Friday, June 28, 2019

Five on Friday - June 28, 2019

Happy Friday!  I'm so looking forward to this weekend - not because I have anything special going on, just because I was out of town some this week for work and I have a ton of stuff to get caught up on.  Next week is a short week at work so I feel this is my window to get a lot of projects done around the house.  Before all that begins, here's my five for this week ~

1.  Starbucks Teas
I'm not a huge coffee drinker, but put tea in front of me and I'm so happy!  Starbucks just added a selection of Teavana-flavored tea lemonades to their lineup and I can't wait to try them.  You can pick from Peach Green Tea Lemonade, Guava White Tea Lemonade and Blueberry Black Tea Lemonade.  If you don't want the lemonade added, you can just order straight up tea.  With the hotter temps coming this weekend, I can't think of a better way to cool down than with one of these specialty drinks!

Starbucks Teavana-Flavored Tea Lemonades
2.  Trader Joe's Chips
Looking for some chips to add to the burgers and hot dogs coming off the grill?  Head to Trader Joe's for a couple bags of their new delights.  Their picnic-ready ridged potato chips come in four flavors:  Sea Salt & Vinegar, Delicious Dill, Homestyle Ketchup and Smokin' Sweet BBQ.  I can also picture these for snacks during summer road trips.  They are definitely going in my basket on my next trip to Trader Joe's!
Trader Joe's Patio Chips served on a summer BBQ buffet spread with Aloha rolls and pulled pork
3.  Pack This!
Speaking of road trips, check out this handy packing checklist.  It seems I'm always packing in a hurry and having this list to run down to make sure everything I need to coming with us would be perfect!  It's great for both business and pleasure trips.  You'll feel like the most organized person around knowing nothing is forgotten at home when you arrive at your destination.  Pick up a pad for yourself HERE.

4.  Handheld Air Cooler
Looks like the summer heat is here!  Staying cool outside in the heat is a whole lot easier when you have a handheld air cooler.  I've used these at baseball games, watching fireworks and at outdoor concerts.  They've also come in handy when I'm coordinating a summer weddings to keep the bride cooler when we're outside trying to take pictures.  They're also pretty handy to help cool down those awful hot flashes!  Check it out HERE.

5.  Just a thought...
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Have a fabulous weekend!  We are going to our outdoor amphitheater tonight, The Muny, to see a play and hopefully will be able to pick blackberries tomorrow at Eckert's.  Hope you have fun stuff on your to-do list.  See you next week!

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Thursday, June 27, 2019

Friday Favorites - June 28, 2019

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Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Thinking Out Loud About The Bachelorette

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  I dropped the ball last week and didn't get a post up because I was knee deep in getting ready for the wedding I was helping with.  If you missed the post on that, you can catch it HERE.  I'll be posting more on the wedding soon because there were far too many good things to cover in just one post!

One of my guilty pleasures is watching the Bachelor and Bachelorette on ABC.  Do you watch it?  Oh my goodness - I swear I do more eye rolling watching that show!  But at the same time, I just can't look away.  That's what I'm thinking out loud about today.



I about lost it a couple weeks ago when Hannah was crying to Chris Harrison about how hard it was to be in her situation.  Seriously!?!  Girlfriend, if you think having 33 handsome fellas following you around the world on expense paid awesome dates you better brace yourself because life is going to kick your butt.  Trust me Hannah, life can and will get a lot harder!

image

And what in the living world does she see in Luke P!?!  Cut that man loose!  He needs a few more years to grow up and pull himself together.  It will be interesting to see how he handles himself on Bachelor in Paradise.  (Yes, another train wreck show I can't seem to live without.)  Oh my gosh - if I were his mother he would be getting an ear full after I watched this season.  First, take some responsibility for your own actions!   Do you think ABC is paying Hannah more money to keep him around a bit longer?


Another burning question I have - do you think the guys were told they'd get an extra $100 if they showed up with a salmon blazer?  I mean, I liked the blazers, but to have three different people show up with that color seemed a bit odd to me.  

     

My next adventure to Nashville will be to track down Jed and hear his band.  Who knows, if Jed is the lucky man to steal Hannah's heart I just might get to meet her too.  But with all the controversy surrounding him and the chick he left behind to go on the Bachelorette, he might be run out of town and finding a place to hear him might be hard to do. 


I'm really thinking they need a house mother living in the mansion and reporting back to Hannah what is going on there when she's not around.  You know, someone who does a little cooking and lays by the pool and listens to all the guy's conversations and actions.  I'd apply for that job in a heartbeat!  

So until the final episode airs on July 29, you'll find me in front of the TV on Monday nights soaking up all the drama.  Are you a fan?  What's been your highlights from this season?  Who do you want to me the next Bachelor??

