Do-it-yourself ADHD

I tend to change my mind, a lot. Just pay attention closely and you'll notice I change my mind about 62 times every 5 seconds, not to mention the 62 projects that I have going at the same time.... and the 62 I plan to start "tomorrow." One thing that I can say about all of these projects is that my main motivation is the pictures that I want to see after the wedding. It might be weird, but I'm more photo motivated than real life motivated when it comes to the wedding (besides the part where I get to marry Mr. O).

This addition of DIY ADHD has to do with the little ones in our wedding. I talked about what I wanted them to carry in the previous post and I mentioned that I didn't love the FG basket. Actually, I find it really fugly (after a few days to think about it). What I really want is an awesome pomander for her to carry that magically dispenses petals. Cue the creative brain. First, I ventured to the wonderful world of Weddingbee Boards to see if anyone has ever seen a "pomander basket." The answer was something like, "No but that sounds cute..." but I did get some suggestions on how to execute it.

{See! Adorable picture.}

{Another adorable little girl w/ a pomander via Weddingbee Classifieds - these are fake flowers!}

I headed to Michaels to get a styrofoam ball and I walked out with over $100 worth of merchandise. I feel a pattern evolving. When Mr. O gets back I'm making him go to the store with my list to avoid any overindulging in craft supplies! I digress...

I purchased the 8'' ball. I was a little afraid that it was going to be too big thatswhatshesaid but then I remembered I made a pomander (reception decoration say whhhattt) a while back and it turned out perfect size.

{personal photo - I know you were wondering who the professional photographer was.}

Then I decided to dig into the project (pun totally intended). Now, I like to think I'm crafty but what you're about to see is mildly embarrassing. Below is my first attempt to scoop out the "bowl."

{Yes, that is a screw driver. Yes, this was a fail.}

I'm really not sure what I was thinking. It probably had something to do with my DIYADHD (I hear they're prescribing stuff for that soon), but at the time it sounded brilliant. I'll just stab the screw driver in there... it'll be great. Um, no. While I was working really hard stabbing and not making any progress I was brainstorming what else I could use. Then, I had my "ah ha" moment.

{I tried to find an ice cream scoop, but apparently we only have very large spoons}

This method of spooning *hehe* worked much better than screwing?? That set up way too easily. Anyways, I ended up with styrofoam all over the place, but I was okay with it because I think it's going to work!

{It looks pretty ugly here, but I promise there's some nice bowl action going on.}

I want to use real flowers, but after seeing the 2nd inspiration photo I'm thinking that fake flowers could give me the same look I want (read: cheaper). I also ordered the petals from Oriental Trading Company that will be concealed in this puppy. I'll test those out and follow up afterwards.

DIY Sunday

My schedule is back on track and Sunday (at least 1/2 of the day) is being utilized for DIY projects again. Yay! Today, I made a trip to Jo Ann Fabrics and Micheal's with my list of supplies in hand. Huge Sales and they have iPhone apps with all of their coupons!  I was able to purchase everything that I needed + some. Seriously, who doesn't buy cardstock when it's buy one get one free?! Oh, you don't.... never mind, then.

Thanks for the picture, mayanrocks.com!

When I got home I organized all of my purchases and decided to dive into some Flower Girl and Ring Bearer projects. I started out with the FG basket. I would talk about a tutorial that I used if I had actually used one, but I didn't. I just made it up and I have to say I'm wondering if I'll actually have our FG carry it. It's not bad, but I just have something specific in my head and I'm not sure I pulled it off. I'll revisit the project somewhere down the line and see what I think at that point.

I made the RB pillow, too. I actually really like it. I think it'll be nice for our RB to carry down. I added a bow around the button to attach the "rings." I say "rings" because they won't be our actual rings. I like to consider them as stand-ins that will add more cuteness to our RB's ensemble.

The button in the middle is lime green.

A little color goodness on the backside of the pillow.

The last project that I worked on was a test run. I've been trying to figure out what to do for table numbers. Everything, before now, has just not done it for me. Today, I tried something and I heart it! It's currently on my desk right now and I keep looking at it and thinking about how much I like it. haha :) Perfection! I don't want to spoil the surprise but it does have to do with vellum and picture frames. Owww!! Ahhhh!!!

**Mid-August has come and gone and there has been major progress! The trip to South Carolina was super productive and helpful. It was a very busy weekend, but that included a meeting with the florist and 2 catering appointments. I haven't signed contracts, but I'm just waiting to hear back from them with official numbers.

