9 Years and Counting

Happy 9th Wedding Anniversary Honey!

To my darling wonderful husband who has more than been there for me. Thank you for loving my Dad like your own and for being such a wonderful "son-in-law". For being beside me and my Dad and Mom over the past year. For all the trips to Kingston, for stepping up to the plate, for all the visits to the DR's and lunches at MacDonald's with my Dad. 

For the numerous hours at the hospital as my father cancer took over, and for being with us in those last moments when we needed your strength. My Dad truly loved you like a son, and knew that he could count on you took look after me.

I love you for the man you are today, loving, funny, and someone who I can count on in my darkest moments and when the sky opens up and the sun shines.

You are truly one-of-a-kind. I love you more each day we are together. 

Dad walking me down the isle.

Thinking you today

Today would have been my parents 54th Wedding Anniversary. With the passing of my father two weeks ago it is still so tender, thinking of him not with us breaks my heart. But I can't imagine how it is for my Mom. For 53 years she has had Dad at her side, with her on this special occasion. Mom will be coming to dinner to our house today, so she isn't alone and we will celebrate even though Dad is not with us in person he is in our hearts.

Happy 54th Wedding Anniversary Mom and Dad!

LAUNCH OF UNIQUELY YOU NEWSLETTER

LAUNCH OF UNIQUELYYOU NEWSLETTER FOR  TODAY'S UNIQUE BRIDE With the launch of my new website www.studiononoeight.com and uniquelyyou Newsletter for the DIY Bride things have been very busy here at the studio.

My focus over the next 6 months will be DIY weddings, from monthly wedding invitation designs to what's new in the industry. I will be exploring local vendors from photographers, wedding planners to DJ's and of course food. Join me as we discover together the wonderful things offered locally and by DOING IT YOURSELF (DIY).


Get your FREE subscription to UNIQUELYYOU NEWSLETTER just send us an e-mail uniquelyyou@studionoeight.com

COMING JULY 8 DIY WORKSHOP JOIN US Come craft with owner, Jo-Ann Pullen while she highlights some of her favorite techniques and ideas, perfect for use in weddings. We will be demonstrating: wedding invitation package thank you cards favours. wedding decorations made of paper cake toppers seating plan lights mason jar, paper bags, etc. unique wedding programs  WHEN:  Sunday July 8, 2012 TIME:    1 - 3:30 P.M.  WHERE: TBA, Carleton Place, ON K7C 4P3 COST:    FREE LAST DAY TO REGISTER: Friday June 29, 2012 Light snack, tea, coffee and water will be provided. Receive a WELCOME bag of goodies and a chance to win one of my workshops for FREE!  Register today! Limited seating! Hope to see you there. Click Here to Register

