Thursday, May 31, 2012

{weekend bucket list}

Weekend Bucket List

1. I’ve been waiting to see this movie for a very long time. The trailer looks incredible, and I really do think it’s going to be a fabulous movie! I don’t even care that Kristen Stewart is in it, it looks that good.

2. I’m so excited for Blog Brunch this month! I’ve been struggling with how to use Facebook more efficiently, so I’m looking forward to talking to other bloggers about how they use it for their blogs and businesses.

3. Book club is on Sunday! I chose this month’s book, and I’ve yet to finish it (oops!), but I know it’s going to be good. Plus, it’s an excuse to get together with my lady friends.

4. The Ventura flea market only comes around every few months, so I’m determined to make it there on Sunday morning. I don’t have anything in mind really, other than looking for some pretty things for my best friend’s wedding. Do you think Taylor Swift will be there again?

This Weekend

{may’s favorite things}

I know I say it every month, but time really is going by so fast. Can you believe that today is the last day of May? These first five months of the year have been absolutely incredible, and May has bee one of the best yet!

Mays Favorite Things

1. I wear the bow that I got from Melanie Lea almost every day. It is definitely my favorite new accessory, and obviously one of my favorite things from May!

2. I took a chance one day and emailed one of my favorite wedding designers, Kelly Oshiro, to see if she’d be willing to meet me for a drink. We did, and it was great! She gave me some amazing advice, and I feel so fortunate to say that I’ve met such a talented designer.

3. I put up a new mantra every week, but this one really struck a chord with me and with some of my readers. It’s my official mantra right now, and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am if I hadn’t taken it to heart.

4. At the beginning of the month, I was able to help an old friend with her wedding and it turned out to be just beautiful. I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures!

5. It may be the last day of the month, but I’ve officially hit 600 followers! That’s pretty cool.

{P.S. - don’t forget to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway!}

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

{shabby apple giveaway & two winners}

Today is an extra special day, because I have an extra special treat for all of you!

Shabby Apple Giveaway

left // right

I’m sure you all have heard of Shabby Apple by now, and have seen some of their adorable clothes and accessories. Well, Shabby Apple is offering of my lucky readers $75 to get whatever they’d like! There are a few ways you can win (please leave a comment for each):

1. Mandatory Entry – “Like” Shabby Apple on Facebook

Additional Entries:

2. Leave a comment telling us what you would buy if you win

3. Follow me {@joelleduff} on Twitter

4. Tweet about the giveaway

5. “Like” Something Charming on Facebook

The giveaway closes on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at midnight, so be sure to enter before then!

Oh, and one more thing….I need to announce the winner from the last giveaway, in which I offered two readers two months of free sponsorship! And the winners are…

Bri

Claire

Email me ladies so I can get your information and put up your buttons!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

{wedding wednesday: the save the dates}

I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday! I guess it’s true that the best part of a long weekend is a short week. It may only be only Wednesday, but it’s already a great week! And that is even with the food poisoning I got on Monday night…

Anyway, here we are again, at another Wedding Wednesday post.

Save the Dates

{via}

Once you have set the date and chosen a venue, you may want to consider sending out save the dates to your guests.

Why

Include

{via}

Rule One

You want to include any information that your guests might need to “save the date.” Other ideas might be to include a hotel that you’ve blocked off rooms for, your wedding website, and a note saying that a formal invitation will follow.

You might want to only send them to close friends and family, just in case you decide later on to reduce the guest list, or if you have a falling out with someone. Sending a Save the Date, and then reneging on that invitation, is one of the biggest wedding faux pas that you can commit. It’s just best that way, to avoid any hurt feelings.

Be Creative

cute-wedding-save-the-date-ivory-red-black

{via}

amanda_tim_savedate

{via}

First Impression

And now, I have a special treat for all of you!

Date WHITE 675x470px

{via}

That pretty card up there was designed by Jocie from Cards Etcetera, and she is offering one reader their own, custom Save the Date! Her cards are just beautiful, and she will create one for you and send you the image to print on your own! All you have to do is leave a comment below, letting us know that you’d like to be entered to win!

Link Up

Registry

NewlyWish_WWRD_003

{via}

{a lady’s summer closet}

A few months ago, I did a post about the items that are essential in a lady’s wardrobe. Since it’s now  unofficially summer, I thought I’d return to that idea and post the things I find important to own for the summer.

A Ladys Summer Wardrobe

1. Ask anyone who knew me as a teenager, and they’d tell you that I took full advantage of the warmer weather by wearing pieces of clothing that my current prudish self would find scandalous. I think a lot of girls go through this phase, but thank goodness I’ve grown out of it. I much prefer to wear comfortable dresses in lighter fabrics, like this one from Mango, rather than short skirts that show a little too much.

2. It’s essential that we protect our skin from the sun, especially if you live near the beach like I do. Sunscreen does the trick, but why not take it a step further and look a little chicer in the process by wearing a pretty sunhat?

3. The same goes for our eyes. These Dolce and Gabana glasses are perfect for a sunny day.

4. Heels are always in, but a nice pair of wedges just evoke summertime. Don’t you think these Michael Kors wedges would look pretty with that maxi dress?

5. What would summer be without spending some time in the water? A lady’s bathing suit doesn’t need to cover everything up necessarily, but it is important that you find something flattering for your body. This is the first year that I’m actually considering getting a one piece! Thought this lovely pink two piece is also on the list…

6. Summer is also wedding season! Which is obviously a great reason to go find a new, flirty cocktail dress. I’m loving this pretty chiffon dress, aren’t you?

7. While I was in Paris for the summer a few years ago, I noticed that regardless of the weather, Parisian women had one staple: a scarf. Choosing a colorful scarf in a light fabric is a great way to accessorize an outfit, and make you feel just a little more French.

8. And lastly, a lady definitely needs a new pair of sandals to show off that summer pedicure, don’t you think?

Summer Closet

Monday, May 28, 2012

{flowers & pie}

photo 1photo 3 photo 2photo 4

Hope you all had a lovely weekend and beautiful Memorial Day.

{monday’s mantra}

Happy Memorial Day everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your day off, and that you are remembering why it is that we are able to get a three day weekend.

Today’s mantra is for you. Because, you see, it’s taken me a long time to get to where I am now, where I believe in myself enough to know that I can do big things. I also know, however, that there are so many people in the world who don’t see their value and their potential.

Monday's Mantra

I truly do believe that if I can get to this place in my life, so can you. So even if you don’t see it in yourself yet, know that I believe in you. You can do great things too.

In case you need an extra confidence boost this week, I’ve created some desktop wallpapers for you. I hope you look at them when you’re feeling down, and see that you have someone who believes in you.

1900 x 1200
1600 x 1200
1024 x 768