beyond the aisle

Pantone Winter 2012 - Coffee & Nougat for your walls

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

When I see these colors, my initial thought of "yummy" immediately goes to "warm and cozy." These neutrals make great wall colors because they evoke memories of hot chocolate and warm blankets!

Benjamin Moore "Ben" in Java from West Elm

Benjamin Moore Alexandria Beige in the nursery from Dear Lillie

I wouldn't have thought of a brown paint for a nursery, but doesn't it look feminine and sophisticated? TALENT.

Behr Harvest Brown via Young House Love

This is one of those colors that I don't think I'd ever get tired of because it would be so versatile.

Benjamin Moore "Ben" in New Chestnut from West Elm

Remember when I said these colors aren't flashy?

Well, I fibbed a little... look at this stunner of a chevron accent wall created by Stephanie at Sabbe Interior Design with contact paper! I realize that chevron patterns are trendy, but what an impact this wall would have in a small space - a bathroom, an office, an entryway or even a closet!

Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan from Favorite Paint Colors via Adventures in Decorating- check out the dining room, too.

Pottery Barn... I think this is either Benjamin Moore Shaker Beige or Wheatfield.

What did we learn today?

1. Neurals make amazing wall colors, and I can't wait until I own a home so I can paint.

2. Chevron can still look new when done in a neutral palette. Let me believe this.

3. I am a little bit obsessed with Benjamin Moore paints.

Bottled Up

2012-01-26T07:03:00.000-05:00

Poster by Rebecca Cobb for Advice to Sink in Slowly

Why do I have such a hard time remembering this? I need to hang this print on my wall, or get it tattooed on my body.

Pantone Winter 2012 - Coffee & Nougat for your wardrobe

2012-01-24T07:33:00.000-05:00

Fall's neutrals are still holding strong this winter. Here are a few items to warm up your transitional wardrobe as we get ready for spring to arrive. I think these colors look great with a pop of pink, but that might just be because my brain is already looking forward to Valentine's Day and chocolatey goodness.

Start with a pretty, delicate sweater...

Forever 21 Chunky Knit Sweater Cardigan with Belt || Old Navy Pointelle Tie-Waist Cardigan

Accessorize with a Vera Bradley purse in Mocha Rouge...

Vera Bradley Frannie Purse

Choose a casual bracelet...

Galveston Bracelets from Handmade By Anne Potter on Etsy

And finish with a manicure in a color with a name that will make you smile!

OPI Muppets Collection Nail Lacquer in Warm and Fozzie

Sunday Simplicity #53

2012-01-22T08:00:00.008-05:00

Ida Sjostedt Couture

Perfect Bound

Trendy Tuesday: Side Braids

2012-01-16T07:13:00.000-05:00

I'm a little obsessed with braids right now, to the point where my new hair goal is to grow my hair long enough to wear a side braid this spring. Here are some inspiration photos that show it works for any occasion...

for work...

Camilla Belle via StyleBistro|| Kim Kardashian via Hair on the Brain

for the weekend...

Zoe Saldana via Totsyblog || Sarah Hyland via The Haircuts

for a party...

Nicole Kidman via Brides || Rachel McAdams via Hair Style Images || Selena Gomez via Hair on the Brain

and even as a wedding hairstyle!

1 via Sweet Sunday Events || 2 via Celebs' Fashion

Today is a teacher workday. Let's see how much I can accomplish...

Sunday Simplicity #52 [a year of simple posts]

2012-01-15T08:00:00.017-05:00

Snippet and Ink

Style Me Pretty

If life's not a party, you're doing it wrong.

A New Year, A New Journal

2012-01-09T07:42:00.002-05:00

One of my goals for 2012 is to start art journaling again. In college, I watched a community called jr__nal on Livejournal, and took several classes that stimulated my artistic side- my J-Term drama class where we did a lot of abstract artwork to explore the cultually shared emotional associations we have with certain colors and shapes (which is applicable to set and costume design!) and the class I took on graphic novels and art installations. I have some nice art journals which are now gathering dust and haven't really been at it since I started teaching. Well, I believe that creativity begets creativity- spend some time painting, and then later you might feel like writing a poem or working on a bit of fiction. 2011 was really all about the wedding for me, so that's where all of my creative energy went- the centerpieces, the chalkboards, the birdcages and such. This year, I guess I want to be selfish with my creativity again- to make art for the sake of being able to live through emotions again and again.

This weekend, in addition to a family movie outing to see Sherlock Holmes: a Game of Shadows, we took a little detour to Barnes and Noble, where my sister-in-law and I did some journal shopping. She found one with illustrated pages, which should really spark some creativity. I kept going back and forth and finally settled on old faithful: a black, softcover Moleskine with unlined pages and just the right size for sticking in my purse.

The LBD of journals?

Since a black cover is not inspirational to me at all, I've been looking at photos of decorated Moleskines on Etsy and the web. Here are some that I love:

Alice in Wonderland moleskine by OrchidsHeart on Etsy - this would have been my dream journal in 2009, which was the year of my Alice obsession thanks to Syfy and Tim Burton.

Silhouette moleskine by Tarashton on Etsy. This could have been "the one" the year I read all of Jane Austen's novels.

Amazing Ideas moleskine by Emily (available here on Etsy)

Emily also makes a Harry Potter moleskine... love it!

Map of Paris moleskine by Movetheneedle on Etsy

Feather moleskine by Sue Brown. My favorite so far, but I'm not sure my art skills are at that level!

Do you keep a paper journal? Have you ever tried art journaling?

Sunday Simplicity #51

2012-01-08T07:37:00.008-05:00

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Martha Stewart Weddings

Steps Toward an Organized, Efficient and Healthy 2012

2012-01-02T06:45:00.001-05:00

Better Homes and Gardens

It's officially 2011. My lesson plans for the next two weeks are written and I am headed back to work today- when New Year's falls on a weekend we go right back into the swing of things at school. I'm excited about 2011- my first full year as a wife. We're pretty settled in here at the Townhouse, and I have several New Year's goals related to making it an even better place to live.

Belle Maison

Organized Bills, Mail, and Responsibilities = Happy Finances

To-Do: Find a calendar with nice big boxes for 2012.
To-Do: Obtain either a bulletin board or shutter system as shown above for the kitchen wall with space for bills, invitations, etc.

PBTeen

Making the Most of Limited Bedroom and Bathroom Space = Quicker Morning Routine

In the spirit of starting the New Year with a clean slate (myself being the slate), I did a closet-cleaning overhaul; I did all of my laundry so that I could see how much space ALL my winter clothes took up, put summer clothes away, and took out items that are too worn (fabric pilling, holes, etc.) or that I never wear (poor fit or not as cute in real life as in the store). I made a rag pile and a Goodwill pile.
I ordered drawer dividers and a cosmetics organizer from the Container Store.
I cleaned all my makeup brushes, threw away expired products, and ordered new Mary Kay
To do: go through all my purses and make a Goodwill pile and a consignment pile.
To do: actually store my jewelry instead of throwing it on the dresser in a tangled pile of chains. I am hoping to find something similar to PBTeen's Chloe rotating organizer (shown above) at T.J. Maxx or Marshall's, otherwise I may have to spring for the real deal which is expensive but perfect.

House of Smiths

Organized Cabinets = Easier Cooking

I ordered a spice rack from Stacks & Stacks which I liked because it will not require pouring all of our spices into new bottles. It's a little pricey but it will be an improvement over our current cardboard box of spices, and it has labels so it will be easy to check whether or not we have a particular spice before starting a recipe. Let me tell you, getting halfway through a recipe, digging through the box o' spices (which all look similar, so I have to pull them all out and read the labels) and discovering that we do not actually have the needed spice = cooking fail.
To-Do: Put cereal and pasta into clear BPA-free containers so that it is easy to see what we have and what we need.
To-Do: Use containers to corral boot camp blends, coffee and creamer, and baking powders.

