Happy Halloween!

I posted earlier in the month, that Lucky Designs was creating Halloween cards for friends and family. Well, here they are! Lupe (my mom) and my husband helped a lot, and I think they turned out very well! I am going to try my best not to eat too much candy while I am handing it out tonight! If you are dressing up tonight, what is your costume? (I was thinking about painting my pregnant belly like a basketball!)

(Decorative paper and stickers from Archiver's. Stamp from Stamp Your Art Out.)

Lucky Baby Inspiration

When I first spotted this retro, green lamp from Urban Outfitters, I just thought it was cute and fun. However, I did not think I would purchase it since I did not have a room to build around it. Now - I do!! I have been thinking about Lucky Baby's room since I first found out I was pregnant - and even more now that I know it is a girl. I am also trying to keep in mind that my husband and I would like to have more children, and that furniture/decor could be used again in the future (and that might include a boy). Accordingly, we have decided upon black, white, and grass green. (I know you are surprised about the black and white!) I am going to try and buy mostly white furniture and a neutral stroller and car seat. I am definitely thinking about adding some pillows or bedding with a damask pattern - my favorite! Hopefully, my mom will get out her sewing machine before March! Here is a small inspiration board for Lucky Baby's room.

Top: Chalkboard - Pottery Barn Teen, Damask dishes - Target, Polka Dot Stroller - Amazon

Bottom: Fish Mobile - Modern Tots, Wall Graphics - Blik, Lamp - Urban Outfitters

I might also have to include my electric bass as part of the wall decor!

Guest Blogging and A New Look

I hope you had a great weekend. It is definitely fall in the Queen City. The temperatures have been in the high 50s - a big change from just a few weeks ago. Melissa over at Masterpieces Weddings was nice enough to invite me to be a guest blogger. I had the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite categories - monograms! Check out her blog for great ideas, inspiration, and my post!

I also had a chance to update Lucky Me this weekend. Thanks to How About Orange for the link describing how to revamp your blogger template. I hope this 3 column approach makes it easier to find labels, links, and past posts.

Monogram Friday

My husband and I had a busy Thursday evening. We got to see a sneak preview of Dan in Real Life with Steve Carell. It was very funny - we highly recommend it!
We had a chance to stop by the bookstore, and I had to pick up the latest copy of Blueprint Magazine. It is their first holiday issue, and there are some great ideas for decorating and gift wrapping.

Lastly, the Phoenix Suns aired on TNT, winning a pre-season game against Denver. Yes, I am excited about NBA basketball. I can't help it! I will be back next week with my inspiration board for my nursery, and more ideas for my newly engaged friend, Jeannie. Have a great weekend.

The newest additions to the Lucky Designs standard monogram collection. Order before midnight to take advantage of our sale!

BOGO Reminder

Just a reminder, that if you would like to take advantage of our buy one, get one sale, please place your order by midnight Friday (October 26th). Thanks!

Random Details

Just some random, gorgeous details from several weddings. Make sure to check out Evoke Photography's blog for more of these amazing events.

Monogrammed Food!

I obviously am a huge fan of monograms. When I first started planning for my wedding, I was so excited to see monogrammed cakes! Since then, it seems the trend to monogram your food has reached new levels to sushi, takeout boxes, and mini burgers! (I think my baby cravings influenced this post today!)

Brides Receptions 2005

Very Black and White

Simply Sparkling Events has many beautiful details on their blog, but this one in particular caught my eye (the wedding of Jennifer Skog). Why - it is black and white of course! My favorite color combination. (Jessica over at Tying the Knot, and Darci at With This Ring are also in looking for some black and white inspiration - hope this helps!)

(Don't forget to check out Jennifer's amazing shower as well.)

Do not forget to check out Sarah's black and white ideas over at Toast and Tables!

(Previous Post in black and white - here, here, and here).

(Photography by Juliet Nicole Photography.)

Projects

Lucky Designs was busy this weekend, not with the usual wedding stationary, but some fun odds and ends. A friend asked for help making personalized cards for her son's football coaches. Apparently a card for a male coach is hard to find. This is what we came up with!

Another friend recently welcomed a baby girl to her family. Here is a card to express our congratulations. (It reads Welcome!! on the inside.)

My mom rarely checks her mailbox, because (can you blame her) she hates getting bills. I love to send her good mail she can actually enjoying opening. My mom and my in-laws, were wonderful about helping my husband and I celebrate our anniversary. Here are a few thank you cards that I have sent recently.

Last but not least, my niece celebrates her 10th birthday today. For her birthday, I made her some personalized notecards, so she can write notes to her friends! Here are just a few of the designs...

