Kids and Cocktails

I'm not dead...

2009-10-25T23:10:00.003-05:00

though this blog sure is. Wow. Has it really been over two months since I posted last?

I hope to try and get back to regular posting in the next couple of weeks, though I'm not sure how! Being the mom of a Kindergartner has taken up a lot more of my time then I ever thought it would. Being a good friend and a good wife takes up what time I have left over!

I'll be back soon, I promise. Don't give up on me!

Oooo these gives me a good idea...

2009-08-14T22:08:00.004-05:00

I think I might have just found the inspiration for our invites. These beautiful invites from Linda and Harriett were made for their sister, Katie. How lucky is she? Love the idea of a design in the background and the beautiful script from Brynn of Paperfinger. I see a map of Seaside in the background or the image of a dune fence. Maybe one of the picket fences that they're so famous for.

{click image to enlarge}

Have a wonderful weekend...

2009-08-07T13:04:00.005-05:00

Wish I was here...

{a shot of the aisle I'll be walking down next October}

Best. Movie. Ever.

2009-08-06T23:08:00.002-05:00

Thank you for all my childhood memories...

John Hughes

{February 18, 1950-August 6, 2009}

Neither Snow...

2009-08-06T13:41:00.004-05:00

nor rain, nor heat...can keep me from loving Neither Snow. The writing is so organic and not even close to perfect.

{click images to enlarge}

Mmmm...moonburgers?

2009-08-06T12:28:00.001-05:00

I've seen them as Whoopie Pies, here they're Moon Burgers. Whatever you want to call them, I love them. I can't find a baker that I am totally in love with close to our venue, so I'm thinking about doing a dessert table with all sorts of mini treats. These will definitely make the cut if we got that route. Yum!

{these aren't so mini!}

A dress for the little bit...

2009-08-03T10:32:00.000-05:00

Obviously, one of the biggest differences between weddings and vow renewals is that you don't have a wedding party. So, while we won't have any friends wearing ugly matching dresses, we do have a Lil to dress. She's quite the fashionista and is already very interested in what she'll be sporting for the big day. So, while we were back to school cyber-shopping, we came across this dress and I love it! In fact, if I could find it in my size, I would rock one too!

Her eyes will look fantastic in this color. It's made out of cotton organdy, which is nice, but not too formal. They have it in a pretty pink shade as well, which I like. As soon as it goes on sale {everything goes on sale at JC!}, I'll pick up one of each to try. Pink could go with navy and green, right?

So what do you think? Yay or Nay? Pink or Navy?

Of two minds...

2009-08-02T21:11:00.008-05:00

If you've read my blog for very long, you know how much I love invitations and paper and most of all letterpress! So, it shouldn't come as a surprise that one of my biggest priorities for the rewedding are the paper goods. Save the Dates, invitations, welcome packets, etc. are all of the highest priority to me. Now, what might surprise you is that I have NO idea what I want to do for all of that. Well, that's not true, I have two versions in my mind, but I can't figure out which way to go.

For as long as I've been planning this, I've been obsessed with the ladies of Ice Cream Social out of Brooklyn and Betsy Dunlap and her fantastic hand lettering from the great state of AZ{she's the best thing to come from AZ in a long time, if you know what I mean}. I've posted about both before and I'm sure I'll continue to post their yumminess long after I make my decision.

{Images below are from the super talented duo at ICS}

Anyway, my problem is that even though our venue is the quintessential beach town with a beach ceremony, etc., we have no desire to have shells, starfish or coral anywhere. Seaside isn't really tropical, it's more like Nantucket or The Hamptons. Think preppy, not palms. But, it's not nautical and all about sailing either. So, ready made invitations are out, not that I was considering them anyway. Don't tell the hubs that though, I tried to find some...really!

So alllll that being said, I'm thinking about having ICS design us a logo to use on the invitations and any other goodies{cups and stuff for the event and welcome bags} I might need. I really dig the idea of branding the event with a personal logo, instead of the same ol' monogram or starfish. I love the idea of seeing all our friends and family using cups with our logo on them. The thought of having a Kate and How brand/logo makes me giddy. LOL. I'm such a weirdo, I know. It gives us an instant mark, without really having a theme. Really, the only downside I could see if that it's expensive. More then I thought it was going to be...a lot more in fact. But, do the benefits outweigh the cost?

My other idea is the exact opposite basically, no logo or motif at all. I would have Betsy Dunlap's stunning hand lettering take center stage. I would have her do the whole invitation suite, plus the welcome letter and STD. Both ideas would be done in letterpress here in town. It doesn't say beachy at all, but it would be beautiful. The downsides to this is that she's kind of hard to get in touch with because she's always jammed and it doesn't really give the event a theme like I want.

{all images below from here}

So, I think after writing this all out, I've made my decision. I know what is more us and that's what I should go with. But, what do y'all think? I need some people to back my decision up!

Help!

p.s.~thanks to the crappy movie we watched, my inability to concentrate and Entourage, it took me two hours to write this. Seriously. It's still the worst post I've ever written. I'm not even sure it makes sense. Oh well, I give up. I am who I am.

