Polka Dot Anglophile

That's a Wrap!

2010-07-16T15:38:00.001-07:00

I realize that it's been almost a year since I've posted anything, so I thought that a farewell post might finally be in order. In the past year the Mr. and I have gotten married, and we're expecting our first non-furry baby this fall. Needless to say, I am supremely happy with my life right now.

While I'm not keeping this blog for posterity, some of the pictures are just too gorgeous to delete into blog nothingness, so I am leaving it up untill I figure out what to do with them.

Since I have again found the blogging itch, I am thinking of starting a new blog, The Eager Homemaker, to have a place for my musing on life and family. It's anyone's guess how well I'll maintain that one, but for now I thnk I'll take the chance and start over.

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think of the new one!

A relationship is all about give and take...

2009-08-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Mr. wants new goalie pads so badly that he has actually offered to take me diamond shopping in California!

I love my original engagement ring, a claddagh ring from back in the days when we were broke and ridiculously young and happy. But with all of our friends getting married and us finally setting a date, I think we're ready for Engagement 2.0. If that means that the Mr. gets a new set of goalie pads and I get a diamond ring... so be it. Like I said, a relationship is all about give and take.

It's the Little Things in Life

2009-07-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about weddings right now is the plethora of ladylike, vintage inspired accessories. When I was a little girl I made a list of must have classics: Cartier Tank Watch (just like Jackie Kennedy's), Hermes Kelly Bag, 16 inch Mikimoto pearl necklace... and the list goes on. My current lifestyle may not require getting quite so dressed up every day, but I girl can dream, right?

For now I'm satisfying my desires by seeking out the perfect wedding accessories.
Peep Toe Pumps

MyGlassSlipper.com

Structured Clutches

ViaBella

And Ladylike Pearl Necklaces

10 mm South Sea Pearl Necklace

We Set a Date!!!

2009-07-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, you read that right. After being engaged for two and a half years, we have finally set a date for our wedding!

Drum roll please...

We will be getting married on May 21, 2011

I know it's odd to set a date two years in advance, but it works for our completely over-scheduled lives. Between now and then I have 32 credits of science classes to take, plus a GRE prep class, the actual GRE, and a ton of grad school applications to fill out. The date I picked ('cause who are we kidding, he just smiles and nods) is a week after finals and about three weeks before most of the DPT programs start. That should give us enough time to do all the last minute wedding preparations, move if we have to, and take a nice little honeymoon (is it too much to hope that the Ducks make it to the Stanley Cup in 2011? I want a nice big sign that says "I'm on my honeymoon with the Ducks and this guy--->")

Now the question is, am I going to drive myself absolutely nuts planning my wedding for the next two years?

Your Love is Like a Roller Coaster Baby Baby!

2009-07-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's the song that has been playing in my head for the past couple days... Wedding planning, with all it's uncertainties, family obligations, and ridiculous budgets is like a freakin' roller coaster!

We've been planning all along to get married at the Sheraton Anaheim.

How can you not love the English garden courtyard and white gazebo? Plus the Mr. and I stayed there on our first vacation together, and it's a great hotel close to Disneyland. Then I started figuring out our budget using Southern California vendors and including the things that matter most to each of us: gorgeous flowers and Chaivari chairs for me and prime rib for him. Really is that to much to ask? I stopped planning when I estimated $20,000 and just about gave myself an aneurysm... Since we're paying for this wedding ourselves, and I will be quitting my job to start grad school the same summer we get married, we have got to find a cheaper way to do this!

This past weekend the Mr. and I had the brilliant (and stress induced) idea to get married on October 18th. As in two and a half months from now. At an Elvis chapel.

That lasted for about a day before I realized that I was close to tears from the thought of not being able to have at least bits and pieces of the wedding that I want. We talked things over like a good soon to be married couple, and decided that getting married in Las Vegas wouldn't be so bad if we could find a budget friendly, yet classy place to do it.

Now the venue search continues...

Sometimes it's Good to be a Girl!

