
<br />
Oh Really?<br />
<br />
While I see what they are saying and I want to agree with them picture this:<br />
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<b>It is about 12am</b><br />
I should have gone to bed hours ago, but I... can't... stop... Pinning! I don't know how I ended up making a board about cats in bow ties, but I have managed to collect over 200 pins for it. Wasn't I doing something? What did I come on here to look up in the first place? OH! Wedding stuff!<br />
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(Goes back to pinning wedding related pins)<br />
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<b>It is 2am</b><br />
I am currently pinning chicken salad recipes... It's 2 AM?! I really need to go to bed!<br />
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Sound familiar? I have lost count of how many times this has happened to me. I go on Pinterest to try and figure out an awesome solution to some detail on my wedding and end up all over the place, hours wasted, and no real progress made. I knew I needed to make a change or Pinterest was going to end up as more of a distraction than the amazing tool it should be. So here is how I use Pinterest Responsibly.<br />
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<b>Plan Before You Pin</b><br />
Have something to pin about. Focus on only that item or theme. Don't just start pinning blindly and hope you end up with a good collection in the end.<br />
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<b>Don't allow yourself to change the board you are pinning to</b><br />
Since Pinterest automatically assumes you are going to pin from the board you last pinned to it makes focusing really easy if you set some rules. Don't let yourself change the board you are pinning to and it will force you to stay focused.<br />
<b>TIP: </b>If you find something in your focused search that you ABSOLUTELY NEED on one of your other boards open the pin in a new tab and let it sit there until you are done pinning or have time for less focused pinning.<br />
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<b>Schedule It</b><br />
If you are not currently PINspired you are less likely to spend so much time pinning, so schedule a time to pin and while it will be less fun it will also be more efficient!<br />
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<b>Variety Over Quantity </b><br />
You do not need 20 versions of the same necklace on your jewelry board. My goal is to usually pin a small variety so my boards don't get too big and confusing yet they have a lot of ideas and options. So use a lot of differing key words in your searches and try not to pin more than 3 of similar looking items.<br />
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<b>Make a lot of boards!</b><br />
When it comes to wedding pinning I have a lot of boards with not too many pins. I of course have my crazy big general board to take pins from when making more focused boards, but a majority of my boards only have 100 or less pins. This keeps every thing easy to find and forces me to use Pinterest as a planning tool and not a picture collection.<br />
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If you want to see how I organized my wedding planing pins check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/octoclown/">Pinterest Profile!</a><br />
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Good luck fellow pinners!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-11638849825055767022014-08-07T11:31:00.000-07:002015-08-16T15:19:10.602-07:00Take Some You Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpBjaN4GEOzh1TeCCDFzgdN5dQSI3j4O9VlL5p_TKxEi02Exyzu_sdpbOQ1mHyA4pGi2YYh-A7cd65Y6ig9JBcGIVkDpLTcsMWo0yrjElmaXH2F1oxb8MLQo_cdsCk7UFHHbHH5XAp_yp/s1600/breakpt2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpBjaN4GEOzh1TeCCDFzgdN5dQSI3j4O9VlL5p_TKxEi02Exyzu_sdpbOQ1mHyA4pGi2YYh-A7cd65Y6ig9JBcGIVkDpLTcsMWo0yrjElmaXH2F1oxb8MLQo_cdsCk7UFHHbHH5XAp_yp/s1600/breakpt2.png" /></a></div>
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Recently I have been overdoing it. I feel like I am working 5 jobs, and in a way I kind of am. I have:<br />
My Full Time job<br />
My Blog<br />
My New Business Fezfetti!<br />
Freelance Side Work<br />
Babysitting<br />
Usual Life stuff that I am surprised I have managed to not slack on, like cleaning, bathing, making food/eating, scooping the cat box.<br />
Oh yeah, and planning a wedding!<br />
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Lucky (not lucky) for me my body does this awesome (not awesome) thing when I am overdoing it and it shuts down in a wonderful (not wonderful) variety of ways! Most recently is was a week long migraine, but getting sick and panic attacks are also some of it's favorites to throw at me. So this week I am on vacation going to see the Grand Canyon to take some much needed rest and me time!<br />
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But being the planner that I am and inspired by the tendency to take on more than I can handle, I bring you this post I wrote 2 weeks ago.<br />
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While not directly wedding related this is crucial to the any large planning process!<br />
Take A Break! Part 2! Take some YOU time!<br />
Just you all by yourself doing whatever makes you happy. It is so important to just stop and take a day from the usual! This is an incredibly hard thing to do for some people, and is something I have always have trouble with. So here are some ideas to take a moment for you!<br />
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<b>Schedule it! </b><br />
For me if it isn't in my planner it doesn't happen.<br />
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<b>Take a relaxing shower or bubble bath</b><br />
Light some candles, use up those bath fizzes you got for Christmas, throw them all in at once! Just make sure it feels special.<br />
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<b>Take a walk or run</b><br />
I always feel awesome after I go for a walk, you might be surprised at how it will help you with any thoughts that have been bugging you.<br />
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<b>Read! </b><br />
Lock yourself in your room or do whatever it takes so that no one can bug you, then settle in with a good book.<br />
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<b>Paint your nails/Do something that makes you feel put together</b><br />
This one might be different for some people, but when my nails are done I really feel like I have my act together.<br />
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<b>Take a "Sick Day" or Vacation</b><br />
Taking a sick day when you are not sick is a great way to not get sick. Having that extra day to just relax and catch up on to dos or sleep in is refreshing.<br />
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<b>Make favorite food or dessert</b><br />
There is something about ice cream and frozen yogurt that just makes me happy! Having that after one of my favorite meals makes the whole day better no matter what happened.<br />
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That is just a couple of my favorites! So go out and treat yourself!<br />
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Now it's your turn!<br />
How do you give yourself some much needed you time?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-44956656877058381502014-07-31T09:30:00.000-07:002015-08-16T15:17:33.994-07:00What's in my Wedding Bin?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEYsU9AI6ovXORGyPhimgG6CjIFoUL5m1y6trwWoEhxaeK6ojaqD01mf1facsEsWJUek8f4WkeryOrpIDaLY2f9fqvuUpJJ-vTqzIuAk5AB_qAgQ0C0iLLtfD_2BJC4RdrXaGp6mIRzEJ/s1600/wedding-bin2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEYsU9AI6ovXORGyPhimgG6CjIFoUL5m1y6trwWoEhxaeK6ojaqD01mf1facsEsWJUek8f4WkeryOrpIDaLY2f9fqvuUpJJ-vTqzIuAk5AB_qAgQ0C0iLLtfD_2BJC4RdrXaGp6mIRzEJ/s1600/wedding-bin2.png" /></a></div>
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Last month I purchased a big teal bin! The plans I had for this bin were huge! All my procrastination and stress for making my own wedding stuff could be gone because of this bin.<br />
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What is the deal with this bin?<br />
This is my wedding craft bin! I was supposed to buy it back in <b>April</b> so when I started gathering the supplies <b>May</b> for the DIY work that was planned for <b>June</b> I would have a safe place to put everything. There really isn't a point in doing everything so far in advance if it is just going to get smooshed and you have to start over. I also had an easy way to transport everything.<br />
