Wedding Love | Via Ruffled

The other day I came across a new blog, Ruffled. I absolutely love it! The owner, Amanda, shares inspiration from real-life vintage weddings. This particular wedding was a backyard wedding in Arizona. It's not necessarily something I would choose for myself, but I love all the details, big & small. Not a single thing went unthought of. Check out the rest of this wedding here and here.

Ahh, so adorable, right? :)

Can anyone else believe that tomorrow is the first day of OCTOBER?? I'm a little depressed because I feel like 2010 is slipping away right in front of my face and there is nothing I can do to stop it!! Nooo!

On another note, I've been working this week at a law office my friend's dad owns! It's good money and at least I will be bringing some home to the bank! But, honestly! How do normal people work M-F all year round? Ewww! I want to be my own boss! Gr, I will find a way to do that full time!

New Product | Mommy Calling Cards

LBV is introducing a new product: Mommy Calling Cards! Do you ever get tired of searching for a pen and something to write on whenever you want to share your contact info with a new friend or teacher? Just because you're a mommy doesn't mean you can't have stylish calling cards! Order a pack of 40 for $20 (printing cost is not included). Colors & fonts are customizable and add up to 4 lines of information (name, number, email, website, address, etc). So far there is a total of 3 card designs. Check them out here. Didn't find what you like there? Remember, LBV Designs is a custom design shop and we can design the perfect calling card just for you! :)

Brian & Linley's Table Numbers

These were so fun to do! Brian and Linley are friends of mine and I'm so glad I got to be a part of their day! Each table number featured a photo from the couples engagement session as well as a cute story about their relationship! These were printed on a white cardstock that had a gold shimmer. They were beautiful (if I do say so myself)! Linley is a returning client. I've done her little girl's birthday invitations and I'm working on her youngest daughter's 1st birthday invites! Will share soon!

Congrats again Brian & Linley!

A Brooklyn Limestone | Famous Kisses

How beautiful are these? The original photos themselves are amazing. I've always wanted to do some sort of wall collage using a bunch of famous/vintage kissing photos, but this just takes it to another level! I found them at A Brooklyn Limestone. I love her blog and I especially love how she shares the before and afters of the renovations her and her husband did on their Brooklyn Limestone! These are collages she did for their bedroom I believe, and I absolutely love them! Maybe I'll try my hand at something like this.. hmm I see a DIY in my future! Anyway, they were too lovely not to share! So enjoy! & Happy Thursday!

Is anyone else excited for the Grey's premiere? :)
I also think I'm going to check out that new show My Generation! Will you?

First Day of Fall

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Well, it is now officially fall & there is nothing I can do about it. This summer has been so much fun and I'm sad to see it go but I am finally starting to get excited about the leaves changing, a crisp chill in the air, and pumpkin flavored beverages. I think tomorrow I'll bring out the fall decorations. Might as well make the most out of it, right? :)

Providing For Prosper

Here is a sneak peak of something new I'm working on! Our church is planning on returning to Haiti this coming January to rebuild Pastor Francois' house in Prosper! It was damaged in the earthquake and we want to put him back in his home! The approximate cost to rebuild his house is $5,000, so I am going to be making inspirational posters and prints to try and raise some money! These are just the first few I've been working on using the verse from Galatians on the fruit of the spirit! Once I get some printed I'll share photos, because they are going to be super cute!! Also, stay tuned for many other prints with many more uplifting messages! :) And of course I'm in the process of making a blog and place for prints to be purchased!

Creekmur, Party of 1

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I'm single and I like it. Shocking I know. For some reason it's extremely hard for our society to understand that a person can truly be happy and single at the same time. If there's one thing I learned from years of watching Sex & the City its that you can be single and fabulous in your twenties, thirties, and wait for it, even your forties. Many of my friends and people I went to school with are tying the knot and even having babies. That's great for them, honestly, it's just not what I'm looking for at age 24. No, I'm not saying that if the right person came along I would turn him away, but I am saying that I am in no way, shape, or form looking/hoping to be in a relationship anytime soon. Single is not a disease that needs to be cured. It is not a problem that needs to be fixed. The amount of excuses and "helpful advice" people feel the need to give you to help you with your "problem" is ridiculous.

