Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!

Welp, it's officially Halloween. I can't believe how fast this year has gone. I say it every year but I swear this year has gone faster than all the others. I'm just getting used to the idea that it's 2011 and before we know it it's going to be Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then it'll be 2012 already!

I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, back to the point. It's Halloween! As promised I stopped by my parents house on my lunch break the other day and rummaged through some old photo albums. Now, my mom was never great at taking photos and especially not good at organizing and storing them properly so, I wasn't able to find everything, but here's what I came up with:

My brother (Superman), Me (a bunny), my mom, my grandma and her dog. Note the fact that my whiskers are smeared because my dad, that Halloween, bought a Yoda mask and scared me half to death and put me in tears. Boys never grow up do they...

This actually isn't even a Halloween photo and my brother would probably kill me if he knew I put this up, but when I found this I knew I HAD to share it. One of my FAVORITE things to do growing up was watch Richard Simmons videos, put on some sort of "leotard" and "work out". Yes, I'm not kidding. Haha. I'm assuming this is one of those times. Looking up to his older sister, my brother would join me, letting me dress him up (yes in my clothes). If I could find a way to put some of the home videos of us "working out" on here, I seriously have to do it. It is some of the funniest stuff you will ever see.

Stating the obvious, this was me as a bride one Halloween. Don't know why I have that angry look on my face but I DO remember that this was for a party at my school. We were ALWAYS late for school functions so I'm assuming that's why I'm mad. I was probably thinking something to the tune of "hurry up and just take the picture, we're already late". haha. Very typical of me.

Not sure exactly what I was in this one but I'm assuming a princess of some sort, my brothers smile in this one kills me.

I remember this being one of my favorite costumes. I was a "Southern Belle". I don't know if I convinced my brother to be a cowboy or if it was just coincidence but either way, our costumes definitely corresponded that year. Gosh, that "bonnet". Seriously? Haha. My friend Stefana says I still make this face which doesn't surprise me.

I have prided myself these last few years on not buying a store bought costume but rather, creating something of my own. I know that Halloween seems to have taken on this new life of "Who Can Wear The Least Clothing" but I've decided to take a different approach and rather, be something creative, or that makes people laugh.

A few years back (before the costume was sold in stores) I had a somewhat unhealthy obsession with Lady Gaga. It was before she was as mainstream as she is today. I decided I was going to be her for Halloween and I wasn't going to do it half assed. I Gaga'd myself from head to toe, from the blonde wig to the studded heals, to the mirrored glasses, to even drawing a peace sign on my wrist. I was pretty proud of it. (Yes, it WAS a bit skimpy but that's because the costume called for it, after all, I had to stay in character. And, even though I DID wear tights, I had to do a LOT of drinking before I ending up going out in public in that costume.)



That same year I was working at a bar and we had to dress up at work. There was no way I was going to wear that Lady Gaga costume to the bar. A) I didn't want to get inappropriate comments made to me all night long B) I really didn't want to work an 8 hour bar shift in those shoes and C) I actually liked the costume and didn't want it to get ruined. SO, I came up with this costume for work. Yep, you guessed it, a pregnant cheerleader. The funny thing about this costume is that this was actually my high school cheer uniform. I just bought a girdle and put some stuffing in at and drew on a belly button. You wouldn't BELIEVE how many people said to me "I thought you were actually pregnant" to which I laughed, but in my head I was saying "It's Halloween you idiot".

Last year, again, I was working at the bar and was looking more for something comfortable and yet clever. So I came up with this "Mail Order Bride" costume. People loved it and it cost like NOTHING to make.

And then comes the icing on the Halloween cake. The most epic costume yet. My best friend and I are pretty much obsessed with a certain show on TLC called "Toddlers & Tiaras". We watch it religiously and I decided awhile back that this is what I wanted to be this year for Halloween. This month as been so busy so the costume didn't end up AS polished as I had hoped, but it was still pretty amazing. Anyone who watches the show knows how dead on this is. It's hilarious, cupcake hands, awkward smile and all. (A special thanks to Miss Kristy for the PERFECT tiara)

I was channeling one of my fav toddlers, Miss Eden Wood, as you can see...

Well, I hope that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween (and, of course, eats plenty of candy ;) )

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Her Fair Wedding :)

This post should have been done AGES ago. I went to blog about the AWESOME event I went to Tuesday for the season premier of "My Fair Wedding" but I realized, I needed to first, tell the backstory about HOW I got there before I could tell about the event itself so, here goes...