2009-06-19T14:49:00.000-07:00

I had the most incredible, surreal night last night at the NHL awards and I have to admit that it's probably all thanks to being a girl! For those of you who don't know, the NHL awards have signed a three year contract with the city of Las Vegas despite the fact that we're not exactly a hockey town and The Palms is better known for scantily clad women than hockey players.

I spent most of the week trying to attend horribly publicized, unorganized hockey themed events around town (I'll get to more on that later); however, the actual NHL Awards ceremony and the red carpet photo op at The Palms were fantastic. I arrived in time to squeeze into a spot in front and then waited in the sweltering heat with a couple excited Canadians and two little boys in Penguins t shirts (which Maxime Talbot was nice enough to sign). Lucky for me, Kent French from The Element and his super nice camera guy were right across from me and my Ducks jersey, so after interviewing Bobby Ryan they sent him over to me for an autograph!

Bobby Ryan signing my jersey
photo by Duck Fan

Screaming and holding up a jersey is fun and all, but what made my day was the huge grin that spread across Bobby Ryan's face when he saw the Ducks jersey and the fact that he went out of his way and over a velvet rope to get to me. What a big difference from Nick Lidstrom, who didn't stop and smile or even bat an eye at the group of screaming fans in Wings jerseys. Just another example of the Ducks' character and another reason to dislike the Wings!

Penguins Head Coach Dan Bylsma with the Stanley Cup

I was disappointed that George Parros (my personal favorite Duck) didn't make it, despite being nominated for the Masterton Trophy. I'm guessing that walking the red carpet with a cast on your right hand is no fun, but I did hear that he made it to some of the events the night before.

At this point I figured I might as well stick around for a while, so I staked out a spot at a slot machine in front of the theater and watched a live broadcast of the ceremony. Just by chance I happened to meet another girl who's a Ducks fan (which I think made two of us in the entire casino) and she even has a Ducks blog And he shoots... he scores!! (An Anaheim Ducks Blog) It was great to meet someone willing to talk about Ducks hockey, Scott Niedermayer's future, and all the events that I miss living in Vegas.

Well, that's it for now... I'll have Part II of how great it is to be a girl up soon (including pictures from the official NHL Awards after party)!

There is Still a Wedding in Our Future...

2009-06-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

The problem is that with an uncertain economy, the issues with my family that I can never seem to be rid of, and a busy schedule of school and work, we've put the wedding on hold. I'm still attracted to gorgeous wedding magazines and flower arrangements, but it looks like we're now aiming more for the spring of 2011.

My going back to school has put a strain on our relationship that we've never had before. Twelve hour marathon study sessions really cut into date nights, and at times I felt like I was already married to my study partner and longtime friend who is also an aspiring P.T. Things have gotten better since the semester ended, but it made me realize that time management (and dividing up chores, bill paying, laundry, etc.) is something that we really need to work on. I have no allusions that life gets any easier (children, careers, in laws... you get the picture), so the trick is to learn from the tough spots and keep going.

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of the summer with the Mr., taking a few vacations, saving up for next seasons Ducks' games, maybe doing a little wedding planning, and reminding ourselves that we're lucky to have each other.

All I Can Say is Wow!

2009-06-13T02:51:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought the last five seconds of the very last game in the Stanley Cup playoffs would be so freckin' awesome! The Pens Marc-Andre Fleury, aka Flower, shut down the Wings with seconds to go in the third period, and I watched from a TV at work as all of the Penguins realized they won and rushed the crease. If it couldn't be the Ducks, I'm glad it was the Pens. Now I'm off to watch the full game that I DVR'd

In the Midst of Playoff Season... Where Do I Start?

2009-06-11T02:44:00.000-07:00

So what exactly have I been doing in the months since I last posted? Being the nerdy girl that I am, there has been lots of studying involved (working full time and passing A & P with an A is no piece of cake). I've also managed to see a few Ducks games with the Mr., spend a day at the pool to celebrate the end of finals, and return my house to a livable condition, yay!

Lately, the Mr. and I have been watching the Stanley Cup playoffs, and all I can say is Let's Go Pens!!! The Ducks playoff series against the Sharks was awesome, their series against the Wings was aggravating (just like all things Red Wings), and now all I want is to see Marion Hossa's face as the Penguins lift the cup above their heads. It doesn't hurt that both Dan Bylsma and Chris Kunitz used to be Ducks.