Blush and Bashful...

2009-07-31T23:06:00.003-05:00

Ok, so our colors won't be pink and pink, but who doesn't love that movie? I actually love the color pink {you have to when you have a little girl}, but I can't do that to my sweet husband. He did rock a pink dress shirt for my baby shower {all of our friends wore pink} and I think that's asking enough for one lifetime. He looked so cute, btw.

Anyway, with pink, peach and purple and pretty much everything else out of the picture for various reasons, we found navy, lime/apple green and white. It only took like two years to pick this. This color palette is very us for many reasons though, so I'm happy in the end. I get to use two of my favorite flowers, green hydrangeas and bells of Ireland. Very excited to have green flowers. They make me happy!

And just to prove we have very good taste by picking this combo, here are two inspiration boards from one of my favorite blogs ever. If Kathryn does it, you know it must be cool.

What do you think?

Mark my words...

2009-07-30T17:38:00.002-05:00

I will have this arrangement at the rewedding. I love how the bells of Ireland are all wild and twisty.

{SMP?}

A clue to our venue...

2009-07-30T17:29:00.002-05:00

Here is a small clue about our venue. This photo was shot there and the arch is by the florist I hope to use.

{here}

Oh Vera...

2009-07-30T17:25:00.004-05:00

Just when I had made up my mind...

{here}

Long White Dress...

2009-07-26T23:16:00.008-05:00

Our trip was wonderful. The weather and water were both perfect and the only problem was that we had to come home! Living with extended family for a week is always interesting, but I made it out alive. Only one minor freak out and I kept it behind closed doors. Apparently I have a beach baby on my hands. She LOVES the ocean and water in general. We all stayed burn free too! A miracle, I tell you. We must have used 5 things of sunscreen though.

Other big news! We made a big decision while we were there...We're now 100% sure on the date and the venue for the rewedding. Yay! We haven't signed a contact yet, so I'll share more details after we do. Though it's not really hard to guess where. :) Let's just say that this dress would be perfect...

{her tan lines really bug me}

Gone Swimming...

2009-07-17T20:38:00.003-05:00

be back in a week...

5 from the Files #5...

2009-07-15T21:36:00.002-05:00

{check out the whole wedding weekend here. Amazing.}

My dream job...

2009-07-15T17:15:00.003-05:00

Style Me Pretty is looking for a creative intern. I would LOVE to do that job and would be very good at it, I think. Why oh why do I live in Alabama though? Even though it's a blog, Abby is looking for somebody in the Boston area to fill the position. I guess I understand why, but I would travel. I can jump on a plane to Boston anytime. Would it be wrong of me to hope that nobody in Boston wants it{yeah right!}? I've already offered to work cheap, free or pay her. Sounds like a good deal to me, but some people are picky! :)

Oh well, I should probably give up, but if anybody wants to send her this post and beg on my behalf, I'll send you a treat. Or I guess somebody apply for the job that can actually get it. It sounds so great!

The white dress...

2009-07-14T20:57:00.004-05:00

I know I went on and on about this dress, but I can't help but think about this dress. It's so me. Easy to wear and it actually looks comfy! I have always adored Lela Rose, as you know if you read this blog, so it's not shocking that this is from her latest collection. I can't help butthink...what's a vow renewal without a beautiful white dress?

{Studio}

A few fave inspiration boards...

2009-07-12T20:48:00.008-05:00

{Looks like sunshine to me}

{love the bowtie!}

{Am I the only one ready for Fall?}

{Love the tent and string lights}

{California Dreamin'}

{Ahhh Nantucket...wish I was there right now}

{#1, #2-3-4-6, #5}

Is it Fall yet?

2009-07-10T20:57:00.002-05:00

How cute are these? They're velvet with REAL stems! Love them, want them, need them!

No other word for this but...

2009-07-09T11:46:00.003-05:00

Stunning...

{more images and all the details here }

{via Coco and Kelly}

To brighten your week...

2009-07-08T22:50:00.002-05:00

{#1, #2-#4-#5, #3}

I mean...

2009-07-07T19:09:00.002-05:00

Come on! How much paper goodness can one STD have?

{here}

Have a great 4th...

2009-07-01T15:38:00.002-05:00

I know I said I'd be back in July, but what's a couple of more days? Thanks to some sweet talking by yours truly, I'm headed here with my favorite two people for a looong weekend. Hope you have as much fun as we're going to! Happy 4th of July! If I wasn't going away, I would have made these...

{recipe}

When you look up Flawless...

2009-06-25T21:25:00.001-05:00

This makes me happy...

2009-06-25T20:13:00.003-05:00

I've always loved this cake and I finally found a picture of it, so I thought I'd share it. It's simple, but so happy. I also like how it takes fondant and makes it look less perfect then usual. Fondant is helpful if you live in the heat soaked South, but I've always hated the look of it for the most part. This is a little messy...like me!

What do you get when you cross an...

2009-06-25T18:39:00.005-05:00

Apple and a Peach?

