Play the game, everybody play the game

Okay girls, we've all been to bridal showers that included the inevitable Toilet Paper Wedding Gown game. Love it or hate it, I don't see it going away anytime soon. But next time you find yourself with a roll in your hand and two minutes to pull off a feat a la Project Runway, remember these designs from Cheap Chic Weddings' 2007 TP Wedding Dress Contest. Pretty amazing; I sure don't have the patience for something like that!

For the record, I detest the TPWG game at bridal showers. Who's with me?

Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box

Just a few thoughts today!

If you're looking for a string quartet for your wedding or other occasion, I'm happy to be able to recommend the Classic Quartet. The members are some colleagues of mine from the Tempe Symphony, and I know you will be pleased with their sound!

Also, I did a wedding gown fitting for the lovely Krystal this weekend, and when she saw her dress, she cried. I have never had anyone have that kind of reaction before! (Especially not when the dress is only half done, and still full of pins!) It was so touching and it made me feel so happy about what I do for a living. Thank you to all of my wonderful brides who remind me what's important!

Working my way back to you babe

I'm posting two days in a row? What is going on here? Well, I have an entry for the Dress Diary! If you recall, we last left Miss W trying to decide whether to use the lace as planned, or to change it up a little. Since then, we have both been very busy with her friend's wedding, which was last month. Miss W has been very patient during the hiatus! But now it's her turn again, so here we go!

As for the lace, if you guessed C) neither; let's replace the lace with some subtle beading, then you win!

Yes, Miss W liked the look of the ruching so much that she thought the lace might detract from it. So we got together one Saturday, along with her mom, sister, and friend and went to my favorite bead place, Beads Galore. If you have any interest in jewelry-making or beading (or just like sparkly objects), you have to pay Beads Galore a visit. They have everything- crystal, stone, glass, bone, metal, semi-precious stone, interesting synthetics, tools and supplies, and all kinds of odds and ends. One tip- don't head over there if you only have a few minutes to kill. You will definitely end up staying longer than planned!

After an hour of debate, we finally settled on a combination of freshwater pearls, Czech glass, and tiny silvered seed beads. I think it's looking pretty nice, and I hope Miss W will agree. I'm seeing her for a fitting on Monday, so I'll have more pix to post soon.

Misty water-colored memories of the way we were

Owning a business is exciting and rewarding. It is also scary, stressful, exhausting, time-consuming, and challenging. It has taught me so much over the last few years, both about business and about dealing with people. Perhaps most importantly, it has taught me a lot about myself. I am constantly learning how to handle certain situations, and finding out just what I'm capable of accomplishing!

Why all the introspection today? Well, I am happy to spread the word that a dear friend of mine has started her own business too. Tawnie is the owner of Scrapbook Fairy, where you can order custom scrapbooks to preserve your most treasured memories. If you're like me, this is a fantastic idea because I simply don't have the time or energy (or talent) to put into scrapping.


Tawnie's designs are beautiful and intricate, and commemorate any occasion. Think about it- you have your wedding album, professionally created by your photographer, and then you have a pile of snapshots taken by your friends and relatives. Wouldn't it be nice to have that pile arranged into a beautiful book of memories?

Take a moment to visit Tawnie's site- you'll find yourself hunting down all your old photos!