merry x-mas!

Usually, I have my Christmas list done and wrapped weeks before the big day. This year was a bit different. Well the whole year was different. So, I blame my procrastination on just that. I didn't start shopping until 5 days before and finished just in the nick-of-time. Yesss!

It's Sunday and we have one more Christmas dinner to attend and I'm sick. Again! (What is with me getting sick every weekend. It's like my body knows I have things to do during the week and then hits me hard Saturday morning.) But, before I shamefully sent Matt out the door alone, I had to put together one more gift...

Roxy is always this close to my face... especially when I'm working or on the phone.

It's a ticket for a "date night." P.S. I love our patio.
It's like being in a tree house.

Inkjet printed on Curious Metallics Gold Leaf.
I broke my thumb nail while rolling out rugs.

Designed, printed, cut and folded in 45mins. We share (mostly me) a love of movies (particularly scary ones) and we thought this would be great for us to experience together. I KNOW she is going to love it.

:D

Sup, yudu?

I've wanted to get into screen printing for a long time, but I'm too impatient for the process. Then, I recently came across the Gocco. Oh, gocco... The extremely toxic bulbs and emulsified screens seemed to be the answer to instant screen printing; although, it's more like a stamp. So, i searched and searched only to find the product is discontinued. Yep, the machine, bulbs, inks, everything. My last hope was that someone out there would be willing to sell theirs. Chances were slim and the price tag was high. I got over the idea and moved on...

But then, "Yudu is the new Gocco" subjects emerge. Ooooooh! A new product, the market has been waiting for. I don't think this thing will be discontinued anytime soon. Well, unless they modify somethings...oh maybe like the price tag: $299 - Doh! It comes with some supplies to get started but then you have to drop more $$$ for additional uses. Ugh. The only way I could justify buying this item is if i added it to my "things to make and sell" list. Which currently is a long list of things that I have yet to get working on...

Detailed review here.
The forum is here.

I think I will start with the old fashion way and see if I like it. Then, maybe somewhere down the line, I'll make the investment. It would be really neat if I could silk screen the paper goods, signage, honeymoon bikini, bridesmaid t-shirts and gifts for the wedding. Ooooh!

Speaking of bridesmaids... I ought to get rolling on their invites.

Soap favors

from 100layercake.com

This is something i really want to do. only as favors for everyone.

Thinking out loud

a running list of diy

invitations
save the dates (might just do for out-of-town people)
thank you cards
favors
wedding website
seating chart
table numbers
centerpieces
ceremony and reception decor
photo "booth"
bouquets
boutonniers
flower girl basket
refurb ring barrier pillow
vows

seeking professional help:
dj
catering
bartender
lighting (depends on venue)
officiant

tbd
hair & makeup

Hassel free centerpieces!

and possibly even more affordable.

• buy spider mums wholesale online (fiftyflowers.com maybe...)
• ficus or maple leaves wholesale or flower mart
• collect various shaped bottles/vases (free), and spray with high gloss paint
• arrange a couple smaller buds in mini bottles/vases
• scatter some votives on doilies

and voila!

I think it could be cute and most importantly easy d.i.y.

So, I had my first wedding nightmare...

A couple of nights ago, and it started with...

The room is spinning. I've got rollers in my hair. The brides maids all dress up running in and out of the reception room we're decorating. I can't believe this ish is about to go down in less than an hour. Ahhh...sooo.... We haven't finished all of the projects and the room is no where near complete. My heart is racing, makeup is collecting in the creases of my worried frown. I need to request an extension. Am I really about to get married looking like this?...let's reschedule for tomorrow...wait everyone is here and seated for the ceremony...ahhh!

Then I awake, still in panic mode, thinking how am I going to pull this off.

With the number of DIY projects I'm about to take on, I feel like this situation could be very real. So, in further efforts to simply the work load, I'm thinking these would be cute. Even the paper flower version; all of which can be done weeks, even months in advance. I can go clean with white and orchids or bling with chocolate brown and acrylic beads. Humm... it beats arranging 30-ish bouquets of live flowers. (I was thinking flower bushes weren't our style anyway) It's sleek and contemporary, just how we like it. Hopefully, I can find a deal on those branches (or find a good bunch in the yard)—they're flippin' expensive.

As for the ladies bouquets and the mens boutonnieres, we're still going to DYI. I just have to... :)

*UPDATE: Matt wasn't as thrilled about the new centerpiece idea as I thought. He assume there are always supposed to be flowers in the middle of the table. Don't worry, I'll change his mind for him. lol. :P

Shop at the Dollar Tree online and in bulk

Yep. No need to drive from city to city robbing each of their supply...

• Floral, decor, party and art supplies...as well as the usual
• Some items work out to be less than a dollar per item
• Free shipping when you ship to a local store near you

www.dollartree.com