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It was a great plan. It was all outlined on my <a href="http://desultorydilettante.blogspot.com/2014/02/making-plan.html"><b>Planning Sheet</b></a> I was going to have all the boutonnieres done by the end of this month and I would already have the bulk of the centerpiece stuff bought and ready to start assembling. I was going to be oh so very on top of things.<br />
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Here is what is currently in my wedding bin (that I ended up buying only a few weeks ago)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxqXZE7oQX-ZTxPwwNglZ81HUTkM9ndcWDqxLKst_U0i44ayFkoJ_HOhCGVnuSfoYuyHmR0ptS4agDIFZnWQxzXj2DfuhsTLHopakl-pu0ziTta4TJ7fxh3qidPSIUZzRaegeR5txc-nP/s1600/wedding-bin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxqXZE7oQX-ZTxPwwNglZ81HUTkM9ndcWDqxLKst_U0i44ayFkoJ_HOhCGVnuSfoYuyHmR0ptS4agDIFZnWQxzXj2DfuhsTLHopakl-pu0ziTta4TJ7fxh3qidPSIUZzRaegeR5txc-nP/s1600/wedding-bin.png" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>A few yards of messed up fabric - I found this a while ago with my mom and didn't want to get it because the low price at the time wasn't quite low enough to make up for the big black marks on it. It went on sale again and I couldn't help getting it this time since it was only $6.</li>
<li>Ribbon - This was going to be my test ribbon for making flowers for bouquets and decoration. I have yet to even attempt making a flower. </li>
<li>Wire for ribbon flower making - Yeah, I really don't have a good excuse why I haven't tried them yet.</li>
<li>Random pipe cleaners - I don't know why these are in here. Maybe I thought I could use them for the flowers? </li>
<li>Empty Space! </li>
</ol>
Pretty pathetic... It WAS a great plan. Too bad I didn't stick to it! So now I am tweaking the plan and basically redoing everything for the next few months so that I can catch up. I will do another post like this in a few months with an update on the state of the wedding bin. Hopefully it will have a little more to it...<br />
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So what projects have you been putting on the back burner? I know I can't be the only one!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-52388176998502099362014-07-24T10:16:00.001-07:002015-08-01T12:40:07.896-07:00Pin Party! Accessories <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPKcyYB1AxGZ8dByJinlJkp9FhOyWYZg4Un7KoED1vI6eiN2kwHV7mxhD11az0Fa5lqi3-xj-5jqjKrpS4bF1bgOTrax_utE_v88DgbNI2NEYUapxKUGCZme2bj2d_SRITRtcHbtWvzZT/s1600/pinjewlery.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPKcyYB1AxGZ8dByJinlJkp9FhOyWYZg4Un7KoED1vI6eiN2kwHV7mxhD11az0Fa5lqi3-xj-5jqjKrpS4bF1bgOTrax_utE_v88DgbNI2NEYUapxKUGCZme2bj2d_SRITRtcHbtWvzZT/s1600/pinjewlery.png" /></a></div>
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<br />
Oh boy was this a fun one! I know I won't be able to stop pinning on this board for a while. I will take any excuse to window shop online for pretty things! So here are a few of my picks so far!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=411121.0#axzz38P8Prdvc"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/57/cd/38/57cd38b6f96f4583a3a1a3766851d3ed.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=411121.0#axzz38P8Prdvc">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2010/apr/19/wish-list-seaside-shopping"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d0/89/80/d0898023ce0ff592d5fbbe161dffe53e.jpg" height="400" width="246" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/gallery/2010/apr/19/wish-list-seaside-shopping">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129892429/teal-pearl-necklace-chunky-pearl?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/f9/52/03/f9520349eff292b343489c517bde65a7.jpg" height="338" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129892429/teal-pearl-necklace-chunky-pearl?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fe/7a/37/fe7a37d36c5744aaa93476c647c4a36b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fe/7a/37/fe7a37d36c5744aaa93476c647c4a36b.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Let me know if you know where to find this!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.liveviewstudios.com/wedding-couple-photography/the-house-of-curiosities/"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/88/8d/e6/888de67277a0c6291dd8edeb842ba801.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.liveviewstudios.com/wedding-couple-photography/the-house-of-curiosities/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161841521/reserved-for-maeagn-kennington?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/e7/b4/55/e7b455f0e38ec3d3dfae4ee4a668828f.jpg" height="400" width="351" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/161841521/reserved-for-maeagn-kennington?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://mrspriss.com/2010/11/08/diy-anthropologie-inspired-flag-bunting-necklace/"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d6/65/74/d665747c53abf195bd4960d9360fde76.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://mrspriss.com/2010/11/08/diy-anthropologie-inspired-flag-bunting-necklace/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.shutthefrontdoor.com.au/"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/04/88/50/0488501fe1ff070e26b45acb16b8978f.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.shutthefrontdoor.com.au/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://wanelo.com/p/4006457/glitter-bling-doggie-balloon-dog-necklace-ice-blue-pendant-balloon-animal-jewlery"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ae/24/b2/ae24b2941f56566c70a739b0a1dac3d2.jpg" height="400" width="383" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://wanelo.com/p/4006457/glitter-bling-doggie-balloon-dog-necklace-ice-blue-pendant-balloon-animal-jewlery">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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There is so much more too look at too! I have no idea what I am going to end up choosing but I doubt it will be very traditional. Maybe a combination of my favorites. This also got me started thinking about what I am going to do for my veil after I saw that cute top hat & veil. To see the whole Pinterest Board <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/octoclown/wedding-jewelry/">Click Here!</a><br />
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See you next week!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-45201640263172822782014-07-21T10:59:00.001-07:002015-08-01T12:39:48.265-07:00Fezfetti!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fezfetti"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9pUY_wr-qcSZSiao2S38PsuekJSIS1cwsJn4IGkXe9Fv_uGiy1fqTRyKqJwh_Os-vvJOHGUSJdOr6RuqEPfbck3VUSR_hxAizTfsmRPKljrYMaPSGIAscrRItJ-GGJ9GSsbkPSyTEMAK/s1600/GoogleBanner.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The day is finally here!<br />
After many crazy nights and working WAY too much I have finally launched my Etsy Shop, <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fezfetti">Fezfetti!</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fezfetti"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvd0JAo2XP1STvIfwj9ft3JX6DiqUZNOpZQsk1QMTWxxq1QlnLv98UPNQT9o7VVVKayAlDqpyS4Ckkw1wRvFGJOjmxtsLI0wwSNCYrqXWmmH2Niichwp-sWZ7qPrX_TAH10qpSTCTcirn/s1600/shop1.png" /></a></div>
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I had been planning to do this shop for almost a year. It was one of my more major new year's resolutions, but I gave myself until December to actually do it. I am so excited it is all done and ready to share with you all!<br />
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My Designs are all instant download so that means no waiting for shipping! They are all Editable PDFs so you can fill in your information and print all at home! Going the DIY route is a great and easy way to save some cash, keep on budget, and still end up with a beautiful look! It also saves you from any last minute headaches! If you forget something there is no dealing with a printer or designer begging for a rush order. You simply edit and print more yourself!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Fezfetti"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHW4kl3JoICEs26bvWEUQQnsbYATHrCxvdTkgKcITVFRhUCuT3RdG-Ch7ErHZkjS82TnTL4UvchvAWj4tK2Z6l03sOYFFeY54ma8oBbrhnE-V4huLYlmM0I8O7sYl_2OzOGeVQ8ji0Wx1E/s1600/shop2.png" /></a></div>
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If you or anyone you know is looking for invitations stop on by my shop and check out my new invitation set Cute & Casual. It is available as individual items and as a full set.<br />
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I plan on making more than wedding invitations in the future and leaning toward more nerdy designs! So make sure to favorite my shop or sign up for my blog newsletter on the right to keep updated with new designs as they come out!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-45123961526944277562014-07-18T10:51:00.003-07:002015-08-01T12:39:19.077-07:00Small Talk on What Mandy Thinks!Hey Everyone!<br />