Friday I'll be watching Game 7 and lamenting the end of hockey season... what's a girl to do with 3 months of free time and no hockey? I guess I'll have a lot of time to study for the GRE, get into shape, and return to planning this wedding of ours (maybe we can spend our honeymoon at a couple Ducks games!)

MIA

2009-01-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

You know those days when you feel like you need at least another 10 hours to accompish everything on your "to do" list, and there isn't enough coffee in the world to keep you going? Well, I think I just singed up for 15 weeks of that! I've been in school for two weeks and I'm already obsessing about the lack of time I have to study, how messy my house is getting, and how much more I hate my job when I'm tired.

But there's satisfaction in knowing that I'm doing something that will lead to a career I love, and at this point I'm still excited about learning and doing well in my classes. So I'm going to be MIA for now while I adjust to working 40 hours a week, going to school, and trying to see the Mr. enough that he doesn't forget why he's marrying me!

It's Christmas Time in Las Vegas!!!

2008-12-15T23:56:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to... SNOW!!! Yep, it snowed in Las Vegas, and by the end of the day there were a few inches of perfectly white powder covering our neighborhood and the mountains nearby.

The freeway near our home

The Mr. and I had a very nice day of Christmas shopping in the snow/slush/rain, although by about five o'clock I was absolutely tuckered. It doesn't take much for me to "shop till I drop," especially with holiday crowds and weather that is best observed from under a blanket. Chilly holiday shopping always makes me want Vietnamese Pho, spiced beef broth soup served with fresh cilantro, basil, lime, bean sprouts and hot chili sauce to warm you up; although tonight I had to settle for a nap and a late sushi dinner date.

Thankfully our Christmas shopping is almost done, and now all I have to worry about is making sure my house is clean enough for company! But I did finally get the Josh Groban Christmas CD to keep me in the holiday spirit!

My Mini Vacation Prescription

2008-12-10T02:02:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks, and today especially, I've felt anxious and worn out. I've tried to focus on eating healthier and working out more, but I still feel lethargic (if a little slimmer). What I really need is to escape from everything weighing on my mind--the family problems, coworkers, and household chores that are always there-- and find balance again.

The Mr. and I started taking mini vacations to Disneyland a few years ago to de-stress, and now we try to make it to California at least a few times a year. The best thing about our mini vacations is that they are just for us; we don't worry about what we should be doing or wearing (or in my case how out of control curly my hair gets!), so we focus on what is important to the two of us.
He makes sure that I get to eat Swiss Oatmeal at the Corner Bakery Cafe every morning (because I would seriously consider getting up at three in the morning and driving to California for breakfast if I didn't) and we thoroughly enjoy our time together with no cell phones and no distractions. It's not that we don't enjoy our weekends together at home, but there's something about being "On Vacation" that makes me giggle a little more and worry a little less.

I sorely need a vacation right now! If only I could wiggle my nose... I would whisk us away to a beach front house in San Diego for a week of relaxation and healing. As much as I avoid the sun, I absolutely love the ocean and fresh humid air; I can't think of anything better than an early breakfast on a deck overlooking the Pacific and some beach front yoga.

Image from rentalspetfriendly.com

Healthy Egg Nog

2008-12-08T23:07:00.000-08:00

My South Beach Diet, Phase 1 Friendly Egg Nog
Original recipe adapted from Egg Nog Info

Even the Mr., who is a staunch store bought nog devotee, couldn't get enough of this while we decorated the tree!

4 cups Skim or 1% Milk
1 cup Egg Beaters
2 1/2 TBS. granulated Splenda
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp. Rum Extract

Mix all ingredients together and chill. Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

The Perfect Coat

2008-12-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

Last winter I found the perfect coat at H&M. Black, with an empire waist and a peter pan collar, it was the epitome of lady like chic. There was only one coat left and in my size nonetheless! Yet somehow between my putting it on hold and the Mr.'s Christmas shopping, it was sold to somebody else; instead I ended up with a great Volcom trench coat that he picked out all by himself (did I mention that he has pretty great taste when it comes to clothes for me). I love it and it's very Katherine Heigl!

