From the monthly archives:

June 2010

Kelly Moore Bag giveaway

by Blue-Eyed Bride on June 30, 2010

I’m so excited about this giveaway, but I’m already completely jealous of the winner!

If you’re like me, you’re always juggling a million different things. From the handbag to the diaper bag to the camera bag to the baby. There’s always too much to hang on to. I love carrying my camera with me everywhere so I don’t miss a second of Hudson’s little life. But with a big Canon Rebel, my wallet, my phone, Hudson’s necessities, etc. and carrying Hudson, it’s too hard to juggle it all.

So, today, I’m giving away the solution to my problems. (And if anyone wants to get me my own for my next birthday, I’d love it!)

Kelly Moore Clark is the creative, incredible genius behind Kelly Moore Photography. She took our engagement photos, my bridal photos, and our wedding photos.

I grew up going to church with Kelly and she is just as nice as she is talented. I love being able to say “I knew her when…”

Now Kelly has gone above and beyond and created a collection of camera bags. These are gorgeous camera bags designed to be fashionable and functional for the professional photographer and the amateur mom photographer like I am! I give you the collection of Kelly Moore Bags. The bags are named after Kelly, her assistant Brandi (B-Hobo), and her husband, Kelly (Kelly Boy). Yes, her husband’s name is Kelly, too!

The bags have compartments for all of your camera needs. Or if you’re like me and your camera needs aren’t huge, there’s some leftover space for a sippy cup and a wallet!

Kelly Boy Bag

B-Hobo Bag

Kelly Moore Classic Bag

Today, I’m giving away a black Kelly Moore Classic Bag to one lucky winner!

To enter, just leave a comment on this post telling me why you’d love this bag and how it will simplify your life. Not to mention how it would make your life prettier! For an extra entry, you can tweet about the Kelly Moore Bag (and follow @kellymooreclark on Twitter). Make sure you tell me in your comment if you also tweeted about it!

The winner will be announced next week!

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a word from our June sponsors

by Blue-Eyed Bride on June 30, 2010

There’s a small little piece of blogging real estate over in the right sidebar of my blog. Some of my favorite companies, shops, and friends have advertisements in the sidebar and I wanted to share a little bit about each of them with you. You may even find some discount codes mentioned, so keep your eyes open!

For more information on advertising on Blue-Eyed Bride, email me at eeakin11{at}gmail{dot}com.

Ashley Brooke Designs

Photobucket

In Ashley’s own words…

Ashley Brooke Designs is a luxury paper company where I create hand-drawn fashion sketches from scratch.  I love working one on one with clients to design exactly what their hearts desire.  Our designs are available on everything from stationery to coffee mugs to tote bags.  Contact me at info@ashleybrookedesigns.com and let’s talk design!

Penny Lane Designs

Photobucket

In Marina’s own words…

Penny Lane Designs is a small graphic design boutique that specializes in high quality, affordable custom blog designs, ‘Faux’ Sites, pre-designed blog layouts and print design. My goals as a designer are to create designs that are unique, clean, polished and to make my clients happy.

The Letter Tree
the letter tree

In Sherry’s own words…

The Letter Tree is a monogrammed gift shop that offers the best selection of monogrammed gifts with enough variety and style to have something for everyone.  If you are in need of something monogrammed, a special baby gift that stands out from the rest, fun gifts for your bridesmaids, a wedding gift, groomsmen gifts, specialty papers and personalized stamps, we have it all.  Adding personalization creates unique keepsake gifts that will be treasured for years to come. We strive to always provide great product selections and exceptional customer service. Please be assured if you shop with us, you will not be disappointed.

Monogram Chick
monogram chick

In Sarah’s own words…

What hatched at a dining room table has grown leaps and bounds into a web destination for personalized gifts. Monogram Chick is an extensive selection of fabulously unique products including gifts for bridesmaids, hostesses, sorority, housewarmings, children and babies. With items for any budget, Monogram Chick makes giving a personalized gift easy and affordable. For the month of July Blue Eyed Bride readers can save 10% on their order be entering the code BEB10 at checkout!

momAgenda

In Nina’s own words…

As with many great inventions, the momAgenda was created to simplify the life of its founder – and caught on like wildfire. Today, momAgenda encompasses a vast range of organizational products, many inspired by its loyal devotees.

Kelly Moore Bag

In Kelly’s own words…

About three years ago, I started sketching and dreaming about having a handbag/lens bag line of my own. As a photographer and a woman, I was always left wanting more when it came to my options for a stylish, functional bag that I could use to carry my equipment while I photographed. I sat down and made a wish list of everything that I wanted in a great bag, and now 3 years later, I’m so excited that my wishlist has come to life!!

Minted. The Freshest Designs on Paper

In Minted’s own words…

Minted is a new online store offering fresh, modern custom invitations, stationery, announcements, holiday cards, and more.  We have gathered our collections from the most acclaimed independent stationary brands, and many are exclusively carried on Minted.com.  We also offer our own exclusive designs created especially for Minted.com.