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I just wanted to do a quick post to let you know I was interviewed over at my friend Mandy's blog <a href="http://www.whatmandythinks.com/2014/07/small-talk-alyssa-of-desultory.html"><b>What Mandy Thinks</b></a> today. You should go check it out! She asked some really good questions about how I got started. You should go to her other blog <b><a href="http://www.whatmandyloves.com/">What Mandy Loves</a></b> too! It has tons of cute tips and fun DIY projects!<br />
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Have fun and Happy Friday!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-58067292912320113852014-07-17T09:22:00.001-07:002015-08-16T15:15:42.103-07:0010 Wedding Superstitions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have always loved superstitions and odd traditions. If there is something strange I can do and have a semi-justified reason for doing it, I am game! Weddings are full of these and I plan to do as many as I possibly can! Today I am going to share the fun with you and give you a list of 10 funny superstitions/traditions and where they came from.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1</span></b> Bridesmaids - Bridesmaids originally dressed just like the bride to confuse evil spirits so they wouldn't know who the real bride was and wouldn't be able to curse the wedding.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2</span></b> Seeing each other before the ceremony - This one started back in the time of arranged marriages. It is also why a bride originally wore a veil. Marriages were more like business deals and the bride's family didn't want the groom backing out on the deal if he didn't like how she looked. Their solution was to not have the couple meet until the ceremony and the groom wouldn't see the bride until her unveiling when it was too late to back out no matter how much of an uggo he thought she was.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3</span></b> The bride stands on the groom's left during a Christian ceremony - Back in sword wielding days this left the grooms right hand free to pull out his sword and fight off anyone else interested in his wife to be.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4</span></b> - Bridesmaids who want to dream of their future husbands should put pieces of wedding cake that have been passed through the brides wedding ring under their pillow.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5</span></b> Carrying the bride over the threshold - This I found a lot of reasons for, but my favorite was the threshold of the home was packed with evil spirits and if a bride tripped on her way in it would bring back luck to the marriage and home. So the groom carries her over the threshold to avoid the possibility of her tripping.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">6</span> </b>A bride should take a final look in the mirror before she leaves her house for the ceremony for good luck, but don't look in a mirror again before the ceremony or it will become bad luck!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7</span></b> Whichever one of the newlyweds purchases something first after the wedding will be the more dominant force in the marriage. I read that some brides buy some small token off of a bridesmaid right after the ceremony so they are first!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">8</span></b> A bride should exit her house from the front door and step out right foot first on her way to the ceremony.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">9</span></b> Knives as gifts - It is bad luck to give knives as gifts because it will sever the relationship. If you have the person receiving the gift give you a coin as payment it has then been bought from you and is no longer a gift. ;)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">10</span></b> Can't pick a date? Here are some rhymes that may help you not pick the wrong one.<br />
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"Married when the year is new, he’ll be loving, kind & true,<br />
When February birds do mate, You wed nor dread your fate.<br />
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you’ll know.<br />
Marry in April when you can, Joy for Maiden & for Man.<br />
Marry in the month of May, and you’ll surely rue the day.<br />
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you’ll go.<br />
Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bred.<br />
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see<br />
Marry in September’s shrine, your living will be rich and fine.<br />
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry.<br />
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come, remember.<br />
When December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last.<br />
Monday for health, Tuesday for wealth,<br />
Wednesday best of all, Thursday for losses,<br />
Friday for crosses, Saturday for no luck at all."</blockquote>
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I will be doing more posts like this in the future because I just can't get enough of them!<br />
Now don't go tripping over any thresholds!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-33469581550391732682014-07-10T11:03:00.001-07:002015-08-16T15:11:29.332-07:00Snickerdoodle Cupcakes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_yOqELB2lFzvFMIU48iyFgbnNNS8jttsN5I9tdzv4005guHPsPs-ZlYCoYv5Ryb5bQ42dEqgZ2z_PB_sDejyJxOTgVJd2Pn3l28BNyVsshe5kwebKgWxPmFq9EeTpwGpgd275RNwEXnO/s1600/cupcakes7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_yOqELB2lFzvFMIU48iyFgbnNNS8jttsN5I9tdzv4005guHPsPs-ZlYCoYv5Ryb5bQ42dEqgZ2z_PB_sDejyJxOTgVJd2Pn3l28BNyVsshe5kwebKgWxPmFq9EeTpwGpgd275RNwEXnO/s1600/cupcakes7.png" /></a><br />
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Hello Internet!<br />
I have another take a break post for you guys today! It is fitting since I have not done any planning myself for a few weeks! I am having a venue dilemma, launching an Etsy shop in a week, and trying to keep up with regular life stuff so I have been stretched a little thin. This week I am going to share with you how to make the lovely cupcakes above!<br />
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These cupcakes are always a hit and I have lost count how many times I have made them! The original recipe comes from Martha Stewart and can be found here: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/316419/snickerdoodle-cupcakes">LINK!</a><br />
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First you need to gather your ingredients!<br />
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You will need:<br />
1½ cups all-purpose flour<br />
1½ cups cake flour sifted<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
½ teaspoon salt<br />
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon<br />
1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature<br />
1 ¾ cups sugar<br />
4 large eggs also room temperature<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1¼ cups almond milk<br />
1-2 Fun beverages of your choice because you can!<br />
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The almond milk is a change I made because I can't have regular or soy milk. I think it also adds a nice subtle almond hint. I have noticed that people who don't eat milk or eggs for non-allergy reasons are more likely to cheat their diet and eat one because of this little change!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA31JJxAXPzNpYoKaLR2eEMsWnXTlSfZclftE1bpQabw28PZ00mdmSKkok_whwuJlnCztp2H2j57pdoKbiH_WuYoVHkEe8VIVg0dhicjBRQAHMPHBgmsThau1pd6TSHTSY-wu9ee6j7YpM/s1600/cupcakes2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA31JJxAXPzNpYoKaLR2eEMsWnXTlSfZclftE1bpQabw28PZ00mdmSKkok_whwuJlnCztp2H2j57pdoKbiH_WuYoVHkEe8VIVg0dhicjBRQAHMPHBgmsThau1pd6TSHTSY-wu9ee6j7YpM/s1600/cupcakes2.png" /></a></div>
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Now gather up all your dry ingredients and sift them all together!<br />
Dry Ingredients to sift: Both Flours, Baking Powder, Salt & Cinnamon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQeY_sO-DhfapsWtDjpTqY5q8NgBDpS_RxSQbpPAjeR6-QdbProl6bCn9L7DS3cKm32HRF8n9PQXca-4T8EG9LfUG53Y2DifR3VL4OvhJnS7apWwkKXDgTR1L94lStV5MFMY9Rft8D0DW/s1600/cupcakes3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQeY_sO-DhfapsWtDjpTqY5q8NgBDpS_RxSQbpPAjeR6-QdbProl6bCn9L7DS3cKm32HRF8n9PQXca-4T8EG9LfUG53Y2DifR3VL4OvhJnS7apWwkKXDgTR1L94lStV5MFMY9Rft8D0DW/s1600/cupcakes3.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQeY_sO-DhfapsWtDjpTqY5q8NgBDpS_RxSQbpPAjeR6-QdbProl6bCn9L7DS3cKm32HRF8n9PQXca-4T8EG9LfUG53Y2DifR3VL4OvhJnS7apWwkKXDgTR1L94lStV5MFMY9Rft8D0DW/s1600/cupcakes3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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Now Throw all your wet ingredients (not including the milk) in another bowl and mix until all fluffy!<br />
