What's With the Whole Beatles Thing???

Morning Readers,

How we doing today? I just stumbled out of bed.. Justin's already at work, Sammy and Olive are chewing on their bones.

My body feels like it got hit by a train. At work yesterday I put over 350 chair covers on a "tester" chair to make sure they were all the same size all by myself. It was one of those several projects that I had been putting off for months. I have this huge assortment of chair covers, but they're all a different style and fit....and the only way to really sort them out (as you can't judge by eye) is to try them on for size. 4 hours later....done and done, but my back is aching... as carrying all this weight in my preggo tummy is a bit of challenge...I'm 98% sure that I will some way, some how sneak in a massage today.

Then last night after work, I spent time with Chris and Nina, my darling couple getting married in Laguna Beach next weekend.... I was exhausted but Nina made steak and scallops which made it all worth it. Stay tuned........for more on this upcoming destination wedding couple!

So this morning... I want to talk about the Beatles. You know as in....Paul, John, George, and Ringo and specifically why I chose the "The Beatles/All You Need is Love Theme" for our upcoming 10th Annual Costume Party/Adult Baby Shower.

People either LOVE the Beatles....or they "just don't get it". Especially people in my generation, as John Lennon was killed only ten days after the day I was born. We didn't grow up with "The Beatles"... our parents did. This is really "our parents" time period, their music, they're the ones "who get it".

Why am I so drawn to it? It really was one particular experience that completely BLEW MY MIND... and I've never looked at the Beatles the same again.

It was Thanksgiving weekend, the year was 2008. It was a difficult time in life, things were changing and I had no control over all these changes. I just had to believe that everything would be okay. Some way, some how one night, my brother, my mom, Justin and myself ended up in the Mirage seated to see The Beatles LOVE Show.

The entrance to the show was crazy impressive, almost like a Disneyland ride... so the excitement was building.

THEN, the lights went out, the music started... and my mind was officially BLOWN! I couldn't hardly contain myself, I was 28 years old and completely mesmerized {like that feeling when you're kid and it's Christmas morning}. I had to cover my mouth to keep from ooohhing and aweeing out loud.

Prior to this, I would say I was not a Beatles fan at all. The music seemed cute and all, but I totally didn't "get it" nor really care. It wasn't until this moment.... that "I got it". And it kept speaking to me every since.

I won't go into detail as to what I saw....it's just way too unbelievable to try to describe, something you MUST experience first hand!!!!! SERIOUSLY!

Do NOT leave Las Vegas without experiencing this... it's worth every dime! You will never been the same again and life will be richer and much more colorful, I promise!

Sounds totally weird, I know... but it's so true. It will stimulate all the creativity in your soul. It didn't just have this effect on me Justin was captivated too...and my brother (who's 10 years younger)...completely "got it" and was also awestruck. And my mom, she's the original "Beatles Girl" true and true...she wept, and it made me only wish that my dad could have seen it.

At that moment, all the songs just made sense and really spoke to the heart. And I was shocked to realize that all of those songs were by The Beatles. I had heard them several time but never realized they were all by The Beatles.

Their music is the kind of music that makes sense no matter what time period we're in.. you can apply the lyrics and meanings to modern day life...and it just makes you feel good, sad, and amazing all at the same time.

I think that "The Beatles" is to us, what "Michael Jackson" will be to our kids one day. Nothing will every really be able to compare. 

And that's why Justin and I chose "All You Need is Love"...for our theme, because it may sound trite and wee bit cheesy, but it's SO TRUE, that's all any of us really need.

  And I thought this was the perfect party theme to celebrate the soon to be arrival of our baby girls. I also feel like in a way..... it pays tribute to our parents... I think Justin and I had parents who raised us very similarly...being that we were definitely very loved children, and that will certainly be passed on to our children.

I so wish I could invite the entire world to our party, but my budget will not allow... but for those of you readers who WILL attend, get ready for pure awesomeness...and if you need some more costume inspiration...I put together some ideas for you here.

To view a clip from the famous LOVE show in Vegas Click Here. {Then view the trailer}  Seriously, like right now.  For Real. Enjoy!  

