"The Wednesday Whirl" 9.17.14

 

 

{Brunch and Bra Shopping at Victoria's Secret with these TWO, because it's more fun that way}

 

 

~THE WEDNESDAY WHIRL~ 

Highlights of last week included:
~Yes, my friends...I've made an adjustment....the former "The Monday Mix" has moved over to Wednesday becoming "The Wednesday Whirl".  I realized that posting about all the past week's happenings on Monday didn't allow enough time for taking the proper steps of photo organization.  Recently Justin and I have wanted to start using our professional cameras more and phone cameras less...and for years I've wanted to start creating digital albums. But with this, I was always waiting on Justin to "edit" all of our photos.  (which can be very timely, especially when you take a lot of photos) So now....we've figured out a system in which I can upload, organize, and edit out all the photos on Monday ~ then Justin can edit them on Tuesday ~ then I can post my "Wednesday Whirl" with more professional looking photos (happy dance!) This allows us to organize all of our weekly photos (not just the ones I share on the blog, believe it or not...I only share the highlights) that way...I can start creating/working on our digital albums weekly. (I have no idea why I'm sharing all of this boring information with you all...I get really excited about organizational/work flow changing that makes life better, and I'm actually a nerd)

 

 ~Attended the NACE, "Fashion for a Cause Fashion Show" at the Hotel Valley Ho.  This is an annual fabulous fundraiser in which Phoenix's top event industry designers are asked to create "fashion" using only 20% of actual clothing and 80% of "event related" materials.  I was asked to be a designer and had signed up at one point, but shortly after declined as my September plate was a little too full to take on another project.  But, I did get to attend, along with my friends Jessica, Melissa, and my new fall intern; Megan.  It was such a lovely night, I hope to participate as a designer next year....I have a pretty amazing idea in mind.

~So my little ones were in Casa Grande, last weekend with Grams and Gramps and then Arizona got hit with record breaking rain and flooding, and my mom didn't want me on the road with babies so that equaled an extra day entirely to myself....which resulted in lots of catching up on work projects...it felt ahh maaa zzzing, thank you Mom!

~Family Date Night included a "Street Taco Festival" followed by the babies first trip to the Frozen Yogurt Shop, so fun.

~Brunch and Bra Shopping with some of my best girlfriends.  Yes, it's a thing. Yes, Justin thought it was weird too.

~Celebrating my little brother's birthday on Sunday Funday, complete with a house full of hilariousness.  My mom made an amazing homemade meal (which my daughters proceeded to throw all over the floor, table, each other and their grandpa).  My sweet little Granny told wild, crazy, super random stories (she has dementia and is also a real "story teller" to begin with....so it's hard to tell if she's joking around or not) but she kept us laughing that's for sure.  My dad just sits back and grins the whole time....Justin attempts to tame our little wild beasts while capturing some photos...and my brother just sits back and allows the circus to completely take over his celebration. 
 

Fab finds:
~ Mimi's Café has this Egg White & Veggie Omelet right now that is ridiculous.  I know it sounds gross right...total deliciousness. I don't particularly love Mimi's or omelets...but I'm telling you, good stuff!
 

Yes this actually happened:
~I deserve the "Worst Mother of the Year" award for allowing my littles to walk all over my parents back yard in tutus (shortly after the huge rainfall) as their little legs got covered in mosquito bites!!! So sad...luckily calamine spray to the rescue.
~The realization that my tiny twosome (especially now that they are walking, running, expressing, communicating and in to EVERYTHING) require 110% of my attention and full energy during their every waking moment.  With this, it requires me to maximize the times before they wake, during their nap, after they go to sleep, and the two afternoons that Justin works shorter days = my scheduled work hours, even better than before. This requires me to set realistic goals, deadlines, and changes my current definition of what personal success means to me during this season of my life.
 

