Thursday, May 31, 2012

On a Personal Note: money matters

Sometimes I wish money didn't exist.  It feels like the world is run by it and honestly it takes so much time.  We have to work to earn it, keep track of it, pay bills, purchase things, return things, report money fraud, lose our wallets, find our wallets, cancel credit cards, sign up for credit cards, check investments, decide if we need life insurance, plan a budget, try to keep to our budget...I'm tired just writing this.
And I'm a little biased right now since purchasing a home was definitely the largest purchase of my life thus far and it cost a little bit of money or should I say "continues to cost."
I don't think it's a coincidence that Jesus talked about money a lot.  I don't think it's because he cared about it more than anything but I do think he wants to redeem it as he does with everything that gets distorted by us.
These are the things he keeps reminding me of again and again:
~ Lauren, I am your ultimate provider.  Not Dave or you or your employers or even your generous parents.  I am.  So trust me.  I will not forget to take care of you.  Worry doesn't add anything, it only subtracts. (Matthew 6)
~ Lauren, everything you have belongs to me.  Take joy in getting to use it!  I love when you delight in the gifts I've given you.  And when you use them to delight others. (James 1)
~ Lauren, money is part of my plan to make my name known to the ends of the earth.  Be strategic with what I give you. (Matthew 28)
~ Lauren, seek first my kingdom and everything else will be added to you.  If you try to save your life you will lose it.  (Matthew 6)

In Genesis 4 is the story of the first murder committed by man.  Cain kills his brother Abel.  I've always thought his jealousy led him to kill but I noticed the other day that Cain's jealousy began because he withheld from God what belonged to God.  Abel gave God his best but Cain kept his best for himself.
Now, it's not too inspiring to follow Abel's example since he ends up dead, but my point is that if stingy-ness or greed can lead a heart to become so hard that one murders his brother, I want to stay far away from that.  I know you do too.

Lord, help us hold things loosely.  We can never out-give you.


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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Blogs I read: Pioneer Woman

At the end of the month, we are always on a tighter food budget so I'm often trying to find recipes with the ingredients I already have.  You know, I'm typing into google search: recipe using salsa, noodles and broccoli (or some other awful combination).  I'm often brought back to Pioneer Woman recipes.  And you can't help but love the name especially if you were raised on Little House on the Prairie.
So check her out today:


I especially love her cajun chicken pasta for a fancy meal and her corn chowder for a more simple supper.


Style Me Pretty Feature


Style Me Pretty called this a dream-worthy wedding and we could not agree more!





Click here to see more photos and original post on Style Me Pretty.
Congratulations to the beautiful couple!

Photography & Cinematography: Picotte Weddings
Design & Planning: The Bride & Groom
Wedding Day Coordination: Ashley Whitcomb of Events By Ashley W.
Floral Design: Shannon of Effloresce Floral
Lighting, Wine Barrels & Reclaimed Doors for Bar: Bella Vista Design

Congratulations!




A beautiful wedding at the Museum earlier this May...




 










 


Congratulations to the lovely couple, Samantha & Brooks!
Photography by: Ashleigh Taylor 
Event Planner: La Fete 
Caterer: Pure Joy 
Florist: Simply Bouquets 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Travelstyle: weekend away


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Back to grocery shopping and wiping up crumbs after a weekend of all play and relaxation.

Inna and Derek




We've already posted their beautiful flowers, but take a look how much more gorgeous they were! Congratulations again, Inna and Derek!

Photography: Clean Plate Pictures

Hair, Bride and Groom: Nackie at The Parlour Brooklyn

Make Up; Danielle at The Parlour Brooklyn

Fascinator: Faeth Millinery

Flowers: Bedford and Company

Monday, May 28, 2012

Elizabeth + Juan 5-19-12

We had a ton of fun coordinating Elizabeth and Juan’s wedding in Tujunga on 5/19/12. Her plum and lavender color scheme worked beautifully with the ballroom up lighting, the family style meal service and sweets station were a huge hit with her guests and the live Mariachi band helped get the party started!

Congratulations to the beautiful couple!



Thursday, May 24, 2012

Momstyle: hints of summer

We've started pretending it's summer a little early around here.
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With grilling (thank you mom and dad for the grill!)
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Some new outside toys (again, thank you grandparents)
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And inside toys

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And of course some summer style (thrifted romper and belt)