Then tooday while doing a little bit of harmless browsing on Victoria's Secret, I came across this.

And it even comes in Black! And it's even on sale!
Perfect, no?

But then I found this beauty...

and this...

I mean, how's a girl to chose from three perfectly ladylike (and on sale) winter coats!?!

You Gotta Love a Boston!!!

2008-12-04T04:26:00.000-08:00

Image from Parker J via Once Wed

Polka Dot's Guide to Style

2008-11-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

I'm in desperate need of a makeover!!! My daily routine consists of work clothes, pajamas, and... well, that's actually about it. I'm always at a loss when it comes to casual outfits for brunch or a movie date with the Mr., and I'd rather not start out married life in slippers and a housecoat! Although my everyday wardrobe isn't perfectly chic, I don't think it's bad enough to get me on TV any time soon, which means I'm going to have to do the footwork myself.

I've been in love with Katherine Heigl's style ever since I saw this outfit...

Source
I love the casual yet put together look of all her outfits. She dresses perfectly for her tall hourglass figure, which I also happen to have.

So now the question is, how do I overhaul my wardrobe to look like this? Or, how can I convince Tim Gunn to come rescue me and my closet?

Yes, I'm a Nerd, but...

2008-11-21T04:07:00.000-08:00

Is this not the most adorable vintage schoolhouse? I would love to be married on these front steps with the crisp autumn air and changing trees!

Huffaker Schoolhouse from Flickr
The best part is that it is in a county park and the rental fee is nominal. Oh how I wish that I could plan an autumn wedding! I just don't think polka dots and white organza would fit very well...

Cause for Thought

2008-11-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Art Deco inspired jewelry, so I fell head over heels for a diamond and sapphire band that I found on AntiqueEngagementRings.com.

I was reluctant to order from them without more research, especially because just as I started to look around some more I found this Beverly K band on Prime Jeweler.

So... is it just me or are these the exact same ring? There's a significant difference in price, but I also wonder about the quality. The curiosity is killing me! I might just have to contact Beverly K directly to get to the bottom of this.

A Room of My Own

2008-11-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

I'm on the hunt for anything that will make going back to school easier and more enjoyable, including stylish accessories! I have been drooling over russell + hazel ever since I stumbled across their chic office supplies. I love the three ring binders made of 100% post-consumer materials (they also have matching mini binders and gift sets).

And for all of you brides out there, they have a whole wedding section, including a planner designed by Anne Chertoff of From "I Will" To "I Do" and Brides.com.

Now, for a little decoration... I've had my heart set on one of these beauties ever since I saw one on Coco + Kelley.

Silk screened reproductions of the WWII posters can be found on sfgirlbybay's etsy shop. I mean, how can you resist such a motivational statement in vintage, silk screened form?

And how could I forget the attractive desk I've been searching for... The Nexera L shaped desk, also known as my next Christmas present.

A New Life...

2008-11-14T03:11:00.000-08:00

If I could pick up my life, take everyone I love and plunk us down somewhere new, it would be here.

This is 30 Heriot Row, a flat in Edinburgh, Scotland's New Town. A few years ago I spent a summer in the UK and felll in love--the culture, the light, the Georgian architecture, the restaurants--needless to say, if I could copy and paste my life here I would be a happy woman.

This room cries out for a dinner party with good wine and maybe some homemade thai food. I love that the kitchen is open and perfect for entertaining even though it's an historical building.

