autumn = happiness

It's coming.  And, I love seeing it happen.  I'm pulling out my chili recipes and my sweaters and getting excited about the Fall once again. I even made a Autumn Love board that is making me very happy right now.  I seriously want to throw a party just to be able to design this table.

Peeking around the web, I found several fun easy ways to celebrate this season.  Tatertots and Jello always has a scad of fun ideas, and these are a few of her featured Top 20 Halloween projects.

i mean, really...what's not to love about burlap and lace.

Autumn Bunting @ My Blessed Life

i love this wreath.  it's pretty and elegant with a dab of spook. perfect.

 Simple Halloween Wreath @ Nikki, In Stitches

you know i can't resist a bucket list.

Halloween Bucket List @ Makoodle

Going, Going...Not Gone Yet!

I'm one of those people with the awful disease of thinking you have more time than you do.  Like, when I'm going out of town, not only do I have to pack, but I also have to clean the house, get all the laundry done, etc. etc.  Or, when I have an extra 15 minutes, I think that I'll have plenty of time to go to the grocery store really quick just to grab a couple things before picking up the kids...sometimes that works, sometimes, not so much.

We have a month left, folks.  Well, I do at least.  Until school begins again and my "baby" starts Kindergarten.  

It always astounds me how fast the summer flies by.  There are definitely things that I've wanted to do that haven't happened.  And other things that I wanted to finish that are still in progress.

But, about now, I always start to think, "Ok, priority time!!  What are the things I want to do most before the summer ends?"

Here's my short list...

make {and eat} blackberry cobbler

go rock hopping

fly a kite with my kids

fall asleep reading in a hammock

go hiking

watch a sunset with my hubby

What's on your summer punch list?  Because my other sickness is making checklist and checking things off, I might actually print my list off.  I might be a little more prone to make these things happen!  Whether your list would be staying home every day, or hiking the Appalachian Trail, let's make these last few summer days ones we love.

Color, Color, Who's Got the Color?

Maybe it's just because it's summer and these colors are so fun, but this is my favorite color combo right now for weddings.  It's so fun and spunky, but also modern and sophisticated. I think I'm in love...

Whenever I say or hear the phrase, "What are your colors?" I totally think of Steel Magnolias, where they're all in the beauty parlor, and they ask Shelby what her wedding colors are, and she says... (come on now, say it with me if you know it)

"My colors are blush and bashful."

And Weeza says...

"Your colors are PINK and PINK!"

Oh, I love that movie.  Ok, so what about you...

What were your colors? If you had to do it all over again, what colors would you choose?

I'm sure I'll change my mind in another month, but for now...I think I'll go put on my coral earrings and a turquoise dress.

All I Want for Christmas...

So, how can I go from not wanting anything for Christmas, to doing a Favorite Things Party post?!? Because I'm a sucker for a good party, that's why.

So, this cutie pie of a girl I met at Relevant posted over at Nester's yesterday. She posted about what I've wanted to do ever since she first brought it up at Relevant....and I. want. to. THROW. this. PARTY!!! I know you're shocked.

Since I don't know if it will happen in real life this season, I wanted to at least join in with the fun over at the linky. Check it out! Lots of fun stuff...but beware, you'll leave wanting to throw a party! (or maybe it's just me...hmmm.)

Prepare yourself for a corny photo shoot...it's late, I'm not a great photographer, and I'm feeling a bit punchy at the moment.

1. Light Up Lip Gloss ($15)

Ok, so this lip gloss...yeah, it's pretty much amazing. It's like lip gloss for a girl MacGyver (I just had to google how to spell MacGyver). It lights up, it has a mirror on the side, AND it has a minty tingle to it. Not to mention my lips are ever so thankful.

2. Handmade Recess Goodies!

first of all, how much cuter could you get...but wait...

look inside!!!

Anything that comes out of this girl's shop is amazing. She uses vintage fabrics that she's found all over, and then hand makes her bags, wallets, and clutches, and more. She's the sweetest gal, and such an encouragement to be around, and does amazing work! I've already done a little Christmas shopping from her, and already am wanting a few more!

3. My new favorite CD ($10)

I had so much fun hanging out with Christa at Relevant, and she is a beautiful songwriter. I love how she weaves justice and grace through her songs. Her words have been blaring out of my CD player non stop.

Ok, new sunglasses...$2 at Rue 21. Yes, $2. I love them.

And, last, but not least, my mother in law got me this fun scarf the other day. It was at the same little hole in the wall place where we got her tree... $11 of happiness is around my neck.

And yes, I did make a heart with my scarf around my favorite things. I told you I was punchy.

Guilty Pleasures

Not sure if you're on Pintrest or not, but it's probably my favorite new hobby. That and Words with Friends. Yes, today is guilty pleasure day...didn't you know? Where am I going with these random confessions? Come and follow me on pinterest! It's such a great way to be able to see what your style is, give ideas to others, and share pics that you love.

(picture from style love board)

If you're already on, come find me so I can see all your awesome ideas. But, if you're reading this going, "What is she talking about?" come on and join the fun. You won't be sorry. My favorite way to describe what it is, is by saying, "Remember how we used to find pictures in magazines, and cut them out and put them in folders or notebooks? It's like doing that online, without all the paper cuts."

(picture from holiday fun board)

It's really easy once you get the hang of it, and will be great for holidays coming up...great gift ideas, recipes, style, and on and on. Can't wait to see you there!

Newsworthy Surprise

This past weekend I had so much fun being only one of three wedding planners that helped host Brides on Tour. I was in charge of a luxury bus full of about 30 people, and about half were brides to be. We had a great day full of being planning and dreaming, while being able to see some of the area's most desirable wedding venues and vendors.

One of my couples on the bus had a pretty great engagement story. Every couple's story is so unique to their personality, but this groom to be, really surprised his fiance with something newsworthy.

Sierra Moore is a producer at WFMY 2 and a few weeks ago, her boyfriend organized her staff team to put a surprise ending at the end of the day's show. Instead of ending in another local story...she was the story! Go see for yourself... it's really sweet.

Usually, you just get to hear the story, but this one we could actually see! I had a great time getting to know Chris and Sierra, and it is so obvious to see that they're completely in love. My job is so much fun...I get to be around cutie pies like them all the time!

Artsy...and Crafty

Whew, what a week! It was an amazingly full week of weddings, showers, and all the normal stuff that makes up life. As much as I wish it weren't true, more events equals less blogging. Such is life right now.

I wanted to show you a few precious things

that one of my artsy crafty friends has been making.

This girl is so creative and wonderful. Not only is she one of my best friends, I get to hire her to make cute stuff for events that I'm designing. We've been mulling over how to combine our efforts to make Events by Design more artsy and crafty than ever.

So cute as place cards

recipe holders

bookmarks

or just to add a little flair to notes or gifts.

Just another simple pleasure!