Come along, step right up, and see the beautiful disaster that is balancing our lives, geek interests, having a Halloween wedding and not being so tacky as to upset even ourselves. (j/k, we’ll probably wind up with some tackiness no matter what we do.)

The Stationary Situation

This, is probably one of the easiest ones for us. My fiance suggested that I take a look at Royal Steamline when it came time to order invitations and save the dates. The biggest problem that I have now is that I love way too many of the styles that they offer. We ordered a dozen samples and were only able to cross one of from our list. If you’re looking to add a touch of Steampunk flair or a hint of Gothic elegance to your invitations, Royal Steamline has you covered. (These aren’t the only styles they excel at, but they did constitute a lot of the ones we picked out.) Some of the designs invoke Edward Gorey, others call directly upon the lure of Lovecraftian horror and others still are even delicate. We’re actually just waiting to determine the venue and get a handle on our guest-list to order Save The Dates from them.

Looking for something a little more illustrated? Check out artist Ellen Forney’s wedding invitation commissions. They’re cool, and will be every bit unique to you.

The Venue

There’s one mother between us and she’s a terrifying force to be reckoned with, sweeping in just as we found out that our first choice of a wedding venue is being sold as of May. We’re not willing to risk losing out on our date, so that ruled it out for us and we’re still reeling a little from thinking we had the perfect venue, located exactly where we wanted it, and haunted, only to lose it. Right now we have a few other contenders in the running, but we haven’t fallen in love with any of them the way we did the one that got away. (There’s an irony there that I am well, well aware of.)

The Dress

I’m studying fashion design, and that makes the prospect of finding a wedding dress terrifying. If I sit down, I could draw my dream dress and give myself unrealistic expectations for a mythical dress that I will never find, and more than that, that I don’t want to take on the added stress of making for myself. Given our plan for a masquerade themed reception, it’s also looking likely that I’ll be wearing two dresses, something more traditional to walk down the aisle in, and a separate dress for the reception. While I’m not decided any way just yet, I’ve taken a look at Whirling Turban and I have to admit that they have at least two styles that I’m seriously lusting after.

The Reception
Since we’re kind of asking a lot of our friends by asking them to give up their Halloween, we’re hoping to make sure it doesn’t actually feel like they’re giving anything up. I want to have it all, without blowing our budget, and I don’t want it to feel tacky or overdone. I’m real hoping that in the end we can pull of what we’re trying to. I’m forgoing superheroes, because we can think of anything that really pairs with Red Hood (his favorite), and Harley and Joker seem like.. Well.. Not the strongest foundation for starting out our marriage. I’m shooting for something that can capture the feeling of a haunted forest while working with the masquerade aesthetic we’re thinking for the reception attire. Of course, if I’d found a way to make it tasteful, we would have been throwing a super hero filled affair to rival Green Arrow and Black Canary’s wedding. (Which is an idea that has given me a lot of ideas that I don’t need to be having about how to still wind up having a super hero wedding, because they did it and it was still a nice thing. Would help if my dude didn’t think Green Arrow was not at all up to snuff. But God help me if I don’t really want to do it.) I looked at a venue recently just because there was an opportunity for wedding photos with dinosaurs and I think that even our guests would get behind the idea of getting to steal a photo with the dinos.

I’m opting against a big bridal party, which has sadly meant that I’ve also been left ruling out some of the other whimsical ideas I tossed around, like the bridal party coming to the reception as classic monsters and the groom and I as either Dracula and Mina or Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride. ( Also out the window with that one? Coordinated thriller dance at the reception, but I think we have something else cool in the pipeline.) I haven’t started to put together a wedding playlist yet, but something tells me that he has, so I can’t say we haven’t been thinking about that yet because I know he’s been on the hunt for the perfect song for our first dance.  I suggested a 30 Seconds to Mars song with a waltz tempo, but currently I think I’m losing. I’m hoping we do include The Monster Mash, Thriller, and Moondance (My mom and adoptive father used this when they got married,) though. Which, brings me to suggest that we’re likely to go DJ, and we’re hoping to go open bar, but that also depends on that whole… Venue thing.

The Cake

Aside from squabbling over flavors, which I’m pretty resigned to doing unless we can agree on something in a red velvet or vanilla with strawberry/cherry/raspberry/red fruit flavored filling/pink ganache/pink mousse/etc, we haven’t really settled on a color palette yet and I don’t know if I want to go for something like Day of the Dead skulls on the cake, or The Nightmare Before Christmas, or The Corpse Bride.. But, here’s a few of the things I’ve seen so far that I’ve had a hard time resisting when it comes to decoration.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, and Other Traditions

When it comes to my something old, I think I’m planning to wear a piece of my mother’s jewelry to have a piece of her with me. It’s going to be over five years since she passed when I get married. This isn’t so much fun, and it leaves me scrambling for something appropriate to borrow from someone close to me, but! When it comes to my something new, I can share that I’m probably planning to opt for a Batman Garter if I can find one that I really like, unless I cave and go for something with a TARDIS on it to also encapsulate my something blue, though I have something in mind for that which I can’t share here because I don’t want my fiance catching wind of it all this long out before the date.

