"Monday Musings" 1.19.15 {The Many Efforts in Regaining Control of Our Home}

Okay, confession....I'm not really sure exactly why I'm sharing this post...other than to give myself some visual encouragement to keep going on these types of projects.

You see...just over two years ago....within the same minute, our family multiplied.  And in the past six months those twenty little fingers and toes have started to take over our home.  And, truth be told, I'm not one of those moms who's "ahead of the game"...no, I  never really read the "lengthy 'how to' baby books", I never joined the moms clubs, I don't know my children's "exact" current heights and weights.  Don't get me wrong....I adore my children and try to inhale them at any given moment....I've just, (unlike) my husband... never really been a "read the instructions" kind of girl. 

I'm much more the "learn as you go type"...and I'm not saying that's the "right" way by any means...but it's been my way...in some cases when it comes to me being a twin mommy..."ignorance is bliss."  So, when we finally take the much needed time to make our lives better....(baby proofing + functional) I get EXCITED....like really excited. 

Hello World...Meet "The Toy Closet"....

 

Special shout out to my Mom, who helped to inspire us getting this project going.  After Christmas and the Babies 2nd Birthday flew by...we looked around and realized we had accumulated tons of "little" pieces.  And, I realized that the girls weren't even really playing with the new toys!  Instead all these little parts were strung all across our living room. 

Toy Bins... 

So, we cleared out one of our hall closets of random odds and ends and officially deemed this area "The Toy Closet".  So now, every activity, game set, craft collection...has it's own spot.  The coolest part is...now the girls love going to the closet and picking out (to them) a new toy!  It seems to be way less overwhelming to them..and so much more enjoyable for them to focus on one activity at time.  

Clothing Bins

 

Another issue that was making life nuts...was the laundry situation.  My little ones found great joy in tossing all of the clothing out of the their bins and mixing the clean clothes in with the dirty clothes hamper.  So (although admittedly yes, this isn't the most attractive looking) Justin drilled holes into the bins and inserted bungee cords (yes, completely safe and baby proof) So yes, one more step towards "less laundry"...I'll take it!

New Gate in the Master Bedroom/Bathroom

 

I have NO IDEA why we didn't install this baby gate earlier...completely worth the investment!  Wow.  We have the formal dining room gated off ( it's my one "fancy" room) and we keep the office doors shut...but I really didn't want to keep our little snuggle bugs out of our room, they love it in there. But the open floor plan to the master bathroom was dangerous...they we're crawling in and out of the jacuzzi tub, climbing up on the vanity area... and getting their little hands into Mommy's make up.  It was crazy town.  Until now.  They have access to our room....but not the bathroom area..and I LOVE how clean our bathroom is staying. 

 

 

"Featured Friday" Seville Golf & Country Club

Happy Friday All! 

 

 

I thought I'd share with you today, one of my very favorite venues...I might be a *tad* biased being that I was married here (I'll share wedding photos in the near future)...and worked her for five years of my post college life....  Seville is a gorgeous setting....with amazing views of the San Tan Mountains.

I'm absolutely thrilled that I'll be returning to Seville tomorrow, as a featured vendor in the Bridal Open House.  I'm looking forward to meeting so many couples "to be" and catching up with so many of my beloved fabulous vendors. 

  Speaking of fabulous people.... I've had the pleasure of working with Emily (Seville's Private Events Director) first hand...and know that she takes her role very seriously and ensures great service with all of the couples she works with.  I asked Emily a few questions...that I'd thought I'd share with you all today ~J.Starr

 

Meet Emily, Private Events Director at Seville Golf & Country Club:

 

 

I come from a big family being the youngest of seven children. I am the only child in my family that is an Arizona native! I grew up spending most of my time dancing and with that I had the opportunity to travel the country and the world (visiting several countries in Europe, twice!). My interest for events started in high school and I was able to pursue that interest by interning with various companies throughout college. I started working in Private Events for ClubCorp a month before my college graduation. I started as the Assistant at Gainey Ranch Golf Club until I was promoted to Director in the early fall of 2013.

