Jun 19, 2013
Oh man oh man… I can not wait for Friday. Wine tasting with my best girl friends, what could be better? As you can imagine, a weekend such as this requires a special wardrobe. I can get quite anal about packing, making lists and checking them twice, so I’ll probably be starting tomorrow. Here’s a version of some things I’ll be bringing with me.
No. 1 // No. 2 // No. 3 // No. 4 // No. 5 // No. 6
I used to watch The West Wing after dinner with my parents every night. The subject matter and humor may have been mostly over my head (I was 12 when the show started) but I was fascinated by the fast paced witty dialogue and the idea of working with the President. I’ve been a politics junky ever since. I recently decided to re-watch The West Wing from start to finish (bless you Netflix). It was on for a long time, so I’m not very far into it, but already loving all the characters all over again. It’s so interesting to see how issues have evolved (or not) since the early 2000′s. Did any of you watch the show?
I spent a wonderful Father’s day with my Dad yesterday. I know I’m lucky to have my father so close. The whole family went out to the Long Beach Flea Market (Dad loves a good swap meet), then the Aquarium of the Pacific (Dad is also a big fish lover) and then his favorite restaurant Slater’s 50/50. They make a 50% beef, 50% bacon burger and it’s pretty good… We were all rolling out of there at the end of our meal. This photo of the 2 of us was taken when I was about 2 years old at Bryce Canyon National Park. On this trip my dad decided I had gotten too big for the baby backpack.
Oh my gosh, this upcoming weekend is my Bachelorette trip to Temecula (Southern California Wine Country)! 6 of my very best girl friends and I are heading down there for great food, great wine, and some fun in the sun. My wonderful Maid of Honor has planned everything, so all I know is we’re grabbing dinner Friday night, wine tasting ALL DAY Saturday, and staying in for a old-school slumber party in the hotel suite Saturday night—pizza, nail polish, chick-flicks and boy talk. Any good girl movies we should bring? Also what Temecula wineries can you recommend? (P.S. this photo was taken at a dance party during ALT Summit!)
I started a new book last week, The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani. I’m not very far into it, but I can already tell this one is going to be romantic. It’s a love story between two young people set in the late 1800s starting in the Italian Alps and immigrating to New York City. So far it’s wonderful. Trigiani writes beautifully and really transports you to the frosty northern Italian villages, carved out of the mountainside. It’s a long book too—over 400 pages—so perfect for a summer vacation!
We spent all of yesterday working on wedding DIY projects, and by we I mean me, M, and 2 of my bridesmaids (best friends/bridesmaids in the world). We glittered 87 mason jars of varying sizes, and sanded and stained about 55 wooden boxes. Phew… I’m tired, but feeling so accomplished and grateful for getting so much knocked out in one day. Of course we still have plenty to do, but I’m checking those 2 items off the list. Look out for the mason jar DIY next week!
As we were working yesterday my friends and I were discussing the very real existence of June gloom here in Los Angeles. I personally kind of like the break from hot weather, and as you know, I really dig cold gloomy weather. I’ve been waking up and craving somber tunes and hot coffee, and then by noon my whole mood lightens and it’s time for upbeat music and iced coffee! Anyone else enjoy June gloom? And I’m curious, does this phenomenon happen in other parts of the country?
Jun 07, 2013
I’m not sure where this week went… but I guess it’s good being busy with work.
We’re getting started on wedding DIY projects this weekend, and I couldn’t be more excited! Firstly because crafting with friends is always fun, but also I’m looking forward to knocking stuff off my to-do list.
Lots of celebrating in store this weekend with a bridal shower for a friend and a birthday party!
What about you guys? Any fun plans this weekend?
photo taken at the Huntington Desert Garden on Mother’s Day
A while back Stephanie Collins asked me to be a part of a styled shoot she was putting together—geometric, tribal, Art Deco, emerald and mint—so of course I said YES! After a lot of work (mostly by people other than me) the shoot appeared on 100 Layer Cake yesterday! I really love how it all came together.