I’m sure there are a ton of fun things I’m leaving out, so hop on Pinterest and shiver with antici——————————-pation for me to update my wedding board. It’s been fun!

1. Ombre sneaks; It’s no secret. I love all things ombre, especially when they come along with a DIY challenge! The uber talented Gissi, of The Architect of Style, broke down the steps of how to achieve perfectly rose petal dipped canvas shoes, and I have to say, this looks like something I can give a whirl. Maybe I should wait until after I finish my year long studded sneaker DIY, huh? Ha.

2. Donut piñata; Homer Simpson would be so proud. Although I’m pretty sure I’d never be able to DIY my own piñata, this one is just so cute it hurts. Definitely for those with a sweet tooth, it would be a perfect detail to any fiesta. If anyone tries it, definitely let me know!

3. Gold dot shower curtain; While shopping for a new shower curtain (life is super exciting these days), I stumbled on this amazing one. Unfortunately, it is no longer available (& had an outrageous price tag anyways), but it would have added such a touch of kitschy class to our master bathroom. Everything happens for a reason though: I was able to find an even better (& affordable) one that fits in perfectly with our mermaid/sea theme. Details soon!

4. Gold leaf barrette; Speaking of gold, this beautiful hair clip is the perfect accessory to jazz up any outfit. I honestly think it would even make a gorgeous bridal hairpiece for a boho chic wedding!

5. Lime Crime’s Babette; I’ve been on a Lime Crime high lately (hello unicorn packaging!), and have been obsessively stalking their new products. Babette had been in the works for some time, and now that it has been released, I need me one. Too bad I waited too long and it is now sold out. Drats.

1. Glow stick pool; OK guys. How cool is this pool full of bright, shiny glow sticks??? I would have never thought to do this, and I definitely would have never thought it would look this cool! You better believe there will be some funky night swimming in my future!

2. Washi tape party decor; I am a big fan of good looking, but easy party decor so washi tape is high on my list of must-haves for this summer’s party season. Wrap some around a plastic cup and voila! Instant personality! You can beat it.

3. Denim heart DIY; Another fabulous DIY! Patterned jeans are still all the rage for Spring, but the perfect ones can be hard to find. That’s why sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands and make your own personally perfect pair! This is another seemingly simple undertaking, but I’ll make sure to report back with my opinion.

4. Lightsaber toothbrushes; I think I’ve found the coolest kid gift ever. Who would think that it would be a toothbrush?!? They are shaped like lightsabers and flash every 60 seconds to promote longer brushing intervals. My husband was super upset that they only come for children. I think there’s a market out there, Star Wars. Just sayin’.

5. Striped wedges; These gorgeous creatures popped up on the streets of Milan fashion week, and unfortunately the link didn’t give me the information I needed. Mainly, where I can get my grubby hands on them. ::sigh:: Oh well, they are probably completely out of reach budget-wise. Right? Right. So that means I shouldn’t obsessively stalk them, right? Right.

ps; liking the new format??

I love sending snail mail, especially when it is adorned with special stickers and stamps. Receiving a package in the mail jumps up 10,000 more points when it is pretty to look at, so I am loving all over these state address stamps. And before you scoff at the asking price, know that they are each hand-lettered. Delicious.

I can’t get enough of photobooths. Say what you will, but I don’t think they will ever go out of style. Something that pushes it even further is when it has been slaved over by the party planners themselves. I am no stranger to creating photobooths and know they can be a lot of work, but the pay off is huge. I mean, remember my Harry Potter booth? That was a classic. This one is sure to be as well because I’m pretty sure I’m going to rip off this design for my 90’s party!

I may be the last person on Earth to hear about this website, but I love it! You can do virtually anything with your Instagram shots: make an album, stickers (!!!) or get yourself some nifty square prints (pictured). I’m loving this for gift ideas and I’m definitely inspired to order a few of these squares for myself to put somewhere.

It really is the 90’s all over again, isn’t it? But seriously, I always missed the Palazzo pant when it went the way of the dinosaur. What’s not to love? Easy, breezy and effortlessly chic. This is why I couldn’t be happier that it is making a comeback! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find the right ones yet (why are they all in these crazy prints? ugh), but I am hopeful that I will be find my match soon just in time for beautiful Miami beach days.

