i love first times!

they are always memorable, right... completely blissful!  i realized this week, i was kinda having a few...

like using the luxurious { Radiance } by Robert Kaufman!!! hello... yummy, silky/ satiny, smooth, heaven made into a fabric!  i seriously can't even imagine the fighting over the quilt made with these between my boys!  hugh... maybe this was a bad idea??  shit.

picked up my first purchase of Tula Pink's Prince Charming at Sew Mama Sew this week too! i have a few Princes in my house ( wink, wink )!!

started my first EVER quilt kit from the Fat Quarter Shop!! i'm such a fan of Sweetwater girls at Moda ( met them at market and they are awesome, just sayin! ) someone is going to get one hell of a present for Christmas this year!

OOoohhhh yeah... even ironed and prepped a few quilt tops laying around ( i'm never that organized! ) hahaha...

and i totally recognized... that this will be my first table topper EVER! period.  why have i never made one before??...

and the grand finale... i totally bought yarn and hooks! can you just die...?? yeah, me too! but, i saw this super cool online, tutorial thingy on Pinterest... to teach you how to crochet in one month starting on Oct 1st and thought... time to pull up those big girl panties Heather! so here's to either succeeding or drinking heavily! ( either way...  i'm a winner!! )

( click the here to find out more if you're interested! )

shoot... i'm having some fun over here!! hope you all do too this weekend!!

Xo, Heather

Unity Ceremony Alternatives

Lately, brides have been asking for other ways to incorporate the unity ceremony into their wedding.



They think that the unity candle and sand ceremonies are a bit overdone. Here are a couple of my favorite ideas for those of you struggling.



The wine and love letter ceremony. Here, the bride and groom will write each other love letters. During the ceremony, they will place these love letters, other mementos of their relationship, a bottle of wine, and two glasses into a custom box of their choosing. The couple will seal the box together during the ceremony as well. Then on their 25th anniversary they will open the box unless they come across a rough spot in their relationship and need to be reminded of why they united themselves in the first place.

The Oaks

The knot ceremony. The bride and groom will braid some sort of cord during the ceremony to symbolize them coming together. Many couples have also tied their hands together with ribbon or something else meaningful to them. I like the braid, because it makes for a nice keepsake after the ceremony.

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Again, personalize it to you! If you can think of some object that is extremely significant in your relationship, you can probably incorporate it as a unity ceremony!

Personalizing Your Bouquet

We have had several brides recently who personalized their bouquets with family heirlooms. I thought that this was such a sweet idea, another great way to personalize every detail about your wedding!

Ashley's Mother's Lace Trim was added to her bouqet... Photo by Caroline Johnson

One of our clients had lockets attached to her bouquet that had pictures of her Grandparents and Great-Grandparents who had passed. This way they were with her every step of the way!

Russell Martin Photography

Another one of our awesometastic brides hand-tied her bouquet with a piece of her mother's wedding dress. So sweet!!

Photography by Lindsey Tropf

Another way you can personalize your bouquet is to tie a handkerchief to it from a grandfather who passed away or even tie a family bible to it. You could incorporate many different heirlooms into your bouquet, it will mean so much more to you and your family!

Thoughts on Proverbs

We humans, as a rule, enjoy seeing others look bad. Give us a good scandal and even just an embarrassing scenario, and we’re all set. Why else would a race spend so much time and money on the National Enquirer, American Idol, Dr. Phil, Judge Judy, and other venues for public humiliation? Why would fictitious characters, like Hercule Poirot and Perry Mason, be admired for their ability to tease out embarrassing facts about even the most immaterial witnesses? I can’t imagine many things worse than having my love life analyzed by a homicide detective or litigation attorney who’s obviously bored with his job. But one person’s living nightmare is another’s entertainment, and as long as we personally aren’t the target of gossip, we believe everything’s okay.

I wonder if commercialized humiliation desensitizes us to its severity. If we laugh at someone on television, maybe it’s easier to use each other’s deepest, darkest secrets for our own gain. Whether through a well-planned slip of the tongue or well-timed public announcement, knowledge is power, and it can help us boost a case – weak or strong – in our favor. King Solomon warns against doing this. By far, Proverbs is my least favorite book of the Bible, primarily because it’s unclear just how wise sayings are supposed to be interpreted and applied in our lives. (And it’s also partly because early on I realized that I’d be a very “quarrelsome wife”!) But I think that Proverbs 25:7b-10 (ESV) provides a practical lesson:

What your eyes have seen do not hastily bring into court,
for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret,
lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.

