"Take Over Control"

One of my new favs. Makes me wanna go to a club! Enjoy!

Let's go take a ride in your car

I will take the passenger seat

Baby, we don't have to go far

Unless you wanna show

Me a lovely place out of town

Where you feel most at ease

Well you are the one that I like

Always will be

I think it's time to let you know

The way I feel when you take hold

One single touch from you, I'm gone

Still got the rush when I'm alone

I think it is time I let you know

Take all of me, I will devote

You set me free, my body's yours

It feels the best when you're involved

I want you to take over control

Take over control

Take take take take over control

Oh oh oh, I want you to take over control

Plug it in and turn me on

I want you to take over control

Take over control

Take take take take over control

Oh oh oh, I want you to take over control

Plug it in and turn me on

Baby, baby, can't you see?

That I'm giving all of me

So, it's up to you now

We could let time pass away

I'll make an excuse to play

But, it's up to you now

Just wanna fulfill your needs

While you're taking over me

So, what do you want now?

Take a picture, make a show

'Cause nobody has to know

All the ways that we get down

I want you to take over control

Take over control

Take take take take over control

Oh oh oh, I want you to take over control

Plug it in and turn me on

Oh, oh whoa oh

Oh, oh whoa ooh oh

Plug it in and turn me on

Oh, oh whoa oh

Oh, oh whoa ooh oh

Plug it in and turn me on

I want you to take over control

Take over control

Take take take take over control

Oh oh oh, I want you to take over control

Plug it in and turn me on

Oh, oh whoa oh

Oh, oh whoa ooh oh

Plug it in and turn me on

Oh, oh whoa oh

Oh, oh whoa ooh oh

Plug it in and turn me on

It's in the bag - Bridal Shower Gift

I tend to hate giving items off of a person's registry. I mean yes.....its stuff they need/want, but it seems so impersonal. I really like to give things that have meaning and something that the bride and groom will remember for a lifetime. I mean really, 30 years from now are you going to remember who gave you that crystal vase or your set of towels that you got rid of 25 years ago? Probably not. So my mom and I came up with an idea. A Honeymoon beach bag! Filled with all the necessary items that any couple would need for a perfect day on the beach. My mom had a kit for a really large bag, 15 x 24 or something like that! So we got to picking fabrics and she went sewing away.

Of course she didn't stop there. Oh no, she had extra fabric so she went and made a little clutch to hold any various items that one would need: Cash (for those Umbrella-ed Fruity Cocktails on the beach), chap stick, hair ties, room keys.....etc. Complete with a zipper and a wrist strap so as to not lose anything! (My mom rocks!)

I had the idea to put beach towels in the bag and embroider them. I saw them being sold online, but it was over $40, plus shipping?!?! What? My mom and I could do this better, with a better product and it would be completely perfect! We went to the store and found some chaise lounge towels, only to realize (after we had embroidered on one already) that they were different sizes! AH! Since my mom had bought the last one we went on a internet search looking for them.....well we found one......in Inglewood. My mom and her cousin took a day trip (an experience that they wont soon forget) to pick up this bad boy so that both the bride and groom would have matching towels. Of course as they are lying on their lounge chairs in the Bahama's nobody will have any question as to their Newlywed status as Mr. & Mrs. are embroidered in contrasting colors along the foot of the towels. Yay!

Groom Towel

Bride Towel

Both of them together!

Of course the bag wouldn't be complete without the his and hers "Just Married," that leave impressions in the sand, flip flops. Also included in the bag was bottled water, sunscreen, hair ties, chapstick, a rhinestone hair clip (for the brides hair to be sparkly) and a disposable underwater camera. Of course they will need their sunglasses and swimsuits, but other than that they are prepared for a perfect honeymoon in paradise!

We know that the newlyweds probably wont pack all these items to bring with them on their honeymoon. We just wanted to include a nice and unique piece of ourselves for them to remember.