This darling invitation suite from the ladies of Ice Cream Social! I love their attention to detail and how they can brand an event without it seeming too "theme-y". The seersucker pouches are to die for. The fabric is the same as the bridesmaid's dresses and also what Southern man doesn't own a little seersucker? Perfect!

If you've never seen their work, head over to their blog and check it out. I do wish they would post more. Hint, hint! Their work is just too good not to share!

{all images from their blog}

Don't mess with a man's pitch pipe...

2009-06-15T23:24:00.002-05:00

Ever watch a movie that you've seen before and forget a really good part? I just spit my lemonade all over the floor laughing. Love VV.

The Break-Up - Gary Confronts The Tone Rangers | Movies & TV | SPIKE.com

When the cat's away...

2009-06-15T22:10:00.002-05:00

The mouse will be overwhelmed and not post on her blog at all...

DH is away at a three week long trial, so don't expect much from me. Lil's birthday party is this weekend, so I'll post pics of that asap. Be back in July!

Help me decide...

2009-06-12T12:39:00.006-05:00

While doing my usual stalking of the Net-a-Porter sales section, I came across these two gems. Great prices for what they are! They're by no means cheap, but come on...Chloe and Jimmy Choo! I'll take 30-40% off any day. Both pairs are something I could wear for years. Not too trendy and both will go with everything. I would love both pairs, but my husband doesn't love me that much. :)

So, which one should I buy? Remember, I live in the South, where it can be 90* on Halloween and snow on Spring Break. Our shoe seasons are weird. Oh and I'm leaning towards one pair...but I'm not telling which one.

Jimmy Choo-wooden platform

Chloe-leather calf high boots

Oh and to make it more confusing, I really want these. But they're out of my size, so I guess it wasn't meant to be. If anybody sees them in an 8.5 an email would be greatly appreciated. :)

Peace out...

2009-06-05T14:30:00.003-05:00

Have a great weekend...

{here}

Where did I find this?

2009-06-05T10:35:00.000-05:00

Can somebody tell me? I found it Wednesday or Thursday on a blog...that's all I've got. I love the picture and I'd like to have the correct credit for it. Thanks!!

Purple Paper Goodness...

2009-06-04T22:22:00.003-05:00

I am not a fan of purple...at all. I hate it with a passion in fact. I could explain why, but it's just one of those things. Anyway, I hate it, but for some reason I LOVE the Ceci New York invites that I found on {What Junebug Loves.} I love the purple with the teal and my favorite part is actually the custom purple envelope. Who knew? Oh and the shape of the card itself isn't half bad. All together, this is one stunning group of paper goodness. Enjoy...

{click image to enlarge}

{here}

5 from the Files #4...

2009-06-03T16:19:00.000-05:00

{yp}

{kate towers}

{cevd via here}

{here}

{not sure}

Plants even I can keep alive AND a new great blog...

2009-06-01T16:03:00.002-05:00

So, not only are Kelly and her husband darling, she is super talented, loves cupcakes and she can grow things. She just started a new blog {Yes, please} and it looks like it will be a good one. I love these succulent centerpieces and escort plants she made for her recent wedding. She also made 800{!!!} darling yarn pompoms for her guests to throw when they came back down the aisle. How cute!! Check her out, she's got style I tell you...

{click images to enlarge}

{yes, please}

A intimate wedding...

2009-06-01T13:22:00.004-05:00

for 1200...

Check out this wedding that Soiree put together recently. 125 servers, 45 bartenders, 5 bathroom trailers, over 1 million flowers {is that possible?} and it took 75 Soiree staff members to do the whole thing. My goodness! I'm not sure I've met 1200 people in my whole life that I like, much less that I would want to invite to my wedding. It's a pretty wedding though, I hope they add more pictures to their blog.

{line of servers as guests enter}

{1 large cake and 10 smaller cakes!}

{These are the bathrooms, people. There were 5 of these}

{just a simple wall of flowers}

Have a great weekend...

2009-05-29T17:12:00.003-05:00

{here}

Read this, it will make you smile...

Once again...

2009-05-29T11:26:00.004-05:00

Not really a surprise, but JCrew knocked it out of the park again.

Their Fall Wedding Preview is up on the site and it's great as usual. The colors for BMs are so pretty and fall-ish. The couple of gowns they previewed are stunning. I am in serious love with the first dress {pictured here}. It might actually make me change my mind about wearing an ivory/white dress. Love it, want it, need it!

{click image to enlarge}

5 from the Files #3...

2009-05-27T16:09:00.003-05:00

{dp?}

{jc}

{ny mag}

{okl}

{bb8}

ps~If anybody wants an invite to One Kings Lane, add your email to the comments and I'll send one. I think you can do it yourself too, but I'd love the credit! :)

Help me justify...

2009-05-27T08:46:00.002-05:00

The 50 euro that they charge to ship to the US!

I want all of this in a size 4 please, clothes gods. Thanks to Jane, I've now found a new place to obsess over AVH's children's line. So wonderful! The same shop carried another favorite brand of mine, Kid by Philip Lim, but I don't think they sell it online. Just as well!

