Calligraphy

Wow - I have skipped quite a few months.  No need to fear, I have been working on something fabulous!

Back in July, my sweet friend Gina asked me to do the calligraphy on her envelopes for her wedding.  Then this past month, I did them for my friend Jenny.  Well, word spread and I booked my first client.  Woo Hoo!  Well, the first gave me confident to start this business.

I am still working on my etsy shop, revised blog, etc.  If you have any ideas on how to fancy up a blog, please email me... I would love to hear from you.  bailey.mmr@gmail.com

And without further ado... here are a few sample styles I am working on:

The Lauren

The Robinson

The Brandon

If you would like a quote about your upcoming event, please shoot me an email, bailey.mmr@gmail.com.

Finally...three months...life via instagram

{life via instagram, will be back soon with more posts}

Finally...The Hunger Games

{I jumped on board and have read the first two books in this addicting series.  I am about to start the third so PLEASE DON'T comment on what happens.  Well, I decided to go and see the movie and loved it.  Yes, it was a little teeny bopperish, but the cast list included some heavy hitters.  While I loved Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, I thought that Stanley Tucci stole the screen as Caesar Flickerman.  He is such an amazing actor, and he really matched the character I had created in my head while I was reading the book.  And Elizabeth Banks made the perfect Effie Trinket.  So yes, I am SOOO trendy by becoming a fan of the Hunger Games, but I high recommend the books and movie.  They are an easy read, yet have some great underlying themes.  

And another reason I loved the movie is because my bestie T. Swift has two songs on the album.  Check out the two songs below.  And please excuse the video for Eyes Open.  It seems Taylor just has not been able to make an actual video, so I opted for the cheesy homemade one.  You know you like it.}

{photos via pinterest}

Seasons...

{The fact that March has almost passed makes me excited for April.  Yes, I have already pulled out my wedges and have been showing off my pedicure.  I can't wait to pull out some cute white jeans, tops, and other various spring attire after Easter (and after a few more squats at the gym).  I am dying for these wedges:

I love the fact that spring is a time of rebirth, showing things that are new again.  But with every sunny day, there always can be rainy ones.  This quote from Priscilla Shirer really speaks into my life right now:

“Friend, camp at this mountain with a glad heart. Despite the difficulty of the journey and with all your questions in tow, fully engage in this season of God’s chosen journey for you. Don’t leave your bags packed in hopes God will quickly move you to Canaan. Don’t miss out on what He wants to do “this very day.” Settle in and turn your eyes to the mountain. The Lord wants to reveal Himself to you in a way that will change your life forever.”
- from One in a Million, Priscilla Shirer

I am really trying to engage in both the beginning of the spring season, as well as the "season" of life I am in right now.  Sometimes God wants us to stay on a mountain, so He can fully delight in us.  Just make sure that you pack your hiking boots instead of your wedges.}

{photos via pinterest}

Favorite Things These Days

{A few things I am enjoying these days...

This sweet treat I found via pinterest.  I used dark chocolate instead of milk, and they have to be good for you because of the banana, right?

  

Indie Girl Hair Ties.  These have changed my life and are so stylish.  Plus, this brand is from Knoxville, love shopping locally.  

My new bangs!!!  Thoughts?  I texted my life partner on the way home from the salon and said "My hair looks really different."  He said, "Well when I opened the computer and saw google pulled up with Taylor Swift Bangs, I had an idea."}

Oscar 2012 Red Carpet Recap

{I have been bad about blogging my favorite award show looks this season, but how could I not cover the OSCARS? The chocolate icing on the cupcake of the award shows, which by the way, some of these stars need to eat some cupcakes. Anywho... drumroll please, my picks for best and worst dressed:

Let's start with worst:

Rooney Mara

Ok, Ok. I actually just got bangs, (AH, post to come) but Mara's bangs were way too severe. Also, her half bun ponytail looked so...bleh. I mean I could have done that hair. The dress does have pretty detail, but this is a complete miss to me.

Kristen Wiig

I love her, and I hate that I am saying this, but, Kristen, Y U NO LIKE COLOR? She has been wearing nude tones this season, and I think she would look FAB in a pop of bright blue or green. I do like the skirt of this dress, but the color kills it for me.

Sandra Bullock

 

First, I love her and love Marchesa. The bottom of the dress start off great, but I hate the top. And that ponytail is too tight. Oh Sandra, why, why?

Best Dressed

Viola Davis

Love the natural hair, the emerald green on her skin, her skin is glowing, and her confidence is oozing. Viola looks beyond FAB in this Vera Wang gown. I was a little sad when Meryl beat her for the Oscar, but then again, it's Meryl.

Michelle Williams

When I saw this, I screamed. L-O-V-E it. I am so glad she did not wear a crazy workout headband a la the Golden Globes. The color, the peplum look, the tiered skirt, and the touch of bling...I want this Louis Vuitton for my closet.

Octavia Spencer

Girl, it was your night. No words can describe how much I love this look by Tadashi Shoji. She is glowing.  Plus, she received a standing O.

Natalie Portman

LOVED this patterend look from Dior. Yes, those are polka dots, and yes, I love it. I actually had a dress like this in high school which I rocked at a formal. Natalie and I are so hip.

Gwyneth Paltrow

OMGwyneth. She really can do no wrong. First, she is wearing a CAPE. Second, she is wearing white. Her body is perfection, and this Tom Ford gown shows that to the world. I guess I need to get into her Goop lifestyle. The only thing that bothered me was the hair...I wish that she had pulled the ponytail a bit tighter.

And my favorite look of the night:

Jessica Chastain

Jessica looked radiant in this Alexander McQueen gown. I.am.still.breathless. The bodice, the beautiful gold embroidered detail, her simple hair, and $2 million in jewels. No words.

Now, I did enjoy many of the other looks, but these were my top picks. I really thought that most of the stars got it right on the carpet.  However, I had to stick with my guns and stay with my favorites. Now, I gotta go watch The Artist.  Don't know how I feel about a silent movie... isn't there a category just for this?

Who did you enjoy last night?}

{photos via people & yahoo}

A Tribute Song

Francis Frames

{I am very lucky to have such a good group of girlfriends from high school.  Though now we live all across the country, we still keep up with one another and have been there for exciting times (weddings, babies) and hard times (break-ups, losing jobs).  My friend Ellison puts it perfectly "There is just something about our group, God has truly blessed us!" 

Well, one of my friends (and fellow co-yearbook editor), Emily, is having a beautiful baby girl, Lucy Jean, in just a few short weeks.  Though I was not able to make it to her shower (this is when I hate living far away from some of these girls) I was able to do the invitations:

Aren't they fun?  I had SUCH a blast doing them. (I blurred the personal information for privacy.)  And I also was SO LUCKY to receive a handmade gift from the future mom.  Emily and her husband made this frame for me as a hostess gift:

You are in love, right?  I sure am!  She took wood, painted it, added some fabric flowers, a clip, paint and a picture.  I told her that she needs to start a business (as if she is not busy enough!) because those things would sell like hotcakes!!!  Now, I don't know if she is taking orders, but if you want more information, leave me a comment with your contact information and I will be in contact with the artist.  I just had to share this frame - what talent this couple has!  

 Also - Em, if you use the name Francis Frames, I would like a little credit with helping come up with the name!} 

Video of the Day

{This video is very inspiring, I just had to share...  What do you want to do to achieve success?} 

Rockin' Pajamas

{I admit - I am a pajama lover.  I love all things about sleepwear.  Santa brought me an awesome new set that I have been wearing faithfully.  I don't know what it is - I have always loved matching sleepwear since I was young.  I don't look like the VS models who wear these outfits, but nonetheless I feel like one.  And I still get to eat brownies when I want.  That is what really matters.   

Another thing I need to admit - I really like Kourtney Kardashian.  Yes, I know that giving into the K Frenzy really only puts more money in their bank accounts, but everyone has got to have a vice, right?  Anyways, I have been keeping up with Kourt by watching her new show on E!.  And guess what?  About 50% of the time she is rocking PAJAMAS!!!!!  I mean, I wish I was a gazillionaire who could just prance around in Louis Vuitton nightgowns with full make up on! (Kourt, if you are reading this, please message me your red lipstick color!)  Wait, that is not a dream of yours?  Well anyways... here are some of my favorite pajama picks (you do want to look cute while you are braving the winter cold, right?)}

 {photos via VS and pinterest}

Real Resolutions

{Resolutions, they are all around us.  I really don't take pen to paper to write down resolutions each January, but I do think of ways to improve my well being at the start of each year.  For example, I just joined a new gym and am getting back into group classes.  I know, I know, some people think it is crazy to spend money each month at a gym... "Why not just go outside and run?" they ask.  And I know that I could do that, but I just like being around others when I am working out, it really pushes me to my limit.  So, that is why I love group classes.  I have just started to get back into cycling/spin class and I feel great already.  Let me tell you, if you want to burn some calories - take a spin class, you will not be disappointed.

I also am trying to not be so forgetful.  I will admit, I am all over the place.  I will have an event, and then totally space out and forget which day it is taking place.  I splurged on a new agenda, and am hoping that I can keep it together all year long.  

Another way to improve my well being?  To be thankful each day.  God has given me so much, and many days I move too fast to notice my blessings.  Yes, yes, it sounds cliche, but I am really trying to move a little slower and take in each moment as they happen.  I am also trying to always be content and thankful of where I am in my life.  So many times I want fancy clothes, new furniture, a fun vacation... then I realize that the only thing that can give me pure joy and contentment is my relationship with God.}

{photos via pinterest}

Happy 2012!

{Wishing you a FAB 2012!  

Here's to health, happiness, faith, prosperity, and a fabulous year!}