Kerri's Big Beautiful Days

Wrapping things up

2010-07-12T08:29:00.002-06:00

As many of you already know, I'm transitioning into a new phase of my life. I appreciate your support and love in what will be a very hard year. This Friday would have been my ten year wedding anniversary, but instead it will just be Friday.

Benjamin and I are doing very well, and he is reading letters everywhere, and he's very tall! We've settled into a new home, my career is very busy and fulfilling, and I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love and support me.

I think it's a good time to wrap up this blog. I don't see sharing my personal life with the world as appropriate for awhile, so if you would like to reach me, contact me on Facebook, or by email.

XOXO
Kerri

Benjamin Turns Two!

2010-02-10T07:46:00.003-07:00

I can't believe my little guy is two years old! I feel like I was just blogging about being pregnant, and now I have toddler who tells me when he's tired, hungry, or needs to have a cuddle! We had a dun birthday weekend where we celebrated in the snow, at Little Monkey Business, and of course, with a big corn on the cob! A video montage for your enjoyment:

Christmas in Portland

2010-01-01T13:37:00.003-07:00

We spent the last week in Portland staying with Scott's brother Jeff, his wife Blythe, and son Theo. They were so nice to host our crazy barely-=sleeping son all week and our crazy antics!

A few of our favorite pics from the trip:

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Best of 2009

2009-12-21T14:13:00.002-07:00

I often look to my sister-in-law Blythe for the best memes and postings to sum up the year. This year, she's pointing us to Gwen Bell's blog, who I met in Boulder and loved her series on social and viral marketing.

So, to sum up my year of 2009, it was a challenging year personally, professionally, and I'm looking forward to everything that 2010 has to offer.

So here is me Best of 2009:

Trip. Black Butte in Oregon with the Butler Family. We played in the pool, rode bikes, and played with Benjamin's cousins. A blast!

Book. The 19th Wife - a historical fictional memoir about Brigham Young's 19th wife intermixed with a contemporary story abotu lost boys.

Night out. Halloween was fun - 11 of us dressed as characters from Clue. I've had quite a few fun nights out with Brooke too!

Blog find of the year. Really tough decision for me, I follow almost 100 blogs, but I think the one that makes me giggle when I see a new post on my reader is La Tartine Gourmande http://www.latartinegourmande.com/

Moment of peace. Sitting on a pool chair in Mexico, sipping a pina colada.

Challenge. Opening Vows. Managing 20 companies, finances, negotiating a 80 plus page lease, managing contractors, furniture, historical societies, and personalities to open a space that represents the best in weddings in Colorado.

Album of the year. Absolutely no time for music this year. Loving the Christmas music station right now.

The best place. Sat mornings in bed with my little guy, cuddling and watching Ratatouille.

New food. Sushi isn't new to me, but discovering a place that delivers amazing sushi to your house so it's ready when you come home from your MBA class is sweet heaven!

Word or phrase. "Literally"

Shop. Must be Goldmine vintage on Pearl Street in Boulder. I can always find an amazing piece for under $30.

Learning experience. Sleep is overrated. You can be very creative at 1am and the baby is sleeping!

Insight or aha! moment. I can do most anything I set my mind to. I'm a better salesperson than I thought. Everytime I send a bride down the aisle, I tear up. I'm a born wedding planner!

Social web moment. Met a bunch of new wedding peers in Denver on Twitter first, then in person. Twitter name tags should be required at all networking events!

Laugh. Benjamin telling me what Santa says "Ho, ho, hoooooooo"

Resolution. I've lost 10 of the 18 pounds I need to lose to lower my chance of developing Type II diabetes. I'm sticking to this one!

Happy 2010!

Fun in the Snow

2009-12-15T14:18:00.007-07:00

We were so lucky to have Andrew and Jessica Photographers shoot a few pics of our little family in the snow at Boettcher Mansion. Benjamin was really cold, and pretty cranky, but they still caught some amazing pics of us!

Thanksgiving - We're stuffed!

2009-11-29T22:20:00.004-07:00

I have to say, without the help of imported chef help (Mom) and photographer at the ready (Jason G) my Thanksgiving would not have been as tasty or beautiful! We enjoyed 11 guests at our table, how lucky are we have have such beautiful family and friends?

A few pictures from the wonderful feast!

And, a few pictures from earlier in the day, when Benjamin and I watched Daddy play football with the guys, so much fun!

Announcing...Vows!

2009-11-15T21:36:00.003-07:00

We have very exciting news!!! We've been very busy all summer and fall building Colorado's finest wedding collective, Vows. We're so excited to announce our upcoming opening on December 28th, and launch party on January 6th. We are so honored, excited, and anxious to open our doors in LODO - 1810 Blake Street.

