Job that Won't Accept My Resignation, Snow, Wedding & Weight Loss, Car Issues and The Best Parents Ever - How's that for a Mouth Full of a Post Title!

I thought I'd give a little re-cap of what I have been up to in the past 3 weeks.

Right after my last final in December, literally left from the parking lot of it to take a 5-hour drive north so I could get ready for that holiday wedding I booked.

Lucky me, got to drive a trailer in a blizzard and pack it up for a wedding in one heck of a storm...  That lucky part is sarcastic, LOL

Did all my wedding prep work in 8 hours, probably the fastest rush job ever!  Then took a drive to beat out a storm so I could arrive to set up for the wedding early

The storm that was supposed to hit didn't, just a nice 5 degree's out that morning. It froze the locks on my trailer, thankfully I am full of hot air, LOL and was able to blow into them enough to get them to unfreeze and unlock.
The rest of the day went perfectly, we were rushed but it was some of our better work and we did it in record time, I was thrilled!  My team that helps is incredible!!!!

The bride and her family all loved it and were more than happy without work, so it was a great day!

Spent the night for a slumber party with my niece and nephew. We attempted to make cupcakes with her new baking tools.
Apparently, it did not go so well, I guess you can't bake the frosting mixed into the cake batter, LOL LOL

EARNING SOME $
Since I was coming up north and my old library job, well they apparently never accepted my resignation so I decided why not make more money while I am here and pick up a few shifts. A few turned into many and before I knew it they asked me to pick up 44 hours.

So yeah, that first two weeks was a little more work than play, but that was okay. I got to get together with past co-workers and catch up. Great times!

Christmas Eve my dad and I took a drive up the mountains to pick something up at my sisters, and then hit up a new gun store and target range, because well that's what we red-blooded Americans do on Christmas Eve, LOL.

SNOW SNOW AND MORE SNOW
Christmas was wonderful. We woke up to 14 inches of fresh snow, so we definitely got our white Christmas! Had so much fun chilling with the family and playing!


My sister won in the gift department, she saw these awesome boxes. HILARIOUS 
Makes the receiver think that is actually what is in it, and she gave it to my pregnant sister. Inside was a gift card, but it was fun and laughs.

FUN
Took a night and went and slept over and played for a day with one of my sisters kids who live up in the mountains. Truthfully, we in the valley were in a yucky inversion. So I enjoyed getting up to the mountains for a day where the skies were blue and the temps were a little warmer than the valley!

The kids loved tearing it up with the snowmobile in the back yard for sure!

Between working, I had a great time hanging out with friends and family and catching up! I also got my fill of snow, all together it snowed over two feet in the series of storms we had. So fun!

DECEMBER WEIGHT LOSS
Last time I wrote I mentioned I was planning on sticking to my weight loss goals for December. Well I forgot that I would be up with people who haven't seen me in many months and I couldn't even tell you how many restaurants I visited for lunches and dinners those first two weeks.

I know I could have turned the offers down, but I may not get so see them again for a while so that would just be rude. So I am avoiding the scale and enjoying all the food and fun chats!

However, although I wasn't even trying and the loss was due in no part to actually trying, I still managed to drop 2 pounds during the month. Nothing to give a shout out to, but that brings my total to date now to 16 pounds lost.

NOT SO FUN NEWS
My final week home up north, I had no plans to work and millions of plans to do fun things with family and friends.
But as luck would have it on New Years Eve I came down with a terrible horrible cold/flu, I pretty much didn't even get out of bed for a week.
It's been horrible and I am more bummed because of all the people I wasn't able to see, and all the plans I had to cancel, when I don't know when I'll be back up to see them all again.

CAR PROBLEMS SAME OL' AGAIN
During my week of sickness, I did make it out once to drop my car off at the dealership (same problem as all 6 times before that the other dealerships haven't been able to fix.) Turns out my Warranty was to expire 12 days after I dropped it off.

They diagnosed the problem and finally had a mechanic who was a specialist and had seen it before and knows exactly how to fix it. Problem, the part they need is on National backorder and will be taking two weeks to get.
I had no choice because if I took the vehicle from the dealership while I waited for my warranty would expire. But keeping it there meant it was an open case and even though it will be fixed after the expiration, because it is still in shop it still counts as the day I brought it in.
So yes, my car is staying there for a few weeks.

(I am finally hopeful that maybe these mechanics have more experience and might actually fix it!)

MY AWESOME PARENTS
Problem was, I needed to drive back to my home down south and I didn't have a car. So my parents who are amazing gave me their car to take back.

Top it off, my mom knew I was sick and wouldn't be up for grocery shopping when I got home. So she went to the store and filled the trunk with groceries for me. No worries on keeping them cold, it was -11 to highs of 5 degree's, LOL
By the time I arrived back in the 40's in the desert where it's a little warmer they were fine.

In addition, since I have been so sick and they were worried about me driving, they even drove me half way so I could sleep more and have less of a drive alone.  So sweet of them!

I am still sick, but I'm finally starting to feel like I may be on the turnaround!  Which is great because I started classes today, I had my first two this morning, and I will start my next three tomorrow.

