Merry
Christmas!

Trials of Tuesday

I'm sick. Just a cold but still. And my printer decided it didn't want to work last night. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the service tech so I can get back on schedule.

All in all - not a great start to my Tuesday. I have high hopes for the afternoon though.

Masterpiece Monday - Melissa and Lance

Love the look of these. Circles are sleek, retro in a modern way (possible?) and a great "theme" to carry through all the wedding details. Melissa and Lance used rich colors to achieve this look.

The inner and outer envelopes - what a bold, fun piece of mail.

The invite, rich color printed on champagne card stock, then mounted onto a copper card stock.

A close up of the top of the invite.

The RSVP postcard. Only takes $.28 postage.

Place card for the wedding guests.

Friendly Friday – Make Up Artist

For my first Friendly Friday I'd like to introduce my friend Kellie Keck who is, by all accounts a true make up maven. Kelly lives this crazy fabulous life and makes her living by making others look their best. For six years Kelli has been honing her craft of make up artistry. In addition to regular make up Kellie is also skilled in airbrushing.

One look at her portfolio will impress you. She’s done substantial work on not only brides, but on photo shoots with professional models and celebrities. Her work can be seen in national print and television ads. Not only is she super skilled she is also super sweet and really fun. Kellie was happy to share a little bit of Q&A with me.

Me: What are the benefits of having makeup professionally done on a special occasion?

Ms. Keck: There are many benefits and to name just a few: If you have your makeup professionally airbrushed you will have that flawless look that will last all day and isn't cakey. No one should have to feel their makeup and airbrushing is very lightweight. Having a professional makeup artist do your makeup also insures that you look your best. An artist can really bring out your best features and help you to feel even more confident and less stressed. Once you have your makeup professionally done it is hard to imagine a special event without a makeup artist on your team.

Me: What is your favorite part about doing wedding makeup?

Ms. Keck: I love getting to know my brides. Everyone is so unique and has a story so spending that time doing the makeup and getting to know my brides is incredible. It is also very rewarding when I am able to really take the stress away from a bride by covering up a breakout or something similar. It may sound silly but after a bride has spent all of that time planning the wedding and all of the money for photography not to mention getting ready to walk out in front of all her family and friends if a breakout occurs overnight (which it often does) that can cause some serious stress and anxiety. It is great to be able to come in that morning and airbrush it all away and help her to feel confident and relaxed again.

Me: Have any favorite part of the wedding day? (for instance I love looking at the grooms face as he sees his bride for the first time, other people love the cake or the first dance, etc)

Ms. Keck: I really enjoy the getting ready part of the morning. There is such a different energy in the morning. The bride is gathered with all of her bridesmaids and family and everyone is having a good time laughing and sharing stories. it makes me smile to see that girlie bonding and fun!

Me: Any important info you'd like to share with the brides who visit my blog?

Ms. Keck: I am running a special discount right now on bridal makeup. For anyone that is interested in further details please email: info@pearlsandablackdress.com

Also, for weddings in Jan and Feb I am offering a huge discount of 50% off our package prices. Please email for more info on those also.

Me: As a makeup maven, what is your favorite product? Got a fave liner, shadow or product you can't live without?

Ms. Keck: I am such a makeup junkie! I do have some favorites though. I can not live without eyeliner and I go back and forth between a gel liner and a kohl liner. MAC Fluidliners are great gel liners and the Kevyn Aucoin pencil in Basic Black is my favorite pencil. I also love NARS blushes (all of the colors are amazing), Chanel eyeshadows and one of my favorite lip colors is Hue by MAC.

Me: Since Christmas is coming do you have a favorite X-mas tradition, recipe, hint, tip?

Ms. Keck: Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I especially love walking around the mall even if I am not shopping. The window displays are always so festive and people are generally in a good mood. I am LOVE all of the eating! Food around the holidays is guilt-free in my book.

I have a great recipe from The 5 in 10 Dessert Cookbook: 5 Ingredients in 10 minutes of Less. What I love about this recipe, other than how easy it is, is that with all of the other holiday food this is a nice surprise. It is still chocolately and the cookie dough is right at home with holiday food but then the strawberries just add a freshness and lightness to it. It never lasts through the night!

Strawberry Chocolate Truffle Pizza

1 Roll (20 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 pint basket fresh strawberries

1. Preheat the over to 400 degrees. Cut the cookie dough into 1/4-inch slices. Place in a foil-lines 14-inch round pizza pan with a 1/4-inch high rim. Press together to form a crust on the bottom. Bake for 8-9 minutes, or until golden.

2. Meanwhile. in a 2-cup glass measure, combine the chocolate chips and cream. Microwave on High for 1 1/2 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted and smooth when stirred. Stir in vanilla.

3. Rinse, drain and hull the strawberries. Cut in half lengthwise.

4. Spread the chocolate cream evenly over the baked crust. Beginning at the edge. arrange the strawberries on the "pizza" in concentric circles, cut side down and with the points toward the outside edge of the pan; cover the chocolate completely with berries. Refrigerate until set, at least 20 to 30 minutes.

Thanks again to Kellie for sharing with us! I hope those of you with a special event in your future will consider giving a Kellie a call and take advantage of her fabulous specials going on.

For more information on Kellie Keck visit one of the sites below

www.pearlsandablackdress.com

www.kelliekeck.com

www.419bride.com - A great planning tool for brides

or call 419-303-5453

Thursday Things

Things that have been seen and heard . . .

"Greetings from New Bremen"

Earlier this week I posted about the fundraiser, "Greetings from New Bremen". The New Bremen Friends of the Library approached me about making some note cards for them to sell. Since I've spent most of my life in a library or with my nose in a library book, I was happy to help. You can purchase these at the Library, The New Bremen Coffee Company and Books and Topsy Turvy Toys, both in New Bremen. A box of ten sells for $10.00 and single cards are $1 each. Here is the article that ran in the Evening Leader.

So if you are looking for a cute stocking stuffer or just a way to contribute to the Friends of the Library, here's your answer.

Project Happy Christmas

With the upcoming Christmas season its hard to ignore the status of the economy. A local New Bremen couple, Troy and Amy Grillot are taking their person heartbreak and turning it into a beautiful tribute to the newborn son they lost last year before the holidays.

Here is the link to their beautiful story. Their website has lists that you can download and use when doing your holiday shopping. I'm very moved by their story and their motivation to help. These gifts will be specifically given to 3 anonymous families in our area. Each family has suffer this past year. Physically, financially, and emotionally. (This is the point where I count my blessings) . Anyway, I hope others will hear their story and be motivated to give.

Women in Business Luncheon

Local Businesswoman are invited to enjoy lunch, a program and excellent networking. The meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 11:30 at Bella's Italian Grille, located at 108 West Bank Road, Celina. The program will be "Keeping it Together Through the Holidays". Please send your RSVP by Dec. 4th to amy@stmarysohio.org. Also, they will be taking donations of "something warm". This includes new coats, gloves, scarves or hats. All local business women and invited to attend.

SW Auglaize County Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party.

Anyone interested in joining the Chamber of Commerce might consider dropping by the upcoming Holiday Business After Hours on Thursday Dec 10th from 5-7 pm at the Eagles in Minster. This year's event is sponsored by the following Chamber Members: Wagners IGA Minster/Fort Loramie; Coldwell Banker South Shore Realty; and Sarapaper.

Please send your RSVP to info@auglaize.org as soon as possible if you plan to attend. Also, we're still looking for door prize donations from Chamber members. This is a GREAT way to promote your business! You can visit the Chamber website at www.auglaize.org for more details.

WWII Wednesday

Of course I'm going to include Harry and Helen in my blog theme. I picked this one from November 30, 1943. It was written by Helen 59 years prior to my wedding anniversary. Is a looooong one - I may have to take out the boring parts.

Nov. 30, 1943
Here it is 12:00 again and I just got in. Tonight we wree over to Helens parents making plans for decorating the S.M.C. We have a lot of plans now if the kids would just work. Back of the orchestra is my job. I'm having red paper with metallic stickers which glisten. We're having a Christmas tree, red & green bulbs in the lights upstairs and a Christmas tree downstairs with red and green crepe paper.

After work I went over after my fur coat (note: geez Helen, FUR?) and it rather disappointed me. It seems a little snug under the arms. When I got home mother had creamed chicken & biscuits and noodles. Did I ever eat!!! Like a pig no less.

Mother and Daddy went out to fix my fire while I got ready to go to Helens. They've surely been wonderful about this situation. Adeline picked me up and brought me home. Seemed funny for a change. Helen served popcorn and orangeade. Sure hit the spot. Some of the girls strung popcorn as decoration.

I almost forgot to tell you that today I was admiring some "sweetheart pins" which have just come in (note: Helen works at Koerbers Jewelry) Mr K was standing close and I said, "I should have one of these, my sweetheart is in the army." Immediately Mr. K picked one up and said, "with my compliements". It's darling. They sell for $3.30. I was sure tickled.

You asked me if I was making it okay (note: finanacially) Well, you see I've lost $40 by those girls moving out. I was going to have to use the next $50 check to clean up doctor bills, insurance, etc.

It was surely nice of the bakery fellows to send you that fruit cake. Don't forget to thank them. I don't blame you for tucking it away. I'd enjoy seeing the empty cartridges. Maybe I could put one in the scrapbook. Are the arch supports helping any?

Daddys lunch out at work drew names for a christmas gift exchange. They spend $2.00. He got some womans name and she had down $2.00 worth of pants - size 50. Boy did we have fun with that. (note: Even in 1943 I wonder what $2 worth of pants looks like!)

Darling, you are my sunshine and what I live for. To me, you are over anyone else in the world. To have someone like you darling, gives me an incentive to walk, to carry on, to keep up the fort, to wish for you to come soon. Darling, the month of December will pass rapidly and then it will only be a little better than a month, we hope. Chin up honey - remember to pray and think of me lots, that'll help, like everything. I love you.

I am . . devotedly yours always
Helen

And now a WWII inspired design.

Trials of Tuesday

"Trials of Tuesday" is a pretty lame attempt at a blog theme. I figured Tuesdays could be a mixed bag of whatever is happening.


At first I considered "Table Tuesday". Maybe I'd take a picture of my table and discuss the latest projects? Then I took this picture and well, it just looks messy. Busy, but messy. And it would probably look pretty much the same each Tuesday.



I mean, it might work if I show closeups of the various projects on the table. But then there is the fact that I don't like to show custom designs until after the event. I feel the guests of the event should be the ones to enjoy the invites first. I will give a sneak peak of one I just finished and really, REALLY like.



So then I thought of "Photography Tuesday". I took a shot of the photos that hang in our office. These are the wedding photos of our parents and grandparents. When we got married my dad made little picture holders and we had these photo grouped around our cake. I really liked the touch of having a reminder of the happy days of our family members who have been married years and years.



This one (a photo of my great grandparents on the Schmidt side) doesn't appear on my wall but it's a favorite of mine. Of course this was back when you weren't supposed to be frivolous. Buying (more likely making) a serviceable black dress made a lot more sense back then. This serene looking bride probably wore her wedding dress for years.
Wonder what her wedding invite looked like?



Now how about a shower invite?
Ashley gets married this weekend and she is READY!



Finally, a Christmas gift idea.
I designed these for the Friends of the New Bremen Library. They are sold at the Library and the New Bremen Coffee Company and Books.
10 note cards and envelopes for $10.00.
It's a great stocking stuffer and a really nice gift for someone who lives in New Bremen or used to live in New Bremen. I'll report more later this week with all the details of this great fundraiser.


Well, a busy Tuesday awaits!
Hope you have a wonderful day!

"Masterpiece Monday" and the 7 Year Itch.

To help me be a more regular blogger (which I enjoy but don't seem to find the time for) I've decided to dedicate days to specific news. So visit everyday to see what is new and exciting in the world of Sara Paper and especially wedding invitations.

Before I dive into the very first "Masterpiece Monday" I'd like to give an anniversary shout out to my handsome husband of 7 years. It's been good, it's been bad, but mostly it's been WONDERFUL. As a side note, I want to mention that Adam and I will now be working together at Sara Paper. He can be the brains and I'll be the talent. I looking forward to having more time to be creative.