Feeling Appreciative:
~For amazing family, friends, and clients

Sending Some Love:
~Happy Birthday Naseem, my sweet friend is traveling the world at the moment and surly celebrated her birthday in a big way (can't wait to catch up when you return)
~My baby brother....who also celebrated his birthday...and didn't mind sharing his cake with his messy little nieces.
 

Food, Fitness & Fashion:

~ Loving this "cooler" weather....and so happy I finally incorporate my the babies back into my workouts....now I just need to purchase a jogging stroller. 
~One of my best friends is currently attending a week long yoga retreat in Colorado with her fiancée....it sounds super hippy, earthy, cool...I'm totally jealous.  I think she even mentioned "natural hot springs"....that's on my bucket list.
 

Baby Moments I Want to Remember:
~CRAZY.  They are real little humans.  Emma's really saying quite a few words these days..."shoe" "nose" "ears" "hi, hi, hi" and "allllll done".  Hannah does these hilarious "growls" all the time and says "uhh ohh" upon every deemed fitting opportunity.  They both spin in circles and smile when their daddy sings "dance, babies dance....dance babies dance."
 

Something Inspiring:
~My beautiful friend Jessica.  She's had such a heart breaking year.  Her smile and continued effort to navigate through life with positivity and love is truly inspiring.  I feel so fortunate to know her, she's a strong woman with such a good soul.

 

 

~LAST WEEK, IN PHOTOS~ 

 

 

 {NACE Fashion Show}

 {Loved spending time with Jessica}

 {Street Taco Festival}

 

{Emma was the only one okay with wearing a "prop"...makes me so proud, I love a girl who's into themes!}

{Babies First Frozen Yogurt Shop}

{They LOVED it}

 

{Snuck in some Sunday morning snuggles with Miss Mia....my girlfriend Andrea's new sweet baby}

{Emma Lou....woke up early, before her sister...so she soaked up lots of Mommy and Daddy alone time}

{Fun times in Grams and Gramps Backyard Oasis...little did I know they were being eaten alive!}

 



{Helping Uncle Chase open his birthday gifts}

 {Happy Birthday to You, Stinks}

 

 

(Featured Friday) Eric & Vanessa's "His & Hers" Engagement Stories

(Photography by Brie Bandura)



Happy Friday All!

Today, I want to share with you Vanessa and Eric's exquisite engagement photos and stories......... but before we get into that I wanted to give you a little background on this lovely couple.

 Vanessa, the beautiful bride to be, is one talented woman!! She has been in the dance industry for the past 15 years. Vanessa has been a member of the Phoenix Suns Dance Team, the The Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad, and the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Dance Team. Currently, Vanessa runs a dance program for kids of all ages in Phoenix call Lime Lite Dance...view her website here and her facebook page here.

Eric the handsome groom is the Portfolio Manager for Arizona's Pension Fund.  I asked Vanessa to share with me a little more on her groom...she said "he's brilliant, he was valedictorian of his high school and finished his MBA by the time he was 23. He is also a huge Iowa State Cyclone Fan ....he can list any statistic of any sport in general. He also has a true heart of gold and is the person that brought trust and the true meaning of love back into my heart."

I'm beyond thrilled to see these two will marry in 22 days from today! Their wedding will be beautiful and I'm so honored that they have trusted me to be a part of it...I can't wait to share more about their special day here on my blog soon, stay tuned!

And now for the "His" and "Hers" Engagement Story............

 

 

Eric's Version:

