Wedding Wednesday, My Bridal Shower

First I'd like to start off by saying once again, THANK YOU to family and friends. Jon and I have been completely spoiled and we couldn't be more grateful! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

My bridal shower took place last Sunday at my grandmothers house. She was so gracious to host it and my grandfather was so gracious to help load everything into Jon's truck. My sister aka maid of honor, Jessica and my mom did most of the planning and organizing. My bridesmaids (my sister Brandy, Jon's sister Lauren, and my best friend Angelena) were all so great to help with food, games, and flower arrangements! And my junior bridesmaid (my niece, Londin) handed every gift to me as I opened them. Jon's mom, grandmothers, and aunt brought yummy food too. And my friend, Lena flew in from Florida just for the occasion. Seriously, how lucky am I for all of these people in my life!?

I have to admit the morning of I was feeling a little down because my 2 aunts and cousins, and some friends couldn't make it. To top it off I hit stop and go traffic on my way there- talk about stressful! But when I entered the party I felt nothing but joy and love. Would it be obnoxious for me to say "thank you" once again to everyone!? And now for some pictures...

Jon as a baby, me as a baby, my bridal shower invitation, and a flower arrangement by Jon's sister Lauren

Invitations

Bridal shower favors put together by my sister, Jessica

Ombre candles as favors

Each ombre candle consisted of etched votives by Two Sweetharts and filled with Pink Zebra fragrances!

Banner by Two Sweetharts

Our engagement portrait on the gift table!

Cupcakes by Deanna's Dreamcakes

When I first arrived with my sash, pin, and bride to be flute by Two Sweetharts

With my sister Jessica, sister Brandy, and niece Londin

With my best friend Angelena, sister Jessica, sister Brandy, and niece Londin

Jon's grandma Kit, gGram, and Aunt Rae

Opening gifts

Just some of the Jon's family that was there

Mrs. Kathy, Lena, Courtney, and Angelena

One of the games was whoever said "wedding" had to wear the veil. Here's my grandmother with it on.

And here's my sister, Brandy (who so graciously put together all of the games) with it on!

A gift from Jon's nephew, Logan. His and Herr's potato chips... how cute

More gifts!

Again

My sister, Jessica made the bow hat

It was so big and heavy

With my sister Jessica, friend Lena, friend Courtney, and friend Angelena

With my sister Brandy, friend Angelena, friend Courtney, sister Jessica, friend Lena, and niece Londin

With Jon's grandma Kit, my grandmother, and Jon's gram

With my grandmother and my mom

With my niece Londin, sister Brandy, and sister Jessica

With my sister Brandy, friend Angelena, friend Courtney, sister Jessica, friend Lena, and niece Londin

With Jon's sister Lauren and niece Emma

With my mom

With my sister, Brandy and sister, Jessica

A beautiful handmade gift from my best friend, Angelena. Check out her business The Rustic J.A.R Primitive Crafts

And another gift from Angelena that I LOVED- 6 bottles of wine each of them we are supposed to drink on different occasions. So thoughtful!

XoXo

Party, Party, Party

Sooooo many parties this weekend! And how many of you have waited until the last minute to get things together? (Me!) Weather you're hosting a party or just attending one, it's nice to have some festive treats and/or decorations! Below are some easy ideas for those of you who need some inspiration. Now get to it ;)

Table setting decor

American flag taco salad

Red, white, and BBQ chalkboard sign

Red, white, and blue sangria

Lawn stars

Easy dessert

I have SO MANY MORE ideas on my Pinterest board... be sure to follow me! Have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

XoXo

All Things 4th of July!

All Things 4th of July! by justine-ball featuring Pottery Barn

Outdoor garden decor
amazon.com

Pottery Barn serveware
potterybarn.com

Stripes 4th of July 1-piece from VENUS
venus.com

Toms footwear
toms.com

Floral infinity scarf
etsy.com

My Current Love List...

... on Zulily of course! 