Organizational Ramblings

2008-11-11T19:35:00.000-08:00

With the thought of going back to school, I've been dreaming about redecorating our guest room/ office/ Pilates room into someplace where I can actually study. I want to have a space that doesn't have a lot of distractions but is still stylish and motivating. I've been looking for an attractive L shaped desk (they're much harder to find than you would think) because I like to spread out all of my materials when I study. Image from Real Simple

While searching for desks I came across this perfect example of wall organization. I like to call it nerd porno...
Image from Pottery Barn
This is part of Pottery Barn's Smart Furniture line. The picture frame next to the cork board is digital and holds up to 1,300 photos; the bottom part of the dry erase board is an iPod charger with speakers; the charging system with the drawers holds up to six electronic devices (although if your iPod is being charged by the iPod player, why anyone would need six other ways to charge things is beyond me). On top of all the neat electronic gadgets there is also a dry erase board, french memo board and a paper/magazine organizer. I'm pretty sure my whole life would fit on that wall... but could I really be that organized? Probably not.

In the interest of functionality (and my tiny budget) I'm going to forgo the Smart Furniture in favor of good old fashioned bookcases and cork boards. Throw in some pictures of friends, anatomy charts, and my own iPod with speakers and I have the perfect study space for me.

A Little Update

2008-10-29T01:23:00.001-07:00

I haven't posted in a while... a long while actually. I'm losing steam when it comes to wedding planning. Yes, I want to be married and I want to have a unique , budget friendly wedding; however, there's only so much a girl can plan when we haven't set the date, picked a venue (or even decided on a city), or saved up enough money to start making things happen. I feel like Miss Lemonade from Weddingbee, only I have two whole years left to obsess!!!

To prevent giving up on this wedding planning business entirely, I thought I would take a minute to post on what I am passionate about right now. I'm going back to school!!!! I graduated with my B.F.A. two years ago, but I haven't exactly been working in my intended field. In January I'll be starting work on the prerequisites that I need to get into a Physical Therapy doctoral program. I'm so excited to be around intelligent, driven people again! Not to mention I'll be taking Anatomy and Physiology with one of my best friends and partner in crime (I'll call her Dr. E) who is also working towards a DPT.

So for now, until I start obsessively wedding planning again, I will be writing about a little bit of everything... Think of it as a chance to get to know the quirky, nerdy, real me.

Sultry and Chic

2008-09-27T14:36:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love the photographs from Olivia Luca's collection! Her dresses are gorgeous, chic and sustainable, but I have to say that what I really covet is the model's flawless and stunning makeup (and I'm sure the net veil and pearls don't hurt either).

Now if only somebody could teach me how to look like that...

Holy Alligator Hands!!!

2008-09-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Today I was drooling over rings on Ring Envy and was actually distracted from all the fantastic bling by the women's dry, scaly hands. Now, by no means do I always have perfectly manicured fingers, but if I were taking pictures of a three -something carat ring on my finger I would at least put some lotion on first!

At work I'm around a lot of sanitizing chemicals and I wash my hands a ton, so I've tried most of the hand creams out there. My favorite so far is Nutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream.

It's about five dollars, lasts for a month, and best of all it gets rid of the dry, scaly patches on the backs of my hands.

Someday soon I'll get around to posting non-scaly pictures of my own engagement ring...

Tangible Comfort

2008-09-10T02:21:00.000-07:00

If I could redecorate my bedroom, I would want it to look like this.

{Room by Barclay Butera}

It looks like the perfect place to curl up with a book and a cup of milky tea!

I Might Just Be a Two Dress Bride...

2008-09-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

I found this dress on The $10,000 Wedding. and can't get it out of my thoughts.

How perfect would it be for a chic courthouse wedding and restaurant reception? Maybe with a birdcage veil and vintage chandelier earrings. It would even make the perfect sexy after party dress! And for $242.90 at Nordsrom, I might have to buy it, "Just in case..." Don't be surprised if it pops up in my next Inspiration Board.

My New Obsession...butter LONDON

2008-09-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

I am completely obsessed with finding the perfect pink nail polish. So far I have about six shades of pale pink, ranging from barely-there-beige to opaque whitish pink, but none of them are exactly what I am looking for. Lucky for me, this afternoon I stumbled across butter LONDON, a nail salon and company whose products are considered "3 Free," which means they are free from Formaldehyde, Toluene, and DBP. They also have perfectly British names that make me smile just reading them-- Pillar Box Red, Old Blighty, Hen Party, Aston, Cream Tea--and a great selection of colors (or colours) as well! Needless to say, I think I am in love. So far most of their locations are in Seattle, but I'm already filling my online shopping cart! These are my first choices, along with their descriptions from the website.