Mr. O hard at work.

**We're over halfway through the deployment! I also found out on Friday that Mr. O made the boards for Career Designation! That is amazing news and I'm so excited for him because I know that's what he wanted. I haven't been able to talk to him so I'm not sure if he knows or if he's super excited or anything. I can't wait to congratulate him!

The Beauty of Making a Decision

It sounds so much easier than it actually is: Just decide! That's too simple, isn't it? Today, and for the last few times that I've visited the wedding to-do list, I can't make a single decision! Trust me, there are plenty of things to decide on. I just can't do it!

So far the biggest thorn in my side has been the bridesmaids dresses. Not because I don't love my 5 lovely ladies, because I do! It's just super, super hard to make a decision about something that has everything to do with someone else. The only trouble is, you're making the decision and then asking... basically telling... them to pay for it! I struggle with this. Yes, I want something that I like and all of that but it is important to me that they like it, too.

My family was in town this past weekend. After I got done trying on my dress for the first time **more on that later!!**, and doing a lot of spins while grinning like a child, my sister tried on A LOT of bridesmaids dresses. We have narrowed it down, once again, but I think I just need to decide and roll with it. So far, I haven't second-guessed any decisions that have been made. What do I need to do? Oh yeah, "Just decide!" Seriously, the beauty of making a decision is that you don't have to think about it again and you can mark it off of your list!

Today, I was dragging my feet about blocking off hotels. HOTELS! I knew it was a good price and location for all of our out of town guests. I even knew that I wanted to block it off, but I just kept checking, double checking, and checking again.... for WHAT?! So, if that gives you any idea about how indecisive I am about things that other people have to pay for, you can see why I'm running into trouble. Thank goodness for my mom, who finally was sick of hearing about it and told me to reserve them. *Thanks, Mom!*

Oh my! I feel like I've written this post 30 times and I'm sure if I reread all of my posts I'd find a time or two where I have mentioned it before. Moving on... for now...

 Excuse my "I'm tired and don't care" face. Check out those tabs!

I have done a lot of reorganizing! I went through my wedding binder and got rid of all of the ideas that were no longer interesting to me and make a ton of more tabs! I feel SO organized and love it. However, I think I need a bigger binder. Ha!

 The one bag that I made that took me forever to do. No thanks! DIY fail!

I also started a new DIY project and then decided to stop because it was taking a ridiculous amount of time and turns out, I can't sew. I take that back, I CAN sew. I'm just not good at it and this project would have taken months. I'm not interested in all of that, especially when I have much more important things to make! Not to mention, I found some awesome Etsy sellers that are so affordable.

I need to get back to the Sunday invitation routine. I've just been busy doing fun stuff (not to say making our invites isn't fun) and haven't had a solid Sunday to work on them. This weekend, that will change!

*My dress!!!! I love her. She loves me. It's definitely a love/love relationship. I hope it stays that way. I won't see her again for a lot of months, but oh-em-gee I adore her. Yay!*

 He's handsome.

**Mr. O is doing awesome and makes me proud every day. We're coming up on the halfway point of the big D. Holy cow, that's awesome! There is one thing that I'm not digging about Mr. O: he currently has a mustache. That's GOTTA go! lol

I'm trying to keep him updated about wedding planning as much as possible, but not much movement has been made recently. In mid-August I should have a ton of more things to discuss: food, flowers, invites, etc...**

A Callus Builds Character: Invites Part I

From the very beginning of the wedding planning process, I picked out things that I wanted to do myself. Invites were on that list. I, initially, picked out a design from DIY Bride Magazine but it was ruled out quickly. It was almost too DIY for me & looked cheap. I, of course, didn't realize this until I started looking at blogs, magazines, more blogs, and then some more magazines. Soon after obsessing looking at all of these beautiful designs, I changed my mind once four or five times & finally decided!

I've been trying to figure out what the best process was to make the measurements and cuts. After some serious trial and error, I finally found a system! I put a lot of time into them today (while watching WE Wedding Sunday!!) and I feel like I made awesome progress. I'm making them one step at a time and once I get one step done, I'll start the next. That way, I don't have to keep remembering steps & it just makes me feel more accomplished!

