Happy Monday!

I know, it's Monday. As a personal challenge I am re-thinking Mondays. Music has always been a source of comfort and inspiration for me and some good old tunes do the trick when I'm feeling a little sluggish. Instead of dread, I am beginning my week with a smile, a positive disposition and some awesome oldies. Have any tricks to a happy Monday? Please share them! :) Image found at http://www.lite1068.com/images/jukebox.jpg via google.

Lovely & Unique Wedding Invites

I saw this idea a while ago in one of the many, many wedding blogs I read. I fell in love with the idea and wanted to try it for my wedding, but it became too costly. I am on a serious budget folks! But if you can take the time to scout for beautiful pieces and find someone to screen print or embroider them for a reasonable amount I would go for it! It adds a personal touch- just think this would be an invitation that would act as a keepsake for all your guests. Maybe it could pull double duty as your favors! Find it here.

Happy Monday!

So, after my last post about life I thought to myself "what would be a great design choice to come home to that would immediately brighten my day if I needed a little pick-me-up?"- I have it! A bright pink room like this would absolutely do the trick. Find here it on Apartment Therapy.

Life...

I don't usually post about how I am feeling, but it occurred to me that many people may be feeling the same way in these times. As a woman in my mid-twenties, planning my wedding and preparing to start my life with my man, I find myself in difficult times. Our current economic situation in the U.S. is less than ideal, but I wanted to encourage anyone out there feeling the pinch as I am, to hang in there. In these times I am reminded that all I really need in my life, I already have. Love, family, friendship and a dream I am passionate about...American Tart. :)

DIY Retro Photo-shoot

Who says you have to hire a fancy photographer to get some beautiful one-of-a-kind engagement photos? Not us! Don't get me wrong, if you have the cash to spend on a dream photog, go for it! But if you don't...or don't want to I hope you consider this option. My fiancé and I had an incredible time being the photographers and subjects at our own photo shoot. We headed out to a beautiful local park with our props, outfits, camera and tripod. We took turns setting up shots and setting the timer. Let me tell you- not only do we have beautiful engagement pictures that are totally original, they are our own work and we have the memory of this wonderful day. Just a giddy newly engaged couple...having the time of our life.

Like the birdcage veil? Check out all my American Tart creations on my Esty shop!

Vintage DIY

After!

Before.

This DIY was very simple and very enjoyable. I got this vintage bench from my mom. It was scuffed and dusty. The seat was covered with a terrible vinyl too! I sanded down the wood, primed it, and painted it black. Then I reupholstered it in this beautiful vintage-inspired fabric. Overall it took a few hours out of my day and this vintage bench has a new life to live!

Venetian Glass

Beautiful! Okay, this is wayyy too expensive for me, but very lovely. If you can afford this gorgeous side cabinet- by all means. If not (I'm a not) use it as inspiration to find a similar piece! No one will ever know yours is not venetian glass!