tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-263410122024-03-13T22:17:12.345-04:00Fruition DesignsBlog for Fruition Designs: Custom wedding invitations and custom birth announcements - We specialize in custom contemporary and handcrafted wedding invitations and announcements, save-the-date cards, birth announcements, and personal stationeryKarla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-87407255434021156352008-10-21T15:29:00.000-04:002008-10-21T15:30:33.448-04:00A Nomination<script src="http://www.divinecaroline.com/awards/badge/1316.js" type="text/javascript">
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Kindly vote if you would, please.Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-50588963365558666732008-08-02T02:03:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:02.254-05:00Bloggy Giveaway - Blog Design Winner<div style="text-align: center;">The winner of the Blog Design is Jen at <a href="http://blondechickbloggin.blogspot.com/">Because I Said So!</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: center; clear: both;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/SJP79urQPEI/AAAAAAAACmg/29IngiIxOsI/s1600-h/Fruition+Designs_+Bloggy+Giveaway%27+-+fruitiondesigns_blogspot_com_2008_07_bloggy-giveaway_html%23comment-form.png" imageanchor="1" style="border: 0pt none ; background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="153" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/SJP79urQPEI/AAAAAAAACmg/GcsL74gWNdc/s400-R/Fruition+Designs_+Bloggy+Giveaway%27+-+fruitiondesigns_blogspot_com_2008_07_bloggy-giveaway_html%23comment-form.png" style="border: 0pt none ;" width="421" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Congratulations, Jen! email me at karla (at) fruition-designs (dot) com and we can get to work!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to everyone who entered. </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are still interested in a blog design, contact me. I'd love to beautify your spot on the web!</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Karla </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-57439915083051760432008-07-28T02:31:00.006-04:002008-12-08T17:04:02.284-05:00Bloggy Giveaway<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/SI1qs8tWUNI/AAAAAAAACk0/G8Zj85rJ12k/s1600-h/bloggy+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border: 0pt none ; background-color: transparent; clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/SI1qs8tWUNI/AAAAAAAACk0/S-56IZEA9fM/s320-R/bloggy+giveaway.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ; width: 108px; height: 144px;" /></a><font size="4"><b>Contest is now closed - Thank you to all who entered! </b></font><br /><br /><br /><br />Need to spruce up your blog?<br /><br />I am giving away a <b>Custom blog Design:</b><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><i>{Completely Unique} </i>Header and Color Match: (a $65 value)</b><br /><br />- Custom header<br /><br />- Color matching of current blog template (for post titles, links, background etc)<br /><br />- 3 Coordinating side links<br /><br />- 1 photo credit at either <a href="http://www.istockphoto.com/">iStockphoto</a>, <a href="http://www.stockxpert.com/">Stockxpert</a>, or <a href="http://us.fotolia.com/">Fotolia</a><br /><br />- includes signature<br /><br />- all designs are created from your specifications<br /><br />- includes installation<br /><br /><blockquote><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">TO ENTER</span>: </b>{Don't hate me.} <b>please visit <a href="http://karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/">my personal blog</a>, <i>SUBSCRIBE to it</i> </b>(click the "subscribe" button in the navigation bar at top)<b>, and then come back here & leave a comment letting me know that you subscribed. If you are already subscribed, leave a comment telling everyone else why you subscribe.</b><br /><br /><br /><br />::Contest will go through Thursday, July 31 at 12 midnight CST and the winner will be contacted via email as well as announced here, on the 'ol blog on Friday, August 1st.<br /><br /><br /><br />::Please make sure that I have an email to contact you; either in your comment or in your profile.<br /><br /><br /><br />::Be sure to check out all of the great goodies being given away at <a href="http://www.donttryit.com/bloggy_giveaways/">Bloggy Giveaways </a></blockquote><br /><br />There are some <i>really BIG things</i> in store for <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx">Fruition Designs</a>. So, feel free to subscribe to this blog as well so that you don't miss out on the big news.<br /><br /><br /><br />And while you are at it, check out my other offerings at my <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx">business web site {Fruition Designs}</a>. My <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/mommycards.aspx">Mommy Cards</a> have been <span style="font-weight: bold;">a </span><a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/gifts-traditions/gifts-for-new-moms/?page=9" style="font-weight: bold;">Parents.com Gift Pick for New Moms for Christmas 2007 and Mother's Day 2008.</a>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-81322029205986652122008-07-21T03:19:00.000-04:002008-07-21T03:24:16.354-04:00Extreme Blog Makeover Giveaway: Summer Edition<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;"><a href="http://www.mrsfussypants.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2008/07/21/extremeblogmakeover.jpg" onclick="return false;window.open(this.href, '_blank', 'width=400,height=250,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><img alt="Extremeblogmakeover" border="0" height="213" src="http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/images/2008/07/21/extremeblogmakeover.jpg" style="" title="Extremeblogmakeover" width="341" /></a> </span><br />
</div></blockquote><span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;">Karen of <a href="http://www.simplyamusingblog.com/">Simply Amusing Blog</a> / <a href="http://www.simplyamusingdesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simply Amusing Designs</a> and Karla from <a href="http://www.karlascrazylife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Looking Towards Heaven</a> / <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx">Fruition Designs</a> have teamed up to offer two lucky readers a very special prize.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;">Do you know a deserving blogger who <b>desperately</b> needs a blog makeover? Perhaps it's you? Blog your most compelling story as to why you think this person deserves a blog makeover and then send us your link. We'll choose 10 semi-finalists and let you have the deciding votes for the two finalists right here on Blissfully Domestic! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: black;">The <i>Extreme Blog Makeover</i> team could be coming to your blog soon!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Do you know a deserving blogger who <b>desperately</b> needs a blog makeover? Perhaps it's you? Blog your most compelling story as to why you think this person deserves a blog makeover and then send us your link. We'll choose 10 semi-finalists and let you have the deciding votes for the two finalists on <a href="http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/" target="_blank">Blissfully Domestic</a>! <br />
