Crafting a World of Pure Imagination

So, I promised I wouldn't overwhelm you with posts about wedding stuff. And, well, I suppose I haven't technically been overwhelming anyone since I've only posted once about my wedding since the proposal -- and that's the only blog post I've done in the last two months. Yikes!

Nevertheless, here is my attempt at bridging my wedding planning with bargain chic finds: the wonderful, inspiring, DIY online craft supply stores. And, nope, I'm not talking about Michael's or Joann's or Hobby Lobby. I'm talking wholesale -- crafts galore at seriously reasonable prices. I love it! Not only is it great for budget weddings, but for all sorts of other things -- parties, holidays, creating crafts to sell, to give as gifts, and the list can go on and on and on.

So, if you are like me, and have an affinity for all-things crafty (not in the literal sense of being devious, but in the handmade crafty sense), then keep reading and start clicking to discover a world of pure imagination...

Save On Craft: Everything under the sun for decorating parties, weddings, holidays, etc. There are some great bulk pricing on vases and jars, lighting and flowers (and so much more).

Factory Direct Craft: Another great site for all sorts of decorative and craft needs. You can browse their craft supplies, holiday decorations, home decor, and all kinds of wedding stuff -- from decorations to favors to bachelorette party supplies.

Koyal Wholesale: Not so much a purely craft store, as many of the products are ready-made for events and, more specifically weddings. All sorts of great options from an array of centerpieces to wedding reception supplies to catering and linen supplies.

Oriental Trading: A comprehensive craft website, that includes much more than wedding craft supplies, but also toys and gifts and teaching supplies and all sorts of craft items.

Go forth, and craft! (I've already started my list of projects and can't wait to get my craftiness on!)

A Celebration

So, it has been over a month since the big engagement news, and I’ve been busy trying to get the big-ticket wedding stuff squared away. I’m happy to report that my own personal timeline (screw you Martha Stewart and The Knot and all you other silly wedding websites) is right on schedule. We've set the venue. I have the dress. All the rest is just icing on the cake.  

And can I just say how amazed I am at the laser-like decisiveness I’ve shown in making decisions. Anyone who has known me long enough can attest to the fact that I can be rather indecisive when it comes to big decisions (and small ones too, I suppose). But for some reason, all of my decisions have been easy to make and have felt just right – with little to no hesitations and with a clam resolve that I don’t often display.  I chalk it up to the fact that, in the end, the place, the location, the decorations and the food really don't matter to me as much as just having a simple and honest celebration of our love and commitment with our family and friends.

And with that, here’s a collection of some of my favorite wedding ideas and inspiration so far. More to come – I promise!

Flowers: DIY storybook paper roses; baby's breath aisle decoration; paper flower centerpieces. Programs: program & confetti; print fans; fan program. Favors: cd favor; favor seed packets; button favors. Fun Stuff: photobooth; beer bar; i spy game.

I'm Back! With More Fall Finds

A lot, I mean, A LOT has happened since my last post. Like a BIG, HUGE, life changing moment. So, yeah, that's why I've been MIA. I've got too much going on inside this fiery little brain of mine, and not enough time to do everything I want. But, with some time to spare -- or rather, some set-aside-time I've carved out for this post -- I thought I'd share some fall finds I found during my hiatus.

[...oh, wait...did you want to know what the big news is...oh, I didn't think...well, OK...]

I got engaged! O-M-G. Yes, ladies (and gents, if the case may be), my wonderful, amazing, awesome, sweet, kind, generous, oh-so-handsome and romantic now-fiance surprised me with a week-early visit and proposal. My sister was in on it, and although I had some suspicion (that's me, though), it still was a total surprise and one that I will cherish forever. And of course, wedding planning is now underway, and while I may have a few posts about it here and there, I promise to keep the blog as is, with minimal references to wedding stuff.

So, without further ado. Here are some fun finds for fall. (Ah, don't you love a good alliterative sentence?)

Cozy Sweaters (l to r): Textured Cropped Turtleneck, Banana Republic, $89.50; Zip Sweatshirt Jacket, The Loft, $98; Check Wool-Blend Sweatshirt, Mango, $39.99. Fancy Pants (l to r): Waxed Jeans, Banana Republic, no longer available; Faux Leather Trousers, Mango, $109.99; Straight Trousers, Zara, no longer available. Bold Dresses (l to r): Houndstooth Dress, The Limited, $89.95; Aleteo Dress, Anthropologie, $79.95; Dress with Belt, Zara, $79.90.