a wedding planning week

So, as you already know, I have a wonderful interest in wedding planning and day of coordinating.
Weddings are marvelous things and I love nearly every aspect about them; from the planning stages of choosing vendors, venues, colors, themes, and decor to the day of preparations and jitters. It's a neat way to become intimately involved in a bride's Big Day, allowing them to focus on the beautiful task at hand (getting married!), while I make sure all of the other things fall into place. It's really a sweet job.

This Fall I have the privilege of working with three weddings in various capacities, the biggest job being an assistant planner for a November wedding. One of the many great advantages to this position, is that you can still get work done even though you have a silly sinus infection (which means the tissue box is my new friend and I have abandoned my conviction about NOT blowing one's nose in public).So, for the next week or so, I will be focusing on gathering inspirations from the felicity collective (LOVE pinterest), making lots of lists, and emailing various persons. It's grand and I love doing it. : )

In other news, I am also planning this month's, yes, you can! installment, any burning suggestions? I have a few ideas in mind and just need to settle on one and do it. Ah, decisions, decisions!

{via}

custom order// pinterest friday and outdoor weddings

{check out this listing here}

Happy Friday, everyone! 

This past week has found me resting and doing a few focused, creative projects as we all recover from the scheduling frenzy that was last week, with lots of crazy late nights and early mornings I'm tired and am taking lots of vitamin D! Praise God, this week has been a wee more relaxed and--contrary to my nature--early morning exercise actually does help to feel more energized during the day (now I must work on making it through the evening!). Tomorrow we're hoping to scurry over to the blueberry patches early in the morning (thus avoiding as much of the sauna-like heat as possible), then enjoying the rest of the day.

How about you?

{source} 

This Fall, I have loads of sweet friends getting married (when it comes to life changing events, I think four friends count as loads), and most of them are thinking of the Great Outdoors for their wedding. 

That has gotten me to thinking about designing and decorating for an outdoor wedding, what sort of style ideas would I bring to the table? How many ways can one create an elegant and beautiful wedding without the comforts of four walls, a floor, and ceiling?

Here are some of my favorite outdoor decor ideas from this board, enjoy!

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I think this idea is particularly adorable, whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors! 

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flying away

Well, my friends, the time has come for a break, a blogging and shop break that is.

The next few weeks will be filled with driving, flying, window shopping, knitting, talking, eating, touristing, and wearing cowls (oh, yes, my friend, you can count on that!); I can't guarantee that I'll be able to blog very much while I'm away from home so we'll just say it's a break. ; )

Due to the wonderful traveling that will be happening in the next few weeks, I wanted to let you know that 

I'll be taking a blogging break until November 1st.

When I come back you can count of fabulous posts like,
Me and My Etsy Story

Brick-and-Mortar Selling: How The First Attempt Went and What I Learned


Things "We" Saw: A Photo Post With My Favorite Sights and People From My Trip.


New Friends and Links


Aren't you so excited? Well, I am. ; )

Also, I wanted to let you know that I'll be participating in this 12 Before 2012 project, be sure to check out the new tab above to see the complete list as well as this informative post for more details!

Do you have a 12 Before 2012 list? Let me know! I'd love to see what you have and what's on your list.

{sorry, the photo source is unknown! Let me know if you know!}

knitting my bit

{source here}

I really love these posters from WWII, they're so creative and echo a unique time of hard work; it's one of my very favorite periods to study and I love reading about nearly every area regarding it.

As you can imagine, the one above print is one of my favorites. : ) 

Last week I mentioned that I was arranging my samples to take to North Carolina, well this week I am here to tell you that I. wasn't. kidding. There is a mental list somewhere with a outline of each item I need to make before flying out on Friday; there's really only three sample boxes to make, and--if I spend my time well--there is just enough time for what I need to make. This time around I'll mostly be knitting, with only a few sewing projects; thankfully they're both things that can be done in traffic, long grocery lines, listening to this groovy tune and this enjoyable book, and while watching Jane Eyre (I l.o.v.e. that one). 

Praise the Lord for this glorious wind blew in a delicious 65 degree morning today and I am reveling in the chilly breeze! It makes working with wool blends that much more wonderful.

So, until Friday evening, I'll be 

          ...singing. Yes, though only one of us Marques Chica's takes lessons, we all sing quite liberally. We've taken to turning up our playlists on youtube and pandora just enough so that we sound just like the bands we play. 