This is just so…me. If you know me for more than a few hours, you will realize that my conversation will somehow land on…well, bathroom business. I have no idea why, but it never ever fails. I’m completely serious. While having breakfast with friends last weekend, it totally happened. Over bagels and eggs. There is no rhyme or reason. This is why I need this bathroom journal in my life. Best part? I know I will have so many willing participants. I just hope they wash their hands first.

Balloons. I love them to an unnatural degree. Big ones, little ones & everything in between. I’m always on the hunt for unique balloons to add that special touch to an event and these are absolutely wonderful! Best part is that they are from the ultimate cheap party resource: Oriental Trading!!!! Making note….now.

I have found my next DIY project! How fun are these party hat headbands???? I am no stranger to making my own headbands (remember this), but this is taking it to the next level and I’m ready for the challenge! Reason being, there is no challenge at all! The supplies are easily accessible and in a few steps, you have a fancy party favor for everyone! I can’t wait to make these for my birthday. Oh, it’s in 4 months? ::shrugs::

Who knew something so simple could be something so desirable? Hello apparel’s basic, yet adorable gear including sweatshirts, tees and kids’ apparel emblazoned with a cursive “hello” tugs at my wallet. I don’t know if it is due to the perfect font or it’s simplicity, but I need one of each. And these leggings? Entirely too much.

Unfortunately, this is another tragic Pinterest lost link (cardinal sin #1, pinners), but how amaze is this galaxy bikini??? Although I’m iffy with this pattern being slapped on pants/leggings, I do appreciate it on dresses and now…swimwear. If anyone can point me in the right direction to scoop one up, I’d love you forever. And give you a cookie.

If there is one thing that melts my heart, it is cute kids paired with cute puppies. That’s why when I saw my friend, Jackie, link to this Instagram feed, I was hooked. It is impossible to not say “awwwww” while looking at these photos of a little Asian boy and his best friend, a French Bulldog. Who is more adorable? It’s hard to say.

For all of us that have an ::ahem:: love of writing instruments, it can tend to get out of hand. Case in point: I am currently looking at about 15 pens and pencils cluttering my supposed dining room table centerpiece tray. That is definitely not where they belong, and it is flat out embarrassing. That’s why I love this super easy DIY consisting of toilet paper rolls and an old shoe box. Hello! Adorable pen/pencil/marker holder that will no longer leave you ashamed in no time!

I just recently discovered The Land of Nod. Sure, I don’t have any children yet, but I can’t help myself. Is it bad that I prefer children’s decor over others? I mean, look at these adorable paper mache animal heads!!! I probably should wait until I’m decorating a nursery, but I may just be tempted to get one of these babies for myself. At $69, they really are a steal!

Unfortunately, I believe this adorable little camera sweater is a wee bit overpriced, but if it weren’t, I would be purchasing it for so many of the photographers in my life! As if the sweet little point and shoot wasn’t perfect enough, I adore the dainty shade of mint. Paired with some skinny jeans, it would be the perfect ensemble to meet with potential clients!

I love me some mythical creatures, and everyone knows the royalty of the mythical world is the unicorn. I have been obsessed with them since I was a little girls, and it became solidified while watching The Last Unicorn in my youth. I mean, who doesn’t want to be a rare, beautiful and magical creature? Now you can be with fun unicorn party hats! I don’t know about you, but I’d be tempted to wear one every day. I’m the only one aren’t I? Figures.

I’ve been so inspired to craft lately, but at the same time, totally lacking in motivation. I blame it on laying on a couch for the past 3 weeks. Now that I am a lot more mobile (yay for walking!), I’m hoping I can start picking up supplies and getting crafty again! I’d probably start with something easy like this beautiful stick monogram. Just inspect those sticks first! You definitely don’t want to bring in any unwelcome creepy crawlies into your home. Yeesh.

I’ve always lusted over Blu DOT home furnishings, but it’s always been just out of reach financially. So I was content admiring from afar. You can only imagine my reaction when I saw that they decided to partner up with Target for a more affordable collaboration! I’m pretty sure that is nothing new, and I am late to this game, but I am excited either way. The console featured above is one of my favorite pieces and would fit great in our quirky and fun living room. What’s your fav?

Brown kraft paper is my favorite for effortless, yet pretty packaging. It’s always so easy to make it look stylish. Case in point: this lovely favor (which would be great for kids’ parties) emblazoned with only a name using gold stickers. How simple yet chic is that?