Here is a picture of myself, the interior designer (Mom!) and our space designer (Auntie Sandy!) in the space that we will be moving into:

For more information, please visit our website at www.WeDoVows.com and the full press release is below!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Kerri Butler

Vows LLC

303-807-4245

info@wedovows.com

http://www.wedovows.com

WEDDING PROS SAY “WE DO” AT VOWS: COLORADO’S FINEST WEDDING COLLECTIVE

Denver’s finest wedding vendors join together to help couples plan the wedding of their dreams.

DENVER, Colo. (November 15^th , 2009) – The first of its kind in Denver, the VOWS wedding collective brings the area’s top wedding professionals together to provide future brides and grooms with everything they need to plan their dream wedding under one roof. Conveniently located at 1810 Blake Street, VOWS is the place to go when planning a wedding or special event.

Founded in June 2009 by wedding consultant Kerri Butler of A Touch of Bliss, VOWS creates a better wedding planning experience by providing a chic, comfortable atmosphere with plenty of space for couples and their families to meet with top wedding service providers and design the event of their dreams.

In addition to providing a place for brides- and grooms-to-be to meet with top wedding professionals, VOWS offers special wedding planning events such as trunk shows, wedding planning education classes, celebrity guest speakers and more.

At VOWS, future brides and grooms will find the following experienced wedding service providers, all in one open, inviting space:

• A Touch of Bliss – wedding consultant Kerri Butler and her team create weddings with flair for the stylish bride.

• Pink Monkey Solutions – “The Monkey” transforms wedding venues with unique décor, lighting, custom fabric work/draping and sound.

• Elements Catering – with over 50 years of combined food service industry experience, the Elements team offers gourmet cuisine designed to engage the senses.

• Sweet Pea Floral – owner Lisa Anderson creates breathtaking floral arrangements with contemporary, unique designs and personal touches.

• Andrew and Jessica Photography – husband and wife photojournalists Andrew and Jessica capture beautiful wedding moments.

• Teacup – fine baked goods and confections. Award-winning pastry chef and cake designer Paula Thomas specializes in handcrafted decorations.

• A Music Plus Entertainment– entertainment experts with over 20 years of experience help couples find the perfect entertainment for their wedding.

• Plus 1321 Studios videography, Shutterbooth, Little White Dress Bridal Shop, Write Occassions, It’s a Gift and many more amazing wedding professional. For a complete list, please visit www.WeDoVows.com

VOWS clients can pick and choose whichever services they want, whether it’s just from one vendor or the whole team. A must-see for any local bride and groom, VOWS is also ideal for Colorado destination weddings, as a couple can easily get all the planning done in one weekend at this unique collective.

“We wanted to create a big, open space where brides and grooms have access to everything they need to create a wedding that is fun, fresh and uniquely theirs,” says Kerri Butler of A Touch of Bliss. Lisa Anderson of Sweet Pea Flowers adds, “We want couples to be inspired and have fun in an amazing space while planning their perfect day.”

For additional information on VOWS, contact Kerri Butler or visit www.WeDoVows.com.

About VOWS:

VOWS’ mission is to provide brides and groom with top service providers and outstanding events in a beautiful, inspirational location to plan their wedding in style. At Vows, “we do” weddings in style.
###

The First Thanksgiving

2009-11-10T22:02:00.003-07:00

Besides one sad attempt of Scott and mine to have our own Thanksgiving many moons ago, this will be our first family Thanksgiving solo. Solo being myself, my hubby, my little guy, Mom in from out of town, maybe a bit of Maggie, and whoever else I can talk into hanging out with us and eating some of my first Turkey. So I will attempt to make the classics - Turkey, potatoes, cranberry, and a few Slav favorites - sauerkraut and wieners and peas and hamburger.

Hopefully, a little Thanksgiving inspiration goes a long way...

Ambition

2009-10-29T23:24:00.005-06:00

“The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream.”
- William Shakespeare

Lately, I have taken on a "project" that has become bigger than myself, and more than a handful of people around me have been consistently reminding me how Ambitious I am, how Ambitious this is. It's given me time to pause and ponder Ambition, it's origin in myself and in anyone and what it does but push you past yourself.

When I started this idea, this dream, it honestly started small, doesn't everything? And it's grown into a life of it's own - I've fueled it with my vision, drive, and well, Ambition. Is Ambition something to be admired or feared? Frowned upon or encouraged? I think a bit of both, and through this process I have learned that optimism and creativity are the fuel of my Ambition, and the people I surround myself with are the sounding board and sense of reality that I so often need.

