Slacker for Sure...

Yes, that would be me... I apologize for being away for so long. Trust me, I have been a busy little bee flying around--working on my house, planning details for the wedding {meeting with florists, picking our save-the-dates}, and partaking in all the festivities from my BFF's wedding last weekend in Knoxville. But I promise to get back in the swing of things and devote more attention here: 

A few weeks ago, I did finish another friend's order for her wedding calligraphy, Brittany. She is marrying her love Michael the last weekend in September here in Nashville and she called on me for help in addressing her envelopes, to which of course I shouted YES! 

Here is a sample of her finished envelopes {the Miller style}, with the finished details...

Congratulations Brittany and Michael... I know your wedding is going to be FABULOUS!

And in other news, I let myself buy a book online--thank you Amazon--that will help me learn the fine art of mastering Copperplate Calligraphy... this is the epitomy of the classic couture style of writing, and I am determined to teach myself each and every stroke. Granted, this will take a lot of time, but I am excited to get started so that I can hopefully use this style to hand address our envelopes that will go out to our guests next spring... fingers crossed this works, but I have heard incredible things about this book and how it's the "end all" so we will see =)

A Little Time Sensitive

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Tiffani, the owner and wedding planner extraordinaire of Creative Designs and Events here in Nashville...for a little background, the story goes like this: 

Tiffani was helping her client, Belinda, plan her dream wedding to be held on September 11th in Bowling Green, Kentucky.. as all of the last minute details are falling into place and she is working with a calligrapher to get her invitations hand addressed and mailed to her guests, all of a sudden, the said calligrapher stops responding to calls and emails=BIG problem!

Tiffani then emailed me frantically asking if I could turn around a rush order of 100 invitations in less than a week--luckily, I was in town that weekend, and was able to make it happen =)

I think Belinda was extremely pleased with the end product and I was so happy to ease her frustrations so she could focus on more important things for her upcoming wedding--good luck and congrats Belinda!

Here is the finished product: lovely silver envelopes with black ink in the Miller style

Fun in the Sun/Summertime Party

I was recently contacted by an avid reader asking if I planned to subject my blog to a post related to an "End of the Summer Soiree/Labor Day Party". Seeing as I love any reason to host a get together, I thought I would show you some inviting ideas to make a backyard BBQ special to your guests and your very own.

Starting out, I found a fabulous new idea via the wonderful internet that you can create custom paper-like invitations, but online--way better than Evite {my opinion obviously!}, Paperless Post has so many fun invitations...especially if you're throwing a last-minute get together or want to make it a bit more cost effective, but still want the look and feel of an invitation... love it! Here are some of my favorites!

After your guest list is set and your "themed" invitations have gone out, the next step is to strategize your decor, food, drinks, and overall ambiance for the festivities... with summer parties galore, it's so easy to find colorful and fun entertaining supplies and ideas via your local party store or fabulous online boutiques: 

Ideas via The Party Dress

Don't forget to check out some of my favorite sites and blogs for perfect summer recipes...the step-by-step instructions are fool-proof and easy and your guests will be begging for the recipes!

Mel's Kitchen Cafe

 Eat at Home

Our Best Bites

Happy Summer Entertaining friends!! And can I just add that this makes me even more excited for fall seeing as tailgating parties are a MUST for my friends and family =)

Website Spotlight: Kate's Paperie

How did it take me this long to stumble across this adorable paper site? Kate's Paperie is known as the go-to resource for beautiful paper and tools to bring it to life. They have travelled all over to bring us online shoppers the materials to bring our imaginative ideas to life as well as inspire us--minds, hands, and spirit! From birthdays to weddings, to all things parties and gifts, they have an array of options to suit any taste... check these out:

Mod Wine Gift Bags

Zinnia Guest Book

Monkey Birthday Party Invitations

Cupcake Print Tea Towel

Baby Fever...

From so many of my friends jumping on the baby train, it's hard not to focus on anything and everything baby--I swear, I see more and more precious shower invitations, announcements, and gifts to welcome that new bundle of joy!!

and P.S. Cami, this post goes out to you--I am so happy for you and Brian and can't wait for a Baby Fields ;)

Baby Shower Invites

Stork Baby Shower Invite via Paper Culture

Blue Skies Baby Shower Invites via Minted

Baby Patterns: Coffee Invite via Tinyprints

Birth Announcements

The Archer Announcement via Minted

Baby's Got a New Pair of Shoes via Paper Culture

Vintage Monogram Pink Announcement via Tinyprints

Baptism/Christening Invites and Announcements

Sweet Reflection Invite via Tinyprints

Holy Baptism Invitation via Paper Culture