It's all in the details - Country Shower Decor (Part Two)

As you read in part one, a party is all about the details. This is the continuation of all the crafts that I have accomplished for the upcoming Blue and Yellow Country Bridal Shower. The next task on my to do list was the banners. My original thought was to make them pennant style similar to this, but after careful consideration of wording and layouts I decided a distressed look with a black background and jute rope to hang them would be best. With my moms handy dandy Cricut machine, the cutting of the letters was a breeze and I went to work distressing, gluing, hole-punching and hanging them

Some of the letters

The wonderful Cricut machine!

Letter attached to card stock

Distressing and black backer card

All done and ready to hang

The next item was to figure out a way to make the silverware seem a little more inspired. I took a simple clothespin, and tied some curling ribbon to the end. I will clip the silverware together with the clothespin either to the bandanna napkins or just lie them on top. How we will set it up is still up in the air.

Clothespin with Curling ribbon

All of them

The next couple of tasks were completed by my friends mother. She took raffia and wire ribbon and tied them around the mouth's of the mason jars to add a pop of color and dimension. She also tied fabric ribbon around the flower filled mason jars that we will use for the centerpieces and various items around the space.

In process of being ribbonized!

Centerpieces done!

Then of course was the assembly of the S'more kits. I knew I could get the hubs to help because he would get a s'more or two out of it. So we went about wrapping the chocolate and and assembly line of stuffing, putting on the Thank you tags, and the raffia bows. I am so excited as to how CUTE these babies turned out!

Of course will all the yummy goodness that is going on, I had to make some signs for the guests to know what is what. (not like they wouldn't know, but again.....all about the details!) Again with my trust Photoshop and cutter I went and I distressed them too!

Everything is coming together! I can't wait to see the house decorated and the bride to have the shower of her dreams! Stay tuned!

To see the completed party please visit my recap post! 

It's all in the details - Country Shower Decor (Part One)

As most people know....when it comes to party planning its all about the details. Whether they are purchased or handmade, that extra little touch usually goes a long way. My girlfriend really lucked out when she asked her mother, our good friend Mrs. R (a fashion designer) and myself (an interior designer) to be in charge of planning her bridal shower. She thought that having a "country" inspired backyard barbecue would be something easy to plan and no stress involved....but little did she know to what extreme the 3 of us were going to take it! Add a little of my mom and you have a creative explosion! In need of some necessary tools, the hubs and I made a trip to my parents house to have a crafting extravaganza weekend!  My mom calls it "Creative Clutter."

I awoke Saturday morning bright and early with many ideas buzzing around in my head and the thoughts of all the tasks that I needed to accomplish. First off was to trim and fold all the inserts for the S'more kits that I had layed-out in Photoshop. My friend saw this idea on the internet, so I took the idea and ran! I mean it was the perfect Thank You gift for those who attend the shower.

Next was to take on the task of the table runners. Our original thought was to hand-make blue gingham tablecloths, however there was a supply-demand issue....we had a demand, but no supply. So my creative wheels started to spin. What could we do? I contacted my local commercial fabric rep to see if she had any discontinued  memo samples that I could take and make table runners out of. She of course agreed and let me raid her storage unit! I felt like a kid at Christmas, well you know the strange kid that gets excited for getting socks! I got a variety of blues, teals, yellows and golds. My mom and I went to work laying out the fabrics and piecing them together. They turned out AWESOME (in my opinion!) We made a total of 6 table runners to go throughout the event.

The LOOT!

Cutting

Completed

Next item on the to-do list. Thank you tags to go on the thank you gifts. (S'more Kits) My mom has this ah...mah...zing machine.....I don't know if you have heard of it. It's called a Cricut machine. It laser cuts any shape you want! I was able to cut 30 tags in under 3 minutes! I mean seriously! Made my life so easy. With a little distressing and a Thank You stamp, Viola! Instant Tags!

You know when you go to a party, and you get to talking to someone and you put your drink down. Then you walk away forgetting your drink, then you have to get another glass because you don't remember where you left it. Well my next craft project were drink "Flags" with all the guests names on them, that doubled as drinking straws. Some cardstock and a little time with Photoshop and assembly. Now everyone will be able to keep their mason jars nearby at all times!

