Wife. Boy Mom. East coast girl living out west. Breast Cancer survivor. Now dedicating my life to exercise, eating well, & living for each day. Owner of Details by Sarah Elizabeth.
I'm fairly set about the look I'm going for with my hair. It doesn't stay curled when down (hello- it's humid in August), and I have a 5-head when it's slicked back. So a slightly messy, but contained, up-do that's not too up. Does that make sense? I'm pretty sure it does- as 85% of the blogs I read have this sort of look for their hair. I would cry if I looked like I was heading to prom (have you seen me? I already look 17 without the curly up-do). Please see Louise's inspiration board of what her hair should NOT look like. So smart! Here's some of my inspiration pictures...Please let me know if you have a recommendation of someone who can do hair like this in Nashville....{Mrs. Lemonade}
{the bride room} *there's some confusion about the Dave Barnes comment from Sassy Bride. She's responding to a comment I left on her blog*
This necklace is so much fun. I picked up a copy of In Style Makeover today at the doctor's and it was filled with this new trend. I love the idea of pairing a super fab necklace with a plain white tee or tank. Black would also look nice. This dress just speaks for itself. Yes, it's incredibly trendy and the style won't last for long. But at this price? Why not have some fun!
This clutch caught my eye earlier today, and I'm having trouble resisting. They got me with the ivory bow exterior, then I saw the inside picture. Blue? Hello bridal! I'm at the point where I'm starting to rationalize purchases based on their usage during the wedding. "Yes, I'll definitely use that afterward"....You know exactly what I'm talking about. Feast your eyes on this little beauty! Did you get (or are you planning to get) a special clutch for the big day? If so, did you really use it? Please visit their Etsy site for more goodies.
If you're in Nashville, you know how much it rained yesterday. Yucky, yucky day. I proudly sported my Hunters on my daily errands. Elizabeth Messina has the cutest post of a "rainy day" wedding. I love the nostalgic look of the bride in wellies, and her loving groom carrying her. Hop over to Kiss The Groom for more delicious pictures of this adorable shoot.
This necklace from Diane Warner, a Nashville native, would be a wonderful bridesmaids gift. I love the simplicity of the pendant, yet it could also be dressed up. What are you all getting your maids for their gifts?
We're heading to the jeweler this week to work on our ring. Yesterday's meeting got canceled because Mr. SE had a late night at work. It was his first day being a boss! Anywho- I definitely want a 6 prong solitaire, round diamond. Simple right? Not so quick, it's difficult to find the perfect set of prongs. Please notice the Tiffany ring (top), their prongs are sheer perfection. Not too thick, and they let lots of light to the diamond. The second ring (White Nile) has prongs that are much too thick. So here's the line we're trying to straddle- thin prongs to let light in, not too think that they're not secure. I'll be sure to report back after our appointment.
Ladies, I hope you're so excited for the Elegance Bridal Gala. I know I am! This event is going to be fantastic, not like any bridal show you've ever experienced. Do I sound like I work at a circus? The booths are going to be interactive and vendors will really take time to speak with you. The best part? It's little black dress attire. How fun!
I've already posted about how we'll carry our rings, so it's no surprise to you that we're not having a ring bearer. However, if I was....I would love for him to carry this delightful pillow! The bride made this herself, using vintage handkerchiefs from she and the groom's respective home states. I can't remember for the life of me where this is from, so if you know please post in the comment. I like to give credit where it's due.
What's your favorite DIY project from your wedding? And if you haven't done it yet, what are you planning?
Last night I got to meet Jessica, Budget Savvy Bride. Seriously, she's every bit as cute in person as she comes across on her blog. And creative to the max! She spoke about areas that she and her husband saved money while planning her wedding. For instance, they wanted burlap table cloths but they ran $40 a piece. Not for this lady- she went to the farmer's co-op and bought a roll of burlap for all the runners for $40. You go girl! After hearing her speak, I was so inspired to have some budget savvy craft projects of my own. I'll be attempting to make these pomanders myself- blush, of course. I'd love to hang them on the shephard's hooks that line Cedarwood's walkway. They'd also look great on the pews during the ceremony. Would we have time between the ceremony and reception to repurpose? I hope so. Please vote in the form of a comment...