"After getting the blessing from Vanessa's mother I set out to covertly plan the proposal...no small task particularly if you know Vanessa's sixth sense and boundless curiosity. Needless to say it involved a pre-dawn run for the finishing touches of flowers and fruit before a diversionary matinee movie and a 'spontaneous' walk in the park and visit to an exhibit we had long-ago intended to check out.
On New Year's Day Vanessa slept in and I found an early showing of American Hustle which turned out to be great (not only as a movie but as a distraction to talk about as we drove to the Chihuly in the Garden exhibit at the Desert Botanical Garden). We had talked about seeing the exhibit for some time so as a 'no time like the present' idea I suggested we head there. Papago Park is adjacent to the Desert Botanical Garden and the Hole in the Rock at the Park offers a wonderful view overlooking the Park & Garden. When we got to the Park I suggested we take a short walk up to check out the view. Vanessa, ever-fashionable, of course had on boots and an outfit that she really wasn't too keen about taking on a non-paved walk. With some cajoling we found our way up the path to a private nook on the Hole in the Rock.  We shared a picnic of strawberries and a rose while taking in the view. As we wrapped up and were about to head down I had one last surprise tucked away in the bag I packed. After getting on one knee and formally asking for her hand in marriage I got a YES interspersed with several "Oh my God, Are You Serious, Is this really happening?" questions from her. I was happy, she was shocked (and happy). Success! We proceeded back down the trail and enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the spectacular Chihuly exhibit and ended the night with a romantic dinner at Oregano's, the restaurant where we had our first date...I couldn't have asked for a better day!"

Vanessa's Version:

"So it was the morning of New Year's Day at 7 AM and Eric is such an early bird and I was dead to the world because we went out the night before for New Year's eve to party with friends you guys know who you are… The night before a  Brooke and MiMi kept saying "oh my gosh when is he going to propose, I feel like its coming!"and I was like I have no idea and had no clue but I thought it would be coming sometime but not right after the holidays. So back to New Year's Day I had slept until 11 AM and while I was asleep he went to get flowers and packed a picnic and I had no idea. I was half asleep still and he was like we have to go to Chilluly- he was dead set on going to this exhibit and I was like oh we can go anytime why do we have to go today? Because we also wanted to see American Hustle and I was dying to see that. So we went to see American hustle then straight to the exhibit. Our phones guided us to papago park and not the exhibit. So he pulled the car over and we were navigating our way. All of the sudden he turns off the car goes around to the trunk and then he is rummaging around forever. In the back of my mind I was thinking what in the hell is he doing back there for so long... he's up to something! Then as soon as that thought left my mind he came around to the passengers side and said, "Get Out!, we're going on a walk" I was so bewildered and said, "Wait do I need my purse and where in the hell are we going I thought we were going to the exhibit!" So I grabbed my purse and we walked around the bend and then he's sayin' were hiking up the mountain. The first thing I said,being somewhat bratty was there is No Way Im hiking up this mountain in black sued wedge boots, and I knew he wasn't going to hike up in his brand new pair of Nikes he just got in Iowa! So as frivolous and superficial this may sound - Yes its true I was not about to hike up a mountain that the man I LOVE was going to propose to me on lol! So we found a little nook and he had told me to shut my eyes and in my mind im thinking awww- how sweet, but still had NO idea!!  Then all of the sudden I heard whip cream and Im thinking how did he transport whip cream after American Hustle- this guy has sly moves haha...Eric is always doing sweet stuff so I figured this was just icing on the cake! So I opened My eyes and there in my lap was a single red rose!   Then he had a fruit platter so we ate that, then after he was diggin' in that infamous back pack and I looked away. Then kid you NOT I look back and he is on his knee said, "Vanessa, you know I love you , I want to spend the rest of my life with you, WILL U MARRY ME!" I was freaking out and kept saying over and over oh my God!, is this real and YES, YES, YES! Then immediately after we or I calmed down I said, This means we are going to have a family!!!! I was so excited and didn't cry because I was in shock - cause I am an emotional wreck and cry all the time haha!!"

"The Monday Mix" 9.8.14

~THE MONDAY MIX~ 

 

Highlights of last week included:
~Unexpected date night with that cute boy above.  Having children makes you appreciate time alone so much more than you ever thought possible...It was a random night...we ate at "So Cal Fish Taco Company" which is sooo my style...making me crave the beach big time. We dined outside, it was breezy, the music was perfect and we had uninterrupted conversations and ate steamed muscles and lobster tacos = heaven in Gilbert.
 