OUR FEATURED WEDDING STATIONARY Red Elegance Today we are featuring a hybrid design that was done using Stampin' Up's My Digital Studio. I love the retro look of this invitation, so clean and crisp. The invitation is a ticket style with matching belly band and pocket.  Coming next month Digital e-book 4 different Hybrid designs. News about my 2 day workshop coming this fall.  Stamp Set: Spiced Paisley - Boarder Digital and Artistic Etchings Digital Digital Punches: Top Note Shape Card Stock: Cherry Cobbler Basic Grey, and Whisper White Digital Ink: Basic Grey and Cherry Cobbler Accessories: Basic Grey 5/8" Satin Ribbon, Jewels Basic Rhinestones Fonts: CG Omega RGB Colours: Basic Grey R: 118 G: 124 B: 124 Cherry Cobbler R: 165 G: 30 B: 44 Envelopes Invitation: No. 10 4 1/8" x 9 1/2" RSVP Card: A-2 4 3/8" x 5 3/4" Save-the-Date: A-2 4 3/8" x 5 3/4" Tools: Computer, MyDigitalStudio (MDS) Software, Cutter, Crop-a-Dial, and Scissors Supplies: Glue Dots, Snail tape, or similar HYBRID WEDDING What is Hybrid Wedding Stationary? Hybrid wedding stationary combines the tools and techniques of both digital and traditional (paper) wedding stationary. Hybrid Wedding Stationary allows the most creative freedom because it is not limited to just one source of materials. It involves the same elements as paper and digital design, but any aspect of the wedding stationary can be generated digitally or by physical application. How is Hybrid Wedding Stationary Accomplished? Once the basics of paper and digital scrapbooking are grasped, and providing you have access to the right tools (paper supplies, computer, digital software and printer), you can use pretty much any combination of tools and techniques together to design your ideal wedding stationary. The only "rule" is that some aspects of the page were created on the computer, and others weren't! What Supplies are Needed to Get Started in Hybrid Wedding Stationary? Because hybrid wedding stationary utilizes the most resources, it also requires the most tools. The basic supplies for the digital aspect of hybrid wedding stationary are a computer and a printer (although you might use printing services rather than printing at home). The basic supplies for the paper portion are, of course, paper, digital software and of course digital stamp set(s), and fonts. Finally, add embellishment(s), such as ribbons, bling or pearls. NOTE: Red Elegance Wedding Stationary feature in this newsletter was created digitally using Stampin' Ups My Digital Studio.    Favours that will Make You Smile Wedding favors are little gifts and the perfect way for the bride and groom to express their thanks to guests for participating in their wedding. Wedding favors are not required and are often replaced with Thank You notes, pictures of the happy couple, or a donation to a charitable organization.    How to Choose Your Wedding Favors    Wedding favors can be anything, so be creative and express yourselves. The best wedding favors are memorable and have a personal touch, that reflects you as a couple. Wedding favors can be used as part of your table-setting decorations, by placing on each place setting or in front of each guest. Using your wedding theme as a launch to the type of favour you purchase can also help.    Athletic Theme    Bells are Ringing for Two If you and your groom are avid cyclist why not order bike bells with your monogram on it.      (source: http://www.weddingchicks.com/2011/10/04/bicycle-wedding-theme/)    Crazy Golfers Personalized Golf Towel This is a great wedding favour, customize with your monogram, and wedding date. I have done one for hockey theme "Woo Who Towel" which was using to bring on the wedding party and bride and groom. Miniature Backpack  For Outdoor Enthusiasts   The Garden Wedding    Plant a Tree in Our Honour  For a garden party style wedding you can give miniature trees that can be planted in your honour. http://www.treebeginnings.ca/tree-seedlings-ina-box-wedding-favors.html   You Light Up Our Lives Getting married as the sun goes down then sparklers are the best way to help celebrate, and who doesn't like a little sparkle.       Why not light up the night with some sparkles with these made to match sparkle kit with match box. (source: http://studionoeight.com/Red-Elegance.html ) Bird Seed Love isn't just for the birds why not give each guest some bird seed so they can feed the birds. Keeping Your Cool Fans for keeping you cool and your guests.    Mini Honey Pot Favours Adorable and sweet, you could even make your own.   Delicious Honey made by Staud since 1845. Naturally blossomed goodness for a treat your guests will love. (source: http://www.treebeginnings.ca/gourmet-honey-favors-imported.html) For a Winter Wedding    Mistletoe Love Spread the love with mistletoe, give your guest a little bundle of mistletoe so they to can celebrate the love.    Candied Snowflakes How about candied snowflakes, that site on top of their napkin with a thank you tag.    Winter Snow Globe Place Card Holder   Add an extra touch of nostalgic childhood fun and whimsy to your winter wedding using snow globe favors and place card holders. Shake them and gentle flakes of snow drift sweetly across a delightful image of man and wife snowpersons.     Snow globes winter wedding favors (source: http://www.creativeweddingfavors.com/) Sweet Couple   Do you love cappuccino? While here then, is the favor for you. An authentic miniature cup has been filled to perfection with a mocha- scented candle topped with the mandatory froth and chocolate drizzle.      Edible Favors Edible Favors which include cookies, mini cakes, cake pops, candies or chocolates.    Practical Favors practical favors like bookmarks, bottle stoppers or coffee cups.    Fun Favours    "Love is in the Air" Gliders Each glider wedding favor comes in a fun envelope that can be personalized with three different sticker options (stickers additional). Perfect favor for the adventurous couple or destination weddings.      Quirky Favours wedding favors   (source: www.weddingstar.com/product/love-is-in-the-air-gliders) Personalized Plantable Magic Bean Favours   "Love" magic beans. These are wonderful as garden or eco-friendly wedding favors. Each bean is laser engraved with your wording. When your guests plant them they will grow with your message intact.  Inscribe the word "Love" on them, and present them in a minimature terra cotta pot. Wrap ribbon around the pot for a picture perfect presentation.    Quirky Favours wedding favors   (source:  http://www.littlethingsfavors.com/peplmabefa.html ) Decorative Favors Decorative Favors, there are photo frames, ornaments, candles or vases.    Go Green Go Green, you can try the Eco-Friendly Favors that are made from recycled materials.    