About Erin

Hey there! I’m Erin and I’m the Blue-Eyed Bride.

Blue-Eyed Bride began as a way for me to keep our friends and family in the loop while my husband, Todd, and I were planning our May 2008 wedding. When the wedding planning was over, I wanted the blog to continue.

Life has changed a lot since those carefree days of wedding planning. Now I’m a wife to Todd and a mom to Hudson (born June 5, 2009) and Hayes (born May 5, 2011).

These days, I blog about life with my family, how I’m learning to manage our crazy, chaotic household and still give myself a little bit of grace.

Formerly an event planner, I’m now a stay-at-home mom. I still look for ways to exercise my creativity and love to plan a party.

We have a Golden Retriever named Boudreaux and a Brussels Griffon named Fiona.

I love reading, cooking, organizing, writing and Diet Coke. Although I’m trying to quit the Diet Coke. Our house is a mess and I think it’s so funny how life can change dramatically in just a few years. I don’t have all the answers and I’m trying to remember to laugh when things get wild.

I’m a reformed control freak.

Originally from Louisiana, I have also lived in Indiana. Between Louisiana, Indiana, and South Carolina I have to admit that Louisiana had the best food and feels the most like home.

This is my attempt at chronicling all of my random thoughts, ideas, crazy projects, kitchen disasters, travel, family stories, and fun with my husband! You may find me to be passionate, random, pessimistic, hopeful and a control freak.

Please keep in mind that this blog is just a glimpse into our sometimes chaotic, never perfect life. The Lord has blessed us tremendously. I am a sinner and I love my Savior.

Psalm 19:14 “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

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{New Custom Illustration}: Erin Carroll - Ashley Brooke Designs
08.09.11 at 9:32 am

{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Sarah June 5, 2009 at 8:58 am

I’ve seen this picture so many time and never commented on it…but why not just say what I’ve been thinking? : ) You look absolutely beautiful here!!! Your smile is fabulous! : )

2 Sadiyqah September 11, 2009 at 7:45 pm

I love your blog!!! Fabulous!

3 Lauren September 16, 2009 at 9:30 pm

Erin–I’ve really enjoyed reading about you & your blog…it seems we have a lot in common (Anthropologie’s #1 fan here) I too am a Southern bride; however, born about two centuries too late.

4 emily anderson September 30, 2009 at 4:11 pm

Hi Erin,
Love your blog. Congratulations on your new baby! I just had #2 in February and I’m just now coming up for air. Enjoy!
Emily
http://www.emilyanderson.com
http://www.ecochicweddings.com

5 Running In Stilettos November 16, 2009 at 12:31 am

Erin – I had to come over and check out your blog! Maggie (It is Everlasting) and I have become great friends IRL and she is always talking about you (all excellent things of course) so I had to come see what I am missing out on! Congrats on that beautiful baby, Hudson!

6 Allie in G'town December 15, 2009 at 3:32 pm

Just stumbled across your from a retweet. I have one niece at Furman and one at USC! And, some dear friends in Columbia…XXOO

7 Stephanie January 3, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Hi, I just came across your blog and I have not been able to stop reading sine I saw that you also have a son named Hudson born in June of 2009 and are also a stay at home mom! My little Hudson is a chunk too haha! Anyway, love your style and your home decor and have enjoyed reading your blog! Oh! and I totally asked my husband for that Yurman ring for a “push gift”. so weird. He thought I was ridiculous.

8 Kiersten January 7, 2010 at 2:11 pm

Now that you’ve transitioned to be a SAHM, what does an average day in your life look like? Have you met a community of other moms that you can interact with (playgroups, etc.)? Do you ever feel lonely or isolated? I ask because I would love to be a SAHM at least part-time, if not full-time, to my future children, but one of my fears about it is feeling isolated.

I love your blog! Thanks for sharing!

9 Kiersten January 7, 2010 at 2:18 pm

Oops I meant to post this comment on your Jan. 7th Q & A post… not sure what happened! Sorry about that!

10 Erin J January 22, 2010 at 3:57 pm

Hi Erin. I’m Erin too. I came across your blog through Dreams & Designs and I love reading your blog. I’m adding it to my daily reads! -Erin

11 Liz January 31, 2010 at 10:28 am

Erin,
I am so glad I found your blog! I am originally from Columbia, the Shandon area to be exact, and was excited to see that is where are currently living! I really enjoy the great reads you provide!

12 Sherry McLain March 17, 2010 at 8:50 pm

Great Blog Erin! Your mom just opened my eyes and heart to it. You have the Greatest family. And I love your writing, and pictures too. too. Have a wonderful Saint Pattys Day “evening” And God bless. Sherry McLain

13 Marianne April 17, 2010 at 4:00 pm

Hi! I just found your blog from “All-American Jess” and LOVE it! You’re a girl after my own heart, what with the love for weddings, fashion, and the name Hudson! I’m from Carmel, Indiana (suburb of Indianapolis), whereabouts did you live?

14 Kidron April 21, 2010 at 11:18 pm

Awesome website! I’m a newlywed and can likely find helpful tips here!

15 April April 22, 2010 at 11:53 pm

I just stumbles across your blog and I LOVE it.