I believe that I have the beginning steps of a callus on my finger. That X-acto knife will get you every time! Ha! I'm about 25% done with the first step and this is only my second day working on these beauties and only the first day that I've felt good about HOW I'm making them. It felt good.

Now that I've started a new job *Ehhhhh! :)*, this is going to turn into my weekend (probably Sunday) project for the next few weeks. Hopefully, once I get through this tedious part, it'll be smooth sailing.

Since I think that all blog posts deserve photos, I'll leave you with some invitation inspiration (say that out loud, it's fun).

I <3 Etsy: Katie-Did Designs

This came from WeddingBee, but I don't have the link. Oops!

I <3 Etsy: Little Lady Company

Concepts II Completion

A lot of inspiration! Now, you can see why it took me so long to narrow down what I actually wanted. I can't wait to mail these babies out! .... in approximately 7 months. Ha!

The best of friends... Having so much fun together!

 

If you need the visual to appreciate Disney as much as I do, your wish is my command.

Or maybe you prefer a little Hangover action.

Okay, so here is what I'm getting at: I have the best friends in the whole world. I hope that you all have friends that email you in the middle of the day or late at night to ask you if THEY can make you something amazing for your wedding. Seriously?! Of course you can!

Recently, I had one of my amazing friends email me to tell me that she found something on Etsy & wanted to know if I wanted her to make me one because the price tag was a whopping $200! Uh, yeah... I do. :) I am already visualizing where I'm going to put this masterpiece!

This happens a lot! For the most part, anything that I have wished to have at my wedding (besides a pony.. lol jk.. I don't really want a pony, dad. ;)) has come alive, at least in theory. Even things that I didn't even know I wanted have now been added! Everyone is willing to pitch in! Last night, I went to an American Legion meeting and the women of the Auxiliary ASKED if they could help me.

I don't want to tell you all my wedding secrets, but know that there are a lot of tricks up these sleeves of mine & I can't wait to show you all the DIY awesomeness that I hope makes our wedding unique and lovely. 

I find it completely humbling that people want to take time out of their own, busy schedules to help me make our day perfect. I'm extremely grateful and if somewhere down the road I forget to tell you, I love you and I appreciate all the things that everyone has done and will do to make the day perfect for both Mr. O and I.

Bayside Bride Military Wedding Giveaway

Hi everyone,

I recently found out that Mark and I are finalists in a giveaway to win some pretty awesome prizes from baysidebride.com! I just got an email from them concerning the voting and this is what is said:

"Voting for the Bayside Bride Military Giveaway begins tomorrow morning at 7am on the Bayside Bride website and will continue until 5pm Sunday."

Easy enough, right? I'd love it if you all found a second to visit their website and vote for Mark and I! Some of the prizes include a cake topper, some custom stationary, assistance from a wedding planner, spa treatments, decorations, and more! The total value of the giveaway is $3,700!!! It would definitely be great to win, that's for sure.

Again, just visit Baysidebride.com starting tomorrow at 7am through Sunday at 5pm.Thanks in advance for everyone who finds the time to vote. Wish us luck!!

Raindrops on Roses & Whiskers on Kittens.

.... These are a few of my favorite things! If you got the title reference, you get 10 points!

Had anyone told me a year ago that I'd have a love for some of the most random things I wouldn't have understood. Now, knee-deep in wedding planning, I realize that I develop minor obsessions over some of the strangest things.

The last few days I've been trying to get as much done as possible since I'm starting a new job next week (Yay!). I've ordered the supplies for our invitations. I'm not ready to talk about that JUST yet, but I will tell you that I'm loving it! Well, no one else is going to have the love for them like I do, but I'm okay with that. I can't tell you how many countless hours I've spent researching cardstock. Cardstock! There's that whole "obsession" thing again.

Enough talking. Lets see the goods! These beauties have left me swooning for the past few hours... or days. Okay, months. You got me!

First and foremost, the fuel to my never ending wedding fire: 

If you're planning a wedding & you haven't checked out weddingbee.com you're crazy.

Beautiful Draping - By Invitation Only... (my DOC - Whoop!)

 

Japanese Masking Tape - Sky Blue Pink

Votive Candles - Honey Bee Weddings

Adorable Vintage-Inspired Striped Straw - Make Merry!

Persimmon colored KitchenAid (the staple for all wedding registries) - Amazon

"When the dog bites, When the bee stings, When I'm feeling sad.... I simply remember my favorite things..... And then I don't feel so bad."