A Glimpse of the Girl Next Door

Healthy, Organized Cleaning Products = Healthy Family with Clean Clothes and Dishes

I was so excited when I found out that our town house has a dishwasher- my mom's house did not. I got really freaked out the first time I went shopping for diswasher packets- they were almost all made with chemicals I could not pronounce. I found Seventh Generation dishwashing pacs to be the healthiest looking: they do not contain chlorine or phosphates and use citric acid to clean. The formula is biodegradable.
I also use Seventh Generation laundry detergent and fabric softener.

Are you taking steps to be more organized, efficient, or healthy this year? Do you have any favorite "healthy" cleaning products?

Sunday Simplicity #50 ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.014-05:00

Style Me Pretty

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Martha Stewart Weddings

Sugar Paper

Top 10 Favorite Home Things 2011

2011-12-31T07:30:00.044-05:00

The Country Townhouse is still a baby home for Mr. Spin and I - it hasn't quite been six months for us yet! My favorite part of being a newlywed has been decorating my home with my husband, making it feel like "ours" instead of mine or his, and discovering our shared style (I lean toward cottage/traditional style, he gravitates toward sleek modern style... yet loves throwing around words like "rustic" and "distressed" since he started working in the home decor industry!). I thought I would share some pictures of and stories behind my favorite things in our little dwelling place.

Giant metal cutlery may also be used as a weapon in the Zombie Apocalypse.

1. Metal fork and spoon
I think Mr. Spin thought I was a little crazy when the first thing I brought into our home was a big black fork and spoon. It was a non-negotiable for me; "my" kitchen was GOING to have giant metal cutlery. My Mamaw's kitchen had a big black fork and spoon on the wall and it was the happiest kitchen in the world. My mom gave me these, which were in storage from when she and my dad rocked the giant cutlery look in the 70's. I gave them a new coat of black paint to look more like Mamaw's set. Getting them on the wall was tricky because there is a duct right behind them. Thanks, 3M products!

This is how I used my cake stand during the Christmas season.

Check out that attractive bunny card from my friend Debbie's letterpress studio!

I apologize for the blurry picture; I was doing a weird crouch thing to get level with the countertop.

2. Cake stands
I developed a little dessert table obsession while wedding planning and acquired a gorgeous white ruffly cake stand from Pier1 (my mom purchased a second one for symmetry's sake at the wedding; it, of course, lives with her). I had mentioned to Mr. Spin that I wanted a glass cloche for the stand, and he did me one better- for Christmas he got me this anchor cake stand with dome that also turns into a punch bowl.

Hello, my personal fluffy cloud.

3. Master bedroom bedding
Softest. Comforter. In the world. Ivory, purple, and blue = wedding colors/the best colors ever. Plus some gray to make it modern. And those accent pillows are adorable.

Keep your friends close and your Harry Potter books closer.

4. Bookshelf
My life felt so disorganized up until we got this bookshelf. While Mr. Spin likes a cherry finish on furniture, I prefer espresso. He didn't even argue with me on what color the bookshelf should be for the guest room/office - espresso all the way! Now my books have a home, sorted by genre and author, and my craft supplies are (mostly) in one place- ignore that Sephora box because it will be replaced by a nice basket soon.

The crate that stole my heart.

5. Corned beef crate
Mr. Spin and I met at a restaurant called Corned Beef. When I saw this crate at the antique mall in my hometown I knew I had to have it. I wanted to use it as wedding decor in some way, but that didn't happen, so home decor it is. It's the constant in my seasonally-changing kitchen cabinet-top vignette.

Old picture because the table is currently a victim of a lesson planning tornado.

Home decor industry husbands are great at hanging art.

6. Autumn mountains painting
This painting was my favorite thing Mr. Spin's company makes. Like most things I love, it was discontinued. This one had been sold, but the person who bought it never paid for it... so Mr. Spin cancelled the order, paid for it, and now it hangs above our table. I am a mountain woman through and through, my favorite season is autumn, and I like to pretend that this is the view out my window.

Blue Mason jars are another obsession... but I only have one.

7. Flower bowls
I collect bowls shaped like flowers... for no reason other than they make me happy. The colorful set is antique, from Japan, and wasn't really a "collection" until I got the blue and green set, which is from Target. I'm not picky.

We will need a new calendar... Snow and Graham or Kraft Paper?

8. Paint chip mosaic
Yep, I'm pretty proud of this thing. I may do another one in less Christmas-y colors eventually.

9. Wonder paintingJust a little bargain-bin thing from Bed Bath and Beyond... that just happened to perfectly match the shower curtain left in the guest bathroom by my friend who lived here before us. It's so cheerful, with the butterflies and WONDER motto, that I smile every time I look at it.

I do believe these are from ABC Distributing and have been discontinued...

here is something similar with purple flowers and text that they offer now.

10. Botanical canvases
These were a gift from my best friend Breeze and I wasn't sure I'd be able to use them in the townhouse. Black and green? But they make my laundry room happy and zen-like.

Linking up to What You Talkin' 'Bout Wednesday? at Literally Inspired

Sunday Simplicity #49 ~ MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2011-12-25T07:28:00.000-05:00

Weddingbee's Mrs. Trail Mix

Merry Christmas from the Country Townhouse!

2011-12-24T11:36:00.001-05:00

I am really pleased with the way our tree turned out!

We purchased two new types of ornaments this year. Early in my quest for a red, silver, and burlap rustic Christmas look, I learned that Mr. Spin does not like the combination of shiny + red. He was, however, digging the matte red ornaments. Most matte ornaments are sold in combination with shiny ornaments, but we found a pack at Michael's for $8 that was all matte and Mr. Spin added it to our cart with no question!

Over the spring and summer, while wedding planning, my obsession was milk glass. Now, with the holidays approaching, my attention has turned to mercury glass. I found these adorable Smith and Hawken acorns at Target!

Love this engraved glass ornament, a wedding gift from my best friend at work:

Here's my new favorite ornament of them all:

It doesn't hurt that it came attached to some delicious homemade candy. If every one of this kid's teachers got the same ornament, I don't need to know.

Ornaments that wouldn't fit on the tree got their own special place with some scented pinecones. The mercury glass candleholders are from Michael's - I will only use LED candles in them because I don't want them to get messed up!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Linking to Holiday Link Party at Momnivore's Dilemma.

Holiday Craft: No-Sew Ruffle Tree Skirt

2011-12-23T07:01:00.022-05:00

My favorite craft of all this Christmas is my ruffled tree skirt. Like many other bloggers I was inspired by Marian's gorgeous linen tree skirt. I found Ashley's tutorial really helpful. Since there are plenty of tutorials already out there, I mostly just want to show off my own take on this popular project.

The fabric materials: a very ugly tree skirt from the dollar store, 2 yards of burlap, 2 yards of gingham, and a yard of awesome "BELIEVE" printed fabric that I couldn't resist (I know the people who designed the Believe fabric were probably referring to Santa, but for me it's a reminder that Christmas is about our belief in our Savior's miraculous birth!)

I crafted this thing through two and a half cheesy ABC Family movies- I can't resist those 90's television stars. Oh, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, where are you now? There's also a nice power outlet near the television for my little pink glue gun.

If you take on this project, buy extra glue sticks, and be prepared for some burnt fingers if you use burlap- glue has a way of seeping through the fabric's wide weave.

Originally (the first two rows around the outside of the tree skirt) I was making the ruffles really tight and going through a LOT of fabric. You can see in the next picture that the ruffles got bigger as I worked my way into the middle of the tree skirt... that was so I wouldn't have to make an emergency trip to the fabric store. I alternated the print fabrics with burlap.

More than halfway done!

The finished project! My little Hallmark singing sled guys are hiding the surge protector. I'd seen the tip somewhere to use tissue paper to fluff up the tree skirt. I didn't have extra tissue paper laying around, so I used plastic grocery bags. It really does make a difference to have a nice fluffy tree skirt as opposed to it just lying flat on the ground.

