Every wedding story begins with the story of a couple's first date. Many times these stories are filled with awkward moments, embarrassing details, and lots of laughs. Mark and I just celebrated our First Dateiversary about a week ago--hard to believe it's been 7 years already! Our first date had its ups & downs, between realizing Mark REALLY meant it when he said he didn't dance, and then trying to carry on a conversation while rap music was blaring at my sorority function, it's amazing we made it past the first few hours, let alone 7 years! Our wonderful friends, The Slonekers, just had their 8 year First Dateiversary and wrote about it on their blog. Chelsea also posted this clip, which I had never seen, and thought it would be fun for Funny Friday on the blog. Post a comment with a funny story from YOUR first date and be eligible to win a gift card for a fun date night out on us!! Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!
Our weekend is full of celebrations (LOVE!) between our first baby shower, two parties for my Poppie's 90th birthday, and a Super Bowl shindig! Looking forward to an action packed few days!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
$100,000 Wedding Giveaway!
Well, I wish I could say it's from me, but it's not. But if it's not from me, then who better to give this wonderful gift away than Crate and Barrel? What a fun store--I highly recommend their wedding registry (even if we don't have one in NWA!).
So, how does it work? First, you go online and create your wedding registrty at Crate and Barrel. Next up you will register for the contest. Here's the fun part...you get to tell them:
1. Your love story!
2. Three important details of your ultimate wedding day!
3. Your "everyday" dream!
And you get to share your cute faces with the rest of the world when you upload your favorite picture of you and your honeybunny.
The public (AKA all of your family, friends, co-workers that you email "VOTE FOR US") will determine the top 50 couples to move on to final selections by a panel of judges. Here are the prizes...
Grand Prize: Ultimate Wedding worth $100,000
2nd Prize: $7500 Gift Card to Crate and Barrel (Um, I will take 2nd prize!)
3rd Prize: $2500 Gift Card to Crate and Barrel (Or even 3rd prize!)
Honorable Mentions: 15 couples take home $1000 Crate and Barrel Gift Cards (Yes please!)
And the Popular Vote Winner will even get a $500 Crate and Barrel Gift Card.
I'd take ANY of those prizes, wouldn't you? Go register now! The contest winners will be announced in April!
So, how does it work? First, you go online and create your wedding registrty at Crate and Barrel. Next up you will register for the contest. Here's the fun part...you get to tell them:
1. Your love story!
2. Three important details of your ultimate wedding day!
3. Your "everyday" dream!
And you get to share your cute faces with the rest of the world when you upload your favorite picture of you and your honeybunny.
The public (AKA all of your family, friends, co-workers that you email "VOTE FOR US") will determine the top 50 couples to move on to final selections by a panel of judges. Here are the prizes...
Grand Prize: Ultimate Wedding worth $100,000
2nd Prize: $7500 Gift Card to Crate and Barrel (Um, I will take 2nd prize!)
3rd Prize: $2500 Gift Card to Crate and Barrel (Or even 3rd prize!)
Honorable Mentions: 15 couples take home $1000 Crate and Barrel Gift Cards (Yes please!)
And the Popular Vote Winner will even get a $500 Crate and Barrel Gift Card.
I'd take ANY of those prizes, wouldn't you? Go register now! The contest winners will be announced in April!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Snowy Wedding Day in Arkansas
About this time last year Amanda & Cary said "I Do" on a very unexpectedly snowy day! After this past weekend's winter wonderland I was inspired to look back through their wedding day photos, taken by the super fun Amber Lanning of Lanning Photography. More than anything the very best part of this day was how much fun the bride & groom had despite the weather that we never saw coming...until about 2 or 3 days before! Here are some fun, snowy shots to enjoy. AND Happy early Anniversary to these sweet lovebirds!!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Sweet Words
There's nothing quite like getting a hand-written note of appreciation in the mail, is there? When I opened my mail last week, I found a beautiful note written by the new Mrs.Bloyd on some eye-catching new "B" stationery. We have the most wonderful clients! Rebekah & Caleb, we appreciate your sweet, sweet words...(beautiful wedding portrait by Benfield Photography!)
