Amanda & Ryan's J.Starr Wedding

Another beautiful J.Starr Wedding Day for the adorable Amanda & Ryan (minus J.Starr)....ahh yes, this was one of the three weddings I had to miss while growing/having these beautiful babies.

 

Amanda and Ryan's wedding took place on Saturday January 5th...ten days after having Hannah & Emma. But I didn't have to worry because my amazing J.Starr Vendor Team took great care of them, like always!

 

Here's a few of my favorite photos from their special day....

 

 

 

 

 

Manic Monday 2.18.13

~MANIC MONDAY~

Hi Gang,  I have time for just a few snippets today...so I leave you with this....

 

 

Highlights of last week, according to my cell phone:

Every night's a slumber party with these two....

 

Hanging out with Cousin Bri....

 



Snuggle Buddies...

 

Fun times with Aunt Pam...

 

Yoga with Aimee, I had a hard time trying not to laugh ...

 

My Emma Lou Who...

 

Valentines Day...

 

Daddy's Little Valentines

 

Picnicing with all my Luv Bugs...

 

My Hannah Jane ...

 

My Little Valentines...

 

Hanging with Uncle Chase ...

 

Emma loves her Daddy...

 

My two little Peaches at the Peach Blossom Festival at Schnepf Farms...

 

Dinner at the Olive Mill...

 

Emma is partied out, Hannah's still going...

 

Sunday Snuggles...

 

Babies meet Melissa & Andrea...

 

Roomies Belated Annual Christmas Get Together

 

 

 

HAPPY MONDAY ALL....HOPE YOU HAVE A FAB FUN FILLED WEEK!!!

 

Ideas for Your Valentine....

 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Your Sweetheart

 ~Create an indoor picnic with available props, i.e., picnic tablecloth, paper goods.

Share finger foods and favorite treats along with a glass of wine.Enjoy your picnic on the living room floor or in bed.
 

 

  ~Decorate a unique-looking jar or box with craft items. Write numerous love notes

on small pieces of paper and fill the jar with them. Present the jar to your

sweetheart.

 

 ~ Make a framed group of photos that put your relationship in chronological order

of events, by months or years (depending on how long you’ve been together).
 

 

 

~Burn a CD with songs that make you think of your sweetheart, and give it to

him/her.

 

 

 ~For couples with children, get them involved in an all-family fun Valentine’s Day

dinner at home.

 

~Create a favorite drink together. Try all kinds of ingredients. Enjoy taste-testing. Be

sure to record the ingredients, so you can make the “your” drink again on

Valentine’s Day year after year.
 

 

~Create an at-home spa day for your mate. Deliver the gift in a basket filled with

inexpensive candles, bubble bath, rose petals, facial mask and scrub. Then give

your mate time to enjoy it. When he/she is done, heat up towels in the dryer for

drying off.

 

~Take a 2-hour, one-time salsa or tango dancing lesson together. Or, identify some

other interest you share and find a place to give you one-time extended lesson on

Valentine’s Day.
 

 

~Make the entire day full of his/her favorites: the breakfast of his dreams, the

dinner of his dreams, TV that is his favorite, his music, etc. Don’t say anything

about it, surprise him/her all day long.

 

 

~Take the person you love to experience something spectacular in nature: a sunset,

a sunrise, the calm of the beach, share an evening walk gazing at the moon.
 

 

~Watch an old movie at home together, with popcorn and soft drinks and candy –

movie-theater style.

 

~Share a scrumptious dessert and latté at a local patisserie or bakery.