And Scott? Well, he provides a shoulder to cry on when I encounter a boulder of an obstacle that I think I cannot overcome. But then, I do. Push forward, it can happen, you can do it, says my Ambition.

And so, I hope that within the week I will be able to share some of the most exciting news of my professional career and success in building something I've dreamt up and is but days away from reality. Please excuse the cloak of secrecy, but it will be oh so worth it!

Thanks to you, Ambition!

Meanwhile, the Genghis Khan exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science opens this week - I think I need to make time to see it and understand what happens to a person whose ambition loses touch with the world around you. It will be very good for me!

Miss Scarlett, in the Conservatory with the Lead Pipe

2009-10-25T17:42:00.007-06:00

My girlfriend Brooke masterminded the 9-person costume team this Halloween to dress as the characters in Clue. I decided to dona black wig - I barely recognize myself in this picture! Do you recognize Mr. Green?

Fall update

2009-10-11T14:57:00.006-06:00

I have been neglecting my personal blog lately, so I must do quick update! I am much better at keep up with my work blog and Benjamin's blog too!

Fall has settled in a big way in Denver, our leaves turned so quickly here and we've already had our first snow! This is my favorite time of year, and I love to make everything pumpkin I can in the kitchen. One of my favorites are Grandma's pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Here is her recipe (thanks Grandma!)

Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cream together:
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
l - 16 oz. can Libby's pumpkin
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup Crisco

In another bowl, sift together:

4 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
dash nutmeg (optional)

Add the dry ingredients 1/2 at a time to the wet ingredients until
well combines. Add a 12 oz. bag of choc. chips and mix them in.

Drop by teaspoons onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at
375 degrees for 12 - 15 minutes. Makes about 7 dozen.

Note: These freeze well, too.

School is going well, I'm completing my semester of Business Law and Ethics, and moving into International Marketing. I'm still on track to graduate in August 2010.

Benjamin is such a joy and he is now saying "uh-oh" "Mama" "Dada" and "Night-night". He loves to play with his friend Adler, and Maggie snaped this great pic of them on a fall walk last week.

Scott is enjoying his season Broncos tickets, it's nice to have him at home! As my busy wedding season winds down, I am working on the store launch for Anna Be, a beautiful bridal boutique here in Denver, and securing my own office space - more to come on that very soon!

Marie Claire moment

2009-09-15T12:31:00.003-06:00

About three months ago, a writer from Marie Claire magazine contacted me when she found this blog, to interview me about living abroad. I didn't hear another thing about it for months! Then, the October issue arrived in my mailbox, and what did I find? A little quote from yours truly on page 92.

Not exactly a claim to fame, but very fun!

The Butlers in Black Butte

2009-08-25T23:25:00.003-06:00

We spent this past week in Black Butte, Oregon with Scott's family - 13 adults and nine children under the age of 8 in one house. It was a lot of fun and a lot of chaos!

On our way there, we stopped at this beautiful rest stop to stretch our legs:

When we arrived, Benjamin was so happy that he danced on the bike bath and stuck his head in the trees- literally!

We played at the pool everyday, and even rented a tandem bike for an stroll through the mountains - beautiful!

I think the video that Kendra and Florent put together sums up the week best. The picture montage features all of my Butler nieces and nephews, and Scott's siblings sharing their favorite Black Butte memories. Look for the bonus footage at the end of my nephew, Theo, it's the best!

Please vote for me!

2009-08-03T22:50:00.003-06:00

My wedding planning company, A Touch of Bliss, was recently nominated for the Best Wedding Planner in Denver by Channel 7's A-List. I need all of your votes to place in the top 5! To vote, please click here or click on the picture below.

Thank you for your support!

Little Stellan

2009-07-27T11:41:00.004-06:00

Scott pointed MckMama's blog out to me because of her amazing photos she takes of her kids. She is another fun mommy blogger I've added to my feed, but I have to admit, I've been glued to my computer for the last 24 hours. Her youngest of four little ones, Stellan, has been hospitalized since yesterday. His heart is failing and his doctors don't know what to do. Her tweets have gotten worse and worse, and the latest news is that he is being airlifted to Boston. Although I don't know this family in person, my mommy heart goes out to her. How hard to know eight months of your wonderful son, only to lose his light. Everyone, please think of Stellan today, he needs your well wishes.

A Touch of Bliss - video debut!

2009-07-26T21:52:00.005-06:00

Last Wednesday, Mantis Media shot a video for me about A Touch of Bliss. It was a wonderful experience, and I can't wait to see the final result. Since I can't keep up with double blogging, please read more about the shoot on my Wedding Blog, Bunches of Bliss.