The <i>Extreme Blog Makeover</i> team could be coming to your blog soon!<br />
<br />
<strong>Contest Rules:</strong><br />
<blockquote> :: Blog your most moving story about why you or someone you know deserves a blog makeover and link up at <a href="http://www.blissfullydomestic.com/" target="_blank">Blissfully Domestic</a> on Wednesday, July 30th by midnight EST.<br />
:: If it's not your blog, please provide links to the blog to be made-over somewhere in your entry.<br />
:: We will choose 10 finalists and post the links to their stories here.<br />
:: Reader voting will begin August 1st and end Monday, August 4th. <br />
:: The two blogs that have received the most reader votes will be declared the winners – so make your stories good!<br />
:: The winning blogs will enter each designer's queue and depending on the size of their queue, may have to wait up to 4 weeks, but hey! It's a gift from us to you!<br />
::You can check out our work at <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/">Fruition Designs </a>and <a href="http://simplyamusingdesignsblog.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simply Amusing Designs</a>!<br />
</blockquote><strong>Grab our button and help spread the word!</strong>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-63585247111924317432008-06-29T19:09:00.003-04:002008-06-29T19:13:50.863-04:00Blog Design<div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a fab new look for your blog?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We are now offering Blog Designs. Choose from <span style="font-style: italic;">a la carte</span> to the works.</span><br /><br />For more information, please visit <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx">our web site</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">As always, your new look will be:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">completely custom</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">completely unique</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">completely you</span><br /></div>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-42906032953630332712007-12-31T16:27:00.000-05:002008-01-06T01:54:37.695-05:00<p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(147, 67, 155);"><span style=";font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-size:180%;">Exciting News!</span></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(128, 88, 0);">We are now offering all of our pre-designed designs (wedding, birth announcements, mommy cards, holiday cards and social stationary) in <em>.jpg format </em>so that you can print them on your own - use your own computer printer or take them to your favorite print/photo shop.</span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="color: rgb(128, 88, 0);"><em>All cards in this format are just $18.00/file!</em></span></strong></span></p><p style="text-align: center; font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><em><span style="color: rgb(128, 88, 0);">Contact us for more info.</span></em></strong></span></p>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-16048868887806949742007-12-04T15:15:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:03.025-05:00Who Knew?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R1W5iKRLBeI/AAAAAAAAAxc/78LT0OKR118/s1600-h/TargetIsaac.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R1W5iKRLBeI/AAAAAAAAAxc/78LT0OKR118/s320/TargetIsaac.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140218546236360162" border="0" /></a>Did you know that <a href="http://www.target.com/602-1604778-6672607"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Target</span></a> sells <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0/?node=347006011">wedding</a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_iw_r_1_0/?node=347006011"> gowns</a> and clothing for your wedding party?<br /><br />Launched in May 2007 and designed by <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.isaacmizrahiny.com/">Isaac Mizrahi</a>, the gowns are lovely <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> perfect for a tight budget. Get this - the price range: $89.00 - $159.00!<br /><br />The styles are classy, modern and feminine<br /><br />The line includes shoes, veils, gloves, tuxedos, bridesmaid dresses and flower girl attire.<br /><br />I think it is a perfect marriage of style and savings. Since the average cost of a wedding gown is $900.00, take the savings and spend the money on a nice honeymoon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R1W596RLBhI/AAAAAAAAAx0/xXVHC3ew9zY/s1600-h/dress.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R1W596RLBhI/AAAAAAAAAx0/xXVHC3ew9zY/s320/dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140219022977730066" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R1W59aRLBgI/AAAAAAAAAxs/ycqJ_06rwVA/s1600-h/closeup+of+dress+2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R1W59aRLBgI/AAAAAAAAAxs/ycqJ_06rwVA/s320/closeup+of+dress+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140219014387795458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R1W59KRLBfI/AAAAAAAAAxk/gpxih1SsVFk/s1600-h/closeup+of+dress.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R1W59KRLBfI/AAAAAAAAAxk/gpxih1SsVFk/s320/closeup+of+dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5140219010092828146" border="0" /></a>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-72095445697743037582007-11-28T10:53:00.001-05:002008-12-08T17:04:03.257-05:00Lovely Wedding Gown options<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R02TkiXzG5I/AAAAAAAAAwE/BzndGM22IYk/s1600-h/dress.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R02TkiXzG5I/AAAAAAAAAwE/BzndGM22IYk/s320/dress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137925005810801554" border="0" /></a>Many brides are thinking more about comfort as they walk down the aisle. After all, you're going to be in that dress for at least 3 hours straight. Why not pick something that not only flatters, but allows movement and comfort.<br /><br />That's where <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/content/ms/weddingshop/droplets/main.jhtml?_requestid=40202"><span style="font-weight: bold;">J. Crew's wedding line</span></a> come in.