And now . . . Masterpiece Monday
For my first masterpiece I want to show off a favorite custom design. Brittany (who is super sweet) and Josh (whom I've never met but I assume is a great guy) just got married this past Thanksgiving weekend. Since I was a Thanksgiving weekend bride I enjoyed meeting with Brittany and her (also sweet) mom and remembering the fun and challenges of planning a wedding around a holiday. Also, I absolutely LOVED the ideas Brittany and I came up with. Shimmer paper, satin ribbon and a rich damask pattern - love it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Not a whole super lot to report on. We're just plugging away here, trying to be caught up before the holiday.

In all our busy-ness I failed to give credit to Adam for his hunting accomplishment. A couple weeks ago he killed an 8 point buck. It was his first kill with a bow which I'm told (by people other than my aforementioned husband) is a pretty difficult feat.

We look towards Thanksgiving with happy hearts. We're blessed with good family and friends, our tiny house bursting at the seams with our new equipment, and especially our wonderful clients.

With our freezer now stocked full of good healthy venison meat what more can we want?

Veterans Day - A History Lesson

This is a small snippet of the history of Veterans Day. Read whole story here.

Although World War I — known at the time as “The Great War” — officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, fighting actually ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect between the Allied nations and Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, Nov. 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades, public meetings, and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11 a.m.

Let's see what our WWII Hero Harry was doing on Nov. 11, 1943

Hello Honey,
Well darling, as usual I had your letter this PM. It sure helps to know that there is someone who really cares and thinks of me.

I had a letter from Jack Carey, it was quite a surprise. I must answer. We still haven't any heat in our barracks it's just about 50 degrees in here. There is something wrong with the blower system. It has been real cold here, there is a bitter north wind blowing.

Is Smitty still at Baer Field? I bet Wilma will be heart broken if he ever gets transferred. Today we had to turn our O.D. uniforms in. My trousers need to be taken in at the waist and the blouse is too tight at the arms. I don't know when I'll get it back, probably Sat. I can't go anywhere until I get it back. You can't wear fatigues to the movies or PX. I sure hope I have it back by Sunday. I'd hate to cool my heels in here all weekend. Maybe the weekend after I'll got to Raleigh. It gets pretty tame laying around here looking at the same walls all the time. I don't need my money yet. I still have $28. It's so darn cold in here I think I'll have to go to bed to keep warm.

Today our Lieut. (a fairly decent guy for this outfit) asked everyone, "who had any part of his body hurt to tell him about it". I told him about my flat feet which hurt quite a bit when I've been on them awhile. He told me he would see if there was anything he could do for me. I'll bet you get tired of hearing about my troubles. How is your neck? Too bad about the bonus. I don't think Koerbers were any too nice about the week you were off but I wouldn't take anything for the time we spent together.

Well darling, it's time to tell you once again I love you and think you are the dearest and sweetest gal in this whole world. I am sure looking forward to the days when we will be together again. The sooner the better. Just pray and hope that the day will come soon.

Lovingly, your Hubby, Harry

What the MOST fashionable Fruits are Wearing this Season - it's FAB -U-LOUS!

Take a moment to consider fruit. Specifically the apple. This one in particular is a nice one.

Now think about the poor apple with its delicate skin, partial to bruising. Wouldn't you want the best for your fruit? What could be the answer to this problem? Why, a fruit sweater of course.

I laughed out loud when Krafty Friend Kat presented this special gift to me at a birthday lunch. It's not only cute and quirky - it's practical. Now I can dress my fruit and then throw it into my bag where they will be protected all day from the jungle of keys, cell phone and 10 lipsticks rolling around my purse. One less excuse for not eating natures best.

That's what I call a shopping spree!

Probably my largest investment (aside from the printer of course) is my "new" paper cutter! It's still in pieces, littered all over my office but soon it will be a lean mean cutting machine!!! This will help streamline business and make me lots happier in the process.

While Adam and his dad were on the Indiana roadtrip they also picked up a paper drill. It looks pretty old, but Adam tested it and he said it works great! I think he's pretty happy about this purchase. Now I won't be shoving a hole puncher in his hand while he's trying to relax in front of the tv.


Well, this is pretty much the hightlight of my week! Hope you all had a nice one too!

So, can anyone read this?

Can anyone read the invites below? Maybe a few of you. I certainly can't even though I grew up in a small village in Ohio that was founded by German settlers. Still, even Germans need wedding invites and I happen to have an American Bride who is getting married to her German Groom.

The wedding will take place in Wapakoneta, Ohio but some of the invites will be sent overseas. Our considerate bride took the extra steps to have a portion of her invites printed in German text. With the help of our German groom I'm confident that everything is perfect and wonderful. I think his family will be pleased and touched to receive these invites.

(sorry the photos aren't super good. It's difficult to photograph this beautiful shimmer paper. If you click on the photos you can get a better look at the text.)

The German version of the popular verse,
"This day I will marry my friend . . ."

The outside of the pocket fold invite.

The invite portion printed on beautiful purple haze card stock.

The entire invite with coordinating cards in the pocket.
Printed cards include: RSVP Postcard, Reception Card,
and Accommodations/Direction Card.

Best wishes to Katie who will be traveling over the holidays to visit her Groom and meet his family!. Gute Reise!

Harry and Helen - Halloween 1945 Style

Halloween is NOT a big deal for me. With the exception of getting to see the little ones dressed up and eating all the leftover candy - I don't get too jazzed about Oct. 31st. Adam and I celebrated Trick or Treat night by dressing up as crossing guards and helping kids in town cross the street. We were on the first intersection in town and didn't see much foot traffic but we had fun getting truckers to honk, seeing how many people would wave back at Adam who waved at EVERYONE. So we got to hang out together for a couple hours. Our nieces and nephews visited us on the street corner and best of all, since I wasn't home to pass out candy I have (had) lots of extra candy.

I spent the actual date of October 31st hanging out with my family and celebrating my dads 60th birthday. In the game of life he claims to be "rounding third". He explained this to my niece who was relieved to be told that she wasn't even at first base yet.

Let's see what Harry & Helen were up to 64 years ago.
____

My darling . . .
And that's just what I mean too, my darling. A more beautiful day could never be found. We are really having beautiful weather for this time of year. Hope it continues as it's easier on the coal pile; especially when there's no coal.

We went down to Jo's tonight and I got my black dress. It sure looks like the dickens on the hanger - hope it looks better on me. She charged me $4.50 for making this one as she had so much trouble with it. I really thought she would charge more than that. Then Theresa, Betty, Peggy and I went to the show, "House on 92nd Street". Pretty good.

The first of November is Ediths birthday. It's just going to pass by so nicely with me. I don't feel that I owe her one single thing! (note: meow!)

Had a letter from your folks today. They got their beans combined but they didn't turn out as good as other years - said it was too wet. Ike is still there, but is a "love sick" man. Lotties birthday is November 10 and he is going there for that.

Well honey, I really don't have much more news, so guess I'll wind this up. Shoe rationing is off so guess I'll see if I can get a pair of black shoes sometime.

Darling, I love you. Never lose sight of that will you? You mean more than anything else to me and I'll love you with all my heart always. You are so considerate and good to me and make me so happy that I married you. Darling, love me always please? I'll promise you, you will never be sorry. I'll try my best to make you happy, forever.
Devotedly your own, Helen
___

Okay, looks like Halloween didn't even rate a passing comment all those years ago. All I know is this - Helen and I both spend $4.50. She got a timeless black custom fitted dress (which she probably wore for years). I on the other hand, purchased a bag of smarties, and a bunch of fun sized candy bars (which are mostly gone by now). Wonder what $4.50 will buy in 2073?

Beautiful Fall Day

This weather is just amazing. It compelled me to ask my friend Denise if I could use her leaf filled yard for a invitation photo shoot.First a picture of her cat, Pebble Sticks, guarding my invitations.

A simple invite enhanced with a pretty grosgrain ribbon detail.

A close up of the ribbon and layered monogram.

A beautiful copper and gold layered invite.

Close up of the brown satin ribbon.

A popular pocket invite with the reception card and RSVP postcard layered inside.

The invite when it's not inside the pocket.

A favorite of mine. A nice charcoal pocket with invite and matching cards tucked inside.

The matching cards. A pale yellow with the charcoal - beautiful.
Finally, curious Pebble Sticks looking at the latest invite. More tomorrow.