Rustic Wood Wedding Sign

I spent many, many years planning fabulous weddings...and I gotta tell ya...I miss it (not the long hours...but everything else). Last year an amazing caterer I know asked me to make these rustic wood wedding signs for each of her couples. I love the idea and they are such an amazing wedding keepsake or unique part of the wedding decor.

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Be Yourself, Together: Unique Gift Giving for Weddings

disclosure: Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.
 
My husband and I are getting ready to celebrate a wedding anniversary. I brought up the subject of our wedding gifts and we started talking about the truly unique gifts we received. Of course we were, and are thankful to have received beautiful china and linens and crystal...but there were a few friends who really hit the mark with amazing, unique and unforgettable gifts. Don't you want to be that wedding guest too?

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Quickie Vase Project with Wallpaper for Windows

Hey there!

Today is the last day of the Wallpaper for Windows giveaway…

(did you enter yet???)

but yesterday I had this idea…

and I tried it and I kind of love it…

and I love the possibilities of it…

so I had to share!

I used the trim to size service for my projects with the Avalon design…

but in my package came a few strips of “extra” Wallpaper for Windows. I just could not leave it alone! I knew somehow I could incorporate Wallpaper for Windows into entertaining or event décor.

Ultimately I ended up making two tall pedestal vases for my buffet…but I am imagining tall cylindrical vases covered in the beautiful patterns Wallpaper for Windows carries. Best part is, you can easily change it up if you want…I love it – changeable design!

Supplies

• Wallpaper for Windows
• Vase – cylindrical vases that are not tapered will work best.
• Soapy water in a spray bottle
• Squeegee
• paper towels
• X-ACTO knife, ruler, cutting mat

DIY IT!
1. I purchased 2 vases from Pier 1- I tried Goodwill, but they had nothing to accommodate my needs (oh my!)…well, they had one open-ended cylindrical piece, and I bought it…but I wanted vases too!


2. Determine the width for the Wallpaper for Windows "stripes" and cut.


3. Dry fit the strips around the vase and determine placement. Trim length if necessary. Determine if you want the patterns to match up when you wrap them around vase (See #10).

 

4. Clean vases well. Then try to avoid touching with fingers as much as possible.


5. Spray vase with soapy water.

6. Remove backing from Wallpaper for Windows, and place on vase, wrapping around until the ends meet.

7. Repeat for the second (and third or fourth strips). I just did 2 per vases.


8. NOTE: I aligned my ends on all strips so there would be one side with all of the cuts – my patterns did not match up at the end cuts, but it did not bother me.


9. NOTE: I DID try to align my strips so that the patterns matched up around the vase. See how they “match up” like if I squished them together it would make a complete pattern.

10. Spray with soapy water and smooth out. Because of the surface and nature of the project, I did not really use a squeegee to smooth the Wallpaper for Windows out. instead, I sort of wrapped paper towels around the vase and squeezed.


11. Carefully dry! The wallpaper for windows will move while it is wet.

So, what do you think? It is kind of funky and fun…

and I can see this on votive holder, candle holder, covering vases…

so excited to try this for a wedding or event!

Now…head over and enter the Wallpaper for Windows GIVEAWAY!

Disclosure: Wallpaper for Windows was provided to me for review and giveaway.

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Bridesmaids, Girlfriends, Lots of Laughs, and a Link Up

I planned and prepared for my
"Girls Night In" Parisian Extravaganza

and viewing of

Bridesmaids

and finally it was here!

A little warning...this post is not as "PG" as I usual am here.

This is 504 Main Unrated. OK, not that bad!

This movie I had heard so much about was finally in my hands...
in my house and I was ready to watch it on our new TV
(before it was available in the stores)!!!
But just so ya know, it can be yours tomorrow!
Bridesmaids is available on DVD, Blu-Ray Combo pack or as a digital download on 9/20/11, so you can all snatch up a copy and have your own Girls Night In!

 (A gorgeous flower arrangement from my friend Jaime)

I shared about my party prep on Thursday...

You can check out the detailed menu and the ideas there!

BUT as any good planner knows sometimes you must roll with the punches...my day did not quite go as planned (I had a mild case of food poisoning - which after seeing the movie is WAY TOO appropriate...but I swear mine was not even close to theirs - and that is an image that will be burned in my mind forever!), so I had to tweak the menu, and not every teeny-tiny detail was attended to..but I wanted to have FUN more than stress out over rosettes on champagne flutes. And these lovely ladies showered me with more hors d'oeuvres, wine, and fanciful gifts! Who knew! I love these ladies

(and not just because of the gifts)!