Fab finds:
~I loved Angelina Jolie's Wedding dress ~ featuring her children's drawings.  I love when a couple personalizes traditions.
~Changing Hands Bookstore...fairly close to our home. I could wander the aisles for hours.
 

Yes this actually happened:
~We may or may not have randomly/kind of accidently snuck into the 2nd half of a show at Hale Center Theatre showing of the "Phantom"...I was pretty blown away by the acting and singing, and the theatre is pretty cool...definitely going back for a Christmas show
~Speaking of the beach...booked a fall beach trip! So excited to take our little ones, last time we were at the beach I was eight months pregnant with twins, running a Wedding, while in the process of moving....(quite possibly the craziest time in my life)
 

Feeling Appreciative:
~For attempting to slooow my mind down a little. It was a fast pace summer with lots of business growth which resulted in many steps forward. With Fall approaching I'm looking forward to finishing projects and not start any new ones.  I'm hoping to read more, clean more, cook more, and take in some yoga classes.

Sending Some Love:
~Out to Justin's Uncle Bill.  He underwent 4way bypass heart surgery this past weekend.  We're thinking of you and Aunt Sheila.
~Out to my sweet friend Julie.  Who sent me (in true Julie form) a hilarious photo via text message saying "We Eloped, in Alaska!" So happy for you Jules, we need to celebrate you in a BIG way. 
 

Food, Fitness & Fashion:

~Need some new songs to move to...I'm kinda loving these running songs as of late:

• Undressed, Kim Cesarion
• First Love, Jennifer Lopez (cheesy I know, but it works)
• Bad Girls, M.I.A.
• This is What if Feels Like, Banks
• Crazy in Love Orchestra Cinematique

~ I love Anthropologie's sale room!  One of my best friends recently bought an Anthropologie Wedding Dress, she's going to look stunning.

Baby Moments I Want to Remember:
~Those TWO.  Every day they get funnier and funnier.  Hannah tries taking every single stuffed animal she owns to bed every night.  Emma has discovered a special soft blanket that she loves to be wrapped in and snuggle.  They both chatter, chatter, chatter, especially to each other. They know some words..but aren't quite talking yet.
 

Something Inspiring: 

 

 

 

Highlights of last week included:  

{STARR SESSIONS} 

 

 

 

Memorial Day Fun...at the same restaurant that Justin once told me (very very early on) that he wasn't sure if he ever wanted to get married or have children...Hee Hee...good thing I didn't believe him, his hands sure are full of sassiness now.

 

They love their Water Table

 

Emma loving her first taste of Apple Juice...mmmm

 

For the exception of the loud scary elephants that terrified Emma, Rainforest Café was a hit.

 

Hannah was chowing down like she owned the place.

 

Hannah playing "peek a boo" with her Great Granny

 

They love their accessories

 

We finally did it.  My parents had the babies this weekend...so we were finally able to FINISH organizing our garage...this has been a painfully slow project... (because home projects take forever when you have twins)..but it's DONE. kind of.

 

 We were finally able to visit my brother Chase's new place and meet his new doggie : Leo
(I have a furry nephew...he's super cute)

  

 

{INSTAGRAM REEL} 

  

My Emmie

Anthropologie Finds

 

Dare I say it's finally cool enough to go for walks again?  Last time we went for walks, my littles couldn't walk yet...it's amazing what can change in one summer. 



Into EVERYTHING....they have a special knack for finding anything that's not baby proofed.

Daddy's Girls

Fish, Fish, Fish

Somehow we ended up with balcony seats...it was rad...I kinda love downtown Gilbert.

Text from my Mom....of my Hannah Girl....

 And Ems...she's such a Hipster...

 

 



{Featured Friday} Magazine Editorial Shoot at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort

 

What an honor it was to be asked to Coordinate & Design another Cover (cover to hit the newsstands in February!) and 4 Page Spread for Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazine.  

 

Can I just take a moment to talk about the lovely ladies of this publication....