For those of you who don't know, way back in February (the day after her engagement) I nominated my best friend and (at the time) roommate Danica for the show "My Fair Wedding". Generally speaking, the bride herself applies for the show. Danica and I watched the show religiously and I knew that she probably wouldn't apply herself so, unbenounced to her, I sent this e-mail (with a few things changed for privacy purposes).

Hi My Fair Wedding!

I'm not actually the bride myself but my best friend and roommate is the most deserving person and deserves the ultimate wedding that I KNOW David Tutera could give her. She actually got engaged last night, so I'm jumping the gun a little but we watch "My Fair Wedding" religiously and as soon as that ring was on her finger I knew that I had to contact you guys.

Here is a little bit about my nominee:

• NAME: Danica

• BRIEF BIO: Danica and I have been friends for over ten years. I love her like a sister and couldn't imagine my life without her. She is one of the most genuine and kind people that I have ever had the honor of knowing.

Several years ago she lost her mom to a long and painful battle with breast cancer. It was extraordinarily hard on her because her and her mother were very close. Things went from bad to worse when Danica's father immediately began dating and remarried. Danica and her father now have an estranged relationship and the close family that she once had no longer exists.

Luckily, she has a great family unit outside of her immediate family with her grandparents, her aunt, uncle and cousins. My family has also stepped up and treated Danica no different than they would treat me. However, without the financial support of parents, I know that Danica won't be able to afford the wedding that she truly deserves.

Danica and Bryan met last year on her birthday and I couldn't have chosen a better guy for her. He's a firefighter and a genuinely sweet, kind, and caring person. I'm so excited for them to start their lives together. All they need is their dream wedding.

I hope that you can help me give the ultimate David Tutera wedding to my very best friend because I can't think of a more deserving person.

Thank you,
Shea


And what do you know, SHE WAS CHOSEN! She had planned on spending a year engaged and getting married February of 2012. The show, however, asked how she felt about a July 2011 wedding. That's quite a difference. After a lot of talking and consideration, Danica and her fiancé decided to go for it!

The process itself was incredible. It all happened in the course of only THREE WEEKS. One day a week for three weeks were filming days, then, on the third week, that Saturday was the WEDDING! I still can't believe it has already come and gone. The experience was so incredible.

The first day of filming consisted of:
-Meeting the bride and groom, getting to know them a little better.
-The Couple meeting David! (which really IS genuine. He makes sure that you don't interact until the ACTUAL first meeting)
-The bride showing David her "swag" table and introducing her theme to him, which was a "country picnic" theme. Surprisingly, David actually liked the theme! We knew that he would turn her theme into something beyond incredible.
-Showing David the Bridesmaids dresses which, again, he surprisingly LOVED. (Generally this is also when David sees the Bride's gown but, Danica didn't have one.)

The second day of filming consisted of:
-Wedding dress shopping, where we all surprised her at a bridal shop
-Another surprise of a Bridal Shower at Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic in Beverly Hills!

The third and finally day of filming (before the wedding) consisted of:
-A fun outing for Danica and her fiancé
-Danica and David trying some pies (Danica's cake alternative)

And then, a couple days later, WEDDING TIME!

The location was kept a secret until the VERY last minute. Danica's guests knew where the venue was before she did! We arrived at a gorgeous little white church which was actually the church that they filmed "7th Heaven" in! We were beyond pampered, getting our hair and make-up done. The ceremony was perfect. The reception was on a Western Themed Universal Studios back lot. It was the PERFECT place for the PERFECT wedding that Danica was given. We were all asked to not share any photos until the show airs sometime this season, so I'm respecting that. But, once we're allowed to, you better believe I will be putting some up. Haha ;) I'm actually not sure exactly how much I'm allowed to say even in this blog but, they're already showing previews for the season (including Danica's wedding) so, I guess most of it isn't too much of a surprise. Here's the commercial if you haven't already seen it.



The whole thing was such an incredible experience. I'm so glad that Danica was chosen, she really did deserve it. I can't wait for the episode to air although, of course, I'm a little nervous for dumb things I may have said or done. Haha. I guess only time will tell.

xoxo,
shea

Monday, October 24, 2011

Happy HalloWEEK

The countdown has begun!
Officially one week until Halloween!


Like most kids, I loved Halloween growing up. I loved the idea of not only getting to play dress up, but also getting REWARDED for it with CANDY! What a sweet deal!

I'm going to try to make it over to my parents' house at some point this week to find old Halloween photos of myself to post for a good laugh. My mom was never great behind a camera though so we'll see what I'm able to find.

As far as my costume this year I'm still keeping it under wraps until it's unveiled because I'm so excited about it and want it to be a surprise. Only a select few know what I'm going to be. I still feel like I have a lot to do on it so we'll see how it turns out. I've been coming across some really great costume ideas and thought I'd share some of them with you. Enjoy :)

Mary Poppins and Bert

From Keiko Lynn

SUCH an adorable idea. The Mary Poppins costume is great but then having Bert really makes it. I'm not sure I could convince my boyfriend to do that but if I can, I definitely want to try this look eventually. Plus, he would look SO cute in that outfit.

Flo the Progressive Girl

From my obsession Kandee Johnson

I've always found these commercials funny and everyone knows who she is, so it'd be a really relevant costume. Plus, my best friend Danica was Geico money a few years back so it would just be funny.
(and that's me as Lady Gaga if you couldn't tell.)


Hot Air Balloon

From Babble

How cute is this?? It would definitely be hard to wear this to any sort of party (which was a problem Danica had in her Geico money costume), and it's definitely not going to be easy to transport, but I still love love love it. It's the kind of costume that you wear to a costume contest type of party.

Jellyfish

From The Craft Begins

Yet another very clever costume. Again, one that might be hard at parties but one that will definitely get noticed.

Candy Corn

From I'm Your Present

A very adorable and yet very simple costume. I'm not a candy corn fan but pretty much all of my friends LOVE it so I'm sure they'll enjoy this even more than me.

This ADORABLE Cat in the Hat & Green Eggs and Ham

From Dana Made It

My roommate Stefana (@StefanaCupcake) is pretty much OBSESSED with all things Dr.Seuss. I definitely thought of her when I saw these adorable costumes, and they're surprisingly easy.

Paper Doll Costume

From Lauren of Busy Bee Lauren

This is definitely something I can see myself doing. I love these kind of costumes. Not only is it very DIY but, growing up, I LOVED paper dolls. I got books upon books of paper dolls from my grandma, it would be a great nod to my childhood.

Last Wednesday Danica, Stefana, Marisa (the newest roommate) and I had a roommate (old and new) Halloween night. We carved pumpkins, watched Hocus Pocus and I made us some yummy apple cider cocktails. Who says carving pumpkins has to be for kids right? haha :)

Well, that's all for now, hope everyone has a great HalloWEEK!









Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Be Productive!

Sometimes I find it SO hard to be productive. I find that I go through waves of productivity.

Like most, I have my lazy days where, although I have tons to get done, I just want to veg out in front of the tv with my puppies, catch up on the DVR and do absolutely nothing. Then there are those days where I'm in a "Don't talk to me" robot-like uber-productive kind of mode where I get everything I need to get done and then some. Those are the days when I clean out every drawer, cupbord and shelf before lunch. I recently had one of those days.

My best friend and roommate Danica recently got married and moved into her beautiful new house with her husband Bryan and I went on a cleaning rampage. Since she was leaving I thought it was the perfect time to clean everything out. I went through every cupbord and drawer, I set her things aside, and re-organized everything that was left. I literally cleaned out the entire house. It felt so good. I cleaned out my closet and ended up with a giant donation pile. There is something so refreshing about a good cleanse.

HOWEVER, shockingly enough (for those of you who know me as the eternally single girl) I recently found a great guy who has changed this single girl into a gushing, cheesy, smitten girlfriend. That being said, I've been spending all my free time with my man and have been getting so behind on everything!

I came across this video on the lovely Sydney's blog and it made me laugh and I just had to share:



What a great idea to get things done!

My only problem, how am I going to find a bowl big enough to put my boyfriend under? ;) haha.

xoxo,
shea

Friday, October 7, 2011

FREEZE!

You're under arrest!

Haha, not really.

I recently had a friend of mine Corey ask for a custom order for a onesie. I have been so busy these days that custom orders are pretty much all I've been doing lately. She told me that the dad of the baby-to-be was a cop and that the mom used to be. She was interested in getting a onesie made with a badge and possibly a holster on the hip. It was something I had never done before but I was excited for the order. I'm always excited to try to create something new. I must say, this is probably one of my favorite pieces yet. I texted a photo to Corey once I was finished and she loved it, which is always what I'm hoping for. The baby shower is this weekend. I can't wait to see the mommys reaction to one of my favorite pieces to date. So, without further ado (btw, i looked up whether it's ado or adieu and just confused myself even more so if someone knows how to properly spell it, let me know. haha) here it is!


Don't you love it? I sure do, and hopefully mommy-to-be does too :)

Happy Friday everyone! :)

xoxo,
shea
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