We moved!

Our blog has moved to http://www.paperbreezy.com/blog.

Sorry for the inconvenience... but you'll love the layout & look & feel of that blog much better! Thanks!

xoxo

Stylish aisle...

With me, it's always about personalization. Aisle runners hardly get noticed, unless, of course, there is a focal point. I found these aisle runners on etsy.com {one of my new favorite sites!}. There are so many ways to personalize your day, and this type of aisle runner is a subtle way of doing it. The top is from the CustomizedWeddings Etsy shop. The bottom is from the SimpleCelebrations on Etsy.

For all you DIY/crafty individuals (not just brides or brides-to-be) needing some inspiration, check out what Brandi, a recent bride from Texas, did to create an aisle runner for her wedding. In fact, she went and hand-painted her aisle runner herself (that's talent!). And the best part is what she did with her aisle runner after the wedding! She took her creativity to a whole new level! Notice below (on the left) how she altered & hung her aisle runner with iron rods onto her wall. I absolutely love it. It's fabulous how she turned one wedding detail into a home furnishing wall decoration that can be shared with family & friends. It's almost like having a constant reminder of her wedding day on her wall! For more detailed information about Brandi's process from start to finish, visit her blog.

Tie-ing the KNOT...

This is truly a detail I stumbled across... while searching for the perfect b+w dresses for my BMs, these caught my eye. They are ties by the Cyberoptix TieLab, on etsy.com.


What do I love most about them? To me, they're classy + unconventional at the same time. I'm loving the heart screen tie {upper left corner}, but am drooling over the scrolly design of the one with the mechanical cogs {upper right corner}. My fingers are crossed for a design that can incorporate an urban damask or brocade pattern. Is that possible? Regardless of the design, I'm diggin this ultra sleek + chic style of Cyberoptix TieLab {or "Toybreaker" as their shop is called on etsy}. I'm just hoping O + his groomsmen love them as much as I do.

{inspiration begins with... my tastebuds}

Can you say YUM? I'm not a huge cake person {I never eat cake!}, but I don't think I'd mind feasting on these delectable creations made by Jesus Ornelas. He is considered a "Chef to the Stars", and his expertise is in making these visual masterpieces that you can eat. The wedding cake in the center was the cake he made for Mary Dann {famous wedding planner in Southern California + the Style Network's "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?"}. I was a bit disappointed when he moved to Tennessee, but guess what?

He's back in California {Palm Springs, to be exact}! I couldn't be more stoked. Oh, BTW, did I mention that he is Oscar's first cousin? YES! That's why I'm elated, because before I heard the news, I was even going to skip having a traditional wedding cake... or it wasn't going to be a detail that I prioritized. Now, there is no way I could have a cake or even dessert at my wedding, if he didn't do it. I'm leaning towards something similar to Mary Dann's cake, since I'm going with a b+w motif. But to be honest, I can't decide on what to have because he can literally create ANYTHING!

So check out his work... or get inspired by wedding cakes. Some couples base their entire weddings on their cake! Bon appetit!

first day... of first grade

Summer flew by so fast this year! My son, Elias, started first grade today! I felt a little rejected this morning, because not only did he not want me to walk him to class ("Just drop me off right there, Mom! You don't need to walk me to class!" he begged)... he didn't want me to hold his hand or take pictures! Ugh! Talk about a RUDE awakening for me! My little boy is growing up way too fast for me! But I did have a proud moment this morning! He woke up at 6 a.m. with NO COMPLAINTS... and he helped pack his lunch! And he waited patiently in front of his classroom & introduced himself to his teacher with poise & confidence (& no attitude, thank goodness!).... Here's to a wonderful school year!



*Elias & me on his first day of first grade!*


*Elias looking so serious... so grown up... so mature... like a first grader!*


*ha! Just kidding! That's my goofy boy! (he likes to make silly faces!)*

{inspiration begins with... passion for pink!}

"Pink is my signature color," as Shelby {played by Julia Roberts} says in one of my favorite movies of all time, Steel Magnolias. I definitely have a passion for {more like obsession with} the color PINK. With so many shades, it is difficult for me to pick which one is my absolute favorite. For my wedding, the FI has made it clear that he really "doesn't care" what our colors are, as long as he doesn't have to wear pink. Our compromise + my resolution? MAUVE. Lol. I've reassured him that mauve is not pink, and that is more of a shade of "lavendar" or "lilac", as opposed to pink. We just won't tell him the truth. I just cannot have a wedding that's NOT pink.