• You have to appear available. Don't come across as too desperate.
• You are too picky. Not everyone is perfect.
• You have to love yourself completely before you can love someone else.
• Someone will come into your life when you least expect it.
• You gotta put yourself out there.
• You're too busy, you need to make yourself available.

And that list is just the tip of the iceberg! Newsflash people! Yes love is amazing. I love, love! But just because I don't happen to be in love at this particular moment does not mean that I am a sad and miserably lonely person! So please, with all due respect, quit trying to make me feel better about being single because, I am in fact single and fabulous and perfectly lonely.

My Life Goal List

This list is constantly changing and growing. I am a work in progress. :)

In General:

1. Be happy.
2. Graduate college. {June 13, 2010}
3. Have a home where everyone just wants to hang out.
4. Read Pride & Prejudice all the way through!
   

Finances:

1. Be out of credit card debt by 2012.
2. Pay off my student loans by the time I am 35.
3. Start a serious savings account.

Things to Purchase:

1. A new car. I miss my mustang!
2. A new house. Well, not new - I want a fixer upper! :)
3. A right-hand diamond ring.
   

Travel:

1. Visit as many of the 50 states as possible!
2. Take a 2 week vacation in Italy.
3. Go to New York City. {November 2009}
   
4. Visit the Grand Canyon.
5. Go to the Rose Bowl. {January 2010}
6. Take a cruise in the Caribbean.
   
7. Take a spontaneous road trip. {November 2009 - OSU vs Michigan in Ann Arbor}
8. Watch the Buckeyes play in the National Championship game.
9. Celebrate NYE in NYC. (I of course want to be at a fabulous party with a great view of the ball drop.)
   

Physical:

1. Run a marathon.
2. Lose 40 lbs.
3. Get my teeth whitened.

Things to Create:

1. Write a book.
2. Have a book published.
3. Have an article published in a magazine or newspaper.
4. Another CD.
5. Sing the National Anthem at a sporting event.
6. Start a charity.
   

Skills to Learn:

1. Relearn and excel at poker.
2. Throw a bulls eye in darts.
3. Cook so well everyone asks for my recipes.
4. Learn to crochet.

Risks to Take:

1. Volunteer in a foreign country. {August 2010 - Haiti}
2. Admit a crush.
3. Fall in love again.

Relationships:

1. Spend more time with my family.
2. Have children.
3. Adopt.
4. Go on a date before 2010 is over.
5. Make new friends. (Not because I need new ones of course!)
6. Attend a class reunion.
   
7. Get married?
   

Business:

1. Start charging people for my work.
2. Make money off my creative talents.
3. Make La Bella Vita Designs my full source of income.
4. Earn more clients for LBVD.
   
5. Be content in with my job.
6. Earn recognition.
   

Trending | Decorating With Mason Jars

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I have always had a love for mason jars. I love the vintage/southern feel they give me. Recently they have become very popular in the decor of parties, weddings, and even in your home! I want to have a dinner party and hang mason jars just like the picture above! So gorgeous!

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This photo is actually from the wedding of a girl I went to school with. She was married in Wisconsin and I can honestly say I loved everything about her wedding! The way they used the mason jars filled with candles to line the wooden dance floor outside was absolutely beautiful and so romantic!

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I obviously love the idea of using mason jars as a vase but I really like this take on that. How cute to have flowers floating in the jars hanging from trees! Love it! There are so many creative ways to use these vintage pieces and I wish I was throwing some sort of party or event so I could incorporate them in the decor!

100 Random Things About Me

Awhile back I posted 65 random facts about myself! It was really fun and a little scary to reveal so much about myself! It was so much fun that I'm going to do it again! This time I'm going to share 100 random facts about myself! Some will be repeats, others will be edits, and some will be completely new! So, in the event that you are completely bored and can't sleep, (like the situation I'm in now) I hope you enjoy getting to know just a little bit more about me!