(Happy Birthday to my friends Chrissy and Jeannie too!!)

Monogram Friday Giveaway!

I'm happy to announce that for the next week (through Friday, October 26th), with any purchase of a standard monogram, you will receive any standard monogram of your choosing FREE! Just mention this post when you contact us to place your order. Feel free to email if you have any questions. Have a great weekend.

Previous Monogram Friday Posts

Congrats Jeannie and Rob!

I want to congratulate one of my best friends, Jeannie, and now her fiance Rob! I have been hearing the secret proposal plans for weeks now, through my friends in Florida. Jeannie is getting ordained this weekend, but Rob came down early to surprise Jeannie with a romantic proposal on the beach. I got a phone call from Jeannie, and she has never sounded more excited! I am so happy for them.

I, of course, already have ideas in mind for their wedding!! I love the idea of aqua and champagne for a Florida wedding...

Top: {The Knot, Alvina Valenta, Wish Flowers}
Bottom: {The Knot, BBJ Linens, April Reed, Wish Flowers}

Here are a few more ideas from Knottie CCLA's wedding. I absoutely love the cake and the cake table.

Knottie CCLA

Pink and Brown

My mom and I recently cleaned out our collection of magazines - they were a bit out of control! I did have to tear out a few pages to keep however, because I always find something that inspires! I love the look of this lounge area in pink and brown, and the mixture of patterns on the fabrics and wall.

Fall 2006 - 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100

Here are some additional ideas inspired by this relaxing area...

Top: {Fall 2006 - 100 Decorating Ideas Under $100, Flickr, Baltimore Cupcake Company}
Bottom: {Maisie Fantaisie Cakes, The Knot, Graham and Green}

Autumn Colors

As you know, I always enjoy looking through photographers' blogs. The Regeti's Blog is a favorite of mine and of the Cincinnati board on The Knot! Maggie and Ty's wedding caught my eye today - the autumn colors of their wedding are amazing!

FYI - Later this week, Lucky Designs will be offering a buy one standard monogram, get one free sale!! I would also love to hear if you have a suggestion for a new theme or design for Monogram Fridays. Stay tuned!

Blog Action Day

Today, October 15th, many bloggers have united to discuss a very important topic - the environment. Blog Action Day focused on getting people to talk about working towards a better future.

I have recently started looking into adding a "green" line of invitations for Lucky Designs. As much as I love to create beautiful, custom stationery for my customers, I do realize the impact that this business may have on the environment. I try and recycle scraps and unused paper as much as possible. Is this a choice you would be interested in as a bride or customer of Lucky Designs?

In the mean time, I do like to use The Paper Mill Store. The Paper Mill Store "uses 100% wind power a renewable energy source certified by Green-e. With this purchase of ;green power,' we are recognized as a Partner in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power Partnership and Green Power Leadership Club. "

Monogram Friday (Anniversary Fever!)

My monogram today of course had to be black and white (my wedding colors). Sunday is my anniversary, but the celebration starts tomorrow! We are picking up a cake from Take the Cake - no frozen cake for us! Melissa's cakes are amazing, and I would highly recommend her. I am looking forward to a romantic weekend with my husband. Below are a few of my favorite details from our big day. Have a great weekend!

My beautiful bouquet from Cincinnati Urban Floral Design - another highly recommended vendor.

It's a...

Not only do my husband and I get to celebrate our anniversary this week, but we also recently found out we are having a girl! We are very excited. The tech was able to take some amazing pictures of her hand, leg, feet, and spine! Everything looked great! Now we have the huge task of picking a name. How did you choose a name for your child?

P.S. The weather finally feels like autumn in The Queen City!

Shiny Shoes

I wanted to brag about my husband today, since Sunday, the 14th is our first wedding anniversary. I am so lucky to have him and his family in my life. We are going to enjoy a romantic dinner and a night at the Cincinnati Symphony for our anniversary. Music features largely in our lives. My husband is either teaching himself to play a new instrument, taking lessons from someone, writing or recording music. I hope our child loves music as much as we do! Our first Valentine's Day together, I received a dozen long stem red roses and an original song. Shiny Shoes is probably my favorite song that he has written, although it is hard to choose. I wanted to share the lyrics to Shiny Shoes and the link to his website.