I designed all the paper goods, and printed everything except the invitation (that was letterpressed by Cara from Underwood Letterpress). If you’re wondering, you can hire me for wedding stationery design too! I would love to work with LoveCreative readers… it would kind of be my dream come true! Email me at amhabbershaw(at)gmail(dot)com for more information.
Big thanks to Stephanie, Emilee, Cara and their whole team for all their vision and hard work! Be sure to check out all the photos on 100 Layer Cake.
Jun 03, 2013
This post is brought to you by the letter C!
Not only am I going to the gym practically every day (so weird) I’m actually doing cardio! Yes, sweating on the running machine thing! I like the elliptical best, and usually do a “weight loss” program for 30 minutes. Right now I go about 2-2.5 miles in that amount of time. The trick I learned was to take my inhaler before. I can actually breathe! It’s pretty amazing, and so rewarding. I won’t be doing any marathons, but I’m encouraged to think that my heart is getting stronger. (Snapped this photo this morning right before jogging for 2 miles.)
I wanted my hair to be wavy for the wedding, so I just got my hair permed this weekend. I know what you might be thinking… perms are so 80s and make your hair look like a frizz-ball. Well, that can be true, but if you use larger rollers, you can also have loose beachy waves. My hair normally is stick straight and will NOT hold a curl for anything. I got a wavy perm a few years ago and really loved the change, so I did it again! (This is a picture from me last summer when I did it.)
Have you had a cherry lately? Well, you should because they’re freaking delicious right now. The other day I had a really strong craving for cherries, so I bought some and consumed the whole 1lb bag when I got home. I’ve been obsessed ever since. I just can not get enough. I have to slow myself down when I eat them because I’ve almost choked twice… Making me hungry just writing this. (Lovely photo by sarka b on Flicker, via Cook Your Dream.)
May 29, 2013
Getting back in the swing of things this week, and that means it’s Wedding Wednesday! These picks should give you some hits to where I’m headed with my accessories, and some of the pretty things I’ve bought my girls. As you can see, gold still plays a big part.
No. 1 // No. 2 // No. 3 // No. 4 // No. 5 // No. 6 // No. 7 // No. 8
I love accessories. Necklaces, bracelets, bags, shoes, I can’t get enough. So when it came to my wedding, I wanted to go big. No diamonds or delicate pieces for this girl. Go big, go colorful, go sparkly or go home. I really love that 31 bits necklace (No. 6 above). Wouldn’t that look rad with a simple white dress and some kickin’ gold heals???
After putting this post together, I realized I probably should have posted this a while ago. But even if you’ve already started planning your wedding, I think some of these tips will be useful. I know they’ve greatly helped me stay on top of things without loosing my mind. I would even say the process has been fun! Let’s see how these next 3 months (!!!) go…
5 Tips for Staying Organized and Sane
1. Google Docs – Seriously guys, if you unfamiliar with google docs, now’s the time. We made our wedding budget, to do lists, address books, RSVP lists, everything in Google Docs. They work pretty much exactly like Microsoft Word or Excel, expect you can share them with your parents, fiance, maid of honor, etc. and those people can update too. Not only that, but you can access it anywhere. At the paper store, and forgot how many envelopes to buy? Look it up! This has been such a lifesaver.
2. Someone to vent to and bounce ideas off – This is someone besides your fiance. For me, this is my mom and my 2 bridesmaids. They’ve gone over every idea, project, and plan. It’s hard to design in a bubble. These people will help you steer clear of disaster and nod their heads in agreement when vendors are being annoying. Invaluable!
3. Budget and savings plan – You’ve got to get on this at the beginning We talked to both of our sets of parents about how much they wanted to contribute to our big day. Then we talked together about how much we wanted to put in. From that number we were able to forecast how much each of us needed to save. I decided to put away $1000 a month for 6 months. Being freelance, I knew this might be tough, but it’s actually been a lot easier since I have this plan ahead of time. Also, this allows you to have the money available when you need to send deposits, or buy decor items as you go.
4. Folders (email, contracts, receipts) – Google Docs has folders too, so all my wedding docs stay organized. I also have 2 folders in my email for wedding related correspondence. I separate out the vendors that I’m not using in a “Wedding B-List” folder, just in case someone falls through. I have physical folders for contracts, planning lists and receipts. Setting up these systems at the beginning will save you a lot of headache later.