This is going to be an insanely busy semester, not only am I taking 15 credits, but I am beginning my Senior Thesis (early yes) the research phase.
What is a senior thesis? Well, I'll probably tell you more about it another time, but basically it's about half the work of a Masters Degree. So as you can see I have my work cut out for me!

On a side note, now that I am back, I am hoping it will snow down south. Ever since I moved back here I have been looking forward to seeing snow on palm tree's, don't ask me why I just am!

Making a Mess, a Writers Challenge and a Possible Marathon Registration

This past week was super busy and I have another busy week ahead of me. I literally can't wait until next Saturday, so I can finally sleep in.

Going into my second week at the new job, it's been more difficult than I'd like to admit getting used to working on a schedule.

Having been my own boss for so many years, I was able to for the most part make my own schedule and adjust however I want or needed each day.

But now I can't do that and lets just say the alarm clock gets hit to the maximum amount of snoozes I can possibly fit in.

I also had a huge wedding over the weekend.
Between working the 9 hours a day at the new job. The spare weekly hours after were filled with getting ready for the wedding.
I'd love to share some pictures, it turned out beautifully and the family and bride were so happy. But they are on my camera and I am less than ambitious to get them downloaded, ha ha.

WRITERS MEETING

Thursday night, I had a ton to do. But wasn't in the mood to do any of it. (Story of my life...)

So I attended my local monthly writers meeting instead. I really enjoy attending those I always learn so much and the gals in my group are super talented! The biggest thing I took from this meeting was a challenge. To people watch more, to help make my writing better.
There was a bit more to it than that, but let's just say. All this week at the Dr. Offices I am going to be doing some people watching!

Friday with so much to do, I couldn't help finally getting out for a morning run. I really only had 30 minutes to spare. But it felt so good to get out there and run. I couldn't help it, and finally walked back in my door 2 hours later.

Also noticed they finally let the water into the canals around here. Which means, spring is definitely happening and the snow up higher in the mountains has finally started the melting process. Which is great news, because when the snow melts, the campgrounds can open and camping season can start for me, YAY.  Usually it melts down by early July, and I can't wait!!!

NEW 50 STATES RUNNING PROJECT

When I returned from my Friday run. I made a stupid decision to go on Facebook and saw a fellow runner had scored an awesome metal United States map to convert to her race state countdown. She mentioned she got it at Michaels. So I immediately without even showering headed to the store to grab what was the last one on the rack. I pretended to multi-task and I picked up thing or two for the wedding too.

I want to show you the project, but I will wait until I get my craft on and convert it over to what I want it to be first. Once I have time to do that, I will definitely be showing it off to you!

RACE REGISTRATION

Speaking of running. I registered for a fall marathon on the last day of their registration.
It's a lottery and I will find later this week if I get in.
I won't say which, but it is one that falls within the top 10 best in the country, so it's definitely a great choice!!
The only problem now is I need to get in shape for it, ha ha... Just a minor technicality, right :)
I'd like to register for one more, but I may hold off on that for a while it might be more of a last minute thing.

FUN WEDDING DAY

Despite being a busy wedding day Saturday, I only clocked 7 miles on the Fitbit. I attribute this to having awesome help that day that kept me from having to do as much walking around.

It was a sisters wedding set up day, I brought two of mine. We arrived at the location. Cranked up the music, drank a lot of Pepsi and literally danced, sang off tune and laughed our way through the set up.

It was a blast, and it's a good thing we were alone because we get a little fun crazy at times.
Let's just say if anyone showed up and saw, they probably laughed their heads off. Good thing we don't care what others think of us:)

During my short downtime on the wedding day. I hung out at one of my sisters who lived close by. While she sat and pulled weeds out of her garden.
I played with the kids, we were doing sidewalk chalk drawings. I dabbed a few dots on the boys noses of chalk, and before I knew it one thing led to another and they turned out like this.

My sister said it was not an easy chore to scrub off them. I consider I did my job well as an aunt, I mean they had fun, I had fun. My sister, well that is just what she gets for turning her back to do yard work and leaving me alone with the kids. Ha ha ha...

This week is shaping up to be nearly as busy as last but in different ways. I am still trying to figure out the best ways to fit blogging into my new schedule. I didn't get as much in last week as I had hoped. But when first you don't succeed, try try again... right!


So tell me something fun you did this past week.

Today, I am linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippiPiddlin today for their Weekly Wrap! If you have a post to link up, and time to participate and visit a few others in the link up, you should totally come link up with them too!

 

  

MIA No More and Lots and Lots of Life Changes

A lot has happened to me during the past few weeks, I won't bore you with all the details, but I do want to share a few highlights and explain why I haven't been around as much the past three weeks,and why that will change!


WHERE INTERVIEWS LED

Three weeks ago, bored of job interviews. Since no one interviewing was showing any sort of originality as they questioned me.

(Creativity is a must for a potential employer to show me.) 

I was about to call it all off and begin a job I was hired at a month ago. (But knew I would hate.)

On my way to a final job interview that I literally almost turned around on my way to it. But at the last second decided to go through with it anyway.

Turned out to be an interview that literally lasted 12 minutes. (Yes I know, far too short to even be considered a candidate in normal circumstances.)
They threw their cards face up on the table right when I walked in, telling me they were already in love with me based on my fun resume and just wanted to meet me in person???

