Channel your internal Carrie

Yippy!!! I saw Sex and the City the movie this weekend with my friend Ginger. It was wonderful. I will not tell much of the movie, since some of you may not have seen it yet. I do not want to ruin it for you. It was a great movie. It got me thinking about several things, like friends and fashion.

Do you have a Charlotte, Miranda and/or a Samantha in your life? When I watched the movie I could not help to think about my friends. I have each of these ladies in my life. I appreciate all the differences that these ladies have. They each add something different to my live. I really do not know what I would do without my Charlotte's thirst for life, my Miranda's level headiness and my Samantha's spunk.

Let's talk about the fashion. The screen was like eye candy with all of the fashion that Sex and the City ladies wore. I wish that I was on the set to just touch the clothing, purses and shoes glorious shoes.

Here are all the ladies in their wedding couture. These dress are fabulous. Check out The Bride's Cafe to read a great article about the floral designer from the movie.

I love these Jimmy Choo shoes. These shoes are similar to the ones that the ladies wore in the movie.


I want this Louis Vuitton bag. This is like the one that Jennifer Hudson character carried in the movie. I do not have one like this. If you do not have one either you can rent one from one of my favorite website Bag Barrow or Steal.

Channel your inter Carrie through your friends and fashion and you to can have a fabulous life in whatever city that you live in.

The Flip Flop Fairy

My fiance saw me come in the other day with a bag full of flip flops. He was mortified because he stated that I already had all of those colors. I stated to him that they were for some people that wanted some flip flops designed. He was happy to know that all of those shoes would not be adding to my already massive shoes collection and asked if I was "The Flip Flop Fairy". I smartly said." Maybe I can be." Below are some of my recent creations, from the self-proclaimed Flip-Flop Fairy.

These were made for a friend who recently joined a sorority and their colors are red and white. The elephant was added since it her sororities mascot.

This was a trial of what I am going to make for my bridesmaids to wear at the reception. The color is not showing that well, but the ribbon is brown with aqua polka dots.

These are just another pair that I made for a friend who needs these colors to go with an outfit.

I am currently working on a pair for a beach wedding and one for a lady who wants a pair to go with a summer outfit. I will photos of those were I get done with them.

Let's do the Cha-Cha Slide

Whew!! I am tired. I had such a workout this evening. My sorority Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc Columbus Alumni Chapter held "Steppin with the Sigmas" this evening. At this event we were taught several different line dances and how to do Chicago two stepping with a partner. The event was taught by Marc, of Steppin in the City Productions, and he teaches classes all over Columbus. I have been trying to get into his line dancing classes for years, but they fill up so quickly. It was great. I knew some of the line dances and look forward to having a 20-30 minutes of line dancing at my reception. A couple of my bridesmaids were there and I told them to get ready to work it out at the reception. It was fun, but it was definitely a work out. I came all cute in my shorts, t-shirt and flip flops and I really needed to have on was my exercise clothes. I am sure since I danced for almost 2 1/2 hours I had to sweat off at least 10 pounds

(I wish).

Some of my sorority sisters and I at the event.

The second part of the class was Chicago two step. This type of dancing is done with a partner. It was nice to see the couples dancing. It made me wish that my fiance was there so that we could learn it. Watching them, I think that I am going to have my fiance and I look into taking a dance lessons with Marc instead of taking the same ole' ballroom dance that everyone takes for their first dance. I think us doing Chicago two step would make our first dance more interesting.

To the left, to the left, to the right to the right.

This my cousin Nicole, in the skirt, and my sorority sister Robinette getting their step on.

If you have different dance ideas, reply to this post. I would love to share your thoughts of what your first dance would be like or different forms of dance that you take part in.

Teeth Whiting? Skin Embrassion? Workout?

When you become a bride you are sent into a whirlwind of creating a beauty routine so that you can be the pretty when all eyes are on you as you come down the aisle. I am no exception. My routine began last week with my 6 month teeth cleaning. While at the cleaning I asked my dentist about tooth whiting. All the while thinking, only if my insurance will cover it. Luckily, my dentist, Dr. Allen, is a woman after my own heart, CHEAP. She told me that the over the counter products for teeth whiting, such as Crest Whitening Strips (click and get a coupon), work just as well as having your dentist do the procedure, you just need to complete the process a couple of times before the your wedding. Let me mark that on my calendar....wedding April 2009, tooth whiting start January 2009.