That's what I'm thinking out loud about today.  What's on your mind?  Link up and share!



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Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 26, 2019

Welcome to our blog party! Do you believe it ... we are just 2 weeks away from the 4th of July! With summer in full swing, our creativity turns to outdoor activities like picnics, sports, recreation of all kinds and let's not forget crafty summer projects!


Before we share our features from last week, and start our newest party, we would like to invite you to follow us on social media - convenient clickable links are listed for you below. We would love it if you followed us on social media and/or come by our blogs to subscribe by email.

Fabulous Features of the Week

[Most Viewed]

Super easy way to unclog your toilet #tips
[Very Popular]



[Editor's Pick]


So, now, let's get this party started!
  • Please TWEET our party ♥
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The Weekend Kristina and Adam Got Married

Hi guys!  I've been so busy the last couple weeks it feels like forever since I sat down to actually write a blog post.  Summers are like that, aren't they!  Wondering what I've been up to?  Well, last Friday I helped with the most beautiful wedding.  Here's a bit about it ~

For months I had been working with an adorable couple - Kristina and Adam - to help make their wedding dreams come true.  Working with couples to construct their wedding is truly one of my favorite things to do.  Each year my goal is to book two weddings and this was the first one of 2019.  Just look how cute they are ~

Image may contain: 1 person, wedding

What adds to my delight of helping couples make their wedding spectacular is when my friend TW comes into town to help me out.  He arrived on Wednesday, he was brought up to speed on where we were and it was off to the races. 

Thursday was the rehearsal dinner at The Shack.  Guys - if you're in the St. Louis area and are looking for a unique place to hold an event, keep this place in mind.  It's open to the public for breakfast and lunch, then the place turns into event space at night.  The casual atmosphere was perfect for what Kristina and Adam were looking for at their rehearsal and who doesn't love breakfast for dinner!  It's on my list to visit because what I tasted of their chicken and waffles has me longing to enjoy it again.

Kristina's dream wedding was to be held outside at Silver Oaks Chateau.  Apparently Mother Nature didn't get that memo because we had rain most of the day.  And it wasn't just a nice little spring shower - I'm talking torrential rain with tornado warnings.  The call was made in the middle of the afternoon to move the 6:00 pm ceremony inside.  Bless their hearts, she and Adam handled it like champs.  But it broke my heart to even have to suggest we move the wedding inside. 

Image may contain: 4 people, wedding and outdoor

Chosen Photography worked their magic and was able to get quite a few pictures outside between the rain drops.  Sydney and Tony are a husband and wife team that make up Chosen Photography.  It was the first time I had worked with them and it was a pleasure.  All the pictures in the post are thanks to them.  As you can see, their work is impeccable. 

It always makes for a fun wedding experience with the bridesmaids and groomsmen are there for the bride and groom.  Kristina and Adam's crew were the BEST!  I truly fell in love with each and every one of them. 

Image may contain: 10 people, people smiling, wedding and outdoor
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Silver Oaks Chateau is the most beautiful space to work in.  Even though it wasn't the location we had hoped for the ceremony, it was still very lovely.  We could never have pulled the switch of locations off without the help of the excellent staff at Silver Oaks. 

Image may contain: table and indoor
One of my favorite vantage points of the gorgeous grand hall is from the balcony.  Looking down and seeing the months of planning become reality is such a good feeling!

Image may contain: people sitting, table and indoor

Did you notice all the magnificent florals?  (How could you not!)  They were thanks to Faith's Florals.  And get this - they are silk.  Yes, silk!  I love when a bride decides to use silk because they are so sturdy.  You don't have to worry about keeping the stems in water or the blooms starting to droop.  They are beautiful from start to finish and beyond.  

Be on the lookout for additional posts about this dazzling wedding.  There were some elements that are so special they deserve posts of their very own!

Congratulations Kristina and Adam!  You were a true joy to work with and I wish you years of happiness!
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Thursday, June 20, 2019

Friday Favorites Linky Party - June 21, 2019

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:
Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
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Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 19, 2019

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop [which begins every TUESDAY evening 7pm ET, by the way!] We are so glad that you are here. This week we have some amazing features to share with you and, then, a great big new party of surprises that we can hardly wait to see. Our guests [that would be YOU] are so creative!

Fabulous Features of the Week

Patriotic patio decor for summer
   
Fabulous mason jar projects you will love #DIY #crafts
   
 
3 ingredient crockpot Buffalo chicken sandwich #recipes
   
Father's Day tablescape ideas
   
   

So, now, let's get this party started!
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Friday, June 14, 2019

Five on Friday - June 14, 2019

This has been an amazing week in St. Louis.  In case you haven't heard, the St. Louis Blues hockey team brought home the Stanley Cup this week for the first time in franchise history.  For fifty-two years Blues fans have been saying we'll get 'em next year.  Well  "next year" finally came!  What an amazing teachable moment for parents to talk to the kids about.  In January this team was in dead last place.  But they worked their tails off and didn't give up.  Now, just a few months later, they have captured the coveted title of Stanley Cup Champions!