          ...working out every.day. even though my Dad isn't here to partake in our bleary-eyed sessions. 

          ...sewing up necklaces to take to NC. Instant gratification projects are just great.

          ...knitting up items to take as well as planning a knitted outfit for the bun in the oven of a sweet friend (It's so fun to knit for little babies).

          ...sipping a yummy brew of coconut chai (with almond milk, please!)

          ...packing, both mentally and literally. The former for a trip to Dubai and the latter for this trip to NC, it's so sad/funny that I have to continually be...

          ...reminding myself that I don't own these fabulous english riding boots (or these either), like I said, sad/funny mostly sad though.

          ...containing my utter excitement at visiting with some beautiful and dear people in the coming weeks and months (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

What will you be doing?

collecting

{source}

This past weekend we were traveling between Austin and Houston, 

a perfectly very normal occurrence around these parts, but what wasn't normal was pulling over at the first sight of a "The Biggest Sale Ever" sign. This happens enough at home but not between cities; typically we fly through, trying to make it to our squishy loved ones just as speedily timely as we can, but--praise the Lord!--my Dad can be kinda spontaneous sometimes and as he knew that I am in a "collecting eclectic plates/platters" mood, he pulled over. 

I'm so glad he did.

You see, I'm on a hunt; about fifty plates, teacups/saucers, and various serving platters are the object and I'm excited. Can't tell you exactly why yet (I need to make sure this is actually going to happen before I tell all), just know that I'm excitedly searching. The end.

Also, this past weekend, I was reminded why I love sewing (quick results). I made a nursing cover for a sweet friend (can't wait to meet you, Asher!) and I made pillow covers for the first time; perhaps one of the favorite parts was the fact that I was making them out of coffee burlap sacks collected from a wee coffee shop in New York (we miss you R family). Photographed finished results to come. 

In other news, I'm also looking for frames. Ugly ones, big ones, ornate ones, small ones, dainty ones (you get the idea), all to create a trail; a memory trail going upstairs (rather like the first picture in this one). 

Yesterday I found one, ???? more to go! As it is kind of a weird shade of green, I'll probably paint it black (or black or mustard or pale grey? hm...let's see); for now it's in my room (next to the finds from this weekends spontaneousness). This has opened a can of creative thoughts, mostly about creating my silhouettes of my family, to be mixed with the photo/memory trail, BUT I think I'll collect more frames before I start.

Any new projects brewing for you on this fine--wet!!--Monday morning?

happy thursday

Generally, I try not to have too many loose-ended projects going. Generally. However, I've decided to add yet another art project to my list, all in the name of my sister I might add. This October we will be celebrating the completion of her high school studies and since she has graciously left the decorating/styling/detail work to me (which I just love!), I decided to take this time to create something similar to this piece of artwork. The finished product will be the centerpiece of the little stage area I've mentally set-up. It's one of the biggest projects I've ever started (note the use of the work started) so I practicing on a smaller canvas to start.
Mica plays really enjoys playing the violin and has chosen Pagnini's Caprice No. 24 (which is her favorite piece to play and I to which love listening) for my practice canvas; it's a wonderfully complicated and busy piece which will make for a fun project, I think. I'll be documenting my progress along the way so watch out. : ) Depending on how it comes out I'm considering adding them to my shop as well (hint: give me your feedback!).

What's the biggest project you've begun?

Rearranging and Organizing

{Photo Credit}

Ah, these past few days we've been rearranging home, that means lots of cleaning, dusting, and vacuuming (except for Sunday, we visited with some dear friends and drank tea)!

My Mom and I really enjoy rearranging the furniture in our home, every time exclaiming "how much better the room is this way" and " why haven't we arranged it like this before?";

it's kinda funny, and there you have it. The spring cleaning frenzy hit me a bit late, last Friday my room looked like an unmade while I was completely reorganizing my closet.

It's now in the home stretch of being done after two days of work (whew!),

very soon I'll be able to open the door unashamedly!

Today I'll be trying to wrap up the odds and ends before I leave for Austin on Thursday.