Pomanders: A. All pomanders different shades of paper (blush, sand, pink, etc) B. Single shade on each, but several of each shade
If you know me personally, you know that I can't get enough of my Google Analytics (even though I will strongly argue that Yahoo is far superior in terms of search engines). That being said, I'd like to give a warm hello to my special readers who always put a big dot on Suffolk and Asheville. Love you two, miss you more. This picture is making me want some margs at Monterey. Ole!
Ladies, don't forget to sign up for Engaged Nashville! The event is going to be next Thursday- I can't believe it's coming up so quick. This is going to be such a fun night. There will be complimentary catering and cocktails, along with presentations by Jessica from Budget Savvy Bride and Kristin from Simply Stunning Events.
When: Tonight!!! at 7p-9pm
Where: Aloft Hotel in Cool Springs
What: Ashley's Bride Guide’s night out for Nashville brides - to connect, share ideas and have fun! Down South Delights will be catering it and Aloft is putting together a complimentary infusion tasting…. So this will definitely be one tasty night.
Who: Any engaged women (21+)
Please let me know if you'd like to be added to the list. Don't worry that it's last minute, we just need to have you registered!
{at least we'll have longer to practice our dance moves}
Mr. SE and I have officially set a date. Our first date (April 10th) encountered several snafus with Cathedral availability and a very short engagement. We're much more comfortable with this date: mama SE will be retiring at the end of next school year, so she'll be available to visit and help over the summer, Christmas and Thanksgiving won't take up 2 months of our engagement, and hopefully we'll be settled in our new house.
So for all of you ladies getting married so soon (I can't wait to see pictures!), you'll get to enjoy blogging from Chez SE for another year! Yes, I love you too!
*Louise kindly pointed out that I didn't specify the date...it's August 14th, 2010.
Since we've changed our date again (it's official I promise- but more on that later) we won't be needing shawls anymore. But I'm still in love with this image. Perhaps other cool-weathered brides could use this for their guests.
I'll go ahead and jump on the Paloma's Nest bandwagon. Mr. SE and I must have one of these for our ceremony. Because it will be Catholic (more on that later), the Deacon will bless our rings. This would be the perfect vessel for that!
And for after the wedding? This would look darling on a vanity (earrings or change), or next to a sink (ring bowl). At this price, I think we'll take one for every bathroom. What's your favorite Etsy find so far? How darling is this "home" bowl? It would be perfect for a housewarming gift!
I'd like to do something along these lines on the doors of our church. There's a great tutorial on Weddingbee about making them yourself with faux moss and foam letters. It's definitely something you could work on early and keep until the wedding. Did anyone else incorporate their initials in the wedding decorations?
I'm in love with both of these bouquets. So carefree and effortless. I'm leaning more towards the bottom image for my own wedding, but the top picture still makes me swoon!
You've heard The Future Mrs. Smith sing her praises, now I'm about to as well. Emilie Friday rocks my socks off! Her work is lovely and utterly fantastic. Her prices are great. $75- hello? That includes the digital file, but printing needs to be done yourself. I'm trying to locate a local print shop that'll do these for us. My printer has a mind of its own, and I wouldn't want it to destroy our lovely invites. What do you think? I'm dreaming of cream (ecru) with peach writing. Tres chic, non? Ps- I went to The Unabridged Bride last night. You should kick yourself for not being there! The panel of speakers was amazing. CJ, Ashley, Marie, and Liza (the amazing organizer). Liza had us do some great exercises to focus on what's really important in our planning. And I finally met Louise, she's just as cool in person as she seems online! I'll be sure to post about this later today.
I have a gift card to Pottery Barn from graduation. I'm thinking that we're going to register for white-ish china. This bowl would be a great edition to any kitchen. I'm so excited!! I'll take a picture when I receive it. Emma Fruit Bowl
Brides, you are going to love this! Everyone is taking pictures at your wedding, but it takes the professional photographer awhile to get his pictures back to you, and you might never see the pictures your Aunt Sally took. Solution? Canditto! {I was not asked to endorse this product}This little nugget is fantastic. Your guests put their memory card into the designated slot, and it automatically reads pictures taken within the last 8 hours! There's no need for them to clear the memory card, this little baby reads all the wedding pictures and leaves the rest. Darcy Miller (MSW) does a great job explaining it- I'll let her do the rest.... "What’s a girl to do? Simple. Rent a Canditto. This lovely device corrals all of the digital photos your guests take (it’s set up to only grab images from within the last 8 hours) and puts them all on a little thumb drive. You can rent it for a week, so you’ll get all the photos from any of the events you’re planning before and after your wedding, too.