Royal Ballet--The ultimate basic pink. It’s sheer but not TOO sheer, and carries a hint of grey that makes it a more sophisticated, less "girly" pink. Move over Frenchy, we don’t do white lines.

Yummy Mummy--Our ‘magic’ lacquer. This medium beige colour is simply stunning on EVERY skin colour. If you can’t decide on a lacquer, then we will for you. It’s this.

Old Blighty--A good, solid brick colour that lies between red and brown. Sexy but sensible, just like you.

Ok, maybe I'm a huge nerd, but I can't help loving these!

My Get Back In Shape Plan

2008-09-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Most couples start to gain weight after they're married, unfortunately the Mr. and I started pretty soon after we got together. Food is a big part of our entertainment; we love to go out to brunch on Sunday mornings and go out for dinner and a movie on nights that I don't work. Needless to say, we're not in the best of shape right now. The Mr. came from a tater tots and chili for dinner kind of family, and I was a classically trained dancer for 15 years. I watched what I ate and danced for about six hours a day, but now I work forty hours a week, take care of the house, and wish that I was healthier.

Lucky for me, the Mr. decided that he was ready for a change, and there's nothing like trying to support him to get me motivated too. We decided to go on the South Beach Diet because I've had good results with it in the past when I was dancing. It's a healthier version of the low carb diet fads... Once you get past the first few weeks you basically eat whole grains, lean protein and lots of fruits and vegetables. So far the Mr. has lost ten pounds and has been working out five days a week. My plan is to start doing a Pilates mat workout at home (I also used to be a Pilates instructor) and make it to the gym four days a week to use the elliptical machine.

Don't worry, this isn't going to turn into a diet blog or a fad wedding diet. I'm just very excited that we're finally getting healthier, and fitting into my old clothes won't be bad either. It takes a lot more time to plan every meal and snack, not to mention cooking all of it, but to be healthier and happier I think it's totally worth it. Maybe I'll even go back to teaching Pilates some...

I Love Autumn!

2008-09-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of You've Got Mail. "Bouquets of sharpened pencils..." Such a perfect autumn image. (Image Source) Autumn also makes me want a Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Too bad this isn't on my new healthy eating, no sugar plan to get back in shape (more on that later). For now I'm off to the store for some more healthy (unfortunately non-pumpkin spice) snacks

I'm Back!

2008-08-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

I took a mini vacation with the Mr. and our puppies, but now I'm back and even more inspired than ever! We went to my hometown for a family birthday party and got to visit a couple wedding sites as well. We still haven't decided where we want to get married, but it was wonderful to be home again and there are some beautiful areas in town.

I mentioned before that I've been thinking a lot about engagement photos, and this afternoon I came across exactly the style I'm looking for. I found these on The Brides Cafe and they are absolutely perfect! The engagement photos of event designer Beka Nave and her fiance Jesse Rendell are by the supremely talented Marie Labbancz.

Midsummer Glamour

2008-08-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

One of my earliest memories growing up is of attending a wedding reception in a beautiful white ranch house with acres of rolling grass and a string quartet playing in the courtyard. Talking to my mother the other day, she guessed that I must have only been two or three at the time, but apparently it made quite an impression because I've always felt that string quartets and garden receptions are the height of elegance and sophistication. Fast forward twenty-something years and I have the opportunity to book that same venue. I think an evening cocktail reception in the courtyard and dancing to a jazz orchestra in the large main room would be perfect. Butter yellow and gray have a sophisticated, yet whimsical quality that's perfect for a garden scattered with candlelight... Throw in a few vintage touches and I think we might have a wedding that is uniquely us.

Photo credits: Style Me Pretty, The Lettered Olive, Martha Stewart Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings, Arriella Chezar tables, After Six dress, monogram cake(???)

Picture Time!!!