(A hand painted card from Kelly and pink sugar to rim the cocktail from Rook No. 17)

We ended up having a wonderful selection of food and beverages, and I tested out my lackluster bar tending skills making Pomegranate Champagne Cocktails. I tried channeling Tom Cruise in Cocktail for this portion of the evening...

but was more little tipsy sorority girl and I was not either tipsy or a sorority girl.

Anyway...they tasted amazing...and were delicious and a perfectly bridal beverage!

 The menu included brie, pickled veggies, pastry puffs, edamame dip, grapes,

and drunken melon balls

(which going with the spirit of the evening we just call "drunken balls")

I went with a modified Parisian theme in honor of the bridal shower

(and I did not send anyone to Paris to research)

The swag for each lady was a pink Eiffel Tower bank, my FAVE lip gloss, and a candle.
I decided to skip the puppy.

Here is a glimpse of the decor.

I was so busy that my photos are lackluster.
It was so much easier to plan an event when I had professional photographers and a staff!

I tinted mason jars pink and selected bunches of carnations for them.
I think carnations have a bad rap and in clusters they look pretty!

 The dessert table
(oops no dessert on the table...but you get the picture)

Treat tower: truffles (not the ones I made!), chocolates, and licorice!

After an hour or more of chatting and enjoying a cocktail or three we headed down to the family room to watch the movie...woo-whoo! I was very happy that after 15 years we finally upgraded the ole TV...and so was everyone else...what better way to watch this hilarious movie than on a new TV (except maybe the dress selection/trying on scene).

I served dessert during the movie:

Crack Pie

Lemon tart

Cheesecake

I tried to make this seemingly delicious chocolate truffles...
My husband tested them and after spitting them in the trash said

"I never thought chocolate, sugar, and almonds could taste so bad."

I totally burned this recipe.

(I totally need a media room makeover now!)

While this movie is over the top funny...it also has some pretty raunchy humor...so I made sure everyone who was coming knew this was definitely an adult movie and that I had the Unrated version...just did not want any surprises!

But all of us ladies were up for the laughs that came our way,
from the silly to the sexy to the cringe-worthy to the
almost-hard-to-watch-but-you-cannot-look-away.
The laughter was continuous and contagious.
A little something for everyone.

We all LOVED the movie and hanging out with the ladies.
Here's a quick "Ode to Bridesmaids"

Thanks to Bridesmaids...

I have a renewed love for giant cookies...

I should have served a ginormous sandwich at the party...

I just might serve a ginormous sandwich at my next gathering...
(I will never look at a sandwich the same again)

I will NOT eat at a-hole-in-the-wall restaurant, especially if it is Brazilian...

Puppies are not good gifts...

Jason Bateman is hot...

Remember to like the nice guy, not f*** the bad guy in the Porsche.

I am glad I am not dating...

I am glad I am not a bridesmaid...

I did however, remember some of the fond memories of being a bridesmaid...

I want to plan another wedding (to the same guy)...
I want a Parisian Bridal Shower (or birthday party)

I am still singing "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips!
(so breaking out the old CD's)
***************
Did you see the movie?
What was your favorite part?
Are you picking up the movie?

Link up  and share your wedding/bridesmaids related story below.
Links back appreciated but not required...this is just for fun!
Everyone LOVES a good wedding story!
You know you have one!

 

Sponsored post. See my disclosure HERE.

Bridesmaids and Wedding Delights and Don'ts!

Share your story, any wedding-related story. Links back appreciated but not required...this is just for fun!

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Bridesmaids Don'ts...and Then Some Do's

I was a wedding planner in Los Angeles for years. I loved it. I quickly caught on to the do's and don't of selecting my clients, and can honestly say after all the years spent walking people down the aisle, I had some awesome clients, families and wedding parties (really, I am not lying!)!

I could go on and on about stories - silly, ridiculous, just the stuff that comes along when you involve families, money, and emotions...but today, in honor of my Girls Night In with Bridesmaids I am sticking to bridesmaids stories - just a few tidbits here and there.

