Fabulous Finds // Market Colors Wooden Bracelet

Honestly, I didn't really find this fabulous thing, it was gifted to me. By my lovely sister, Dana. {Insert big cheesy smile here}

I'm not usually a bracelet girl, partly because I have baby wrists and all bracelets seem to just fly off haphazardly when I move or end up down by my elbow...okay, mostly because of this...but also partly because they annoy me. They just get in the way, ya know. You ladies with fellow baby wrists know what I mean.  

Anyhow, a couple weeks ago, Dana ordered one of these super cute, hand-made wooden bracelets from an organization called Market Colors, and ended up with two. Because she loooves me, she offered me the extra one.  I know, isn't she great!? {Insert another big cheesy smile here}  

Okay, sorry, that's the last time I'll do that.  

:D

"Market Colors, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mitigating financial hardships and improving the quality of life of the impoverished in Africa."

 They do this by promoting and selling handmade products made by craftsmen in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Malawi through their e-commerce website.  All of the surpluses are then reinvested back in Africa.  Their goal is to create thousands of sustainable jobs throughout the continent in order to equip and empower a group people who once knew no other way to provide for their families.  It's a great effort (one in which Dana was actually a part of!), feel free to read more about it here.

So, not only is my bracelet fashionable, sustainable and charitable... but the best part is that it's the only bracelet that doesn't annoy me. I wore it for an entire day at work and didn't have to fiddle with it or take it off, because it stayed in one place.  Amazing, right?  I'm sold!

Oh, I forgot the other best part..It's only $12! 

$12 for a one-of-a-kind, handmade item that helps people. What more could you ask for??  Get one too!

If you're not into bracelets, as I was, don't worry.. they have so many other awesome items to choose from...or just gawk at. Here are a few of my favs.  Enjoy!

 

The Where & When . . . And My Ladies ❤

So... I'm sick.

And have been for the past week now.. It's been a bunch of sore throat, phlegm, no voice, congestion, coughing, etc. I know, total yuck-o... 

Anyhow, I tried to ignore it and go to work (I'm not very good at the whole "resting" thing), but it's still kicking my butt and so here I am... forcibly convalescing on the sofa.

I really haven't felt much like blogging after work this week, but figured I'd squeeze one in today since I'm laying low.  I thought a wedding update was in order.  :)

___________________________________________

Well we've finally chosen a venue, and with that, a date!

from here

from here

It's going to be at the Davis Islands Garden Club this October.  Yay!  Brian and I love Florida around that time of year, warm but breezy (great golfing weather!), and we are so excited that we were able to book a venue with indoor and outdoor spaces during that time.  Meant to be??  I think, yes.  :)

After the venue was secured, I asked three very lovely ladies to stand next to me on this most special day.  They have each impacted my life in wonderful ways and I coudn't imagine going through this without them!  Here they are...

DANA // Maid of Honor

 My sister, my love.  Dana is a talented, hard-working, fun-loving, silly-face who loves helping animals and people.  It's been almost 28 years (I still remember looking at her through the glass at the hospital), and though there wasn't always rainbows and sunshine, there was always LOVE.  We learned life lessons and experienced fun times. Been togther, through thick and thin. We've recently grown closer as friends and I can't wait to see our friendship blossom even more! I'm so proud of the woman she has become and so glad she said "YES!" when I asked her to be my Maid of Honor.  ❤

ROXANNE // Bridesmaid

Roxanne is my longest girlfriend.  We met at the ripe old age of 4, and though the journey has had bends and forks in the path, we have rekindled our friendship over the past 2 years and are closer than ever. Roxanne is a motivated go-getter and she inspires me every day to keep challenging myself and to never give up what I want from life.  She's also a fellow lover-of-golf, a stylish, wise, independent woman.  She's also the best at giving great advice! For all of this I am thankful to know her and have her as my friend and now bridesmaid. ❤

  

KATIE // Bridesmaid

 

I first met Katie in middle school and we become fast friends..we also became Katie² (yes, we thought this was funny & awesome at the time..lol).  We lost touch during college for a bit but reconnected once we both moved back to town.  Katie has a nurturing, warm-hearted nature and is always thinking of others.  I think that's what makes her such a great momma to Wyatt.  She is also fantastically hilarious which keeps us laughing until our sides hurt. I always leave our meetings with a smile and I truly cherish that. It wasn't hard to know I wanted her by my side on this special day. ❤

Well, that's it...my three best ladies.  :)

So blessed to have them and excited they've agreed to join me on this journey.  Hopefully, my sickness will subside soon, because there's a lot to do!

Positive Thinking...

I know, I know...it's been over 2 weeks since my last post!  :/
Honestly, it only feels like 4 days... 

It really is true, time flies when you're having fun...or stressing about a wedding.  Ha!  In my case it has been a bit of both, hence this post. 

But whenever I find myself near the edge of anxiety city I like to take a look back at some of my saved positive thinking quotes on Pinterest. Unfortunately, I'm a neurotically organized control freak, and that (among other things - like a massage!) seems to put me back in a calmer state of mind, and I like that.

I thought I'd share a few with you.  ❤

 Really, the wedding planning is going pretty well...

After a small breakdown about finding a venue (which worked out perfectly in the end), other aspects seem to be falling into place.  And even if we hit a snag once more, I just have to remember that there is always a solution, it just may take a new plan or perspective.

P.S. - next post = wedding updates  :)