2008-08-18T19:08:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking a lot about our engagement pictures lately... Probably because we really don't have many good pictures of us as a couple, and it seems like everything from save the dates to program covers look better with a couples' witty, intelligent and obviously in love e-pictures. Besides, I have a little shopping craving and would love an excuse to find new outfits.

So this is us...

Disneyland has a special place in our hearts!

I love this picture because it was such an intimate moment in the midst of a chaotic day... Kinda like a wedding!

Us goofing off at his best friend's Las Vegas wedding.

To be continued just as soon as I find a new outfit!

If There's One Thing I've Noticed...

2008-08-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing I've noticed, it's that brides change their minds A LOT. I feel so much better knowing that I'm not the only person who has changed their color scheme or decided that the "perfect venue" has unacceptably ugly carpet... But lately I seem to be flip flopping between two totally and completely different weddings; two weddings where the only constants are the Mr. and me.

We live in Las Vegas. Although we both don't really like the city and plan on moving very soon to start our family, there's a certain allure to The Kitschy Vegas Wedding. My dress is fun and retro enough that I can picture Elvis and a little white chapel, and I've always held the belief that if you take your marriage seriously, your wedding can be as crazy as you want it to be. Like I've said before, we're both nerds; we enjoy swing dancing together and he has enough fedoras to make Sinatra jealous, so having an old school 1950's chapel wedding might be very us...

Photo credits: Stephanie James Couture, Graceland Wedding Chapel, Wedding Paper Divas, black and white dance floor (please let me know where it's from), Style Me Pretty wedding of Kacie and Brandon, Lawry's The Prime Rib

BUT, and this is a big but... It's not my dream wedding. Being the anglophile that I am, my dream wedding is something out of The Wedding Date--a weekend long Pimm's Cup and gin and tonic fueled extravaganza complete with English manor and groomsmen in morning suits.

Photo credits: Peppers, Knowlton Court, Make Be Leaves topiary, Hello!Lucky invitation, Better Homes and Gardens Wedding Reception, drinks from Style Me Pretty, Coat of Arms ring pillow Gayle Warwick

Now do you see my dilemma?

My Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

2008-08-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

If their Boston can do it, so can mine!!!

Pictures of Pixel, from Lisa and Nick's wedding found on Snippet & Ink.

I'm thinking of a white organza polka dot bow for Sidney and a bow tie to match the groomsmen for Murph. They really are my four-legged children!

I Want It! I Need It!! I Have to Have It!!!

2008-08-14T04:06:00.000-07:00

I love being organized. The feeling I get after completing a super feat of organization--like my shoe closet or the kitchen pantry-- is pretty darn addicting. My favorite part is just sitting back and admiring my work... over and over and over again! You shold have seen the look of pure joy when my good friend, and fellow parter in nerdiness, gave me a fantastic label maker a few years ago. What can I say, I love organizing. And I can only imagine that the ongoing list of wedding details combined with our extra long engagement is going to be just what the doctor ordered.

This is probably old news for most people, but I absolutely fell in love with Shelly George's Wedding Bag when I came across it at Blushalicious.

Classically structured and well organized, it has the added benefit of loudly proclaiming "I'm the Bride!" quicker than a diamond solitaire.

And just in case the Mr. is reading this... I'm adding this to my birthday wishlist, along with the Kindle and Kate Spade note cards. I love you Sugar!

Autumnal Inspiration

2008-08-13T04:56:00.000-07:00

I know that it's only August, and in Las Vegas it's still a horrid 106 degrees! But something in me is programmed to start thinking about fall, and everything that comes with it, long before it actually arrives. Call it the school girl in me, but I get all nostalgic over sharpened pencils, plaid skirts, new book bags (or purses now that I'm no longer twelve), and most of all the refreshing, crisp morning air that just calls for a cup of carmel apple cider. So in honor of autumn and the fact that I would rather be anywhere cool and beautiful right now, I've made an Autumnal Inspiration Board. Even though it's not the wedding I'm planning, I love it! It's gorgeous, rich, and definitely reminds me of my childhood. What nostalgia!