{here via here}

Can't believe it's over...

2009-05-22T06:35:00.004-05:00

Sniff, sniff, sob...

{here}

Today is Lil's last day of school!

That means next year she'll be in Kindergarten. Waaaaah! I can't believe that it's already here. I am kinda sad, which surprises me, but I'm excited for her and what lies ahead. My baby is getting old, but she's so become so smart and witty, so it's probably worth it. I can't believe how much she's grown, physically and mentally this year. I'm looking forward to spending the summer with her and not having to get up at 6am everyday!

Anyway, hope everybody has a great holiday weekend. I'll be back on Tuesday!

I'm don't speak Japanese...

2009-05-21T20:45:00.003-05:00

but I'm pretty sure somewhere on this page it's says "Buy this Kick Ass coat for some mini man". Love it!

5 from the Files #2...

2009-05-20T07:57:00.004-05:00

It's all about the dress this week...

{ppp}

{gold}

{style.com}

{n-a-p}

What a lucky girl...

2009-05-18T22:27:00.004-05:00

There are some SUPER DELICIOUS men this season. I am already so hooked, I'm so ashamed!

This would make Mondays better...

2009-05-18T10:21:00.002-05:00

{ISP}

Venue Change?

2009-05-14T18:53:00.002-05:00

I am in love...

{here}

Think I could get all my friends and family to fly to Paris? Probably not...

Joy...

2009-05-14T13:00:00.002-05:00

{here}

This makes me very happy.

5 from the Files #1...

2009-05-13T19:06:00.003-05:00

{click image to enlarge}

{no clue}

{betsy dunlap}

{bliss}

{s&p}

{100 lc}

A new feature...

2009-05-13T18:56:00.004-05:00

In the interest of being a better blogger, I've decided that it's time for a weekly feature. Nothing to fancy, just every Wednesday I'll share 5 pictures from my inspiration files. I am a bit obsessed with finding and filing away, so I might as well share. They may or may not "go" together, they'll probably not be all party/wedding related, but they might be. They might be things I've posted before or something new that I've never gotten around to writing about. Who knows! Hope you enjoy.

Why oh why can't I sew?

2009-05-11T07:03:00.002-05:00

I would totally make this for Lillie! I think it would make a darling party dress or even great casual flower girl attire. Anybody want to make it for me?

Oh and that's just one of the darling things that Katie Did...great blog! Check her out.

I'm a fool for...

2009-05-11T00:36:00.004-05:00

Artfool

I'm always impressed how their work can look effortless AND put together at the same time. Everything they do is great, but I'm in total love with this wedding at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in NY. They did all white flowers in low arrangements and they almost look potted, don't you think? Of course, now I want to learn how to make the little white bowls they used on all the tables! They're so cute and delicate looking. You know...like me. {Ha!} They would look great on the gray linen runners I'm planning on making {or buying when I chicken out} Also, I'm digging the potted plant and lantern look for the outdoor tables during cocktail hour and the ceremony. Maybe plant herbs in them, a little rosemary or basil? I could totally do that myself, right? I might have a black thumb, but my mother and aunts don't! The only thing I would change is less greenery and more flowers.

So what do you think? Too simple? Just right?

{click to enlarge}

{here}

The shoes were made for...

2009-05-09T12:49:00.002-05:00

Me!

{here}

My first DIY project...

2009-05-08T11:55:00.006-05:00

Monogramed Dinner Napkins for 75...

{Maaartha, of course}

I've decided that I'm going to hand embroider white linen hemstitch napkins with our monogram. They'll be used for the rewedding dinner, then we can reuse them for dinner parties, etc. at home. Since we're having a number of different colors {grey, white, orange, maybe teal and yellow}, I was thinking I would do a dozen of each color. That way I'd have a set of each to match with other dishes and decor at home. I think they will look great and add the personal touch I'm looking for. None of the colors will be too bright {the orange and yellow are going to be soft} and I'm going to do a smaller monogram then shown above, so I think they'll kind of blend in to the decor, but they'll stand out just enough to be noticed. Now, I just need to learn to hand embroider and find a good source for linen napkins!

So what do you think? Too many different colors? Would you do them all grey or white on white? Am I think only person who thinks these are cool? Any idea where to buy the napkins in bulk? I don't want cheap quality ones, but I would like to pay as little as possible. :) In a perfect world...

update~I don't think I explained this right, so let me try again. :) When I say different colors, I mean the thread. So, they would be all white napkins but each with a different color monogram. Still like the idea?

So cute...

2009-05-07T15:28:00.000-05:00

It almost makes me want another one...

Almost!

{here via here}

How hard could it be?

2009-05-07T12:24:00.000-05:00

It's probably not that hard to take the sliding doors off my closet and turn it into this...

Right??

{coco&kelley}

Well "script"ed...

2009-05-07T09:16:00.000-05:00

LOVE this rehearsal dinner invite by Studio On Fire. There is definitely going in the inspiration file for the rewedding. I love how the text continues off the edges. Love the color combo and the fonts. Yeah, I love everything about it...

Crappy pic...

