Work hard. Play hard.

Here recently the weather has been absolutely gorgeous. But, if you are anything like me, work doesn't end just because its a beautiful day and the sun is shining. And to be honest, that is perfectly fine with me. I absolutely LOVE what I do, and don't know what I would do without my work. Here's some quotes and sayings I've found via Pinterest that definitely motivate me to stay on the grind! 

Happy hump day! 

Party Animals.

Birthdays are always a great reason to celebrate. And I am definitely one in favor of throwing a birthday bash— whatever the age! So, it is only natural that I LOVE dog birthday parties. I mean, why shouldn't your furry friends get spoiled on their birthday?! Here's some super-cute ideas to show your pooch some love on his or her birthday:)

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The first thing you should decide is whether you're throwing the party inside or outdoors. Once you've decided this, it's time to invite people (and pups) to your party. You could invite guests informally, or make it more special and send out invitations. 

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As far as entertainment goes, there are many options, dependent on the location of the party. If you're throwing the party indoors,  a good idea is to give each four-legged guest a toy to keep them entertained. Other ideas are to have a talent show (each dog showcase its best trick), a fashion show, or a look-a-like contest to see which dog and owner resemble each other the most! If your throwing the party outdoors, the possibilities are endless! Frisbees, balls, tug-of-war, agility races— all great ideas! Also, a kiddie pool is something great to have if it's hot outside so the pups can stay cool. 

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Now comes what will probably be your dog's favorite part of the party: birthday cake. Seriously, what's a birthday party without cake?! Bake some cupcakes pupcakes or doggie treats that will have your pooch begging for more!

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When the party is finally over, don't let your guests leave empty handed. Doggie bags are perfect party favors! 

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Now that I've convinced you (hopefully) to throw your pup a party, check out this E-card that is quite fitting for this post. 

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Cork It.

My recent blog on Out with the Old. In with the New. got me inspired for this post, only because I am obsessed with finding any opportunity to up cycle. Wine corks are a perfect item to repurpose. There are tons of fun projects that incorporate wine corks in some creative way. So…..the next time you are considering whether or not you enjoy drinking wine a bit too much, just remind yourself—a couple more bottles and some great memories later, your home space could be filled with DIY projects that are all your own, using one common item: wine corks. Here are some of my absolute favorite ideas!

{chandelier}

{monogrammed letter}

{corkboard}

{wreath}

{backsplash}



Pretty Cakes.

Wedding cakes are a beautiful focal point for anyone's big day. If you’re looking to do something a little different, some fun options are cake pops, cupcakes—even a pie bar! But, a classic wedding cake never goes out of style! Here are some cakes that I could just eat right up!!

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Heads Carolina. Tails California.

I cannot begin to express how much I want need a vacation. And with the weather warming up, I can’t help but find myself with beach on the brain. But, what really has me vacation dreaming are these chic and trendy travel bags I’ve found—a sure way to travel in style.

{Ralph Lauren}

This printed canvas shoulder bag is stylish, comfortable and super practical. And I LOVE that it is so versatile. It's neutral enough to be paired with colors, but bold enough to stand on its own.

{Kate Spade}

This bag makes a statement...literally.  Anyone who has had a hangover can definitely appreciate this bag. Vacations are all about a good time, and this tote is a symbol of just that. Pure perfection!

{Kilim}

Vintage with a navajo design, this bag is just my style. It is the perfect size to carry your essentials for any weekend getaway. Get in my closet!!

{ASOS}  

This leopard print leather tote is a MUST. I love that it is functional, lightweight and stylish. The best part, it can complement any outfit. What more could you want in a travel bag? 

Wedding Money Savers.

With all the events and weddings I’ve planned, I have definitely learned a thing or two about how to save some moolah! There are so many things that go into throwing a successful event that you really have to take some time and figure out how to stay under budget—without compromising your vision for your big day! Here’s some great ideas for wedding money savers that are a sure bet to keep you from spending more than you have to =)
 

1. Hire a planner.  The right planner!  We don’t want to cost you an arm and a leg, we want to save you money.  IN FACT, we know a lot of vendors who feel the same way.  Trust us, we’ve talked to a lot of people in town – we know who offers the best bang for the buck!  

 {We throw a MEAN PARTY!}

2. Use someone else’s décor.  We have a TON you can use!  A whole warehouse full, in fact!  And if you’re doing this yourself, find décor a friend bought and borrow hers (but be nice, maybe throw her a few dollars for helping you out!) No need to buy 100 glass vases when someone else has them handy!

{These add up fast!}

3. Eliminate waste. Check out one of my recent posts GREEN Weddings to get the scoop on how to eliminate waste and go green when planning your wedding!  

{Save The Date post-card}

4. Carefully assess what you spend your money on.  We recommend couples make a list of what is most important to them and what is least important.  Spend your money on the things to make your most important thing shine.  For example, if having a fun dance party is important, pay the cost for the DJ or band you want.  If food and booze is important, pay what is necessary for a great taste.  Skrimp on the linens or the cake, something less important to you! 

 {Open Bar} 

5. Don’t save money on some things.  One word: pictures! Find the photographer you want, and make it work.  You will not regret this.  Your pictures are ALL you have of your big day. Do NOT, I repeat DO NOT hire your cousin who has a pretty nice camera to do your portraits.  You WANT those fun, candid shots.  Also, on this same note, go the extra step and hire someone to do your hair and makeup.  You have to look at these pictures for the rest of your life.  YOU WANNA LOOK GOOD ON THE MANTLE!  

 {One of our FAVORITE photographers}

Turn the Page.

Being that I’m in the events business and pregnant, I do not get many moments for R & R. My days are mostly jam packed with meetings, deadlines, and anything and everything baby related. Needless to say, I rarely have a spare moment to sit back and enjoy a good read. These days, I only have time to read baby books—in the rare hours I read anything! But, when that day comes when I can immerse myself into a good book, these are at the top of my list to read:

1. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) - Mindy Kaling

“She’s like Tina Fey’s cool little sister. Or perhaps… the next Nora Ephron.” —The New York Times  

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2. Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead - Sheryl Sandberg

 “Lean In poses a set of ambitious challenges to women: to create the lives we want, to be leaders in our work, to be partners in our homes, and to be champions of other women. Sheryl provides pragmatic advice on how women in the twenty-first century can meet these challenges. I hope women—and men—of my generation will read this book to help us build the lives we want to lead and the world we want to live in.” —Chelsea Clinton 
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3. The Feast Nearby: How I lost my job, buried a marriage, and found my way by keeping chickens, foraging, preserving, bartering, and eating locally - Robin Mather

“Robin Mather invites us along on an extraordinary journey: a yearlong migration from loss to discovery, from her familiar life to a new world of satisfaction and joy. Reluctantly trading job, marriage, and city life for a new beginning in a lakeside cottage, she learns to live bountifully and generously on little money by focusing on the kitchen, and by relying on neighbors and friends. If you want to learn about preserving food, making chèvre, and raising chickens, here’s your delicious hands-on primer. If you simply want a moving story handsomely told, this is your book, too. You’ll end up wonderfully fed, body and soul, and clear on what it means to live well.” —Nancie McDermott, author of Southern Pies

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4. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald - Therese Fowler  

"A tender, intimate exploration of a complicated woman." —Library Journal

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5. My Foot is Too Big for the Glass Slipper: A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life -Gabrielle Reece 

"I read My Food is Too Big for the Glass Slipper in one sitting and loved every second of it. It's blunt, honest, hilarious, and inspiring. Everyone who is married—or thinking about getting married—should read this." —Courteney Cox

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