<br /><br />Since 2004, J. Crew has been offering an online bridal line. Their clothes are known for their class and comfort, and this follows into their bridal line as well.<br /><br />Current prices range from approx. <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod88588251"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$2200.00</span></a> to <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product.jhtml?id=prod63050251"><span style="font-weight: bold;">under $300.00</span></a>. Each dress has a lovely, simple line, lending itself perfectly for any embellishment you might want to add. Choose a $300.00 dress, pay a seamstress a bit extra for some hand embellishment, and you've got a gorgeous, unique gown. Don't go overboard with the embellishments though. These gowns are made to be simplistically gorgeous.<br /><br />Additionally, what bridesmaid wouldn't love to choose one of their <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/ms/weddingshop/wedding.jhtml?id1=cat260504"><span style="font-weight: bold;">bridesmaid's gowns</span></a>. Pick a color and allow them to choose the style or choose the style and allow them to pick the color. Either way, your bridesmaid's will be thrilled. And they are certain to wear them again!Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-88425226423135683192007-11-18T19:10:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:03.641-05:00{NEW} Mommy Card designs<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R0DVKCXzGeI/AAAAAAAAAss/5qihnG5RHcc/s1600-h/bold+mommy+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R0DVKCXzGeI/AAAAAAAAAss/5qihnG5RHcc/s320/bold+mommy+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134337943614462434" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R0DVKSXzGfI/AAAAAAAAAs0/_9sfvGNdUqU/s1600-h/brown+mommy+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/R0DVKSXzGfI/AAAAAAAAAs0/_9sfvGNdUqU/s320/brown+mommy+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134337947909429746" border="0" /></a>Please visit <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx">our site</a> for more information.<br /></div>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-63857254876274779102007-11-16T12:32:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:03.791-05:00Parents.com Holiday gift guide<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Rz3UkiXzGbI/AAAAAAAAAsU/L-2unb7qZW0/s1600-h/parentssite2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Rz3UkiXzGbI/AAAAAAAAAsU/L-2unb7qZW0/s400/parentssite2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133492874439236018" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">click image for larger view</span><br /></div><br />Our Mommy Cards are featured in the Parents.com Holiday gift guide!<br /><br />Visit <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.parents.com/parents/slideshow/slideShow.jsp?slideid=/templatedata/parents/slideshow/data/1195068302881.xml&page=9">their site</a> to see who else made the list!Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-40730000232127487972007-11-15T12:41:00.000-05:002008-12-08T17:04:04.177-05:00Top 10 Most Daring Wedding GownsAny bride will tell you that a lot of thought and time goes into deciding on and selecting a wedding gown. Maybe it is because they are all the same color... No doubt, the gown makes a huge statement and impact when the bride first appears.<br /><br />What do you do if you want that statement to say "I am unique and daring"?<br /><br />MSN/The Knot recently posted the <a href="http://lifestyle.msn.com/specialguides/staticslideshowtkt.aspx?cp-documentid=5649607&imageindex=1"><span style="font-weight: bold;">top 10 Most Daring Wedding Gowns</span></a>. Take a peek and decide for yourself. Personally, I think that most have potential with some tweaking. But Image 6 is perfect just as it is!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Rz3XmyXzGcI/AAAAAAAAAsc/lo49w3QsaX0/s1600-h/wedding+gown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Rz3XmyXzGcI/AAAAAAAAAsc/lo49w3QsaX0/s320/wedding+gown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133496211628825026" border="0" /></a>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-70196219499972101452007-11-10T12:53:00.000-05:002007-11-16T12:56:43.048-05:00Top Mistakes that Brides Make<div id="reporting"><img id="ctag" alt="" src="http://c.msn.com/c.gif?di=5688&pi=7317&ps=10513&tp=http://lifestyle.msn.com/chan_printarticle.aspx&rf=http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/couplesandmarriage/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=4845421" height="1" width="1" /><div id="omni"><script type="text/javascript">var s_account='msnportallifestyle';</script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://stj.msn.com/br/om/js/s_code.js"></script><img src="http://msnportal.112.2o7.net/b/ss/msnportallifestyle/1/H.1-pdv-2/s92669505122878?%5BAQB%5D&ndh=1&t=16/10/2007%2011%3A53%3A25%205%20360&ce=UTF-8&ns=msnportal&pageName=Top%20Mistakes%20That%20Brides%20Make%7CArticle%7C4845421&g=http%3A//lifestyle.msn.com/chan_printarticle.aspx%3Fcp-documentid%3D4845421&r=http%3A//lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/couplesandmarriage/articletkt.aspx%3Fcp-documentid%3D4845421&cc=USD&ch=Womens%20Lifestyle%20-%20US&server=msn.com&c1=MSN%20Lifestyle&c2=en-us&c5=Article&c6=%20&c11=Print&c22=True&c23=24BB41C94F90A2C07E1BC275FFFFFFFF&c25=07%3A10%3A1971&c26=U&c29=http%3A//lifestyle.msn.com/chan_printarticle.aspx&pid=Top%20Mistakes%20That%20Brides%20Make%7CArticle%7C4845421&pidt=1&oid=javascript%3AprintThis%28%27http%3A//lifestyle.msn.com%27%2C%274845421%27%29%3B&ot=A&s=1024x768&c=32&j=1.3&v=Y&k=Y&bw=640&bh=480&p=Mozilla%20Default%20Plug-in%3BQuickTime%20Plug-in%206.3%3BAdobe%20Acrobat%3BShockwave%20Flash%3BMozilla%20ActiveX%20control%20and%20plugin%20support%3BShockwave%20for%20Director%3BRealArcade%20NS%20Plugin%3BRealJukebox%20NS%20Plugin%3BRealPlayer%28tm%29%20G2%20LiveConnect-Enabled%20Plug-In%20%2832-bit%29%20%3BRealPlayer%20Version%20Plugin%3BAOL%20Media%20Playback%20Plugin%3BRealArcade%20Mozilla%20Plugin%3BMicrosoft%20Office%202003%3BRealNetworks%20Rhapsody%20Player%20Engine%3BJava%20Plug-in%3BWindows%20Media%20Player%20Plug-in%20Dynamic%20Link%20Library%3BMicrosoft%u00AE%20DRM%3B&%5BAQE%5D" name="s_i_msnportallifestyle" alt="" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><script type="text/javascript">s.charSet='UTF-8';s.linkInternalFilters='javascript:,lifestyle.msn.com';s.pageName='Top Mistakes That Brides Make|Article|4845421';s.server='msn.com';s.prop1='MSN Lifestyle';s.prop2='en-us';s.channel='Womens Lifestyle - US';s.prop22='True';s.prop25='07:10:1971';s.prop26='U';s.prop5='Article';s.prop6=' ';s.prop11='Print';var s_code=s.t();if(s_code)document.write(s_code);</script><script type="text/javascript"><!