January 2013 Goals

I'm back on the blogging train & two months behind on content. Bare with me as I play catch up. 

I decided to change the way I set goals this year to make my goals more measurable and to challenge myself on a continual basis. I will set three goals every month: a fitness goal, a creative goal, and a personal goal. I haven’t made any “rules” around this format, which means goals may re-appear from month to month or change throughout the month. The important part for me is that I remain both inspired and challenged.

January.

My fitness goal was to run a mile a day for the month: completed successfully (more on that, later).

My creative goal was to start and keep up with Project Life: completed & ongoing (definitely more on this, later).

My personal goal was to purge the stuff I/ we no longer need: in progress.

My fitness and creative goals are getting their own posts, so I thought I’d talk a little about January's personal goal.

Since I can remember I’ve been a pack rat hoarder collector. Throughout my life I have amassed a collection of stamps, rocks, books, magazines, clothes, DVD’s…  the list goes on. I have a hard time parting with things. I get it from my dad (who just so happens to have an amazing matchbook collection).

Simply put: I have a lot of stuff.

At this point in our lives, Ben and I live in a five-bedroom home. This means I have a lot of space to store my stuff: a scary reality. I labeled this goal “in progress” as I feel I have a ways to go. We’ve donated several large pieces of furniture; however, my hoody and shoe collections require an overhaul and are next on the chopping block. I'm inspired for a thorough spring-cleaning.

My question for you: do you “collect” stuff or am I alone in my hoarder-like tendencies? Anyone? Bueller? 

stamp happy {3}

I love using stamps, especially unexpectedly (the recipients of our wedding invitations can attest to this); therefore, I'm always on the hunt for new, clever/ funny/ awesome stamps to add to my collection. Ann Marie Loves Paper is right up my alley.

My favourites: noted (I say this several times a day), this is how we do it (for obvious reasons), and love it (which I say upwards of 100 times a day). There are many other gems in her shop, as well. See: here + here.

... and if you STILL haven't had enough, there's more stamp inspiration can be found in stamp happy instalments one and two.


Images courtesy of Anne-Marie Morris (etsy shop).

Name Conversation-Starter Game

Over the last couple of weeks, my life has revolved around weddings - even more than usual. When I'm not dreaming about my clients' wedding (Justin & Marlyse are getting hitched next Saturday - July 14, 2012) I'm dreaming about my own. The latest series of panic attacks have centered on the dreaded seating chart. Who do I pair with whom? What is the perfect recipe for conversation chemistry and all around good times? These rhetorical questions continue well into the wee hours of the morning...

Fortunately I have nothing to worry about: none of our guests have issues being social. That being said, when I found the templates for Martha's Name Conversation-Starter Game, I was an instant fan. Team Martha has created the perfect, non-awkward, icebreaker for tables with assigned seating. {Visit Martha Stewart Weddings for the details & templates}.

Even though we aren't having assigned seating, I am going to attempt to fit this project onto my to do list (it must be noted that did in fact laugh out loud as I typed that). Nonetheless, I think these fact sheets would spark some awesome conversations. After all, we're friends with some pretty fantastic people.

(Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings).

girl effect.

Just when I thought Kal couldn't get any more awesome she's gone and done it: her art shop is currently stocked with these girl power bracelets. The bracelets - designed by Winnipeg based jewelry designer Hilary Druxman - have been created in support of girleffect.org who put it best: The math is simple: Girls + Girl Champions = Something Way Bigger Than All Of Us. Now that's a movement I can stand behind. 

Pop on over to Kal's corner of the internet to have a look (after all, these pretties would make a great gift). More information about Girl Effect can be found here.

Oh, and while you're there: make sure you check out these rad key tags (link with love, y'all).



(Photographs courtesy of Kal Barteski).