 

 

 

What are the features that Seville offers?

Seville offers gorgeous views. A variety of them. The property itself is gorgeous with it's Tuscan style features. You're fortunate enough to have an up close view of the San Tan Mountains for your backdrop. Our east lawn also offers panoramic views with the Superstition mountains in the distance. Seville is a beautiful, peaceful setting. 

 

 

What sets Seville apart from other venues?

Seville offers many versatile spaces to choose from to fit the needs of everyone. Our spaces are appealing and neutral so that we are able to accommodate any custom "look" and "style".

  

 

 

 

 

{The Wednesday Whim 1.14.15 } Highlights of the Last 45 days, in Photos

Hi Friends, So....I haven't done a "personal photo post" in awhile because....well...it's been busy.  But I have to say, the past 45 days of life have been pretty amazing. They flew by fast....and at times were chaotic and exhausting, but I know there were special times that we will certainly cherish. Thank you all of our loved ones who were able to spend time with us over the holiday season.

 

The Highlights Included.......

 

 

A "Santa" who insisted on "Mommy" being in the photo...I'm quite certain he was more scared than the girls were....

 

 A Family Shoot....

 

Christmas Lights Galore...

The "Norris" Early Christmas Eve... 

Super Stinkin' Cute Little Girls

 Tiny Tots with their Eyes All A Glow....on Christmas Morning...

 Worlds Best Daddy....

 

Eggnog Smooches...

 A Glimpse Into their Teen Years...

Pure Joy and Wonder...

My Babies and their Babies... 

Christmas Day at Grammie & Gramps ... 

Frustrated Emmie, because she just can't quite reach the pedals yet on her new pink trike....

 

Mom's make Christmas special, especially mine.  And wow, not only is her home decorated beautifully she can cook an amazing Christmas Dinner too.

 Typical Family Shot These Days...

Uncle Chase

 

GUESS who turned TWO?  And yes, the day after Christmas...the party never stops!

 

Best Buddies...

 

 Super easy and fun theme..."A Chili Bar"

 

 Ready to Grub...

 Happy Birthday Baby Dolls...

Emma

Hannah

 Lovin Life...

 

Face Timing with Uncle Trevor

 



Exhaustion Sets In, But Wow....We're So Thankful for these two...the Greatest Gifts

We've Ever Received...

 

New Years Eve

 My Homegirl Aimee was in Town, and She Brought the Party Over to Our Place....So Fun!

 

The Babies We're Having a Blast!

 

It was a Night of Great Food (thanks to Aimee) + Many Rounds of Cards Against Humanity....

Followed By Some....Oh So Lovely Photos...

 

And that about wraps up the highlight reel...until next time :)



"Monday Musings 1.12.15" {Stylizing those Christmas Cards}

Hi Friends,

How ya doing?  I'm gonna go ahead and ask you all to pretend that it's still Monday okay?  I've been wanting to get my blog rolling again since the beginning of the year...but wow...how is it already mid January??  Rather than continuing to feel "behind" and because I really want to be very consistent with blogging this year...again...I'm gonna go ahead and ask you again to please pretend it's Monday?  Okay?  Great...perfect let's move on.

So remember the last day of 2014 when my blog post discussed wanting "Domestic" to be my word of 2015? Well...as part of that goal, I'm starting a new series on my blog called "Mondays Musings" and with this I hope to share little fun projects and inspirations that help to inspire you to better "stylize" your day to day life.  My hope is to feature people and their talents.....while at the same time encourage myself to tackle all the home projects I've been wanting to check off.

First up.  {Stylizing those Christmas Cards} 

After the holidays what do you do with all those gorgeous cards that your loved ones took precious time to send you? Do you toss them out? (please say you don't!) Do you file them away in shoe boxes only to be seen once every three years?  Do you cut out the pretty designs and turn them into Christmas ornaments or gift tags for next year? (my creative Grandma Jane used to do this)

I love keeping things of sentimental value....I love finding old notes from family and friends ~ it instantly takes me back to that time period and remember sweet memories.  So, yes I keep my Christmas cards. 