(I do get professionally creative with my resumes, have I ever told you that before? I even get paid at times to help others fix their resumes up. LOL)

Even as odd as a 12 minute interview sounds, I gave them points for it because of how they approached it right off, and well that was a first for me, ha ha.

I walked out of the door to the shortest interview of my life thinking I'll never hear from them again. Only to hear from them later that day to begin the background testing process, and well in short I accepted. It felt far more right than the other job I already accepted or any of the others I have been offered over the past month.


A STAYCATION WENT WRONG...

I took a week off before starting the new job, I was going to go on vacation. But the weather in Utah has been pretty crappy (its spring in Utah so rainy, occasional snow is normal this time of year).
So I gave myself a first ever Staycation and one of the rules was, no online stuff, no blogging, no business stuff, no Facebook and minimal Instagram and not keeping my cell on my all day etc...

It was only supposed to last 1 week, but...
Then I caught a bad cold, and well BLAHHHHHH


The Staycation became me trying to get over a terrible cold, before I started a new job.... Didn't happen, I still felt super crappy on my first day, but I pretended to fake it so others wouldn't cringe looking at me being sick.  Ughhh it was a terrible orientation day, I almost fell asleep like a dozen times!!!
On the plus side, the offline portion was extremely nice once I got used to staying off my phone, ha ha.


THE NEW JOB

Officially started my new job last week, not even sure exactly where I was going to be working and no clue on what hours and schedule I would have.  I even had to text them the evening before to find out if they cared what time I showed up, ha ha.  I know funny. But let me explain.
I have decided to go back into the Healthcare industry and well when you work with Doctors and Surgeons you never know what your going to get.

I lucked out, I wasn't there 5 minutes and my new boss sat me down, gave me the "scare." You know, the don't do this, do that, but do your job, but don't get into this, but do this, and stay away from this..... LOL He was in a hurry.

I was loving the job already and my new boss. My biggest fear of going back to work was having a boss that micro manages. I mean I've been my own boss forever, I like to just go in, do a good job, and get out and not have to report to on a constant basis. But try to have fun while I'm doing it all.


THE SWEET DEAL

In that lowdown of his expectations, he also gave me my schedule.
I get Friday, Saturday and Sunday's OFF.
Just 9 hour days Mon-Thurs.
I know, crazy!  People work in hospitals and clinics for years and never score that coveted schedule.

Not only that, but although I thought I wanted to be placed in Family Medicine, I was pleasantly surprised and was placed in a specialty clinic for Dermatology.
After 3 hours there, I literally realized I got the best end of the deal.

It became clear I was one of their new hire favorites. Well because one of the gals in the group interview came right up to me and told me, LOL She also told me, she was bummed she had to switch her schedules and give up her Fridays off to me.
She also has a great sarcastic sense of humor. I think her and I will be getting along great!!!


SCORE

In fact 3 hours into the job one of the Nurses comes out and asked if anyone wants free Lazer Hair Removal because she needs bodies to pass off some of her tech requirements.
I'm like, heck yes!
It's so expensive, I've wanted to start it forever.
The gal who was taking me around showing me the ropes said it's quite often they give free lazer or botox to anyone who wants it who works there, LOL
I literally signed a waver and walked into a room and began it right then, ha ha... I wasn't going to let the opportunity pass me by!

I have no need for Botox, but the Lazer Hair Removal ummmm SCORE!!!!


WEDDING CRAZY BUSY

My wedding business has also been busy. I've got a few hilarious stories to tell, I'll have to share another time because this post is already way too long.
I have another wedding this week, that I love the colors for so I am really looking forward to seeing it all come together. Even if I will be up past midnight most nights to get things ready, now that my days are spent at another job.


BLOGGING CHANGES BEGINNING

I have begun the changes I want to make on my blog this year. One of which is going over to being self hosted.
I finally got my domain switched to the .com, you may or may not have noticed.
I would have done this years ago, as I bought my domain years ago. But I totally completely could not remember the account and login to get to my domain. Yeah, I've been trying to remember what email and everything I set it up under for years and years.
TERRIBLE I know.
I bought my domain the first day I started blogging as a just in case.
The only problem is, that was too many years ago to remember how the heck I set it all up and well when you buy through Google, lets just say its impossible to get a response.
Finally I remembered it, and once I did, I had it transferred in less than 2 minutes, LOL
I plan on finishing the entire switch over later this fall, but will be working on it little by little through the summer to get things ready.


INSTAGRAM GOALS

On another exciting note, in April I was working on cleaning up my Instagram account. Its been the hardest for me find steady growth for some reason.
I have a high turnover rate from bloggers who follow and then unfollow. (cringe at them.)
So I decided to begin going after a different audience on my blog Instagram, and not going after bloggers as much as just regular people who share like minded interests.

It's been working, I haven't done much but clean things up and change hash tags around, I saw a Instagram growth of +345 during April.
I'm excited about that, because it was with very little to no effort. Best part is, the retention is almost 90% higher than when I used to try to only attract other bloggers or those in Ambassador groups I participate with.

Why are some bloggers so follow just to unfollow I don't know.... I have a fun round of ideas on this, that I'll be sharing later this week with some tips, just FYI if your interested.

I have a few other exciting life changes to share. But I will save them for another time, when I haven't already written a novel, ha ha ha.

