Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wedding Blues

I have to admit, I really dislike planning my wedding. I am burnt out on sappy, wedding sh*t. I don't care about programs or where people are going to sit. I am tired of planning this huge party to celebrate myself and Spencer and I am sick of people asking me about it. Seriously, I'm so over it that I don't even want to have a wedding anymore.

I just want to marry Spencer and not think about any of the things that I should be thinking about, like:

 How many candles do we need for the tables?
What time does the photographer need to be there to start taking pictures?
What kind of music do you want played during dinner?
How many rectangular table cloths do we need?
Who is going to hand out programs?
Are the bridesmaids walking down the aisle with the groomsmen? Or by themselves?
Where are we going to get all the candy for the candy bar?
Do we have to have father/daughter and mother/son dances? 'Cause I'm pretty sure my dad doesn't want to dance...
What time are the rentals showing up?
Did we get all the RSVPs? Who is going to call all the people who didn't send their cards back?

AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Is it bad that all I think of for the answers to all these questions is "I don't care"? Aren't I supposed to care?? I want everything to work out and be pretty but if it doesn't, I don't care. I do not care about the wedding anymore.

It's just fluff.

All those tiny details that look so cute in all the photos on wedding blogs do not matter in the long run.

However, I still I feel like such a sham...an impostor bride, not a real one, because real brides should care if their bridesmaids wear shoes or not. Real brides should be looking forward to their wedding day, not dreading all the last minute planning and despising guest books and program ideas.

Then I saw this:


...and I realized, we are going to have this wedding whether I like it or not. I want to marry Spencer and there is no way I'd let myself call off the wedding and get married somewhere else, because we already spent so much money on it.

I've decided to change my attitude.

It's okay if I think weddings are lame and still have one myself. It's okay if I don't love every second of the wedding process. It's okay if our wedding isn't as cute as the ones on the wedding blogs. It's okay if I wear Rainbow sandals instead of sparkly heels. It's okay if everything gets messed up or is the wrong color or the wrong song gets played at the wrong time.

Everything will be okay!

 You know why? because I don't really care about any of those things anyway and that's okay!

I feel so much better now, like a weight has been lifted! I do not need to worry about anything because everything will be exactly as it should be and Spencer and I will be together.


(Thanks for listening. Sometimes I just need to get it all out there!)


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Simply Comforting


This room reminds me of my grandmother, Betty. She was an amazing lady with a good sense of humor and a talent for quilting, crochet, and knitting. Her work was always amazing and she wouldn't accept anything less than perfect from herself. She always told me to make sure the back was just as neat as the front and to always finish my projects. She also taught me the wonders of grouping things in odd numbers to get the best visual effect.

She's made me many things over the years but my favorite is a little, crocheted, hot pink elephant. She made it in one day when we were working on projects together.

Sadly, she passed away a few years back. She loved butterflies and every time I see one fluttering around, I think of her with her soft wrinkled face and her little, midwestern twang.

I really wish she was around to attend my wedding next month. I remember dumpster diving with her and my aunt after my cousin's wedding because someone accidentally threw away her hanky she used to wipe her tears away at every grandchild's wedding. I remember thinking then about her using it at my wedding one day...

I love and miss you Nana. <3






Monday, April 25, 2011

Rainbow Eucalyptus


OMG! I looove these trees! They are commonly called Rainbow Eucalyptus (scientific name: Eucalyptus deglupta) and are the only Eucalyptus species naturally found in the Northern Hemisphere. Many, many other types of eucalyptus tress grow in the Northern Hemisphere very well, especially in a Mediterranean climate.  

I am in shock--why haven't I seen these before?? There are Eucalyptus trees absolutely everywhere in California and I have lived here my whole life, been all over the state, and have never seen these wonderful, colorful trees!

I love them. I want to hike through a forest of them! Anyone know where I can find one?? ...this is going on my bucket list.



Thursday, April 21, 2011

Adventure Awaits!

 
Spencer and I are moving to South Korea!

I just turned in my two week notice at work! It was exhilarating! My heart was pounding and there was a huge smile on my face as I told our HR lady and then my boss our plans to move abroad. I have never been more nervous and excited at the same time!!!

We are moving to a city called Suncheon in the southern part of the country about two hours away from Busan (the second largest city in South Korea). We already have jobs lined up for us. We will be working at a private school called Wonderland. We've talked to some of the teachers who are currently working there and it seems like it will be a nice place to work.

We are thrilled (while simultaneously scared sh*tless) to begin on our next big adventure!
  

 
 
 
 


Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Prettiest Bar Stool


This has to be the cutest bar stool I have ever seen! I love the different fabric patterns. I feel a DIY project coming on.... :) 



Tuesday, April 19, 2011

lemlem LOVE





I love these great pieces by lemlem! That last dress makes me want to dance to a drum beat in my bare feet. I love the ethnic feel. Everything looks so soft and comfortable too.