Linking up to Whatcha Got Weekend at Lolly Jane Boutique!

What has been your favorite holiday project this year?

Holiday Craft: Silk Floral Wreath

2011-12-21T23:04:00.001-05:00

When I started to see wreaths crop up on front doors in our neighborhood right after Thanksgiving, I found myself suffering from a condition probably unique to crafters: Wreath Envy. Wreaths are one of my favorite crafts, and for the front door I wanted something sturdy. I started with a basic $4 wreath form from Michael's and several stems of silk florals. I cut the stems apart with wire cutters and that's basically the toughest thing about this project.

Materials ready to go.

You just stick the stem into the wreath and push. That's it. If the stem sticks out too far in the back, either trim it with the wire cutters or weave it back through.

After I arranged all of the poinsettias in the wreath, I added the holly.

The final product on our door, with a cameo by my reflection as I took the picture! I love my little rustic star wreath hanger that I found at Wal-Mart!

Linking up to Terrific Under Ten Tuesday!

Holiday Craft: Paint Chip Mosaic

2011-12-21T07:27:00.005-05:00

I'd had a few paint chip mosaic pictures from Real Housewives of BC and Junk in Their Trunk hanging around my Pinterest for months when inspiration struck me: why not create a CHRISTMAS paint chip mosaic? If you haven't seen this project yet, let me tell you that it is an easy way for those of us without art degrees to create display-worthy pieces of art!

First, Mr. Spin and I headed to Lowe's to steal paint chips and purchase wood stain (I got Minwax Dark Walnut), a paintbrush, and art hanging doodads. I already had foam brushes, spray adhesive, and Mod Podge. Then, Mr. Spin snagged a 2' by 2' piece of plywood from work. This is another one of those times when it's awesome to have a husband who works in the home decor industry.

My plywood, stained Dark Walnut. I used a foam brush to apply the stain and let it dry overnight.

I used a paper cutter to trim all of my paint chips to uniform size. I left the names on a few that were somewhat Christmas-y: Graham Cracker Crust, Heirloom Red, Village Green, Evergreen, etc. After making a few practice arrangements, I sprayed some adhesive and started sticking on the chips.

I used my trusty tape measure to make sure my plywood "border" was about the same distance on each side. I left a much larger border than some of the other versions of this project I've seen because I love the somewhat rustic look of the wood around the mosaic.

After all the chips were laid down, I used a bristly brush to Mod Podge the whole thing in different directions. When it dried, the Mod Podge was so shiny and Mr. Spin tried to persuade me to leave it because the next step made him nervous! But believe me, the next step is where the real beauty comes in!

Scary, right? Another layer of woodstain applied with a foam brush all over, then wiped off with a paper towel after drying a little.

Voila! The finished project looks really good because the woodstain picks up the grain left by the Mod Podge. I sealed the whole thing with a final layer of Mod Podge after the wood stain dried. Look at that shine!

I attached the mounting hardware. And it was totally jacked up. So Mr. Spin fixed it. I did not document that process on camera.

Here's the finished product hanging in our kitchen! Let me know what you think.

Linking up to Restored It Wednesday...

What You Talkin' 'Bout Wednesday...

and Saturday Nite Special!

Entertaining: Easy Guest Room Updates

2011-12-20T07:18:00.013-05:00

Christmas Guest room from Pinterest via A Ribbon at a Time

One of my goals for the Country Townhouse is to have a nice guest room/office that I have no qualms about letting friends and family members stay in! We've got a long way to go, but the upcoming holidays, along with my friend Jordan letting us know that she will be able to come stay with us during her Winter Break from graduate school, are inspiring me to take some steps in a more organized direction.

Ticking Stripe bedding from Plow & Hearth

Here are some ideas to help make guest rooms ready for visitors.

Target Sherpa throw

1. Clean sheets and a warm sweater blanket or wool throw for chilly nights
Just because the guest bed is the least used one in the house doesn't mean it can be the most uncomfortable one. If you use an old mattress in the guest room, add a foam egg crate or mattress pad to up the comfort factor. Since everyone prefers a different thermostat setting, leave a few blankets folded at the foot of the bed so guests can cover up as needed.

Better Homes & Gardens

2. A good lamp

3. An alarm clock

4. Some books
In our case, a lot of books, because the guest room is also our office... but I think it's always nice when a friend recommends a good read... and a jet-lagged friend needs something to do in the morning when you are still asleep.

Polka Dots and Puppies

5. Flowers!
I spent some time visiting my friends Mr. and Mrs. H in Seattle last year and one of the nicest little touches for me as a guest was the vase of fresh flowers beside my bed. It made me feel so special and welcome in their home. If your garden is empty this time of year, snag a bunch of flowers from the grocery store to place in a pretty vase, cool old can, or even a pretty mug. It's a great way to add some seasonal color if you have a neutral color scheme in your guest room.

Matrushka Carafe from Paper Source

6. Water carafe/pitcher and glass
I am one of those people who likes to keep something to drink with me at all times, so I usually have either a mug of tea or a Tervis tumbler of water on my nightstand. For guests, a carafe is a classy guest room addition. I have seen some really cute ones- my favorite is probably the Drinkup one shaped like a Russian nesting doll and the head is the cup- I feel like the design keeps the water clean!

Centsational Girl

7. A pretty dish or bowl to catch jewelry
It never fails - every time I travel, I loose either a makeup item or a piece of jewelry. The perfect guest room would give guests a place to stash earrings and rings while they sleep!

8. A surge protector
Travelers today probably have several electronic devices with them that need to be charged- cell phone, iPad, e-reader, etc. If you don't have a fancy-shmancy charging station, at least plug a surge protector in for your guests in a visible spot.

9. Clean towels, bath products, and a hair dryer in the guest bathroom
Oh, why not put some flowers or holiday decorations in there too? And maybe some disposable cups so guests can take their pills without having to steal a glass from your kitchen. Yep, your guests take pills. No, I don't know what for.

10. Pretty things to look at
Photos and mementos make the guest room feel more like a lived-in space and less like, "we're going to stick you in this boring room we never use." If your guest room doubles as an office, use some lined baskets or galvanized bins to organize the clutter before guests arrive, so they don't have to look at your paperwork or feel like they're in the way.

Blue office/guest room via Flickr

Christmas PIN-spiration: Homespun holiday...

2011-12-19T07:01:00.005-05:00

Cinnamon stick wreath via Dishes & Designs

Wooden reindeer by SlippinSouthern on Etsy, $79

Staircase decor from Better Homes & Gardens via Home Stories A to Z

Pottery Barn tree via Restoration House

Snowflake Stocking from Plow & Hearth

Snowflake and kraft paper gift wrap by How About Orange

Pottery Barn jingle bell vase filler via Mad In Crafts

Matthew Mead tablescape via Centsational Girl

Cheese Straws recipe from Better Homes and Gardens

Peppermint brownie cookies from Cooking Classy

Sunday Simplicity #48

2011-12-18T07:05:00.000-05:00

Kristin Vining Photography

Christmas PIN-spiration: Vintage holiday...

2011-12-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

The next trend influencing my Christmas decorating this year...

Collection #2: Vintage Sheet Music and Mercury Glass

Source: thatsmyletter.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: bringrestoration.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: restoreinteriors.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: pier1.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: fleamarketstylemag.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: cupidscharm.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: besottedblog.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: worldmarket.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: theoldpaintedcottage.blogspot.com via Heather on Pinterest

Source: utahdealdiva.com via Heather on Pinterest

Recipe Exchange!

2011-12-12T06:26:00.000-05:00

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Heather on Pinterest

If you'd like to participate in an upcoming recipe exchange with some friends and I, please leave a comment to this post with your e-mail address. I know that a lot of you LOVE to cook and have some awesome ideas. You will only have to e-mail your recipe ONCE and BCC the exchange to your own group of twenty friends.

Join my twenty!

Sunday Simplicity #47

2011-12-11T07:33:00.003-05:00

Mrs. Avocado's Table Names from Weddingbee

Christmas PIN-spiration: A little cabin in the woods...