Speaking of Austin, I've been trying to brainstorm fun things to do with the Stickies while I'm there. After her baby is born, I find it to be really helpful for Mom and Baby to rest well if the other Little People are out of the home for an afternoon. The only thing is that it's July and it's hot. So, I've been thinking of indoor, cooler things to do like:

walking around Whole Foods ( Did you know that Austin is the home one of the largest WF's in the country, yes, it's pretty exciting), going to the "Storytime" at the library (shall we venture downtown again?), or a fun afternoon/picnic at the pool (we could make popsicles and lemon bars!); praise the Lord, my Aunt lives no more than ten minutes away and we can always have our lunch at her place (cream scones and tea are a must, it's tradition). Also, to maintain a healthy balance between work and pleasure, before the baby is born Nicole and I have lots of organizing and toy purging to do (a garage sale is in order), thankfully our Mum is planning to take the three Stickies for a few days so that Nicole and I can purge without regrets.

I've been collecting new, easy peasy recipes to try out while I'm there (Thank you Kimi and American's Test Kitchen ;) It's always fun to try new recipes, whether they come out right or...well... I'll share the brownie recipe story another time!

How is your week looking?

p.s. Have you seen these Edward Juan cards? I think they're adorable!

Possible shop item?? Hm...

{Happy Summer!} The Results

{Oh, Hello Friend}

Well, I was quite impressed by the turnout!

After looking through the blogs that participated, it looks like everyone

had a wonderful response to this Happy Summer! giveaway,

thanks Sarah for hosting!

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Now to the post you've been waiting for,

the results.

Courtesy of Random.org.....

the winner is..........

Ann from Washboard Storms!

Congratulations!!

Please send me an email regarding shipping and such;

I'm looking forward to seeing what you create with the wool!

Today's the Day {Giveaway}

{Oh, Hello Friend}

Well, folks, our giveaway goes from today until midnight tomorrow,

so, go ahead and comment on this post!

Remember, this giveaway is a part of the Happy Summer! giveaway

hosted by Sarah from forgiven. love much.

When you're done here you ought to head over there and see the giveaway

roundup; there's more fun to be had you know.

Enjoy!

My Favorite Kind of Days: Rain

{Picture Credit}

Yes, I am a sucker for dark, cold rainy days.

Perhaps it's because we've had a bit of a drought this summer or the fact that I

don't live in Seattle (the Seattle natives that I've met are adamant that I would

get sick of the rain); at any rate, I love a good soaking rain that lasts from the

wee hours of the morning to just after dinner. It's very conducive to snuggling

on the sofa, curling up in the covers, and taking a nap.

Today has in store some errand running, violin playing, studying (naturally),

and hopefully some knitting. Buying yarn for my summer sweater is a part of the

errands I need to run and I'm happy to say that I've decided on a color.

I picked up a book from the library (just for fun) called Accents; such a great

resource for learning just about any sort of accent from Highland Scotch to Bombay

India, Mr. Blumenfeld gives a detailed explanation for every sort of accent.

Imitating accents has long been a pet hobby of mine so it's pretty fun to read a

formal study of them.

Beware, I may be sporting a Zulu or Australian accent the next time you see me!

Also, I'm studying lots of books/videos on makeup for film-

-such a lot of fun things you can do!

Any interesting books you're reading?

Today is the perfect day for curling up with a good one!

{Today}

{Oh, Hello Friend}

Today I am...

...enjoying my study of the brain, this is the third chapter in my journey through Intro to Psych.

...excited about the Gospel-Centered Marriage Conference this October! Anyone planning on going? Let me know!

...working on this adorable cardi for my newest niece--so sweet.

...reminded how much I love knitting for the special people in my life (see above).

...savoring what I heard in this wonderful sermon: Facts About Joy.

...inspired by this lookbook.

...wondering why exactly a wee cup of coffee makes me so extremely jittery.

...wishing the above statement was not true, as I love the taste and smell of coffee, especially the kind my dear Mum makes. It's a wonderful social center for us, and I have to pretend with my teeny drop and lots of cream!

...still very much in love with green smoothies (I think/hope it will be a lifelong thing).

...missing my sister, yes, I know I just saw her Sunday...

...wanting a skirt, heels, and basket just like the ones in the picture above.

...loving my new headband! (more on that later)

How was your day?

Bells Are Still Ringing

{Source is unknown/forgotten, sorry!}

Just as a heads up, this space is about to get pretty quiet for the next few days!

Make that until Monday, with a wedding on Saturday,

I'll be busy preparing/shopping/sewing/writing lists and

won't be able to write a decent post until then.