Photo credits: dress, Monique Lhuillier, oncewed.com; wine rack, uncork29.com; girl in cardigan, Martha Stewart Weddings; boutonniere and pumpkin, oncewed.com; hot air balloons, renoballoon.com; flowers, customeventgroup.com

Registries and Other Delicious Things

2008-08-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

I'm baking a cake tonight to celebrate the Mr. and me having a night off together. The whole house smells like baking chocolate and I've got a furry baby snuggled up next to me; what could be better? I'm also doing a bit of online drooling, since we've been very budget consciously saving (go us!!!).

This is my latest obsession... A little traditional and a little tongue-in-cheek. I love Kate Spade

I've also been looking at registries online. I suppose it would be a good idea to start working on ours, but I have to decide where to register first. I would love to have Williams Sonoma for all of their cookware, but it's a bit pricey for most of our guests. My other thoughts were the standard Bed Bath and Beyond and Target (who doesn't love Target?) Plus BB &B now has the Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton collection. I think I am in love!

Just look at this detail!

Non-Wedding Fashion

2008-08-12T02:27:00.000-07:00

I think I have a new addiction... it involves cutting and pasting every single picture that I come across. This probably doesn't come as a suprise to anyone who really knows me. In fact, when I was a little girl I used to cut out pictures from InStyle and Town and Country of all the fashions and makeup that I liked (I still have several manilla envelopes filled with images circa 1993). I also carried around a two pound, yellowed copy of Miss Manner's and prided myself on knowing the formal and proper etiquette for every situation. Like I said, I am a huge nerd.

So now here I am, throwing what will probably be the most formal and sophisticated even of my life... and here come the clippings!! But for now, in lieu of the dream wedding board which I am currently working on, I give you the women who have influenced me most.

Jackie Kennedy--I love everything about her, from her 1950s engagement photos to her later work as an editor. Let's hear it for tall, graceful, intelligent women!!!

Audrey Hepburn--I loved Sabrina. The idea of a plain girl going away to paris and coming back a sophisticate. I've had a weakness for boat neck, cinched waist dresses ever since.

And last but not least, my modern day favorite, Kate Middleton. As a twenty six year old obsessed with pearls and other classic pieces, it's great to see another young person looking like a lady.

Inspiration is in the details

2008-08-11T21:25:00.000-07:00

Today's inspiration board

Photo credits: Top row: ???, Ulta ad, www.beau-coup.com, Style Me Pretty; Middle: Wedding Receptions from Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart, Thread Designs; Bottom: Martha Stewart Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, BHaG.

I love the green and blush combination. It's so vibrant and spring-y, and much less preppy than bright pink and green. It also has some of my favorite ideas. I love the monogrammed handkerchief and the linen overlays on the reception tables--it would be gorgeous with Irish linen and add a little cultural flair.

Hello!

2008-08-11T03:48:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that this is my first attempt at blogging. In a frenzy of wedding planning excitement I have become absolutely addicted to wedding blogs, and who am I to turn down a good idea? I am the last of my close frieds to get married, which means that every BM has already been through this at least once, and I guarantee that no one but my mother really cares about my thoughts on themes, color schemes, and flower arrangements. With that said, I think that the more places a bride-to-be can express her thoughts and worries without driving her future husband nuts, the better.

My FI and I live in Las Vegas with our two boston terriers, Sidney and Murphy. We have been engaged for a year and a half, although we never set a date or involved many people in our wedding plans because we've been saving up to pay for everything ourselves. Now it seems like 2010 might be the ticket--enough time to save up for a house AND a wedding!!! Although it seems like quite a long time to plan, it gives me the time to work on some budget friendly DIY ideas and will also give me a head start for when I go back to school in the Spring.

Just one more thing... in a flurry of just engaged bliss I bought my perfect dress, and it has been burning a hole in my closet ever since. So here it is...

Please forgive the suspense, it's just to keep the Mr. from peeking.

I said no peeking Mr.!!!

I mean it!

My beautiful Michelle Roth polka dot dress!!

I have so many themes and ideas floating around in my head, not to mention pictures stored on my laptop... Flowers, polka dots, English gardens, boston terriers with festive bows, groom's cakes, favors, and the list goes on and on... Just you wait :)