1. I love Jesus and Jesus loves me. Even though he knows a lot more about me than what I'm about to tell you.
2. I am never on time and I have come to terms with that. Everyone else should do the same and it'll make everything a lot easier.
3. I am terrified of having a marriage that doesn't last forever.
4. I want to believe so badly that the fear of divorce is no reason to never be married.
5. I love staying up late and never go to bed before 2AM. Ever.
6. I hate planning too far in advance (or at all). I live for spontaneity.
7. I don't know what I'd do without music. It moves my soul.
8. I don't believe in taking your high heels off and walking home barefoot. If you wear them out, wear them home dammit!
9. I tend to have the mouth of a sailor. Constantly working on that.
10. I will never give up on love. No matter what.
11. Win or lose the Cleveland Browns are my team.
12. I believe in fate. Everything happens for a reason. Even if we don't understand it all right away.
13. My room is usually messy. Not dirty. Messy.
14. Blondes really do have more fun. Believe me, I've been to the other side.
15. I love laughing until I cry. It's moments like those that make life worth while.
16. Break-ups must always be clean. Once both parties have moved on, then you can be friends. Not until then. Sorry.
17. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls.
18. Snow after Christmas is just wrong, wrong I tell you!
19. I always kiss and tell.
20. I'm a very patriotic person. I love this country and all that it stands for. (SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!)
21. I love laughing. Have I mentioned that yet? Do it as often as possible!
22. I have the best Mamma ever. You should be jealous.
23. I'm a Daddy's girl for life.
    
24. Tell the people you love how you feel. You never know what tomorrow may bring. (RIP Jamie Nicole)
25. Always forgive, but never forget. Period. (I also wonder if its truly forgiveness if you don't forget?)
26. Pictures never replace having been there, but they sure help with the wonderful memories.
    
27. Kissing is fun. You should do it often.
28. I hate wood paneling.
29. I love nights with friends and having no plans. The fun is seeing where the night takes you.
30. I love watching scary movies. Until I start watching them and then I don't know whyI started!
31. I hate when people are unfaithful in relationships. It's the most selfish act you can do. Next to suicide.
32. I love to sing but am terrified of singing in public. Trying to realize that God gave me this talent and I should use it! Especially to glorify him!
33. Spiders give me the hee-bee-gee-bees. I always find someone else to kill them. Always.
34. I went to Haiti on a missions work camp. I fell in love with the people and I don't think I brought my whole heart back home.
35. Early mornings have never been my thing and probably never will.
36. Classy not trashy is a motto more girls should follow.
37. My friends are amazing. They are my family and I'd be lost without them.
38. Speaking of family. I have the best ever. Crazy and large, ya gotta love 'em.
39. I love my baby sisters. I know I will always have a friend. They can never get rid of me!
40. I went to 3, count 'em, 3 colleges totaling 6 years and only came out with a bachelors degree. I'm OK with it.
    
41. I love sweet tea. Southern sweet tea. Not that stuff they call sweet tea in Ohio.
42. I believe in making life goal lists.
43. I'm a small town girl and wouldn't have it any other way.
44. I love driving. Even though I scare most people who ride with me. The regulars know we'll make it out OK and don't even worry.
45. I love being creative. That being said, it's not something you can turn on and off. It comes when it wants.
46. I'm terrible with money. I don't believe in saving for a rainy day. (Trying extremely hard to change this considering I just moved back in with my parents and I do NOT want to be here forever).
47. I love learning on my own terms. Not in a dull classroom with a boring professor.
48. Marilyn Monroe had it right, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
49. I love everything about Fall. Especially football and the pretty leaves.
50. I love the kind of friends you don't see very often but when you do it's as if nothing has changed.
51. Inside jokes are great, as long as they don't make others feel uncomfortable.
52. Blue is my color. All shades.
53. I'm not afraid to go out into public without make-up.
54. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Michigan Wolverines should just go away. Seriously.
55. I believe voting is important! Be educated, let your voice be heard!
56. "I live to love and laugh a lot and that's all I need". Kenny Chesney is my man!
57. I graduated from The Ohio State University on June 13, 2010.
58. I'm turning 25 on March 26, 2011. I may have a quarter-life crisis.
59. I have a new puppy named Bella Mae and she is friggin' adorable.
60. I know some people think Seasonal Affective Disorder is a myth, but I really think I have it.
61. I don't cook. I toast and microwave. Although I'd really like to change this. I'd love to be the person everyone says, "I've got to have that recipe" to!
62. My parents divorced when I was 4 and I can honestly say it was one of the best things that's ever happened to me. I have two families who I love tremendously and I have double the holiday celebrations!
63. I get really angry when I can't figure things out on my own. I'm pretty dependent on other people and the older I get the angrier it makes me!
64. I'm a hopeless romantic. The movies have ruined me.
65. I have only applied to one job post graduation. I didn't get it.
66. I love to coach cheerleading at the middle school level. I love that age and even considered going into teaching because of it. Too bad I hate school.
67. I think birthdays are a big deal and everyone deserves one day where they are made to feel special.
68. I always talk about what I'll do when I win the lottery. I've never played the lottery in my life.
69. I got myself into credit card debt while in college. I will never, ever have a credit card again.
70. I never EVER want to settle for a relationship again.
71. I taught myself everything I know about HTML and CSS and feel like I only went to college to please other people society. What I want to do in life I could have done without my degree.
72. I love living in a small town but hate its lack of nightlife.
73. I love football and on Saturdays I'm watching the Buckeyes and Sundays I'm rooting on the Browns!
    