Personalized Greeting Cards from Tiny Prints.

In Tiny Prints’ own words…

Tiny Prints offers an extensive collection of unique and contemporary stationary for both family and businesses, including everything from stylist corporate event invitations and other business stationery items to fun photo birth announcements, baby shower invitations, holiday photo cards and more.

Layla Grayce

In Layla Grayce’s own words…

At Layla Grayce, we truly, madly, deeply care about design, about creating the perfectly decorated room that expresses your unique sense of self, and finding perfect items for gifts or everyday. These are things that can make a difference in the quality of our lives and those dear to us. We feel that beautiful surroundings bring harmony, balance and happiness to your home and life, and strive to showcase products that will achieve this philosophy. Beautiful surroundings that express your personal take on lifestyle shouldn’t be a luxury – it should be a necessity.

Many thanks to the June advertisers and sponsors!

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a whole year of motherhood

by Blue-Eyed Bride on June 29, 2010

After one year of being a mom to the greatest, funniest little boy in the world, I thought I’d share my {real} experiences and let you in on what I’ve learned. I wrote a similar post a few months ago if you’d like to go back and read that one.

  • The year started off with a tremendous amount of fear. I was so afraid of what would happen when I brought him home. Or what would happen when my mom went back to Texas. Could I take care of him by myself? How? I’m just a girl! How did I end up with a baby? What if I accidentally drop him or he gets sick? The level of responsibility is tremendous and I was terrified.

  • I learned after two days alone with him that I am his mother. I know him better than anyone knows him. He’s counting on me and my primary job is to love and protect him. I can do that!
  • But I do screw up. He rolled off the ottoman when he was 3 months old. Who knew he could roll over? No one knew until that minute! And a few weeks ago he practically leapt off the changing table. He cried a little bit and I felt terrible. But things happen and the guilt will consume you. And you don’t forget it for second when those things happen.

  • Modesty goes out the window. There’s no time for modesty. I’ve already shown my goods to a room full of people, so at follow up doctor’s appointments I don’t get embarrassed like I used to. Or if my mom wants to see my stretch marks I’ll show them to her!
  • Nothing grosses me out. I’ve been puked on, pooped on, peed on. It happens. I just hurry to clean it up and get the job done.
  • There is no love like the one I feel for my child. And it brings into perspective just how much my parents love me. And then I remember the horrible way I spoke to them when I was in high school and the lies that I told so I could do what I wanted. I’ve probably apologized to my parents more in the past year for things that I did 10 years ago than I did when I was actually doing those things!
  • Everything is seen through Hudson’s eyes. I get excited about the tiniest things that I’ve taken for granted over the years. Like a day at the beach!

  • My best girlfriends are such incredible sources of strength and humor!
  • I love having conversations that aren’t about babies, baby things, baby clothes, baby tips, baby ideas. Baby, baby, baby. It’s nice to take a break and focus on being Erin. The mom job is 24/7, so just an hour long break is always appreciated.
  • I want to give Hudson everything I can, but I don’t want to lose myself. When he goes to school or graduates from college, I don’t want to be wondering where my life went. I want to teach him the importance of being an individual and having a strong identity.
  • I am so appreciative of our family and the support that we have. We have been so fortunate to have so much freedom and time to spend time with just the two of us because of TC’s parents. They love Hudson and love us and we’ve had some great nights out with their help. I also have no idea what I’d do without the constant support and love from my parents. Even from 17 hours away, I know that they’re going to laugh at the funny Hudson story I tell them. And if I need help they’re there to give me advice. What wonderful friends they are to me!
  • I have a deep respect for single mothers and single fathers.

  • This year would have been completely different without this blog and the community that I’ve found with it. Mommy bloggers to share stories. Non-mommy bloggers to take me away and make me life. And my friends. So many girls have helped me share stories and also helped me “get away” and laugh.
  • Every single month gets easier and more fun. You start sleeping longer. You can start going to restaurants again because they can eat table food and are actually able to interact with you.
  • And don’t forget, “You can fight a bear for a little while.” Or in this case, a toddler! Some days it’s just a test of wills and we’re working on patience for him and staying strong for me. Each day is a new day!

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join me in a day of blogging silence for Cohen

by Blue-Eyed Bride on June 29, 2010

I wanted to share something very special with all of you. Megan’s friends and some other bloggers have gotten together to ask the blogging community to have a moment of silence for Baby Cohen. I’ve posted the details below.

What: Moment of Silence for Cohen

When: Thursday July 1st from midnight to 11:59 pm.

How: Bloggers participating will post the Cohen banner (below) or simply post Cohen’s name in large letters on their blog.

Why: July 1st Megan and Brent will be holding Cohen’s memorial service.  The moment of silence is an opportunity for Megan’s blog community to stand behind her and support her on this difficult day.  Linking up will give Megan a chance to see the support at a glance.

Participating bloggers can Link Up on July 1st at Send Love To Cohen. Will you join me and help spread the word?

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