Wet ingredients to mix: Butter, Sugar, Eggs & Vanilla.<br />
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Okay now you should have a bowl of dry mixture and a bowl of wet mixture. Slowly alternate adding a small scoop of the dry mix then a small amount of milk (1¼ cups total) to the bowl of wet. It might sound complicated but I just turn my kitchenaid on low with the wet mixture in it and add a ¼ cup at a time back and forth of dry mix and milk until I run out of both. </div>
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Once it is all mixed up you will end up with a fluffy batter that tastes like magic and looks like soupy sand. Scoop that into baking cups with a big spoon and bake them for 10 minutes, rotate them in the oven and then bake for 10 more minutes. You know they are done when you can stick a toothpick in the middle and nothing sticks to it when you pull it out.</div>
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TA DA! And they taste as good as they look! I frost them with a butter cream frosting, sprinkle on a little cinnamon and bake little snickerdoodles to put on top. </div>
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(I would say that it is optional to frost and bake cookies to go on top, but it really adds to the magic and look so don't skip that part!)</div>
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Here is a snickerdoodle recipe if you need one:</div>
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/260640/snickerdoodles">Snickerdoodle Recipe</a></div>
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And here is the frosting recipe I use:<br />
â…” cups white vegetable shortening<br />
â…“ cup butter, softened<br />
1 pound powdered sugar, sifted<br />
¼ cup heavy or whipping cream<br />
1 teaspoon clear vanilla<br />
Basically add each of those ingredients in order one at a time mixing a lot in between adding each and you end up with awesome frosting magic!<br />
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So take a break this weekend and bake some cupcakes! You deserve it!<br />
Don't forget to bring me one!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-54787553182631753542014-07-03T10:55:00.001-07:002014-07-03T10:55:54.148-07:00Happy 4th of July!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a little early but the 4th is the anniversary of my first date with Larry so I have a whole big surprising day planned! (I have no idea what he has planned, but I will have to wake up at 5 am!) So I am just going to give you a little update with what is new with me this week instead of a full wedding post. Honestly I have not done any wedding anything in almost a month other than blog updates! I am launching an Etsy shop later this month and all of my extra time has been going into that. I will have a big launch post on the 20th when the shop goes live along with my regular post for that week. The shop does have something to do with weddings so it is still related to the blog and I promise I will not get all spammy on here once it opens!<br />
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Anyway! I hope you all have a safe and fun fourth of July!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-22830094270360294302014-06-26T08:58:00.001-07:002015-08-01T12:37:05.305-07:00Pin Party! - Flowerless<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc-GS5emClR82d1CsBTfusq1jQrumItco0-NaAxoJJX3kgP6SL7ivKKqHyEOsEf2G1DUG0581DhrtwHV_WeVrBkaFlCEJReXAZ9wVDJ9cRh5gVHP4pxVJp2J_fq6gw44xsFwUMeeZr8WY/s1600/flowerless-pinparty.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc-GS5emClR82d1CsBTfusq1jQrumItco0-NaAxoJJX3kgP6SL7ivKKqHyEOsEf2G1DUG0581DhrtwHV_WeVrBkaFlCEJReXAZ9wVDJ9cRh5gVHP4pxVJp2J_fq6gw44xsFwUMeeZr8WY/s1600/flowerless-pinparty.png" /></a></div>
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It's that time again! Pin Party!<br />
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This month's focus is my <a href="http://desultorydilettante.blogspot.com/2014/06/flowerless-wedding.html">flowerless wedding!</a> Click on the link to see my post on how and why I chose to not have flowers at my wedding. All month I have been happily pinning away about flower alternatives for my wedding. I have to admit I had a lot of fun with this one and I really look forward to doing these pin party posts to share all the cool stuff I find with you!<br />
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Here we go!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/62/48/a2/6248a2551ede7d2b92fda4f7bc2a66d6.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/62/48/a2/6248a2551ede7d2b92fda4f7bc2a66d6.jpg" height="640" width="380" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/62/48/a2/6248a2551ede7d2b92fda4f7bc2a66d6.jpg"><b>Via</b></a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://wildgeesethatfly.com/"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c4/af/10/c4af107c3c2114cca70ff68c7253482f.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://wildgeesethatfly.com/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://rhymeswithmagicart.blogspot.se/2013/06/wedding-bouquet.html"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/00/44/f5/0044f5c464d5382635c29d33658e6562.jpg" height="640" width="540" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://rhymeswithmagicart.blogspot.se/2013/06/wedding-bouquet.html">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://forgetmeknothouston.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/traditional-wedding-bouquet-alternatives/"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d3/a9/3e/d3a93ed445db82fdf668981c2970de8a.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://forgetmeknothouston.wordpress.com/2013/06/19/traditional-wedding-bouquet-alternatives/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/b0/2c/8e/b02c8e534d92c83bcbc2b94dd5883838.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b0/2c/8e/b02c8e534d92c83bcbc2b94dd5883838.jpg" height="598" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/b0/2c/8e/b02c8e534d92c83bcbc2b94dd5883838.jpg">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.matrimonio.it/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64011&start=1800#.U6sSL_ldUeE"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/1a/97/57/1a9757f9c54c53229ece5a3265d9aa71.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.matrimonio.it/forum/viewtopic.php?t=64011&start=1800#.U6sSL_ldUeE">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.bronzebudgetbride.com/magazine/read/diy-fabric-flower-bouquets_912.html"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/49/45/71/49457151abc3be14373e5067b24abc34.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.bronzebudgetbride.com/magazine/read/diy-fabric-flower-bouquets_912.html">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127678018/flower-girl-wand-bridesmaid-wand-flower?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2e/fe/0a/2efe0a07c7cb60fc74b6f6fef0bca006.jpg" height="640" width="313" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/127678018/flower-girl-wand-bridesmaid-wand-flower?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/non-floral-bridal-bouquets-refinerii-offers-brides-bejewelled-bunches-of-sa"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/64/d2/4f/64d24f69dc2bb26796d022dfb1bbf8a7.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/non-floral-bridal-bouquets-refinerii-offers-brides-bejewelled-bunches-of-sa">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://gallery.weddingbee.com/photo/feather-bouquetsflowers-tutorial#axzz35g2MWGxT"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7a/f5/0a/7af50a05e111b3cc41471e050eb3eb28.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://gallery.weddingbee.com/photo/feather-bouquetsflowers-tutorial#axzz35g2MWGxT">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.colincowieweddings.com/wedding-photos/detail/nashan-photographers-casey-04"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/4a/0c/90/4a0c9012e90c43d276069fe2c7045628.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.colincowieweddings.com/wedding-photos/detail/nashan-photographers-casey-04">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1a/9f/5d/1a9f5d6e76c536396f8c808e02f60b9a.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1a/9f/5d/1a9f5d6e76c536396f8c808e02f60b9a.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/1a/9f/5d/1a9f5d6e76c536396f8c808e02f60b9a.jpg">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6c/72/b5/6c72b5c9bed9b1a3457313639a7d1f44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6c/72/b5/6c72b5c9bed9b1a3457313639a7d1f44.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>If you find the link let me know I love these!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One of these is what I will be having my bridesmaids carry! I won't tell though!<br />
