Put a Pin In It!

Since I'm talking about my fangirling this week, I thought I'd mention Pinterest. Those of you who follow me over there may have noticed my pinning has dropped significantly in the last few months and that is SO not a result of me not perusing!

See, Pinterest has redesigned the site a couple of times. While this is kinda cool because the pictures are a little bit bigger, every time they change the setup it gets harder to scroll through the list of boards without a mouse with a scroll button! I'm also hoping that I can get the android app to work more smoothly so I can pin on the go... you know, because I'm not already surrounded by distractions!

I'm working on (and by working on, I mean I keep adding it to my shopping list and getting distracted at Target) getting a wireless mouse with a scroll button to get back to providing you with some amazing pins, but until then here are a few of my latest favorite pictures of inspiration AKA pinspiration!

From my Spring Fling Board - Pre-Made Drinks in Mason Jars!

 via (blog defunct)

From my Fairy Party Board - Favors for Little Dreamers!

via

From my Favors Board - An Italian Themed Wedding!

via

So Target...

It's a well known fact that I'm a Target fanatic-- the clearance aisle, the maxi dresses, the adorable sandals? I just can't get enough!

I went to the website the other day to look for a dress I had seen in store but couldn't find in my size. Imagine my surprise when, upon being asked "Finding the right dress?" one of my "done" options was bridesmaid!

To see all their bridesmaid dresses, see the website here, but these are pretty darn cute! After helping my little sis and former maid of honor weed through bridesmaids dresses, it's refreshing to see a similar gown for $70 at Target.

If you're going low budget, and more importantly if you have bridesmaids on a limited income, you should consider some of these options since they range from casual to formal in several color and fabric options.

Chiffon Maxi Dress, $70

One Shoulder Shantung Dress, $35

Now, the downside is that they are not available in stores so you will have to take a swing at the fit. However, Target has very flexible returns and will let you return online items in store while you wait for the next test size to come in. 

Now, if you'll pardon me, I'm going to go put up the mirrors I just bought at Target... and hope they want to add me to payroll for the advertising! 

Real job, eh?

When I talk about my "real" job and doing a "program overhaul" I'm not talking about computers, I'm talking kids. During the day, and to pay the bills until this thing gets off the ground, I run an after school and summer camp-- sure, that sounds like it's a blast, but it's a whole lot of organizing and has given me some great skills for event planning and coordinating!

During school breaks, we take field trips just about everywhere-- SkyZone, Stone Mountain, assorted state parks, Six Flags, Andretti Karting, Movie Tavern, and about a thousand other places. We do full day field trips, not just little outings, so it involves a lot of working with venue staff to sign contracts, place deposits, arrange catering menus to meet our needs fiscally and nutritionally, and ensure everything goes smoothly day of.

When we're on field trips, I bounce from group to group, ensuring that everyone gets where they need to go when they need to be there. Troubleshooting on the go is an absolute must, and on several occasions I've had to deal with sick staff, low staffing, and venue staff that doesn't have the correct information.

On a day to day basis, I coordinate transportation, paperwork and contracts, oversee staffing and enrollment, and deal with families who range from pleasant to stressed to upset to (on a rare occasion) belligerent.

Before I did my own wedding, I'm not sure I would have connected the two professions but the more I work at both the more I see that they are incredibly alike. In both, I am responsible for making a day fun and unforgettable for a loved family member and handling the strange mixture of business and emotion.

Back in Business

Well, dear readers, I owe you a bit of an apology-- 2012 ended up being a whirlwind of a year, with some family emergencies to deal with and the "real world" job requiring a complete program overhaul.

In the meantime, Todd and Lauren celebrated their first anniversary and along with Della and Brent welcomed their firstborns-- baby Hudson and baby Gideon!

I was thrilled to coordinate a wedding shower for my friend Reagan. Hosted by a mutual friend, the snacks were plentiful and the company was fantastic!

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