16 April April 22, 2010 at 11:57 pm

I just left that comment, and realized I spelled stumbled terribly wrong :)

17 JL May 1, 2010 at 7:26 pm

Hi Erin,

I just wanted to know that I really enjoy your blog! Something funny~ I started checking out your blog in November and realized that I thought I had seen your name somewhere before… Well I now work in the same office you used to be in the Carolina Coliseum! I am a graduate assistant for the HRTM college and saw your name on the old phone list! How ironic, the dark isolation of 1011 drives me crazy! Don’t worry, the college doesn’t have an event planner anymore, so no one replaced you! Have you ever thought about coming back to get your masters? The program is fun and you could take one or two classes a semester :)

18 Bethany May 11, 2010 at 9:35 am

I don’t even remember how I originally came across your blog – I am in the midst of planning a wedding and think I found the link on another wedding blog, but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your posts, even though I don’t know you. You seem to have such a warm spirit and big heart! Your son is adorable and I wish you all the best!

19 Mel June 16, 2010 at 7:42 pm

Hi!

Your blog was sent to me by Google but I think we may run in some of the same blog crowds. I am also in JL(LA) as an AA to a director. This is my first active year. Originally I never dreamed of being a SAHM but with my current pairing I think that it may become a reality (or so I hope). I am southern girl, a Southern California girl to be exact and although we may not be geographically the same the love of all things home and fashion transcends. Congrats on the baby and I will keep following you on Google.

20 Page June 29, 2010 at 4:17 pm

I was just sent your blog from a friend of mine and I love it!! I noticed you’re from Louisiana – me too! I was telling my friend you look so familiar, but maybe you just have a familiar face, haha. Anyways, love your blog!

21 Kayla August 15, 2010 at 5:49 pm

Hi Erin! I stumbled across your blog during a slow hour at work a couple of weeks ago. I enjoy reading your stories & your little man is just unbelievably cute! (love his name too!) I’m new to the blogging community –literally, today.. But I just wanted to stop by and give your site a “thumbs up” :) Great job– I aspire to have such an interesting site as you!

22 Leslie Kerrigan August 27, 2010 at 7:33 am

Hey Erin! I just found your blog after following you on twitter and it is great! I actually went to school in Columbia, live in Greenville now and used to live in Indiana! I only wish I could have Louisiana in common with you! I would love the food!! Just wanted to say hi and that I love your blog!

23 Caroline November 5, 2010 at 5:20 pm

I’m sure that you have noticed this, but I think it is SO neat… in the picture you have above, the skyline above you is in the shape of a heart! I think that is so awesome and really adds to the picture! What a cute little family.. can’t wait for the new addition!

24 Romantic Savy December 19, 2010 at 6:39 pm

I am a recent bride from Louisiana too! From South LA and now living in North LA while my husband finishes college. Louisiana does have some great food and is one of a kind. I bet South Carolina is beautiful! I would love to follow your blog; I am having trouble finding the link too! Hope you can help!

~Have A Romantic Day and Enter My Give Away,
Romantic Savy

25 Pamela M March 2, 2011 at 1:08 pm

I just read your About Me info for the first time, which is hard to believe because I have been following your blog for over three years now. I love the way you described all the little things, and it sounds like we have a lot in common!! I also love that you added the verse at the end :o )

26 Sheila Johnson March 3, 2011 at 4:46 pm

Psalm 19:15 is my favorite scripture!! I pray it every morning as soon as my alarm goes off as I am heading to the potty!

27 Cassie March 21, 2011 at 3:51 pm

Too funny! I’m from Louisiana as well, have previously lived in both Indiana AND South Carolina, too! HAHA Currently reside in Savannah, Georgia, though. Small world, no? :) Love your blog. Come on over & say ‘hi’ when you get a chance!

28 Joe Mulvihill April 6, 2011 at 5:08 am

Hi Erin,
just came across your blog while looking for an Easter basket for my 9 month old son Che’.
You’ve done a fantastic job !
I feel like I’ve just sat down and shared a cup of coffe and a chat with a friend.
It really cheered me up on this rainy morning in Ballybunion, Co Kerry.
Yes, you have reached Ireland !!!

Joe x

29 Michelle April 7, 2011 at 12:28 pm

H i Erin, I just came across your blog thru Kim’s Small Words blog and I love it! She does such fabulous work and the painting for Hayes is going to look amazing in the nursery. I also live in Columbia and it so neat to find a blog written by someone in my hometown. Your son is too cute and I love the blog!!

30 BridalGal July 6, 2011 at 6:12 pm

I LOVE this picture of you in your wedding dress! Please tell what you did to style your hair like that! Would love to hear your wedding tips!

31 Courtney Drennan August 1, 2011 at 7:24 pm

I really enjoy this blog! Thank you so much for sharing!! Gorgeous dress!

32 Megan (Honey We're Home) August 3, 2011 at 10:00 pm

Just read your about me and realize we have a lot in common! I’m a new subscriber! So glad I found you via your mention on Twitter!

33 JT @The Faux Foodie Girl August 8, 2011 at 9:25 am

I just recently discovered your blog and I am loving it!!!! Congratulations on the birth of your second son – he shares his birthday with my daughter :) I am an event planner too, but these days I much prefer to stay with my daughter Lexi at home….

34 Cindy September 15, 2011 at 11:18 pm

Hi, I came across your blog tonight and just had to tell you–I have a grandson named Hays!!! Your little Hayes is the only other one I have heard about!!! My Hays got his name from his great-grandma–Hays was her maiden name.

35 Ginny September 25, 2011 at 4:34 pm

Hey – I just found your blog via Pinterest, and I LOVE your home organization notebook. It’s great how you took elements that work for YOU and added them. I also like the section for Bible memory verses.

As soon as I read that your dog’s name is Boudreaux, I just KNEW you were from Louisiana; so am I! I, too, have lived in lots of places, and I’m in NC now, but good ol’ LA will always be my roots.

I’m subscribing to your feed, and I look forward to hearing how another Carolina girl adds a little Bayou to her home!

~Ginny

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