 

Ashley Lopez (Publishing Assistant) ... not only talented and kind, she could also easily have modeled for this shoot, wow so striking...Renea Johnson-Liggett (Director of Sales) is ever so lovely and charming...and has a natural gift of making anyone around her feel welcomed and appreciated...and Teri Ambrose (Publisher/Creative Director) has really become a professional mentor to me...her expertise is truly inspiring, I so appreciate her ability to see a layout in her mind before adding in the all the elements.  Teri's personal elegance and grace transcends into her magazine.

  

 When I found out the shoot would be held at the stunning JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa I was thrilled! Teri had explained to me that they wanted to do something with his location "outside of the box"...you see, not only does the JW Marriott Desert Ridge have stunning indoor/more traditional wedding reception ballrooms, they also have some amazing outdoor hidden gem locations. 

 

I loved having the opportunity to meet and work with the professional yet very personable Natalie Hall (Senior Catering Sales Executive).  Early on, Natalie toured our team of vendors around the massive grounds of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge....showing all the different options we had available for our shoot. 

 

And that's the moment Megan Carollo (Owner and Lead Designer of "Flower Bar") and I totally *clicked*.  We were both drawn towards the idea of holding the shoot primarily in the resort's lush Organic Herb Garden.  A few weeks later I met up with Megan in her studio (which by the way if you have the opportunity to visit, this space is fantastic...I could easily curl up there every morning with a cup of coffee and become inspired.  Megan (and her team) had ideas that were completely "out of the box"  she loved the idea of really playing up mixed metals, fun pops of colors....

 

Thus..." A Modern Organic Affair" was born....

 

 

The next step was choosing the linens to best enhance this look.  I naturally sought out the help of Laurie Southwick (Owner of Southwick Linens).  Laurie instinctively knew that the "bronze coil overlay" would be the perfect addition to the sweetheart table, along with the royal blue napkins set out on our "Farm to Dining" table. 

 

To add some personal touches to our shoot Paper Crown Designs created the place cards (complete with fresh herbs attached!) menu cards, bar and party favor signs. 

 

 

In addition to our "Modern Organic Look" I desired to (in true J.Starr form) bring in some elements of Hollywood glam/Rock in Roll style.  In doing so,  I selected an elegant, fashion-forward strapless gown with a detachable peplum for our model to wear from Suzanne's Bridal Boutique.  I encouraged Rolfs (our Hair and Make Up team) to go "dramatic."  And to complete her look, I enlisted in the help of Melissa Jonovich (Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot) to add in some sparkle.

 

  And what a joy it was to meet and work with Brooke Stevens-Patrick. (Owner of Brooke Photography) Brooke's easy going nature made this photo shoot fun, and her images turned out stunning....don't you agree?  Wow. 

 

 I'd also like to give a special shout out  to Renata Hodl my Production Assistant on this shoot.  Thank you my dear friend....your muscles and great insights were so appreciated!

 

Lastly, if you'd like to read the full article I encourage you to purchase your copy of Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites Magazines, available in most stores here in the valley.  This spread is featured on pages 104, 105, 106 & 107....and like I said, stay tuned for the COVER to be released in February!

 

 

VENDOR TEAM:

 

Publication:  Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites & Services

Event Design/Coordination: J.Starr Stylized Weddings

Venue, Drinks & Desserts: JW Marriott Ridge Resort & Spa

Floral Design: Flower Bar

Photography: Brooke Photography

Paper Details: Paper Crown Designs

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Linens: Southwick Linens

Hair & Make Up: Rolfs

Bridal Gown: Suzanne's Bridal Boutique

Jewelry: Stella Dot/Stylist: Melissa Jonovich

Groom's Attire: Mr. Formal 

 

 

 

 

 

**  VIEW Last Year's J.Starr Magazine Editorial Shoot at the Hotel Valley Ho**

"The Monday Mix" 9.1.14

Hi Friends,

Happy Labor Day All!  This photo was actually taken on 4th of July (hence the long locks) but I thought is was a good fit for a Labor Day post, huh? 