Manic Monday Vol. 10

(24 Weeks Pregnant/6 Months, with Twins) 

MANIC MONDAY ~ Have to catch an early train, got to be to work by nine. And if I had an air-o-plane I still couldn't make it on time. 'Cause it takes me so long just to figure out what I'm gonna wear...Blame it on the train but the boss is already there....

Highlights of last week included:
~Wow, what a week. So much happened. My favorite part was being able to spend two solid days with Justin preparing for our upcoming 10th Annual Costume Party/Adult Baby Shower{our realtor was out of town, we were able to take a break from house hunting...which seemed frustrating at first, but turned out to be a huge blessing~ we needed a break}. We tackled SO MUCH, starting at 5:30am Saturday and kept going until 8pm last night, when I officially crashed out. At that point I realized that we had never taken my "Weekly Pregnancy Photo" and I couldn't even muster up enough energy to stand stand up, let alone get dressed, apply make up, style my hair, or find a cool location to take the photo in....alas, what you see above is the Real Deal Baby. Me in all my big belly glory laying in bed last night enjoying a snuggle with my little Olive {wearing her new thunder jacket} and enjoying a bowl of ice cream.

Last week I learned:
~To again try and RELAX a little bit. The past three weeks have been the MOST stressful weeks so far within the pregnancy. The home hunt is such an emotionally taxing process.... My doctor even said..."I can't even IMAGINE trying to buy a new home, while being six month pregnant with twins"...and that made me feel better.
She also told me that the babies we're progressing beautifully and that I'm not showing any signs of pre-term labor {fragile possibility with twins} and she told me that it's okay that I've been going going going, in fact she said that's a good thing~ made my mommy guilt go away. The fact is...who cares where we live, we currently own a condo, yes it's tiny...and the two car seats take up my entire dining room...but we WILL figure this out, somehow. We have TWO little baby girls on the way, that's all that really matters.

New fab finds:
~The Seafood Market and Restaurant in Mesa. After running all over the valley Saturday morning and afternoon...we paused for a minute to grab some lunch. The line at Firehouse Subs was super long, we decided on the restaurant right next door....and it was soooo relaxing and nice. The restaurant was cozy, romantic, and had a lovely fresh seafood selection. It was so nice to be able to pause for a moment and be together and laugh about all the craziness going on in our lives at the moment.
~Olive's new Thunder Shirt (as seen in the photo above). Yes, we broke down and bought Olive a Thunder Shirt, hoping that it will help with anxiety issues... we shall see. Justin thinks it's crap, but I'm willing to give it a try. The idea is that it provides comfort to a dog they way swaddling soothes infants. Poor Ollie Dollie.

Feeling Appreciative:
~Lunch with Kim. My girlfriend Kim met up with me on Wednesday for a quick lunch. She walked into my office and the first words out of my mouth were "I'm in a horrible mood"... her response...."Here, eat this peanut butter ball" ....over the next hour she let me pour buckets of hormonal stressed conversation out....and I felt a million times better. That's why we need our girlfriends, they make things better.... and give our spouses a break.

***********************

On the horizon for this week:
~Meeting with Nina tonight to finalize her wedding plans for her Destination Laguna Beach Wedding next weekend!!!
~No Doubt's Release of their NEW album "Push and Shove", You have NO IDEA my EXCITEMENT
~Trevor {Justin's Brother}and Isis {Trevor's Girlfriend} fly in Wednesday night and will be staying with us throughout the weekend to celebrate all the festivities with us.
~Our 10th Annual Costume Party/Adult Baby Shower Friday Night, Yahoo!!!
~Family Baby Shower in Casa Grande on Saturday, that my sweet lil mama is throwing us.

Currently Listening to: "How to Save a Life" By The Fray


Quote I'm Loving: "May Your Home Always Be Too Small to Hold Your Friends"


Confession:
~We took a Hospital Tour on Tuesday night, of the location of where our babies will be born. I was feeling very on edge, nervous, and stressed that night... as I looked over at Justin happily playing Angry Birds on his phone while we were waiting for the tour to begin...{no I didn't start screaming at him, I didn't want to be that wife, I try to be cool and not nuts}.

The tour finally started {about 10 people total} and as we walked through the big swinging doors...a wave of emotion just hit me... the tears started welling up...and pulled back towards the back of the group so no one could see me... I keep breathing...

