Happy Mother's Day, Mommy Buttons!

I wanted to stop and take a few minutes to talk about Mommy Buttons. I mean, it IS Mother's Day after all...

I feel like I'm probably biased, but I really do believe that I have the greatest mom in the entire world.

From the tender age of about 2 or 3, she somehow managed to put up with my many neuroses (for instance, my food had to be placed in specific locations on my plate, or else I freaked out...I could list a few more, but you might think I'm insane).

She had to deal with this face...I'm not sure how she survived...

Still, she kept on humoring me by cutting my PB&J sandwiches out with cookie cutters (can't have crust!!!) and packing them in my lunch bag with sour cream and onion chips and an orange Hi-C juice box (I ate this pretty much every single day...I was a strange kid). Ah, a mother's love, right?

My family relocated a number of times during my childhood. I had new schools, new houses, and I had to make new friends. Consequently, Mommy Buttons turned into my best (and most constant) friend.

And...to this day she still is! We shop together, we cook together, and we chat like girlfriends on a daily basis. If I need advice, I turn to her. She has always been one of my biggest fans.

So, for the past 11 months, she has been right there beside me during the wedding planning process. From conceptualizing decor, to vendor meetings, to dress fittings and the like, she has been there for everything. And, in a few short days, all of our planning will come to fruition. I'm not sure that I know how to thank her enough for all of her help...in planning and in life in general. So, for now, I just wanted to say -

I love you mom! Happy Mother's Day!

A petaled pomander

Our flower girl is 3 years old. Certainly, it is a precious age, and I have no doubt that she (and her brother) are going to steal the show at our ceremony. Because Flower Girl A is so young, I thought it was safe to assume that she doesn't yet understand the concept of a flower girl, and that they typically scatter petals down the aisle. So, I opted to create a pomander for her to carry. I am happy to report that this was one of my easiest projects to create!

I utilized the following materials:

• 5" styrofoam ball (you can use bigger/smaller depending on what you prefer)


• ribbon (about a yard)


• screwdriver


• silk flowers


• hot glue gun

Now, for the instructions:

1. Using a long screwdriver, carefully punch a hole through the styrofoam ball from one end to the other.

2. With either the screwdriver or another thin instrument (we used the end of a garage sale sign stake that was sitting around), fold the ribbon over the end of the utensil and push through the hole. A loop will be created at one end of the pomander this way, with a tail of remaining ribbon at the other end.

3. Pull the loop/handle to desired length and tie a knot at the opposite end of the pomander (the "tail" end). Cut the ribbon ends to make a tail of desired length

4. Pop the silk flowers off of the stems. Punch a small hole in the styrofoam ball (with either the flower itself, or the end of a pencil, etc.) where you'd like the flower placed. Remove the flower and fill the hole with a dot of hot glue. Place the flower bud in the glue. Let dry.

5. Repeat this process to cover the entire styrofoam ball. Make sure that the styrofoam is not visible at different angles.

Voila! Your pretty petaled pomander is complete and ready for its walk down the aisle with the flower girl!

Did you have/are you having a flower girl? What is she carrying?

Ginormous hair flower: a tutorial

After a multitude of requests for a hair flower tutorial after debuting my ginormous creation the other day, your wish is my command!

A few months ago, you may recall that I showed you my fabulous hair flower find from Etsy. At the time, it was perfect; it matched my dress, had lace detailing and featured some pearls. But, afer sitting on it for a few months, I started to have doubts. I began to think that perhaps the flower wasn't large enough to make the statement that I had envisioned. Since I am not wearing a veil, the flower needs to be my "statement piece," if you will. So...I thought that I would try my hand at making one myself!


1. To start, I purchased an ivory colored peony from Michaels to use for the petals, as well as some ivory thread and champagne pearl beads for the center of the flower.

• Note: make sure you find a flower with loose petals that will detach from the center of the flower (the center piece should come out). If you select a flower with petals that are glued together, you will not be able to get it to lay flat on your head as easily!

2. Pop the flower off of the stem and separate the petals.

3. Next, I arranged the petals in a stack to my liking. I noticed that the flower was a little larger in diameter than I would like, so I also incorporated a trick to decrease it!


4. I took the 2 largest petal shapes and cut them apart so that each petal was separate (or in pairs).



I then used straight pins to fasten them in place, and I sewed a few stitches to hold them to the flower petal shape used for the bottom of the flower. With this method, I was able to maintain the fullness of the flower while simultaneously making it smaller in diameter.






5. Layer by layer, I pinned the flower petals back together in a stack. I used this technique to ensure that the petals wouldn't slip and shift as I was sewing the flower together.


6. Next, I sewed champagne pearl beads to the center of the flower one at a time. I tried my hardest to place my stitches in close proximity so that they were easier to cover up when I finished.


7. I cut a scrap of plain ivory fabric into an oval shape, and sewed a hair comb to it. You could fasten a thin barrette or other clip as well if you prefer.



8. Using a few straight pins, I attached the comb piece to the back of the flower. I then tested the placement of the comb in my hair. DEFINITELY make sure you do this before completing the hair piece; if it is too high/low, the flower might flop around awkwardly on your head! I actually left my comb pinned/didn't finish the flower completely until after my hair trial. At the trial we tested the comb placement, and I was able to adjust to make certain that it was in the ideal location!

9. Using a hot glue gun, attach the fabric/comb to the back of the flower. Let dry.

Annnnnnd voila! There you have it folks, a ginormous hair flower (well, it doesn't HAVE to be huge if you don't want it to. Mine is though)! Although I didn't do it, you could definitely add feathers or other fun flair in between the petals as you are sewing. Make it your own and be creative!

Ok class...questions? Comments? Concerns? Compliments (haha...)?

Pamela Anderson, I am not...

So, I went in to CC's Boutique last week for my first fitting. I won't go into too many details about the experience because I think that all around, many girls have slight mental meltdowns during this appointment. I did. Let's just suffice it to say that when your dress doesn't fit you yet, it is easy to start having doubts, to be nitpicky about every detail, and just to freak out in general.

But, what I DO want to talk about is boobs. Yep, boobs. And...the fact that I don't really have much of them. But...my dress has enough space in the chest for some enormous melons. When I went in for the fitting, the first question the seamstress asked me was if I had a corset bra/other bra to wear. I told her I just wanted cups sewn in (I mean...I have no boobs...I don't need the support!). So, we proceeded to put on the dress, and she stuffed in some 2 inch thick pads into the chest.

After pinning the dress in certain areas (it looks like it will have to be taken in on the sides about 2 inches, and we have to add some nips and tucks to the back so I don't have a saggy looking butt), I walked around the room in the dress, trying to take note of how it felt and if there were any problem areas. I was feeling pretty good, but when I went to do one of those "boob adjustments" where you push your strapless dress up so it isn't falling down, she told me that she thought I would need a corset bra. My heart sunk a bit, but I humored her and said I'd try one just to compare. She whipped one out of the closet in my size and we put it on.

So...let me paint you a picture of the new get-up. I am corseted into this bra device...which is already padded. The seamstress then proceeds to hand me the 2" pads again to stuff inside the bra. Um, what? Seriously, this increased my chest size by about 3 inches. When we zipped the dress back up, it certainly was more secure...but I looked as though I had had some work done...

So, I'll be honest here. I'm not one of those girls who wishes for bigger boobs. Really, I'm not. I think I look perfectly proportional, and I just don't feel the need to make myself look more...enhanced...when everyone I know is aware of what I look like on a day-to-day basis. So, after looking long and hard at myself in the mirror with my increased chest, I told the seamstress that I didn't want the corset bra on top of the sewn in cups (I have to have SOMETHING in there, apparently). We took it off and I was able to look at myself again in the mirror. I was happy with what I saw...whew! Now...I just have to wait a few weeks to see the changes at my second fitting. Oh...and I'm sure you'd like some photos about now...your wish is my command!

My fabulous hair flower also managed to make an appearance...

Someone is going to have a heck of a time bustling my dress...although it looks simple, it is going to be a complicated process!

After everything was all said and done, I did start thinking about what transpired at the shop. Do all seamstresses attempt to force added boobage on you, or is this an isolated incident? Why would they automatically assume that I want a bigger chest? Did you run into this problem at your fittings? Did you feel pressured to add more padding/enhancement aside from what nature provided you?

Well this just stinks...

Do you know how you have those times during your wedding planning that are all sunshine and rainbows and unicorns? And then...at other times you may experience some periods of cloudy skies and storms?

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I currently have an ominous rain cloud over my head. Let me explain...

Remember how I gushed about the amazing honeymoon that Mr. Buttons and I had planned at the Rockhouse hotel?

Well, to put it bluntly..."it ain't happenin."

Mr. Buttons recently started a new job, which is great (yay for employment!), but not so fabulous for our travel plans. Technically, our wedding/honeymoon would fall within the 90 day probationary period for the new job, and they don't normally allow vacation time during that span of time. And, surprise surprise...when Mr. Buttons asked for the time off (he had informed them upfront in his interview), he was told that there was no justification to take time off for that.

Ok, fine. I get that it is a probationary period...but getting married is kind of a big life event, right? They are even telling Mr. Buttons that he has to come in on his "weekend" in order to be off work on the day of our rehearsal! They won't even give him one measly day off for his wedding. And, sadly...Mr. Buttons will have to report to work a mere 48 hours after our wedding takes place. So, you can imagine what that did to our travel plans.

Thankfully, we are able to get our full deposit back for a very small fee...and we hadn't booked flights to Jamaica yet. So, the good news is that we aren't losing a ton of money because of this. The bad news: we aren't going on a honeymoon, and we have no idea when we will have the chance to go on one. This makes me a very sad panda.

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Now, before you think I am just a sulky mess all of the time (although, I will admit, I have been having a little bit of a pity party for a while...but I think that I am completely justified), I'd like to think that there will still be sunny skies on the horizon for us. Mr. Buttons and I are going to have to tuck that refunded money away for safe keeping, and attempt to reschedule at a later date...hopefully sooner than later! Also, this means that we will be able to move into our new apartment right after the wedding (ok, so moving isn't exactly the most exciting task ever...)! When we were originally planning the honeymoon, Mr. Buttons and I were going to have to bunk at one of our parents' houses for a little while until a lease could start (because we didn't want to pay for a week of rent if we were out of town)! But, our lease is now starting at the end of May. Hopefully, we can take some time to move a few big pieces here and there in the days before the wedding...we shall see!

Did you experience some bumps in the road with honeymoon planning and vacation time? Did you have to postpone your honeymoon at all?

Attempting to look pretty in pictures...

Oh hey there hive...have you been noticing how infrequently I've been posting lately? Well, if you haven't noticed, just keep going about your daily business. If you have; my excuse is that I'm currently working 6 days a week and trying desperately to complete the 1,001 wedding related appointments and tasks before the big day! So, cut me a little slack, pretty please?

I do have some exciting-ness to share with you about my upcoming weekend. The Stillettos are going to be in town, and the wonderful Mr. Stilletto and I are going to be meeting up to take some photos! If you don't recall, he is a wedding photographer (check his work out here) - how exciting! We will be traversing Clearwater beach together, starting at the crack of dawn!

But...what to wear? I've been contemplating the options. Originally, we wanted the photos to include Mr. Buttons, but he has to work (sad face!). So, it is just little ol' me! To start...perhaps a pretty blue maxi dress paired with a large pendant necklace...

Forever 21

Forever 21

Maybe a cute tunic top over a pretty bikini?

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Victoria's Secret

For some hair inspiration, I might look to the lovely Cameron Diaz. Perhaps some sexy volume would work well?

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As of now, I'm still searching for some more inspiration in the wardrobe department, but I'll be sure to share with you what I selected after the shoot is complete!

What types of outfits would you want to wear for a beachy photo shoot?

Making healthy substitutions: morning and afternoon

Ok. It is time to speak the truth. I don't care who you are, but SOME part of your overall wedding day happiness will involve your appearance. Whether you are hitting the salon for a fancy updo and makeup or doing it yourself, every bride wants to feel beautiful on her wedding day. I know that this is true for me. And...part of this wedding day beauty for me involves not only my face and hair, but how my body looks as well. I know, I sound like a broken record of pretty much any bride out there, but I want to look HOT! So sue me. No wait...don't sue me - that is the opposite of the point I'm trying to make (The Office, anyone?)!

Annnnyway...when I started thinking about how to achieve the physique I desire for my wedding day, inevitably one thing had to come into play: what I eat.

Ugh. How I wish that candy and french fries were considered "healthy" foods.

Now, I don't necessarily consider my eating plan a diet...I see it more as a series of healthy substitutions. I don't particularly like to decrease the amount of food that I eat, because that is no fun, and I LOVE food. Plus, starving yourself is just not healthy! However, if I make smart choices most of the time, it makes me feel good, I look good, and I am still able to partake in some delicious treats now and then.

So...what do I eat? Come on along and I'll show you...

Breakfast

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Mmmm breakfast! Images of pancakes, waffles, omelettes, and poptarts start dancing in my head. Delicious, yes...healthy? Probably not the best. I used to buy boxes of reduced fat strawberry poptarts to bring to work for breakfast. Why, oh why did I do that?

So, what did I substitute this with?

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If I'm in a hurry, I make some Quaker instant oatmeal (I like the lower sugar apples and cinnamon option). I add an extra shake or two of cinnamon, and a scoop of raisins. However, if I have time, I do like to make the real deal, with a small spoonfull of brown sugar and cinnamon. I also like to slice half of an apple into it and add a scoop of raisins, but you can get really creative with what you add! Sometimes, I make a larger pot of oatmeal and save the extra in the refrigerator for the next day or two. Just make sure to measure out your portions!

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My favorite cereal breakfast is 3/4 cup of Special K (I love the cinnamon pecan or the chocolate delight one...mmm) topped with 3-4 tablespoons of vanilla yogurt (I prefer Dannon Light & Fit). I know, this sounds strange, but it is delicious.

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There are some days that I wake up and I am just not very hungry. However, as I'm sure your mother told you, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." It really is...you have to get your metabolism started in the morning! On those days, I make sure that I eat SOMETHING. Typically it is either a Dannon Light & Fit cup or a piece of fruit or two.

Mid-morning snack

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I usually pack a mid-morning snack with me when I'm at work. Sometimes I don't partake in it, but at least I have an option if I am ravenous. I know it is difficult to resist the treats that others bring in to the office sometimes. My old office had donuts, bagels, and muffins laid out in large quantities every Friday...I usually grabbed something because they were tasty. Bad Miss Buttons.

Instead, I substitute this:

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Yep. An apple. Or a banana. Or a pear. Or grapes. Whatever I have in my house that day comes with me. Its not quite as fun as a donut, but it is a much healthier choice.

Lunch

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Its classic lunch food: a sandwich and chips. Sounds innocent enough, right?

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Or, how about a nice salad with grilled chicken if you are out for lunch with some coworkers or friends?

My substitutions:

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Cold cut sandwiches can be great, but I attempt to limit my carbohydrate intake (note: LIMIT, not eliminate). If I am making a sandwich with bread, I tend to make it with only one slice of bread, but I stuff it a little fuller than normal with my sliced turkey breast and veggies. I also have taken a liking to using English muffins or sandwich thins (both found in your grocery store's bread aisle) in lieu of bread. I don't like to buy a loaf of bread, because I end up eating it like a ravenous beast if I'm left alone with it. So, sandwich thins and English muffins are a great substitute! In lieu of a bag of delicious potato chips, I opt for one serving of pretzels (yes, I count them...) with 2 tablespoons of hummus.

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I am a big fan of Sabra hummus; it is thick, smooth, and flavorful. I personally love the "supremely spicy" flavor.

I don't make substitutions with salads, for the most part, but I make one important change: I request my dressing on the side. Yes, I am sure that you've heard that tip a million times, but it is so important! Restaurants can sometimes be extremely heavy handed with dressing, and even though you are eating veggies, all of that creamy caesar dressing is doing you no favors. Instead, I lightly dip my fork in the dressing before I take a stab of lettuce/veggies.

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If I desire something warm for lunch, I like to eat soup. Personally, I like to make my own (if you make soup for dinner, you can always double the recipe and freeze some for later use). I try to always buy the lower sodium chicken broth (Swanson makes it), just to help reduce my salt intake. However, if I don't have any on hand, I am a fan of the light Progresso soups.

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Yes, there is probably a bit more sodium in there than I'd like to have, but they are filled with vegetables and are low in fat and calories.

Mid-afternoon snack:

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I used to eat M&M's. Oh gosh, how I love M&M's. I am notorious for buying that enormous 5lb bag with the ziplock closure. I would eat them by the fistful in the afternoons when I needed a pick me up. I soon realized that this was probably not the healthiest of options, and searched for an alternative.

My substitutions:

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Mini bags of Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop. Oh my, I don't know if I can express to you accurately how much I love these. Each mini bag of Smart Pop is only 100 calories. And, even though the bag is "mini," there is a TON of popcorn in there! I try not to stuff my cheeks like a chipmunk and instead I attempt to eat the pieces one at a time. Another plus? Popcorn is whole grain, so it is better for you to eat than say, a handful of pretzels.

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Yogurt: yep...again. Can you tell I love yogurt? In the afternoon, I sometimes choose a Dannon Light & Fit. Also, I've started eating the Breyer's 100 calorie YoCrunch cups as well. The cheesecake yogurt with graham cracker crumbles to sprinkle in is pretty tasty.

Or, if all else fails:

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A piece of fruit...nature's candy...and if I'm feeling extra hungry, I may throw in a small serving of Stauffer's animal crackers. Because I love them.

Ok...so there you have it! My healthy switcheroos for the morning and afternoon. Next, I'll get into some dinner-related substitutions, and we'll even have some dessert (yes, I promise! I do eat dessert every night)!

Have you made some healthy substitutions in your day-to-day diet? Are there any morning and afternoon switches that you would suggest?