String Art

If you follow me on Instagram (username: cstarevents), you may have noticed a hint I dropped about an upcoming string art wedding project. My lovely friend & kindred spirit Jennifer created a beautiful l-o-v-e sign for me and gave me all of the tricks she learned while creating it. As it turns out, Martha shares our affinity for board, nail, and string. I think this is a darling way to display escort cards for a smaller wedding, don't you?

Visit Martha Stewart Weddings for the how to and list of materials.



(Images courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings).

It's Always Something, Gilda Radner

This book left me with so much more than its (thrifted) $1.99 price tag may suggest.

I was introduced to Gilda Radner's work at a young age and immediately admired the cast of characters she introduced to SNL as an inaugural cast member (if you're not already familiar with these clips do yourself a favour and find them).

Gilda's story - told in her own, honest, words - is heartbreaking but altogether inspiring. I found myself savouring each chapter. On one hand, I didn't want to reach the end of the book because I knew the outcome of Gilda's courageous fight with ovarian cancer; on the other hand, I felt the book was like a great conversation shared with a friend that takes you into the early hours of the morning. Even though you know it inevitably has to wrap up, you'd love nothing more than the chance to keep talking.

{have a great book to suggest or one you'd love to discuss? drop me a line, I'd love to chat. also, check out the new book club portion of the blog & weigh in with your feedback and favourites.} 

stamp happy {2}

I've been meaning to get back into paper-crafting (cards, notes, etc) but needed somewhat of a "creative push" in that direction. Low and behold, Elise has created a pop up stamp shop to do just that: inspire. She has designed an arsenal of adorably fun stamps to use on photos, cards, marking papers, grocery lists, etc, etc, etc.  I can't wait to receive mine (I ordered stamps 1 + 2).

Visit her pop up shop for more information and additional stamps.



(Images courtesy of Elise Blaha: today is, this, that's what she said).

the rundown: 2012 (check in #1)

As per usual, I've let the months get away from me. It's half way through April which means we're almost 1/3 of the way through 2012! For this reason, now is as good a time as any for a status update on my 12 goals for 2012. Go!


1. Complete [one] wedding-related DIY project per month between January and August.

{status update} My goal was to start these project and complete them one.at.a.time. So far I've started 3 of the 8 projects I have planned and the napkins pictured above are almost completed. As soon as each project is finished I will post about the ups, (melt)downs, and everything in between. I am confident I'll have everything finished as long as I can model a little focus.

2. Write one sentence a day for 365 days... and then for another 4 years thereafter.

{status update} I'm happy to report that I'm up to date on my daily entries! Although some days I could fill the entire page and other days I could enter a single word ("blah" comes to mind), it's been an interesting exercise in exploring the comings and goings of daily life. I am so looking forward to years 2, 3, 4, and 5 to look back and remember what I did or didn't do each day.



3. Work out [three] times a week and do yoga [once] a week.

{status update} With a form fitting wedding dress to fit into this coming September, let's just say this one is a priority. That being said, I've never been one to crash diet or work out 5+ times a week. I've found a manageable balance and I'm enjoying the results: my clothes look better and my energy is higher, it's a win-win. I'm currently attending 2 boot camp classes a week with my partner-in-crime and fellow September bride, Jennifer, and although I'm on a studio yoga hiatus (my favourite instructor is having a baby next month) I'm stretching regularly on my own. Also, Spring means walking, hiking, and jogging with my favourite 4-legged friend outside: my favourite.

4. Try [one] new recipe a month.

{status update} Hurray! Ben and I have tried a new recipe each month, 3 of the 4 being winners. (I'll share links to them soon, I promise). This goal has been a fun challenge to help us think outside the box when it comes to meal planning. We're still working out the "who cooks, what night" details to make dinner time a more seamless production but until that is mastered, we're having fun, even if we don't eat until 9 pm.



5. Organize my art room.

{status update} Clearly, I should have made this a goal some time ago. Already, this room has seen a new coat of paint, re-organization, and developments in the storage department. It's a prettier, more inviting space, with a few DIY projects in the works to make it a space I frequent on a daily basis. Everyone should have a creative-friendly space to play in.