I have been obsessed with having flawless skin since I got engaged. I have even started seeing my childhood dermatologist again, Dr. Williams. Besides, every time I go to see him, he relays my dermatological history from birth, he also gives me great care. He gives me something like a skin peel every time I go. When I first started getting it, the process creeped me out because the container that he bought the treatment in was foaming like a piece of dry ice on Halloween. I do not know why I continue to go early in the morning to see him, because after the treatment my face is so tight I can barely answer the phone when I get to work. But after the tightness is over, my face is smooth. Along with the face wash and astringent that he gives me my face should be in tip top shape for my wedding.

I have been working out for the past year, but I have pumped up my workouts ever since I got engaged. I don't want all the eyes on me to be focused on my dress and not my rolls or my giggly bottom. I need to tone since I have lost about 50, 40 to go. I have been doing belly dancing, walking and new to me I have been working on the elliptical machine. I have a little muscle in my arms, but it anyone our there has a great workout to get my flappers (arms) in tip top shape for my wedding please email to let me know.

When I thought about all the things that I have to do for my wedding, think about the creation of a wedding beauty routine seems like a bit much. As I thought about it some more, I have noticed that my fiance is not changing anything for the wedding. The most that he will do is to make sure his head and face are shaved. That's not fair, is it?

Beauty routine. Check. Just let me add one more time to my things to do list for my wedding.

Wedding Tip of the Week: Fancy Feet

When I was thinking of my bridesmaids, I thought about what I would want as a gift. You know the standards, jewelry(which mine will probably get), gift cards or perfume. I want to give my bridesmaids something that they could use during the wedding and after. I want to gift them something that I would want. Who would not want a pair of flip flops. I love flip flops. If I could wear them in the winter in the midwest and not get frost bite on my toes, I would. They can use these flip flops when they want to get out of their shoes for wedding and wear them after the wedding. I do not want to give ordinary flip flops, I want to give them something unique.

This weekend Kmart had flip flops on sale for $1.99, even though I do not get married until next year I could not pass up a sale. Getting them early gives me time to customize them. If you are crafty you too can make some for yourself and for your bridal party.

Make Your Own Wedding Flip Flops

Supplies

• Glue Gun/Glue Sticks or Strong Craft Glue
• Embellishments such as pearls, crystals, ribbon, studs, material or whatever else that you want to fancy up your flips
• Flip Flops

When I make "fancy" flip flops I purchase ones like the ones shown at the right. You can use a flat flip flop or one with the wedge, either one can be dressed up.

Instructions

• Choose a flip flop in the color and style that you want.
• Pick out your embellishments. Embellishments can be consistent with your theme for your wedding. I choose these aqua ones (photo above) since my colors are aqua and brown.
• Let dry for at least 24 hours (even with using the glue gun) before wearing.
• Enjoy having "fancy feet" at your event.

Here are some ideas of ways that you can embellish your flip flops.

There are some flip flops websites that you can get embellished flip flops, if you are not the crafty type. The few that I found were Floppy Jos and Tippy Toe Flip Flops. If these sites do not have what you are looking for, I can. If you want "fancy feet", I can work with you to customize the perfect, pretty and comfortable flip flop for your event. For pricing and discussion of designs, contact me at broomjumpingbride@yahoo.com.

Don't let your day be ruined by hurting feet, make them "fancy" feet. Stay tuned for photos of some of the flip flops I have created.

More Aqua and Brown Inspiration

As I surf the net for wedding items, I have found some more inspiration for my wedding color scheme. Enjoy!!

Pretty Pictures

Here are some more photos from my photographer Sarah. I can not wait to see what see takes at my wedding. Enjoy!!!

This one is taken at the place where I am having my ceremony and reception.

If you like the pictures and want to contact her ..you can reach her at vicphotogee@yahoo.com.

I'm A Winner

I was notified yesterday that I am the recipient of $100.00 off of a veil at Castle Bride Couture. Yippee!! Which works out just fine, because in my budget for my attire, I have budgeted $100.00 for a veil. I might have to go over a bit to purchase one of these veils. I went back to their website and looked at some of veils to try to make a decision on what would work best for my dress. Here is what I found.

This one is called Paige. I like the mix of feathers and rhinestones.

This is the Marina. I like this one because it is not a full veil but it adds some kick.I really like this one. It is called Kiera. Even with the discount, it is still out of my budget.

I need to contact them again to get all the particulars about the prize. So many choices, so little time. I do not know which one to choose. What do you think? Respond to this post and let me know which one you think that I should choose.

Bridesmaids....ATTENTION!!

I finally found dresses that I like that I think that my bridal party would like. I sent an email to my bridesmaids about their dress,shoes and potential dates to go to bridal store to order the dresses. I have 6 bridesmaids, a maid of honor and a matron of honor. They are all different in personality and in style flare. I have....

