2009 in Review: 9 Things I Learned While Planning My Wedding

2009 was an exciting year.  I learned to ride a motorcycle, conquered my fear of flying, bought a house and  got married.  Encouraged by Daily Blog Tips recent group writing project 2009 in Review, I decided to write my own review of 2009.  Check out Daily Blog Tips on December 14th to see the complete list. 9 Things I Learned While Planning My Wedding: 1.   Martha Stewart Weddings is  a wonderful source for  creative ideas and advice and has free online planning...

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Eco-Friendly Gift Guide

"Green gifting" is the perfect way to encourage others to start buying recycled or eco-friendly products.  I love receiving any eco-friendly gift especially if it has been upcycled or re-purposed in some clever way.  Maybe this list will help make your Christmas shopping a little easier.  (Note to my husband:  I love all of these gift ideas!) 1.  Re-claimed Sterling Silver Earrings by Figs and Ginger 2. Zak Designs Mixing Bowls 3.  Eggling 4.  Large Recycled Paper Mat 5.  Zhena's Gypsy Stackable Tea Variety Pack 6.  Rock Star Detox Body Scrub 7.  Baggu...

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Green Tip: LED Christmas Lights

I try to be green when possible and I am always interested in any new way to make my home more energy efficient.  If you are like me, you probably know that LED lights are more green but do you know why?  LED (light-emitting diode) Christmas lights use up to 90% less energy than standard Christmas lights depending on bulb size, only emit a small amount of heat and can last up to 20 years.  Since they barely give off heat they are a lot safer to use on Christmas Trees...

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My Thanksgiving Victory

This Thanksgiving was my first Thanksgiving with the Hodges as a Hodge.  I was so worried because at one of my pre-wedding showers a lady said "once you are married you have to start bringing something to holidays."  Southern women are so scary sometimes.  I don't know why I care really.  Despite my anxiety, I had a small victory. I made a yellow cake from scratch and covered it with cream cheese icing.  I added the blueberries to make it a little prettier. Everyone liked it.  My grandmother would be proud.

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Rifle Paper Co.

Rifle Paper Co. is now open!  I absolutely love Anna Bond's beautiful hand lettering and illustrations.  She is so talented and creative.  Check out all of her stuff at  Rifle Design, I promise you will love it too.

These are going on my wish list.

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DIY Wedding Prom Pictures

I am not a fan of those "i need so much attention" brides or those "this has nothing to do with the couple" weddings.  I wanted our wedding to be so much fun for everyone involved and for our wedding to truly reflect us as a couple.   I have been to quite a few boring weddings with no activities for those of us who prefer not to dance, so when I saw this DIY Photo booth template over at Martha Stewart Weddings I knew we had to make it.  The best part about this idea is...

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