You will have to wait and see!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-9932390369399607952014-06-19T10:37:00.001-07:002015-08-01T12:36:09.077-07:002 Dresses? No Way!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyIi4Xa59m26MNv5T9L7EIsYxlITiboH5547MngjTKMQiKdidoQdBt18CaWGJXI9hNz_xz9JC9pfzYQgAxoTHvNf1xCzVHGzHEyygk-DLkd6gATbjoFZRnaaXX5OYgISuoZEWT6U3uZAl/s1600/2dresses1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyIi4Xa59m26MNv5T9L7EIsYxlITiboH5547MngjTKMQiKdidoQdBt18CaWGJXI9hNz_xz9JC9pfzYQgAxoTHvNf1xCzVHGzHEyygk-DLkd6gATbjoFZRnaaXX5OYgISuoZEWT6U3uZAl/s1600/2dresses1.png" /></a></div>
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Dresses!? Two? What are you made out of money?<br />
I have watched my fair share of say yes to the dress and it always blew my mind when one of the brides would drop $10,000 on two or even three dresses for the wedding. For me it was hard for me to imagine spending any large amount of money on just ONE dress let alone multiple dresses that I was only going to wear for a day.<br />
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When I was in the fitting room with <a href="http://desultorydilettante.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-i-found-my-dress.html">the dress</a> I ended up purchasing the main thing I had going though my head was "I love this dress, but it is not what I thought I wanted" I struggled back and forth over if I should get it since it was my plan from the beginning to get a Tea length or shorter dress so I could dance in it easily. While having my inner dilemma one of the ladies working the dress event asked me if I had thought about having 2 dresses to solve my problem. I looked again at the price tag of the dress I was wearing and gave that a serious thought. That seems very doable, and the only reason 2 dresses was never an option was only because of price. It seemed excessive and a waste of my already small budget. So I decided to be one of those girls and have 2 dresses for my wedding.<br />
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So I can't find out where I read this (Despite spending over an hour looking) but I read that at one point it was common that a woman's wedding dress was re-purposed as her best dress or a church dress. After her wedding she would have the dress dyed another color and be able to wear it for more than just her wedding day. Financially this makes a lot of sense and it is a lot less wasteful compared to current traditions. <br />
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So I want to do just that! I plan on making my shorter dancing dress with my mom and then wearing it as a nice dress later on like what women did back then. I might even try to dye it a new color!!! I will get more use out of it and all the work we put into it will be more worth it if I wear it more than once.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-59580920026326262152014-06-12T09:19:00.001-07:002015-08-01T12:34:36.517-07:00Frugal Me #2 - A Flowerless Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCdM6DlhIwxbGIcrL9Sss3NwtufpCl0f_bDZEEpxtjs81RbioSzK3tQigTTDgFUkEZVHBcTkrDZXcrhbioDX3jCooxjZjNa6gKMIW1DiNNls811jstwHDcL-Zn3LChYXWI_ba6B73nwra/s1600/flowerless.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCdM6DlhIwxbGIcrL9Sss3NwtufpCl0f_bDZEEpxtjs81RbioSzK3tQigTTDgFUkEZVHBcTkrDZXcrhbioDX3jCooxjZjNa6gKMIW1DiNNls811jstwHDcL-Zn3LChYXWI_ba6B73nwra/s1600/flowerless.png" /></a></div>
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I know it is very early on to choose such a big thing, but here is a very brief summary about my relationship with flowers you help you understand why.<br />
<ol>
<li>I receive the gorgeous arrangement </li>
<li>I put them in water (the arrangement suffers drastically)</li>
<li>I forget to change the water (or that they are there in general)</li>
<li>They Die</li>
<li>3 weeks later I finally notice and throw out the smelly science experiment they have become</li>
</ol>
On top of that if you look at my general <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/octoclown/wedding/">wedding pinterest board</a> it is seriously lacking in flower inspiration. Even the newly created <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/octoclown/flowerless/">bouquet board</a> has almost no flowers on it. So clearly my subconscious couldn't care less about flowers. AND! Flowers are REALLY expensive! So I saw an opportunity to save some cash by not having any flowers at my wedding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7IHAABqSI7mkNyfkka1djvRyuSig77ChPzAPLWZNAeFcqPsXBnM92QKjZluZGoHDYk5fHQfjXBjpD6A6IS8CkFUfrbD7ZRFBX7N2sEP7PzcLNe7h4NWovQ3JvIBQdW3N1tBrZRHxfeT8/s1600/flowerless2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7IHAABqSI7mkNyfkka1djvRyuSig77ChPzAPLWZNAeFcqPsXBnM92QKjZluZGoHDYk5fHQfjXBjpD6A6IS8CkFUfrbD7ZRFBX7N2sEP7PzcLNe7h4NWovQ3JvIBQdW3N1tBrZRHxfeT8/s1600/flowerless2.png" /></a></div>
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Now let's talk numbers for a sec. I used <a href="http://www.costofwedding.com/">http://www.costofwedding.com/</a> to do their default calculation for a wedding of 100 guests with a total cost of $21,851 (this is basically the average cost for a typical wedding) Here is the section on flowers.<br />
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-Bride's Bouquet - $167<br />
-Bridesmaids & Groomsmen - $284 + $146 = $430<br />
-Centerpieces & Decor - $355 + $471 = $826<br />
-Ceremony Flowers - $471<br />
-Flower Petals - $103 (this seems like a silly category to me, but whatever!)<br />
<b>Average cost of flowers total - $2,025 (9.3% of total average wedding cost)</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/valentines-bouquet"><img border="0" src="http://assets.burdastyle.com/project_steps/images/000/000/294/e56eb64dfd5d24554d988b017452a483240fb1d2_original_large.jpg?1242013816" height="256" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/valentines-bouquet">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A quick pinterest search brought up this gem (Right) that I can do a basic estimation from.<br />
1 Flower = 1 Yard of 1 inch ribbon<br />
50 yards = $20<br />
<b>Supplies needed & costs:</b><br />
Needle & Thread - $3<br />
Wire - $40<br />
Main Bouquet Ribbon - $ (50 Flowers)<br />
Bridesmaids & Groomsman (10 total) Ribbon - $ (160 Flowers)<br />
Centerpieces Ribbon - $ (200 Flowers)<br />
Ceremony Ribbon -$ (200 Flowers)<br />
Extra Ribbon - $12 (30yrds)<br />
<b>Supplies total: $299 (610 Flowers)</b><br />
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Cost difference of fresh flowers vs super basic ribbon alternative: <b>$1,726!</b><br />
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Also this will take a lot of time so you would have to decided if the time it would take to make all of these is worth the $1,726 difference. For me that was a pretty obvious decision since I would spend my TV watching couch potato time making them. I don't plan on just using ribbon flowers either. I want to have a mix of several things keeping with my <a href="http://desultorydilettante.blogspot.com/2014/03/picking-theme-colors.html">vintage carnival theme</a>.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/quirky-vintage-pop-culture-wedding-jessie-steven/"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7b/49/73/7b4973d5d63b12e856df1819e9f90b6f.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://greenweddingshoes.com/quirky-vintage-pop-culture-wedding-jessie-steven/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hate ribbon? Here are some other options I came across when looking for ideas.<br />
-Broaches<br />
-Pin Wheels<br />
-Candy<br />
-Paper/Origami<br />
-Silk or Fake Flowers<br />
-Feathers<br />
-Fabric & Lace<br />
-Toys!<br />
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This list could really go on forever depending on how crazy you wanted to go with your decor. And keep in mind this is a great and unique opportunity to insert some of your personality into your wedding. On the right is a fun example of boutonnieres I found in my flowerless search.<br />
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What other ideas are out there? What cool flower alternatives did you use or plan on using? Let me know in the comments!<br />
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Also I will be doing a Pin Party! later this month on my favorite non flower options I found so stay tuned!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-83950171645493185452014-06-05T10:22:00.001-07:002015-08-01T12:33:41.473-07:00How I Accidentally Found my Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn1Mg-WtQbUC9zqOBMTdUOYLR4zhlHDGZSZ52I-rSayTapJqSfR03yi6dvIU00TlqGBWGjyKttdKoyzSPZJxtEaeGhiU8CpqrvKfIlp0t-RJDBx4OxBRGwsVxHKKCD21B2LCT0Af0t5DZ/s1600/finddress1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn1Mg-WtQbUC9zqOBMTdUOYLR4zhlHDGZSZ52I-rSayTapJqSfR03yi6dvIU00TlqGBWGjyKttdKoyzSPZJxtEaeGhiU8CpqrvKfIlp0t-RJDBx4OxBRGwsVxHKKCD21B2LCT0Af0t5DZ/s1600/finddress1.png" /></a></div>