I want to thank you for all that you and Ki did to make our wedding day so smooth and perfect! My mom and I really appreciated all that you did behind the scenes, and even Caleb noticed how the smallest details were taken care of--all we had to do was ask! You both were a pleasure to work with; thanks again for helping us celebrate our special day!
Love,
Rebekah and Caleb Bloyd
R&C, we loved working with you too! It was the perfect way to kick of 2010! Thanks again for your thoughtful words.
I want to thank you for all that you and Ki did to make our wedding day so smooth and perfect! My mom and I really appreciated all that you did behind the scenes, and even Caleb noticed how the smallest details were taken care of--all we had to do was ask! You both were a pleasure to work with; thanks again for helping us celebrate our special day!
Love,
Rebekah and Caleb Bloyd
R&C, we loved working with you too! It was the perfect way to kick of 2010! Thanks again for your thoughtful words.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Snow Weekend 2010
Happy snow WEEKEND to everyone in Northwest Arkansas! It has been such a fun, relaxing weekend with the hubby here and a warm, cozy home to enjoy. Since I am under "strict orders" (from my hubby & momma) to not do anything where I could fall down---AKA, run around in the snow, go for walks on ice covered sidewalks, or even walk out to the mailbox---I substituted four-wheeler rides and snowman building with nesting, organizing, and planning. {Who needs a frost bitten face with frozen snot on it anyway, right?} It is really sinking in that Baby Boy Bailey (or Little D) will be arriving before we know it. Only 9 and a half weeks until his due date of April 7th!
Until then, the nesting will continue.Yesterday I tackled our kitchen cabinets. Let me tell you something about the way I do this whole nesting gig...I throw things OUT big time. In the end, our kitchen now has 3 entire sets of cabinets that are EMPTY. Yes, completely cleaned out with room to grow. There are boxes of things that are yet to be decided upon...garage sale in winter OR donate/give away? Take a peek into my kitchen on Saturday.
Here are the For Sale/Giveaway/Donate items strewn out across my countertops and temporarily held in a tub until further decision is made. And just so you know, I do love some of these items but like I said, I'm being very honest with myself about what should stay and what should really go. First thing to go...Mark's set of 4 John Deere glasses. Pretty sure they haven't been touched since the day he moved in.
Did I mention that I have a label maker? I went a bit crazy with it on the cabinets, so now everything has its place. Putting the dishes away just got A LOT easier for Mark Bailey. Right, honey?
I also jumped on the guest bathroom cabinets after the kitchen was finished up. Mark works for a Wal-Mart vendor that makes many popular body products, like lotions, deodorants, hair care, body wash, etc... Needless to say, if you are a guest at our house you don't need to bring any toiletries (except your own toothbrush!) because our cabinets are stocked and ready. I threw out the old stuff and rearranged the new, exciting products. I even categorized them by men, women, and gender neutral products so that they are easy to access when a house guest says "I left my soap at home." No worries here!
Last but not least, our boy Jack has loved the snowy backyard! He has been in and out all weekend. One of his very favorite things to do when he gets excited is SPRINT like crazy. You have to look out---he is 110 lbs and doesn't let anything stand in his way. In the video below, Mark has just taken him out back to have some fun so the excitement is pretty cute. (And, yes, he does this inside the house.) Pardon the camera noises & focusing; we are still learning how to use the video setting on the camera.
We also spent some fun time having dinner with friends who live around the corner on Friday night (thank you Marc & Michelle and Matt & Kara, oh and Boss too for inviting us over!) and on Saturday night we got dressed up and hit the town for Aubs' and Katie's birthday celebration at Savor. It was just enough time out to keep the cabin fever from getting too high for me. Today I have tackled the baby's closet, now cleaned out & ready. Lots of his clothes are already hanging on tiny blue hangers.