I was a bridesmaid many times. I probably was not the best bridesmaid, but not the worst. My biggest flaw (unless my friends come and chime in here and really tell the truth) was that I was over eager. I was not a wedding planner yet, but wanted to be and thought I knew way more than I did.

***************

My own personal stories are actually pleasant...except a brief period in one friends wedding.

My Own Personal Helen
I had a Helen in my life. She was the Maid pf Honor and lived out of town. The rest of us thought we were working together to throw a shower...until I received a message on my answering machine (and I paraphrase, but the intent and effect is the same)

"Hi, this is XXXXXXX. I just want to let you know that I do not think you can throw a shower worthy of the bride. Not the kind of shower she deserves and expects. So, I will be planning the shower alone."

Really...and who are you?

the end (to protect the innocent...I will stop here)

***************

As a wedding planner, I worked on one particular wedding were the bride and her maids were very young and just did not get anything about schedules or timing or having a good attitude. Here is the story:

Massages and Quickies

This wedding is one for the record books…If there could be a problem related to the attitude of the bride or the bridesmaids…or groomsmen this was it.

The day began with a call from the makeup and hair design team, asking me where the ladies were. “In the hotel room,” I tell them. “No they are not.” After getting a hold of the bride she informs me that she has sent the ladies down to have massages, because she felt like it. OK! YIKES!

Once the bridesmaids were all tracked down, they were indignant that they would have to postpone or miss their massage…apparently this day is all about them. To top it off they were very young and really had no clue what they should be doing or how to behave as an adult or as a responsible bridesmaid. I clearly remember lots of shrieking, mothers complaining, and chaos.

Fast forward to the wedding reception and preparing for the Grand Entrance. Now mind you, this is a bridal party of 15 ladies, and 15 men. Corralling them and lining them up is a feat all in its own self. After much tracking down and running around, I think I have it.

I turn my back, and when I turn back around, a pair is gone…where to…I do not know. I send an assistant to find them…she tracks them down coming out of the elevator. We get them lined up, and another pair is gone. This happened 4 times. Where were they going…upstairs for a quickie.

**************

Now, we move on to some serious Bridesmaids business! I recently authored the book  The Everything Bridesmaid Book: From bachelorette party planning to wedding ceremony etiquette - all you need for an unforgettable wedding (Everything Series) and in it shared some bits of wisdom I learned over the years. Being a bridesmaid can be fun, and truly define (and make or break a relationship), but what is important it to remember to take the task seriously and remember it is for the bride. 

Here are TEN do's for being a bridesmaid

(reprinted from the book)

How To Be A Better Bridesmaid

1. Listen…really listen. Some days the bride may just need to talk to someone to think things out. An open ear and a good friend are priceless.

2. Be calm. Even in the most stressful moments, keep your head about you. Calm is contagious.

3. Make her take a break. Steal away with your friend for a simple cup of coffee - no wedding talk allowed.

4. Approve of her choices. This is not your wedding. Let the bride have her way on her day. If she asks for an honest opinion, it is OK to give it, just do it nicely.

5. Let the bride speak first. Nothing is worse than listening to a bridesmaid go off on a tangent about the “ugly” flowers…when the bride thinks they are fabulous.

6. Plan a bridal shower and a bachelorette party that pays homage to the bride’s style, taste, and personality. 

7. Don’t compare. A laundry list of what you did better or how your friend did this or that will not make for good girl chat.

8. Be agreeable. Nothing ever good has come from a disagreeable bridesmaid.

9. Participate. You may despise the bouquet toss or wouldn’t want to be caught dead line dancing, but if that is part of the festivities, get out there!

10. Behave. Dirty dancing with the groom’s brother, passing out in the hall, telling the slacker bridesmaid off – not a good idea…for obvious reasons.

What's Your best advice or crazy story!

Link it up on my Girls Night In Bridesmaids Post!
Go HERE to link up!

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Girls Night IN - Bridesmaids Movie and Bubbly!

I am so excited.

#1 - I need some good old girlfriend time

# 2 - I love weddings

What does that equal = Girls Night In
with some awesome ladies and
the movie Bridesmaids!
(I even got hubby to buy a new TV..finally...
just for the occasion...
OK, not just for the occasion) 

I have walked the aisle over 7 times as a bridesmaids and walked bridesmaids down the aisle at least 150 times during my time as a wedding planner....I have seen the good, bad, and ugly of bridesmaiding for sure!