2011-12-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

I started adding Christmas ideas to Pinterest before Halloween had even arrived. By the time it was socially acceptable to decorate for Christmas, I had four different boards. Our actual decor is a mixture of four trends I'm seeing this season. I'll share some of my favorite PIN-spirational ideas before revealing our tree and other Christmas decor so you can see how I turned the inspirations into reality.

Collection #1: Woodland

Wreath by Twoinspireyou on Etsy (this design is sold out)

DIY No-sew Burlap Tree Skirt from The Johnstons

Pine cone ornament from Better Homes & Gardens

Cinnamon Stick ornaments by Rosy-Posy

Animal ornaments from Pier1

Burlap stocking with wooden buttons by Cozy.Cottage.Cute

Kraft paper gift wrap from Luxe Finds

Candles in flowerpots via Amy Matson's Pinterest

Recipe: S'mores Cookies!

What trends are you seeing in catalogs, online, and in stores this Christmas season?

Sunday Simplicity #46

2011-12-04T11:42:00.000-05:00

Since I am on a crafting SPREE this weekend, and one of the items on my to-do list is a no-sew ruffled tree skirt, today's Sunday Simplicity theme is RUFFLES.

My gorgeous friend Kat's gorgeous dress, via Abby Grace Photography

The Bride's Cafe

Sunday Simplicity #45

2011-11-27T08:17:00.001-05:00

Since the Wahoos played the Hokies for the Commonwealth Cup yesterday, and I spent the day in Charlottesville. I could not RESIST sharing images from this gorgeous engagement shoot by Katelyn James Photography at THE University of Virginia. Being reminded of how beautiful our Grounds are really cheers me up today!

I really want to know... did they custom-paint Beta Bridge, or did it just happen to be perfect?

The Lawn is the most beautiful place in the world come fall.

Pantone Fall 2011: Colorful Modern Barn Wedding Inspiration

2011-11-25T07:28:00.003-05:00

My new barn wedding obsession took me to a really magical place. A colorful, magical place. Will someone please let me make this wedding a reality for you? I would love to plan this shindig.

Barn Party! invitation by Minted

Style Me Pretty

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Green Wedding Shoes

Merriment Events

Southern Weddings

My Thanksgiving Home + Apple-Cranberry Pie Recipe

2011-11-24T19:29:00.007-05:00

Here's my Thanksgiving tablescape! I went with a Wal-Mart wire bowl of Gala and Granny Smith apples, and candleholders I made the night before...

Here's a close up of my craft project... I hot-glued cinnamon sticks to salsa jars and tied hemp twine around them. SO easy.

Here's a little vignette on our counter. The printable is from Lily White, displayed in a Goodwill frame I painted for our wedding. Our sister in law brought wine she picked up on a trip to North Carolina. And check out that pie...

Festive Apple-Berry Pie

from Pillsbury

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh cranberries

1 1/2 cups sugar

4 tablespoons cornstarch

4 tablespoons water

6 medium apples, peeled and sliced

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 nine inch Pie crusts (top and bottom)

- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare pie crusts as needed.

- In a 1 quart saucepan, mix berries, 1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch and 4 tbsp water. Heat to boiling and boil for 5 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes.

- In large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, remaining 3 tablespoons cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg and stir until apples are coated. Stir in cooled berry mixture.

- Spoon filling into crust-lined pan. Top with second crust; seal edges and flute. Cut slits in top crust.

- Bake 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Cover crust edge with foil after 20 minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Our spread: Mr. Spin's yeast rolls and mashed potatoes, Stove Top stuffing, Heinz gravy, Spin family turkey, my mom's sweet potatoes, and my green bean casserole.

Linking up to Literally Inspired's What You Talkin 'Bout Wednesday, The Newest Vegetable's Thanksgiving party, and Peas and Crayons' What I Ate party. I missed the deadline for Peas and Crayons' Thanksgiving Dish party, but there are some yummy looking recipes there to check out!

Pantone Fall 2011: Cedar & Teal Barn Wedding Inspiration

2011-11-23T07:24:00.002-05:00

Come Celebrate invitation from Wedding Paper Divas

Style Me Pretty | Style Me Pretty

Style Me Pretty

Ann Taylor

Style Me Pretty

Bow Ties and Bliss | Style Me Pretty

Thanksgiving Centerpiece and Tablescape Ideas

2011-11-22T07:18:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Pinterest, I've got plenty of Thanksgiving tablescape ideas to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites... some would also make nice reception decor at a fall wedding.

Acorn-filled mason jars via Milleidee (these have been made into lanterns, but I think they'd look just as nice lined up on a table)

Cinnamon stick candles from Home Stories A to Z

Pinecones and pears from Hooked on Houses

White pumpkins and tree stumps from Shanty 2 Chic

Mini pumpkins and milk glass from Better Homes and Gardens

Artichokes and pumpkins from HGTV via Home Stories A to Z

Dough bowl and pumpkins via Confessions of a Plate Addict

Vintage finds via Finding Home (I fell in love with an ironware pitcher at the antique mall this week but could not overcome the price tag to bring it home!)

Corn and wheat filled apothecaries via A Fabulous Fete

Milleidee

Woodland inspired with antlers and pinecones from Stone Gable

Flowers, artichokes and red onion from Sand & Sisal

Floral arrangement from Better Homes & Gardens

Cornucopia from Sweet Something Design... I have been looking for a wicker cornucopia but no luck... maybe next year.

Inspiration for a Traditional Fall Barn Wedding

2011-11-21T07:10:00.002-05:00

This week I'm going to feature inspiration for three different wedding styles with one thing in common- a barn as the perfect venue. Mr. Spin and I recently attended the first barn wedding we'd been to, at Panorama Farms. It was like living on a movie set for a night. I am now a believer in the barn as the perfect fall wedding venue.

Bowties and Bliss

Genery and Geoffery's amazing rustic cake from Modern Bride

Charlotte Geary Photography

Knottie Mrs. Kizdoodle

Conrad Erb Photography

Sunday Simplicity #44

2011-11-20T12:15:00.000-05:00

Perfect Bound

Pantone Fall 2011: Cedar & Teal - Wardrobe Inspiration

2011-11-18T07:01:00.012-05:00

I'll start the post on incorporating cedar and teal into your wardrobe with what I consider the ultimate outfit using these two colors. You may have seen this one on Tumblr and Pinterest; it appears to be a magazine scan. That cardigan and necklace are just PERFECTION.

Sunday in Bed

Light Green Beret Hat from Pixiebell on Etsy || Deep Teal Scarf from Old Navy

Layered Strips tee from LOFT

Stud Earrings from Peach Tree Lane on Etsy | Nail Polish in Gray by Gray by Sally Hansen

Pantone Fall 2011: Cedar & Teal - For the Bed & Bath

2011-11-15T07:09:00.031-05:00

I've shared my ideas for adding teal and cedar to your kitchen and living room; here are some ideas for the bed and bath. This was the easiest Pantone post so far for me to find inspiration for because I had a teal & green color palette in my room throughout my college years!

Love the garden bench and bird prints in this room via Abode Love

This garden bench from Ebay and Bella Paisley bedding set from Pottery Barn would give you the look.

Great staging via Pottery Barn... love the grain sack pillow thrown into the mix!

DIY Art from Hambly Screen Prints and Pillow Covers by LynnesThisandThat on Etsy

Shades of Light's Apothecary Table Lamp

Pretty cedar and java bathroom via Decorolgy

Adorable bedroom via Better Homes and Gardens

Amazon Topiaries and Pottery Barn Toscana Bench

Sunday Simplicity #43

2011-11-13T08:38:00.005-05:00

Stephanie Williams Photography

Our Wedding: Cake Table & Pennant Banner Instructions

2011-11-12T16:16:00.002-05:00

I think that our cake table was one of my favorite parts of the wedding. I'd been inspired by lots of images on wedding blogs and message boards, and was excited to bring my vision of a festive dessert table to life with help from Jeana.

