The Glam Series: Face

Linking up with one of my favorite bloggers, Jordon, today for her Glam Series to share my fave face products.

1/ Smashbox Studio Fix Foundation: I first bought this for our engagement pictures, and found that it is the perfect product for my dry skin, and also helps masks that afternoon shine--yet doesn't feel "cakey" or "pastey" which are my worst face makeup fears. By far my favorite foundation I've ever used.

2/Marc Jacobs Bright Idea Undereye Concealer: Before this product I was an advocate for Benefit Erase Paste (which I still love), but I have to say this is currently the front runner. It is not as thick as erase paste.

3/Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Foundation Powder: Again another product I found in my search for engagement picture makeup. I've come to love it, and it's a huge help in masking the afternoon/evening shine for those days I've been working all day and head out to dinner!

4/Nars Orgasm Blush: I think I'm one of many who can vouge this is simply the best. I've used it for years and don't plan on changing anytime soon.

5/Olay Moisturizer: I know this technically isn't "makeup" but it is a huge part of my makeup routine. I have extremely dry skin and this has always been my go-to.

6/Benefit Hoola Bronzer: Another product I've used since college. I don't use this everyday since I don't like wearing a ton of makeup, but definitely when I'm going out or have a special event.

WW: Save the Date

Even though we are still 8 months out from the big day, we wanted to get our save the dates out early since about half our guests will be traveling to Wilmington and we wanted to provide ample time for planning. Not only is it a plus because hopefully more people can plan to make it, but also it's a HUGE check mark off our list :) Now that everyone has got them (hopefully), I can share!

Since we're looking for all possible ways to save some dolla bills, I decided to DIY them and am so happy with how they turned out!

Next up on the big ol' to-do is catering....any words of wisdom are welcome!

Linkin' up again with Jordon & Meredith!

Dress Obsession

I don't know why but in the past couple weeks I have been obsessed with dresses. And especially with the Spring season upon us-not to mention the start of the handful of weddings we have in the next year (including yours truly, woot woot), I've been itching to buy bright! Here are some that I've been virtually eyeing (of course not all "wedding" appropriate). My fave is definitely the yellow, and of course when I went to purchase the dreaded words "no longer available" popped up...I hate when that happens!

All from Urban Outfitters

All from ShopBop


If only real shopping was as free as virtually window shopping!

Five on Friday

vase via weddingchicks.com

1/ FL KEYS. One of Alex's best friends is getting married in March in the Keys, and I can't wait. It will be a short weekend trip, but i'm so excited since I've never been.

2/ Kate Spade Planner. I GOT IT! Alex surprised me with it for Christmas and it makes me so happy to write/plan/organize in it!

3/Dogeared. Since getting this necklace for Christmas I have become obsessed with Dogeared (i know I'm a little late jumping on that train). But I want so many of them!

4/ Gold Mercury. I have been looking for centerpieces for the wedding and am loving all things gold/silvery mercury. Only downfall is they're expensive, but I have been looking at some DIY tutorials...we shall see!

5/ Joyce Meyer. I love Joyce Meyer's daily devotional app (highly suggest downloading), and I got her amplified Bible for Christmas and am loving it. 

Engagement Pics.

Linking up with Jordon & Meredith for Wedding Wednesday.

I don't really have much to say about these except that my vision came to life in every way shape and form and I'm so happy with them- courtesy of Eric Boneske Photography. 

Urban: Green Dress & Headband

Black Sweater/Cream Sweater/Necklaces: Nordstrom

Wedding Update!

Things have been very busy in the world of wedding. We just passed the 9 month mark & we're getting in the swing of things-- I'm starting to feel a bit of the "pressure" but it is the good/fun type right now! Here's a little update on the good ol' checklist-I feel like I have got a lot done until I take a gander at this monster...

Biggest news first, I found my dress and veil. It is perfect and I can't wait to wear it. It was an amazing day with my mama and some of my maids. I won't be posting any pics on here of course, because the mister tends to peruse every once in a while, but here is a dose of the happiness expressed between myself and my mama after "the find"! 

Our Save the Dates will be in the mail this week! Yes, it is pretty early according to traditional wedding etiquette, but because our big day is a "destination" for many, we wanted to give everyone plenty of time to plan/book flights. Once all have received their Save the Dates, I will share the rest of our engagement photos, which I still can't get enough of!

Stop. My Word for 2014.

Today I'm linking up with Little Baby Garvin and some other bloggers for a fun 2014 post.

The question: "Many people choose a word to reflect on, live by, or aspire to for the New Year.  Let us know your word, how you decided upon it, and how you hope to incorporate it into 2014."

Stop.

Stop is my word for 2014. Simple? Yes. Meaningful? To me. I chose this word because lately more than ever I have constantly caught myself rushing through every little thing. I rush to work, so I can get through my to do list, I rush through work so I won't hit too much traffic on the way home, I rush home so I can see Alex...and the cycle continues. I need to stop and enjoy the ride and listen to some music, stop and think how lucky I am to have a job that I actually enjoy {most of the time} and stop and realize how blessed I am to have a loving fiance to go home to. 

And in the year of planning our wedding, I think its ever more important that I stop, slow down and enjoy these moments that are leading up to this day.

                                                

Even when I have something I'm looking forward to, I'm constantly thinking and preparing for that day, or night, and not enjoying what I'm doing in that moment. I never stop to reflect on what I'm doing, or what I've done, I'm always rushing to the next thing. So this year I am challenging myself to Stop taking anything for granted, Stop and Reflect, Stop and Enjoy, and Stop and Live!