FITTING IT ALL IN

While I am having a little difficulty right now trying to fit blogging into my new schedule. I am sure I will come up with some good options.
I enjoy blogging, so its definitely not something I want to let go.


So those are a few tidbits of why I have been MIA the past 3 weeks. I think, things will be changing.
I actually have posts written a month in advance. But I cancelled all scheduled posts the past 3 weeks because I knew I didn't have time to respond or return visits. So as I feel I have figured out how to fit blogging into my new life changes, I will get back to posting regularly.


If your a blogger, tell me something I may have missed on news on your blog.
Or tell me something exciting you have coming up in your life.
Do you find some Instagram followers to be finicky too?


Today, I am linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippiPiddlin today for their Weekly Wrap! If you have a post to link up, and time to participate and visit a few others in the link up, you should totally come link up with them too!

 

  

Bitten, Progress, Weddings and Changes, Oh My...

This has been a busy past few weeks, which is why I haven't shared much on myself until now. With weddings and prep for them and just regular life. Additionally, like always I take on way too much in other things, that pretty much leave me always wondering, what the heck was I thinking.  Do you ever do that to yourself too?


I'm starting to sound like a broken record on the work injury so I am not going to bore you with details.  I will just leave you with one word for now, PROGRESS...


I hate to say this, but I will.  It's killing me just a little bit seeing my friends FB posts on their races they have been running, or their final training prep for their fall marathons in a few weeks.
Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled for them and couldn't be happier for them.  But I've been on the sidelines unable to do them far too long and it's hard to hear and watch when all I want to do is be doing them with them!


BITTEN, ya a week ago I was decorating for an outdoor wedding up on the side of a mountain and something bit me.  I got this huge welt on my leg, and it burned, itched (still does a little).  I was going to show you a picture, but then it occurred to me, it doesn't look so great so I will spare you the visual:)  Your Welcome!
Let's just say, it's been all sorts of shade of reds, purples.

I assumed I was bitten by a spider or possibly a scorpion, based on the information I found on google and where I was at. I ruled out anything dangerous on my own.  But will admit by day 4, when it started taking on some deeper colors I did break down and visit a Dr.
Granted, I went to an instacare, and the Doctor was less than helpful in some ways.  He was just one of those, get em out quick guys....  Well, he did exactly what I did.  He pulled up some pictures off the Internet and ruled out everything I had already done, and came up with the exact same diagnosis I already had assumed, LOL
Truthfully, I only went to the Dr. because it turned to a very dark color and to make sure I was right and I wasn't going to eventually have some flesh eating bite that I mis-diagnosed, because that would be bad! LOL

In short, who knows exactly what bit me.  But based on what we know and how it looks, both myself and the Dr, agreed it was probably a Black Widow.
Despite what people think about the spider, if you don't get the cramping and vomiting, you don't even have to go to the Doc if your bit by one.  You just get to suffer through the lighter reactions, in fact I was told no one has died from one in like 10 years:)  Yay for good medicine!

So ya, I was given some itch relief cream (which I don't really find works.)
I won't be wearing shorts or a skirt for a while.
I was told it will eventually go away (sooner would be better than later.)  Frankly, I just want it to quit itching!!!! I can't even say that enough!!!

So ya note to self, if I am climbing, crawling around in peoples backyards for weddings again.  I am so, duck taping my pant to my sock and I won't even care about the looks anyone gives me for doing it!
Just the thought that a spider crawled up my leg and bit me, and I didn't notice at the time just freaks me out a little more than you'll ever know!  (I hate spiders, always have!)

_______________________________

I wish I had more excitement to share.  But I will say, I am done with weddings for a few weeks, so I fully intend on playing.
I got to decorate one of my (what is becoming) my favorite backdrops.  It's also the one that takes me more hours than you want to know, to decorate.
Here is a before (above) and after (below).
It may not look like it takes much time, but getting all the greenery, floral and ribbon weaved into it takes hours and hours!  I actually LOVE this backdrop!

Wedding Backdrop AFTER

NEW BLOG HEADER, okay so you may have noticed or maybe not.  My new blog header.  I finally think I finished tweaking it the other day, and it is finished, YAY.
I actually made 8 versions of it, this was the one I decided I liked the best:)
Originally I hired someone to make one, but that was back in March and long story short, they dropped the ball.
I don't exactly have the graphic software I would love, but I took my time and did the best I could with the software I have, and what you see above (Okay here is a mini version below.) Is what I came up with.
I'd love your thoughts on it, good or bad all opinions are welcome!!

I wanted a header that was more ME, and what I blog about.
That shows what I do and plays off my true personality more!

Additionally I have made a few other BLOG CHANGES, that are less noticiable.  With font's, size, orientation, color.  On top of all that, I did a little blog clean up on the home page.
I have this huge list of things I want to do on this blog, so I put them on a priority list and I have been slowly working through them.
I could be wrong, but so far the flow is looking much better! If you noticed, what do you think?

One thing I understand HTML and some CSS so if I really want to, I can make even this simple free Blogger blog, do things that most only think can be done on self hosted blogs.
Although eventually I do want to go self hosted, but for now I will stick with this.
I am working (it takes time) on code to make other new changes, you may notice them over the next month as I finish working on them and set them live on the blog.