At that moment, I had a flashback of those horrible days in the hospital when we lost my mother in law, Barbara. The lighting, the sounds, the terminology...all reminded me of those heartbreaking moments. And at that point I just melted, I miss her so much.

I thought about how if she was still alive, she would be on this tour with us.
She would make sure that we were in the best of hands, she would know the medical questions to ask, she would calm my nerves..and make this experience feel like a shopping trip to the mall.  She was an amazing nurse.

Justin looked over at me and knew something was wrong, he kept asking but I didn't want to say.

He grabbed my hand and squeezed it tight and told me everything was okay. He asked all the questions, he calmed my fears, he comforted me. It made me realize that he is.... so much of his mom. I get so nervous and stressed in "medical situations" and now  he's the one who provides the comfort and confidence.


Thank you Barbara for raising such an amazing son. I know everything will be okay.

Liz & Jarrod's Starr Style Wedding Day

Last Saturday officially kicked off the fall Wedding Season! 

 



Liz's dress was stunning!!!



 

Liz is a twin and her sister was her Maid of Honor...I couldn't help and think about my soon to be baby girls and the special lifetime bond they will share. 

 



All floral and design was provided by J.Starr's fabulous Floral Designer: Renata Hodl (also a twin!) 

 

It was a "Starr Style" Wedding day because Liz and Jarrod had purchased my all inclusive vendor package..that includes my "A" Team Super Star Vendors. 

 

 

Photography By Still Life Studios 

 

DJ Services Provided by: AZ Celebrity Dj

 

Wedding Cake Provided By: Piece of Cake Desserts

 

Venue: Superstition Springs Golf Club

One of my favorite moments of day was when  I checked in on the Bride and Groom right before the Grand Entrance to find Jarrod on his hands and knees, bustling Liz's dress, such a sweet moment. 

 

Just a lovely, lovely day.  Thank you so much Liz and Jarrod for trusting me with your most special day!  I hope you're enjoying your honeymoon!!

 

 

 

How I Broke the News to Justin...

On Friday May 4th, 2012.... I was driving home from work excited about the upcoming weekend... little did I know my life was about to change BIG TIME within the next hour.

After picking up Sammy and Olive from Doggie Daycare... I drove by a CVS drugstore and flipped a u-turn. I'm not sure what prompted me to do this. A co-worker/friend of mine and I had been teasing each other about possibly being pregnant as we had both been on pins and needles coming off of wedding season. I had started trying to do the math in my head...and since I'm not that great at mental math...thought hmm... maybe.

 

 

As soon as I got home, I took the test...and right away the test showed pregnant!

I was in complete SHOCK. I didn't know what to do, I opened the bathroom door to find Sammy sitting in the hallway staring up at me. I sat down next to her and said "Sammy, I think I'm pregnant"...she then let out one loud sharp bark...indicating that she wanted dinner. Umm...okay I guess I'll feed the dogs?

 

 

I then paced around the house shaking with excitement....then Justin called. I knew that I didn't want to tell him over the phone, so I had to keep our conversation short. I told him I wanted to go somewhere "nice" for dinner....he was like "okay, if you really want to, but I'm really hungry"....I told him to call me when he was done with his last patient and we would go from there.

Then I started rushing around the house, still shaking. I took another pregnancy test...yep still pregnant. I searched online for romantic restaurants and started making calls...finally getting through to The Salt Cellar (one of our favorites)...and was able to make a reservation at 9pm.

Then I had to figure out what to wear.....I wanted to find the perfect "We're having a baby" outfit. I fumbled around my closet, my hands still shaking trying on dresses until finally settling on my all white flowing dress. Then Justin called, and I told him to meet me at the Salt Cellar...he seemed kind of confused and hungry...but luckily didn't question anything { I love this man}.

On the way there, I kept rehearsing what I wanted to say...but kept forgetting...I was still in shock and everything felt so dream like. Finally right as I was pulling into the parking lot...my phone rang {it was him}~ at that moment I saw Justin's car parked under a light post. I told him I saw his car and that I was parking.

I remember thinking to myself..I should check those tests again, just to make sure...as I had them in a zip lock bag in my purse {weird, but true}. But I don't think I actually checked, my heart was pounding and I just wanted to see him.