The new model just came out earlier this month. It costs $450 to rent and it includes shipping. It arrives on a Tuesday, and you have until the following Wednesday to send it back. You just pop your camera’s memory card in and wait for the light to change from red to green. No buttons, no switches. It even comes with a little how-to so your DJ can announce how to use it on the spot. Or you can post a link about it on your wedding website so your guests know about it before the big event.
As long as you place it somewhere highly trafficked and your guests know how it works, you should end up leaving your wedding with an additional gift—instant gratification!"
Great news ladies! I just read on Yahoo.com that Renee Zellweger and the cast will begin filming Bridget Jones 3 in the fall. I loved both 1 and 2, and especially Pride & Prejudice for which they are based. Who else is excited? I'm hoping it'll be out next summer. Read the deets here.
Ladies, don't forget to sign up for Engaged Nashville! The event is going to be next Thursday- I can't believe it's coming up so quick. This is going to be such a fun night. There will be complimentary catering and cocktails, along with presentations by Jessica from Budget Savvy Bride and Kristin from Simply Stunning Events.
When: Thursday, July 23 at 7p-9pm
Where: Aloft Hotel in Cool Springs
What: Ashley's Bride Guide’s night out for Nashville brides - to connect, share ideas and have fun! Down South Delights will be catering it and Aloft is putting together a complimentary infusion tasting…. So this will definitely be one tasty night.
You already know I love every. single. one of your dresses. So now you have to go and advertise them in my exact palette? I'm pretty sure I just had a heart attack when I laid my eyes on this beauty...YES PLEASE!!!
The wedding is over, the last dance has been danced. This is how I picture our romantic getaway.{the knot}
And this is how Mr. SE pictures us leaving...Well ladies, marriage is all about compromise and picking your battles. Looks like we'll be leaving in a Lamborghini- as long as there's one for rent in Nashville. Mr. SE's wishes for the wedding are as follows: Leaving in a Lambo, Catholic ceremony, and 8+ of his closest friends as groomsmen. Ceremony, check. Lambo, check. Groomsmen- we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
If I can't have a getaway in a romantic car, at least I can wear a romantic (and chic) dress! Here's one I'm loving right now.{nordstrom}
I put our date into The Knot today....So according to their checklist there are 270 days until April 10th. Alright, I'm cool with that. However, there are apparently 184 things for me to do, 32 of which are already overdue! How is this possible? I'm pretty sure that TK and I are going to be frenemies over the next nine months. Did anybody else get stressed to the max by these virtual checklists?
I know you're not supposed to do it- but I can't help myself! This blouse (BR) and these shoes (Piperlime) are really tempting me. Perhaps I should treat myself. Why the treat? I got a job!!!!
Readers, here's a special tip! Subscription's to Real Simple (1 year) are on sale at Amazon.com for 5!!! What's better? I had a credit for $1.55 and got mine for less than $4. Horray!!!! Thanks to Jessica at Budget Savvy Bride for sharing this deal!
Although I could never understand the pain of this family, I honor and respect the service that their son gave to our country. It's easy to lose sight of the really important things, when we get so wrapped up in our own day to day lives. This video really struck a chord with me, and made me stop to realize where I'm mixed up in my own ignorant of what is and isn't important. Please take a moment to say a prayer for this family, and other families effected by our military engagement overseas.
What is your current obsession?
-My blog: finding great ideas and cute goodies to share with other people
-Cooking: I never really cooked before college, but now I make a homemade meal almost every night!
-House Shopping: We're trying to close before Nov 30th. New homebuyer tax credit WOOT WOOT!
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
What’s for dinner?
Linguine and clams. We eat it every Monday while watching The Bachelorette.
What would you eat for your last meal?
Something with pasta, or maybe pizza. Definitely a dish from the carb family!
What was the last thing you bought?
Gas at the Shell Station. I know, not very exciting.
What are you listening to right now?
A lot of Dave Barnes, Taylor Swift, and Michael Buble.
What’s the best gift you have ever been given?
My Westie, Duffie, for my birthday in 2007.
What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip
What do you think of the person who tagged you?