--if(navigator.appVersion.indexOf('MSIE')>=0)document.write(unescape('%3C')+'\!-'+'-')//--></script><noscript style="font-weight: bold;"></noscript><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Top Mistakes That Brides Make</span> </span></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://stj.msn.com/br/om/js/lt/lt.js"></script></div><div id="wrapper" class="page5 region9"><div id="page"><div id="content"><div id="area1"><div class="parent chrome5 single1"><div class="child c1 first"><div class="article"><div class="abstract"><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite class="author">by Kate Wood</cite></span></div><div class="segment"><div class="detail"><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Brides are only human -- and they're bound to make mistakes. No biggie. But since we hear about some common blunders all the time, we figured why not give you the heads-up?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>1. Doing Anything...Before the Guest List</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>You're engaged! You're excited! You're ready to send out save-the-dates, book that reception hall, choose those flowers -- now! Well hang on a second, because we're afraid you're forgetting something. Who's coming to this affair, exactly?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>It's not the most fun part of planning (and we'll be honest, it's one of the most likely to lead to a fight or two or twelve), but you shouldn't make any wed-day decisions before you have your guest list somewhat firmly in place. Why, you ask? Well, do you want to have a nonrefundable deposit down on that cozy restaurant room that fits 75 when your mother-in-law's additions bump your list up over 200? Exactly. Once everyone's in agreement, then you can move forward. That said, this means that one of the parts of your wedding you can plan immediately (or at least talk over with your fiance) is what kind of atmosphere you'd like for your wedding. Do you want an intimate, close friends and family-only affair, or do you want to throw the event of the season for 300-plus people? Later, when you're in the guest-list trenches, this bit of planning will help back up your gut instinct about whether to say yes (or no) to guest-list additions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>2. Reading Aloud to Your Fiance...From Bridal Magazines</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>Look, we know it's not the Stone Age, and there are plenty of guys out there who want to see their wedding as an event that reflects their style too (or at least one that isn't dripping with pink froufrou). But there's likely to be a limit to your fiance's ability to cope with an infinite array of invitation choices.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>Here's how to defuse a potentially sticky situation (and a minefield of fights you don't want to have). Take a night off to go out to dinner and talk with him about all the different parts of the wedding, and try to get a concrete idea of his interest in the various details. Does it sound like flowers are flowers in his book? Okay, then you can more or less leave him out of that decision. And if he's cramming lettuce leaves in his ears to block sound, you definitely don't want to drag him into it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Moving forward, save his sanity (and yours) by designating one night a week as wedding-free. Talk about the weather, your friends, the dog -- whatever you want. He'll be psyched to see that the girl he fell in love with still lives there, and you'll appreciate the breather yourself. And who knows? Left to his own devices, your fiance just might surprise you with a great idea for your cocktail hour or the perfect solution to a guest-list dilemma.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>3. Freaking Out Because Someone Else Has Your Gown</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>These days, to-be-weds spend so much time personalizing their weddings and trying to find really unique big-day details that it does seem reasonable to freak if another couple chooses the same favors or flowers or food. Before you decide to arm-wrestle for it, let us suggest a different way of dealing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>If someone else "steals" one of your ideas, you'll probably hear a lot of "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" and "It will be at your wedding, not theirs, so it'll be totally different." Whether these statements are true or not (they are), they're probably not going to make you feel better -- but neither will stewing over it. Instead of worrying about someone else's wedding looking the same as yours, think about how you can make the copied detail different. If a friend chooses the same gown as you, add details to make yours unique: Accessorize with a brooch, add a sash, accent the train with some embroidery (you get the idea). Has someone else swiped your fun favor idea? Find a way you can package yours to set them apart. And if you're really that worried about copycats, here's a thought -- just keep mum. If you don't divulge every last big-day detail, you won't have to worry about your bride friends snatching them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>4. Realizing That Grape isn't Your Color...With Two Months to Go</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>When you started planning your wedding, you knew just what you wanted: pink bridesmaid dresses, peonies, and classic, engraved invites. Now that you've been hard at work for a few months, you know just what you want: jewel tones, orchids, and funky, bold invites. Too bad -- you're stuck with the wedding style you first chose ... or are you?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>You should feel free to rethink, redo, and revamp any element of your wedding that you want -- unless you've accepted a ring from it (just kidding). This doesn't have to mean yet another huge investment or reneging on a bunch of contracts -- you'll be surprised how easy it is to make simple additions or subtractions and change your whole style. Already ordered those pastel bridesmaid dresses? Think about adding a bold sash or accessorizing with chandelier earrings to liven them up a bit. Unsure about the color scheme you chose? Pay an extra visit to your florist and work out changes to your bouquets and centerpieces -- adding new blooms in all of your arrangements will introduce a new color throughout the room. Same thing if you've already ordered the linens -- spice them up with bright table runners or overlays. If you decide you really can't live with it, chances are you can go back on your first choice -- just remember that it will have a cost. A good rule of thumb is that if you've already signed a contract or seen a proof, you will have to pay extra for any changes or additions you make. But if it's still relatively early in your planning process, don't be afraid to make the change. Remember, you're getting married to your husband, not your centerpieces.