2009-05-06T20:13:00.003-05:00

This is the world's worst picture. I took it with my iPhone and it was overcast. BUT, if you take away all the tables and set chairs up in rows, you have our ceremony site. You can't really see it, but the arbor has twinkle lights wrapped around the trunks. Nothing too gaudy. There is a little fountain hung in the middle of the wall and that's where we're going to center ourselves...right where that middle table in the back is. I'm currently trying to decide if I'm going to have the florist add flowers to the arbor, because I don't think it will be flowering in late August.

What do you think? Passable?

{click to enlarge}

Get in my belly...

2009-05-06T17:17:00.005-05:00

Here are some shots of the food from our venue. I am STARVING right now, so this might have been a bad idea to post right now. I want one of everything!

{Lobster Risotto~it's sooo good!}

{Salad with yummy cheese. They have the best vinigrette dressings in the world}

{My favorite drink on the planet}

{Opera Cake, Strawberry Tart and Chocolate Nut Tart~How's Fave!}

{The menu, which was printed by the friend who is doing Lil's bday invites}

{from here}

All about our venue*...

2009-05-05T21:25:00.006-05:00

Here are a few beautiful pictures of our chosen venue

{Bottega Restaurant and Cafe}!

I happened to see these on the A Bryan blog the other day and I actually squealed with delight. I'm a dork, aren't I? Anyway, this is a very special place for us. It's where we had our first date and it's also where our families met for the first time...right on the patio/courtyard where we're going to hold the ceremony, if fact. It's Lil's favorite place to eat {the casual side} and we go all the time. It's a Birmingham culinary landmark and the second restaurant from Frank Stitt {who was robbed!}. The food is Italian and they have a wonderful cookbook out if you collect them. Yummy! These pictures about a couple of months old and they did a small remodel around the new year, so they're not exact. But, you'll get the general feel I think. They moved the bar from the back of the restaurant to the front and made a little outdoor bar area, where I hope to set up an oyster bar during the cocktail hour. I'm going to try and snap some extra pictures this weekend. But for now, just tell me how great it is? ;)

{A close-up of the signage and the beautiful stone that the building is made of}

{I really wish these were in color, so you could see the beautiful paneling and colors in the room}

{There's a huge double sided bench/booth that runs down the middle of the room now. It's not a true booth, just one bench seat with chairs on the other sides of the tables. Make sense? The wood makes the beautiful paneling.}

{We probably won't need to seat upstairs, but I love the picture and the candles on the ledge. I hope to have a group picture shot from above as well}

{We won't use the tent, but under that is the courtyard where we're going to have the ceremony and cocktail hour. I'm going to try and take some pictures of the arbor and fountain wall soon. The other side that you see in the distance is the casual cafe side. We won't use that side, so it will be open to the public.}

Next up...Glamour shots of the food! The important part to us!

{**I haven't booked them yet, but I will soon. I feel a little nervous saying it's our venue, BUT they don't do a ton of special events and we got there once or twice a week and know the owners. So, I think everything should be fine when I get around to it. Keep your fingers crossed!}

{Oh and all the photos are by Caleb from A Bryan}

On a paper kick...

2009-05-05T10:21:00.001-05:00

It's becoming all paper, all the time around here. But I couldn't not share this paper porn! I love these Smock pocketfolds! So much better than boring ol' solid color ones, IMO. Anyway to add more color and letterpress goodness is my first choice, of course. I {think} that they're letterpress, but they may be offset. I know that the inserts and invites are letterpress. Also, I'm digging the two sided look of the last piece. I am a sucker for any geometric and/or pattern.

Hope you enjoy...Anybody want to venture a guess if this is all letterpress or a combo print job? I'm still learning!

{here}

Venue Sneak Peak...

2009-05-05T09:10:00.003-05:00

More to come...

{a bryan photo}

Look what I found...

2009-05-05T08:41:00.001-05:00

Kate was gracious enough to allow me to post her fabulous cake on here. It just what I would want with a few minor changes. Doesn't it look yummy? I think it would look great with three small tiers and a few ranunculus or garden roses. We can't all be lucky enough to have a date during peony season. They're so beautiful on there. I'm pouting just a bit...

So simple, yet so chic. Just like Kate! ;)

{SMS}

It's all in the details...

2009-05-04T20:47:00.003-05:00

I've always been a bit enamored with Cheree Berry's work, but she hasn't had a ton of her custom work on her site until now! I finally saw more and it's all fantastic! I LOVE the little details in each of her pieces {like #1! How darling is that?} and she has a nice preppy style that appeals to the JCrew side of me. What else do you expect from a former Kate Spader?

Enjoy the paper goodness...

{click on images to enlarge}

{all images from here}

My kind of porn*...

2009-05-03T22:17:00.005-05:00

Shoes. Beautiful, expensive, possibly uncomfortable, classic black shoes. How I love thee! I must have 15 pairs of black heels. They are all mostly mid-range brands {JCrew, Banana Republic, a few department store brands} , though I have a few pairs that cost more than the average pair. Nothing that is of porn quality...until now. I've decided to use the rewedding as a handy way to justify the purchase of grade A, top quality shoe porn.