Louise is such a welcome voice in the blogging world. She’s not afraid to give her opinion and tell it like it is. I love staying updated on her planning and reading her hilarious posts! My favorite so far was the Chinese bathroom.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Tropical beach. Mr. SE has never seen a clear ocean, I’d love to show him that!
Which language do you want to learn?
Mandarin so I could compete for jobs globally, Italian because it’s beautiful and I’d love to visit Italy.
What’s your favorite quote (for now)?
The one on my header- so true, and I often lose sight of that.
What is your favorite color?
Blue(s)
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?
My black Calvin Klein pumps. I just got a new pair, my old ones were from 2005 and still looked great!
What is your dream job?
Working from home, so I could be with my children, on a blog. Preferably cooking, parenting, wedding, or decorating related.
What is your worst habit?
Biting my cheeks and clenching my jaws.
If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
Savings- boring again.
Do you admire any one’s style?
Reese Witherspoon
Describe your personal style?
Classy staples with some trendy accessories thrown in. J. Crew meets Banana Republic, and their love child would be Forever 21. That’s my closet.
What are you going to do after this?
Work on my scrapbooking- I’m still on Christmas pictures!
What are your favorite movies?
Sex and The City, When Harry Met Sally, Pretty Woman, Sweet Home Alabama, Bridget Jones, Gattaca
What is your favorite fruit?
Watermelon, Blueberries, Blackberries
What inspires you?
Mr. SE: he has such a positive outlook on everything. He’s always looking for the good in everything; it’s definitely something I wish I could do more often.
Your favorite book?
Maya Angelou: Letter To My Daughter. Pride and Prejudice, The Crucible. Yes, my 11th grade English teacher (Ms. Bucco) would be proud!
Do you collect something?
Too many clothes. I’ve started collecting watercolors of places I traveled.
What is your favorite smell?
Clean laundry- but I also really love Clorox cleaning products!
What are you most proud of?
My life I’ve started here in Nashville. It’s been challenging and difficult to move to a new city and create a new life. But Mr. SE and I are partners in crime, so I know he’ll be there for anything.
How many times do you press the snooze button before you get up?
Once, but I’m such a light sleeper I wake up at the first noise of an alarm.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I’m allergic to cats but Mr. SE loves them. More on that drama to come.
What’s your biggest fashion mistake?
Bangs (ugh middle school, how I hate you)
What do you look forward to coming home to after you’ve been away?
Mr. SE
Love is…
Being able to forgive and “always loving in the morning”. It’s an inside saying with Mr. SE and I. We say that we’ll agree to disagree and argue sometimes, but I’ll always love you in the morning.
The Future Mrs. Smith, a fellow Nashville bride to be, tagged me for the Honest Scrap Award. The rules are that you need to list 10 things your readers don't know about you. Then you tag 10 other bloggers to do the same....
1. I’m an only child
2. I can drive a manual transmission- my parents made me learn before they let me get my license
3. I’ve lived in the same house since 1988 (except for college)
4. In my short life-span of 22 years, I’ve already had 4 ankle surgeries. Two in Virginia and two at Johns Hopkins in Maryland. Fun fact: my Hopkins surgeon did Terrell Owens’ surgery too. Booya!
5. New strip malls are my favorite- I love to guess what stores are coming in! (hopefully a bagel place)
6. I’m left handed (Mr. SE is excited about the possibility of our left-handed children becoming pitchers)
7. When we order pizza, I always pick pepperoni off the top before we pick our slices. It’s so hot and gooey- I love it!
8. I’m a nerd. I’m very good with computers and enjoy making all kinds of lists in excel!
9. Cool tones are my favorite
10. I favor a good shift dress over a business suit. I own way too many BR suit dresses and I love every one of them.
I'm fairly set about the look I'm going for with my hair. It doesn't stay curled when down (hello- it's humid in August), and I have a 5-head when it's slicked back. So a slightly messy, but contained, up-do that's not too up. Does that make sense? I'm pretty sure it does- as 85% of the blogs I read have this sort of look for their hair. I would cry if I looked like I was heading to prom (have you seen me? I already look 17 without the curly up-do). Please see Louise's inspiration board of what her hair should NOT look like. So smart! Here's some of my inspiration pictures...Please let me know if you have a recommendation of someone who can do hair like this in Nashville....
{Mrs. Lemonade}
{the bride room}