Manic Monday 2.11.13

Favorite Photo of the Week: Yes, yes, I know a crummy cell phone photo, but the moment meant too much not to capture. Our first date night post becoming parents....at Stand Up Live ~Getting Our Laugh On

~MANIC MONDAY~

Highlights of last week included: So Many!  Highlights Included....~Finding ways to incorporate my old life with my new life...finding ways to manage mommyhood, running a business, managing a home, and spending time with loved ones enjoying life.
~My dear friend Naseem got to meet the babes
~The babies spent three whole night with my parents....and I only cried 4 times.  My Mom and Dad are head over heels in love with them...and we needed to catch up on our sleep and spend some time together.
~I was able to spend all day Friday with my favorite Partner in Crime &  Maid of Honor.... Aimee Sloan.  We spent the day together just being silly girls...it's a weird thing that happens when I'm with her...it's like I'm automatically in a time machine...and I'm 17 years old all over again. 
~Sleeping 8 hours each night, three nights in a row!
~Valentine Date night with my handsome hubs...Sushi & Saki followed by Stand Up Live, a super fun comedy club in downtown Phoenix

Last week I learned:
~I have to stay organized to keep up with these twinzies...one slip and my whole day is thrown off. 
~I need to find a "mommy helper" a few hours a week, specially Tuesdays from 9am to 1pm and possibly Fridays 9am to 4pm...if you know of any interested let me know :)

Yes This Actually Happened:
~I was struggling with leaving the babies with my parents...not because I was worried, I knew they were in the best care possible...just felt a huge tug on my heart...and of course my mommy guilt kicked in...are they too young for me to be away from them?? Is three nights too long?  But the truth was...Justin and I were walking zombies... and needed some renewal and needed a date night. 

Feeling Appreciative:
~For my parents.  They love being grandparents so much and have so much fun with the girls.  They have the ultimate "Grandparents Home" with birdies, fishies... and tons of fun things to do. 

Bringing Sexy Back:
~Doc cleared me for exercise....so my new 8 week challenge: 
Tracking meals daily/ 8 weeks straight 
Working out a minimum of 45 mins 5 times a week/8 weeks straight
  
HOW?  I joined Weight Watchers (no shame in that sistas)..... I want these extra pounds off asap, so I can rock the sexy mama look by summer.  Weight Watchers has these really easy online/smart phone tools to help track food/calories (points).  The only way I can motivate myself to workout is knowing that I'm taking in the proper amount of calories for weight loss. 

 And as far as the work outs go....I joined L.A. Fitness, that way I can get in my group fitness classes and cardio... Days that are just impossible to get the gym due to the twinzies, I'll strap those little monkeys in their pimped out stroller and walk. 
Justin's in the process of building a home gym...so I'll do resistance training with him.  That way I know I wont hurt myself (it pays having a Physical Therapist as a husband).

Super pumped to start this challenge.  Growing two babies and turning into a blimp wasn't sexy...but was worth every minute.  

New Fab Finds:
Spotify!!! Aimee introduced me..... I love it!!!

Confession:
At 3am last night while feeding H & E I found myself watching Honey Boo Boo again, dang it...why can't I turn the channel...WHY???

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On the horizon for this week:
~Lunch meeting with my fab J.Starr Partner in Design, Renata. We're ready to bring on the Spring Weddings!!!
~Hopefully Blogging about the "Arrival of Hannah & Emma".. I have some really special photos to share with you.
 

Currently Listening to:
~ Scream & Shout by will.i.am

Quote I'm Loving:

 

Calling All Lovers of LOVE....

"Valentine's day is just another Hallmark Holiday"...blah blah blah.....well call me a cheeseball because I LOVE IT!

We'll be celebrating Valentine's Day early this year ...Justin and I will be having our first offical date night this weekend since the babies were born (thanks to my mom and dad)....and I'm so excited....it's crazy how much more I appreciate "time" now. 

 I've been researching some ideas....I thought I'd share them with you...so you can be thinking of your special night...whether it be with your spouse, friend, family, or maybe just pamper yourself. 

Love in the Hills

Plan to be at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2013, to renew your vows or witness what might to be the largest vow renewal ceremony in the world. More than 1,000 couples are expected to participate. Couples wishing to renew their vows must register. Participation is free. You'll both need photo ID and a copy of your original marriage license. All registered couples will receive a gift bag, commemorative certificate, discounts and freebies. Arrive at 4 p.m., ceremony at 5 p.m. After party at Fort McDowell Casino.