6. Run a Half Marathon in May.

{status update} Crap. Here is where the triumphs end. I gave this one as valiant an effort as I could and I've come to one conclusion: at this time in my life I don't enjoy competitive running. Sure, one can suggest that running a Half Marathon isn't necessarily a competitive experience; in my opinion, however, it is. I'm a competitive person by nature, mainly with myself. When I set out to do something, I do it. I do it even if I have to go through hell to finish. For this reason, walking away from this goal is particularly difficult. I still feel like I'm letting myself off the hook and it stings; however, I'm also open to the possibility that one day I may be interested in running a half marathon. Until then, I'm going to run like Phoebe through Central Park with the brunette in the photo below.



7. Document our wedding planning adventures on the blog.

{status update} Eeps. This is one I want to get better at. As the projects start completing, look for more wedding posts. PS: isn't my bridal party beautiful? (This photo is missing a very important Angela).

8. Read at least [six] of the books currently in my pile.

{status update} I've been reading up a storm lately. Feel like following along? Check out the C Star Events Book Club tab.



9. Watch one documentary a month.

{status update} The first three documentaries we've watched have been great: Food, Inc, The Whale (read more about this one here), and The Union. We're taking recommendations for April's pick.

10. Eat more cleanly.

{status update} I can safely say, our intentions to eat more cleanly and to purchase quality over quantity have started to pay off. I wouldn't say we're saving any money at the grocery store; however, we have FAR less food waste (and knowing we're consuming higher quality products is enough a reason to be more cautious, in my opinion). This is something I've become quite passionate about so I plan on exploring this topic further in future posts.



11. BE Original. BE Authentic.

{status update} I'm trying to incorporate this into my every-day reflections and interactions with others and it's helped with approaching situations objectively and honestly. I'm learning to say no and I'm learning to give myself realistic guidelines. This comes down to budgets, time frames, and manageable workloads. It's a daily battle for someone who considers herself a "Yes Man" but I'm working to get there.

12. Learn more about photography and how to use my camera.

{status update} I didn't add a by/when indication for this one as I'm not sure when I'll have the time to sit down and learn the mechanics of my trusty camera. I'm enjoying playing and practicing (I recently shot photos of the Healing Hearts event for Lisa McCauley which was great); much more work to come on this one. Stay tuned...


There we have it. A glimpse into life as I know it, live it, and stumble through it. I'm interested in knowing how your New Years Resolutions/ Goals are going? Are you still working towards any? Are there any that you have changed? Removed entirely?

Jonas Peterson

My love for Jonas Peterson is no secret. I think his photography is just brilliant, each image a piece art.

His most recent wedding, recently featured on Once Wed, is nothing short of the magic he's known for. Shot in the McLaren Vale wine region of Australia, the wedding has the organic, laid-back glamour Ben and I are hoping to accomplish; it's the perfect inspiration. The last two photos are my favourite.

To see more of the wedding, visit Once Wed or Jonas Peterson's website.


(Images courtesy of Jonas Peterson via Once Wed).

Healing Hearts

I wanted to share a few photos from the Healing Hearts fundraiser event that took place in Kamloops on March 3. The night was full of many laughs and a few - aptly chosen - songs. Proceeds from the evening went to the RCMP Victim Services unit who help families as they face tragedy.

The night also marked the first time Lisa McCauley took to the stage since her husband Jim was killed. Lisa was glowing as she delivered material that had every single person in the house laughing, some until they were crying. She showed immense strength in her ability to deliver a performance that was beautiful, touching, and altogether hilarious. My favourite photos of the night are from when her three boys jumped on the stage at the end of her performance and showered her with flowers and hugs.

I feel so blessed to have been in attendance; my heart was warmed by the experience. Lisa, you are awesome. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.