{inspiration begins with... DAMASK + LACE}

Who doesn't love seeing the elegance of damask + lace? I admit, I'm a bit obsessed with damask patterns, and have decided that it is going to be the theme to my upcoming wedding, which is NOW scheduled for September 2009 {yes, it has been changed once again}. September 2009 will be around our 7-year anniversary, so what better way to celebrate + solidify our "common law marriage" than a wedding? We have always discussed getting married, but now we're ready to make it official! O MY!

Well, it has taken us {well, ME} two weeks to actually decide + figure out our colors. From different metallic shades + shades of pink or shades of brown, we {or I, along with Collette + Kristina} have decided on black + white. B+W is so elegant + simple at the same time. We will have an accent color, and as of now, it is mauve. It may {+ probably will} change from now until then, but one thing is for certain... we will definitely play up the black, white, damask + lace.

Can't wait to show you the design process for our invites + other paper goods. I have a loooong list of paper goods we'll be using for not only my big day, but the festivites that come along with it {engagement party, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, + bachelor(ette) parties!}

it's an obsession! (lipstick jungle)

I'm totally obsessed with "LIPSTICK JUNGLE" (if you haven't noticed already)! Since finishing the book, I had decided to watch the show (available on NBC.com) to get better acquainted with the series, and I'm hooked! They got me... hook, line & sinker! I can't wait until season 2 starts on September 24th (check local listings on NBC.com for details)! I know I can't stop talking about this book. It did not only inspire me... it's a driving force for me to be who I want to be & to continue doing all that my heart desires regardless of the time, effort & struggles that come along with trying to achieve your dreams. Plus the show has so many inspiring aspects (from fashion & decor to life & relationships), I can't help but watch! So stay tuned & be prepared for more future posts on "lipstick jungle"!

Images from "Lipstick Jungle" Season 1, Episode 3

Who says you can't be a loving & nurturing mom & have a successful career? In this day and age, and with the economy being the way it is, most mom's (especially single ones... & dad's too), have to juggle work & family between the office, the home & school (& let's not forget... extra curricular activities). Even if I had the option to just "stay-at-home" and be by my child's side 24/7, I wouldn't. I enjoy doing things (mainly, many things simultaneously! I'm an excellent multi-tasker =D LOL) and keeping myself busy!

My sister & I live the same busy lifestyle. She & I do so much in our lives, we hardly have time to breathe. But we are not seeking awards, special privileges, or acknowledgment for our dedication to our careers & our families. We do what we do because we absolutely LOVE IT! When it comes down to the nitty gritty & we are running around doing errands during our lunch breaks & don't have the energy to wipe the sweat, we can't complain! Because at the end of the day, we know how lucky we are to be blessed with an amazing support system that includes family, friends & colleagues (not to mention, those cute little angels who call us "Mom"). Who says you can't have it all?

Jingle Bells... Jingle Bells...

Wait! It's just August! Well, although we are amidst this fabulous soCAL summer weather & nearing the end of the peak wedding season, we wanted to give you a little hint of what's in store for you all from PB. From wedding bells to jingle bells... we love it & we hope you do, too!

{inspiration begins with... IKEA}

I abso-freakin'-lutely {heart} LOVE, {ADORE} ikea... you can say what you want... so generic, so cheaply made... whatever! But their designs are clean + simple AND colorful + fun! I swear... everytime I get to look in their catalogs {regardless of what year it is} I have post-it's hanging out, page corners flagged, and I'm inspired to re-organize + redecorate...

Although I purchased a new desk & bookcase less than a year ago, I'm contemplating on doing it all over
since I saw these fab workspaces. Plus, PB is always getting NEW ribbon, paper, equipment... both satisfying + frustrating at the same time. grrr! But no need to blame it on IKEA!

Teaching manners...