Behold...

{all shoes from here, except #3}

Part of the justification is that since I'm going with black shoes {great with a grey dress I think}, I'll wear them a ton. Thanks to an InStyle article from a few years ago, I always divide the price by number of times I think I can wear something. It totally erases the guilt with some pieces and helps with most of the others. Now, I have more than a year until our date and I know new shoes will come and go, but these are the ones I have my eye on...in case they actually go on sale for some odd reason. That's the only issue with black evening shoes...they don't go on sale very much. Oh and the Manolo's are Carrie's shoes in SATC Movie.

*I really would rather see shoes then naked people...

yummm...cake.

2009-05-03T19:32:00.004-05:00

I'll be explaining the evolution of the rewedding in a post soon, but for our new plans we need a much simpler dessert plan then I had before. I was looking around my inspiration files and on Maaartha and found these simple, yet yummy looking cakes. I'm hoping to have the cake made by the restaurant that we've chosen as a venue. They have a wonderful pastry chef and she makes wonderful orange cake, banana cream cake and out of this world chocolate cake as well. I'm not sure they really do "wedding" cake type cakes though, so I thought the simpler, the better.

#1 is some sort of flourless torte I believe and would look pretty neat with a W on it. We could serve the venue's spectacular vanilla gelato with it. #2 looks like it's one hell of a yummy chocolate cake and it pretty cute, but maybe too rustic? I'm leaning towards #3 with a few fresh ranunculus or garden roses instead of sugar flowers. We'd only need 2 tiers, maybe 3 at the most, but I still think it would be a beautiful cake. It could be orange cake on one tier and chocolate on the other, making something for everybody! #4 is just too cool looking to pass up, but I'm not sure how good it would really be. I keep thinking it would dry out.

So, which would you choose?

{all from here}

Isn't she* lovely?

2009-05-01T14:31:00.003-05:00

This is the dress I sent her as my inspiration. Isn't it fabulous? It's 2007 J. Mendel and it makes me soooo happy to look at it.

{*she being that stunning dress...}

I Dye*...

2009-04-28T21:51:00.004-05:00

So, as I'm sure you can tell from the 10000 posts on here, I'm a wee bit obsessed with dresses. A bit more than a wee bit probably, but oh well. What better excuse to wear a fabulous gown than a rewedding? I love all wedding gowns and could spend hours looking at them...for other people. One of my main issues has always been that I don't feel really comfortable wearing a true white/ivory wedding gown. It feels a little silly to me, since I'm 30 and already married. I've also never found a dress that was totally 100% me and what I want. For one thing, I want a dove gray floor length{with a small train} wrap dress. Oh and I want it to have a lot of ruffles...I think. :) See my problem? My dream dress doesn't exist in just one dress, if any!

So, what's a girl to do? Enter Elizabeth Dye! I've seen her work around the blog circuit, but haven't ever looked closely at it until recently. I'm not sure why I hadn't, because it's spectacular! The details and the craftsmanship are amazing and the designs are timeless. So, tonight I emailed her to see about her process and if it would be possible to do it from here {she's in Portland I believe and I'm all the way over here in the Deeeep South}. While I await her response, here are some of my favorites from her etsy store and blog.

Oh and how much do I love the color of the shrug below? That's my color!

Oh and she's got to be a great person to work with, only fun people post things like this on their blog? Too great!

**Yes, I know I'm quoting her. You don't think I'm the type to quote WS, do you?

Not your mother's family pictures...

2009-04-28T21:41:00.002-05:00

We are just not this cool...

From the Inspiration files...

2009-04-28T13:17:00.003-05:00

I was cleaning out the inspiration files today {we're having a "sick" day} and found some things that I thought I'd share. I know that these don't "go" together, but I just loved them all too much not to share. Like in #4, I love the balsa wood box that the favors are packaged in. I always use them to pack hostess gifts in. It's so much better than a paper bag.

Hope you enjoy...

{I'm not really sure where any of these came from, so sorry. I know that the last two are from MSW. If they're yours or you know where they came from, please clue me in!}

I wish I lived here...

2009-04-28T13:13:00.002-05:00

That way I would know where that lamp came from. I love it!

{by him}

This is why people have a video...

2009-04-27T20:37:00.001-05:00

link + ngoc's sde // san jose california from StillMotion on Vimeo.

I cried like a baby...think I could convince How that it's a must for a rewedding?

If I was a sz. 2 and had an extra 10k...

2009-04-25T20:45:00.004-05:00

I would totally wear this to renew my vows...WOW. ODLR sure knows how to make a dress.

{here}

Wish I got an invite to this...

2009-04-24T16:05:00.002-05:00

I don't usually think about silly things like this, but I would love to go to their wedding. I bet it's one super fun and stylish event, don't you? I mean when your husband runs the company who owns YSL, Gucci and Balenciaga, you've probably got some great pieces! It's silly to be happy for a person I've never {and will never} met, but she has always seemed so nice! I'm a nut, aren't I?