Shiny Shoes

You say you'll know her when you see her
So you steal another glance at the mirror
And you ask her to dance, you know

You've got nothing to lose
You can't stop smiling
You can't stop shining your shoes

You've got nothing to prove
You can't stop lying
You can't stop telling the truth


She says it's been a lot of fun
But you know she's got to run
To another one and there goes the sun, you know

You got no one but you
You can't stop crying
You can't stop singing the blues

You've got nothing to do
You can't stop whining
You can't stop hitting the snooze


When you get to the next one, whoa whoa
You might try acting like you've never been hurt, but
If you make a connection, whoa whoa
Never let them tell you that you're never going to get her, no!


Now you're back in the saddle, whoa whoa
And you realize that the others never mattered, no
So you write her a letter, whoa whoa
And she hits the ceiling, because she's never been so flattered, no!

Now you say you're never going to let her go
Because you know the way to let her know
It's only getting better, oh!

You've go nothing to do
But keep on smiling
And keep on shining your shoes

And it's all up to you
So don't stop trying
And don't stop making your move

So always be true
And she'll keep smiling
And she'll keep thinking of you

It's so long overdue
So keep on smiling
And keep on shining your shoes

The Green Challenge

I have been tagged by Laura at Soiree Special Events . The challenge: What are you doing to introduce environmental sustainability into your daily life? Throughout college, I greatly enjoyed being part of beach cleanups and many environmentally challenging activities. However, I have to admit, I did not continue with those practices until my husband became part of my life. He is very thoughtful and conscious of the environment.

1. We recycle everyday in our household! My husband has to yell at me occasionally, but I am trying very hard to remember to put my milk containers in the correct trash can.
2. My husband and I are lucky enough to carpool when we are able. Saving gas these days not only helps the environment, but helps our wallets.
3. I also love to visit Half Price Books. Not only can you purchase gently used books and magazines, but you are able to sell your reading material when you are done so someone else can enjoy it rather than having it take up landfill space!
4. Finally, we are hoping to purchase a hybrid car when it comes time to replace one of our cars!
   

Please share your green ideas!

• Pretty Little Things


• Perfect Bound


• Our Wedding Plus


• At Home with Kim Vallee


• Faye and Greer

Amazing Train

I saw this in the October 1st issue of In Touch magazine at the gym tonight, and I had to share it. A bride in China wore a gown with a 92 foot train!

Corporate Logos

This weekend, I was able to update my website a bit (which is ALWAYS a work in progress). I was very pleased to get the beginnings of my corporate logo page up and running. A business logo is very important and one of the first things your customers see. Lucky Designs has partnered with Gator Paper. Once you have a finalized logo, you can contact Gator Paper for tissue, wrapping paper and more.

Pink Monogram Friday

It has been a week of great blogging to raise awareness for breast cancer. Check all of Sarah's beautiful pink posts over at Toast and Tables. I also love Pretty Little Things' pink office - I can just picture myself at the desk working. Have a great weekend!

(More pink inspiration here and here.)

Little Black Book

Nina Garcia, the fashion editor of ELLE magazine, recently published The Little Black Book of Style. I found an article in People (9/10/2007), that shared 4 tips from Nina's new book.

1. Stock up on white Hanes t-shirts - A basic that is always chic.
2. Sweats are not first-class attire - Sweatsuits are annoying. People should make an effort to look more put together [on planes].
3. Watch out for toe cleavage - Showing too much toe is a no-no.
4. Add sparkle to your pregnancy - When you are expecting, wear jewelry.

I could not agree more with the last tip (considering my "state")! I wonder if my husband read the article as well, since he gave me beautiful pearl earrings for my birthday in August.

The Blues

I considered many colors combination for my wedding - blue, black, and white being one of them. I love cobalt glass, and when I stumbled upon InStyle Wedding's 25 Best Cakes with a cake with just that scheme, I had to put together a storyboard.

Images: {Top:Knottie Cnickler (Britney Photography), Knottie IAM4UK (Steph Carson Photography), Michael Miller Disco Dot fabric}

{Bottom:InStyle Weddings - Cake, Knottie Cnickler (Britney Photography), Jcrew - Sophia}

Invitations

I said yesterday that I will follow up with pictures of the ordination invitation final drafts. Here they are...

Some of My Favorite Customers

I have to say that my friends and family have been so supportive of Lucky Designs. It is enjoyable to be part of their events. My friend Jeannie is being ordained this fall. She and I have been working together to come up with a simple and semi-formal design. Here are a few of the ideas we bounced around. I will post pictures of the final draft tomorrow.

Pink Post

Here is a my Pink Post for the day!

Images {Top: Carrie's Cakes, Knottie MrsReemAvenue, Lamps Plus}
{Bottom: Housemartin, At Home with Kim Vallee}