Make sure to budget your wedding . No matter what your budget is, you can always find wedding favors that can match your wedding theme. Just try to search for your wedding favors ahead of time and you will be surprised to know that wedding favors today can be as low as $ 0.99, but has high as $5.00 or more, so look around. Happy favor Hunting! The Countdown Is On! Just engaged? Starting to envision your wedding? Wondering about all the things you'll need to do and when? This month-by-month snapshot of all your wedding to-dos will steer you in the right direction. 12+ months before  Envision your wedding and draw up a budget.   Assemble your "planning team." Consider hiring a wedding consultant.   Pick a wedding date and time. Select several options, then check with your venues, officiant, and important guests before finalizing.   Start planning the guest list.   Look for and book ceremony sites and reception sites.   Ask friends and relatives to be in the wedding party.   Optional: Have an engagement party. You may want to register beforehand for gifts. 8-10 months before Bride: Think about, shop for, and order your gown.   Envision reception food.   Decide what type of entertainment you want. A pianist for the cocktail hour, strolling violinists, a DJ, or band?   Think about your floral decor.   Research and book your wedding professionals. Interview vendors: photographer, videographer, reception band or DJ, florist.   Research a wedding insurance policy to protect your deposits.   Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.   Register for gifts.   Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables, and tent.  6-8 months before Book ceremony musicians.   Order bridesmaid dresses.   Start planning honeymoon.   Send save-the-date cards. This is a particularly good idea if you're marrying during a tourist or holiday season or having a destination wedding. 4-6 months before Attend prewedding counseling, if required.   Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings.   Shop for formalwear.   Renew or get passports, if necessary.   Envision your wedding cake and research, interview, and book a cake designer. 3 months before Order wedding cake.   Hire a calligrapher, if you want your invitations professionally addressed.   Attend your shower. (It may be earlier, depending on when hosts decide to have it.)   Groom: Rent the men's formalwear.   Hire wedding-day transport: limousines, other cars. Look into transportation sooner if you're considering renting streetcars or over-the-top travel.  2 months before Mail your invitations.   Write your vows.   Purchase gifts for parents, attendants, and each other.   Book your stylist and try out big-day hairstyles.   Book a makeup artist and go for a trial run. 1 month before Apply for a marriage license. Check with the local bureau in the town where you'll wed.   Bride: Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.   Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding.   Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.   Create a wedding program to hand out to guests.   Order and plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests. 2 weeks before Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response.   Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer. Include who should be in formal portraits and determine when portraits will be taken.   Deliver final song list to your DJ or bandleader. Include special song requests and songs you don't want played.   Bride: Get your last prewedding haircut and color. 1 week before Give reception site/caterer final guest head count. Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal. Ask how many extra plates the caterer will prepare.   Supply location manager with a list of vendor requests such as a table for DJ or setup space needed by florist.   Plan reception seating chart.    Print place and table cards, or finalize list with the calligrapher you have hired to do so.   Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements.   Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers.   Groom: Get your hair trimmed.   Attend bachelor/ette parties.  2-3 days before Bride: If you need to, have your gown pressed or steamed.   Groom: Go for final fitting and pick up your formalwear.    Groom: Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits.   Determine wedding-party positions during ceremony and the order of the party in the processional and recessional.   Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, disposable cameras, favors, and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager.   Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions.   Call the limousine- or car-rental company for pickup times and locations.   Arrange for guests without cars to be picked up from the airport or train station. Ask friends, attendants, or relatives to help.   Deliver welcome baskets to the hotel concierge; make sure to include names and delivery instructions. Day before Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding.   Write checks and/or talk to wedding hosts (usually your parents, if not you) about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception. Night before Rehearse ceremony. Meet with wedding party, ceremony readers, immediate family, and your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details.   Bring unity candle, aisle runner, yarmulkes, or other ceremony accessories to the site.    Give your marriage license to your officiant.   Attend rehearsal dinner.   Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner. You'll want to do this especially if the gifts are accessories to be worn during the wedding. Day of wedding Present parents and each other with gifts.   Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony.   Give best man the officiant's fee envelope, to be handed off after the ceremony.   Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception.   Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer's contact so he knows who is who. Postwedding Prearrange for someone to return any rentals.   Preplan for attendants to take the bride's gown for cleaning and return the groom's tux to the rental shop.   Write and send thank-you notes to gift-bearing guests and vendors who were especially helpful. Keep track of what you have done with your own Count Down Form simple down load the PDF and print.  You Count Down Form PDF Company Highlights  All our invitations are completely customized for your day. We don't order from a book, so each wedding package is uniquely yours. Take advantage of a FREE 1 hour consultation. All our sample designs can done in a variety of colours. We offer more than just invitations including many other ideas that can be used at your wedding. Now offering DIY classes that can be custom designed for you and your wedding party. We are a design studio specializing in wedding planning Sincerely, Jo-Ann Pullen Owner and Designer uniquely you. from studionoeight