I suppose there are a number of ways to interpret this passage, but I’d like to focus on the third line. The NIV says it even better: “do not betray another’s confidence” (v. 9). That might mean refraining from gossip or settling potentially-embarrassing suits out of court whenever possible. It also would prohibit taking cheap shots at your opponent by revealing information irrelevant to a case brought before the court. There are plenty of opportunities do damage to another’s reputation in divorce cases, paternity suits, and other legal annoyances. However, we shouldn’t take advantage of a single one. In other words, we’re not to mimic the antics found in courtroom dramas. Every precaution should be taken to avoid the needless embarrassment of others.

That’s a whole lot to swallow. To start, maybe we need to ask ourselves why someone’s secret needs to become common knowledge. If we as Christians truly cared about the other person, why expose them? Why intentionally betray their trust? “For their own good” is my paraphrase of a popular answer. The dissenting view begins with a reference to Christ’s conversation with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42), arguing that people need to hear the awful truth about themselves. This argument has no foundation. Jesus actually follows Solomon’s instruction by talking to the woman one-on-one about her messed up life. He didn’t wait until the well was crowded with other young women collecting water.

The same applies to the times when a prophet condemns a king in the presence of his friends and advisors, or when the apostle Paul refers to the sinful behavior of particular church members in his letters. Those people were accomplices or parties relevant to the situation. No one was hearing anything about which they didn’t already know. They were directly involved somehow, such as in asking Paul how to deal with a rebellious fellow believer.

I don’t deny that there will be times when private information is accidentally revealed. I also don’t deny that there are times when secrets must be shared in public for a problem to be resolved quickly and completely. However, I’m concerned about our own motives for cutting each other down. When winning at any cost is the goal, we justify a “take no prisoners” approach. But that’s easy. Too easy. Having real compassion, however, is a challenge, one that far too many people prefer to avoid.

opposites!

sometimes they don't attract, really... they just simply piss you off. my brother is the complete opposite of me... i don't even think i need to go there with you all, but i'd imagine you can get the picture clearly enough! so, when he asked for throw pillows this year for his Birthday and i made them... after another classic episode with him this past weekend, this is what he got.

my passive aggressive, older sister, spanking... hence, the Opposites Pillows! OOOhhh... yeah, with a backing of rotten tomatoes! i think he'll learn a valuable lesson about how he treats me! :P

now that that's out of my system... it's back to some lovely fall crafts! deep breath... LOL

Xo, Heather

Personalizing Your Ceremony

As you know, your wedding is supposed to be all about the bride and groom. Knowing this, it would be a great idea to try and put your personality into each part of the wedding, including the ceremony.

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You can write your own vows, pick unique readings and bible verses, even pick family members and friends for singers (just don't ask me to sing, I'll scare everyone away)! You can even incorporate a family tradition into it, such as a saying or poem. The ceremony, just like any other part of the wedding, should be personal to you.


The ceremony is also a great way to tie in your culture, whether you are Irish, Polish, Hispanic or whatever, you can use your background to add another personal touch with cultural proverbs, songs, and traditions!

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Inspiration Board: Teal and Yellow

I love the colors teal and yellow together, they are so bright and summery! So I decided to make an inspiration board out of it. These colors would make the perfect fun, summer wedding! Tell me what you think!

Bouttonnierre; Cake; Maracas; Bunting; Dress; Frame

Oaks Park Quilt.

Thanks for all your sweet messages towards the mini situation i experienced last week!!  hahaha... i wasn't in the car when it was hit, so really... it could have been so much worse, it's hard to complain about the inconvenience. :) 

however, i did get a minute to finish up my Oaks Park baby quilt this weekend, and i will admit... it's a bitter sweet ending for me. i rarely make baby size quilts, cause i have no babies!   but, i'm going to try to brake my rule more often to get a chance to play with my yummy Heather Ross fabrics!

now that this quilt is finished, and i'm loving it, but again... have no baby,  ( bleh )... it really would be silly to keep it. ;(   so, hopefully when i put it on Etsy... someone will buy it and love it as much as i do!?? hehehe...

i can't wait to see what happens this week! LOL

Xo, Heather

Late Night Treats

Lately, I have noticed that a lot of couples are deciding to do late night snacks for their guests who stay to party! I really love this detail and it makes for a memorable night for your guests.