The clothing is handmade in Ethiopia from natural cotton. Click here to see pictures of the process of creating these beautiful pieces. I'm glad the traditions of weaving and embroidery are being celebrated and protected.

It's beautiful!




first seen on this post on Greedy Girl

Friday, April 15, 2011

Friday Flower - California Poppy


This week's Friday flower is the California poppy! I've been seeing these babies everywhere lately: on the side of the road, in my yard, in everyone's gardens on my way to work, at my mom's house, on the side of the freeway....you get the point. There is a reason why this is the state flower of California! :)

I really love the bright pops of color they give off. It's especially nice at this time because not a lot of flowers have really started blooming yet. This is still the early stages of Spring here in Northen California. All the blossoms on the trees have faded away and just a few things are daring to bloom.

Luckily the poppies will last a long time if you water them. They could even last all summer if a gopher doesn't eat its roots off. 
  
I hope you all have a lovely weekend!


Fancy Dinner Party Dreams

 source - from Martha Stewart Weddings
 source - from thekitchn.com

 
I want to go to a fancy dinner party and sip cocktails and eat fancy food. I love dressing up and being pampered. It makes me feel so relaxed and special...like a princess. I think all girls deserve to feel like that sometimes.

In other news, how adorable is that bow napkin?! I love it! Great idea!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Sinking Heel Solution

Our wedding is at a very good family friends' house in their park next to their house. That's right, they have a park! It's a huge open grass area with trees, flowers, a pergola, outdoor bathrooms, and a small, outdoor kitchen. It is perfect for the wedding, exactly what we wanted.

Weddings are generally a fancy affair and many girls are going to want to wear heels. Have you ever worn heels on grass for an entire party? It's terrible! You literally have to stand on the ball of your foot the whole time to avoid sinking into the ground. I had to do this at my bridal shower and you could see my feet turning red through my black lace tights! (They were that red!)

Today, while parusing the internet, I have found the solution to this problem! Yippee!


They are called SoleMates and I think they are a fabulous idea! I've never tried them before, have you?? If you have leave a review in the comments I would love to see what you think of them! :)  


Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Crochet Flowers


How adorable are these Forever Flower Garlands??? They are hand made in the UK and can be custom ordered so you can pick the colors. What a fun project. I think they would look great at a vintage wedding, don't you?


Monday, April 11, 2011

A Brown Dog

I drive through the countryside every morning on my way to work. I see all sorts of animals from horses to magpies but there is one animal in particular that I always look for. At first sight, he’s nothing special, just an old, brown farm dog.

He is medium sized with small ears, a square shaped body, and hair the color of the earth. He has a worn, blue color and a stiff walk suggesting he’s been around for a while. This dog is indistinguishable as to what breed it is; he is simply a brown dog. Like I said before, nothing special.

What draws me to this simple fellow, is how he spends his mornings. In the early morning sunshine, I often see him sitting with his face toward the sun, eyes closed, and smile on his face. He is soaking up the morning rays like he needs them to live and loving every second like he could never do without. He always looks so calm and serene but most of all he looks happy. He is so content just to sit in the sunshine bringing on the new day in his own quiet way. He inspires me to be more like him. To welcome the day with a smile and a gentle easiness, never worrying about the past or future but living completely in the moment.

Whenever I see him, I’m reminded of his simple way of life and his simple pleasures and I aspire to be more like him.

I never thought I would have a dog as a role model but I’m happy I do. I've found that I am happy to sit with my face towards the morning sun, eyes closed, and a smile on my face, living entirely in the moment.

Dreaming of the Sea


I can't stop thinking about the honeymoon! 

I just want to lounge around all day by some beautiful water with a sea breeze and a cold beer. All this wedding planning is so much work and I'm sad to say, the novelty of it has worn off. I am ready to be married to the most wonderful man I've ever known and enjoy a nice, well-deserved vacay in the sunshine with him! Please come soon May 23! I need Belize!



Friday, April 8, 2011

Friday Flower - Ranunculus


I love the multi-petaled ranunculus the best. All those petals are so dreamy and lush and all the bright colors make me swoon. The look like crepe paper, so delicate!

Fun fact: buttercups are a part of the ranunculus family as well.

Wedding Hair Inspirations



These are my current wedding hair inspirations. I have very long, fine hair and so I want it all up to avoid difficulties and sadness on account of ugly hair in the photos. If you have any similar styles you think I might like please send a picture to aspoonfulofsugarblog (at) gmail (dot) com

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Rainbows


I love Rainbow sandals. My new pair, my old pair. :)

Monday, April 4, 2011

Paper Doily Envelopes


I used to think paper doilies were cheesy and lame...until I saw this! This is such a cute and easy DIY. I love the feminine charm of lace and this is basically like paper lace envelopes. Perfection. They would really add a nice touch to a wedding invite. I'm not sure if these would actually fair well in the mail but would probably be better as an inner envelope.




Friday, April 1, 2011

Friday Flowers


Silverware wrapped up in a flower shaped napkin with green ribbon for the stem.

So freakin' cute.