Walter "Wally" Pullen

October 27, 1933 to May 13, 2012

I am sadden to say that after 2 year battle with brain cancer my 

adorable loving father has passed away.

Our favourite photo of  Dad on Our Wedding Day June 7 2003
which just happens to also be their wedding day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sent cards to my Dad over the past few months. He cherished getting everyone of them and loved to figure out where they came from. I never really told him who how people knew I wanted it to be our secret. 

To the Jeff Gordon Children's Foundation for sending my Dad the best gift ever even though he is not a kid, not only did you bring a smile to my Dad's face but he was ever so proud to show of his personal letter, hat and car. He was like a little kid again. They will passed to his grandson who will honoured to have them.

To all of my friends who have shown me nothing but support, comfort and love over the past 5 months and years, I truly am blessed and so spoiled by your love. 

To everyone who sent gifts, from home baked goods sent express mail, to gift certificates for his favourite food "BIG MAC's". To the milkshakes and desserts he so loved, you showed so much love to a man that never asked for anything and he felt your love.

For those who are in town and wish to stop by here are the times for the wake and funeral:

WAKE
Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Blair and Son Funeral Home,
112 Beckwith St. N., Smiths Falls Ontario

FUNERAL SERVICEFriday May 18, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
First Baptist Church 
Smiths Falls, Ontario

I will Never say Goodbye

I will never say goodbye to you Dad 

cause I know this is not the end for us to see each other.

You will only be going to a place where there’s no pain nor suffering.

I am happy for you, for you will be with God.

For now we need to go in separate ways.

I remember how your arms hold me and give me comfort and love.

You were always there to listen, love, and laugh.