Stay tuned for part 2....more details to come!

To see the completed party please visit my recap post!

Personal Update

Its really hard to describe sometimes what I am feeling. The elusive "how are you" question usually arises and most of the time people don't really care how you feel. It's just a polite thing to say. So really, how am I? Well that's a matter of a day to day basis. Most days I go on with daily life just living as most people do. But it's those small things that get you, like the truncated domes or a song on the radio. It's been four months. Most people think that four months is a long time, but to me its ONLY been four months.

I had a really hard moment of weakness. My sister-in-law got married last month, and while I was so happy for her, there was that sadness. All I could think about was my wedding day, and how I danced with him and all the things we did. I tried very hard to contain it, but I did have my moments. They were unavoidable. I tried to not make it about me. I tried to be brave, thought that I could listen to his CD one day on my way home, but it wouldn't play in my car. My friend said that he didn't want me to cry while driving. She's probably right. I can't watch movies with father/daughter goodbye's....they make me really sad. I mean I watched The Little Mermaid the other night and at the end when she gets married and says goodbye to her dad I just started crying. I know that this is all normal and part of the healing process, but its hard to swallow. I swear that book "The Last Song" was written about my life....minus the Miley Cyrus and thievery part. If you haven't seen the movie, go watch it....it's good. I just can't ever watch it again without bawling my eyes out. (not like I didn't do that the first time I saw it)

Then there is the guilt. It's not like I don't have my step dad who has been in my life since I was 2! He walked me down the aisle and has always been there for me. I don't want him to feel like I care about him less, because that's not true. I am just having a strong emotional reaction, which is different for everyone. My mom says that he doesn't understand because he didn't have a strong connection with his family. I guess I just need to find the balance for my grief and showing him that I still love him.

I have been throwing myself into projects. Party planning, and such. Just to keep my mind occupied. Luckily I have enough going on between bridal showers, court of honors, bachelorette parties and weddings to go around. But what happens when its all over in October and I don't have a task to focus on? Then right around the corner is my first Thanksgiving without him? Then Christmas? Then the anniversary? Am I getting to far ahead of myself? Probably. Reel yourself back in and take one day at a time. I know that things will be slow to heal and I will have my ups and downs.

Unchained Melody

While perusing my cd's the other day I came across a song that I had forgotten about. One of my favorites and also from one of my favorite movies too. Enjoy this blast from the past.

Oh, my love, my darling,
I've hungered for your touch a long, lonely time,
Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much.
Are you still mine?
I need your love, I need your love, God speed your love to me.

Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea
To the open arms of the sea
Lonely rivers sigh, 'Wait for me, wait for me'
'I'll be coming home, wait for me!'

Are you still mine?
I need your love, I need your love, God speed your love to me

It's all in the details.....Invitations

With another wedding rapidly approaching we had to get on board with all the details for the bridal shower quickly. Once we decided on our theme and they layout of the invitations was "approved" I went to work rearranging them in Photoshop, printing and assembling them. Each teal "dot," which represented hanging lights, got a little glitter. I mean c'mon lets face it every girl deserves a little sparkle, even on her shower invitations. Then I had to tie raffia bows and hot glue them once they were attached to the cardstock.

I love crafting and being creative! It makes me feel good! Stay tuned for other details and the party photos!

A Wedding Weekend in Marina Del Rey

This year has been the year of babies and weddings as I have said in previous posts. But special attention must be paid when it is your baby sister, or in our case my hubs baby sister. Just before he and I wed, my hubs sister met her fiance. They instantly connected and 2 years later he proposed to her. They have spent the last 2 years planning their nuptials and the wedding weekend was fast, but a wonderful experience. In the weeks leading up we had the coed Casino Bridal Shower and of course the bachelor/bachelorette party in downtown. But we knew it was all leading up to the biggest day of their lives. We all met up at their parents house Friday morning to load all the items into the various vehicles, and caravan to the Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey. We arrived, checked in and got some lunch. Then we all prepared to head over to the marina for the rehearsal. We toured the ship and got a feel for the different areas aboard The FantaSea One. Of course everyone involved had been in a wedding before so the rehearsal was as easy as could be. Then we all made our way over to the Cheesecake factory for the rehearsal dinner.

Knowing that I wasn't the maid of honor, I asked the bride if it was ok to say a few words at their rehearsal dinner. I felt that it was necessary that I saw something being that she is my sister. While we waited for our drinks to arrive I was busy perusing my notes. I didn't have time to memorize them, and I tend to forget things when under pressure. So once our drinks and dinner arrived I stood up and gave my toast.

"Nearly 10 years ago I was initiated into the Kimball family, and after almost 6 years they became part of my own. Another set of parents to watch over me, and finally a brother and a sister. When I first met Cailee she was a quiet and shy adolescent with an incredible head for knowledge. Over the years I have watched her grow and shine, and become the beautiful woman sitting here today. After a chance invitation Peyton had been invited over for a party, and from that point on he has been a part of our family. Over the years they have grown as individuals as well as a couple. They have had their goals, Cailee to become a veterinarian, and Peyton to be a chef. They are achieving them without sacrificing their love for one another and that is something to be admired. 

They are perfect for each other in every way. Peyton is generous and kind, always willing to be there for her. Cailee is loyal, caring and always there for Peyton with open arms. After all, that is what love is about. And we are all here to celebrate that love and commitment. Cailee, you know you have found your prince because you not only have a smile on your face but in your heart as well. Peyton you have shown me a new side to my sister and have made her happier than I have ever seen her. I can’t wait to watch your love for one another grow. I love you both with all my heart.

“May your life be long and happy,
Your cares and sorrows few;
And the many friends around you
Prove faithful, fond and true.
May your voyage through life be as happy and as free
As the dancing waves on the deep blue sea”

Congratulations!"

The hubs and I at the RD

The happy couple

Once we had eaten our food and had enough adult beverages, the bride and groom started handing out the gifts to the bridal party. I got a beautiful Crystal necklace to wear during the party and the hubs got a nice Fossil watch. It was very thoughtful.

Once we left the rehearsal dinner we made our way back to the bar for some more drinks and then to the fire pit outside for some talking, reminiscing and just enjoying each others company. I faded fast and had to go to bed around midnight though, as I am old. (Not really but sometimes I feel like it) The day of the wedding we all awoke, enjoyed some breakfast and of course some pampering. We all had our hair and make-up professionally done, and during this time we could stand out on our balcony and overlook the guys, groom included, play basketball and have fun in the pool. It was a very contemplative time for me. This was the first wedding that I had been to since my father's passing and I was thinking about our wedding day and how much I missed him. I tried to keep it together for my sister, but sometimes my weaknesses showed through. Especially during the Father Daughter dance.

The bride was cool and calm all day, just waiting to get aboard the ship and to put her dress on. We left for the ship at 5:00, which was right up the street. We boarded and went straight to the bridal area to finish getting ready. Make-up touch ups and getting dressed. Even grandma came downstairs to get her makeup done. Finally at 6, we started getting the bride ready. We slipped her into her semi fit and flare and hooked all her buttons. She was gorgeous. We took some photos and waited for the cue to walk. Sunset we took our places and made our way up to the top deck. Once we all got up, we focused our attention to the bride, who made her entrance to "My Heart Will Go On" the instrumental version. I glanced over at the groom who had tears in his eyes. I have never seen the two of them so happy. After the ceremony it was photo time, grand entrance and dinner. During dinner, we had a guest hula performance by the grooms aunt and uncle and many many toasts. Then cake cutting and first dance went after, "Marry Me" by Train was the song of choice. Before we knew it the dancing had all come to a close and it was time to go. It was a beautiful day and wedding with lots of attention to details. I am proud to say that I was a part of it and am so proud of mine and my husband's baby sister.

Congrats to a beautiful couple! May your love last a lifetime!