Let's see, one of my favorite movies is Cutting Edge and another is Miracle and yet another is Cool Runnings. Are you sensing a theme? I typically root for the underdog, but, when given the opportunity, I go absolutely nutso for the STARS AND STRIPES, RED, WHITE, AND BLUE, UNCLE SAM, APPLE PIE, the whole nine yards (yes, I realize that only two of those movies are about team USA...did you see the part about under dog and you're just wrong if the late John Candy doesn't make you giggle).
Much to my family's aggravation, this means I DVR Olympic events as if I am the sole source for documenting history. Too much hyperbole? Yeah, but you get my drift. I may shake my head in disgust and wonderment at the United States government at times and stamp my foot at the silliness that political machination brings out in everyone. However, when it comes to being a "team player" during the Olympics, I am all about American pride.
Growing up, Sister and I were all about the gymnastics. We both sported the Mary Lou Hair-Do...don't judge...we were CUTE as socks on a chicken. The grace and agility were talents we both coveted. My tastes have expanded with age. Volleyball, swimming, gymnastics...I get a wee bit bored by track but am in awe of the speed events. I was looking for movies to get me in the mood for some national pride...I think I shall try to watch them all. For whom are you rooting? Shout out your national pride below!
Olympic Themed Movies (Google "Movies about the Olympics")
- Chariots of Fire
- One Day in September
- Munich
- Miracle
- Cool Runnings
- Prefontaine
- Without Limits
- Cutting Edge
- International Velvet
- Personal Best
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The rustic charm of the Genoa Lake Country Club was enhanced by all the creative touches that Melanie hand crafted. Small favor bags set at each place setting, were a nice treat for guests to take home..JPG)
As the sun began to set, the air was totally calm, and warm, with such silence, that you might have imagined that we were the only ones on the entire Lake! A flock of Canadian geese flew overhead just as Mellisa and Benjamin were married, with two geese floating on the water just behind them. It was truly magical. 
It was such a pleasure working with Mellisa as she prepared and looked forward to her wedding day. We wish her and Benjamin a wonderful married life and a future filled with overflowing love and happiness!
Photo and tutorial at Etsy Weddings Stories and Advice Do you love this idea? Originally from Paper + Craft, a great book available on Amazon or from your local independent bookseller, it was published online on Etsy's link (see below the photo). Can't you just see the great photos of you and your groom? Not to mention your guests and grandmothers! Add lots of fun to your wedding without adding a lot of cost. You can make these yourself and just add them to your drinks! This one is perfect for pink lemonade! Get some great color straws and get to work! Click the Etsy link to get the tutorial. Go and pick up your copy of Paper + Craft by Paper+cup Designs, Minhee Cho at your local independent bookseller or order from Amazon. Your independent may not have it in stock but they can order it for you and you'll be supporting your local economy. 
DIY Butterfly Cloche courtesy of Country Living Magazine Have you considered making centerpieces out of glass for your wedding day? The Butterfly Cloche above from Country Living Magazine would make a great highlight for a wedding featuring butterflies or nature themes. For the tutorial (and other great craft ideas) go to Country Living Magazine. 
Mini dome DIY project from Country Living Magazine No bride wants to get so bogged down in a diy project that her wedding planning starts to become work. For a bride planning a DIY wedding, choosing extremely difficult or time consuming projects takes away the fun factor! If you are looking for a less formal look, try these mini domes. They are made using glasses (turned upside down of course) with tiny keepsakes inside. Personalize your guests' wedding tables with 'a few of your favorite things.' To find the tutorial go to Country Living Magazine online. I love the personal look these give you. You don't have to use them for all the tables, but they would be cute added to your guest book table or other side table. The best part of these DIY projects? They are rated EEEBCDI (easy enough even Bill can do it). For those of you just starting to read my blog you may not realize I am not crafty, but my husband is worse. I mean he's great at some things, fixing things, putting things together, but not tiny little projects like this. So I test out the ease of the tutorial by having him try them out. If it's rated EEEBCDI, your groom should have no problem either, which makes these projects all the more fun. Or if you are all thumbs, they will be easy enough you can do them without the stress no bride to be needs during her wedding planning! Have fun, that's the whole point of this! 
Photo and directions from Home Interior Ideas Looking for a unique way to mark your wedding location in your local park or back yard? Why not try this canopy that floats courtesy of multiple balloons. How do you do it? The balloons are attached to the grounds using fishing line, invisible but strong. How cool is this? I think this is one of my favorite do it yourself outdoor wedding ideas. Arrange your ceremony under one end, your reception at the other, or use one half the canopy for your ceremony and chairs for your guests to relax on, and the other half for the reception. No matter how you decide to arrange the details the overall look is striking. 
After waiting for what seems like an eternity, we finally got to go to the doctor this morning to find out what we we're going to have! It was like Christmas morning; I could barely sleep (though that might have to do more with my expanding waistband) and we couldn't wait to get to the doctor - thankfully my appointment was at 9:00 am!
