Handmade with True Love.....

I have recently been on a mission to find an alternative 'guestbook' for my guests to leave their 'mark' at our wedding. I didn't want a traditional guest book that people would write their warm wishes in as I feel that these are too often looked at once after your big day and put in the back of a cupboard there after. I saw this fabulous idea on Pinterest of a 'balloon thumbprint guest book'...the idea is that guests would dab their thumb onto a colourful ink pad and then print it on to the picture above to make it look like the bride and groom are holding strings of balloons! The picture can then be framed and displayed in your home as a constant reminder of a wonderful day with family and friends. I completely fell in love with this as balloons are going to feature hugely at our wedding. I knew this was perfect but what I didn't like was the huge price tag that they were selling for....So....I made my own! It was VERY EASY to do and I would encourage all those with time on their hands to do the same. You can too often be ripped off with these things that can easily be made yourself. I simply bought a clip art from the internet of a bride and groom and then created a page on MS Word with added lines/writing. I then took the document in to Staples and had them print it on onto a large poster all for the small price of $10!!! Not only is it a bargain but it was handmade with true love! (Hoping to start selling these on Etsy in the very near future so watch this space). 

Black Bean and Zucchini Quesadilla......

C/O www.fitnessmagazine.com

I am sharing another delicious recipe under 500 calories on the blog this morning....It is Monday after all, and we are all back on the diet wagon, right? This black bean and zucchini quesadilla is not only low in calories but it also has the added nutritional benefits from the beans and zucchini. Next time you are in the supermarket pick up the following ingredients for your next healthy/low cal meal! 

* 1 cup of chopped zucchini

* 1/2 cup of black beans - rinsed and drained

* 2 teaspoons of olive oil

* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 2 whole wheat tortillas
* 1/4 cup of shredded cheese
* 2 tablespoons of salsa

Make it: Saute first 4 ingredients for 5 minutes. Place mixture on tortillas; sprinkle with cheese. Fold in half and cook in pan until cheese melts and tortilla is toasted. Top with salsa.and enjoy!

I heart shoes!......

When it came to planning the theme to my wedding and the style I wanted to go for, I didn't think for one minute. I knew right from the start that I wanted a fun, yet quirky wedding with a rustic/vintage feel. So it really wasn't a surprise when I went a purchased these stunning shoes by Vivienne Westwood! From then on my 'red heart' theme has exploded with colour and quirks, thanks to the inspiration from these little lovelies. What shoes are you going to be sporting on your wedding day? Whatever you decide to wear, make sure you quite literally 'heart' your shoes!

Want the same style? Get yours here @ www.viviennewestwood.co.uk 

When 'Love' Takes Over.....

With 17 weeks to go until my wedding, 'Love' has quite literally taken over! For the past 8 months, my life (and my fiance's) has been consumed with organizing and planning our perfect wedding day celebration. As the time gets closer it has become more and more difficult to keep up with my other interests and hobbies such as baking, cooking, blogging, hiking, photography, crafting etc.....I often wonder how different my life will be again when our wedding is past?. Don't get me wrong, I have absolutely loved the process of planning our big day but I am also looking forward to getting back to normality and having time on my hands again to live life to the full and not constantly be replying to emails or pinning things on Pinterest! Yes. It will be lovely, but until then I am going to enjoy every single minute....after all, you only get to do this once!

Throughout the whole process I have tried my best to stay cool, calm and collected....and I think I have done quite a good job at that. I have found that there are certain things that have helped me through and if I were to share my advice with other blushing brides to be, this is what i'd say:

1. Remember it is your day, no one elses. Have enough strength to say what you and your partner want and don't want. Not everyone will like the same things you do, but that is OK. Your wedding should be a reflection of your personalities as a couple.

2. BLOW YOUR BUDGET! (well to a certain extent)...I don't mean go out and over spend by £30,000 but I do think it is important not to be so hung up on sticking to a budget. As long as you are flexible and have time to look for the best deals then I definitely think there are ways to save in some areas and not so much in other areas. So...if you want a photographer @ £2000 then only spend £100 on a cake. Prioritize what is important to you  and the budget seems to fall into place. Blow your money on some things and save on others!

3. Communicate with your partner. This one is crucial I think. Some people forget about the importance of the marriage and get so caught up in the day. Stay connected with your partner throughout and take time to plan activities together, go on dates and keep that flame alive!

4. Take time for yourself: pamper yourself, go for long walks, eat healthily, hang out with friends, go shopping...whatever it is that you do to de-stress. This is an essential part of keeping you mind healthy and active. How can you possibly plan a wedding if you don't have a clear head?

5. DELEGATE. This one is my favorite. Don't be afraid to allow people in your life to help out and take on some jobs for you. You will be surprised at how helpful and eager people can be. It makes you feel blessed to have people on board that actually care about helping you out.

6. Reflect/ write it down....and by this I don't just mean write a 'To- Do List' (that is a MUST) I mean take time to think about things, don't race ahead. Reflect on the importance of your day, think about your life after the wedding - how much fun you and your partner will have when you are actually husband and wife and continually remind yourself that it is just a celebration of love (or the words I use: IT IS JUST A BIG PARTY). No one cares what colour your bridesmaids are, that your cake was bought from M&S or that you handmade your own stationary. People just want to see you happy together and really do just want the best for you both, not only on your wedding day but for the rest of your lives.

To conclude, yes 'Love' can quite literally take over. It is ok not to have time to write a blog, bake cakes or take your camera out on big long walks. You only get to do this once so make the most of it, these things can wait until after the wedding, after the honeymoon even but if you can seem to fit it in (like I have done today by writing this) then that is great too! Enjoy, stay chilled and remember....it is only a wedding. The marriage will be the fun part! xxx