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It didn't hit us until we started walking to the car. We REALLY just bought our wedding dresses! I certainly felt weird buying my dress over a year before my wedding, but it just seemed so right. Here is how it happened.<br />
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The week before I was going through my email and I had a message about a wedding event in Napa. It was strange because the past few events I had been to were never so close. So I asked Olivia (my maid of honor) if I could drag her to another wedding show. She of course said yes and a few days later we got lost (in the town I live in) looking for the event...<br />
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So when we finally got there we looked around. It was a bit smaller than I had thought but there were A LOT of dresses! This was a Brides Against Breast Cancer event.<br />
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<a href="http://www.raeaffairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/brides-against-breast-cancer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.raeaffairs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/brides-against-breast-cancer.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Brides against breast cancer is a non profit organization that collects donated wedding dresses and resells them at a discount to raise money to help people with cancer. Since wedding dresses are usually only worn once it means these dresses are usually in pretty good shape. All the ones at the event I went to practically looked brand new other than a little pull or stain here and there. Easy fixes! Overall they do a really good job and I would really recommend buying your dress at one of their events. Plus you will save a ton of money and what you do spend goes to a great cause! Win Win!<br />
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So back to shopping! We started looking around and instantly found tons of hilarious dresses! It was too much fun looking at the crazy dresses that someone actually wore on their big day! So I grabbed a few short dresses that I thought might have a chance and then Olivia and I both decided to try on one of the silly dresses just for fun. I chose a big poofy long dress, the complete opposite of what I wanted or planned on getting.<br />
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Can you guess what dresses happened to look amazing and fit us both perfectly?<br />
Yeah, the silly dresses...<br />
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When I looked in the mirror after zipping it up I actually said "Oh no!" because I really really liked it and it fit like a glove. I then looked at the price tag hoping it was too expensive. It was really affordable! DARN!<br />
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Olivia's was an amazing deal also and we ended up getting them. It didn't really hit us until we were walking out to the car and we weren't entirely sure what to do after because of the shock of doing something so impulsive. It was a strange day.<br />
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So that is how I accidentally bought my wedding dress! Well, one of them anyway... but that is story for another day!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-7016261103603856772014-05-22T09:42:00.000-07:002015-08-01T12:32:05.414-07:00Pin Party! - Short Dresses <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKE0i64YyJAk4eGTMKLRFhtTh8YOJbhIb4uFRmlYGE27ySCEattMI6XMEqvAYf1J3j7AFIwPAjS96bwv84iUSoATZM8phrVha2Tebb-ALIAcjisfyvVtGFmba3KW86Gp-yHqRavxfChSeS/s1600/pinparty2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKE0i64YyJAk4eGTMKLRFhtTh8YOJbhIb4uFRmlYGE27ySCEattMI6XMEqvAYf1J3j7AFIwPAjS96bwv84iUSoATZM8phrVha2Tebb-ALIAcjisfyvVtGFmba3KW86Gp-yHqRavxfChSeS/s1600/pinparty2.png" /></a><br />
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Welcome to this month's pin party! I spent my extra time <strike>Goofing Off</strike> Wedding Planning by pinning about short dresses! I am changing to a shorter dress for the reception so I can actually dance and party without worrying about tripping over myself all night. (What? 2 dresses!?!?! That is a post for another day)<br />
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So here are my top picks!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.weddingchicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/60s_wedding_ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.weddingchicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/60s_wedding_ideas.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/05/16/real-mad-men-wedding/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theboldbride.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/vintage-sequins.jpg?w=277" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://theboldbride.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/vintage-sequins.jpg?w=277" height="640" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://theboldbride.com/2012/12/31/a-sequin-new-year/vintage-sequins/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.weddingomania.com/pictures/elegant-tea-length-wedding-dresses-5-500x714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.weddingomania.com/pictures/elegant-tea-length-wedding-dresses-5-500x714.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.weddingomania.com/38-elegant-retro-tea-length-wedding-dresses/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7b/e2/3e/7be23e9b00185182c4028387854b6378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/7b/e2/3e/7be23e9b00185182c4028387854b6378.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://bluebridalwear.co.uk/Collections/page18/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/06/6f/ab/066fab557a9fdbc333bcbc7426082c92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/06/6f/ab/066fab557a9fdbc333bcbc7426082c92.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://bluebridalwear.co.uk/Collections/Shortprincesslinegowns/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/19/ff/44/19ff4406250462eb1f2f4a009d192c7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/19/ff/44/19ff4406250462eb1f2f4a009d192c7d.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.tarikediz.com/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://muymolon.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mr_wonderful_vestidos_de_novia_cortos_24.jpg?w=300&h=524" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://muymolon.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/mr_wonderful_vestidos_de_novia_cortos_24.jpg?w=300&h=524" height="640" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://muymolon.com/2013/05/30/con-faldas-y-a-lo-loco-novias-que-van-de-corto/">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/24/06/1a/24061a1d8a93a1ec3b12eb84da2d0fda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/24/06/1a/24061a1d8a93a1ec3b12eb84da2d0fda.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/159912207/transparent-straps-white-chiffon-wedding?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share">Via</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/f1/84/a7f184045696af750324c4b0ddb2e4ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/f1/84/a7f184045696af750324c4b0ddb2e4ba.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/110589287/50s-tea-length-wedding-dress-with">Via</a></b></td></tr>
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If you want to see my entire dress board on Pinterest you can click <b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/octoclown/dresses/">HERE!</a></b><br />
Now it is your turn!<br />
What dresses are you pinning at the moment? wedding or otherwise!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-68236786571733930892014-05-15T09:26:00.003-07:002015-08-16T15:03:10.191-07:00Simple DIY Abstract Art<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEED8tm2HxwLfi2eUBnBHbq3tJT4OMvPlfayGO5jNh9ati6DPyG9bIQYOdeEyETTjMJYbDrv9w1f0U50H-9fSMDwg9_nt9_rKd9EbleXWt4JWjn0J4QbIW8zme5y-nki2S8TjkFTfj91ss/s1600/takeabreak.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEED8tm2HxwLfi2eUBnBHbq3tJT4OMvPlfayGO5jNh9ati6DPyG9bIQYOdeEyETTjMJYbDrv9w1f0U50H-9fSMDwg9_nt9_rKd9EbleXWt4JWjn0J4QbIW8zme5y-nki2S8TjkFTfj91ss/s1600/takeabreak.png" /></a></div>
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A crucial part of wedding planning is to STOP PLANNING!<br />