5. Limit Pinterest & wedding blogs – This one is hard. There’s so much “inspiration” out there. You might be tempted 2 months away from your wedding, to change your color palette, or to add a feature wall DIY. Some small projects might be doable, but you have to be practical. Your wedding might not look like those in the blogs, and that’s TOTALLY OK! I read somewhere there’s no such thing as an imperfect wedding… each wedding is individual, special and perfect. So don’t worry about the details and don’t get distracted!
I downloaded Life After Life for my Kindle after hearing a very compelling interview with the author, Kate Akinson, on NPR not long ago. The book begs the question, what if we chose a different path, or the circumstances changed? The main character, Ursula, dies and is reborn several times during the novel, each time she lives, something changed that saved her. It’s a fascinating concept, and not as confusing as it might sound. I haven’t finished it yet, but so far I’m loving it.
I’m so excited for my Bridal Shower this weekend! M’s parents, sister and grandmother are all flying in from Chicago and Pennsylvania, and my aunt and uncle are driving over from Arizona. It’s going to be a full blown celebration the whole weekend. Besides the shower, we’re going to the spa, and having a big BBQ feast for M’s birthday on Sunday night. His birthday is next Monday, so it’s perfect timing for the whole family to be together. There’s lots to do, but I already feel so supported and loved, I can’t wait.
I’ve never EVER been one to enjoy physical exertion. I avoid it at all costs actually. I’ve probably mentioned that before on this blog, but if not, now you know. However, I joined a local gym recently, and I’m actually starting to get into it. I like a couple of the classes (weight lifting and Pilates especially) and I even ran on the elliptical for 30 minutes on Friday. That’s pretty huge for me. They have a lovely sauna and hot tub and showers, and it definitely helps that my Maid of Honor is also a member and that it’s walking distance from my apartment. We’re trying to go at least twice a week. The best part is that I’m feeling myself get stronger… hopefully I’m looking a bit more toned too. (this bilboard was up in the Hollywood area a while ago and always made me feel guilty.)
May 08, 2013
I’ve been shopping around the the perfect gifts for my bridesmaids. What to you give to the people who have been there through thick and thin, and will be standing next to you as you make the biggest decision of your life? The same people who are planning awesome parties for you, and staying up all night crafting drink stirrers and assembling invitations, and making tons of tassels and fringe because you asked them. Well it’s not easy, but I think I’ve stumbled across some words of wisdom that might help you if you’re in the same boat.
No. 1 // No. 2 // No. 3 // No. 4 // No. 5
5 Tips for Attendent’s Gifts
1. Something to personalize their outfits on the big day. This one is obvious, especially if your attendants are all wearing the exact same thing. Matt bought his guys the shoes pictured above (he’s a Nike freak) and I got my girls these darling hair clips from Band.o. I didn’t want them to look like a catalog, plus it makes a nice little thank you gift.
2. Something personal to them. Yes, I bought all my girls the little heart clips, but that’s not all. I found something for each of them that they would love that’s different from the rest. I think it’s important to remember what makes each person special, and get them something that speaks to that.
3. Something practical. One of Matt’s favorite attendent gifts he got from a wedding he was in last year, was a Leatherman. It’s even engraved with his name. He uses it all the time, and thinks about his friend. That’s a wonderful, practical gift he will keep forever. Think about a token that your girls will cherish and actually use for years to come.
4. Time with you. It seems simple, but I truly think that the gift of your time during the busy wedding planning season is a wonderful gift. Take them individually out to dinner or coffee, and just talk—about anything BUT the wedding. Remember you chose these people because you like spending time with them, so spend some time!
5. A heart-felt note. I could write books about why my bridesmaids are so awesome. And when this whole event is over, I probably should considering the amount of time, love and attention they’ve poured over me. Let them know how much they mean to you and how truly thankful you are for everything they’ve done. I know a handwritten note is something I cherish far more than a clutch or a sparkly hair clip.