Last, I have finally chosen a new comment system.  It's been live for a few days.
I REALLY want to know what you think!

I went with Disqus, and it was not without a lot of contemplation.  It was actually between LiveFrye Disqus.
I hate the limited abilities the blogger comment system has, which is why I have been shopping for a new one again.  That and almost everyone I talk to hates using or commenting on the blogger system too!
I would love to go back to Intense Debate, I love that one best.  But they need to make it mobile friendly, and so far it is not!

The GREAT news is when I switched I was able to get ALL my comments back that I had lost when I switched from blogger to Intense Debate, and then back to Blogger again.  YAY, that made me SOOOO happy, you have no idea!
The bad part they are a little jumbled from the past, I am working on that!

Like all comment systems it has it's downfalls, but in case others are interested in switching I am working on a post that I will run soon that will explain why I picked what I did, and all the things I found out as I investigated all the different comment systems on the market.

So far, things seem to be running pretty good with it.  I am testing it for 1-2 months to see how others like or don't like it and how it all pans out.
So far, having the additional interaction with bloggers as they comment and see my replies in their IN box, has been fun and better than I thought, far more interactive and it's only been up since Thursday night! YAY!

Or, if you use another comment system that you love please share!  I am a blogger, which means I am always open to change and all thoughts and opinions and suggestions!

Leave you one more picture of the backdrop, just because I like this one so much!

I am linking up with HoHo Runs and Mississippididdlin today for their Weekly Wrap!

Have you ever been bit by a spider?  Did it creep you out as much as it has me?  

Do you have a blog comment system that is easy to use that you love and are willing to share the name of it with me?

What do you think of my blog changes and re-design?  Share even if you dislike, I really want honest opinions!

Wedding Wednesday

Okay, so it's been a while since I have posted Wedding Wednesday pictures:)  It's not that I haven't had weddings, but sometimes I get so busy with things on my business website and business blog and social media pages I forget to get a few pictures up on this blog to show you all a peek into what I have been up to.

Before I start showing you pictures, I have to tell you.  This particular wedding, because of my  health situation at the time, and limited abilities that day.  I had to rely on my amazing crew a little more than normal.

To be honest, and I hope they don't read this:)  But normally I let them do their things, and then about 90% of the time after I send them all home.  I go back and fix a lot of things or re-do things or do a touch up.  I know that is terrible, it's the perfectionist in me.  They don't even know I do it, well most don't, haha.
But anyhow, that didn't happen this particular wedding.  I didn't have the energy to go back and fix everything, so things aren't the normal perfect.
I started taking the pictures before everyone was finished, so these are nearly done.  I look at them now, and still wish I went back and fixed a few things.  But the couple was happy and loved it. Likely I am the only one who notices some of the imperfections:) hopefully.

  The above picture shows about half of the reception room.  The lights above were actually chandeliers that were made by hand in 1902 and are like a stain glass light with different colors reflective in them.  Obviously my camera didn't do those beauties justice!

This was the area they did their ring ceremony at.  The reason we didn't put up an arch or some fancy decor in the area for the ceremony is because using this beautiful building that I mentioned above was built in 1902.  The Stain glass window in this room was so lovely, and because of the time of the ceremony and the time the sunlight was going to be pouring through the beautiful glass, we decided to keep it simple and let the hand made stain glass window's be the backdrop.

I know this is a close up of the one above, but I actually wanted to show the detail in this church building.  The blue curtain stage that we hid with the pillars, has this gorgeous ornate wood carving around it.  This was actually all hand carved by the pioneers that build this building by hand.  Then in the carving they fit in this gold to make the detail stand out.  Ya, this is the interior designer in me, but I love building details like this:)
Additionally, it was not planned but very helpful that the huge stage curtain behind the backdrop happened to be the exact same shade of Navy that we picked as one of the colors.

Obviously the brides colors were Navy Blue to Baby Blue.  We alternated the chair cover colors on the sashes.  Kept the tables the same overlay and runner colors, but we actually did 2 different table centerpieces.
White gazebo's with greenery that lit up in the center with flicker candles.  Black lantern centerpieces that also had greenery and a center flicker light inside.
The centerpieces were 13 inches to 20 inches higher.  Nothing to distracting so that the guests could speak to one another as they chatted over the meal.

Obviously pre-cake, and I wish I had gotten one with the cake.  It was a White and Navy tier cake. But like I said, these were all taken before we even finished decorating so things aren't finished.  The reason the ruffle area in the center isn't lit, because that is where the cake goes and no need for lighting under the stand.

This one is a little closer up image of the lantern centerpieces.  I should also mention, I (usually) tie every single sash at a wedding.  Because ya, I pride myself on my perfect bow:)  But for the first time ever, I didn't tie a single one.  My sweet sister finally learned how to tie them, close to what I like. She alone tied all 130 chair sashes in the room.  And my sweet 10 year old niece came and put all those chair covers on, she was not liking me much by the end, she didn't think it would be that much work and take so long:)

This fun little gazebo centerpieces.  You can't really see the flicker candle light inside them from this view, but they are there.  By evening when the light wasn't coming in from the side windows, the lighting we brought in turned the atmosphere into a bit more romantic.  I had taken these pictures around noon so it was still the bright time of the day.