And here is how I displayed this year's cards....

 

I covered frames on the wall in my kitchen with pretty Christmas paper then attached ribbon to each frame.  I found these super cute little mini clothes pins from Michaels to attached the cards to the ribbons.  There they hung for the holiday season....I can't tell you how many friends and family members stopped and looked through all the cards (the clothes pins makes this super simple to be able to pull off the card and read all sides of the cards) Yes, Justin thought it was weird that I was covering up the lovely large photos in our kitchen of our children and weiner dogs faces....but hey, I had to find a spot in our home where my "littles" couldn't tear them down. 

 

And here is how I save and display cards from previous years.....

 

Please allow me to preface this with....this is not my original idea.  In fact, the very first person I saw do this (way before Pinterest) many years ago was one of my best girlfriends/former college roommate, Andrea Keegan.  Among many amazing things Andrea is a an elementary school teacher and also a Mommy.  I've always admired Andrea's organizational abilities...she's able to keep things organized, very functional, but yet still atheistically pleasing to the eye.   

 

Tools Needed:

Ruler

Hole Punch

Loose Leaf Binder Rings

 

Steps:

1.) Organize your cards (as best as possible) by size

2.) Measure out the appropriate distance of each card

3.) Punch each card (with a double hole punch) directly in the middle

4.) Slip all cards onto the binder rings, and snap!

5.) Set cards out in a pretty basket, to enjoy each year.

 

 

My little ones loved looking at the cards of past years, they would stare at them and point out people they knew...and point out themselves as little newborns...it really was so cute. 

 

 

 



{Featured Friday 1.9.15} Designing Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine's Bridal Booth

Good Evening Friends,

 (Yours Truly, Jennifer Starr, J.Starr Stylized Weddings)

 

This is my first post of the new year, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share these photos with you....Let me start by saying how honored I felt that Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine asked me to design their booth for the Bridal Fashion Debut. 

 

My goal was design a booth that looked similar to their most recent cover.....so I designed a space that was white monochromatic color pattern, feminine, yet still embraced a modern vibe. 

 (Kristen Butler & Fran Samuel of Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine, and Myself)

 

I was overjoyed to partner with The Flower Bar, as Megan and her team are crazy talented.  I just love how they can make flowers look classic yet "ultra cool" at the same time. 

 

 

(Megan's Description for the Floral Concept):

The table will have monochromatic color palette of all white flowers. Modern,geometrical mirrored vases create a runner down the center of the table and will be overflowing with lush and fragrant gatherings of hydrangea, roses, orchids, and lilies.

(Eric Crook & Megan Carollo, The Flower Bar)

 

(Megan's Concept Continued)

To create interest (and little bit of height) silver stanchions with glass orbs and flowers are placed in the centerpieces with pops of white orchids. We continue the floral elements behind the table with suspensions of clear glass orbs containing white blossoms.

 

 The stunning tenting, pipe and drape, table cloths, tables, chairs, plateware and glassware were all provided by Classic Party Rentals.

My favorite part was the "WOW" factor that occurs as guests turn the corner...just beyond stunning.  

 

 (Kristen Butler, Fran Samuel and Dawn Peterson)

 

Thank you so much to the fabulous ladies of Phoenix Bride & Groom Magazine, I'm so happy that you were so pleased with the outcome. 

(Haley Cwiakala)

 

And a very special thank you to Haley, my former J.Starr Intern.  Haley worked with me this past summer and is back in town for winter break....as she attends the University of San Diego.  She was a breath of fresh air and helped me immensely today...I can't wait to see all the fantastic things she does with her future. 

 

And with that...I hope all my clients and fellow vendors attending/participating in this weekend's show have a wonderful time...and please be sure to stop by and smell the amazing flowers at the Phoenix Bride & Groom Booth!