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Allow me a little tangent real quick! <br />
It is really easy to get burnt out on all this stuff and I think if my best friend hadn't gotten engaged soon after me (CONGRATS OLIVIA!) I would have been just about sick of teal carnivals! Luckily I can help her plan a totally different adorable theme, Valentines Day wedding! It is like a breath of fresh air to think about her wedding, but keep all the momentum I had built from the planning I was doing for my own.</div>
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If you are not crazy like me and enjoy taking a break from wedding planning by wedding planning, I would suggest spending some extra time on your favorite hobbies. I am going to try this too with my blog. Every month or two I am going to have a completely wedding free post. I will share fun things and tutorials that I am doing around the house. I think this will be a nice break for all of us and might help tame the inner bridezilla!</div>
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I am going to start things off this week with a abstract painting I did recently with my hubby to be! It was very simple and had unexpectedly amazing results!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_RZYNP7VpLP-zCXevmfHPmNXoA2ZPr8srn6ncTV1PuixHJBwFGdqIKMxKiiPIDlEedBNwHeJog6X4fv5eoOkMF5FhFW8EG2z0M5YTs3CaikqimYQGLZb9WPXxMKROx5zrR3STNfJP9Ce/s1600/painting2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_RZYNP7VpLP-zCXevmfHPmNXoA2ZPr8srn6ncTV1PuixHJBwFGdqIKMxKiiPIDlEedBNwHeJog6X4fv5eoOkMF5FhFW8EG2z0M5YTs3CaikqimYQGLZb9WPXxMKROx5zrR3STNfJP9Ce/s1600/painting2.png" /></a></div>
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We started off with 5 blank canvases we bought at a craft store for super cheap. They were all ready to paint on so we laid them out and marked where we wanted them to sit next to each other. We moved every other canvas up 2 inches to give it a fun look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT5YOOy4Tk_wed2rmN01lIhDsvmjMWFS5C2syIN6ITDYpvsdD9vdWXnqXDsa9V5vk2IBzDrLDHoPYRVpBFajBQEJnK4R3zur5hlEd34cI91GR-iAO4a1D2PCJOztYV725ftBf6b0b12Nq/s1600/painting1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNT5YOOy4Tk_wed2rmN01lIhDsvmjMWFS5C2syIN6ITDYpvsdD9vdWXnqXDsa9V5vk2IBzDrLDHoPYRVpBFajBQEJnK4R3zur5hlEd34cI91GR-iAO4a1D2PCJOztYV725ftBf6b0b12Nq/s1600/painting1.png" /></a></div>
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After everything was measured and in the right place we taped across all the canvases to hold it together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OGBgV-QpYekT7gGz9ThIr8gxJwLBFm6QmLvcGctPnVtVF-4PeNmvmFMsByqIHQJM0STv6wwpBilPw4ly55JOiKxVKQL7EhUO2z7U7ZHPCTx77m-JK1UsrT-hk79F_7kOMPRzibfoHSUJ/s1600/painting3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OGBgV-QpYekT7gGz9ThIr8gxJwLBFm6QmLvcGctPnVtVF-4PeNmvmFMsByqIHQJM0STv6wwpBilPw4ly55JOiKxVKQL7EhUO2z7U7ZHPCTx77m-JK1UsrT-hk79F_7kOMPRzibfoHSUJ/s1600/painting3.png" /></a></div>
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We used electrical tape. It wasn't my first choice but it gave us really clean lines in the end so it all worked out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECNqGYYmmPBPmkG_fA_MuMNdgZvdmkexJoj86pRIwlJ0_vekh8A3MRtrI13H18aVzI8WJycdCk71iI830IpzlmTtm8QaUbK2T-lf4daS71NVL3v3btlSUef-Sd_1s37cHvRaAdi569sFu/s1600/painting4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECNqGYYmmPBPmkG_fA_MuMNdgZvdmkexJoj86pRIwlJ0_vekh8A3MRtrI13H18aVzI8WJycdCk71iI830IpzlmTtm8QaUbK2T-lf4daS71NVL3v3btlSUef-Sd_1s37cHvRaAdi569sFu/s1600/painting4.png" /></a></div>
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Then we went tape crazy! We tried to have more tape lines in the center to create a focus point. Next we grabbed the colors we thought would look nice and started painting the sections that the tape made. The center we left the paint solid, and as it got closer to the outside edges we started mixing the colors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT7ne8QlUxXoVRBElWg3QQ8IjD55lO2dx0xXeiJVDFOO3p4M45iZ-yZUP15Ob3NJDUMIZflKSuuPIz9SgKmJspjZWC1ha8EA4ODLx2L42KLaUTqB7zDU6n4RK-g43T3JSYXnzLFM_HdWB/s1600/painting5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdT7ne8QlUxXoVRBElWg3QQ8IjD55lO2dx0xXeiJVDFOO3p4M45iZ-yZUP15Ob3NJDUMIZflKSuuPIz9SgKmJspjZWC1ha8EA4ODLx2L42KLaUTqB7zDU6n4RK-g43T3JSYXnzLFM_HdWB/s1600/painting5.png" /></a></div>
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We got a little too excited and ripped the tape off before I could snag a picture with all the tape still on. It was messy and looked weird. At that point we really didn't have high hopes of the project looking like we had planned, but then we took the tape off and it was perfect!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct-TXIlXRDQcqO02pCZd-PUk1_lrps7kwW7g3WI8v7KMXsLcwshUXb6xuDuiWksxqRwigQ7FmMq8YukeK7xVr6fLeRbLFBKv9epmZnQKRMxc0xtMzQXCalR1LVIBNj-NAeDsyXaOxK28q/s1600/painting6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhct-TXIlXRDQcqO02pCZd-PUk1_lrps7kwW7g3WI8v7KMXsLcwshUXb6xuDuiWksxqRwigQ7FmMq8YukeK7xVr6fLeRbLFBKv9epmZnQKRMxc0xtMzQXCalR1LVIBNj-NAeDsyXaOxK28q/s1600/painting6.png" /></a></div>
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Ta Da! We hung it up in the living room and now we get to look at it everyday!<br />
This project was super easy and fun and I would highly recommend it to anyone no artsyness required! If you can paint semi in the lines you can do this. After buying the canvases, paint and tape the whole project cost under $30.<br />
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So go out and make some art!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-79756797497582737612014-05-08T08:59:00.002-07:002015-08-16T15:09:35.839-07:00Frugal Me #1 - Learning Calligraphy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjO044Tv7DKQmVVmltZlQRzv8et3VZGlaJjP-IJN1zYTzg-f7Bnzs7K44QyB8pZJlR3PFn5dGRdobmDbvDoaVMGhKDWjeplH1fwwl8bV3jTtkcxSuEnbJFl30S2bXi49IKf-e95VXx0cj/s1600/calligraphy1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjO044Tv7DKQmVVmltZlQRzv8et3VZGlaJjP-IJN1zYTzg-f7Bnzs7K44QyB8pZJlR3PFn5dGRdobmDbvDoaVMGhKDWjeplH1fwwl8bV3jTtkcxSuEnbJFl30S2bXi49IKf-e95VXx0cj/s1600/calligraphy1.png" /></a></div>
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Hello Internet!<br />
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Today I am starting the first post of a series called Frugal Me, where I will tell you about the ways I saved some serious cash on my wedding. I don't have much of a budget at all, but that doesn't stop me from wanting things that I simply can't afford. So I am doing what I can to eat my cake and have it too!<br />
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One of these things was Calligraphy for the invitations and other paper goods for the wedding. It can be really pricey and doesn't leave room for last minute additions (I think I would have a panic attack if I didn't have the option to do things last minute!) Being pretty artsy I saw it as a way to save some cash if I do it myself and after my mom told me that I can't (thanks mom!), I decided it was definitely happening!<br />
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After some research online I bought these 2 books:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764156152/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0764156152&linkCode=as2&tag=thedesudile-20&linkId=VD2TC23VF2HGIZD2"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0764156152&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thedesudile-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thedesudile-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0764156152" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767907329/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0767907329&linkCode=as2&tag=thedesudile-20&linkId=QLDCJYOEW4ZN6TPV"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0767907329&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thedesudile-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thedesudile-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0767907329" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764156152/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0764156152&linkCode=as2&tag=thedesudile-20&linkId=L6ETADIBIJATM7LY">The Calligrapher's Bible</a></b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0767907329/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0767907329&linkCode=as2&tag=thedesudile-20&linkId=HIFGGZQCR2D4LEFN"><b>Learn Calligraphy</b></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYY3ptPiF4rrG2T_TwZf9ndL3hk5MvaWe5NICaNTsyTryGMKzwu8ThAtlzzZvOMS9na4Zavyt-u8S5utKosqfIMNbrCvZ8fs0jaJjQx4UNhBprLT_IFo1l2XHzc9C6rv85HWhEkH3yQWk/s1600/callig4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYY3ptPiF4rrG2T_TwZf9ndL3hk5MvaWe5NICaNTsyTryGMKzwu8ThAtlzzZvOMS9na4Zavyt-u8S5utKosqfIMNbrCvZ8fs0jaJjQx4UNhBprLT_IFo1l2XHzc9C6rv85HWhEkH3yQWk/s1600/callig4.png" width="200" /></a>Both books are very good but the calligraphy bible is AMAZING!<br />