Enjoy! I hope your snowy weekend has been equally productive or UNproductive as mine! Check back this week as I blog about an unexpected snowfall for a February 2009 wedding that we planned. It's a lot of fun!
Until then, the nesting will continue.Yesterday I tackled our kitchen cabinets. Let me tell you something about the way I do this whole nesting gig...I throw things OUT big time. In the end, our kitchen now has 3 entire sets of cabinets that are EMPTY. Yes, completely cleaned out with room to grow. There are boxes of things that are yet to be decided upon...garage sale in winter OR donate/give away? Take a peek into my kitchen on Saturday.
Here are the For Sale/Giveaway/Donate items strewn out across my countertops and temporarily held in a tub until further decision is made. And just so you know, I do love some of these items but like I said, I'm being very honest with myself about what should stay and what should really go. First thing to go...Mark's set of 4 John Deere glasses. Pretty sure they haven't been touched since the day he moved in.
Did I mention that I have a label maker? I went a bit crazy with it on the cabinets, so now everything has its place. Putting the dishes away just got A LOT easier for Mark Bailey. Right, honey?
I also jumped on the guest bathroom cabinets after the kitchen was finished up. Mark works for a Wal-Mart vendor that makes many popular body products, like lotions, deodorants, hair care, body wash, etc... Needless to say, if you are a guest at our house you don't need to bring any toiletries (except your own toothbrush!) because our cabinets are stocked and ready. I threw out the old stuff and rearranged the new, exciting products. I even categorized them by men, women, and gender neutral products so that they are easy to access when a house guest says "I left my soap at home." No worries here!
Last but not least, our boy Jack has loved the snowy backyard! He has been in and out all weekend. One of his very favorite things to do when he gets excited is SPRINT like crazy. You have to look out---he is 110 lbs and doesn't let anything stand in his way. In the video below, Mark has just taken him out back to have some fun so the excitement is pretty cute. (And, yes, he does this inside the house.) Pardon the camera noises & focusing; we are still learning how to use the video setting on the camera.
Untitled from Jenessa Bailey on Vimeo.
We also spent some fun time having dinner with friends who live around the corner on Friday night (thank you Marc & Michelle and Matt & Kara, oh and Boss too for inviting us over!) and on Saturday night we got dressed up and hit the town for Aubs' and Katie's birthday celebration at Savor. It was just enough time out to keep the cabin fever from getting too high for me. Today I have tackled the baby's closet, now cleaned out & ready. Lots of his clothes are already hanging on tiny blue hangers.
Enjoy! I hope your snowy weekend has been equally productive or UNproductive as mine! Check back this week as I blog about an unexpected snowfall for a February 2009 wedding that we planned. It's a lot of fun!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Baby Shower Activities Re-Visited
As Mark and I gear up to welcome our first baby into our family, my mind often wanders to fun baby showers and how much joy they bring to the family and friends of the parents-to-be! One of my very favorite things to do is host showers for those I love, and help them prepare for the new blessing in their life whether it be a hubby, a baby, or even a party to celebrate a fun accomplishment!
One challenge I know many of us face when planning showers is whether or not to play a cheesy old game. The showers I typically host are usually for a younger crowd, and many times even have co-ed guest lists. This isn't always the best scenario for a "guess what's in the diaper" competition. As I continue to host showers and parties, I hope to provide you with some creative alternatives to the same-old, same-old.
Let's start with an all-ladies baby shower for little Miss Kymber Lynn. I hosted this shower, along with some of Mark's cousins, for this new member of the family back in August. We wanted some type of activity, so I came up with the idea of Create Your Own Onesie, and boy was it a hit! Here's how you do it...
Purchase some inexpensive onesies in a variety of colors and sizes.
Pick up some great embellishments, including ribbon, rhinestones, appliques, iron ons...anything you think the little one would love!
Gather a few irons, fabric glue, scissors, some towels, and a pretty linen to cover the table. Heat up the irons and prepare your table by laying out towels (to protect your tabletop from the heat of the iron) and then cover with a heat-resistant tablecloth. Create a fun display of all of your goods...
