(Instagram capture by my dear friend Lauren at the bridal shower)

The bridal shower was a huge success. Maybe it’s partly because I never have birthday parties (Christmas baby…) but I have never felt more loved and honored in my life. The most special women in the world were all there together in one place loving on me. I’m so excited for the bigger grander version of this on our actual wedding day!

This weekend we’re heading south to Orange County to loung by our friend’s pool and drink cocktails. I didn’t really have a hard week or anything, but I’m always ready for some pool time. Also, Arrested Development. ‘Nough said.

How will you be enjoying the long weekend?

I hope you had a productive week as well. What fun plans do you have going on this weekend?

(I just love when peonies get full and open)

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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!

(photo by me, hand-lettering by me)

Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg was all over the news, blogs and variety shows a while back. I was hearing such conflicting things about it—some feminists loved it, others hated it, stay-at-home-moms were offended—I decided I had to read it for myself and make up my own mind. In a word, I loved it.

I think Sandberg brought a lot of intelligent insight into a huge problem in our leading companies. She discusses how systemic the problem is from the way we raise our children—little girls are referred to as “bossy”, where boys are called a “leaders”—all the way through to the upper echelons of corporate culture—a top executive not knowing where the ladies restroom is in his own company.

As women we hold ourselves back a lot of the time. Women tend to keep quiet in class even if they know the right answer, and think they scored less on tests than their male peers. I felt it was encouraging and motivating just realizing this harsh self-criticism is natural for me, and something I need to work on and push through.

One of the strongest points in Sandberg’s book, was the fact that we as women really need to stick together. We can be even harsher toward each other than our male associates. It really makes no sense. We are half the population. Imagine what we could accomplish if we worked together!

Lastly, this quote I chose, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” is something that really resonated with me. There are SO MANY THINGS, where do I start? I think I’ll take some baby steps. The key is to believe in yourself, your goals, your dreams, and not let you stand it your own way. There are plenty of other things that will do that.

Did you read “Lean In”? What were your thoughts?