Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Bridal shower favors



Looking for the perfect bridal shower favor?  I'm recently married (three days in) and I have had my eyes on a few over the past few weeks. I purchased some personalized chapstick from Etsy for my own bridal shower. Another favorite I used to ask my bridesmaids and maid of honor to be in my wedding was koozies. I made my own personal cards like the ones you find on Etsy for much cheaper.. I just had to get creative and use Microsoft word and some cool paper and card stock I had.I am currently making some favors for our rehearsal dinner with candies and mesh organza bags then adding tags. We are also doing koozies as a wedding favor for our guest. I've rounded up my top 10 favorite bridal shower favors to make your search a little easier! I'm loving everything from personalized stemless wine glasses to affordable snacks and candies. See below to find what fits your fancy.

1.Mints
“Mint To Be” – what a smart wedding favor ideas. To see more: http://www.modwedding.com/2014/05/12/unique-wedding-favors-ideas/ #wedding #weddings #favor Featured: BabyEssentialsByMel:
Pinterest Link
-Want a cheaper option..Try tic tacs and just order some cute labels. Super quick too.
2.Nail polish
Nail polish bridal shower favors.  See more bridal shower favor ideas at www.one-stop-party-ideas.com:
Pinterest Link

3.Chapstick (My favorite because its easy and everyone can use this)
unique wedding favor ideas - personalized chapstick:
Pinterest Link

4. Koozies (Another favorite I used for Bridesmaids and wedding favors) 
BRIDAL SHOWER GIFT OR FAVOR Black and White Stripes Pink Roses Bridal Shower Can Drink Soda Cooler Koozie Cozie  #bridalshower:
Pinterest Link

5.Sunglasses
Deck out your bridal party with these whimsical bridal party sunglasses! Include these ultra-fun shades in your thank you gifts for a beach, outdoor, or destination themed wedding.:
Pinterest Link

6.Champs 
For lady geast only!  Sorry mom to be..:
Pinterest Link

7.Wine glasses
bachelorette party glasses | ... glasses- great for the wedding party, shower or bachelorette party:
Pinterest Link

8.Hair Ties (Very affordable)
Personalized Bachelorette Party Favors | Hair Tie Favors | Party Favors | Personalized Favors | to have and to hold your hair back:
Pinterest Link

9.Seeds or mini plants

























10.Candy or snack (Another option where you can just order some labels and purchase packaging at local stores).
I love these for my bridal shower!:
Pinterest Link

All pics are from Pinterest and links are below each item if you would like to view or possibly purchase. 
I would love to know of any other favorites you ladies have or even pics if you have them. I hope this gives you ladies some inspiration. 

SHARE:

Friday, May 5, 2017

Surviving the Long Distance Relationship




First I would like to say and brag a little about my "LDR" (Long distance relationship).We have been together for 2.5 years and we are exactly 1 week away from our wedding which is pretty amazing if you know our story but I wont make this post about that today. We have had our struggles but this article is more so on how to survive one. My fiance Scott is from Toronto Canada and I am in Nashville TN. This is not just a normal "LDR" relationship, we are literally in different countries but luckily for us all the stars and timing lined up right which is pretty important.  People ask us all the time how have we have made it for over two years and what it takes. Trust me when I say it wasn't always easy and Scott is mostly the reason why it has worked and I will admit that I am the difficult one. The points I'm going to make have worked for us and might help someone else, so feel free to chime in with any suggestions or questions.
1.Be realistic..I will say the "LDR" is not for the weak. Do not try this if you know this type of thing is not for you or you know you have trust issues and the relationship is just a fling. Someone can tell pretty early on or most can if the relationship and person are worthy of this time and effort. Don't waste your time on people who are not the one or just a fling. I see this time and time again and I can never understand people who waste time with the wrong people.
2.Trust- If you know you have trust issues or you struggle with this.. DON'T even try. It will never work until you work this issue out with yourself. You have to have a good foundation of trust to make it work or even make it last.
3.Timing- I have always believed love and relationships can only work with the right timing. Even if the love is a storybook/magical type of love it will never work if both individuals do not have their life together or both are not ready to be in such a relationship.
4.Compromise- I struggle with this one in every day life and in my "LDR".. Relationships in general are HARD so you have to be willing to compromise A LOT. Make the effort, move your schedule around, change your routine, etc. 
5.Get Creative- You will have to get creative if you want to keep both people happy and satisfied. Personally I am ok with a face time and/or phone call when needed but some people need more than that. Watch movies together at the same time, literally (Scott likes to press play at the exact same time so we are at the same parts). Play games, read the same book, etc.  Scott and I still do this even when we are apart a week at a time because it keeps us connected. He favors face time more than I but we compromise and that is why it works. 
6.Communicate- Speak up if you want or need something. Plan ahead and make time for each other and time to see each other or be there for certain important dates. Scott and I always plan out our days/schedules with whats going on in our lives. Example being holidays, events, birthdays, etc. Another way to keep things interesting and communicate is to write letters, cards, making homemade items etc. Scott and I both got really creative in the beginning with these types of things.I purchased so many items from Etsy in the beginning because they had so many cute gifts for long distance dating. This key chain below is very similar to one I purchased Scott for his birthday and I was so terrified it was too much but he loved it. If you knew me you would know its super hard for me to be vulnerable or mushy. This was a huge step for me and us in our relationship.
Link to shop
https://www.etsy.com/

I also purchased same other cool gifts for him like a coffee cup with our countries connecting with a dotted line and plane. See below for details.
https://www.etsy.com/ 

7.Pick your battles- Don't fight over silly things, they are just not worth it. This rule stands for all relationships. Again I struggle with this one but I think this comes with age and maturity.
8.Expect it to be hard and try to prepare yourself for the uphill battle and be patient. These types of relationships are hard but very much worth it if you're with the right person.
9. Enjoy your time you do have together and spend it wisely.
I would search the internet and Pinterest for cute ideas and things to do for Scott.. I mailed him cookies in a cute tin mailbox, made him a long distance card (inspiration from Etsy again), there are so many cute and clever things you can do to keep it interesting and fun. I would suggest checking on shipping before hand as it can get pricey. This pic below is from my Instagram of a card I made Scott.I will be making a diy post later but for now I used google maps for our location, some craft paper, glue, scizzers, and made this little card. They are a little too pricey for me on Etsy so I made it instead. Any craft store will have all the materials you need.

10. Know the long term goal and keep your eye and head on the goal. This is pretty important and will get you through the rough times and days. If you are confused on the relationship or have no idea where its going, what is the point. Another general rule of thumb for relationships but especially "LDR" ones. 
Scott and I have somehow mastered our schedules and routines on most days because it works for us and our personality traits. I realize not many or all people can do this. Scott's job requires him to travel A LOT and I am an only child who can entertain myself and I'm fully independent and self efficient. I am a recruiter and talk to people all day everyday so I don't mind quiet time or doing things on my own, he loves people, talking, and being around people with his job. It just works and we trust each other, We communicate as much as possible and make the most of our time and schedules. We knew each other years before we ever actually went on a date and got to know each other long before we dated and took our time so that could have played a huge role in it as well. Neither of us are one to rush or settle for anything less. We were never in a hurry or rushed the relationship. Its all relative to the people involved and personality traits.
 I honestly feel like I hit the jackpot with Scott and it works mostly because he is just an amazing guy and the universe just allowed everything to work out perfectly. If you're in a "LDR" I would love to know what works or doesn't work for you. I know the struggle so don't hesitate to reach out. 
SHARE:
BLOGGER TEMPLATE CREATED BY pipdig