• Kamikaze Kitty-- She is quiet, but mighty when she wants to be.
• Bluetifuldove-- She is patient, strong and likes to be fly diva.
• RHOalty-- She has a smooth elegance with a hint of sauciness.
• Code Blue--She is the peacemaker. She does not like confusion.
• Confucius--She is an intellectual diva.
• Twin--She is reassuring and caring.

I have one maid of honor

• Baby Girl-- She is meek and mighty. She has not quite figured out which one she should be in what situation.

I have one matron of honor

• Frog Princess ( She collects frogs. I am not calling her one) -- She is my reassurance and strength when I feel like I have none.

Since they are all different I want them to feel special in the dress that they wear in my wedding. I have selected separates from Alfred Angelo. I want them to choose their own top, with everyone with the same skirt. I also want them to choose their own shoes that they will be comfortable in, but they will all be dyed the same color. The only other difference besides their tops is that I want the maid and the matron of honor in the chocolate brown while everyone else will be in the aqua. The dresses above sort of look like some of the separates in the Alfred Angelo collection.

I want to feel special on my wedding day and I want my friends to feel special as well.

Who Said Being Thrifty Could Not Chic

Well I found a few things and more on my list for when I went garage selling and thrifting with my mom yesterday. I found items for the wedding and for our home.

I got this container for $3.00 to use as part of my candy bar at the wedding.

I got this one as well, but for only $.50. It will be great to keep the aqua gumballs in for the candy bar.

I also found a brass picture holder that was $.75, that I will probably spray paint silver and use to show an assortment of photos of Chuck and I at the reception. I also found this cool African mask for our house.

I have been researching what it means on the Internet. I think that it means peace and freedom. If anyone knows any different please let me know. The lady wanted $30.00 for it, but I was going to offer $15.00,as my mom stood there and stated "You should have offered $10.00." I knew what I was doing. I fortunately found something wrong with it and offered her $10.00 and she took it. Now it is mine.

I also found something at the thrift store that was totally unexpected. I found an Annie Lee painting. I love her work. I have several pieces of her artwork in my home. As luck would have it, it is the photo that I use for my posting for the wedding tip of the week. It is called "Jumping the Broom". This piece of art is on a tile. I love it. How fitting is it that I found this. I might even use it somewhere in the wedding, maybe by the guest book or the candy bar.

That's a few more things off of the list. I need to find 3 more containers for the candy bar, so I will be thrifting a little more often to save some more money. I am going to have a hip, sheik, cheap wedding yet (and an artfully decorated home as well).

The Hunt Is On

Today after I finish volunteering at the Race for the Cure, I will be going to the German Village's annual community yard sale and "thrifting" at the some thrift store. I have my gear ready for the exploration. Rolling bag...check. Water bottle...check. Comfortable shoes...check. I am set. I am looking for a few things:'

• a rhinestone brooch
• jewelry
• household kitchen items

I ways find something interesting, I'm sure that tomorrow will not disappoint. Hey, talk about cutting cost for a wedding.

Wedding Tip of the Week: Cocktails....Anyone?

Open bar or pay? When having a bar..you need to think of how much you want to spend on the spirits that you will be serving. To cut cost, have a signature drink at your wedding. Having a signature drink allows you purchase on type of liquor instead of purchasing several different kind. Since my colors for my wedding are tiffany blue and brown, I have been looking for an aqua blue spirit to serve. In my search for the right drink, I have come across a few websites that have given me some ideas on what to have. The websites are:






Cocktail.com
Cocktails Recipes
All Recipes

When looking on these websites I found a few recipes for aqua drinks ( that I would of course try out first) that I would rename for my wedding to make it my own signature. I have listed a few of the recipes below:

Blueberry Martini (renamed Blue Love)

• 1 wedge of lime
• a few fresh blueberries
• 1 part blueberry syrup
• 2 parts vodka
• Shake together with ice and enjoy.

Kamikaze Blue (renamed Karma Sutra)

• .5 shot vodka
• .5 shot DeKuyper Blue Cuacao
• .5 shot lime juice
• Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass.

When having a bar, have your bartender be mindful of guest who may of had a little to much. Having the bartender do this allow for them to make the call if the guest has had to much and switch that guest gin and tonic for a glass of Sprite. This can be done at an open or pay bar and also make you not look like a bad host. You want your guest to have fun and to be safe. Always remember to drink responsibility, so that your day can be a day that you and your guest can remember forever.