74. I've been to the Fiesta Bowl and the Rose Bowl. Go BUCKS!
75. I really want to write and publish a book. That being said, I have yet to finish writing anything I've ever started.
76. I love to read for pleasure. I love highlighting the things I find inspiring.
77. I love to journal but am terrible at keeping up with it. I also love to buy new journals. I have a handful of them just waiting to be written in.
78. I'm OK being single. In fact, I enjoy it. It's not a disease that needs to be cured people. Quit worrying about me/trying to find me someone.
79. I don't want to work a regular 9-5 job. I want to work for myself, with my own hours.
80. I love my iPhone. It's the only phone I've ever had for an entire year.
81. I'm an Apple snob. I love all of their products and everything about them. I'm Stephanie and I'm a Mac.
82. I used to pray for God not to call me to be a missionary. After my trip to Haiti I'm questioning how big of a role missions will play in my life.
83. When I'm out with friends I give out faux name and numbers. "Hi, I'm Savannah and my number is (insert friend's number here)".
84. I am very aware of my faults and sometimes struggle to improve them.
85. I am guilty of holding grudges and have a hard time letting things go.
86. I loved high school and realize now that I had a much better experience than a lot of people. I'm blessed for the experiences I had there.
87. It really bothers me when people don't like me. Even if I'm not particularly fond of them either, it still gets to me.
88. I'm a sympathy crier. You cry, I cry.
89. I want a relationship like my I grandparents or my mom and step-dad. They have got it figured out.
90. I want to pay off my student loans by the time I am 35.
    
91. I've always wanted a surprise birthday party. Problem is, you can't tell anyone you want one because then you'll know you're getting one!
92. I love surprises when I don't know they're happening. If I know I got one coming, I can't take it!
93. I love laying in bed listening to the rain.
94. I love to sing in my car. I'm that girl you see breakin' it down all alone.
95. I love kids. I can't wait to be a mom. Too bad I can wait to be a wife.
96. Even if I have children of my own, I want to adopt children also.
97. I want to be financially stable and independent.
98. I want to constantly be working toward a better me.
99. I want to live my life for God and I want others around me to see that.
100. These are the days worth living.
     These are the years we're given.
     These are the moments, these are the times.
     Let's make the best out of our lives.

Whoo! That was a lot of information! If you made it all the way down here I'm impressed! Now, thankfully, I'm tired and at 2:46 AM I'm saying goodnight! :)

Faith Like a Child

¹At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" ²He called a little child and had him stand among them. ³And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

I love this picture of me and the kiddos of Haiti! We are walking back to the church after working on some houses in the village. The children followed us everywhere we went. They just wanted to be near us. They would carry our paint brushes and buckets just so they could hold our hands. The little girl in the pink is even carrying my water bottle! :) I would feel bad because they were so little and I didn't want them to be carrying my things, but the joy they got from knowing they were helping me out and getting to hold my hand at the same time was priceless.

I love them. I miss them. I need to be back with them!!

Didn't get a chance to read about my trip to Haiti? Find it here.