If only I could get on a skateboard without falling...

2009-04-23T19:43:00.003-05:00

I've never really been a huge fan of skateboarding, but I would totally take it up if it meant I could have a super awesome house like this...LOVE it.

Crewcuts Lust...

2009-04-23T17:13:00.003-05:00

I want all of these for me!! But, since they're not in my size, I guess I'll just have to get them for Lil. :)

{Crewcuts}

Pay Day...

2009-04-23T17:08:00.004-05:00

It's a really good thing that we get paid on the last day of the month and not the first...that way I can use my 25% card one last time before it goes bye bye. I've loved this month!

Here are a few things I have my eye on...

{here}

ps~Can you believe one of these is a Crewcuts? I want it all for me!

How happy does this make me?

2009-04-20T20:23:00.003-05:00

{here}

So happy that I almost forgot that I still have two more chickie tutus to make for Lil's play!

A little sunshine...

2009-04-19T21:16:00.005-05:00

So, it's not like I need to tell you this, but life kinda sucks right now. I'm bummed out for everything that everybody is going through. We {luckily} haven't really been affected* by the current financial climate {knock on wood}, it still sucks to wake up everybody and hear about people losing their jobs, the rest of the world hates us, people killing themselves and/or their family due to job loss or stress, small and large stores closing, etc. Oh and on top of all that, I live in a very Republican heavy part of the country and every day somebody wants to ask me "how MY president is" and "am I happy with what's going on". I've been told more than once, by FRIENDS, that it's all my fault, etc. ACK! Give me a break!

So, to try and get myself back in the grove of posting and shake off my bummies, I'm going to make a list of happy things that are happening to me now or in the near future. Feel free to add your good news in the comments, I'd love to hear as much good stuff as possible!

So here it goes...

~Our lovely daughter is almost done with her 4k year and will start Kindergarten in August at her wonderful school. We just love it there and couldn't be happier...well, tuition time is always a bummer. Thank god for auto-debit, it makes it much easier to write that check! She's learned so much in the past year and just keeps soaking in more.

~She'll be home with me all summer, so we can spend lazy mornings cuddling and making omelettes and afternoons playing with chalk and running through the sprinklers. No getting up at 6 and rushing to be out the door by 7:15. I've signed her up for just the right amount of activities and camps and she should enjoy her 5th summer a ton. She'll turn 5 at the end of June and we're planning a wonderful party for it.

~My sweet husband is incredibly supportive of all my crazy ideas. He supports my dream of owning and running a letterpress studio and just wants me to find my passion. I feel so lucky to know that he wants me to be great at something. He told me today that "I was so good at so much, I just needed to decide what I wanted to pursue" It's a total load of crap, but what a sweetheart. I'm not really good at anything! :)

~I've got some great parties to throw and attend! What could be better than that? I'm helping throw Lil's end-of-school picnic in May and then there's her birthday in June. I'm helping a dear friend plan his wife's fabulous 40th birthday in June as well. It should be fun and over-the-top..and I don't have to pay for it. The best kind of party! We've got three sets of friends engaged right now, so I'm sure there will be fun parties thrown in their honors in the next couple of months.

~We've got a couple of great trips planned for this next couple of months and they're pretty much back to back. We'll be here for a week in July with How's family. Then we're going here for this. We go every summer to wherever it is, but this summer, we'll be taking Lil with us. Chicago is such a great place to take kids and How has family there, so it was kind of a no-brainer. Our best friends will also be there for the meeting and they're bring their two kids.

and last, but certainly not least...

We decided today that we're going to go to NYC for this in September! We're going to have to buy tickets from a broker, but it's going to totally be worth it. We've been talking about seeing them somewhere "good" since we were married and this is our first chance. Dublin and London were out for obvious reasons, so NYC is the show we'll see. Should be an amazing show, though I'm actually afraid of how much the tickets will cost us. You only live once and anyway it's my birthday, anniversary and Christmas present all rolled into one. We're going to stay Thursday-Sunday and besides the show, I'm hoping we can finally get in here and experience the magic that is TK. Words can't decide how excited I am about this...but apparently I tried, since I just went on for 8 lines. I'm sure you'll hear more about this trip in the next couple of months, since I'll be obsessed with the plans!

OK, these are the things that are making me happy right now. How about you?

ps~**Which one is it? Effected or Affected?

Look at these colors...

2009-04-14T23:00:00.001-05:00

Love this new line from Milkfed Press

2009-03-30T21:29:00.002-05:00

I'm around...but not in the mood. I'll be back when and if I get inspired. Life is kinda crappy right now, to say the least.

x marks the spot...

2009-03-12T23:46:00.001-05:00

Anybody want to give me pointers about making a map to include with invitations? I just need a basic map or set of directions to my house, but I want it to be as nice as the invitations, which Jordan is doing for me. So, the map can't be my normal hand-drawn and copied on copier paper kind of thing.

Help!

A game where nobody wins...

2009-03-11T23:17:00.001-05:00

Yuck!

Decisions, Decisions...

2009-03-11T22:42:00.003-05:00

Mortgage or these? They cost the same!