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>5. Trying to Drop Two Sizes Before Your Final Fitting</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>You've found the gown of your dreams -- though it's not exactly a perfect fit on the real-life you. Your plan: Order the dress two sizes too small, and then do whatever it takes to make it fit. Or so you think.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>Making a commitment to eat right and exercise is great whether you're planning your wedding or trying to stave off the newlywed nine. On the other hand, crash-dieting and chaining yourself to the StairMaster is a course likely to end in disaster -- and a gown that doesn't fit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Instead of losing more sleep than weight, find a gown you love and order it in your current size. If you want to work on your body during your engagement, that's great -- go ahead, but be sure to make your goals are manageable (toning up but not dropping 20 pounds, for instance). You're more likely to stick with a routine that doesn't require superhuman willpower. And if you still find that you are freaking about your figure, just remember that you're about to get hitched to someone who can't get enough of the way you look (really, truly) right now.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">If you do drop some weight, this slow-and-steady approach will help you big time (and help you keep it off long-term). You'll want to lose those extra pounds before your second fitting -- any big changes after that, and though you might be lighter, your alterations bill will be pretty hefty. Your final fitting should be for last-minute tweaks, not a total overhaul.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>6. Doing it All Yourself</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>We love nothing better than seeing the clever projects that couples come up with to make their weddings unique. But even we have to draw the line somewhere. There's doing it yourself, and then there's overdoing it yourself. After all, there are plenty of benefits to DIY. You can be sure no one else has the exact same thing, you might keep your budget in check, and (before you actually sit down to hand-tie 200 tiny ribbons) you probably think that it will make a fun story.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>Rather than taking on too many projects, pick the one (or two) that you're really in love with and put your resources (both mental and monetary) into working on those. For the others, do a little research and try to find a ready-made version that makes you happy. With so many great prefab goodies out there, chances are you'll find one that fits your style -- and saves you a whole lot of time!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>7. Overloading Your Mom's Big Day To-do List</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>So you can't do it all yourself -- fine -- but you've got to have someone you trust double-checking with the caterer and the florist, steaming your veil, or making sure the limo company's got directions. Most brides turn to good ol' Mom (or their sister or their maid of honor) to make sure things go as planned on the big day. These folks are usually happy to help in any way they can -- but hey, didn't they come here to party too?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>No matter how worried you are, most wedding-day (and day-before) chores can be trusted to any competent adult, and aren't there a slew of them coming into town just for your wedding? Before you hand your mom or MOH a mega-task list, consider splitting jobs among a larger group of people -- friends, cousins, aunts. They'll be glad to lend a hand (and likely flattered that you asked), and it's a great way to include more people in your celebration. If you're worried about losing track, simply take the to-do list you already have and note who's who next to each task. Check in with each person at some point, then check off the chore from the list.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Another option: </b>Hire a professional wedding coordinator for the final weeks before the wedding. They're experts at making sure those last-minute details get done, and having the extra hands around will help you (and mom) decide what you really want to be in charge of and what you can happily hand off. It's more affordable than you might think -- and really, can you put a price tag on alleviating that kind of stress?</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>8. Crying Over Mismatched Linens</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>The place cards just came back from the printer, and the color of the ink is a little off from the print on your invites. Or the best man's boutonniere has a hint of baby's breath where you'd specified berries. Let's face it, even the most perfectly planned wedding is sure to hit a few bumps along the way.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>When you've worked so hard for so many months on your wedding-day details, it can be hard to deal when you find a flaw among them. The key is that when you spot one, you'll need to take a deep breath and think: "How important is this going to be to me in a year?" Not in 10 years, not even in five, but in one. Chances are, most mishaps that are causing you so much agita won't really matter to you once you're at your wedding (let alone after it). If it's a serious snarl, go ahead and deal with it. But if it's a minor mess-up, just move on. You can't give up all of your resources to every little crisis. Pick your battles wisely and they will be better fought.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>9. Blowing Your Budget</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>You came up with a number. You did some research. You revised the number. You started planning ... and now that number's not going to cut it. Budgeting for a wedding can be the stuff of nuptial nightmares -- but that doesn't mean you should elope.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>If you find you've underestimated some expenses, don't panic. Instead, sit down with your fiance and try to reach a constructive solution. Maybe you can give up an item or trade one for another (for example, dahlias over Black Magic roses saves about $4 per stem). If you're coming up short overall, you may have to take on some debt. To make it as minimal as possible, consider obtaining a low-interest loan or using a low-interest credit card. And to keep it from becoming a source of tension between the two of you, make a plan to deal with the debt and a deadline for paying it off so it won't hang over your heads.