A couple of great late night treats that I adore are McDonald's Cheeseburgers and maybe some fries, Krispy Kreme donuts, and Chick-Fil-A! Yummmmmm! Your late night treat should probably be something fast foodie and filling. By this time of night your guests are probably a little bit tipsy and just want something easy and quick to satisfy their craving.

RSVP Catering

I love it with the milk! So cute!

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Mmmmmm cookies and milk, even betterer!!

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Whatever treat you decide to use, your guests will love it and leave happy and content!



This post is making me kind of hungry, five guys for lunch? Yes!

A Week of Unique Treats Finale

When it comes to your wedding favors, I definitely like the idea of something edible. This way, you know your guests can and will use it eat it. This being said, we love the idea of being creative about it and not just do the traditional chocolate gift, even though chocolate is amazing.


I will end the unique treats week with a very unique edible treat that I haven't seen done before, but it's so dang cute!!

Fortune Cookies!! You can leave a fortune for all your guests and personalize it with your names and wedding date. Food and fun, you can't go wrong!



What favors did you use at your wedding? Did your guests love it?

me!

i really do love me! i love my crazy adhd, manic, loving, loyal, urban personality. it's what makes me... me! it's also gives me the appreciation for what i'm not, which gives me the ability to love you! EVERYone is unique and brings a different flavor to the party... damn. it's just right, right! LOL

i finished up my out lining of my newest tattoo today... and i also had my car smashed in, in a hit and run. and that, folks... it what keeps you balanced between super cloud nine and reality. it's a ridiculous mix that may only suit me, but that's cool... i'll still take mine any day of the week! ;)

so instead of looking at my own art being created, i'll be looking at your's the next couples days and gazing with an extremely, jealous nature.. wishing i could be with you having a blast!

have fun this weekend kids and... yes, i still think it was a fab week! shit happens, no big deal!

xo, Heather

A Week of Unique Treats 4

Part 4 of our unique treats brings me to a favor that one of my clients used. It is absolutely adorable and delicious for your guests! Here it is..

Photography by Lindsey Tropf

Honey!! I really really loved this, and the bride also placed mini photos from their engagement session on each table, you can see it in the top left photo. I think that detail and the tags added such a nice personal touch.



Glenda chose to use local honey, it's delicous, and she supported local business -a win-win-win!

it's not my fault!

it's Emily's! that clever minx has me not eating, barely running, and juiced up on caffeine just to keep up with my mind while playing with her fabrics! it doesn't matter though... i can't stop, better just cave. hehehe...

i think my youngest is really going to lOVE his Christmas present!

and since i'm a girl... i had to make a bag out of the laminates!

ps... Emily is checking on the release date on these bad boys! :)

because i was working with laminates... i didn't use a pattern, but here is my inspiration for it!! i'm off kids... way too much fun over here to stay on the computer long! LOL

Xo, Heather

When the Price Is Too High

I teach basic economics to college freshmen. When the supply and demand model is first introduced in my lectures, invariably there’s a question about those poor souls who are unable and/or unwilling to pay the market-determined price. How can a situation that results in many people going without food, clothing, or cellphones be efficient when it’s clearly not socially optimal?

The same question might be asked about the relationship market (or the marriage market, as the case may be). Depressingly low sex ratios, high rates of male incarceration, and a number of other factors create a society in which women, regardless of race, religion, or socio-economic status, feel pressured to “put out” more than they would like to just to gain a nanosecond of masculine attention. What does it take to bring about a more preferable outcome?

There are a number of ways we can go about to lower the price. Eliminating the competition is one option. During the Middle Ages, many baby girls received a one-way ticket to a convent (to be used when they were grown, of course). Today, Christians admonish each other to give up the search and instead to “be content in the Lord.” Some feminist-leaning academics try to change consumer preferences by reciting all the reasons why men are defective goods. Yet, the end result is generally not decreased consumer demand. Demand stays put, and the only change is that would-be buyers feel guilty about going shopping.

Another option, of course, is increasing the supply. The market is opened up to foreign producers. Women start shopping for men outside their racial, religious, and socio-economic preferences. The requirements of “tall, dark, and handsome” are replaced with “breathing and not currently in prison.” Some women discover that what they thought they didn’t want is what they really wanted all along. Others “settle” with something less desirable. And others still leave empty handed, muttering about the prices. Why? For every new sub-demographic of men considered, its female counterpart is there aggressively bidding up the prices. Instead of finding yourself competing with two women for one man, you’re competing with ten women for three men and pretending that your odds have improved.

By now, dear reader, you’re protesting that I’ve reversed gender roles. However, please bear in mind that every buyer is a seller, and every seller a buyer. For the men, they are looking at high price tags too: their freedom. When an average woman starts singing “Put a Ring on It,” from the perspective of male shoppers, they’re being asked to “cough up a lot of dough” for a product that they didn’t really want. Solitary confinement starts looking really good.

So, we’re back to square one. There are too many men and women left single, unable and/or unwilling to pay the price it takes to find someone special in today’s unregulated market. What do we do about it? Appeal to the suppliers’ consciences, urging them to pass up opportunities to profit and instead provide discounts for low-income buyers? In other words, compel people to enter relationships on unfavorable terms in a spirit of sympathy and self-sacrifice. Men wouldn’t demand sexual favors. Women wouldn’t demand fidelity. We’d have an alternative universe filled with irrational people unmotivated by wants and profit. Any takers? I’m guessing not.

People desire intimate relationships. That’s the way we were made. Unfortunately, romantic attention is more often than not a scarce good. It’s like water in the Sahara. When the price is too high, we’re forced to either pay up or abandon the market for this basic necessity. Is it any wonder why some will risk “life and limb” to “spend an arm and a leg” for it?

This has sad implications for today’s young women. There’s nothing more heart-wrenching than being a perpetual wall-flower in the dance of life. Onlookers – often comfortably attached themselves – just shake their heads in disbelief, watching girls making unwise exchanges: (unprotected) sex for brief attentions. Yet, given the current state of things, this behavior is rational. They are freely paying the going rate – perhaps higher than they’d prefer – for something they desperately want. Unless and until key factors within the market fundamentally change, we can’t realistically expect the girls to change their behavior. Whether it’s Tickle-Me Elmo, Nintendo Wii, membership in an exclusive club, or a first kiss, it’s difficult to convince someone something precious to her is not worth fighting for.



This post was written for the No Wedding No Womb 2011 Campaign, organized by So Cal’s own Christelyn Russell-Karazin. The purpose of this mega-blog event is to spread awareness about out-of-wedlock births within the African American community and inspire black girls and women to initiate change. Head over to the NWNW site to catch other bloggers’ perspectives on this issue.

A Week of Unique Treats 3

For part 3 of unique treats week, I would like to feature The Roche Shop. They do all sorts of wedding favors but one in particular that I love is decorative soaps!



They can make them in any shape and for any occasion, and they are really cute! Again, this is a favor that you know your guests can and do actually use!

Aren't they beautiful!!

A Week of Unique Treats 2

A second unique favor that I absolutely LOVE and your guests will too is cotton candy! I like the idea of giving guests something that I know they aren't just going to take home and throw in a box or in the trash.

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And it's just fun, don't ya think?!

Joan Allen Weddings via Style Me Pretty

Just a fair waring to our Florida brides, cotton candy and humity do not get along... so beware!

another week...

another start to a quilt! LOL this one has been a long time coming for sheba ( in want and in time ) :P postage stamp quilts are one of my all time favorites, since they have that lovely simple/ yet sophisticated effect when finished!!! sigh... i'm really going to love him.

sending out much love to my friend Elizabeth and her generous spirit with her friends... without all her lovely fabric gifts she bestows on us... this quilt would be lacking in contrast for sure! xoxoxo

i have a sneaking suspicion... this is going to be a really good week!

xo, Heather