I opened the car door and saw him across the parking lot looking at me and smiling. At that moment everything felt like slow motion...I walked across the parking lot up to him, very nervously...and he said You look so beautiful, are you really my wife?

I knew right then and there that was the moment...I knew I had to tell him right then.

{Me} I have something to tell you....he immediately took three steps back looking me directly in the eyes... {Justin} You're Pregnant? ....{Me} Yes

He was shocked and so happy. I've never seen him so stunned and happy before. I think he was more excited then me as I was still in a state of shock...  

 

{Moments after I told him the big news}



 

{The Perfect Night...We're Going to Be Parents!}

 

 

{Pure shock, really...it's possible for me to get pregnant??

That's so domestic... and I'm not? Really...Me?? YES!!!}

We eventually, made our way into the Salt Cellar for dinner ~ our reservation wasn't for another 30 minutes. So we sat at in the lounge and ordered an appetizer. {The Shrimp San Remo...heavenly)

 

 

Justin immediately told the cocktail waitress the big news... I was totally embarrassed...but I didn't say anything..he was so excited.

 

 

We had an amazing dinner, I was still in a state of shock and could barely eat. Justin said he wanted to tell everyone, I had the opposite reaction, I wanted to keep this a secret for awhile.

It was a night that I'll never forget.... Justin's reaction was the BEST. It made me so happy to see him so happy. We had talked about this moment for years...but couldn't believe that it was really happening.

 

 

I still can't believe this is really real. Thank you Justin for making this night so perfect, just by being you.

 

 



Manic Monday Vol. 9

 (23 Weeks Pregnant/6 Months, with Twins) 

MANIC MONDAY ~ Have to catch an early train, got to be to work by nine. And if I had an air-o-plane I still couldn't make it on time. 'Cause it takes me so long just to figure out what I'm gonna wear...Blame it on the train but the boss is already there....

Highlights of last week included:
~Seeing one of my babies (Baby A's) little face for the very first time.  Because we're having twins we have tons of doctor's appointments and ultrasounds with specialists.  The appointments are long and hard to balance with our work schedules...but it's great knowing that they're getting so much care.  On Thursday we had another special ultrasound at the Fetal Diagnostic Center and had an hour and a half ultrasound.  The specialists were looking at the babies hearts and taking sizes on everything.  At one point "Baby A" was turned in the perfect position and they were able to get a photo of her beautiful little face.  Justin and I both oohh and awwwwed out loud when we saw her perfect little face pop up on the big screen... we saw her little button nose and sweet little lips, and it took my breath away. 
~Fabulous J.Starr Wedding Day...loved being back in season, loving working with my team. 
~Impromptu visit with our dear friends Tony & Jacquie Tuttle....loved catching up with them.
~Celebrated my Little Brother's 22nd Birthday on Sunday, can't BELIEVE he's all grown up.

Last week I learned:
~Ugghh... last week was tough. Several ups and downs with the home hunting process... so stressful.  Panic started to set in, but we have to continue to have patience.

New fab finds:
~~Had a fabulous time celebrating my girlfriend Naseem's Birthday at the Brush Bar in Scottsdale, seriously SO MUCH FUN!  I highly reccomend it to everyone... I was shocked by how much I liked my painting.

Feeling Appreciative:
~For family & friends & my beloved clients......that's all that really matters.
~For my sweet clients Judy (Mother of the Bride) and Tiffany (Bride) who brought me gifts for the babies at their Entree Tasting on Saturday.  I'm amazed by how thoughtful people are, especially in times of their own big life changing events...it just means so much.

***********************

On the horizon for this week:
~Must finish all the details for our Upcoming Adult Costume Party/Baby Shower
~We have a Hospital Tour scheduled... umm... kinda scary
~If at all humanly possible I'd love to be able to attend the NACE~Creating Fashion for a Cause Fashion Show... feet and energy don't fail mama now... we still have a ways to go!

Currently Listening to:
~Coldplay, Parachutes Album.

Quote I'm Loving: "My Girlfriends are the Sisters I picked Out for Myself"


Confession:  I'm tired.  I just want to sleep in my bed all day.  I worked six days last week, which I can never do again during this pregnancy.  Carrying around these little babies is getting a little harder..but I hate to miss out on things.  And I know once the babies are here, I will be really slowed down.    It's a hard balance, and it's scary knowing how many life changes we will soon be going through... but I'm excited, and feeling so grateful.