This is so up my alley! I have not seen the movie, but have only heard fabulous things about Bridesmaids. I was actually invited to go with group...but it was 3 days from the deadline of my last book...and I just could not do it. But now I get my very own copy and I get to host a party for my fave ladies!

It also seems fitting as I was quoted along with my book The Everything Bridesmaids book in Glamour Magazine's' "A Bridesmaids Survival Guide" when the movie came out.

Well, I love to plan a party...I even love to prep for a party....Here's the scoop for my Bridesmaids soiree.

Bridesmaids, Bubbly, and Brie (and and chocolate of course!)

I am going with a Parisian theme (I hear it is relevant to part of the movie - thanks Geri!). I was going with a a funky modern, graphic version using pink and black...BUT Anders Ruff styled a Bridesmaids themed party for Target using those colors....so I wanted to switch it up (there printables are way cute)! Anyway...I cannot be like the rest of the crowd...I am going romantically-vintage Parisian!

Colors: Subtle pinks with a hint of black on a ecru/khaki base...and sparkly (OK - not a color, but a necessity)! This could change...When I design for myself I give myself some creative license for switching it up if it doesn't work out they way it did in my mind!

 This is a Parisian inspired event from a few years back.

Oh yeah - real diamonds on those centerpieces!

Decor

• Layered tablecloths
• Hanging globes,
• Crystal pink Mason Jars
• Fresh flowers
• Crystals and pearls
• Fun paper decor and accents on candles

Food

Keeping it light - everyone can have dinner with their families and then head over...or just head over and nibble on the tasty hors d'oeuvres and dessert (of course)

When I do a menu, I like to balance heavy with light and always include fruit and veggies. I am keeping it yummy but fairly simple in terms of prep/upkeep  - I want to watch the movie too!

I'll share the recipes soon!

• Chili Brie - warm and fresh from the oven (it is cold here people)
• Crostini with Gruyere, fig, and caramelized onions
• Selection of pickled veggies - green beans, beets, bread and butter zucchini slices
• Fresh Fruit
• Veggie crudite
• Spinach/artichoke purses
• A few of the ladies are brings their fave munchie too (I have great friends!)

Dessert

• Crack pie or Chocolate Gateau
• Chocolate Truffles
• Raspberry Cream Cakes (in case someone does not like chocolate - gasp!)
• Orange-infused brownies

Beverages

• A selection of California/Central Valley sparkling wines and wines
• Signature cocktail: Pomegranate champagne cocktails
• Arancello  cocktails (YUM...just made mine today)
• Pomegranate soda
• Sparkling Water
• Coffee and Tea

Swag

Of course there is goodies! Wonderful girlie goodies! Think lip gloss and pink bling, with a Parisian influence...BUT I cannot tell yet...some of the guest read this blog.

Games/Fun

• I invited everyone to bring a bridesmaids photo with them - I always love seeing a good blast from the past!
• And we are playing Bridesmaids Bingo!
• Maybe even a photo booth, complete with veils, boas and BIG OLD diamond engagement rings! 

Finally in honor of the movie and my numerous walks down the aisle as a bridesmaid, I am going to post about one of my personal bridesmaids experiences and then invite you all to come and linkup your good or bad stories next week Monday when I post...

Come on people...everyone loves a wedding...I know you have stories.
I like good stories as much as bad stories...so get ready and link them up! 

But...for Friday, anyone have any ideas they want to share!
I love a good idea!

This is a sponsored post for the movie Bridesmaids. View my Disclosure policy.

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DIY! Happily Ever After Sign

I am a gal who loves weddings! In my semi-former life as a wedding planner, I was always looking for new ways to add a special touches to the wedding day. I created this chic sign that can be used at the wedding...how fabulous would it be hanging on a garden gate for the guests to see as they exit, at the end of the aisle, or even as part of the couple's dining table decor...so many possibilities!

The sign could absolutely be customized with the wedding colors, a wedding date or the couple's names too. Oh yeah...I think this sign turned out pretty cute...so why not add different vinyl lettering for any occasion!

Supplies

Click HERE for a full pdf

1 wood board. I used a 6x1 cut to X" long

Design Diva vinyl lettering #1204

Decoart American Acrylic, white

Decoart Enamel, Black

Decoart Stencil Paint, Grey

Cutting Edge Stencil Brush Set

Cutting Edge Wall Art Stencil, Birds on a Branch

Dremel Multi-Max

Rockler Deft Wood Finish Semi-Gloss

DISChangers

Ribbon (optional)

Go check out The DIY Club for the full tutorial.