I'm back to blogging.  I have no idea where to start.  My blog went on "sabbatical" at the end of May.  I knew in order for me to really dive into my business and get some "not so fun, MUSTS done" , I had to "find extra time"... and pausing the blog for a bit was the best answer for me.... Moving forward my goal will be to blog twice a week: "The Monday Mix" and "Featured Fridays."

"The Monday Mix": Will serve as my weekly "brain dump"...a place for me to share, a place where all my roles collide.  Yes, I will keep this positive and light for the most part...because that's the way I like to roll, at least "internet style."  I'll also share lots of photos of my week to week happenings.  Except for on this particular post, Justin and I are currently in the process of organizing and editing all of our summer photos...I hope to share the highlights on Friday.

"Featured Fridays":  Will serve as a place for me to showcase specific events, collections of work, personal highlights, vendor spotlights, client stories.

Summer Summary/ Family:
It was a busy, busy summer.  Our little ones are now walking/running.  It's nearly impossible to get stuff around the house done with two tiny tornadoes trailing behind us. So, instead of "getting stuff done" we just kept moving...constantly....lots of fun times were had, stay tuned for Friday's post for ridiculous amounts of photos.

Highlights:
~Zoo
~Tea Parties
~Justin's Birthday
~Father's Day
~Double J.Starr Wedding in Pinetop
~2 Staycation's (without the buggies)
~Breakfast Dates
~Cook Outs
~Wiggle Worms
~Playdates
~Sprinklers
~Catching Up with Friends
~Dress Up
~Sushi Family Dates (Flying Edamame)
~Museums

In Conclusion:
Wow.  It's always really, really, really challenging to go out and do things...but it's always sooo worth the effort.  The babies are happy, fun, carefree, beyond amazing...I'm quite certain that there are times that bystanders are looking at us like we're crazy...but who cares, they're only little for a short while...

Business Summary/J.Starr Stylized Weddings:
What a whirlwind it has been!  My head is still reeling from all the updates and changes. I started off the summer with a list of things that were long over do, a list of things that needed to get DONE in order to be a "business owner."

Here's the deal...am I confident as a Wedding Planner/Designer ~ YES. Do I have lots of experience ~ YES.  But....being a Business Owner is a completely different story.  There we tasks that I'd been putting off doing simply because I didn't fully understand them.  So my goal for the summer was to attack those things.. MAD PROPS go to my summer intern: Haley Cwiakala, she helped a ton...and didn't mind my twinzies running circles around her :)

Highlights:
~Upgraded my Business from a Sole Proprietor to an LLC
~Purchased Liability insurance
~ Competitive Market Analysis
~Complete Revision of my Pricing Collections
~Updated My Website (still in progress)
~Updated Marketing Handouts
~Database of my Preferred Wedding Venues
~Created a Wedding Wire Page and collected Reviews
~Added reviews to my Business Facebook Page
~Linked Pinterest to Blog
~Participated in 3 Bridal Open Houses
~Designed, Coordinated and Co-Hosted a Venue Sponsored Engagement Party
~Submitted some work to National Publications
~Meet with some of my Professional Mentors
~Venue Tours
~Attended many networking events
~Booked some RAD new clients!
~Was a Featured Designer at NACE's Tantalizing Tables Event
~Currently working with 3 venues on special projects
~Currently working with a Bridal Magazine on a special project
~Met some new amazing people in the Wedding Industry

In Conclusion:
It was an exhilarating, exhausting, and humbling summer.  I'm definitely ending this summer a different person than I was going into it.  There was some great experiences, and some really awkward unsettling ones....but I guess that's what growth is all about.

And that's a wrap, for now....stay tuned, lots of fun stuff to share.  As always thank you (sincerely thank you) for reading, caring, and supporting, it feels so good to blog again. 