Thankfully, each day has it's own tasks and-Lord willing!-things will run smoothly, and I'm very grateful to say that with all of the things to do and places to go, I'm not at all stressed or frazzled.

Praise the Lord for that!

Everything is planned and in my room I have a growing pile of

"Things to take on Saturday", "Things to take Friday", and I am starting to set aside things for my "Go To" bag; that will contain very important things like my favorite Odwalla drink to keep me on my toes, Larabars to help me not be munching on the baklava all day, hairspray for the bride, hair pins for the bride, comfortable second pair of shoes, and--well, you get the idea.

I really can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this time and how excited I am for Saturday's events to take place.

Before you go to your next internet destination, here are some parting thoughts:

(FYI, I went a little link happy, now you know!)

The next book on my "Great Mystery List"

A very encouraging post for this once-weary soul

More fun swimwear

So, I'll bid you all adieu until then,

have a great weekend everyone!

Bells Are Ringing

{source}

Well, I think I may have mentioned already how I am helping to plan a friend's wedding!

It's very exciting for quite a few reasons, not the least of which being that this season is a prayer answered for my friend; marriage is something she was (and still is) preparing for and it is a blessing to see how God has brought this to be!

Also, wedding planning (for other people) is something that I've been interested in and reading about for a few years and I'm very excited to get my nose out of the books and experience how things really play out. Today marks the last of the eleven days before the wedding and I am very pleased to say that things are going very smoothly; much of that is owing to my new friend/partner in crime who is also planning the wedding. Her organizational skills and helpful presence add much to our wedding planning team. I've been able to learn much from her and it's been a real pleasure to get to know her better in this process!

I'm sure as the days go on, you'll hear more. : )

That's one of the major things going on lately, what about you?

Lists

{as seen on Design*Sponge}

Today I was getting ready for the day,

when I came across yesterday's "to-do" list.

I love my "To-Do" lists.

If you haven't started making them, and you'd like to be more organized

(and remember things!), then I'd highly suggest creating one for yourself.

My Dad suggested ranking my items with A, B, and C

according to the order of importance.

Mine looks something like:

Make biscotti-A (check!)

Blog-B (check!)

Read psych book-A

Get beads for project-A

Cast on N and J's hats-C

Practice piano-A

I just loving crossing things off at the end of the day.

It also helps me evaluate how much time I spend on each item and

what I need to be doing first.

I've kind of gotten to the point where things are out of mind if

they're not on "The List", it's pretty bad, BUT if they are

on "The List" then that shouldn't be a problem.

I also have a separate one for knitting and craft projects, so

that I don't get caught forgetting someone's birthday present!

How do you organize your days?

{Rest} Riposo. Repos. Descanso.

{Sorry, source is unknown/forgotton!}

This is an example of what I will not be doing on my blogging break,
actually, I take that back, I might be knitting but probably not in a big empty room.
Sharing life with you here is pretty rad, however, a few things have taken precedence
so I must let you know of my wee blogging break!

What, you may ask?

Well, things like
our church Spring Conference (I'm so excited to hear Pastor Conrad Mbewe speak!),
assisting the wedding planning of my friend
(At last! To put the books down and help plan a real wedding),
studying and practicing piano (Beethoven, here I come!), and
driving up to the Texas hill country for my Grandmother's birthday
and have some quality time with my seester!

Life is bustling, especially now, and since I'm striving to be diligent in all that I do,
I'm declaring an official break, instead of just leaving you all hanging!
You can check the Pickwick Portfolio for other posts, videos, and thoughts that might
be had by Nicole, Mica, Caro, or myself.

So, in the meantime, I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Don't worry! The Dubai Covers will still be available for sale!
Be sure to visit the page above, {Dubai Covers},
for all of the info, details, and covers!

Colors {Yellow}

{Design*Sponge}

I've posted this photo before, but I wanted to show you again the inspiring

virtues of this cheerful color.

Today I wanted to point you to this post from SouleMama--

my very favorite is the first photo of the yarns!

It reminds me of an antique shelf that I saw in New York...that's a purchase that "got away"

(my own fault really); it would have been great to display some special yarns on it,

ce la vie.

Also this post from Design*Sponge--a great idea! Unfortunately this isn't something I can really try out right now but it certainly has been stored for future uses.

I could also see this painted on a lonely wall, perhaps in a small nook of a bathroom or hallway...