This morning I had some extra time before I had to leave for work so I decided to check some of my designer sale sites like Zulily and Rue La La. I have to say, Zulily is killin it today! If you have yet to join this site, I suggest you do so now ;) here's an invite. New items go on sale each day so be sure to check back every so often. Below are some of the items I have my eye on (and they are all SUPER affordable!!!):

Personalized Calendar Decal

Cake Stand and Dome

2015 Planner

Beverage Dispenser

Infinity Scarf

Anchor Watch

XoXo

Five On Friday

1. We are having crabs tonight (surprise, surprise) and I'll be making my potato salad (by Jon's request... he loves it!) but I'll also be making some hummus pinwheels. Can't wait!

2. It's official- my dogs have more collars than I have fingers. Is that normal? Growing up we had maybe 2 collars for our family dog. But I just love switching their collars every so often! When I found these collars, I had to get them. They are adorable, waterproof, durable, and only $26 (no tax and free shipping!). Plus I went through ebates first so I earned money back on my purchase. Heck. Yeah.

3. I am still loving all of my complimentary #SurfsUpVoxBox products from Influenster! Want free items too? Contact me and I'll send you a personal invite :)

4. Speaking of the #SurfsUpVoxBox, I got my nails done yesterday with my new SinfulColors polish. It went on great and my manicurist even complimented it. Love!

5. Tomorrow, my sister and I will be having a yard sale at my house. We have tons of items to sell- some brand new! I hope it is a success :)

XoXo

Recipe, Crock pot alfredo stuffed shells!

This is a new favorite of mine for sure. I love Italian dishes... maybe because it's because my mom makes the best stuffed shells and Jon's grandma cooks a meatball that makes me rethink this whole vegetarian thing ;) Looks like I'll have to find a good vegetarian meatball recipe next! Anyways, I decided to make stuff shells but with a twist (Alfredo instead of tomato sauce). 

Here's what you'll need: 
1. Shells (I used jumbo)
2. 16 oz. ricotta cheese
3. 1 egg
4. Spinach (I used fresh but you can also use frozen)
5. Shredded cheese (I used an Italian cheese mix but you could also use just mozzarella)
6. 2 jars of Alfredo sauce
7. 1 onion
8. 1 package of mushrooms
9. 3 cloves of garlic
10. Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

How to make the filling:
1. In a bowl mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 egg, spinach, 1 handful of shredded cheese

How to make the topping:
1. Wash mushrooms thoroughly!
2. Chop onion and mushrooms
3. Combine onion, mushrooms, a dash of olive oil, salt, pepper, and 3 pressed garlic cloves

How to cook:
1. Stuff the shells (uncooked) with your filling
2. Spray crock pot with non stick spray
3. Pour some Alfredo sauce as the first layer
4. Put down a layer of shells
5. Sprinkle half of your topping ontop of the shells

6. Repeat- Pour another layer of Alfredo sauce, then shells, then topping
7. Top with the last of your Alfredo sauce and shredded cheese
8. Cook on low for 4-6 hours

XoXo

Surf's Up VoxBox

Woohoo! I received my complimentary #Surf'sUpVoxBox from Influenster and I am in love :) But who doesn't love free products? This box included:

Not Your Mother's® Beach Babe Texturizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Sinful Colors Professional

First Aid Shot Therapy

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun

Jamba At Home Smoothies

What I'm most excited to try? Definitely the nail polish and After Sun lotion! I just love that blue color for summer and I think it will go well with the dress I am planning to wear for my bridal shower. What do you think? I'll post a picture of my nails with the polish, so stay tuned!

I also tan once a week so the After Sun lotion is right up my alley! I hate the way my skin feels after a tanning session- so dry, hot, and just exhausted. This lotion will prolong my tan and rejuvenate my skin... heck yeah.

And has anyone had the Jamba smoothie? I am so anxious to pick this up from the store. I love smoothies but I hate all the work that goes into it and somehow my kitchen is always a mess afterwards. But not with the Jamba At Home Smoothie! Mmmm can't wait.

Want free products too? Sign up for Influenster -contact me and I'll send you a personal invite :)

 XoXo