Image may contain: 28 people, people smiling, outdoor

I'm dedicating my five to Blues items today ~

1.  Watch Party
St. Louis knows how to throw a watch party.  We were lucky enough to be 2 of 18,500 people watching the game from the Enterprise Center, where the Blues play.  Just a few blocks away, there were 25,000 people sitting in the seats of our baseball stadium watching the hockey game from there.  Several other thousands were crowded into bars and restaurants with their eyes glued on the game.  St. Louis just flat out loves their sports teams!


2.  Best Picture with the Cup
One of the Blues star players, Vladimir Tarasenko, added a baby boy to his family last week.  Check out this picture of Baby Tarasenko resting in the cup at the age of 6 days old.  At the time I'm writing this, they haven't named the baby yet.  Think it will be Stanley?

Image may contain: 1 person

3.  Jenna Fisher
I loved watching St. Louis native Jenna Fisher (Pam on The Office) cheer on her beloved Blues.  She and John Krasinski (Jim on The Office) had the best rivalry going on during the playoffs.  John is a Bruins fan and just couldn't get the best of Jenna.  Their jokes went back and forth in such a fun way.  It truly made me fall in love Jenna and want to get to know more about her.


Did you know she wrote a book?  It's titled The Actor's Life:  A Survival Guide.  It's definitely going on my TBR list.  Here's the synopsis from Amazon:
Jenna Fischer's Hollywood journey began at the age of 22 when she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined, she was confident, she was ready to work hard. So, what could go wrong?

Uh, basically everything. The path to being a professional actor was so much more vast and competitive than she’d imagined. It would be eight long years before she landed her iconic role on The Office, nearly a decade of frustration, struggle, rejection and doubt.

If only she’d had a handbook for the aspiring actor. Or, better yet, someone to show her the way—an established actor who could educate her about the business, manage her expectations, and reassure her in those moments of despair.

Jenna wants to be that person for you.

With amusing candor and wit, Fischer spells out the nuts and bolts of getting established in the profession, based on her own memorable and hilarious experiences. She tells you how to get the right headshot, what to look for in representation, and the importance of joining forces with other like-minded artists and creating your own work—invaluable advice personally acquired from her many years of struggle. She provides helpful hints on how to be gutsy and take risks, the tricks to good auditioning and callbacks, and how not to fall for certain scams (auditions in a guy’s apartment are probably not legit—or at least not for the kind of part you’re looking for!).

Her inspiring, helpful guidance feels like a trusted friend who’s made the journey, and has now returned to walk beside you, pointing out the pitfalls as you blaze your own path towards the life of a professional actor.

4.  Laila Anderson - Super Fan
Blues' player Colton Parayko introduced the team and all of St. Louis to the sweetest 11 year old - Laila Anderson.  Laila suffers from a rare, life-threatening disease.  The Blues made it possible for Laila to attend many of the playoff games and even surprised her with a trip to Boston to witness Game 7.  She had never lost faith in our team and was as supportive of them as they were of her and her battle for her life.  Get the tissues ready as you watch her kiss the cup ~



5.  There's a new (improved) Stan in town...
Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, meme and text
We're going to cap off this monumental hockey season by attending the parade on Saturday.  I'm sure there will once again be thousands of fans downtown to celebrate.  It's the coolest thing to have that many people all together cheering for the same cause.  I'll be back next week to share the experience.

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Thursday, June 13, 2019

Friday Favorites Linky Party - June 14, 2019

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:
Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL
Jennifer at Busy Being Jennifer - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst
If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!
You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
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Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 12, 2019


Welcome to this week's Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad you are here. So, what have you been up to? Got some projects in the works? Planning a summertime party? We can hardly wait to hear about what you are doing. Before we start our party, though, here are some really great features we loved ...and so did you!

Our Fabulous Features of the Week

 
     
   
   
   
 

So, now let's get this party started!

We would love it if you followed us on social media and/or come by our blogs to subscribe by email.
  Simple party guidelines >>­
  • Please TWEET our party ♥
  • Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like to. No Etsy shops, adult sites or blog parties, please.
  • Visit others. Let them know you stopped by!
  • If you are NEW to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us the title.
  • NOTE: party entries appear in REVERSE. i.e. the most recent entry goes to the top! That way all of our guests will have a chance to be seen no matter when they arrive.
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