Okay, so I will admit I did go back and fix this part.  The flowers at the top, did not remain like that for more than 5 minutes after I snapped this picture:)
I think they must of been tired or in a hurry and didn't stand back and look at it after they finished, or like a lot of times probably just got annoyed with messing with it, and knew I would go back and fix it, LOL

This water fountain area, is unfinished.  Eventually we added all the engagement pictures and bridal pictures into this area, there were about a dozen.  This way as guests walked past this area, they could check out the cute couples pictures.

Clearly, this picture probably doesn't look like it goes with the others.  It doesn't, we wanted to keep the reception hall elegant and the fun part outside, which is why we actually set this up out in the front entrance and grabbed the guests as they soon entered the building. They could stop for a quick fun picture before heading down the hall and into the reception area.

Since none of the guests know me personally or that I blog, then I guess they can't be upset that I shared their pictures:)  Here are just a few of what were taken with the frames props and photo booth area, so you can see what fun it is!
If you have a wedding coming up in the future I have to say this is a super fun thing to include, guests have a lot of fun with it!

So, ya like I said above, I didn't go back and fix all the imperfections.  (Okay, that is a lie, I did fix a few things, but literally only a very few, no where near the normal:)
Overall the crew did an amazing job!

I didn't realize this until the other day as we were all chatting while we decorated.  But almost all of those who help and work for me are runners and there are well over over 100+ full marathons between us all, countless half's, many Ragnar's and even a few Tri's.  Kinda fitting that myself the Runaway Bridal Planner, would hire a bunch of Running Decorators on the team!
But if you saw how much running around, and felt the workout your body gets after a full day like this, it kinda makes sense:)

Queen of Procrastination, That's Me

On a quick note, I was able to gradually get back into running towards the end of last week.  After two weeks of taking care of whatever happened, (still not even sure what did.) I seem to have no lingering signs of pain or injury.

At this point I am officially NOT going to mention my exact marathon plans on the blog, until after.  It seems like anytime I do, I apparently jinx myself:) So from this point forward, I may just call it "the upcoming marathon" the when and where will just remain unmentioned:) to break whatever curse I have when I do bring it up:)

I am however, (like a broken record) really going to push myself to get healthier.
I have set up a few things that should hopefully keep me accountable.  A Dietbet game with Katie @ From Ice Cream to Marathon.  Of which, even though it started yesterday, you can still join HERE today if you'd like.  We'd love to have you!!!

Additionally, I told the sisters we need to get back to the Fitbit competitions that I used to call crazy fun.  They push me so much when we are all fighting to not let the other win each day.

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Last week was super crazy.  If you haven't figured out by reading my blog, I like to keep busy.  I will throw a dozen things on my plate and if I think that is not enough I will throw a few more.  I sort of thrive off having a million things to fit in and get done.
With that said, I am also the Queen of Procrastination. I know that sounds like an odd combination "likes to be busy, and still procrastinate", but I am what I am.

Ya, not even kidding!
The good thing is, none of my bride's I work with know about my blog:)  So I can say this freely.  I am horrible at times leaving details and all my projects for their wedding to the last minute.  I absolutely refuse to not come through and go beyond their expectations.  But for some reason, it never seems to bother me occasionally to let things wait until I barely have enough time to get them done.

The backdrop for wedding #2
This is one of my most popular backdrops.  This time we used peacock blue satin swags.

You probably think I am kidding, but let me show you how much I am not kidding on the procrastination subject:)

* I had 2 wedding decorations booked for Saturday.
Note: I have 11 crew members I use as needed to set up weddings, 5 of them are family members.
* Monday I realized I had forgotten I signed up to cover others at my library job, 20 hours of work.
* Because of our first "real" snowstorm of the year and the extra work I signed up for, I was pushed back until Thursday to pack the trailer for the weddings.
* I only had half the linens ready that I needed for the weekend by Thursday night.
* I arranged to set up wedding #1 later Friday afternoon.
* Friday morning I realize I didn't have enough of the flowers I needed, so quick trip to the floral store to buy more.  Luckily they had what I needed last minute. Finished flowers, 20 minutes before I drove to the wedding location.
* Friday late morning I find out all my crew I had hired for both weddings were sick.
* I don't want to get sick, so I cancel ALL their help for Friday, and decide to take a crazy approach.
* Call in a favor to mom and dad.
* Mom helps me do half the floral arrangements, and dad comes to help me set up wedding #1.
* Dad and I set up wedding #1 in record timing, covered in sweat, but we pulled it off.
* Three of my cute nieces and nephews come over and stay play until 10:20pm Friday....  Still haven't started on the other half of linens needed.
* 10:30pm I start on the other half of the linens.
* I finish the linens and finally crawl into bed 2am Saturday morning.

Wedding #1 Backdrop - Outdoorsy theme
I actually took this pic after the event while we took it down,
so that is why things look out of place, moved around.  Because we started taking it down
before I said, wait let me grab a pic for the blog first, LOL
I still cringe that I didn't straighten it back up first for the photo, but it was late and I was tired:)

* I agree to let one sister in pain passing large kidney stones and the flu wear a mask to help Saturday (she wouldn't take no for an answer when I told her not to, because she knew I needed her help.) Another Sis coming with her 3 sick kids (who were incredibly so well behaved the entire time and stayed away from everyone not to pass their colds along), As well as again my amazing parents.