I was very happy that we were able to project our monogram on the wall - so cool and modern looking! The font used for our initial and names is Lily Wang and the date is Book Antiqua - the same fonts used on our invitations and programs. (Lily Wang can be purchased from MyFonts). It also ended up being a happy accident that the rentals outlet did not offer all of the linen sizes we needed in the blue pintuck, so we used an opaque purple on the cake table, sweetheart table, and buffet - it made them stand out (although looking at these pictures I wish we'd steamed the opaque linens!). The cake stands are from Pier1, and the milk glass vases are thrifted. I won our champagne flutes in a Weddingbee giveaway - blog contests are real, ladies - leave those comments! But my absolute favorite part of the display was the pennant banner I made.

I think pennant banners are adorable and make cute home decor (I plan to string ours up in our guest room when we get our bookcase and day bed moved in!) in addition to being appropriate at weddings and parties! Instructions follow under the cut - and I've linked this post to Literally Inspired's party!

I made the pennant banner with cardstock scrapbook paper in different shades of lavender and periwinkle, cut with my Fiskars paper trimmer (which has unfortunately died since them) using a template I made with some cardboard from a cereal box. I used my home printer/copier/scanner to copy pages from old books, including my grandfather's folk songs sheet music book, onto ivory cardstock, and cut them into slightly smaller triangles. I pasted the book pages onto the colored pennants (leaving a few without book pages) and punched holes in the corners with a standard hole punched. I used foam letter stickers to spell out "LOVE" on what would be the center pennants, strung them on purple ribbon, tied bows at each end to keep those four triangles centered, and then added the other pennants on each end. Jeana and Coordinator C attached the pennant to the tablecloth with some leftover pearl-tipped bouquet pins I had.

Our cake by Susan of Kelly Cakes looked simply amazing - she totally "got" my "milk glass cake" vision.

Our Wedding: Our first dance

2011-11-11T07:41:00.002-05:00

Our first dance song was Ray LaMontagne's "You Are the Best Thing"

Baby , it's been a long day, baby
Things ain't been going my way
And now I need you here
To clear my mind all the time

And baby, the way you move me, it's crazy
It's like you see right through me
and make it easier
Believe me, you don't even have to try

Oh, because
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
That ever happened to me

Baby, we've come a long way
And baby, you know I hope and I pray
That you believe me
When I say this love will never fade away

Oh, because you are the best thing
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
That ever happened to me

Both of us have known love before
to come on promising like a spring to walk on out the door
Our words are strong and our hearts are kind
Let me tell you just exactly what's on my mind

You are the best thing
You are the best thing
You are the best thing
That ever happened to me

All photos by Lesley Wray Photography

A Month of Gratitude: Things I'm Thankful For This Week...

2011-11-10T07:30:00.006-05:00

I'm thankful for my sweet mother.
Beneath her quiet, stoic exterior, she is one of the strongest people I have ever met and has taught me to be a strong, independent woman too.

My mama is my best friend.

I'm thankful for our eighth grade guidance counselor.
She is such an amazing person and I made sure to tell her so this week.

I'm thankful for BOOKS!
I'm currently reading Alice Hoffman's The Red Garden

Our Wedding: Time to Eat!

2011-11-09T07:16:00.000-05:00

Mr. Spin's father led the blessing, and it was time for the buffet to open.

The theme for dinner was Southern comfort food all the way!

Our Southern spread ended up tasting just as amazing as we'd hoped. We got so many complements on the food- our caterer Brenda and her team did a great job despite some communication bumps and glitches along the way, and the food is what really matters!

During dinner, we visited our guests at their tables and in the buffet line.

Oh, and guests: if your pinwheel escort card went missing during the reception, we have identified the culprit!

All photos by Lesley Wray unless otherwise noted.

Our Wedding: Dinner Begins

2011-11-07T07:39:00.000-05:00

Finally, it was time to eat, and I was seriously starving because my nervous stomach had kept me from eating all day. The guests got to find their pinwheel escort cards and head to their tables...

Venue photo

Here's the dinner playlist Mr. Spin and I put together...

Our parents and bridal party were introduced, and it was time for us to go see our guests!

This was one of the most emotional parts of the day for me. I got choked up seeing a roomful of people I am so thankful to know and love!

I totally stole the idea from a wedding message board to have the caterer put a plate of appetizers from the cocktail hour on our table. It was such a great idea considering that my blood sugar had taken quite a dive.

I am so happy that we decided to go with the sweetheart table. I cherish every moment we spent together on our wedding day.

The page I used for our table number is from The Time Traveler's Wife.

Our bridal party seemed pretty happy to have their own table!

This sweet boy is my cousin's son. I LOVED his bow tie and declared him honorary ring bearer as soon as I saw it!

My mom and her little brother.

My friends from summer camp and my college Bible fellowship! I love looking at these pictures because it looks like everyone was having such a great time.

Sunday Simplicity #42

2011-11-06T08:50:00.007-05:00

This week I'm loving centerpieces that would look equally beautiful at a fall wedding or on your Thanksgiving table!

Erin Hearts Court

Design*Sponge

A Month of Gratitude: Things I'm Thankful For This Week...

2011-11-03T16:00:00.000-04:00

I think that taking at least a few moments each day to reflect on what I am truly grateful for this month is putting me in an all-around better mood. I feel like I am greeting people with a more cheerful disposition.

I'm thankful for my husband.
Mr. Spin's love for me is so loyal and devoted. I've been under the weather lately, and I am a grumpy sick person. He never acts annoyed or frustrated when I'm being a big baby, just takes care of me. He is loving and patient all of the time; it's simply amazing and I feel like I fall so short of deserving him.

I'm thankful for our home.
We are lucky to be able to live in our townhouse; it became available at just the right time. Setting up our first home together has been a labor of love for Mr. Spin and I, requiring both teamwork and compromise. Luckily, our decorating styles and work ethics when it comes to chores aren't too disparate. I am so thankful to live so close to the school where I teach- not having to be in the car for two hours each day is allowing me to live a fuller life (although I am much less in-touch with the top stories on NPR!).

All dressed up for Halloween!

I'm thankful for my students.
This week, out of curiosity, I counted how many school days are left in the semester. It's less than 40! I am going to be sad to see these guys head over to the Center for Applied Technology and Career Exploration in January. They are the nicest group of kids I've ever taught, the most voracious readers, and they've really been troopers as we've transitioned from A/B to semester block scheduling. Last week, one of them made the comment that they wish I could go to the Technology and Career center with them, as their math teachers are doing. Part of me really wishes I could, when I think about how much they are going to grow between now and June- 90 days in the classroom is such a short time with these amazing young people!

Portfolios chock full of writing from the heart!

A Month of Gratitude

2011-11-01T07:30:00.001-04:00

Last month, many bloggers took on a 31-day challenge. I loved the idea, but did NOT feel up to committing to post EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Teaching, being a newlywed, and blogging daily sounded like a recipe for disaster.

Mr. Spin and I joke that in every season, the next upcoming holiday is my "favorite holiday." I have been known to claim both Halloween and Independence Day and my all-time faves, but I have to say, the older I get, the more I like Thanksgiving. Coming from a family of three within a very large extended family on my dad's size (he was the youngest of six children, five of whom settled in Virginia and one of whom moved to South Carolina) and a close little family on my mom's side (she is the middle of three, and she and her younger brother are the East Coast clan- her older brother and his daughter and granddaughter are in California!). Since my dad was a long-distance truck driver, there was never a guarantee that he would be home for Thanksgiving. Many of my childhood Thanksgivings were spent at my maternal grandmother's house since she lived alone.

In more recent years, my mom and I floated around on Thanksgiving - wherever we got an invite, we went. I'm not sure yet where Mr. Spin and I will spend the holiday this year, but I know that my mom will be a part of the celebration and wherever we go we will be with people we love, sharing old memories and making new ones. I love Thanksgiving because it really is all about the time-spending. There's no pressure to have the best costume, the snazziest fireworks display, the most romantic gesture, or the coolest present. Turkey and comfort-food sides are always going to be yummy no matter how many bowls are on the table.