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Why I Blog? Getting Back to Blogging with SITS

Only one year ago, I thought blogs were weird, odd, pointless, useless, and basically for people with no social skills in the real world - stay with me here...it gets better. In fact I had never really even read a blog when I made these assumptions. I cringed when my editor told me to "get a blog" {to promote my last book}. I did it...I "got a blog" {or 5!} and left them sitting dormant and unloved for almost one year.

Then I read a few blogs. The first blog I ever read was Reluctant Entertainer - have you been over there? Sandy is the bomb and she has a fabulous book out {and there may be a chance to win one here very soon!}. As I read Sandy's blog, and a few choice others, I realized I was ALL WRONG about blogs. Blogs are written by men and women from all over who have amazing, touching, and inspiring stories to share, as well as hints, tips, and crafty tricks to teach.

Soon after, I bought Blogging for Bliss: Crafting Your Own Online Journal: A Guide for Crafters, Artists and Creatives of all Kinds and my buddy Jenn started a blog. I was impressed and amazed and had to be a part of the action {that's how I roll} and finally take the plunge. I posted my first "masterpieces" on 504 Main and Hip Weddings about one year ago and have not looked back..although I think my hubby wishes I would stop and look back and then just stop!

Hip Weddings was established to promote my books and share my knowledge and love of all things wedding...that blog was far easier to begin. 504 Main was established to be a place to share personal stories, to craft and to hone, expand, learn how to trust in my writing ability, but I had a harder time with beginning this blog. I do think I have found my voice and my place, maybe even created my own place. I do not just DIY and craft...I do not just cook...I do not just write. I love it all and do it all here.

I can narrow down why I blog into FOUR main reasons...
1. I blog for myself. This blog is for me and only me. In my life, I drop off kids at school, cart them back and forth to practices and playdates, make dinner, clean the house, and pick up dog poop {the list could go on and on}...and I choose that...BUT this blog is one of the only places in this world I consider to be all mine...I can blog about what I want to blog about. I do not have to include my kids, my hubby, my friends in it/on it if I do not want to.

2. I used to be a crafter, a creator, a designer, but I had long put away my paints, glitter, sewing machine, and crafting supplies. I just couldn't seem to find the time..Blogging inspires me and fuels my creative energy. I am re-energized to DIY and it makes me happy.

3. Blogging pushes - challenges - me to write and hit PUBLISH POST - it takes me out of my comfort zone. At first I thought "Why am I so scared?" No one reads this that I really know {like in real life}...and then people started telling me..."Oh I loved your post," or "I made those Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies." GULP! People that I know...in real life...are reading. This will only make me a better writer.

4. The amazing interaction with other bloggers is beyond anything I could have imagined. I have cried, laughed, screamed with glee, and even been pissed off at things I have seen and read. There is such an amazing and diverse community of bloggers. If you have a problem or an issue, chances are there is someone out there who can lend an ear or offer some advice. 

At the end of the day, when it comes to my blog, I have to follow my heart. "It" - readers, friendships, camaraderie - will come naturally and people will respond if I am genuine and real on my blog and in my comments. When I pay too much attention to numbers, i.e., "blogging for numbers," - followers, subscriptions, daily visits - blogging becomes a chore. I have to remember to not get caught up in numbers and blog because I like it, because I want to, because it is an expression of me. 

To end, I must say I thoroughly enjoy reading all of your blogs and being able to call you my bloggy friends...if I ever win the lottery, I will buy you all a plane ticket and we can have a party. This blog has been such a joy to me and I truly appreciate you reading and coming by and letting me be a part of your blogs as well.

So, now, the BIG question -

WHY DO YOU BLOG?
I want to hear it all!

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I just want to say a big thank you to SITS, and event sponsors,

Standards of Excellence, Westar, and

Florida Builder Appliances for this challenge.

I have had a great ride getting back in touch with my blog

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I am celebrating my blogday by giving away

one of these FABULOUS stamps!
Want to win one?

Go visit this {POST} to enter!

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ANNOUNCEMENT!

Sorry if you came by looking for Tickled Pink - it is postponed this week..Today's Back to Blogging topic was too hot!
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 Happy Weekend Everyone!

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