The Tea Party (Prelude): Got beaten up, got to work, and got ready

MOH and I left the after rehearsal party early for our appointments at Massage Envy. She has recommended it for awhile and I thought it would help me get a good night sleep before the wedding. It was my very first time getting a professional massage (I have a slight phobia of being touched by strangers), and I'm sad to say it probably was my last. MOH enjoyed hers thoroughly as usual, but I never got myself to really relax at any point during the massage. Rather, it left me more tense and feeling like I got beaten the crap out of. That feeling lasted all night (resulting in sleeplessness) and into the entire morning.

But as usual, the mister came to my rescue. He was staying at the hotel that night, but went out to pick up my favorite breakfast pastry items in the morning and dragged his brother along (to not risk seeing me) to drop them off. No one quite fully comprehend how the way to my heart is through my stomach quite like he does.

MOH approves (of breakfast, not of photo of her just waking up and still in jammies):
My yummy cheese pastry & chocolate croissant:
After breakfast I got right to work prepping flowers:
Before finishing the flowers it was time to head to the salon for the hair and makeup appointment:
Then back to the house to finish up the floral arrangements. My college buddies also came over to 'help me out':
Actually soon after this picture was taken the boys' SOs made them put the game away and help me process the flowers. But I love that I will forever have this picture to hold over their heads.

*Images of me at the salon taken by my friend Rob (gamer in white shirt)

$0.99 Typewriter Key Magnets

How cute are these? Set of 8 for $5.99 at Staples, OR...

you can use this coupon to get it for less than a buck!
Coupon good towards anything here, but you gotta get it at a store. Also be sure to check (link in respective product page) if the store near you carry the item. They have stationary too for those DIY-ing your wedding paper stuff!

Happy Shopping!

DIY Alternative Pomander

Digging these Japanese Kusudama balls, and they'd make fabulous pomander alternatives! Easily incorporate your theme/colors into this project. **picturing them made of alternating solid and damask print paper** Or better yet, make them out of recycled pamphlets, brochures, books, or maps!

Check out the 2 part tutorial here:
Part 1
Part 2

Happy crafting!

Image from Folding Trees via Whip Up

Hope-full

I stay out of political discussions for a lot of reasons. But I vote, because it is my duty as a citizen and it's a privilege that my family was once deprived of. In the past I've always voted because of these reasons. This time, for the first time, I feel like I'm not just voting for the lesser of two evils. I was scared to really believe in someone, a politician no less. I hate putting stock in things I have little control over, but I am so glad that someone finally makes me want to care.

My country, make me proud. Show me that you not only have come a long way, but also that you've only just begun.

Image by billaday

Boo!

Happy Halloween!

Image Source

Gift and Run

Anyone else have trouble finding those responsible for mystery gifts? Since we didn't do a registry and told guests not to feel obligated to send us presents, there were quite a few guests that gave us nothing. This renders the process of elimination useless in mystery gifter identification. We've also inquired close family members for leads, but there are just too many variables to nail anyone down.

So someday when I gather enough left over wedding energy to make those thank you cards, we'll be sending them to each guest. We will thank everyone for sharing our day, but we still want to say specific thank-yous to those who took the effort to gift us presents. Any suggestions? Or does anyone have ideas on how others can avoid gift-and-runs?

Somethin' Somethin'

The pro pics have finally arrived and I'm uncertain about where to begin. Guess I'll start you guys off on a little somethin' somethin' while I gather my thoughts!

Something Old - Classic Tiffany gold heart pendant that was a gift from FIL to MIL ages ago, which I wrapped around my bouquet...

Something New - My purdee rose gold ankle strap peeptoes that I've already re worn a couple times since the wedding (re usability, baby!)

Something Borrowed - This gorgeous veil from my dear friend who made it for her own wedding in 2005...

Something(s) Blue - Our matching Optimus Prime temporary tattoos...

So, what are your thangs?

Images by Travis Hoehne