Valentine’s Day Dinner with Da Vinci

On February 14, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. spend an intimate evening with your Valentine at the Arizona Science Center, overlooking historic Heritage Square. Enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu featuring wine pairings and romantic musical accompaniment. Explore the world and mind of Leonardo da Vinci with exclusive access to the Center’s newest featured exhibition, Da Vinci – The Genius, in its premiere week in Phoenix. Da Vinci - The Genius is the most comprehensive exhibition on Leonardo da Vinci to tour the world. Explore and appreciate his genius as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist, engineer, architect, sculptor and philosopher. Members: $125/couple; Non-members: $135/couple.

Elegant Valentine at Arizona Musicfest

Make your Valentine celebration a perfectly elegant evening of love songs, world-class jazz and three courses of gourmet dining by candlelight. Fine wines and spirits will be available at the cash bar. GRAMMY nominee Tierney Sutton and pianist Shelly Berg, considered by jazz writers on both coasts to be one of the best in the business, erform for you and your sweetheart at Fairway House at Grayhawk, 8620 East Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale On February 14, 2013. Valentine’s Dinner at 6 p.m., concert at 7:15 p.m. $125 general admission.

Ballet Arizona

Ballet Arizona presents Romeo & Juliet at Symphony Hall in downtown Phoenix, February 14 - 17, 2013. Tickets start at $26. (Buy Tickets Direct)

Mark Cordes, The Spouse Whisperer at Wild Horse Pass

The Spouse Whisperer is a fast moving, funny and sometimes enlightening show featuring the comedian’s wit and a healthy dose of audience participation. The Spouse Whisperer is a perfect Valentine’s night out for couples who can laugh at married life and middle age. One show only on Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 7:15 p.m. in the Ovations LIVE! Showroom.

The Pleasure Feast at the Arizona Renaissance Festival

The Pleasure Feast, served by wenches and tavern knaves at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, includes a five-course meal along with 1-1/2 hours of raucous Renaissance entertainment. Admission to the Arizona Renaissance Festival is included with your ticket. Reservations strongly encouraged, as seating is limited.

Chocolate Lovers' Train

Take a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad during the Chocolate Lovers' Festival. Suitable as a date or for a family, combine your love of the outdoors with the romance of chocolate. Advance reservations required. February 12 - 17, 2013.

Valentine's Day Abourd Dolly Steamboat

Take your sweetheart on the twilight Dolly Steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake on February 14, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Your cruise includes dinner: Baron of Beef, Champagne Chicken, Mixed Field Green Salad, Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables, Rosemary Roasted Red Potatoes, Fresh Dinner Rolls, Chef’s Seasonal Dessert, Iced Tea, Lemonade, Coffee. $60 per person. Advanced prepaid reservations required. Learn more about Dolly Steamboat.

Hello Dolly at Arizona Broadway Theatre

During Valentines Day week in 2013 Arizona Broadway Theatre presents Hello Dolly, about a matchmaker in turn-of-the-century New York who decides to focus on romance for herself. A light-hearted musical comedy. Shows almost every day from the weekend before Valentine's Day through the weekend after, including the big day itself.

A Very Vintage Valentine’s Day at MIM

Live music for the evening will be provided by The Sugar Thieves, and the Savoy Hop Cats will get you grooving with 1920’s style Lindy Hop swing dance performances. Live painting by local artists including Tanina Jackson, Such Styles, Hendrix, Lalo Cota, and Yai Nosaur. Taste a special menu of appetizers and beverages sourced locally but inspired by culinary traditions from around the globe. Each ticket includes one complimentary beverage of choice with a cash bar afterwards. Enhance your musical experience by taking a global journey through the galleries. February 14, 2013 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $60 each until January 31, $65 after January 31. Ages 21+ only.

Jester'Z Improv Valentine's Day

What is better the an evening of comedy for Valentine’s Day? That is why there will be two comedy shows on Valentine’s Day, one at 7 p.m. and one at 9 p.m. The shows are all improv shows but suggestions will be along the Valentine’s Day theme. Come and laugh until your cheeks hurt and then have your Valentine a kiss to make them better! Show is $15 and tickets must be purchased in advance, reservations are required. Please do not expect any tickets to be available at the door.