Topshop is my Shop

2009-07-20T22:19:00.005-06:00

It's news to me that Topshop has recently opened their first states side store in SOHO. My mom and I had a euphoric shopping experience in Topshop in London, and we put together some of the most amazing outfits that I had ever owned! For those of you new to the Topshop style, it's a more fashion forward, edgy, albeit more expensive version of H&M. How fast can I get to New York?

Fruit and Veggie Family

2009-07-20T22:04:00.006-06:00

Last month, I signed our family up for Door-to-Door Organics, which is a company that collects organic fruit and produce from local growers in your state, and ships them to your door fresh every week. Although this company only offers service currently in Colorado, Kansas, Michigan and the Northeast, there are similar companies that offer services in other states.
The upsides? The price is incredible for what we receive.
For example, we receive the smallest box that you can order, known as the "Bitty" box for $22.66 a week. In a typical box will will receive a huge head of lettuce, big bunch of spinach, cauliflower, two oranges, two cucumbers, three peaches, an avocado, and a few apricots. And the squash! We struggle as a family of three and a half to eat all of this amazing fruit and veggies each week. Another advantage is we must each more fruit and veggies than we normally would.
The downside? Sometimes we struggle with what we are sent, but in a good way! Acorn squash plus brown sugar and butter = smiles from both of my guys. But I just cannot figure out how to make anyone in this house eat Kale, even myself!
In the meantime, we continue to be happy, satisfied customers - we love opening our organic box every week!

In love with Wallpaper

2009-07-16T09:12:00.004-06:00

My mom told me about a year ago that Wallpaper was making a come back, I didn't believe her. Now I am obsessed with it! This wallpaper form Elli Popp makes me think differently about covering my walls!

365 Days until I say "I Do", Again

2009-07-16T08:53:00.003-06:00

Nine years ago today, Scott and I exchanged vows on the campus at Santa Clara University, and had our reception at the Silicon Valley Capitol Club in San Jose. The eight bridesmaids wore ice blue gowns and held light blue hydrangea bouquets.

Five years after that, Scott surprised me with a vow renewal ceremony, just the two of us and a Hawaiian minister on poipu beach on Kauai. Our reception was a sunset dinner for two at the Beach House . I had a tuberose and gardenia bouquet, and Scott wore maile.

For our ten year anniversary, exactly one year from today, we are going to plan a celebration of "Loving Out Loud". Stay tuned for more details, as the planning begins!

p.s. Lots of love and kisses to the best husband in the world, my Scott. Nine years and we are just getting started, baby!

Return from Paradise

2009-07-12T20:49:00.005-06:00

Because Scott and I are VERY out of vacation practice, we forgot our little camera on it's charger. Luckily, I gave Scott an HD Flip for Father's Day, and we remembered to bring that! So I put together this very mini video of vacation for you all to see!

Packing for Paradise

2009-07-02T22:30:00.006-06:00

As many of you know, Scott and I are headed to Puerto Vallerta for our first vacation since our little guy was born. Thanks to my very generous mom and her timeshare, we are staying at Playa del Sol for seven lovely nights. I am already trying to talk Scott into setting up Skype so we can see Benjamin while we are there. I'm such a wimp already!

Going to try to unplug and drown myself in sunshine and pina coladas. Wish me luck!

Swamped

2009-06-21T22:16:00.002-06:00

Do you know that feeling when you are so busy, you're not even sure what day it is? Since I have started wedding planning full time, I have been nothing but happily swamped with everything! I am grateful for this business and extra attention (more details to be revealed soon!) but I miss my poor personal blog. In the meantime, check out my little quips on company blog at http://atouchofbliss.blogspot.com/. Even that URL will change soon!

In the meantime, here is the personal update:

1. Like I mentioned, I'm wedding planning full time. Busy, busy, busy in bridal season!
2. Benjamin is now 16 months old, and I've given up working out for chasing him instead. He's so fast there are flames behind him! You can see his update here.
3. School is going well, I really like Regis! Econ was tough, but I am loving the Marketing classes. Only 7 semesters left!
4. I am currently obsessed with figuring out how to have everything organic delivered right my house to reduce my grocery shopping time to almost nothing. Currently, we are customers of Royal Crest Dairy and Door To Door Organics. If only someone would deliver Ben and Jerry's to our house, I think we'd be done!
5. Scott and I are planning a trip to Mexico and we leave to two weeks! This is the first vacation we've been on "alone" for two years - dreaming about Pina Coladas until then...

Hope to be back in touch soon!

Let It Rain!

2009-05-27T17:58:00.004-06:00

Isn't this little 'brella adorable? OK, must stop wandering online now...

If I had a million dollars...

2009-05-26T13:31:00.003-06:00

I'd buy this bicycle...