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What I love most about it is it takes the scary "What is this magic!?" out of calligraphy. It has hundreds of alphabets and gives you the stroke by stroke for each letter of every one of them!<b> </b>(see right)<b> </b><br />
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After reading the Intro and jumping to a page I thought looked doable this is what my first attempt looked like.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrHpIZ2zoBoigMK6Du9HLYTdg_C2XaWO4AZwZmZPVQ7B2A_lMu93j3UhneJOEsAb6_NbUL-5kA5vrzMN8VN6mmEN0XgNFduqk2pnNZW-L-4AbH7WedVzfXzP8xZCvmLLJHIgen_qKT_-m/s1600/callig3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrHpIZ2zoBoigMK6Du9HLYTdg_C2XaWO4AZwZmZPVQ7B2A_lMu93j3UhneJOEsAb6_NbUL-5kA5vrzMN8VN6mmEN0XgNFduqk2pnNZW-L-4AbH7WedVzfXzP8xZCvmLLJHIgen_qKT_-m/s1600/callig3.png" /></a></div>
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Not bad right? it certainly isn't perfect but it looks like letters and you can read it so I am going to count this as a win.<br />
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I have to admit I had a little experience with dip pens before, but it was for illustration, and calligraphy is a whole different animal! All I could really transfer was knowing when to dip the pen...<br />
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Speaking of pens! I purchased this set from my local art store and it has been working great for me!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BYQLT4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BYQLT4&linkCode=as2&tag=thedesudile-20&linkId=CF6ZOYJMF5CZCDL2"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000BYQLT4&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thedesudile-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thedesudile-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BYQLT4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BYQLT4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BYQLT4&linkCode=as2&tag=thedesudile-20&linkId=CWHLPB47UVLCU62H">Speedball 6-Nib Calligraphy Lettering Set</a></b></span></div>
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...and how could I resist getting some teal ink! (I know, no one's surprised...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1v7TRrx85wlmiOdJvFSCILAOnB_y4OIeQKngOzzObDCeYFZofUQOPGRQm9T7tMLeF6dRAwdtmZONmvT_XXK8xEomMgAuCYA6Kg0w2bV34xCSX7J4_Z6wnZ5NxMyXGTuJkThElMUlLNq/s1600/callig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7D1v7TRrx85wlmiOdJvFSCILAOnB_y4OIeQKngOzzObDCeYFZofUQOPGRQm9T7tMLeF6dRAwdtmZONmvT_XXK8xEomMgAuCYA6Kg0w2bV34xCSX7J4_Z6wnZ5NxMyXGTuJkThElMUlLNq/s1600/callig2.png" /></a></div>
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My first practice project was to make valentines and had a blast! I never thought how much fun this was going to end up being. I did it initially just to save money, but this is something I see myself doing for a long time. I will keep you updated with my progress. Next I want to practice addressing envelopes, since that is mostly what I will need to do for the wedding.<br />
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What cool artsy projects have you been up to lately? Ever wanted to take a stab at calligraphy? Let me know in the comments!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-52820796959519463322014-05-01T11:23:00.000-07:002015-08-01T12:25:08.367-07:00Thinking About - Short DressesHello Internet!<br />
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You might notice something new on the sidebar there. I am adding my "Thinking About" Pinterest board for each month to my side bar. I have been wanting to include Pinterest on my blog somehow since it is such an amazing planning tool. This little widget is great! It will have my latest pins from whatever board I am brainstorming for that month! When I created my month by month list each month got a "Thinking About" section so I had some time to figure out what I wanted before I got serious about making any decisions!<br />
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This month I am Thinking About Short Dresses!<br />
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So check out that side bar and see what I am pinning this month!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6981400941937185442.post-22498278746285863842014-04-24T11:35:00.001-07:002015-08-01T12:23:55.798-07:00Pin Party! - Centerpieces <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBafN-rwetVJ2noH8679gXK_nJI6t1nWL2WAfrpDn8-85jLuqAHj2LmITBWE7mzEzstVsPJcMZAqNIDaxu1euoxYk0gFSPwZ3S1qy2eybM3YKPSjBcwq4F5ykJwGkbtH1Czx5nrMKoCD7/s1600/pinparty1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBafN-rwetVJ2noH8679gXK_nJI6t1nWL2WAfrpDn8-85jLuqAHj2LmITBWE7mzEzstVsPJcMZAqNIDaxu1euoxYk0gFSPwZ3S1qy2eybM3YKPSjBcwq4F5ykJwGkbtH1Czx5nrMKoCD7/s1600/pinparty1.png" /></a></div>
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Welcome to my first Pin Party! For my Pin Party I will show you a "Best Of" selection from one of my pinterest boards. Pinterest boards are great for finding inspiration and narrowing down what you want. Click <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/octoclown/"><b>Here</b></a> to see me on pinterest!<br />
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This month's Pin Party's focus was to brainstorm what I wanted to do for my centerpieces and decor. I can pin to my hearts content until the end of the month, then next month I have some tough decisions to make! My theme is vintage carnival and here are my top contenders so far for centerpieces!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ef/8d/dc/ef8ddc32591b32abab5cab21e73033ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ef/8d/dc/ef8ddc32591b32abab5cab21e73033ce.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ef/8d/dc/ef8ddc32591b32abab5cab21e73033ce.jpg">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/de/a0/d4/dea0d4c7d89ff6ad4694ed380bdd2611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/de/a0/d4/dea0d4c7d89ff6ad4694ed380bdd2611.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ballooncelebrations.com/gallery/centerpieces/#2">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/54/90/24/54902451d32852768cb32ba5b793a403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/54/90/24/54902451d32852768cb32ba5b793a403.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catchmyparty.com/photos/1253022">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/e1/90/a7e190004e5074f68e6dadbc008f356e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/e1/90/a7e190004e5074f68e6dadbc008f356e.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catchmyparty.com/photos/1193417">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/48/6b/b6/486bb67c2ff97e7c5a360a6aa6eda5e0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/48/6b/b6/486bb67c2ff97e7c5a360a6aa6eda5e0.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catchmyparty.com/blog/spotlight-a-vintage-circus-birthday-party">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cd/bd/b6/cdbdb61cb30dd13558f040807e0edd9c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cd/bd/b6/cdbdb61cb30dd13558f040807e0edd9c.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catchmyparty.com/photos/722690">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/9a/c0/18/9ac018746b61cae7c5e286adc44cc200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/9a/c0/18/9ac018746b61cae7c5e286adc44cc200.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mytotalnet.com/2012/09/carnival-parties-decor-centerpieces.html">Via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/db/a3/ac/dba3ac221c63e03e96237b8829e19d84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/db/a3/ac/dba3ac221c63e03e96237b8829e19d84.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ruffledblog.com/ruffled_galleries/carnival-themed-dc-wedding/?pid=32688&nggpage=2">Via</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cb/96/a9/cb96a901276c65197a0c697c0ef5cd0c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/cb/96/a9/cb96a901276c65197a0c697c0ef5cd0c.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://onewordthreepictures.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-06-25T05:54:00-07:00&max-results=7&start=14&by-date=false">Via</a></td></tr>
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Want to see more? <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/octoclown/centerpieces/"><b>Click Here</b></a> to see my ever-growing centerpieces board!<br />
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What ones do you like best? Have you seen anything even better? Let me know in the comments below.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16596886257177018408noreply@blogger.com