Rustic outdoorsy theme wedding.
The brides colors, Cream, Ivory and Browns.

* 5am I wake up finish packing, skip breakfast to drive an hour to get to the wedding location.

* 6am I realize the address to the wedding location was incorrectly given to me and GPS can't find it either.
* Miraculously I find the church by accident, not all crew coming were as successful.
* 2 hours into set up.  I realize in my tiredness of prepping in the early morning hours, I miscounted two short on how many satin swags I needed for the backdrop.  Thankfully, I packed extra satin and a steamer!
* We worked our butts off, and again pulled a 5 hours set up, into a record 4 hour set up time.
* I took them all to lunch to thank them!
* With a few more hours than normal that afternoon to relax, I even spent an hour catching up on blogging.
* 9pm we dropped wedding #1 in again a sweaty record 40 minutes (usually takes us an hour and a half.)  I was literally running between carrying things back and forth from the church to the trailer.
* Arrive at wedding #2 earlier than predicted 11pm and had it dropped in about 20 minutes.
* Crashed in my bed a little after midnight.
* Didn't wake up until well after noon on Sunday:)  Probably could have slept all day!

I should note, I am not proud of being a procrastinator:)

I had the photo's taken before the centerpieces were put on the tables, and
before the cake arrived (middle table.)
Bride's colors were Peacock Blue, Silver and White.

As crazy as it sounds, even leaving way too many things to the last minute and then having to deal with crew cancellations and sickness.  We pulled it all off, and I am still shocked on how fast we did it all, and how few mini disasters we came across.
Seriously, I think my sisters even work faster when the are in pain and not feeling well, LOL.
I couldn't have done it without Them.  Seriously, they are awesome and having my own business they have saved me far more times than I can even count through the years!  They did it again this weekend, isn't family great!
I should include more finished pictures than I did above, but I took them on my other camera and I haven't had the time to look at that camera card yet:)

Now I get to finish getting everything cleaned up, and then un-pack and then re-pack for this week's wedding.  The key being, less procrastination, if that is possible!
If you're wondering why I don't hire people do do all this, well the truth is I could and occasionally I do.  But this is my company, my baby, and oddly I actually have learned to enjoy 8-14 hours of linen prepping and steaming, aka, my only time to catch up on T.V. shows.  I also enjoy the packing and re-packing the trailer, again I pop in some tunes and it's a serious workout, that I have come to enjoy. However, if the item(s) needed are over 100 pounds, I will bring help, because I'm not with superwoman strength ha ha!

LAST
Just a few day's to link up with us for the next Giveaway Hop that starts on the 16th.
We'd love to have you!  Click HERE to learn more about it and sign up.



So are you a procrastinator?  Or do you make sure you're always ahead of schedule?  Does your family help you out when you get into a bind too?  Isn't great family awesome!
Tell me something fun or crazy about your past week.

My Official Blogiversary

Officially 3 years ago yesterday I started this blog.  However, it was only about 1 year ago that I actually started "blogging" rather than just writing an occasional race update post to share with my family and friends.

I was racking my brain with what I wanted to do for this post today.  I think the type of readers who come to my blog have changed much over the past year, and new readers probably don't know my past.  So I thought I would share with you first why this blog is called Runaway Bridal Planner.

First, I am a wedding planner/decorator.  I own a wedding and event decoration company, it is one of my favorite jobs!  Even though I am planning to scale back on the amount of weddings I do in the future (to make room for a new career).  I will always have wedding and event planning and decoration in my life!
*In the coming weeks I'll explain everything on that.*

Second, I am a runner.  I love to run!  So much so that I have been working on running a full marathon in each of the 50 states and D.C.  (32 states finished so far.)  I may have already finished with this goal, if not for 16 months ago when I was working at the library and was injured at work.  (Yes I said library.  You can laugh, I do now a little!)  But eventually I will get back to it, and those last 19 states will be conquered!

Originally early on in the foot injury I was still running, as it didn't bother the running.  But eventually things got worse, and long story short I eventually had to quit walking for 3 weeks, then wear a boot for several months, then in physical therapy all winter.  Fortunately, a month ago my foot muscles were built up enough to slowly start running again.  I currently can run in 100 - 200 meter increments.  I'm up to 1/2 mile a day of running, but I have walked up to 8 miles in 1 day.  Slow, but it's progress!

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So what are my favorite parts of blogging?

All the new online friends and fellow bloggers I have met.  Some of them, I feel like I actually know them and if I ever met them at a race or somewhere in real life I am absolutely sure we would become great friends!

What have I learned most about blogging?

It takes time, a lot of time and you really need to use your time wisely!  I have a full-time job, and a part-time job and I try to blog regularly and regularly visit other blogs.
One particular blogger Fitness blogger Carla (Real Into), occasionally shares blogging tips, and how to's on social media.  Do's and don't's when accepting sponsors/advertisement/paid posts etc...  I have to share her blog with you all because I have gained so much amazing advise from reading her blog.

There are a few other bloggers who inspire and entertain me too:) Who have supported me or offered many words of encouragement while I have been going through my injury.  Or who have allowed me to follow their running careers and let me live vicariously through them until I can get back into racing myself.  (Okay, they may not know that part, but now they do:)  I wanted to share their blogs with you today.