Please & thank you... a few of Joel's first words... {his first word was "hi" at 3 months old}. Anyway, because it was his birthday last month, he got lots of presents {mostly cash, which mommy likes}. Manners are important, so I decided to design some thank you cards that matched with his birthday theme. Check out his concentration on writing J.O.E.L! It's never too young to teach kids to show their gratitude.

**Here is Joel hard at work. I told you he was concentrating! Watch out Michael Jordan!

*He had to write his name 30 times!

More "rockin" stationery & thank you cards to be launched soon! This is just a preview!

lipstick jungle. part two.

I finished "Lipstick Jungle" sometime last week... & let me tell you... once you start reading, you won't want to put it down! Although it is about successful career women in their 40's, I could somewhat to relate (or see myself in their positions--I hope! *keeping my fingers crossed*) to their different stories. It is hard to compete in a male-dominated business world. Nico O'neilly is a wife, mother (of 1 girl) & an editor of a popular magazine working her way up to become a director of publishing. Wendy Healy juggles life as a wife, mother (of 3) & president of a movie studio. Victory Ford is an unmarried 40-year-old fashion designer who relishes in her single status freedom.

Yeah, it's definitely a "girl's book"! Each woman's story/situation brings light to an important issue in today's society. They're all faced with the moral dilemma of being "punished" for their success in this male-driven world. They prove that they're in their positions not for being beautiful or sleeping their way to the top, but because they earned it. The characters give the reader a sense of confidence that you can have it all & no one can stop you...

It's not just a jungle out there... "it's a lipstick jungle!"

new look... =)

I know... I've redesigned this blog (& the site) so many times already. But I keep coming up with new & innovative looks! I guess that's what happens when you're so inspired by so many things in life! ha! Just kidding (but I'm really not). The website is ALMOST finished. I just don't want to launch it without everything being completely up to my sister & my HIGH STANDARDS of excellence! =) My mind has been on overload lately... with work, business, family... EVERYTHING! But it's okay. I enjoy the stress... I enjoy the "busi-ness" of my life! =) My many tasks in life keep me grounded. Sometimes I feel like I can't handle so much, but I love doing what I do... you won't hear any complaints from me (well, maybe you will, but I'll get over it REAL QUICK).

The way I see it, I don't have to work 24/7. I don't have to have a career. I don't have to own a business. I don't have to join the PTA or be a room mom or go on class field trips for my son. I don't have to take on so much. But I DO! Even though my days are filled with work, appointments, school & "single-mommy stuff", I still find a way to fit some "ME" time in. If it's grabbing something to read for 15 minutes, or listening to some music in a warm, relaxing bath while I fill out paperwork & come up with designs... I make time for me. And at the end of the day, I may fall asleep in my bathrobe and a towel on my head... but I look forward to living another busy day filled with all sorts of surprises. =)

P.S. I'm not just speaking for myself. My sister is just as busy. I don't think I'd be where I'm at today if it wasn't for her. I appreciate everything she does for me on a personal level & all she does for PB...

check out [[the look]]. 8/16/08

Check out Eva Longoria Parker's look... she makes this simple outfit look absolutely stunning and classy! (Old Navy jacket, YSL platforms)

Picture provided by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage

Check out Selita Banks. The skinny jeans with the blazer tied with a brown belt accentuates her awesome figure. And her shoes are HOT! Love them!

Picture provided by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

**Information obtained from "InStyle Look of the Day" email. For more InStyle looks, visit www.instyle.com**

{inspiration begins with... assorted pillows with colorful fabric}

The planning for my upcoming nuptuals is never-ending... I am so easily inspired, although it gets a little frustrating since there are so many ideas, so many colors, so many themes, so much to do... and only ONE single day.

Today's wedding inspiration are the pillows {to the right}... and what do you know? These BM dresses totally match. They are from Priscilla of Boston. Thanks to Kristina, who is always on the look-out for bridal gowns for me, spotted this designer's website. They have a HUGE collection of wedding dresses, & I just fell in love with these dresses. Too bad I'm only having 4 bridesmaids.

I'm looking at 1, 2, 3, + 4 being the ones for me... but I'm actually leaving it up to my BMs... I'm such an easy bride. They get to choose {as long as they each pick a different color!}

{inspiration begins with... taffeta, satin, & lace}

Anyone who knows me... knows that weddings are my life... aside from paper, ribbon, flowers, and other events. {not to mention my family & friends!} Anyway, when I feel like I'm in a creative rut, I can always turn to my extensive bridal magazine collection, and I am not only inspired, but immediately feel a glow within me. Cheesey? Sometimes, I suppose... Odd? Definitely not! Bridal magazines are FILLED with inspiration & {of course} wedding gowns!

My personal favorite is: St. Pucchi. I love the designs... so haute couture! Stunning - Sophisticated - Smashing - St. Pucchi!

Giddyup, Cowboy!

Joel will be starting kindergarten this month (I can hardly believe it myself)! He is currently at Crescent Ave Christian Preschool. For his last day, they throw their annual "Western Round-Up", which is supposed to be a lot of fun. Well, Miss Sevilla {the preschool director} & Miss Tonya {Joel's teacher} asked if I wouldn't mind designing some sort of postcard for this special event.

It all began with some simple "save.the.dates" I included in Joel's birthday goodie bags last month. They're similar to the invites I made for his b-day party {posted on 08.08.08}. Never having attended one of their Round-Ups, I didn't know exactly what they were looking for. Versus plugging it with a bunch of conventional clipart that screamed "GIDDYUP for the RODEO", I created something with a more "antique western" flavor. My goal was to create something that they could use next year... as well as something they could do in both b+w or color.

Well... since the Round-Up is 2 weeks away, I'll be sure to post the photos. Hopefully, it'll be a great turn-out.

School days... 1st grade here he comes!

Yes, it's that time of year! School is about to begin! My son is entering the 1st grade this year at Orange Glen Elementary School! Boy, time flies! I can't believe my son is going to be a FIRST GRADER already! Because school will be starting in 2 weeks, I'm going to be super busy trying to get calling cards ready for parents so they can contact me, getting acquainted with my son's teacher & the principal/office staff at the school (it's his first year at OGES), buying all of the necessities (from school supplies to clothes), and maybe (if I have the energy) volunteering to be the ROOM MOM (or joining the PTA)! Wish me LUCK! =)

It will be an amazing year! I LOVED first grade! I'm eagerly anticipating the start of this school year... I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my son will have a wonderful & stress-free (for me) year! I'll be sure to post pictures soon!

"Lipstick Jungle" part one.

Since I finished "The Friday Night Knitting Club" a few days ago, I began reading a book that I've had on my "to do" list for the past few months. It's actually a tv series now... it's the most recent novel by the author who wrote "Sex and the City" (Candace Bushnell).

"Lipstick Jungle" is a juicy, page-turner... I've been able to read 75% of the book in just a few days (it's hard to put it down =S). It's about three amazing & successful businesswomen who happen to be the BEST of friends. Each woman has a different story & situation; each one is not only successful in her particular field (a fashion designer, a magazine editor, and a movie producer) but they all SHINE and set the standard to another level (in industries mostly dominated by men)! It's set in good old New York City... and it discusses the everyday struggles of women in business trying to juggle other aspects of life (family, relationships, money, etc.).

Stay tuned in the next couple weeks. I have some juicy quotes from this book. I think I'm going to check out the series on NBC on Wednesday nights (it's in the 10 spot)... I have to catch up from ALL of season 1 (available on nbc.com) because season 2 is set to start on September 24. Sooo excited!

Winning & Losing.

I ♥ quotes. I use them for inspiration in both my work & everyday life. Here is my quote of the week:




I tell my son this almost daily... or at least when the topic of winning & losing comes up. I try to instill that winning isn't necessarily everything and it's okay to lose... but not to get used to it, or strive (or settle) for failure. I think it's important to set goals and try everything in your means to attain them (of course truthfully, honestly, and in good measure--because cheating, lying & stealing are NEVER okay in my book).



Life isn't always fair. No one's life is absolutely perfect (truly!). Be thankful for what you have... work hard & persevere! Plus, I think this quote is appropriate now that the 2008 football season is just about to begin... GO CHARGERS!!!