Recently I've been waking up in awe of how fortunate I am. Perhaps its the shorter commute that's made me more of a morning person. I've realized, though, that I don't just want to *feel* gratitude. I want to *show* it. And that's what I'm going to do, and really focus on this November. I'll post some thoughts here every Thursday this month.

Sunday Simplicity #41

2011-10-30T09:01:00.002-04:00

Ruffled

The Knot

This week's projects and plans!

2011-10-28T07:01:00.007-04:00

1. ~~Decorate my classroom for Halloween.~~
2. ~~Make orange chicken in the crock pot.~~
3. ~~Make potato soup in the crock pot.~~ (Confession: I ran out of time, so I put it in the crock pot for an hour, then boiled the heck out of it in a stock pot. Also, I used real bacon, not store-bought "bacon pieces."
4. Decoupage a pumpkin.
5. Make squash fries.
6. ~~Make pumpkin bread muffins.~~
7. ~~Go to a hockey game~~.
8. Wear a disguise.
9. ~~Assist with a photo shoot.~~
10. ~~Finish sending wedding thank-you notes~~, and send gifts for recently married friends.
11. Make a list of ALL our expenses.

Pantone Fall 2011: Cedar & Teal - For the Living Room & Kitchen!

2011-10-25T07:08:00.000-04:00

The next featured colors in our Pantone series are cedar and deep teal, which remind me of an herb garden- or an exotic peacock! I love decorating with these colors- my college dorm room was decorated in green and teal, and our everyday china uses these colors in a paisley design.

Our Misto "Angela" dinnerware from Bed Bath and Beyond!

Here are some of my favorite ways to use these colors in home decor...

In a living room or entryway paired with crisp white... (via Houzz.com)

(Pier1's Annie Floral Wing Back Chair and Bird Filled Candleholder)

(Pier1's Green Bird plate - Etsy seller dedeetsyshop's Hydrangea Bloom Pillow)

In the kitchen...

(Pier1 White Scalloped Serving bowl - Dayspring Fruits of the Spirit print)

This little vignette lives above my kitchen cabinets... green glass bottles and an antique blue Ball jar, an antique corned beef crate, milk glass, and new and vintage blue and green pottery.

Our green potholders

And my favorite green item... my colander!

Does your home's palette, or wedding palette, include cedar and teal?

A great fall weekend, design inspiration, and a yummy treat!

2011-10-24T07:46:00.001-04:00

I had a wonderful fall weekend worth interrupting the wedding recaps for!

I finally autum-ized our porch! I got the idea to put potted mums inside hollowed-out pumpkins from an old Better Homes and Gardens magazine. The wreath is from JoAnn Fabrics, and the rustic star hook (the ONE rustic star I am allowed, per Mr. Spin) is from Wal-Mart.

Mr. Spin invited me to come with him to High Point Market. High Point, North Carolina is considered the home furnishing capitol of the world and his company, Uttermost, has a showroom there. I saw tons of inspiring ideas I wanted to share with you all.

My favorite display in the showroom.

Love this mantel display!

I thought it was so smart of the ladies in charge of setting up the showroom to bring in pumpkins and other fall things to make the furniture look "cozy."

This vase is one of the coolest things I saw in JQ's company's showroom.

DIY inspiration! Black and white botanical prints, burlap mats, and weathered frames.

These chandeliers are by Deanna Wish Designs... aren't they awesome?

Today's recipe for happiness:

Crock Pot baked apples!

Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 Gala apples, cored
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup red wine

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix brown sugar, walnuts, raisins, butter, and cinnamon. Fill the apples with the filling and place them in the Crock Pot. Pour in the apple cider and wine. Cover and cook 3 hours on high heat or 6 hours on low heat (until the apples are soft and begin to collapse.)

Sunday Simplicity #40

2011-10-23T09:00:00.002-04:00

The Knot

Heather Bullard

The Knot

Sunday Simplicity #39

2011-10-16T09:03:00.001-04:00

Fall centerpieces... I love these pumpkin table numbers!

Grey Likes Weddings

Gorgeous use of a home decor lantern, candles and beautiful flowers!

Style Me Pretty

Our Wedding: You've got my only heart...

2011-10-10T06:57:00.001-04:00

While our guests and wedding party were inside enjoying snacks and mojitos, we were working hard outside... working hard at being fabulous, while we are actually big ol' goobers.

I look so sweet and loving and wifey in this picture... the truth?

The sun was in my eyes if I looked toward the camera.

SECRETS OF GLAMOUR REVEALED!!!

One of my favorites.

Love this shot of my bouquet!

You can never have too many ring shots!

Finally, it was time to head into the lobby for our introductions at the reception...

Sunday Simplicity #38

2011-10-09T12:56:00.004-04:00

Style Me Pretty

Our Wedding: If your cup is full may it be again...

2011-10-08T15:30:00.000-04:00

After our formal portraits in the ballroom, we headed outside for some more casual shots...

My favorite shot of the girls with our bouquets- it was such a sunny, gorgeous day and the terrace was a great (shady) photo location!

Our sweet flower girl is so beautiful! Love this little lady!

One of my favorite wedding party shots... but I will be honest with you, by this time my

blood sugar was getting low and I was becoming a cranky bride. I wanted to get the

pictures over with and party with our guests!

Hand-holding shot.

Group picture... then we sent our wedding party inside so that they could join

the social hour and we could get some portraits of just the two of us...

Our Wedding: Everybody's gonna jump and shout...

2011-10-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

For our guests' social hour, we provided the music via an iPod and Mr. Spin's own sound equipment. Here's the second half of the playlist...

Our friends making their way to the library, where drinks and snacks were served...

Family members mingling, including my cousin's CUTE baby!

Another cutie, my little cousin Eli

The drink menu I made with a Goodwill picture frame and chalkboard paint.

Our friends' sweet baby Noah!

My college girlfriends... I loved looking at these pictures since Mr. Spin and I weren't there for the social hour. I think I needed the confirmation that everyone was enjoying themselves.

Our Wedding: You're the world to me...

2011-10-03T15:34:00.004-04:00

After the ceremony, we snuck back into the ballroom for some portraits!

Here's a little music for your viewing pleasure: the first part of our Social Hour playlist, which we could hear drifting into the ballroom from the lobby where our guests were mingling...

Almost everyone involved with the wedding... so happy to have this photo! I do wish Coordinator C and Mama K had jumped in, but I think they were wrangling the flower girl at the time...

Love this shot of me and my girls! The guys had already taken a similar one.

With my sweet mama...

Mr. Spin's family

While we were taking the portraits, the venue staff were taking down pew bows and moving chairs to turn the ceremony space into a dance floor. When our FG saw them rolling up the aisle runner, she couldn't resist treating it like her own big fluffy cloud! I was so excited when I saw our photographer snapping away because I knew there would be some great shots of this little princess.

Sunday Simplicity #37

2011-10-02T08:07:00.001-04:00

McLellan Studio

I love the use of vintage furniture in engagement, bridal and wedding portrait shoots. Maybe for an anniversary shoot next year we could do something like this? I think fall weddings in the mountains are absolutely gorgeous- fall is when my mountain soul comes alive. We are lucky enough to have been invited to two weddings this October and both will incorporate a lot of outdoor elements -
one is at a state park and the other is a barn wedding! I can't wait!

Our Wedding: An ever-fix'ed mark

2011-09-30T15:39:00.000-04:00

Bless, O Lord, this ring to be a sign of the vows by which this man and woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

I give you this ring, as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you; in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Guest Photo

Poetry Reading

Sonnet 116 – William Shakespeare

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle's compass come:

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Now that Joshua and Heather have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, before us and before God as witness, and have shown their affection and trust by the giving and receiving of rings and by joining hands, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.

You may kiss your bride.

Guest Photo

Benediction

Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine on you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance on you,

And give you peace.

We exited to Vitamin String Quartet's version of Jimi Hendrix's "Bold As Love"

* All photos by Lesley Wray unless otherwise mentioned.

Our Wedding: Clasping of hands, blending of hearts

2011-09-28T15:31:00.002-04:00

The music changed to Vitamin String Quartet's "Smile That Way," Sam opened the doors, and it was time for my mom to walk me down the aisle.

Friends, we have come today at the invitation of Heather and Joshua to share in the joy of their wedding. This outward celebration we shall see and hear is an expression of the inner love and devotion they have in their hearts.

The Bible teaches us that God is love, and that love comes from God. From beginning to end, the Bible is a love story. There we read of God’s love for his people, of the love that send Christ to the cross, of redeeming love for the sinner, of abiding love for the redeemed.

God loved us, and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately.

Joshua and Heather come today desiring to be united in this sacred relationship. God has guided Joshua and Heather to this moment, has blessed their love and brought them together.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

She gives herself freely, with my blessing.

Joshua Taylor, will you have this woman to be your wife, to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?

I will.

Heather Rebecca, will you have this man to be your husband, to live together in the holy covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?

I will.

Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?

We will.

Marriage is the clasping of hands, the blending of hearts, the union of two lives as one. Your marriage must stand, not by the authority of the State nor by the seal on your wedding certificate, but by the strength of your love and by the power of your faith in each other and in God.

The ceremony of marriage in which you come to be united is the first and oldest ceremony in all the world, celebrated in the beginning in the presence of God himself. Marriage is a gift of God, given to comfort the sorrows of life and magnify its joys.

Now, will you please join hands and, to each other, express your vows of love and devotion.

I, Joshua, take you, Heather to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

I, Heather, take you, Joshua to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death; as God is my witness, I give you my promise.

Scripture Reading

Song of Solomon 8:6-7 (New International Version)

Place me like a seal over your heart,

like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

like a mighty flame.

Many waters cannot quench love;

rivers cannot sweep it away.

If one were to give

all the wealth of one’s house for love,

it would be utterly scorned.

* All photos by Lesley Wray unless otherwise noted!

Pantone Fall 2011: Phlox - Wedding Inspiration

2011-09-26T06:48:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't a fall wedding with purple touches in a rustic setting be lovely?

Earthy Leaves by Wedding Paper Divas

De Nueva Photography via A Practical Wedding

Kristen Leigh Photography via Wish Special Events

Elizabeth Anne Designs

Ruffled

Style Me Pretty

So bohemian and divine... via Style Me Pretty

Sunday Simplicity #36

2011-09-25T09:17:00.003-04:00

Millie Holloman Photography via Style Me Pretty

Pantone Fall 2011: Phlox - Wardrobe & Home

2011-09-24T19:48:00.001-04:00

My favorite color is purple, so I was capable of going very overboard on this particular Pantone round-up.

LOFT Floral Print Bubble Hem blouse - I wore this for business day at work- it made me feel so professional and ladylike and goes well with gray or black pants.

American Eagle Dolman Cardigan

J. Crew Maisie Dress - my object of lust.

Vera Bradley's "Watercolor" is by far my favorite pattern this season.

OPI nail polish in Parlez-Vous OPI? via Daily Cookie

Pier1's Amethyst Glass Lamp

Pillows by VeeDubz and MiaandStitch on Etsy

Enjoy the purple! There's even more on my Pinterest!

Our Wedding: Processional

2011-09-23T15:32:00.005-04:00

Our ceremony began to the strains of "Butterfly's Day Out" from Yo-Yo Ma's Applachia Waltz.

Our minister, Mr. Spin, and Spin's dad (his best man) walked in

together to take their place at the front of the ballroom.

Mr. Breeze escorted Spin's mom

GM Top Gear and BM Philly

GM Baller and SIL

MOH Breeze

Our flower girl was totally ready to do her job!

As our flowergirl entertained the crowd, Coordinator C let me

know it was finally time for me to come down.

* All photos by Lesley Wray

Our Wedding: Prelude

2011-09-21T15:11:00.004-04:00

Your soundtrack for reading this post: the "prelude" playlist I created for our guests to listen to as they found their seats. The theme for this list was classy Southern - traditional music with some modern bluegrass-inspired tunes thrown in.

As guests arrived at the War Memorial, they were invited to take a program,

and could take a few minutes to sign our photo frame guestbook or leave us a wish...

Mr. Spin's cousin A was our "welcome attendant." She and I became

close while she was a student at the school where I teach, and I

was so happy that we could give her a role in the wedding

because she is like another sister to Mr. Spin.

My very tall cousin Sam was our usher and helped guests find a seat.

Here's the South Ballroom all set up, just waiting for the aisle runner to be rolled out.

Guests began to fill the ballroom, and my two readers S and M got to know each other...

While Groomsman B took a moment to sign the guestbook frame.

Does Mr. Spin look ready to get married? I hope so, because it's time to get going!

* All photos by Lesley Wray

Our Wedding: Bridal portraits

2011-09-19T15:53:00.004-04:00

A.K.A. my most narcissistic post EVER.

Seeing myself as a bride for the first time.

My purple shoes got the most complements out of all of my bridal attire! Purple has been my favorite color since I was eight years old and rocked a purple hat, Blossom-style. I loved my shoes and they helped me feel like I was me and not some strange bride-girl.

My favorite portrait shot.

I felt like Scarlett O'Hara in the pictures on the staircase!

Trying to be "sassy." Not one of my strong points.

* All photos by Lesley Wray

Sunday Simplicity #35

2011-09-18T09:56:00.001-04:00

Brenham wedding via Style Me Pretty

Our Wedding: I Heart Crafting!

2011-09-16T15:41:00.009-04:00

As you all know, I was inspired to design and create a lot of our wedding decor. Here are some of the finished products in all their glory on the big day.

The table numbers were one of the first craft visions I had when we decided that our wedding would have a vintage theme. I was inspired by book page table numbers I'd seen online using the ubiquitous white Ikea frames, but there is no Ikea near us so I got my frames from the Dollar Tree. I chose 15 wedding and love-related pages from some of my favorite books, scanned them onto ivory cardstock so they'd be uniform, and stamped numbers and flowers onto them with purple ink. The finished product was very close to what I'd visualized!

I thought a birdcage card box would go perfectly with our vintage theme. I ordered the set of two birdcages from Save-On-Crafts. I lined the bottom with moss by setting the cage on top of a piece of cardboard, adding a few dots of hot glue, and adding sheet moss from Michael's. Then, I wrapped a purple ribbon around the cage and added a "cards" sign made with cardstock from our invitations that I trimmed with my paper cutter and pearl stickers.

I knew I didn't want a traditional guest book, and Mr. Spin had mentioned that he liked the picture frame guestbook we'd seen at a friend's wedding. We found a black picture frame with a white signing mat on sale at Michael's, but I was at a loss for what to do with the small cage until I saw some wish boxes online.

I decorated the wish cage to match our card cage, and made the wish cards by trimming ivory cardstock and stamping flowers on the corners with purple ink to match the table numbers.

The other craft project I was really proud of was our flower girl's basket. You can see my tutorial here for creating your own flowered and beribboned FG basket!

Our Wedding: The guys get ready...

2011-09-16T15:33:00.003-04:00

Once the guys were done setting things up downstairs, it was time for them to get (even more) handsome!

Mr. Breeze became Spin's new favorite person when he showed

up ready for usher duty with a bottle of Wild Turkey!

GM Baller

GM Top Gear

Spin's dad, his Best Man

Spin chose an ivory vest and tie to go with his pinstriped tuxedo

Doesn't he look handsome?

The guys posed for some formal portraits inside...

As well as some fun, laid-back shots.

Then they headed outside to the terrace. Don't they look cool here? Spin looks so calm and collected!