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>10. Saving Your Place Cards for the Morning Of</b><br /><b>The problem: </b>Right now, it might seem weird to have a basic sketch of your seating plan or all of your favors tagged and ready to go. But other than taking up a little extra space in your closet, they're not causing any harm -- and they will actually save you a ton of stress a month or two down the line. The closer the wedding gets, the busier you'll be, so making (and sticking to) your timeline is essential.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The solution: </b>Worried you're jumping ahead on the wedding planning timeline? Don't be. You're in the best possible situation. If you're set on saving tasks until the appointed time (rather than going ahead and doing a little of this or that when you've got the time), you may wind up with way too much to accomplish in the last month (or week) before the wedding. That's exactly the time when anything (and everything) can happen, when everyone will have demands on your time, and you'll -- well, you'll just want to take a hot bath and dream about your honeymoon. With check marks beside all your biggest to-dos, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your wedding -- and the days leading up to it. Make no mistake about it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://womencentral.theknot.com/rulesreg.html">© 2007 The Knot Inc. All rights reserved.</a></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://stj.msn.com/br/gbl/js/3/ieminwidth.js"></script>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-78301686635961474072007-10-27T18:24:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:04.806-05:00More Holiday Card Designs<span style="font-family:arial;">We've added new designs to our </span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://fruition-designs.com/holidaycards.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holiday Card collection</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Please note that all verses and greetings can be changed to fit your card and what you'd like to say to your friends and family.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RyPdur9vfvI/AAAAAAAAApc/wR_kGB6-y6c/s1600-h/holiday+swirl.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RyPdur9vfvI/AAAAAAAAApc/wR_kGB6-y6c/s320/holiday+swirl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126184595023167218" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RyO7TL9vfsI/AAAAAAAAApE/qEJJWNAqus0/s1600-h/blue+green+christmas.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RyO7TL9vfsI/AAAAAAAAApE/qEJJWNAqus0/s320/blue+green+christmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126146739181420226" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RyO7Tb9vfuI/AAAAAAAAApU/oXKuZ2XtS0A/s1600-h/pink+and+white.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RyO7Tb9vfuI/AAAAAAAAApU/oXKuZ2XtS0A/s320/pink+and+white.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126146743476387554" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RyO7TL9vftI/AAAAAAAAApM/18rxJUYEgZc/s1600-h/presents.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RyO7TL9vftI/AAAAAAAAApM/18rxJUYEgZc/s320/presents.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126146739181420242" border="0" /></a></div>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-87227010995451450252007-10-19T10:46:00.000-04:002007-11-19T10:52:01.950-05:00Gift CertificatesWanting to buy the perfect gift? Give them a gift certificate and let them choose!<br /><br />These are perfect gifts for showers - brides may redeem them towards their invitations, or any other stationary item. Mothers-to-be can redeem them to order their announcement and Mommy Cards.<br /><br />A perfect gift!<br /><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><input name="shopping_url" value="http://fruition-designs.com" type="hidden"><br /><input src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_gift_LG.gif" name="submit" alt="Make payments with PayPal - it's fast, free and secure!" border="0" type="image"><br /><img alt="" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /></form>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-90102609552024034642007-09-26T13:05:00.001-04:002008-12-08T17:04:05.763-05:00Holiday Card previewA preview of some of our designs.<br /><br />Please <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">visit our site</span></a> for <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/holidaycards.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">pricing, sizing and ordering details</span></a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Rvx_XbNA9II/AAAAAAAAAkM/VxF1Q1bIgyc/s1600-h/dots+christmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Rvx_XbNA9II/AAAAAAAAAkM/VxF1Q1bIgyc/s400/dots+christmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115103317202105474" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvqRlLNA9FI/AAAAAAAAAj0/69a2MHeZOsw/s1600-h/CHRISTMAS+CARD+-+HOLY+STAR.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvqRlLNA9FI/AAAAAAAAAj0/69a2MHeZOsw/s400/CHRISTMAS+CARD+-+HOLY+STAR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114560394681185362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvqRr7NA9GI/AAAAAAAAAj8/02FkWqgZGMs/s1600-h/green+dots.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvqRr7NA9GI/AAAAAAAAAj8/02FkWqgZGMs/s400/green+dots.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114560510645302370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvqRebNA9EI/AAAAAAAAAjs/hn9PwxV59UI/s1600-h/CHRISTMAS+CARD+-+STRIPES.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvqRebNA9EI/AAAAAAAAAjs/hn9PwxV59UI/s400/CHRISTMAS+CARD+-+STRIPES.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114560278717068354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvqR3LNA9HI/AAAAAAAAAkE/L7D-zfmSMoo/s1600-h/brown+flakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvqR3LNA9HI/AAAAAAAAAkE/L7D-zfmSMoo/s400/brown+flakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114560703918830706" border="0" /></a>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-44690777029297116262007-09-23T18:40:00.001-04:002008-12-08T17:04:05.857-05:00Holiday Cards are coming!We will have our holiday cards posted within the next week.<br /><br />Be sure to order early to beat the holiday rush!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvbrvrNA9CI/AAAAAAAAAjc/RaJqzb4qaYI/s1600-h/brown+flakes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RvbrvrNA9CI/AAAAAAAAAjc/RaJqzb4qaYI/s400/brown+flakes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5113533631209468962" border="0" /></a>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-77945009111365690792007-09-11T20:22:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:06.007-05:00*Reminder*<span style="font-family: arial;">I just wanted to remind everyone that I have resumed taking orders.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">We are all settled in and doing well.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Declan, 2 weeks:</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RucxzpSjv2I/AAAAAAAAAiE/11USxFRR5v8/s1600-h/IMAG0057.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RucxzpSjv2I/AAAAAAAAAiE/11USxFRR5v8/s320/IMAG0057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109107065601900386" border="0" /></a>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-4259143670036589522007-09-03T10:36:00.001-04:002008-12-08T17:04:06.517-05:00With much joy we announce:<span style="font-family: arial;">Declan Yeshua __________ arrived Tuesday, August 28th at 12:49 pm.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Here are some tidbits:</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">We are home and we are all doing well.<br />THANK YOU all for all of your prayers and well wishes!<br />The kids ADORE their new brother, especially Seamus... so many cute stories about his interaction with his new baby brother.<br /><br />Some details:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">~ His name is Declan Yeshua ___________ . Declan means "man of prayer" and Yeshua is the Hebrew form of Joshua/Jesus and means "the Lord saves". The Lord has truly been with us and blessed us and carried us through the past couple of years (and, really, all of the years of our lives) that we thought it fitting for his name to signify that our children are really His.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">~ The only reason I went to the hospital when I did was because I had some bloody show; I wasn't having regular contractions (though they would appear regular a couple of times through the night). But it was good that I did because the contractions kicked in quickly and his heart rate kept dropping down to 60 BPM with every contraction; he was having some major "decels". If I hadn't already been at the hospital when that was happening it could have quickly become a dangerous situation. They gave me medicine to stop the contractions and the (AWESOME!) nurse worked to manually get rid of the little bit of my cervix that was left, got the doctor in the room, pushed once, he came out with the cord wrapped 2xs (!) around his neck. One more push and a vacuum suction and he was out. I still wasn't completely dilated, but they had to get him out.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">~ He weighs a tiny 5 lbs and 11 oz. And is 19" long. By the time we left the hospital, he was 5 lbs and 5 oz. His diaper is the size of my palm. But his size is a blessing, because if he had been larger, the cord would have wrapped even more tightly around his neck.<br /><br />Really, the Lord's timing is so amazing. He was just under 3 weeks early, but I had prayed for a clear sign that it was time to go to the hospital. He gave that sign to me and my baby was safe from a potentially dangerous situation. Praise God!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RteJjZSjvmI/AAAAAAAAAgE/ALlAIXuuPUs/s1600-h/declan+lips.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RteJjZSjvmI/AAAAAAAAAgE/ALlAIXuuPUs/s320/declan+lips.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104699943824899682" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RteJjJSjvlI/AAAAAAAAAf8/P8TMNMS63DI/s1600-h/declan1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RteJjJSjvlI/AAAAAAAAAf8/P8TMNMS63DI/s320/declan1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5104699939529932370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">(his one-eye-peek)<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">*For anyone who has placed an order in the past week, I will have proofs to you within the next day*</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div></div>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-91850294876618929282007-08-08T00:57:00.001-04:002007-08-16T09:11:28.362-04:00Maternity Break<span style="font-family:arial;">**Please note that we are awaiting the arrival of our 4th child.**</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Therefore, I will not be taking orders from <span style="font-style: italic;">August 28th through September 7th</span>.<br /><br />Feel free to place your order anyway, but just please be aware and understand that I will not be replying during that time.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:arial;" >This will not affect orders placed before that date.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />(Let's face it, I'll be on the computer anyway, and by the 4th child, I am used to typing with a babe in my arms!)<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-91409797533395006742007-07-20T10:54:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:06.541-05:00Mommy Card giveaway<span style="font-family: arial;" >If you'd like a chance to win a set of <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">my Fruition Designs</span></a> <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://fruition-designs.com/mommycards.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Mommy Cards</span></a> (set of 50 one-sided), please head over to <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bostonmamas.com/2007/07/birthday_contest_fruition_desi.html">Boston Mamas</a> for your chance. They are having their <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://www.bostonmamas.com/birthday_one.html"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">first birthday party</span></a> and giving away some great things through August.<br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RqDMGANdXeI/AAAAAAAAAaE/OOsfWbhVOGY/s1600-h/50s+flower+mommy+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RqDMGANdXeI/AAAAAAAAAaE/OOsfWbhVOGY/s400/50s+flower+mommy+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089291982436392418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;" >All you need to do to enter, is email them your favorite Mommy Card design by midnight tonight (Friday, July 20th).<br /><br />If you enter, leave a comment for me in my comments. I plan on having a giveaway in the weeks to come, so keep your eyes open for that as well.</span>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-64908349930758554332007-07-07T11:44:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:06.710-05:00<span style="font-family:arial;">Are you planning a wedding using Robin's egg blue/muted shades of blue and brown? This is the perfect invite for the occasion.</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Remember, we can always change the colors to match yours.<br /><br /></span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Ro-1XcCd0_I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/ZBH4oMUZoGE/s1600-h/tree+of+love+invite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Ro-1XcCd0_I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/ZBH4oMUZoGE/s400/tree+of+love+invite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084481918592734194" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Ro-1J8Cd0-I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/xlZ16Q6EZ1Y/s1600-h/tree+of+love+invite.jpg"><br /></a>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-48225578748967814932007-06-22T03:00:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:06.876-05:00Apologies *BUT LOOK* new birth announcements!<span style="font-family: arial;" >The Mommy Card bonanza came to temporary screeching halt, several weeks back.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;" >I had a ton of <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://fruition-designs.com/mommycards.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mommy </span></a></span><span style="font-family: arial;" ><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://fruition-designs.com/mommycards.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Card</span></a> orders come through - so, obviously, that took priority. You'll notice when you work with us that our customer care is top notch.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;" >I will resume posting new Mommy Card designs in the weeks to come.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;" ><br /><br />But in the meantime, take a look at some of <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://fruition-designs.com/swaddledbaby.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">our new Baby Announcements</span></a> that we've added.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;" ><br /><br />Here is a peek:</span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Rnt0ra3e6gI/AAAAAAAAAZU/BUQHefX-BlA/s1600-h/melina+announcement.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/Rnt0ra3e6gI/AAAAAAAAAZU/BUQHefX-BlA/s320/melina+announcement.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5078781294085597698" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;" >View the rest on <a href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">o</span></a></span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ur sit</span></a><span style="font-family: arial;" ><a href="http://fruition-designs.com/default.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">e</span></a>.</span>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-9510600854568536462007-05-16T23:50:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:07.005-05:00::Mommy Card Bonanza - Week 3::<a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RkvRLhEv-KI/AAAAAAAAAWM/bT9OFwcUfIQ/s1600-h/groovy+dots+mommy+card.jpg"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">As promised:</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RkvRLhEv-KI/AAAAAAAAAWM/bT9OFwcUfIQ/s1600-h/groovy+dots+mommy+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RkvRLhEv-KI/AAAAAAAAAWM/bT9OFwcUfIQ/s400/groovy+dots+mommy+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065372201695312034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I love this design! Perhaps, my new favorite...<br /><br />Visit <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://fruition-designs.com/mommycards.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">here</span></a> for ordering information.<br /></span>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-80511223900019206592007-05-11T00:38:00.000-04:002007-07-27T16:42:56.243-04:00Mommy Card giveaway and review<span style="font-family: arial;font-family:arial;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://fruition-designs.com/mommycards.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mommy Cards</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> are on the </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/1477/mothers-day-giveaway/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mother's Day giveaway</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> at </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5 Minutes for Mom</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. (This is open to US residents only- sorry Canada). To enter, just go over and visit them and leave a comment on </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/1535/fruition-designs-mommy-cards-contest/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">this post</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. That automatically enters you into the drawing.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you don't win, take heart - please be advised, that the cards were just </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://www.mommieswithstyle.com/mtblog/2007/05/card_shark_mommy_cards_by_frui.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">given an AWESOME review and write up</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> by </span><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://www.mommieswithstyle.com/mtblog/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mommies with Style</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Through June 30</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> you can receive a 15% discount and free shipping (free shipping for US residents only...)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">Remember:</span> these cards make wonderful gifts too... so even if you don't have young children, they'd be perfect for a new or expecting mother.</span><br /></span>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26341012.post-15215218247523639322007-05-08T17:02:00.000-04:002008-12-08T17:04:07.119-05:00Mommy Card Bonanza - Week 2<span style="font-family:arial;">Here is the new design for week 2:</span><br /><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RkDlzzEtuFI/AAAAAAAAAWE/S42XO1gsPDQ/s1600-h/50s+flower+mommy+card.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UCS-NeW1tkI/RkDlzzEtuFI/AAAAAAAAAWE/S42XO1gsPDQ/s400/50s+flower+mommy+card.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062298659210508370" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">For ordering information, go <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://fruition-designs.com/mommycards.aspx">here</a>.</span>Karla Porter Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12852059935122763051noreply@blogger.com1