Fairytales and Fitness - This blog is written by 2 sisters, they are both runners but also very different personalities.  They give a fun spin on different topics, and you won't be disappointed if you stop and check their fun blog out!
Striding Strong - Hailey has a fun running blog that I love.  She's one fast little runner too (All American) and I really think of all the people I know, she has the greatest shot of making the Olympic Qualifying Marathon Trials one day in the near future!  I can't wait until she does so I can tell everyone, I know that girl:)
Jill Conyers - Jill writes an amazing upbeat fitness blog.  She also hosts the 14 in 14 challenge that a lot of runners participate in.  She writes on a wide variety of topics and share's a fun positive outlook on life that you are sure to enjoy like I do!
Lauren's Glass Slipper - I discovered her blog a few months back, she is a bit of an adventure seeker like myself, which is probably what drew me to her blog.  But she also writes a fun running blog and her adventures with it.
Run Mum - She's my online friend from downunder, and has a great family fitness related blog while sharing her racing journeys, and running/hiking adventures.
Losing The Glass Slippers - Karen is an amazing photographer, so you always get a great treat of beautiful pictures with her posts, she's also a fun runner who is passionate about life.
Long Haired Runner - Fawn's blog is all about family, fitness and running not to mention uplifting!  She's also very honest and real in her posts, a great blog to check out!
Jen B's Journey - Jen shares her fitness journey, she's has a great family friendly blog.  I always find fitness tips and idea's when I read her upbeat posts.
Life Between the Miles - Sara's been through a lot, and I discovered her blog late last year.  She's been training her way to Boston, which is today actually and I wish her all the best of luck!!!

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So what's the future of blogging hold for me?

I hope a lot more of what I have already experienced and a lot more great experiences!

Monday's for now will remain "Me Monday's" where I share a part of my life with you.
Tuesdays are going to stay "Travel Tuesday's" I love sharing my travel adventures with you all.
Wednesday's will remain Book Reviews or Wedding decoration pictures.
Thursdays are going to remain "Spotlight Thursdays" as long as I can find individuals who will allow me to spotlight them and share their inspirational stories and journey's with you all.
Friday's - When I have time to write on Fitness Friday's and do blog link-ups with you all!

Additionally, I have my fingers crossed and I am working extremely hard to get back to marathon running.  I hope that by this fall I can start sharing a few race re-caps with you all again.

Additionally, I have found a lot of fun in running these Giveaway Blog Hop Link-Up's.  They have been a fun way for several blogs to link up, host their own individual giveaways and get more traffic than normal because each blog brings their own set of followers who hop around to the different blogs and enter the different giveaways.

In case you were wondering we have one starting up in a few weeks.  So if you haven't already take a minute and consider joining up with us in May.

 Click Here For Official Blog Hop Rules & Link Up Here.

(If you are ever interested in co-hosting a future giveaway hop with me, just send me an email and I'll explain more and answer any questions you may have on it.)

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I believe true motivation can really only come from within.  However, one thing I have learned with blogging, inspiration can come in many different forms.  Some day's I read others blogs and I have the thought; I needed to read that today.  

I blog because I love it.  I enjoy sharing my imperfections, successes, adventures and trials.  I appreciate all of you who stop by and read what I have to say.  You've been as much a part of this journey as myself.  It is hearing from you on what you like or don't like that have helped me transform this blog into what it is today.  Thank you for all your support!

My Photo Guest Book Service in Action

Thought I would share for any of you who are planning a wedding, or looking for cute different options for things to do at weddings.  This is a service I came up with, using picture frames, fun frames of all kinds, props, frame backdrop and of course a camera and some fun guests attending the wedding.

You can click on the link below to take you to the other blog post to learn more or see more pics.

Simply Enchanting Event: Our Photo Guest Book Service in Action: This year we started our Fun New Photo Guest Book Service .  In this service we have a few different options to for our clients to select. ...

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE

Purple & Silver Wedding

    When I am not running, I am decorating and planning weddings for brides.
This weekends wedding pictures.  The brides colors were Eggplant Purple & Silver.  We used silver as an accent, and the main colors on the cake, refreshment, book sign-in tables - leaving all other tables in eggplant colors.  The bride picked my Roman Pillar Backdrop, with the extra centerpiece topper.  We used ourWhite Gazebo for the cake area and satin linens and sashes for the rest.

Roman Pillar Wedding Backdrop - Eggplant Satin Swags

Close-up view of Wedding Backdrop

Wedding Cake Area

Floral Arrangements

Wedding Reception Room View

View of Wedding Reception Tables

Full Room View

Room View

Table View - Eggplant Overlay - Silver Runner - Centerpiece
White Base linens, White Chair Covers & Eggplant Sashes

Room view

Centerpieces - Lighted Glass Cylinders with floating  purple & white flowers
2 Bride and Groom pictures per table

Wedding Cake Gazebo Full view

     Wedding decorations by a Utah based mobile wedding decoration company.  If you are interested in our services please visit our website:  www.simplyenchantingevent.com to learn more.
If you are outside of Utah and are just interested in wedding tips or would like more information on how we did something, just email me directly, I enjoy responding to all my followers:)