Save the Date + Invitation | Gage Turns One!

This is the save the date I did for Lindsey's son Gage! The photos she had done of him at 9 months were absolutely perfect! In this save the date Gage is not actually holding the string of pictures! Many people who have seen it think he is, which is kind of cool! :)

This is the invitation that Lindsey will send out a few weeks before Gage's party! The theme of the party is "Cirque du Bebe" and the invitations mimic an old fashioned ticket! I'm really proud and excited about how both of these orders turned out!

The best part, Lindsey was absolutely thrilled and she's getting lots of good feedback from all her friends and family! That's always great to hear! :)

Note to Self: Do This More Often!

I came across this bible verse a few days ago and I absolutely love it so I thought I would share it! Just a little reminder of how I want to live my life! I want to be joyful and thankful as much as I can always. I also want to continue working on my praying relationship - still struggling! Pray for me, ha! :) Hope y'all have a blessed week!

Image by Stephanie Creekmur

Happy Birthday Stacie Ellen!

Today is my amazing friend, Stacie's birthday! She is just now turning 24! No fair! She's the youngest out of our group of friends so she is lucky and gets to turn older, later! I value Stacie's friendship so much, not only because we only have crazy fun when we're together but also because she's a loyal friend.

Some reasons why I love Stacie:
1. She is always up for a good time. No matter what.
2. I know she has my back & will stick up for me.
3. She will never judge me.
4. She loves me even though she knows all about me.
5. She's always there for me & I know I can count on her.

Hope you had an amazing birthday Stace of Base!

Introducing | Bella Mae :)

I mean seriously. Is that not the most precious/adorable/darling/sweetest thing you've ever seen? If you answered no, then you are lying. Last Monday (Labor Day) my parents surprised me with this little fur ball. She was my graduation present! I was shocked because although a puppy is what I had asked for, I was told as long as I was back under their roof (officially moved back into the 'rents house! Yay!) I was not going to get a puppy! They held her and after that they fell in love with her and could not leave her! And so, I have a new puppy! Her name is Bella Mae. No not because of Twilight. Those movies are terrible! She is a Pom a Mo. It's a Pomeranian, American Eskimo mixture. I don't like the name Pom a Mo so we've been calling her an Eski-Pom! I think it sounds much better!

She's just precious & I can't get enough of her :)

Hope everyone has a great week!

Never Forget

It's hard to believe 9 years have gone by. Images of the Twin Towers going down still bring tears to my eyes. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was a sophomore in high school and we were watching the new in my photography class. I didn't fully understand everything that was going on or why something this terrible would happen, but I knew it would change America forever. My heart and prayers go out to those who lost someone on this infamous day.

Hello Fall?

Ok, so I know fall technically isn't until the 21st of September but I'm trying to get myself in the mood for it. Normally I can NOT wait for fall to get here. I love everything about it, the leaves changing, football season, pumpkin spice lattes, etc. And all of that is true this year as well but I'm just not quite ready for it! I have enjoyed this summer so much this year because I obviously don't have a job (opps!) and I haven't been taking classes (awesome!) and I don't want to see it leave. But alas, it will whether I like it or not. Hence the new fallish look to the blog! Hmm.. I don't think it's working yet!

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

La Bella Vita Designs | Table Numbers

This past weekend my friends (& neighbors) Brian & Linley got married! I designed the table numbers and I think they turned out really cute! Each one had a picture from the couples engagement session as well as a cute story about the couple or a quote they really like. They were printed on a white shimmery paper and attached to a piece of navy blue cardstock.

Congratulations Brian & Linley! So happy for you both!

Want more from La Bella Vita Designs? Go here.

September One

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Geeeeze. I know I say this every time a new month comes but seriously! How can it already be September? We only have 4 more months left in 2010! Nooo! As of yesterday I have been home 1 whole week from Haiti! I can't believe it! Things are pretty much back to normal! I still miss Wenchi and everyone else back in Prosper but I know I'll see them again! :) This weekend is Labor Day weekend and my friends Linley and Brian are getting married! Yippe! So happy for them! I'm working on table numbers for that and I need to get those finished but I just thought I would stop in, say hello, and welcome in yet another month! Have a great week!