Speaking of things that can be surprisingly chic, who knew your old & empty honey bear containers could result in something so adorable and unique? Just make sure they are nice & clean, then paint them a nice bright metallic and voila! I think this would be such an adorable shower centerpiece for those ladies that are looking for a rustic feel.

This is just the most precious idea ever. We’ve all been there: every day seems worse than the previous, nothing can seem to get a smile on your face, and you’d like the planet to just swallow you whole. Sound familiar? Well, how wonderful would it be if you received a little “happy pill box” from one of your friends? Each day with a sweet little note or chocolate is sure to turn that frown upside down. Too bad wine doesn’t fit in those teeny little slots.

Gold animals seem to be all the rage, and Dwell is only feeding the frenzy with this ridiculously cute elephant. It would look perfect on your dresser or in your baby’s nursery. It’s just that versatile. So versatile, in fact, that it is no longer in stock (cue sobbing). Good news is, if you are not riding high on the gold trend and have lots of patience, you can pick one up in silver and comfort yourself through the back order period.

It also is home to my favorite holiday and my favorite person’s birthday, my husband. He said he wanted something very low-key at home with his closest friends. Nothing major, just a night where we could have a few cocktails and catch up. I took the opportunity to make the party special, while not breaking the bank. I used items that were either under $5 or that I found laying around the house. It is totally possible to throw a party at your home without saying goodbye to a quarter of your bank account, I promise.

These quick little photo clips above are the perfect representation. I grabbed multiple $1 packs of balloons from the Dollar Store and taped them to our wall. As an after thought, I’m sure taping a big square of kraft paper to your wall and then using more powerful tape to secure the balloons onto it would be better, as we had to keep putting some of them back on throughout the night if someone passed by them too close. But either way, it did not take us long to put them up and it was a great statement piece for the party that caught everyone’s attention. We didn’t even use one pack! To make the hubs’ birthday candle a little more special, I grabbed a pack of small animal figures from Target’s Spritz party line which was $3.99, and chose the polar bear (what I refer to him due to his strange affinity for below zero temperatures). I hot glue gunned a striped candle (also from the Spritz line) to it, held it down and let it sit for a bit. Voila! Instant kitsch.

As usual, I have a ton of party supplies I never used (or just reuse) from previous parties, so I threw those all out to decorate the main party table and added some quick “table confetti” in the form of construction paper cut outs. Again, a huge pack of construction paper from the dollar store did the trick, along with a circle cutting tool. I scattered the table full of these and it took me all of 5 minutes. Despite being one of the easiest things you can do decor-wise, it helped make a colorful and fun accent, and also helps pull together any color palettes you may be using (blue and green, in the birthday boy’s case). Finally, making your own cake can really save cost, while also making it more personal. The hubs decided he was going to make his own brownie cake and it was not only beautiful, but also a hit with all our guests. Add an adorable $2 birthday boy/girl ribbon to make the guest of honor feel special and you are good to go!

Party planning does not have to be arduous or expensive – it just takes a little bit of thought and a whole lot of heart.

Oh my cute. Although there are no Melificent babies to speak of (yet), I’m going to keep this adorable DIY on file for the future. I mean, how cute are babies in hipster cardigans? I die. Now to master the art of sewing.

Want to make the birthday boy/girl feel special? Attach a photo for each year of the person’s life on to the end of a balloon string and scatter them around the party area. Not only will it make everyone smile, but it will also provide the chance to tell some pretty hilarious childhood stories.

OK, I know I feature things I love every Friday but this? This I NEED! How amazing is this Harry Potter tank featuring all the horcruxes?? If you do not realize why there are so many punctuation marks and capitalized words while describing it, I don’t think we can be friends.

Shoes: my weakness. And these? Are wonderful. They are so vibrant and gorgeous! Although you may think give off more of a Spring time vibe, I beg to differ. They would look great with a loose fitting sweater and some leggings for a perfect Fall look with a little pop!

I love anything sparkly and glittery – I might as well be a goldfish. So when I saw this DIY, I knew I had to add it to my “must do” list. Best part is that it requires no thought at all. Just add some loose sequins (that you probably have laying around from other DIY projects if you are anything like me) to your vase full of water and voila! Instant sparkle for your home florals. I’m in love.

My favorite party dino that I painted years back. And an amazing graphic I had the hubs make.

Mason jars I’ve had for years since initially buying packs for a pool party.

The spread! Ready for some headbanding!

Feathers galore!

Table view!

The girls getting to work on their headpieces!

Delicious gluten free/dairy free cupcakes from Bunnie Cakes. Highly recommend.

Oh yeah. There was some wine.

Photobooth fun! Thanks to Pinterest for this super easy inspiration.

Showing off our excellent hair accessories. We are naturals.
Totally ready for a British wedding, we are.