Until Friday, Much Love xoxo,
Jennifer Starr

Mamapreneur Monday 5.26.14

 

~MAMAPRENEUR MONDAY~

 

 

UPDATE:  

 

I have been blogging somewhat consistently from January of 2009 {5.5 Years!}....wow...and as much as I love sharing and connecting...my business is at a new very exciting place...where's it's time for me to pump the brakes on my blog...and take the much needed time to implement better foundational systems and updates into my business, my brand, my future.

 

 Therefore my friends...The J.Starr Blog is...going on a "sabbatical". 

 

 I'm hoping not for too long, we shall see.  So this little post will be my last one for awhile.   As always I appreciate your love and support...blogging is such a vulnerable but yet very rewarding experience.  Thank you for allowing me to share with you. 

 

Until Then ~ Jennifer xoxo

 

Highlights of last week included:
~Celebration of two incredible women and their birthdays...Mom & Granny
~Beautiful Wedding Day for Tyler & Amy
~Memorial Day Fun my Little Crew
~Memorial Day Project =Sparkling White Lights draped in my Backyard! Thanks to the Hubs
 

Fab finds:
~THIS KID  is my hero!
~Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad from Paradise Bakery, mmm.
~Michelle Moyer, a Vocalist and Acoustic Guitar Player....her voice caused everyone in the crowd to cry during Saturday's Wedding Ceremony.  I posted a video here.
 

Yes this actually happened:
~Had magazines delivered to my home that I styled & coordinated the COVER for! (and a 4 page spread inside the magazine...I'll share more soon)
~Went to Target and only spent 30 bucks! That's a first.
 

Feeling Appreciative:
~Growth...professionally and personally.  I had many sleepless nights last week as my mind was spinning with the ideas, thoughts, doubts, and to dos.  I'm thankful for a clearer vision for the future of J.Starr Stylized Weddings....with that clearer vision comes a lot of work, patience, and time. (hence the "Blog Sabbatical")
 

Food, Fitness & Fashion:
~No more morning walks with the bugs, just too hot for their fair skin. Instead I rearranged my schedule to include an hour work out {3 times a week}before Justin leaves that house in the morning for work...including a 30 minute run followed up resistance training exercises...so far so good.  And it feels incredible to get my workouts done before the babies start their days.  This whole time I thought I needed a "gym membership" to workout... WRONG.   "Start Where You Are. Use What You Have. Do What You Can" ~Arthur Ashe  This has been my #1 favorite quote ever since the babies were born.  I have to repeat it to myself on the daily. 
 

Baby Moments I Want to Remember:
~Hannah now "runs"
~Emma's officially walking now
~They both will walk up and give hugs to us if we hold our arms out...the best!
~Emma says "mmm mm" when you hug her
~Pretty sure Emma said "There you go" the other day
~They have been upgraded to their new "big girl" car seats

 

I Turn it Up: "All of Me" John Legend 

 

 

Highlights of last week included:  

 

 

{STARR SESSIONS} 

~4 Generations of Ladies~

Great Granny, Grammie, Mom {me!}, Daughters

  

Love from Uncle Chase

Grammie and Emma

 



 Grandpa & Hannah

 



Happy Birthday Mom...Happy Birthday Granny

 



{INSTAGRAM REEL} 

 

My Little Stylist...Approving my jewelry selection for Bridal Twilight Hours...

Centerpieces for Bridal Twilight Hours by Blume Events...

J.Starr Takes the Cover!  Can't wait to share MORE

The Processional for Saturday's Wedding was 21 people deep!

The talented Michelle Moyer...love her voice!

 

To me...this is the most revealing moment...the most real moment.  It's the moment after the Bride & Groom have walked down the aisle as Husband & Wife....they disappear from everyone's view (except mine)....I always pay extra attention to this moment, my views are the best.

All the Details...

 

Came home from Saturday's Wedding to find  dinner under the stars waiting for me...

 

Who's that little girl running through the nursery at Lowes???  My Hannah. Look out World.

Spent Memorial Day with my Little Crew...House Projects, Grilling Out, Babies Enjoyed Splashing Around in their New Pool = Best. Day. Ever.