Need to pick your brain...

2009-03-11T17:29:00.002-05:00

Ok, I need some blogger brain power...

~Anybody know of any good blogs about flowers/floral design? DIY stuff/inspiration type posts are preferred.

~I need help converting a normal size pie recipe into small tartlet type thingys. Anybody a baker here?

~Anybody from KY {or anywhere for that matter} want to share their favorite Derby party recipes? I've got a very Southern menu right now, but I need more dishes I think!

~Also, I can't possibly have as many Julep cups as people, so what should I use instead? I would love to be able to get away with using plastic cups, but I think I probably need to use glass. I have about 75 stemless glasses that I usually use for the bar at my parties, but I would love to be able to toss them in the trash at the end of the day. Isn't half the fun of a Julep is that the cup/glass gets all icy?

Ok, that's all for now...

a little down time...

2009-03-09T00:17:00.002-05:00

Between the two parties in the next two months that I'm planning right now, getting the house/yard ready for both and the fact that we spent the weekend in and out of emergency rooms tending to Lil's head injury/cut, I think I need a bit of a break. I'll be back in a couple of days/towards the end of the week. If you're good readers and leave me a lot of comments on my old posts, I'll have a fancy giveaway at the start of next week!

Have a great week!

Nothing to do this weekend?

2009-03-06T11:42:00.001-06:00

How about you...

Have a great weekend...

{ffffound}

Soooo not true...

2009-03-05T11:31:00.000-06:00

{found here}

Soooo true...

2009-03-05T11:08:00.002-06:00

and so funny! The quality of the video isn't great, but it's totally worth watching.

{via here}

Time for a change...

2009-03-05T07:09:00.000-06:00

I haven't had a haircut in about 9 months and was content {lazy} enough to wait for a couple more until I saw this picture. How great is that for a easy spring/summer haircut? I think I might go a bit longer, but I love it!

ps~When did she become such a hottie? What happened to Joey Potter?

{just jared}

Stuck on You...

2009-03-04T15:52:00.000-06:00

I'm kinda {STUCK} on these...

How cute and easy! They'll make any DIY projects look super professional.

{here}

Letterpress, gocco and thread...

2009-03-04T10:15:00.000-06:00

Oh my!

Here's my second Studio on Fire piece of the week. I wish I was invited!

{here}

The reason to par-tay...

2009-03-03T20:31:00.003-06:00

Can I do this for my Derby hat or is it too simple?

or should I go with something more Derby-ish?

{both from here}

Perfection...

2009-03-03T18:12:00.003-06:00

I adore her simple, elegant style. She is my style icon and if I could pick anybody to come shopping with me, she'd be my girl!

{just jared}

How darling are these?

2009-03-03T15:40:00.000-06:00

I mean...Come on! Too much cuteness!

{there via here}

Another reason to party...

2009-03-03T15:18:00.004-06:00

Looks like after How's party in April, I'll have another party to get ready for in May. I've always wanted to host a Derby Party, so I decided to go ahead and do it this year. I figure with all the bad news we wake up to every morning on the news, everybody could use a reason to celebrate. How better to celebrate, then with pretty hats, bowties and mint juleps? Also, I won the Nie auction for invitations from Jordan and I'm finally going to use them for this party. To start planning the party, I found these two boards to use as my inspiration for the party. I've had them saved for awhile, so it wasn't really a hard choice. I love the colors and the traditional look of both boards, but I'm hoping to add a more modern spin on it. More details to come in the next few weeks. If you've got a great Julep recipe, please share.

Anybody else love "The Run for the Roses"?

{both from you know where}

Do me a favor*

2009-03-03T10:22:00.000-06:00

How cute are these? Sharilyn made the coloring books and favor bags for her darling daughter's 2nd birthday party. They were made from paper and fabric she had around the house, so they were inexpensive, but so don't look it! Since she's a super nice person she shared a how-to for the bags, so I think I might try and make them for Lil's party in June. I think I can make 40-50** before then...

*Yeah I named the post that...so silly.

**Yes, we have HUGE birthdays. I do a big one every other year.

A priest, a rabbi and two doctors...

2009-03-02T21:38:00.000-06:00

How cute are these STDs for a wedding in Napa? I love the wine stain!

Boy...

2009-03-02T21:14:00.002-06:00

I would HATE to be him right now...

Letterpress for less...

2009-03-02T13:51:00.001-06:00

This is one of the pieces that made me want to have a whole week o' paper. Isn't it great? I've been waiting to share it and this time is here!

Not only is this suite beautiful, but Studio on Fire did a post featuring this invitation and tips on how to keep your letterpress costs down. How great is that? They share some really good information that you could use to print a job with anybody, but why not use the sweet people that taught you in the first place? Check out their blog and site, plus I'll be sharing another one of their pieces that is a favorite of mine!

{here}

Happy Monday Morning...

2009-03-02T05:10:00.001-06:00

Hope your week is as wonderful as this picture...

{here via here}

This is just too much cuteness...

2009-03-01T12:01:00.004-06:00

I can't handle it.