From the monthly archives:

September 2010

mish mash

by Blue-Eyed Bride on September 29, 2010

There seems to be so much going on right now that I thought this kind of post might be a little bit easier.

1. While Hudson was at school this morning, I worked on a couple of Junior League projects I needed to finish. Except I need to know how to use InDesign. Either that’s my option or Word needs to give me more formatting options. I was ready to pull my hair out. I may be calling in some back-up in the form of incredibly kind, former coworkers that have skillz in InDesign and Illustrator.

2. Poor Hudson is teething. At least I hope he’s teething and that’s the cause for the runny nose and the fussiness. He’s not running a fever- he’s just pooped. But he is still so stinking cute even when he’s not feeling well. I could just eat him up!

3. We’re doing the Beth Moore “Living Beyond Yourself” Bible study right now and we met last night. I am absolutely loving this study and the verse that stuck out to me the most last night was Galatians 5:26, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” I highly recommend this study. I have a friend who said she’s doing it at home alone without a group.

4. I got word last night that I’ll have the first grade choir to myself again tonight. Oh my, this is just new territory for me. I’m used to my 15 month old and was hoping I could ease into the first grade age group. I’m getting hit with 35 of them at once! I’m just going to try and help them stay active and embrace their high energy by doing high energy activities with the music. The kids are coming from school where they’ve been sitting still all day. I know it’s hard for them to come sit still for 40 more minutes. Tips are appreciated!

5. Can we discuss my excitement over the cooler temperatures? And the rain? From what I’ve seen on the news, almost everyone is getting cooler weather. It’s a great time of year.

6. We’re also leading into my favorite time of year which is also a super stressful time of year. I have such a hard time juggling the expectations and responsibilities of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. It’s impossible for us to be in two places at once and I want everyone to be happy. And I want it to be fun. I know I’m not alone in this and all married gals deal with it.

7. After premiere week, it looks like TC and I (mostly me) are going to eliminate a lot of the new shows we were testing out from our DVR. Most of the new shows didn’t hold my attention and I really wasn’t interested in seeing another week of them. I’ve already given up on Outlaw, Running Wilde, Blue Bloods (because my DVR didn’t catch the whole thing), My Generation, and Chase. That may be over half of the shows! TC and I loved the Britney/Brittany episode of Glee and we’re enjoying having the original The Apprentice back. And that’s all we’ve been watching together–other than Dateline, of course. And we’ve both been falling asleep on the couch regularly!

8. There a few greater things than a spotless house. Maybe chocolate chip cookies could be better than that. And a free weekend with no plans? And fitting perfectly into your size 4 pants. (That hasn’t happened for me in almost two years.)

NOTE: I do not fit into my size 4 pants. I’m just saying that’s a good feeling when you do!

Hope y’all are all having a great Wednesday!

{ 59 comments }

thanks to the September supporters!

by Blue-Eyed Bride on September 29, 2010

Many thanks to the September sponsors and advertisers!

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

Letter Tree Banner

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.

Blessed Be The Name

Photobucket

In Ashley’s own words…

Blessed Be the Name is excited to fill orders this time of year! We love seeing what you have chosen & we have been so blessed by how the Fall 2010 line has been received! The website will be available for a little bit longer to take orders for fall & then we will be busy again working towards Spring 2011! Our Spring 2011 season will begin January 2011 if you are interested in hosting a party or attending one in your area please contact visit our website (www.blessednames.com) You can keep up with us on facebook under Blessed Be the Name & Favorite Laundry or our blog (www.eilerandcompany.com). Come visit our Favorite Laundry store in Birmingham, Alabama!   See you soon!

Wonderland Papers

Photobucket

In Laura’s own words…
Wonderland Papers was created after my own 2008 wedding and my eyes were opened to the world of wedding paper design. Creating save the dates and hand drawn wedding maps for your special day or keepsake maps to remember your courtship, your college days or any special period of life has become my passion. I truly enjoy working with my clients to capture the special moments in their life. All my illustrations are hand drawn and digitally colored and can be adapted to fit your style and needs. I can be contacted at wonderlandpapers@gmail.com or through my Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/WonderlandPapers

Stella and Dot

Photobucket

In Mandi’s own words…

Stella & Dot is an up-and-coming, boutique-style luxe jewelry line inspired by vintage designs. Coveted by celebrities, Stella & Dot pieces are constantly featured in fashion magazines, on the runways, and on television shows such as “Bachelor Pad” and “Dancing With the Stars.”

What makes Stella & Dot unique is it’s sold exclusively through Independent Stylists at private and personalized home trunk shows, offering a special home shopping experience. Hostesses are rewarded with free and discounted jewelry pieces, and stylists enjoy the opportunity to earn extra income while building a fulfilling career from home.

Visit my site to learn more about how Stella & Dot can help you style your life!

Sweet Birdie’s Nest

Sweet Birdie's Nest

In Heidi’s and Beverly’s own words…

Sweet Birdie’s Nest is the creation of two sisters who believe everyone should have whimsical, beautiful and personalized stationery and party invitations.  Sweet Birdie’s Nest developed out of necessity when Heidi couldn’t find wedding invitations she loved, so her sister, Beverly, made them.  Bridal and baby showers, Christmas cards, birth announcements, and Baptism invitations followed and now we’re sharing our lovely designs with you!  Let us design and create custom notecards, invitations, and other paper products for the special events in your life.

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 stationery 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 stationery 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.

For more information on advertising or sponsoring on Blue-Eyed Bride, please contact me at eeakin11{at}gmail{dot}com.

The next sponsor post will go up at the end of October, but ads can be placed at any time.


{ 1 comment }

a fun weekend in Auburn

by Blue-Eyed Bride on September 28, 2010

Our little family drove down to Georgia on Friday night. We got a late start getting on the road and we spent most of the time listening to Hudson’s Baby Einstein DVDs while he watched to stay entertained. But we finally arrived at Lyndsey and Adam’s house. I just love them and I’m so happy that we’re friends. They opened up their home to us so we could go down to watch South Carolina play Auburn.

Lyndsey and Adam both went to Auburn and they’re die hard fans, but they didn’t mind having two Gamecock fans at their tent. On Saturday morning, Adam’s mom came over to watch Hudson and ALM and we all made the 40 minute drive to Auburn, Alabama. Amy and DW joined us on Saturday morning and we got to spend the whole day with two amazing couples.

An article has been going around that raves about Auburn’s hospitality and talks about how Gamecock fans needs to learn to be hospitable hosts and be gracious to visiting fans the way the Auburn fans were to us this weekend. And it’s so true. We were clearly Gamecock fans and we weren’t treated badly by one single Auburn fan. I was so impressed with everyone.

I had been to Auburn a handful of times before as a visiting fan, but this time was definitely the most fun. We spent all day out in the heat, but we were with friends and it was just a great time. Hopefully next year we can show them just as good of a time in Columbia.

Amy, me, and Lyndsey (aren’t my friends GORGEOUS?)

Adam, TC, and DW

after we had all melted, we ran into the adorable Grits!

Unfortunately, the Gamecocks fought hard but didn’t win this one. It was a close game and TC and I kept saying, “we’re going to win!” Auburn has a great Game Day atmosphere and it is L-O-U-D in that stadium throughout the entire game. And I know it’s that way for the majority of SEC stadiums, but this game was really loud. Auburn and South Carolina don’t play that often, but I’ll look forward to the next time we have an excuse to go back.

{ 27 comments }

3 years of blogging!

by Blue-Eyed Bride on September 24, 2010

Three years ago tomorrow I started this little blog. I loved reading my friends’ blogs and really wanted my own, but I also had the fear that I’d have nothing to write about. And now, here I am, three years and almost 700 posts later, and I still feel like I have nothing to write about!

My first post was seriously lame, but I was just easing my way into it to see what would happen. I’ve absolutely loved being a blogger and sometimes wonder how long I’ll continue. But there’s not a single reason that I want to stop.

So, in no particular order, I wanted to share with you the things I love about blogging and reading blogs.

1. You find the absolute most wonderful and creative ideas. Blogs are better than magazines. I have countless saved images and starred posts in my Google Reader that I’d like to use at a party or in my house somewhere. The inspiration resources are free and innumerable.

2. If you need an opinion, you’re going to get one. Sometimes we ask for advice and get great advice. Sometimes we don’t ask for advice and get advice anyway… which is not always all that fun. But there is bound to be someone that has the right answer to solve the problem I have.

3. The relationships that I’ve found in the blogging community are so special to me and there are about a dozen other girls that I don’t know what I’d do without. In the blogosphere there is someone going through the same thing you’re going through somewhere and it’s so great to be able to connect and relate. And then there are the ones that have entirely different struggles and interests and you click with them anyway just because the friendships are awesome. I probably should have put this at number 1.

4. I’ve had to learn a lot about conflict resolution. I haven’t had conflicts in my life the way that I have through blogging. The negative comments. The mean, hateful comments about your family. The sarcastic anonymous comments from someone at your husband’s old law firm. I can’t say I always handle it well, but I’m protective and I love my family.

5. I’ve had a chance to use my creativity every single day. Blogging has become a hobby and it’s something I work into my daily schedule. Even if I write the post late at night and schedule it for the morning or I do it during nap time. I try to make time for it every day because I love it.

So that’s all I put into words right now.

But I want to thank all of my friends for reading and making these three years so much fun! Have a great weekend!

Don’t forget to enter the Blessed Be The Name giveaway!

{ 62 comments }