   

15 Days Until...

The New Album Drops....

 

Get in Line and Settle Down.....................

 

 

 

Manic Monday Vol. 8

(22 Weeks Pregnant/5 Months, with Twins) 

MANIC MONDAY ~ Have to catch an early train, got to be to work by nine. And if I had an air-o-plane I still couldn't make it on time. 'Cause it takes me so long just to figure out what I'm gonna wear...Blame it on the train but the boss is already there....

Highlights of last week included:
~Enjoyed a fabulous dinner with the adorable Palmer Family Thursday night at their home.
~2 hour lunch meeting with my design partner Renata...dreaming up some fun ideas for our 10th Annual Costume Party/Adult Co-ed Baby Shower
~My c-section (yes, c-section....don't judge, it comes HIGHLY recommended with lil Twinzies) was scheduled! Friday December 28th at 7am!!! Though I have a hunch if these babies are anything like their mama they will want to be here before Christmas, we shall see!
~Watching the Wedding Singer cuddled up with my hubs on Saturday night (our lives are pretty low key these days, but that's okay slowing down for us is a good thing)

Last week I learned:
~To try and RELAX a little bit and embrace life as it comes. I was very hormonal last week, stressed, and impatient. "This condo keeps getting smaller and smaller and I keep getting bigger and bigger" The home buying process these days is painfully slow...but everything great in life takes time, I have to relax a little bit. It's not the end of the world, if we have to bring these babies home to our little condo...we will make it work.

New fab finds:
~ Yesterday I found some adorable classic disney princess dresses in mint condition at Goodwill...and while they were sized to fit a four year old..umm... I bought them anyway...I bought like five of them! I found myself getting ridiculously excited about having two little girls playing dress up and running all over the house, now I just need to find a few for me to wear..oh, and Sammy and Olive!!!

Feeling Appreciative:
~ For my mom. She spent her Sunday with us, organizing, purging, cleaning, and packing...yes we don't have a new home yet, but we will hopefully in the near future. If not we still needed to pack up some things to make room for our babies.
~My little tap dancers in my tummy.....just the cutest darn thing ever! It really makes it feel real! I can already tell a personality difference between my two little monkeys.

***********************

On the horizon for this week:
~The start of Wedding Season! I have the most darling bride getting married this Saturday...Elizabeth (she's a twin!).

Currently Listening to:
~Classic R&B Radio on Pandora....ahh yeah, it's a sexy morning around here (according to Justin)

Quote I'm Loving: "I'm a light sleeper, but a heavy dreamer"

Confession: I'm not proud of this, but last week I stumbled upon the show "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo"... and I couldn't turn it off... I wanted to so badly but I couldn't. I'm kind of shocked that the mom (June) is only a year older than me, yikes!

Humor Me a Little Vol. 4

It's Friday and rainey....this is my last weekend before wedding season officially kicks off!!! I'm so excited for all my upcoming J.Starr Brides....it's going to be a fabulous fall!  Here's a few things that made me laugh recently....

 

YES!

 

 

Photo bombing at it's best!

 

 

Aimee, this one's for you!

 

 

My pups act like this every time we go to the vet's office too. 

 

 

My Cousin Paul (those that know him, have to agree)

 

 

I can't decide what's more alarming... that my husband knows all the dance moves to the Beyonce video or that my cousin's 4 year old daughter knows all the lyrics.  :)

 

 

Come on, is that not the most adorable thing you've seen today???

 

 

P.S. Do you follow J.Starr on Pinterest???

 

New Trend I'm Completely Crushing On!

Good Morning Readers! 

Oh how I'm craving a pumpkin spiced latte from Starbucks right about now... but first I wanted to start the day off a new blog post.

After re-reading yesterday's post...I decided today... enough pregnancy/baby talk....let's talk about something I do know.....Weddings! 

Specifically a new trend that I'M LOVING, so much so that I'm going to incorporate this trend into our upcoming 10th Annual Costume Party/Coed Adult Baby Shower.....BACK DROPS! 

  

Backdrops I LOVE for Glammed Up Weddings: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backdrops for Outdoor Casual Weddings:

  

 

 

 

 

Backdrops for Parties/Showers: