Category Archives: Marraige

Friday Freebies: Future Bride Freebies

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SO YOU ARE GONNA BE A BRIDE?

Will You Be My Maid of Honor Printable Card - Future Bride Freebies

For Personal Use Only – – Not for Commercial Use – Do Not Alter or Redistribute. ©2016 Stage Presents

With Valentine’s squarely behind us, spring on the horizon, and  the wedding season approaching it seemed only right to dedicate a few of our Friday Freebies to the “Brides to Be”.  The wedding planning phase, while it holds its own frustrations, can be one of the most memorable and rewarding parts of your big day.  It is a time to bond with your family and friends as you embark on your new adventure.  So don’t half step do it up right!!    Ask them to stand with you on your Special Day with these Will you be my Maid of Honor Printable Cards. (Download Below).  Two different versions of Will You Be My Bridesmaids Printable Cards are available in another post  we shared here.

Will You Be My Maid of Honor Card - Future Bride Freebies - stage-presents.com

To Download: Right Click and Save

He Asked, You Said Yes.  Wanna take your new last name for a trial run?  Try out this Adorable “The Future Mrs”  Tech Wallpaper.  Right Click On the Second Picture Below and save this to your device and or computer.  Then simply Edit in Your New Last Name and there you have it.  For Installation Instructions on Your Device – Follow This Link. Plus what a Great Way to Share Your Good News with the World.

The Future Mrs - Editable iPad/iPhone Wallpaper - Future Bride Freebies - ©2016 Stage Presents

For Personal Use Only – – Not for Commercial Use – Please Do Not Alter or Redistribute. ©2016 Stage Presents

The Future Mrs Blank - iPad/iPhone Wallpaper - Future Bride Freebie - ©2016 Stage Presents

For Personal Use Only – – Not for Commercial Use – Do Not Alter or Redistribute. ©2016 Stage Presents

I’ve been married for almost 7 years now.  So, I guess I am no longer a Newlywed.  But, I truly enjoyed this stage of my life and I trust that you will too.  Do you know a future blushing bride?  Be sure to share this post with her.  What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process? I’d love to hear about.

Our 10 Favorite Romantic Movies

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Our 10 Favorite Romantic Movies - www.stage-presents.com

Since “Netflix and Chill” has apparently become a part of Pop Culture, we decided to pull together a list of Our 10 Favorite Romantic Movies (5 from me and 5 from the Mr).  Just in case, you are stuck indoors on Valentine’s Day, or looking some movies to add to your At Home – Date Night Arsenal – Check these out.

His Choices:

Brown Sugar

Armageddon

Jason’s Lyric

Something’s Gotta Give

Spanglish

His Romantic Movie Choices - 10 Favorite Romantic Movies

HER CHOICES:

Love Jones

Something New

Disappearing Acts

When Harry Met Sally

City of Angels

Her Romantic Movie Choices - 10 Favorite Romantic Movies

I am always curious to know what movies people love.   I love a good referral.  So please share your favorites in the comment section.  I need to beef up my arsenal, as well.

And, don’t forget to download your Friday Freebie here.

Freebie Friday Valentine's Day Printable stage-presents.com

Looking for some Valentine’s Day Craft Ideas  – Check out Our Valentine’s Day Across The Web Post.

5 Reasons Mommy and Daddy Need Overnight Trips

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5 Reasons Mommy and Daddy Need Overnight Trips

You love your kids and being their parent is one of your greatest joys.  Right?? Of course it is, but it’s probably also the reason, you worry too much, don’t get as much sleep as you used too.  And… are in serious need of some ALONE COUPLE time.  [Enter the Mommy and Daddy Guilt.]  But, honestly there is nothing wrong with wanting or needing that alone time.  In my opinion, it is crucial to the success of a relationship.

  1. Intimacy.  You remember what that is right?  The two of you alone without any little voices screaming for Mommy & Daddy. Watching a movie without having to pause it. Emotional Closeness.
  2. Get Away. You may be thinking that it’s enough just to have the time alone.  But, being away from home, makes all the difference.  When you are at home, you are more likely to look around and see all the things that need to be done.  Getting away even for a night, checking into a hotel and letting other people take care of your needs, while you take care of each other, is priceless.
  3. Decompress.  Clearer and Cooler heads prevail after you have had some rest.  It helps when faced with making big decisions whether it be for you as a couple or for the entire family.  Or maybe you just need to get your mind right as you head into the new work week.
  4. Rejuvenate.  I know that you have been on vacation and when you came back you felt like you needed another vacation.  You know why that is, you probably had to wrangle the kids, lol?  If you can, convince your significant other to participate in a couples massage, or a mani and pedi, or any spa type activity. Even if you do nothing, but take a long nap, wrapped in each other’s arms.  It could go a long way towards you feeling like you got some rest and relaxation.
  5. The Health/Well being of your marriage.  Anything worth having is worth devoting time to.  It is so easy to get so wrapped up in the day to day family life, that you forget that you were individuals before you were parents.  Spending time alone allows you to rediscover each other, continue to have firsts together and keep the marriage fresh, new and healthy.

Invest in Your Marriage Quote

My disclaimer:  I am not an expert by any means, I can only speak to what works for us. We(hubby and I), are just coming off a Couple Weekend celebrating his birthday. It’s been a while since we have been able to have some alone time and just those few days reminded me of how important time together really is. What are some of your favorite ways to get away, even if it is just for one night?

GRACE UNDER FIRE – KORI GAFF

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This month’s Creative Interview has been one of my favorites thus far.  The reason behind that is that Kori is a personal friend of mine, that I have NEVER physically met.  Back in 2003, when we were both pregnant with our now 10 year olds, we joined an Online Parenting Group for Expectant Moms due in November.  I think we were both looking for people who were experiencing the same things that we were at that time, like the indigestion, weight gain, and over all pregnancy woes.  The group went through major transitions over the years.  And, literally there are only a few of us still standing.  But, what developed out of that setting were some very meaningful and unexpected friendships.  She was the first military wife that I had ever known.  Long before my obsession with the Lifetime Show. I was always fascinated by the way she  played her position taking on whatever was thrown at her while still maintaining order, stability and security for her family.  The sacrifices that not only those serving our country, but also the families left behind is humbling.   Check out what Kori has to say about life as a military wife and mom and transitioning to civilian life.

Grace Under Fire From Military Wife to Civilian Life

When did you become a military wife?

We were married June 19 2001.  That’s when my journey as a military wife began.

How long was your dh in the military?
He was in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years.

Was he in the military before you got married and did that weigh into the decision to marry him?
While we did date in high school we were not together when he joined.  When we got back together he was already a Marine.    Him being in the military really didn’t have any bearing on my decision to marry him.  Partially because my father was in the military when I was a kid so I had an idea of what my life was going to be like.   And partially because it didn’t matter to me.

With him being deployed, was he able to be their for the births of all of your babies?
I was really lucky and he was home for all of my pregnancies and births.  There are many women who don’t have that.

What was the hardest time that you spent alone?
In March 2011 he was deployed on ship in the Asia Pacific Region.  (Japan, Thailand, Malaysia etc).  I awoke one morning to many texts , Facebook posts and Facebook messages asking if Mike was ok.  I had no idea what they were talking about.  I turned on the news and found out there was an earthquake and tsunami in that area.  I quickly turned on the computer and had a message from him that read, ” I’m fine.”   During the next communication I found out that they were on their way back to Japan to see if they would be needed in the clean up efforts.  For the next couple of months the stability of the of the Fukushima Dauichi nuclear power plant went from bad to worse, getting up to level 7 emergency. Nuclear chemicals were leaking out and evacuations took place. The ship remained “docked” in Japan.  So there was a very real fear of what chemicals he may have been exposed to.

How was the transition when going from being a Military Wife to being a civilian?
The transition from military wife to civilian wife was difficult for me.  I spent all of my adult life living one way and then it was just done.  We moved to a non military town and I felt out of my element, sometimes I still do and it’s been a year.   As a military wife I was always able to find people like me.  As a civilian I felt alone and like I didn’t fit anywhere.

When did he retire and after how long?  Do you think he regrets it or was he happy to move on?
He retired from the Marine Corps March 31, 2014. After 20 years he was ready to move on.

What were some of the major changes after he retired?

Major changes were the move back home.  Finding a home, a job, new schools for the kids.   Healthcare was huge because we never had to deal with health insurance before.  The stability we had was gone.

 How did it change the family dynamic?
The family dynamic hasn’t really changed too much.  Mike is home more now so I’d say that actual co parenting is new.  Before I really just decided what was what and now it’s discussed more.

What advice would you give a new military wife?
It’s all what you make of it.  If you decide things stink…they are going to stink.  You have to be able to find some silver lining.   Find friends, they will help you through.

What advice would give to a wife who is transitioning to civilian life?
Just go with the flow.  There will be ups and downs but you will get through them.  It might be hard for a while but you’ve been a military wife already, you’ve got this.


Is there anything that you would have done differently at any juncture in this whole process?
I don’t think I would’ve done anything differently.  The military gave me a great life, now it’s time to see what civilian life has in store.

“It’s all what you make of it.  If you decide things stink…they are going to stink.  You have to be able to find some silver lining.   Find friends, they will help you through.” –Kori Gaff

Keeping Up with the Changing Tides

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Keeping up With the Changing Tides - Returning to the Work Force

As most of my regular readers know, I have been home with my babies for the past three years.  I swear it doesn’t seem that long.  In August, the little one started Kindergarten, and I wasn’t sure what I would do with all my free time.  I decided that I would use this extra time to figure out a way to really monetize my blog and increase my Social Media presence for my Etsy Shop.  And, if you have ever done this or if you are in the process of doing that you know  … it is no easy feat.  I had my plan and I was working my way down my list.  Add more items to the Shop, Increase the Number of Daily Posts for Twitter and Instagram. Clean up My SEO on older posts, Re-write my About Me Page.  Just to give you the general idea.

Fast forward three weeks and I get a call from the School System where I used to work at, asking if I was interested in being a sub for a few days.   I wasn’t sure honestly what to think of it.  I was not sure if I would be able to keep up with the blog and my Social Media postings.  (More on that in another blog to post later this week.) But, I knew that it would be a way to stack away some extra money for Christmas.  Two days turned into one week and then two.  Turns out I forgot more than I thought about the balancing act that comes with being in the office all day and then having to come home to Job #2 (Mommy).  If it sounds like I am complaining honestly, I am not.  I was super grateful for the opportunity.  I just had to readjust thankfully on a learning curve.

Lucky for me,  I have a pretty amazing husband, who never misses a beat.  I have to be to work by 7:30,  which means Dad had to be on duty for the drop off and lunch detail.  I tried the first couple of days to make the lunches the night before, but that was short lived.  I get off at 3:45, which means I was leaving the office just as the girls were getting off the school bus.  So by the time I got home they had been there for about a half an hour.   It is a little harder to extract details about their day, but I pulled it out of them.  On their news front, baby girl was the line leader, and our oldest daughter, is loving Math right now.

When I get in the house, I have about 30 minutes to unwind and then its homework time.  I am normally wrapped up in that for a good hour.  Then its time to make dinner.  On a good day I can cook and get out of the kitchen by 7:30.  And, then its TV time.. bed time.. and prep for the next day.

When I was a full time working mom, I couldn’t  imagine how full time stay at home mom’s filled their days and after being at work for a couple of days, I cant imagine how working mom’s balance it all.  its a catch 22.  I guess the point of it is all is that, no matter where you fall on the spectrum the Mom Job is no joke and we adjust as needed to make it work.
A Woman Is Like A Tea Bag You Can't Tell How Strong She Is - Eleanor Roosevelt Quote

Creating A Space You Love

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Creating A Space You Love - www.stage-presents.com

Are you anything like me?  Do you spend hours pouring over the pages of Home Decor Magazines looking for ideas to make your house a home?  One of the very first magazine subscriptions that I purchased was Real Simple.   I received that magazine for years, before I moved  into a home of my own.  I loved to see how people created spaces that reflected their personalities but that were still livable and inviting.  Once I had a family of my very own, it was very important to me that the home we live in was both comfortable and staged.  To that end, I feel like our home is always a work in progress.

Without the funds to just walk into Haverty’s and have their stylist design rooms for us, we literally have taken our time and piece by piece have watched our vision come together.  I am always on the hunt for something that looks like this, at that price.  Treasure hunting on a budget, I guess. Some mornings I walk down the stairs and I’m tickled pink at just how things are working out. Some mornings, I wish I could scrap the whole thing and start over.  But, it has definitely become a passion project for me.  Friends and Family that pop by are always telling us how they love the way we decorate our home, and inquire as to where we got this piece or that piece.  And, I have to laugh because I know how many hidden treasures we have stashed in closets that we thought were the way to go and then turned out they weren’t.  I think we could probably style a small apartment with some of the things we have stored away.

I was blessed to find a hubby who seems to love this kind of thing as much as I do, or maybe he is just humoring his high brow wife.  (I hope that isn’t the case.)  But, I dare say that he has come home with just as many finds as me, if not more.  We don’t always see each others visions, but we agree that we both have to love it, for it to find a permanent place in our home.

Apparently, even the Pro’s take this approach when designing their own homes or homes for their clients. Check out this post by three of my favorite blogs Life on Virginia Street Effortless Style and The Blissful Bee titled From the Magazine to the Pages of Your Home.

Looking for More Inspiration that literally springs from the pages of a Magazine?  Elements of Style shows us how she pulled inspiration from House Beautiful to come up with A Boathouse of One’s Own.

Lastly, Destiny from Just Destiny Mag, lays down the law on how she Creates a Meaningful Home in this awesome blog featured on Jenna Burger’s Blog.

It’s definitely easy to get overwhelmed with the process, as with anything else but the rules for us are pretty simple, fill your home with things that you love and things that make you happy.

Stage Presents: Creating A Space You Love

For a Glimpse Into Our World, Check Out Our Fall Home Tour here or Our Spring Mini Home Tour here.

A Simple Father’s Day At Home

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A Simple Fathers DayIt took me a while to realize that my husband was all about the Simple Things.  After years of trying to make a big hoopla about his birthday or Father’s Day or other such events, I finally realized that what he needed and what I needed were just two different things.  Me, I am about all about the Pomp and Circumstance.  Him, he’s all about being comfortable, and relaxed.

So this year, I took a different approach to Father’s Day.  I mixed a little of me, with a whole lot of him.  Meaning ??  He would just NEVER go and buy himself a new cell phone, even though his pretty ancient.  So, the kids and I decided to upgrade him for his  Father’s Day present.  Even though Technology is what he does for a living, he could care less about those types of things. He literally only uses his cell phone to text and talk.  But, I suspect that might be changing here very soon.  And,  instead of cooking up a big FANCY meal, I cooked something that I know he loves.

I started looking for a recipe right after Mother’s Day for Ribs.  And, you all already know my criteria EASY, and TASTY.   I found this recipe at Six Sisters Stuff found here for Fall off the Bone BBQ Ribs. What made this recipe stand out over the others was the easy prep and the 8 hours in the Crock Pot.   And, then even though I have my own tried and true Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe.  I decided to try out Patti Labelle’s Mac and Cheese recipe found here,  since the ribs would have the Crockpot tied down for 8 hours straight.    Add to that some corn on the cob and we had a dinner that was Dad approved.

The girls gave him their Personalized Photo Cards from Card Store and I gave him my mushy one.  We all just hung out for the day being silly and not leaving the house.  But, It was just what he wanted.  And he was happy and ultimately.  That is really all that matters.

How did you spend your Father’s Day weekends?

Planning a Simple & Memorable Summer Soiree

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Planning A Simple and Memorable Summer Soiree

The pool is open.  School is out.  The barbecue grill has been uncovered.  It’s time to plan a Summer Party!!

Anytime the word [plan] gets thrown in front of party, panic tends to ensue.  But, planning a summer party can be low key, easy and still be a blast.  I am sure you are shaking your head at this point and asking how.  So let me break it down for you.

Warm Weather means that this party can officially be OUTSIDE.  You can choral the troops and confine them to the backyard, the deck and if you are lucky maybe even the basement.  This is a major selling point for me.  Off the top, that means less clean up both before and after the party.

The other great thing about it being outdoors is THE GRILL.  Cooking on the Grill probably takes you (wifey), out of the equation where the major cooking is concerned.  If you are fortunate enough the grill is all hubby’s territory.  You may discuss the menu with him but for the most part, your contribution can be all sides.  Most of which, you can make ahead of time and stock the fridge, which means you are actually free to enjoy the festivities.

There’s no reason that all the expense should fall all on you.  Ask Each Guest to Bring Something.  You Can Leave it Up to Them, or Be Specific.

Planning A Simple and Memorable Summer Soiree

Lastly, remember that the heat will definitely leave everyone parched and seeking refreshment.  So make sure to have refreshing cocktails & “Mock-tails”.  Need Ideas Check Out My Pinterest Board Here.   Beer for those beer drinkers, Ice Pops, Summer Fruits and Vegetables.

Throw in some Good Music and Some Cute Party Favors.  And, you’ve just thrown the party of the Season, without breaking a sweat.

Summer Party Blog

Up to 25% off all party favors, gifts & supplies at Beau-coup.

Are you planning any Festive Summer Parties this year?

His & Her – Our Take on 2015 Wedding Trends

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His & Hers Our Take on 2015 Wedding Trends - stage-presents.com

#WEDDINGTRENDS

Since deciding to add Wedding Invitations to Our Etsy Shop, I have found myself immersed in the 2015 Wedding Trends.  Some of them, I could get on board with, and some I could do without.  So just for fun, I enlisted my hubby to get both a male and female perspective on the latest crazes.

Drone or Go Pro Photos –

Hers – You know the Control Freak in Me Would Never Go For That.  You are also talking about the woman who gave her photographer a Definitive List of Must Have Shots.

His – I am a photographer.  NEVER. And besides, drones are too noisy.

Dance Routines –

Her – I would go for it as long as I felt like I had mastered it. I would hate to get out there and fall.  Not to mention how much I was shaking like a leaf that day.

His – No, I don’t dance and think they have been overdone. They novelty has worn off. Time for something new.

Rustic Chic –

Her – No, I think it works for some people.  But, Burlap and Lace at a wedding are a bit too casual for me.  Maybe, I would consider it, if the wedding was outside.

His – Yes, I am all for anything that is different. A rustic wedding allows you to use non-traditional materials that are cost effective and in some instances free.

Restaurant Wedding –

Her – Nope

His – Depends on What Kind of Restaurant We are Talking About.

No Dress (Solange Style) –

Her – No, The Dress is Half the Fun.  I can’t imagine not going through that process.

His – The Bride Needs Her Dress.

1-2-3 Dress Changes –

Her – It was all I could do to put on one.  I can’t imagine having to manage a wardrobe change.

His – Just Seems Extra…

Cocktail Reception –

Her – It would cut the cost of the food, but I would worry about people getting too drunk.

His – NO, too expensive and I wouldn’t want to create an Uber tailgating party outside.

Food Trucks –

Her – NOPE.  I am not opposed to them at Carnivals or Fairs but umm… Not at my wedding.

His – YES. Goes hand in hand with a rustic wedding.

Black Tie –

Her – Yes, I would love that.  I love the look of gowns and tuxedos.

His – NO. You want to be the best dressed at your wedding.

Quote on Wedding Planning

 Photo Source: Malindyelene.com on Wedding Planning 101

Wedding Season is On It’s Way + Free “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” Card

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Will You Be My Bridesmaid 2016 Update

Updated Post: NEW “Will You Be My Bridesmaid” Printable Card (plus access to the 2015 Edition)

According to The Knot, the most popular months for weddings are June, August, September, and October.  But, I find right after Valentine’s Day everyone goes into Bliss Mode.  So, it is s no wonder that my Instagram and Pinterest News Feeds are going crazy with Wedding Trends, Engagements, Proposals and all Manner of Marital Bliss Odds and Ends.  Even though those days are gone for me,  and technically I am no longer a newlywed (even though sometimes I feel like it), I can’t help but to get caught up in the fervor and the fever.  After all a wedding is just the ultimate celebration and many of the ideas can be tweaked for party planning, all across the board.

One of the trends that I absolutely love are the “Will You Be My Bridesmaid Ideas”.  As far as questions go, after you accept his proposal, the next and most important question is who will stand by you on that day.  For me, the answer was easy, it was the person who had always stood by me, my sister.  I wish that I would have thought of this idea back then.

The market is flooded with “Will you be my Bridesmaid” Kits, Boxes, Wine Bottles and Cards.  So, if you know me and my love for all things Printable, Stationery, and Personalized,  then I am sure it’s no surprise that I am considering adding a “Will You Be my Bridesmaid” card to Our Etsy Store.  The Design process is always full of Do Overs and Corrections, Subtractions and Additions, so that is a work in progress.  But, coming soon.   I am always my hardest critic, but I really dig the way that this one came out.  So I thought I would offer it up as a FREE Printable for all those embarking on the Amazing Bride Journey.

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Printable Card ©2016 Stage Presents

To Download Right Click On The Picture

Will You Be My Bridesmaid Printable Card ©2015 Stage Presents

To Download Right Click On The Picture

Looking for more Wedding Items – Check out what  we have in Our Etsy Store.

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