* All photos by Lesley Wray

Our Wedding: The girls get ready...

2011-09-14T15:31:00.004-04:00

When we got to the War Memorial, the girls and I were welcomed by Jeana, a staff member there and professional wedding planner who was already at work putting everything together. We decorated the dessert table, chose arrangements to put on the mantel in the ceremony space, and did a few more little tasks before the guys started to arrive. It was time for us to disappear and let Jeana, Coordinator C and the boys finish the work!

From the July heat and humidity and the setup, a few of my curls had started to fall out. BM Philly to the rescue!

I did my own makeup after a tutorial session with my Mary Kay representative.

My SIL being adorable!

With help from Coordinator C and safety pins from our emergency Caboodle,

Philly was looking hot from head...

To toe! I asked each of the bridesmaids to pick their own silver shoes

so they could be comfortable and a little unique on the wedding day.

Philly is known for LIVING in high heels so I was

happy to see she'd picked some hot ones for my wedding!

My mom put a few finishing touches on her own hair and makeup...

And then it was time to get me dressed!

I look nervous here... I was afraid the veil comb

would mess up my hairstyle!

Success!

My two best friends

Coordinator C did a wonderful job, especially considering that I basically drafted her into her position. She's the friend of mine who always gets things done, and Mr. Spin and I thought she'd be a great person when our venue director asked us to name an emergency contact for the day of the wedding.

Pinning on my mom's boutonniere

SIL pinning Spin's mom's corsage

My bestie S was able to fly in from Seattle to attend the wedding and we asked her to read a passage from Shakespeare in the ceremony. She was a drama major in college, so I knew she'd be perfect to read my all-time favorite Sonnet (#116). We originally didn't know if she was going to be able to afford the trip to Virginia, so it meant the world to me that she was there. True fact: I started this very blog when I was a bridesmaid in her wedding.

Our flower girl arrived with her favorite cup and kitty in tow... but quickly got into a horrible mood and declared, "I don't want to be a princess today." She threw a coat hanger and pouted in the corner.

While FG pouted in the corner, her mom stood in for her in a quick photo. Seeing all of the other ladies getting beautified must have had an effect on FG, because soon she was asking if she could have a little lipstick, and practicing with her petals.

The girls and I posed for a picture on the staircase and could already hear guests arriving downstairs!

* All photos by Lesley Wray

Our Wedding: Bridal suite-ness

2011-09-12T15:56:00.006-04:00

While the girls and I got ready in the bridal suite, our photographer took some time to take a series of beautiful detail shots.

My favorite ring shot of the day

My something old and something blue... the locket on my bouquet was a graduation gift from BM Breeze when I earned my Master's degree and is engraved with my maiden name initials. I wear it almost every day. For the wedding, I slipped in a picture of my dad, so that he could walk down the aisle with my mother and I in spirit. Only me, my mom, and our photographer knew it was there. That was the advantage for me of a locket instead of a clear frame- it wouldn't make any family members sad.

My something new (Vera Wang Princess perfume) and something borrowed (my mom's beaded purse from the 1960's... the ivory pearls matched my dress perfectly!)

A sneak peek of my "Rachel" garter by Etsy seller Gmarasa!

The girls' dresses (B2 by Jasmine in Indigo) and my veil

(from Etsy's Bella Bridal Veils) waiting to be worn...

And finally, my dress (Casablanca 1827) in all her glory. I only went on one dress-shopping excursion, with my mom and Breeze, and when I got this dress on, I didn't want to take it off. I had a mental list going in of things I didn't want: strapless, lace, anything but white. This dress is strapless, lace, and ivory. And it was perfect. I knew flowers would be a strong feature in my wedding and loved the floral pattern in the lace and the subtle but gorgeous pearl beading. The sweetheart neckline won me over, and the train had me swooning. With each alteration, the dress got even more beautiful as she became more uniquely mine. The lace, color, and style were all really inspirational to me as I shaped the vintage Southern theme of the wedding. I could hardly wait for the girls to hurry up and get dressed so I could put my dress on!

I was almost as excited as George was in The Wedding Singer!

(animated picture from LJ community gifgiving)

* All photos by Lesley Wray

When did you start to feel like your wedding was really happening?

Sunday Simplicity #34

2011-09-11T09:01:00.000-04:00

Sam DePoy-Warren

Our Wedding: I whip my hair (into shape)

2011-09-10T15:37:00.001-04:00

I wish I could say that I had all DIY projects finished a week before the wedding. Nope, I was still working the morning of. I got up early to wrap ribbons around the handles of our bouquets. There may have been some other last-minute projects, but if there were I have blocked them out. Once we had eaten breakfast and showered, BM Philly and I threw some Tom Petty into my car's CD player and hit the road.

Roanokers reading these posts know that this is a magical box. And this is what greeted us when BM Philly and I got to Salon 7 to get beautified...

Blue Collar Joe's doughnuts! Seriously, they are heaven. Dense, cakey goodness. I had a red velvet to start the day...

And my sweet mama, who'd already gotten her hair poufed to Southern perfection, was kind enough to go next door to Pete's Deli (also one of my favorite 'Noke spots) to get me a cup of coffee. Either that or she was tired of watching me yawn like a velociraptor.

Brittney had gotten to the salon early, because her hair is fine and silky and does not want to be curly. She had already gone from looking like this...

To looking like this when we arrived. She was sitting under there for a looooong time, and got to read three whole magazines. Feel free to ask her about fall trends, dating advice, and the male anatomy.

BM Philly's beautiful blonde (yep, that's her real color) transformed from soft and straight...

To a shiny cascade of ringlets!

Finally, it was my turn. Our stylist (Breeze's aunt Sissy!) took my hair from wavy to a curly, Mrs. Earrings inspired half-updo, trimmed with hydrangea hairpins I'd purchased last minute from Anna Panik on Etsy. They made it to Roanoke from Israel with really impressive speed and were just what I needed to feel bridal that morning.

Sissy said I was one of the calmest brides she'd ever seen. Philly and I had to hightail it to the War Memorial to start setting up before the photographer and the boys arrived...

Finally, Breeze got to get out from under the hairdryer, and her hair was perfect!

All photos in this post by myself and Aunt Sissy!

Our Wedding: I Heart Thrifting!

2011-09-09T15:36:00.004-04:00

Our wedding incorporated a lot of DIY and thrifted elements. Since we did not hire a wedding planner, we were able to have total control over the design of our wedding- but had to get creative about how to get the vintage-inspired, elegant look we wanted on a tight budget. That's where thrifting and DIY came in, and it was a nice coincidence that our wedding date was I Love Thrifting Day in Roanoke!

Chalkboards

Venue Photo

I had fallen in love with the idea of menu chalkboards after seeing them on lots of bridal blogs and in magazines, but ready-to-use chalkboards can be expensive. Like many brides and craft bloggers before me, I discovered chalkboard paint. To create each chalkboard, I bought picture frames from Goodwill, spray painted the frames with ivory Krylon spray paint, distressed them with sandpaper, and then painted the glass with chalkboard paint. I used a chalk marker for the lettering.

Venue Photo

This frame had a great pattern, so I sanded it quite a bit.

Milk Glass

Venue Photo

I collected milk glass for months before the wedding, and it was all from local Goodwill stores! I found that the best store for large pieces like the ones shown here is the Westlake Goodwill, but I also found quite a few pieces in Vinton.

Venue Photo

The "milk glass" cake stands were a cheat- they're actually from Pier 1. But the vases are thrifted!

Books

For our centerpieces, I looked for books with wedding-related titles, like Bartlett's Words for the Wedding, shown above, covers in our wedding colors like Ultimate Wit here, books with significance to our guests, like Coal Miner's Daughter on my mom's family's table, and books we personally love, like the Harry Potter series and Catherine Marshall's Christy.

I found these initial mugs at Ross.

Our wedding party's table had a Nicholas Sparks book because MOH Breeze and I love him!

How have you incorporated thrifting into your wedding or other events?