When the time is right during the shower, invite guests to the table to creatively produce a wardrobe for the little one! You might want to make up a few samples of ideas for those who need a little boost. Here are some fun pictures of our guests creating Kymber's duds...
And here are some of the finished products! I made the one with the pink ruffled booty for her!
And here is momma-to-be Lindsey with the outfit she made for "Miss September!"
This activity was a lot of fun, very hands on, and helped this first time mom out with her new one's closet too. Here's a fun tidbit about this shower, too...in the middle of making the ruffly bottom onseie I felt the sudden urge to yak (sorry--ew!). This was the first indication of being preggo for me and the next day we found out I was expecting my first little guy!
One challenge I know many of us face when planning showers is whether or not to play a cheesy old game. The showers I typically host are usually for a younger crowd, and many times even have co-ed guest lists. This isn't always the best scenario for a "guess what's in the diaper" competition. As I continue to host showers and parties, I hope to provide you with some creative alternatives to the same-old, same-old.
Let's start with an all-ladies baby shower for little Miss Kymber Lynn. I hosted this shower, along with some of Mark's cousins, for this new member of the family back in August. We wanted some type of activity, so I came up with the idea of Create Your Own Onesie, and boy was it a hit! Here's how you do it...
Purchase some inexpensive onesies in a variety of colors and sizes.
Pick up some great embellishments, including ribbon, rhinestones, appliques, iron ons...anything you think the little one would love!
Gather a few irons, fabric glue, scissors, some towels, and a pretty linen to cover the table. Heat up the irons and prepare your table by laying out towels (to protect your tabletop from the heat of the iron) and then cover with a heat-resistant tablecloth. Create a fun display of all of your goods...
When the time is right during the shower, invite guests to the table to creatively produce a wardrobe for the little one! You might want to make up a few samples of ideas for those who need a little boost. Here are some fun pictures of our guests creating Kymber's duds...
And here are some of the finished products! I made the one with the pink ruffled booty for her!
And here is momma-to-be Lindsey with the outfit she made for "Miss September!"
This activity was a lot of fun, very hands on, and helped this first time mom out with her new one's closet too. Here's a fun tidbit about this shower, too...in the middle of making the ruffly bottom onseie I felt the sudden urge to yak (sorry--ew!). This was the first indication of being preggo for me and the next day we found out I was expecting my first little guy!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Published!
It's local wedding magazine season, with some of my favorite issues coming out this time of year! We are honored to have several of our 2009 weddings featured in these fun publications.
In the Citiscapes January 2010 Issue, you can find the charming wedding of Maggie and Austin and the glitzy fete for Felicia and Casey. Many of my fave vendors are also featured in this local wedding resource guide, so be sure to pick up your free copy around NWA!
Just last week, Mollie and Stephen's classically romantic November wedding was featured in the Fort Smith, Arkansas publication "Life in Sebastian County."
This article discussed great venue options and ideas and how to select the perfect place for your wedding. I was also able to describe all of the lovely details of Mollie and Stephen's thoughtfully planned day!
Last but not least, Felicia and Casey's July wedding was covered in a 5 page spread in Arkansas Bride magazine. Check out all of the fab details! You can see the entire new Arkansas Bride magazine online here!
In the Citiscapes January 2010 Issue, you can find the charming wedding of Maggie and Austin and the glitzy fete for Felicia and Casey. Many of my fave vendors are also featured in this local wedding resource guide, so be sure to pick up your free copy around NWA!
Just last week, Mollie and Stephen's classically romantic November wedding was featured in the Fort Smith, Arkansas publication "Life in Sebastian County."
This article discussed great venue options and ideas and how to select the perfect place for your wedding. I was also able to describe all of the lovely details of Mollie and Stephen's thoughtfully planned day!
Last but not least, Felicia and Casey's July wedding was covered in a 5 page spread in Arkansas Bride magazine. Check out all of the fab details! You can see the entire new Arkansas Bride magazine online here!
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