Lisa McCauley

My dear friend Lisa is an amazing mother, a thoughtful friend, and a hilarious comedienne. She is one of my favourite people on this earth and last night she was featured on Global BC. Lisa was interviewed by Mike McCardell and spoke about life without her husband Jim, the father of their three boys who was killed in a car accident late last year. A loss like this leaves the type of pain that you'd never wish upon anyone; the type of pain that, as a friend, you can only begin to imagine.

As can be identified in the short news clip, Lisa is an absolute inspiration and one hell of a mother. Further proof of her remarkable strength is in the fact that she is taking to the stage this Saturday for Healing Hearts With the Magic of Laughter and Song, a fundraiser benefitting the Kamloops RCMP Victim Services group. The fact that she is taking to the stage is amazing on many levels; however, to know Lisa is to understand that she is a giver and taking part in a fundraising benefit that will inevitably help people in her very shoes is just in her nature.




This Saturday Lisa will be doing what she does best: spreading love and bringing laughter to everyone in her presence. Jim, her biggest fan, will be so proud of her. The rest of us will definitely laugh, probably cry, and continue to be inspired by her.

Lisa wrote a book that I think everyone should read. Visit her website to learn more.




(video clip courtesy of Global BC, event poster courtesy of Kamloops Convention Centre).

the rundown: 2012

Here I sit at the crux of a new year, attempting to prepare a list of goals. Looking back at the last few months of 2011, I see that my wondrous list of ideas somehow got away from me. I began what felt like 80 concurrent projects, while only following through on a handful of them. As a goal-oriented and somewhat organized individual this has been eating away at me slowly to the point of creative eruption, both figuratively and literally (at this point I must interrupt myself to thank my sweet fiancé for putting up with the numerous piles of half-completed projects and art supplies scattered throughout the house. I love you, B).

As I set forth into 2012, I must remind myself to slow down and to focus.

Setting accurate, thoughtful, goals is important. Although we may not meet all of our goals, we must set them at a measurable level to set ourselves up for successes rather than failures. Don't know where to start? Start here.

With that, I present to you my list...

1.
Complete [one] wedding-related DIY project per month between January and August. If you follow me on Pinterest you may have noticed the DIY projects accumulating on our wedding inspiration board. The time has come to narrow down the projects to an achievable number and start working on them, one.at.a.time.

2.

(The Happiness Project One-Sentence Journal, $12.26 at Amazon.ca)
Write one sentence a day for 365 days... and then for another 4 years thereafter. My friend Jillian bought me this lovely little journal based on Gretchen Rubin's best selling book. She also picked up one for herself and we've made a pact to write one sentence a day for the duration of the year to chronicle the ups (and even the downs) that come our way. I'm excited to have something to look back on, especially with this being the year of our wedding. What a thoughtful gift; thanks, again, Jill!

3.
Work out [three] times a week and do yoga [once] a week. Let bridal bootcamp rein in 2012 and beyond! My fitness regime has needed a kick in the junk for a while now and, as it turns out, the wedding was just the motivation I needed to tighten + flatten + stretch out my tired body. I've been (moderately) consistent with my gym-going and yoga-stretching as of late; however, it's time to kick it into high gear. Operation: "Get a Middleton-style butt" starts now!

4.

(This Martha recipe for Shrimp and Pesto Pizza is on my list).
Try [one] new recipe a month. Yes, I admit this is probably the easiest of my goals to accomplish. That being said, I added it because I wanted an excuse to blog about food and a way of keeping Ben and myself from falling into familiar-dinner-ruts. Get ready for a new feature on C Star Events: dinner at our house.

5.
Organize my art room. I am a creator who best functions in a space I am comfortable in. My mission for the early months of the year is to give my art room a face lift and make it functional; my mission for the remainder of the year is to keep it fresh. Photos and progress reports to follow on the blog & Instagram.

6.