Singles Fair and Ball

The Singles Fair and Ball may just be the place where you kick start your love life if there's no one special to share Valentine's Day with this year. On Saturday, February 2, 2013 there's a Singles Fair with booths and workshops in the early evening, and then at 8 p.m. it's time to dress up for the Dress-to-Impress Ball. Scottsdale.

Sundays in Paradise

Grab a blanket and come to the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort in Paradise Valley for musical entertainment. In 2013, two different shows will enhance your Valentine's Day. On February 10 hear Diana Lee with Dennis Rowland's Jazz Experience Band ($5 cover per person). on February 17 Andre Delano will perform for a special engagement ($15 per person cover). For preferred lawn placement, reserve a Gourmet Picnic Package for only $55 or $65. Depending on the show. Your package includes admission for two, a choice of appetizer, a bottle of wine, and a blanket for the afternoon.

7 Minutes In Love

The Valentine's Day version of Space 55's wildly popular 7 Minutes in Heaven series offers the audience a stream of diverse acts with themes of passion, sex and love gone horribly wrong -- none of which exceeds seven minutes in length. Please note: This show is not appropriate for children. Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 10 p.m. Space 55, 636 East Pierce Street, Phoenix.

Tucson Gem & Mineral Show

Looking for pretty rocks? The Tucson Gem & Mineral Show is a fun way to to spend the weekend before Valentine's Day. If you know what you are doing, this might be just the place to find that perfect stone for that perfect piece of jewelry.

Father/Daughter Dance in Gilbert

Girls ages 3 - 17 and their fathers, uncles, grandfathers or family friends are invited to a Father/Daughter dance on Friday, February 8, 2013 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Pizza, beverages, a corsage for the girls, keepsake photos. Daughters only need to register. Pre-registration only, no tickets sold at the door. $35 per couple, charge for additional daughters.

Valentine's Day Love Bug Dance in Queen Creek

Children ages 4-12 and their parent(s) or guardian(s) are invited. The dance will take place on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Library Recreation Annex, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road. There will be a light dinner, music, and dancing. Every Love Bug can take home a photo with their loved one for $1. Pre-registration is required, and may be done at the Library Recreation Annex or online. Admission is $15 for one adult and one child, $6 per additional adult and $4 per additional child.

Manic Monday 2.4.13



 

Favorite Photo of the Week: (My Little Family at Joe's Farm & Grill....Hannah was NOT happy about the giant rain drop that had just landed on her nose)

~MANIC MONDAY~

Highlights of last week included:
~Finally getting into our groove here at home with the babies

~Having Justin's brother Trevor and his fiancee Isis in town for a visit, and to meet Hannah & Emma

~My partner in crime, Aimee moved back to town and got to meet the love bugs

Last week I learned:
~As much I want to go go go....my body still slows me down. I'm still healing from c-section surgery and my lack of sleep doesn't help much either. I need to better embrace this and know that I'll be back in action soon.

Yes This Actually Happened:
~Like I said before, we had guests in town. We planned on hosting our Belated Christmas Dinner with the Starr family on Thursday night. Well, things were going fairly smooth...I got the pork roast going at noon...and then Justin and I decided to lay our snuggle bugs down in our bedroom and have all four of us take a little one hour nap. Well....three hours later, we woke up to find our guests preparing the meal..good thing they are family...right?? I felt so bad... but thankfully the dinner still turned out beautifully.

Feeling Appreciative:
~For my husband. Sometimes I tend to forget how amazing he is. (Especially when I'm sleep deprived). We managed to get out of the house yesterday with the baby girls and go on a little family outing to Joe's Farm & Grill. Though we stayed far far away from the crowds...as people tend to flock to our twin stroller...it was nice to get out walk around the farm fields and enjoy. (see photo above).

Bringing Sexy Back:
~So tomorrow is six week check up, where I should be cleared for exercise. The only thing bumming me out...is how crazy weak I am these days...it's really going take me a long while to gain my strength back, but I'm ready to start moving, as much as I can. Also I need to decide (like today) how I'm going to move forward....join Crossfit again? Join a gym? Create a home gym? Also and most importantly I need to figure out a solid meal plan.

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On the horizon for this week:
~Finalizing some bridal package ideas with one of my favorite venues

~Having some friends over to see the little Misses

~Finalizing an organizational system for our home. (it's a weird obsession I have...which means I spend way too much money at office max)

Currently Listening to:
~ "For What It's Worth"....Buffalo Springfield

Quote I'm Loving:

Currently Watching:
~We managed to watch three netflix flicks this weekend....

"The Switch" ~ Super Cute

"Jeff, Who Lives at Home" ~ Surprisingly Really Good

"Everything Must Go" ~ Awful, depressing, lame sauce.

Confession:
~I'm sure most women would agree...that a shower in the morning, followed by time to put on make up, style hair, and put on a decent looking outfit...makes for a MUCH more productive day.

Currently Reading:
~"What to Expect the First Year" Uggh...every time I try reading I crash.

Kristin & Erik's Starr Style Wedding

This was one of my gorgeous fall weddings that took place back on November 10th, 2012.  This was my last fall wedding that I was physically able to be a part of (prior to the babies coming).. and it was fantastic.

 

Kristin was such a beauty..and a sweetheart.  And my J.Starr Style Vendor Team of course made this day spectacular.  Here's a few highlights from this day.

 

 

 

 

Manic Monday 1.28.13

Favorite Photo of the Week: (My Love Bugs, One Month)

~MANIC MONDAY~ 

Highlights of last week included:
~My peapods turned ONE MONTH, oh my!!!
~Returning Home after spending ten days at my parents home. During Justin's first week back to work, we (me, the babies, the doggies) decided to spend some time at mom and dad's down in Casa Grande. During that time Justin got a cold....and then I got a cold...turning our 5 day stay into a 10 day stay. Poor Justin, he could hardly bare being away from his girls so long.

Last week I learned:
~Being a mommy, especially with twins requires me to try and plan for each hour of the day...which knock on wood is making me a much more efficient person.

Yes This Actually Happened:
~I had to wear a scary mask around the house all week, in an effort not to get the babies sick.

Feeling Appreciative:
~Feeling so appreciative for my mom and dad, they have been a tremendous help to us during our transition into parenthood..it's been really sweet watching them become Grandparents.

Bringing Sexy Back:
~This is a new addition to my "Manic Mondays" where I will try and hold myself accountable for yes...bringing my "sexy" back. As of right now, I haven't been cleared to work out yet...I should be given the "okay" by my doc the second week of February. I could be at least walking right now, but due to this annoying cold, that hasn't happened much. I gained a total of 45lbs during my pregnancy... and last time I weighed myself I had lost 35lbs (out of the 45)...yeah, there was a whole lotta babies going on in there. So my first goal is to be back to my pre~pregnancy weight, soon.

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On the horizon for this week:
~Back to Blogging!!! My goal is try and keep my blog Event Planning/Design focused but surely these little girls of my mine are just too darn precious not to wiggle their way in from time to time...that's for sure.  They are my new fabulous little assistants.
~My brother in law and is fiance will be flying in from San Francisco for an extended weekend. They will get to meet their nieces for the first time, and we'll finally be able to have our Starr Family Christmas Dinner.


Currently Listening to:
~The sound of my mom, chatting with little Emma as she feeds her. She's up here today....allowing me to escape a wee bit.

Quote I'm Loving:
"Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can." { I love, love, love this}

Currently Watching:
~During my 2am feedings...I've started watching "Downton Abbey" and I'm hooked....I've already blared through the first season on netflix...now where oh where can I find the second season?????

Confession:
~Yesterday I spent the majority of the day in a No Doubt concert shirt, covered in spit up...talk about a hot mess...minus the hot, double the mess. Justin says to me at about 8pm..umm are you ever going to change your shirt??

Currently Reading:
~"What to Expect the First Year"