Look for more pictures to be added in the {on the needles} page;

I have a few new projects that just need pictures!

Magpie Ideas

{Design*Sponge}

So, on one of my study breaks (yes, I do take study breaks), I was perusing various design blogs for ideas and I came across so many that I had to share with you!

Enjoy.

First of all, I was thinking of the lack of fun, spring pillows on my sister's sofa, then I saw a DIY for this cute floral one with a HUGE poppy in the middle: I love this pillow.

Also, I remembered how much I love sweaters and saw a pattern for this sweater

which I just love! Can so picture fixing an early cup of tea in this...hmm...

Then, I remembered my sewing project and came across this adorable pattern;

possible tea towels anyone? They make great hostess gifts!

After finding out that my sister is have a GIRL, I've gone a bit batty in my knitting ideas for the newest Webb offspring, I present to you this sweet sweater.

Yes, the baby will-Lord willing-be born in July,

but this could be for the off chance that she will be chilly.

But wait, there's more!

Here is a patter for a baby sweater with some pretty cute button patterns.

Most of these ideas came from Magpie Patterns, check it out,

there's some pretty fun ideas that will fill your work basket!

At This Very Moment

{National Geographic}

At this very moment I...

...would love to be inside of that photograph, with a wool blanket under one arm, knitting bag in hand, and a hot cup of cider in the other, walking down to the shoreline.

...am choosing labels for my creations, there are SO many to choose from, I know I settle one something eventually.

...thinking about baking some biscotti for the lovely ladies at the college testing center. Yes, tomorrow I take the long-anticipated microeconomics exam. Not that my bringing them goodies will make any difference on my score, but I thought they might enjoy it.

...am missing my sister!! Hurry weekend, I know it's only Monday but please, come quickly!''

...am resting in a devotional that I posted this morning, if you're suffering or deeply burdened, consider prayerfully reading it.

...will be casting on a hat for my younger sister, I really love the color she chose.

...love listening to the Film Scores station and Kate Rusby station on my Pandora radio (gotta love the Irish tunes!).

...have to summon up the courage to begin knitting socks! Somehow I feel like I'm missing out on a great experience and am slowly determining to begin seriously looking at patterns.

...am hoping your week has gone off to an excellent start!

{post inspired by SouleMama}

Hello February

{Design*Sponge}

Tulips are one of my favorite flowers; they come in so many great colors and look wonderful in each stage of life (plus you can hide love notes in the unopened buds and give them to your sister for her birthday).

As I type this, I'm cheerfully listening to the rain pattering outside my window;

it's still fairly dark outside and the inside is still pretty sleepy!

I'm so glad that my sisters don't have to be filming today (yes, they're in a film class and are assigned to create and edit a film each week for class--they're pretty cool and creative!), but I think the rain provides a pretty dramatic background for a scene (or mud war).

Today holds a typical school/ music lesson day and I am hoping to start some more projects (some knitting ones and some embroidery ones--nope, can't tell you now!), and possibly have a cup of tea if it's still raining.

p.s. I have a few {on the needles} posts that need to be shown, so keep your eyes peeled!

Also, be sure to check out my etsy shop!

There are a few new items and one old favorite there!

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Dear February,

So nice to see you, but what was your hurry in getting here?

There were a few things I could have been doing in January but no matter, you're here.

I have lots of plans for you, not the least of which,

learning calligraphy (I have red and white valentines as well as

eggplant and white stationary in my head) and

attending my first Renegade Craft Fair (more on that later)!

Well, I had better get started on my day.

It's been lovely greeting you, please stay as long as you like.

Love,

E

Looking Ahead {St. Valentines}

{MarthaStewart.com}

The first thing I noticed when I saw the recent edition of Living was the "Valentines Crafternoon" ideas on the cover. Looking through the magazine, I was so inspired by the different shades of red and most especially the calligraphy. I'm semi-planning to purchase some red, white, and black ink the next time we go to a craft store (youtube tutorials, here I come!).

I don't usually peruse through the MS site but I'd encourage you to glance through in your spare minute, especially the Valentines ideas!

In other news, I've been reminded that one of the biggest craft fairs in

the country is making it's round to Austin!

Yes, Renegade Craft Fair will be there May 21 and 22 and the Palmer Events center

and you still have eight days to submit your application!

Anyone thinking of submitting and/or attending?

It looks like an inspiring and exhilarating experience!