Run a Half Marathon in May. This goal both exhilarates and frightens the daylights out of me. I have a training plan in place and I'm doing research on all types of conditioning. I am particularly fond of this short video featured on the New York Times describing the 100-up and how it breaks it down into the mechanics of perfect running. There. I've said it out loud. Now I have to do it. In 2012 I WILL become a runner.

7.
Document our wedding planning adventures on the blog. This is something that I haven't been diligent about chronicling. Until now. Like it or not, this blog is going back to it's wedding panning roots and is about to get an inspiration overload in the name of Ben + Courtney Getting Hitched.

8.

(Then Again is available at Chapters, $30).
Read at least [six] of the books currently in my pile. In no particular order, the next half dozen books on my list are Then Again (Diane Keaton), Sleeping With the Enemy (Hal Vaughan), Let the Great World Spin (Colum McCann), Fifth Avenue 5 AM (Sam Wasson), Is Everyone Hanging out Without me? (Mindy Kaling), and The Hunger Games trilogy (Suzanne Collins).

9.
Watch one documentary a month. Ben and I added this one as a fun way of doing something different each month. We've always enjoyed watching documentaries and there seem to be so many good ones that we've yet to see. We're using this once-a-month date as a way of seeing our world through a new perspective and staying informed. What are some of your favourite documentaries?

10.


Eat more cleanly. Speaking of documentaries, B and I watched Food Inc. the other night and we'll never be the same. I've been interested in finding organic, locally grown produce and meat for a while and this film put me over the edge. We've made a lifestyle change by way of our eating habits and will choose local, organic, and fair trade wherever possible. I'm interested in reading more and I'd love to hear your recommendations for books and cookbooks on the subject. Also, feel free to pass along any delicious recipes you may have; I promise to do the same!

11.
BE Original. BE Authentic. Authentic is one of my new power words. I love how it encompasses ideas of originality and honesty. It's genuine and real. This goal is going to include original and authentic content for this blog and art work for our walls. I'm buzzing with inspiration on this one.

12.

(Photo taken by Angela).
Learn more about photography and how to use my camera. Last Valentine's Day B bought me an amazing Nikon D-90. Although I've enjoyed every moment of playing with it, I have a lot to learn. I plan to go on many photo walks and to take a couple of courses on how to maximize its photographic potential. (Progress to be documented on the blog).




Phew! If you've read this far I applaud you. I'm excited to see how these goals transform, explode, fall apart, and come together again. I hope you'll join me on the crazy year ahead and play along! I'd love to hear your goals and touch base in the months ahead.

Find me on facebook, twitter, and Instagram (username: courtneystarheim) to join the party!

Deck the Halls

Happy Monday! While our neighbours to the South prepare for Thanksgiving (and the disturbing phenomenon "Black Friday") Canadians are in full-Christmas-holiday-mode. Today, B and I are both off (woot!) so we're tacking a lengthy to do list. Hopefully we'll get to lugging out our Christmas decor and start decking the halls.

Have you decorated yet? When do you 'allow' yourself to embrace Christmas/ decorate/ start Christmas shopping?

As always, I am inspired by West Elm's Holiday line. These three are my favourites.




(Images courtesy of West Elm: feather wreath, felt garland, + papier-mâché reindeer).

A Handy Tip for the Easily Distracted

Simply put: I need to do more of this.



(Video by courtesy of nowness discovered via bleubird vintage).

A Lovely Swedish Wedding.

The amazing Jonas Peterson has done it again. The manner by which he captured this amazing Swedish wedding resonates with me. So much so that I'm quite sure I dreamed about it last night (and so wedding brain begins...)

I love the neutral colour palette this couple chose as it complements the landscape brilliantly. Their "first look" from across the water gave me goosebumps. How utterly romantic. There is truly something to be said about a simple, personalized, wedding.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the world would be a better place if North America adopted a Scandinavian lifestyle.




(Photography by Jonas Peterson via Once Wed).