July 31, 2012

Baby Wreath

Carey & Baby Eliza


A week ago, I received a text from Carey with the image below.  The wreath was originally made for her baby shower but didn't arrived until a week later.  She still put it to good use by hanging it on Baby Eliza's door.   Made my day!



Bridesmaid Dress Arrived









It's finally HERE!! I can sleep at night.




My bridesmaid dress for Kimber's wedding arrived yesterday.  I immediately took it out of the box to make sure it was the right size, design, and color.  I had a nightmare recently that the dress arrived in the wrong style and color. Since, I recently had some bad luck with the dress-- I didn't want to take any chances.   Read here to get to previous story on this dress.

July 30, 2012

Olympic 2012: Blair Casa

Did anyone watch the Olympic's opening ceremonies on Friday night? For some reason, I was exhausted that evening so I fell asleep towards the end but I did see the Queen's jump, Mr. Bean, and some of the other fun arrangements.  Now, I want to see Mary Poppins for some reason. It's been years since I've seen that movie.



Saturday night, we decided to invite our "kayaking crew" (as we like to call it) to join us for an evening of food, drinks and of course tons of games.   Quickly,  as I put everything together and I tried to add simple Olympic touches to the party (my apologizes, I didn't capture all of it in photos).





I think my little touches made an impact on our party because the whole night we were talking in "Olympic lingo" such as " Go for the GOLD", "I'm CARL LEWIS....baby!", "This is for the floor routine" and so much more.



July 27, 2012

Olympics 2012- Swim Team




Since the Olympics start today, I figure I'll leave you with the U.S. Swim team's version of "Call Me Maybe".
I told you this song is catchy. 


July 26, 2012

Glory of Love

"Glory of Love" from the Karate Kid always reminds me of my husband.  He says it's "our song". The music video always makes me laugh because it's so cheesy!  Typical 80's music video!  If you know anything about my husband... HE LOVES LOVES 80's music.    I do have to admit..... I love hearing this song and it always makes smile.  I'm so lucky to have Ryan in my life.  #loveofmylife

The reason why this song came to mind is that it was recently played on the Bachelorette right after they got engaged.  As soon as it started playing to recap the couples relationship, Ryan turned to me and said... "See.... I'm hip!"  Basically, implying that since it was being played on the Bachelorette it can't be cheesy anymore.  Speaking of the Bachelorette.....so glad Emily & Jef are together.  She picked a great guy! 




July 25, 2012

Legacy Coach Collection: Penny



This weekend, I happened to be walking past a Coach store when I spotted a purse in the window.  This specific purse is from the Coach Legacy Collection and hasn't been sold in stores for years.  You can only find it online.  To my amazement, the purse now comes in several colors which wasn't available either.   I think I've always been a fan of this classic yet fun purse.  It's been around since I can remember.....the 80's!  My sister also has it in black but she bought it from a vintage store several years ago.  My birthday and anniversary is approaching so I better send some hints my husband's way.






Here's a screen shot! I tried to get all the colors!  
I think I'm in love with the navy blue, coral and brown.






July 24, 2012

What's a Haboob?


Funny word, right?  I didn't know what a haboob was until about a year ago when Phoenix experienced a crazy dust storm.  I remember I was just around the corner from my home when I looked into the sky to see the craziest sky I've ever seen.  That's when I learned the word... HABOOB.

Haboob is an Arabic term to describe a strong and violent dust strom.  This term is typically used in the middle-east.

This is our view of the storm

Saturday, we experienced another HABOOB and it was quite an adventure.  Ryan and I were headed to dinner with friends and family and were trying to out-drive the storm.  It moves quickly so it did catch up to us eventually. I had washed my car that day and straighten my hair.  You can only imagine how that story turned out. :)  Oh well... it was a lot of fun.  I hope everyone made it safe out of the haboob!



This was the view of my cousin & wife headed to Chandler from PHX.




Below are some video's I found on YouTube from the Saturday storm.



Olympic Party

www.u-createcrafts.com

I really enjoy watching the Olympics and am looking forward to the opening ceremony this Friday.  Gosh...wish I was in London for that! As a kid, I would never miss the gymnastic segments!! LOVE!  This year, I think I will be watching gymnastics, swimming, and some of the running. What will you be watching? I came across some of these ideas a few weeks ago for a possible Olympic party.   Enjoy!




http://www.lilsugar.com/Olympic-Party-Printables-23876505


http://exm.nr/Mh8acJ



http://onecharmingparty.com/

http://blog.candiquik.com/?p=4029

July 19, 2012

Homesick?

Last night, I spent my evening strolling through some cute shops near my house while spending some quality time with my aunt/godmother.  As I was walking in and out of shops, my mind was on my family. Yup, I'll ADMIT IT... I'm a little homesick.   My parents and siblings live in NC and I live in AZ.  Ohh... so far and I miss them often, but more so last night.  As I walked into one of the shops "Carolina on my Mind" was playing in the background.  This song always brings me back to home.  Speaking of "Home", as I walked into another shop "Home" by Michael Buble was playing.  It's like the world knew what I was thinking.....






I'll be back in NC in two months and I'm looking forward to seeing my family!

2010 @ my sister's college graduation

July 18, 2012

Kimber's Bachelorette Weekend

As I mentioned in my last post, Kimber's bachelorette was this past weekend in Charleston, SC.  It was fun to hear that everyone had a great time and Kimber was surrounded by a great group of ladies.   I was also happy to be part of the weekend via Skype to see the bride in action.  Enjoy the great photos below.

Hey Ya'll!

Maid of Honor, Leigh,  Katie, Kimber


hahahaha My FACE on the IPAD!

Me on the screen & the girls!

Great group shot!

They look great in their custom shirts!

Last night out! All dressed up!

July 17, 2012

Making Bachelorette shirts

Kimber Lee's bachelorette party was this past weekend in Charleston, SC.  Unfortunately, I was unable to attend but asked the Maid of Honor, Miss Leigh if I could participant by making custom shirts.  I designed several custom logos for the occasion but Leigh and I both loved the design below and my journey into shirt making began!


 I figured making this shirt would be a good memento of the special weekend.  Even though, I couldn't be there physically.... I was there VIA SKYPE!  Thank God for technology. Almost 2 months to the wedding.  I can't wait! 


cut, cut, cut

iron,iron,iron

15 shirts!

Adding some Bling!

The back of Kimber's shirt
The back of Leigh's shirt

Kimber & Katie rockin' out!


Skyping with the bride.

Some of the chicas!

July 13, 2012

Tea for Teal 2012

Back  in 2009, I was asked by some lovely ladies to be part of an organization called the Anne Rita Monahan (ARM) Foundation.   I was told it was to help  to “ARM” women in the fight against ovarian cancer.  At the time,   I didn't think I would bring much value to the group since I knew little about the disease.  Little did I know, that two months later ovarian cancer would be knocking on my door step.  2009 my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  I learned REAL quick about this horrendous disease.    Immediately, I had a "TEAL" team supporting and educating me about ovarian cancer.  

The Anne Rita Monahan Foundation was established by its namesake, a heroic ovarian cancer fighter.  Sadly, Anne lost her battle on May 13, 2009, but her vision to educate women on the warning signs of ovarian cancer lives on with her foundation.  I never had the opportunity meet Anne but she has inspired so many ladies including myself to fight for  this disease.  




Please join us in the fight against Ovarian Cancer.  In a few months is the ARM foundation's 4th Annual Tea For Teal Event where they raise money for ovarian cancer research.   In past years, this event was held in February, but this year it was moved to September, which is Ovarian Awareness Month.   Tea for Teal is such a classy event with a fabulous auction, hats, tea, scones, and inspiring speakers.  It's definitely an event you must attend.   Click here to sign up!   If you can't attend we can also take donations or raffle items. 


Pictures from last year's Tea for Teal

Ryan, and my aunts, Janet & Sylvia





The ladies that put this event together

Don't you love Ryan's teal shirt and tie?

Nicole, Shirley, Collyn and Ryan


Our table 


Take some time to follow us on Facebook as well.  CLICK HERE.


In regards to my own mother, she's been in remission since 2009 and is constantly fighting for her life daily.  Being in remission doesn't mean you're safe it's a constant battle to keep your body strong and healthy.  I'm just thankful to have her in my life every day and cherish all our moments.  


Please help in supporting this cause and I hope to see you at the TEA FOR TEAL! 

July 12, 2012

Quote of the Day


“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”- Charles R. Swindoll



I saw this quote a few months back and it really stuck with me.  I think this quote is something you must remember on your bad days or when you want to crawl up and hide from the world.  Life always has a way of throwing curve balls, but you must learn to hit a homerun.  

July 11, 2012

Homemade Cookies in AZ

It's crazy to think a year ago, I was surrounded by loved ones and showered with weddings gifts at my Kentucky Derby themed shower hosted by some of my favorite women, Bianca and Nicole.  There were a lot of details put into this shower, but one of my favorites was the Derby cookies &  Mint Julep cupcakes.





Very appropriate for the theme.  Since then, my sister-in-law Nicole has had more custom cookies made for other ossciaions.

Nicole's vacation cookies for her road trip to San Diego

Father's Day cookies!  These were so tasty!  I ate the shoe.

I realized a few weeks ago that  maybe some friends in the valley would like to know about THE BAKED EQUATION!  She does all kinds of fun stuff and will customize to your needs.   Birthdays, Anniversaries, Weddings, Fundraisers, Vacations, Holidays,  anything at all.  Her cookies are delicious!! Check out her website HERE!


Here are some cookies that I thought were so CUTE!