You were my very best friend. 

In my triumphs I could feel you were always proud.

I’m very grateful and so proud to call you my dad.

Here deep inside my heart you’ll always be the greatest.

I would give up everything I have just to hug you one more time.

I remember the last time I held you’re hand and how strong you held mine.

If only I could turn back the time I would have never let you go. And that would be selfish.

I felt the world stops and my heart stop beating when they told me you’re gone…….

How I wish I was only dreaming.

Just like the rain; tears fell down from my eyes, I couldn’t speak for a while. 

Thank you Dad…. 

For always understanding, listening , caring, and loving me for the rest of your life.

The greatest gift God gave me was YOU…….. my Dad…

It’s difficult to let you go but I must…

I must return the gift God gave me…

Till then;

See you in Heaven………

I love you and you will always be in my heart.

Join me this weekend!

Join me this weekend at the 1ST ANNUAL SPRING HOME & FASHION SHOW APRIL 13-15.

I will be displaying my wedding invitation designs and talking about how branding your small business is important. Fill out a ballot and you could win one of two draws for a Wedding Monogram design value $350.00 or Update your Logo Design value $350-500. And while your here check out the other local business in our community and support small business in our community.

The Town of Carleton Place is holding it’s first Home Show at the Carleton Place Arena. Mark your calendars. The event takes place from Friday, April 13-15, 2012. On Friday, the Home Show is open from 6pm until 9pm. There will be an opening ceremony at 7pm as well as entertainment from Wade Foster in the Upper Hall.

On Saturday, the exhibition will be open from 9am until 6pm. There will be a cooking demonstration, a fashion show as well as live entertainment from the Bowes Brothers in the Upper Hall. On Sunday, you can expect to see a cooking demonstration, log cutting demo and entertainment again by Bowes Brothers in the Upper Hall and more.

For a more complete listing and to see the exact times for these events, visit www.carletonplace.ca for more details. Admission is $3.00 and children under 12 are free.

Last day to sign-up Digital Class

DIGITAL WORKSHOP

Tomorrow is the last day to sign-up for this Class make sure you don't miss out! 

Questions e-mail workshop info.

This workshop will also be available as a PDF download, with MDS files and video, look for the complete kit coming and of March. 

Join me for my all day instructional digital workshop and create Wedding Invitations using My Digital Studio (MDS) and Stampin’ Up products. For this workshop you will be required to bring your own laptop and your own copy of My Digital Studio, purchase required brushes, digital paper*.

In this workshop you will learn how to set-up each part of a wedding invitation including all the piece that can go with it. Together we will work on the first two designs, print and assemble leaving the last two for you to do on your own with my guidance. Everything will be pre-cut except for what you create in the workshop. For this you will require a memory stick or memory card.

Each Wedding Design includes:

Wedding invitation, reply card, map / driving instructions, other events plus save-the-date, wedding program, favor, dinner menu, thank you card, place card and table number. Each kit will be pre-cut with instructions ready to assemble.

WHEN:  Sunday March 18, 2012

TIME:  10 A.M. - 5 P.M.

  

WHERE:  studionoeight 

           144 Patterson Cres.

           Carleton Place, Ontario   

            K7C 4P3

                       613-818-6962      

There will be one hour break where you can enjoy catered lunch or bring your own, or just relax!

Muffins, tea, coffee and water will be provided.

Cost: $95.00 CAN (brown bag it)              

Cost: $105.00 CAN (with lunch}

Register today! Limited seating!

FINAL DIGITAL LIST REQUIREMENTS WILL BE SENT OUT 1 WEEK PRIOR TO WORKSHOP

NOTE: To attend this workshop you must have a basic understanding of My Digital Studio. This is not a workshop on how to use the software but to take it to the next level and create beautiful one-of-a -kind wedding invitations.

*You must purchase you own version of software and digital brushes, paper for this workshop. This will not be part of the your package. 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER