Story TIme

If I only had a dollar...

2011-03-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

And felt like moving to Indiana. I would buy this place in an instant and bring it back to its glory. Are you kidding me - the clap board siding, the porticos, the long skinny windows, the perfect pitch of the roof...I could go on. The proportions of this farmhouse are simply perfection.

If you are in the Jeffersonville area, you simply must go Here and never second guess your dollar investment.

Then, get to work (it needs alot of it - what dream house doesnt??). As with any house, I believe you should start with the kitchen. Here are the ingredients:

Obdviously, the Shaw Farmhouse Sink would sit under a large bank of windows.

Topped off by the classic Kohler Antique wall mount faucet. It just needs a rustic, homemade bar of beesewax soap.

Groves Brickworks Tile from Waterworks in Butler Grey. Because its amazingly textural and different than the expected white, machine made subway tile.

A creamy "mushroom" laquered finish on the shaker panel cabinetry. And please 86 the upper cabinets. A few open shelves if you must. And run the tile to the ceiling.

Cool, natural concrete countertops on the perimeter cabinetry.

No island necessary. Just this Farmhouse Table from Restoration Hardware.

With these barstools (Overstock) underneath.

And finally, three of these beauties over the table.

Dont even get me started on what I would do with the bathroom.

Dream a Little Dream

2011-03-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

To put it mildly, my life has been a series of dreams come true the past few years. Okay, maybe that wasnt mild. Its annoying, I know.

But truth be told, the big man has been in my court. I met my best friend almost 7 years ago, I graduated from college 6 years ago, my sister gave me two of the most beautiful children as nephews 5 years ago, I got my dream job as an interior designer 4 years ago, my love graduated from law school and passed the bar 3 years ago, I was married on the most inspiring day almost 2 years ago, and this past year I gave birth to my angel. Life is but a dream come true.

Now, in the midst of getting married, honeymooning and starting our family, we stumbled upon the money pit we call a house. If your loyal to this blog (not sure who/why you would be - I was as loyal a blogger as Jude Law a husband) you will note our house hunt wasnt easy. Like most house hunters we had specific requirements for our poor realtor; we wanted a center hall colonial, at least 3 bedrooms, 2 story, with classic turn of the century details...turn of the 20th century that is. We bought a 2 bedroom, mid-century (that would be 1948), single story rambler.

Why? We decided to buy into the whole "ugliest house on the nicest street".

In the last two years, we have:

- Refinished the hardwood floors
- Remodeled the bathroom
- Remodeled the kitchen
- Painted every damn inch
- Spent only $15k doing so

In the future, we plan to:
- Add a second baby
- Add a second story

Thats the "Once Upon a Dream" that keeps me up at night. We have big plans, a small budget, and a baby that is so darn cute, she makes it near impossible to dive into the tool box. But, we are determined to make this monstrosity we call a home, the house that we will grow old in.

So, if you love interior design, babies, limestone, gravel pations, patinad materials, J. Crew, French Eclectic architecture, and crock pot recipes, we'll get along just fine.

Blog Under Construction

2011-03-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

This sporadic blogger, lover of reading blogs, wishes she could keep a consistent blog, and dreamer of turning my blog into a money maker...is back! And I have BIG plans for this little blog. Stay tuned...not only has my name changed, but my life has too...in HUGE ways. Wouldnt you like to know...

Oh Happy Day

2010-07-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

On the morning of June 27th, 2009 I woke up on the fold-out sofa in the guest bedroom of my parents house, rubbed the sleep out of my eyes from the barely 4 hours that I got (largely due to the Tylenol PM I chocked down at midnight), and took a deep breath. Finall, the day had come....I was going to be married by days end.

The morning was spent at my parents home - it's where I spent my summers as a child. It is the most beautiful home I have ever known...and really the only consistent "home" as we moved around for most of my childhood. All of my girlfriends and family was there and despite the nerves, it was like a grown up sleepover that never wanted to end. I loved that morning.

After the ladies and I were all gussied up, we made our way to the church where I somehow managed to squeeze into that oh so beautiful dress.

My sister/Matron of Honor/mother of the ringbearer/best friend....the list goes on....was also my florist. She is amazing, I knew that going into the day, that she was the only one I would want to do my flowers. She was hesitant: I was a bit demanding and perhaps some would call me a perfectionist (what bride isnt??), but in the end she agreed. When I first caught a glimpse of my bouquet, I got tears in my eyes. She blew me away. My flowers were single handendly the most beautiful aspect of my wedding.

Our wedding party was quite the crew. They made the day so special for us, not to mention, they were all absolute beauties!

I paid a tremendous amount of energy and attention to the details of the day, not to mention on my get up. From the vintage shoe clips in my hair, the soles of my shoes that I painted for my "something blue", to the belt my mother made out of her wedding dress, and the 37 year old veil of my mothers that I wore, I was determined to put meaning into every aspect of the bridal costume, if you will.

At every wedding I had been to before mine, I probably cried. I'm not sure why, but I always use to cry at weddings. Then I had my own, and for the first time, I actually listened instead of just getting wrapped up in the couple's emotions. For the first time, the words resonated...and I cried. And now, when I go to weddings, I cry even harder.

We made our way to the reception...................

We waited for two years to have our reception at the Landmark Center. It was worth the wait.

And the milkglass I collected for 10 years, was worth the work and every last penny...

We ate to our hearts delight and danced the night away well into the depths of that hot summer night. We closed out the place with eggrolls and cream cheese wontons delivered hot for our well "lubricated" guests.

A wedding day: A LOT of planning, A LOT of details, A LOT of money.

But in the end, there are just no words for what that day meant to me. Only A LOT of adjectives that could never measure up to the feelings I will carry with me forever.

**All photos done by the amazingly talented, Melissa Louise.

A Very Good Year....and Many More

2010-07-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Andrew and I celebrated our first anniversary. I updated my Facebook status, and I think it sums it up in a nutshell:

"A year ago, I woke up to a dream of a wedding day and hit the husband jackpot. If this past year is any indication of the next fifty or so, I am living a charmed fairy tale of a life with a partner I couldn't love more."

You go into your marriage hearing every warning about the first year, "Good Luck", It will be the worst year of your marriage", "It's gonna be tough". For every person that told me that, I have to wonder if they are still married or still HAPPILY married? Our first year of marriage was bliss (cliche but true) and while I thought nothing could beat our wedding day, I have realized that every moment with my husband is a gift and with every bit of laughter, every argument, every hug where I bury my face into his neck - its those moments that beat our wedding day. The seconds of life that remind me that we are the lucky ones.

I started this blog to share my wedding plans with a group of strangers. And while I certainly owe you all the fruits of those labors (promise...wedding photos coming soon), my life has taken on its identity. And that identity has kicked wedding magazines to the curb and made way for Elle Decor and gasp, Fit Pregnancy.

So, without further aduie...the new Mr. and Mrs.Gibbons.

The Run Through

2009-11-03T09:54:00.000-08:00

Our Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner were almost as highly anticipated as the big day itself. I just couldn't wait to be together with the closest people to us in an intimate setting. What other time could we sit them down and lay out the cheesy "I love you's" and "you mean the world to me" stuff. So we did, or really I did.

We themed the Rehearsal Dinner around Andrew's Scottish heritage. I wouldnt let him wear the kilt at our wedding( I know I know..I'm a terrible wife), so we honored the family plaid everywhere else. From the invites, the menus, the place settings, the runners, the flowers, and our attire. And since we were all dressed up and spent so much time making the event truly unique, we had our photographer join us as well.

It was exactly what I dreamed of, but bettter. The food was terrific, the plaid was preppy and perfect, and I am so happy I was able to thank everyone who means so much to us. Our wedding was a union of the two of us, but we never would have found eachother if it weren't for those who joined us that night. Through the toasts and tears, I can only hope that our loved ones got the message.

Showered with Love

2009-10-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

A girl dreams a very long time for her wedding. I had no idea the showers that came before the big day would be such a sweet prelude. I was given three lovely showers. No two alike, all three incredibly special, and not a single guest was invited to all three. That is what made it so amazing - I was given three showers, by three distinct groups who define me. Showers are meant to celebrate the bride, but to me, they were celebrations of those who surround me, those who define me, those who I will never know how to thank. My first shower was thrown by my bridesmaids in Minnesota. After moving to the midwest, I was nicknamed "Georgia" due to my home state. 10 years later, the accent faded, but the name stuck. In many ways, I will always be a southern girl at heart. I do things a bit different than most of my Midwest friends, and in many way ways I keep doing them that way just so I dont lose sight of the fact that I am a southern girl. My bridesmaids honored that Southern spirit, and threw me a darling afternoon tea complete with an entire menu featuring classic southern foods. I was joined by sorority sisters, post college friends, and my mother and sister. After tasting and drinking (mint juleps of course), they put together the most touching game. It featured a video they made with Andrew as the star. They asked me questions about our relationship, and then played his answer. It must have taken forever for them to do and I cried the whole time. His reactions, while witty and sarcastic as only Andrew is, were incredibly touching. My second shower was hosted by my design firm. We are a high-end interior design firm of 10 people. It is a little family - sometimes I hate them, mostly I adore them, and occasionally I try to run away. Only to realize, they arent going anywhere and they love me as I am. I am lucky to have this group of people in my life and even luckier to get paid to spend my day with them doing amazing projects. My boss, and the principal of the firm hosted a couples shower at her home. We dined under the stars on lobster and mango salad. The food was sublime and the wine flowed like water. It was a night of laughter and tears, and a morning of headaches... My last shower was thrown the Thursday night before our wedding. It was hosted by my godmother/aunt and cousin. It included all of the bridesmaids along with my future in laws and many of the 10 sisters of my mother (yes, she has 10 sisters). I had to wear an apron full of kitchen gadgets all night - it was my first glimpse into what it must be like to be pregnant. After having dinner catered from my favorite Mediterranean restaurant, I had to guess which "favorite" gadget belonged to each guest. And the truth is, I just learned how to use the special can opener from Pampered Chef (it cuts the sides - no sharp edges!!). And every time I use it I love it too, and I think of my darling aunt Bernie. There was a time, before I was engaged, that I was throwing and hosting showers left and right. Between babies and weddings, I was inundated with the sometimes silly, female right. And I began to get bitter. When I got engaged, I foolishly thought to myself, that my friends and family wouldn't return the favor. I was wrong, incredibly wrong, and I hate that I ever doubted them or had such selfish thoughts. These women, out of their own generosity and good will, showered me with such exquisite class. They thought about every detail and made it their mission to make me feel special. They have, without a doubt, put me in my place.

Once Upon a Blog

2009-09-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

Remember me...oh empty, silent world of bloggers? Hmmmm, how do I win thee back? Well, I shall write and post and see who stirrs.

I last left you when I recieved my darling plaid clutch. Sooo...skip forward a few months to our Rehearsal Dinner, and:

So, there's a teaser...more to come, now that I have my head back, a new name, and a handsome devil next to me on the sofa who needs a little cuddle time. Ladies, married life is sooo much better!

Madd About Plaid

2009-04-07T08:55:00.001-07:00

Ooooh!! Looky Looky! I received these custom clutches last night from the wonderful KailoChic on Etsy!! I am so in love with these you have no idea!

Our rehearsal dinner is going to be a Scottish theme (at an Italian restaurant…Scottish food is terrible). Andrew's mother picked up the family plaid last month while she was in Scotland. She will be sewing plaid runners for the three large tables, I have plaid ribbon to wrap the bridesmaid and groomsman gifts with, and the plaid motif will be featured on place cards and invites. I will be carrying one of these darling clutches to go with my cream dress and will be suprising Andrew's mother and sister with their very own clutch for the wedding. And that darling coin purse…for the flower girl of course.

The plaid continues at the wedding for the boys pocket squares as well. We searched high and low to find a version of the Buchanan plaid in a version that fits our color scheme and I just love the way the colors turned out! I fought the Scottish theme to begin with, but now I am truly madd over it!

Make Me Up Before You Go Go?

2009-04-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I had my trial hair and makeup run. I was so excited for this, but it didn't give me the assurance I was looking for. So, I am looking for a little assistance.

HAIR She is a whiz and did it so quickly and without a hesitation. They style was captured but after it was up, I decided I wanted a little less in the back of the head and a little more of a low chignon of waves.

MAKEUP

This is hard for me because I love makeup and am used to seeing myself the way I do my own. The foundation was flawless - my skin looked amazing. The eyes were great except she used browns and golds, which we both agreed was wrong - I need more plum tones to bring out the green in my eyes. The bummer is I hate lipstick and eyebrow pencil, and everyone, including the artist, said I need to have it for pictures. But, I look at myself, and I feel so weird. I wiped the lipstick off right away and attempted to lighten up the brows by brushing it out.

I ask you - is it worth a second consultation for peace of mind? At $50 each session, it doesn't come cheap. But, the calm of the day knowing it's just right might be worth it.

I ask you again - should I just do my own makeup? I don't know makeup for photography, just my every day a bit glammed up. Is it worth paying someone for the relaxation of not stressing myself out to do my own?

I need bride to be and post bride help? What is the general consensus when it comes to makeup? Do I go big or stick with ol' trusty?

Three Months with a Cherry on Top

2009-03-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

Today marks our three month countdown!!! Aahhh...all of a sudden that clock feels very heavy. I am not sure why, but when we were engaged almost 18 months ago, the three month countdown always seemed daunting. I knew it would be "go time", and ladies, it's go time. From here on out, every weekend is devoted to the wedding or somebody elses - did I mention there are four weddings from May 1st to July 18th - one of which mine!? OUR WEEKEND (Boy is Andrew in for a rude awakening!) Friday: After work, I am running to a darling consignment and vintage bridal store to hopefully find my wedding jewlery including the all important hair comb. It needs to be vintage and needs to have a little sparkle. I want it to be a tender suprise amdist the pile of waves on my head. Something like this would be divine:

Saturday: After cleaning the heck out of my house (this has been on the back burner lately) I need to once and for all finish doing the inventory on my over 200 pieces of milk glass! This is no easy task: count, measure, and take a picture of each piece to be put into an excel spread sheet. It's the only way I can get an accurate number for flowers. I love that milk glass, but I hate the project! The milk glass is sitting as centerpieces (about 5 - 7/table) full of monochromatic flower arrangments like this: Then its off to the mall to find the shirts for the boys. We are asking them to purchase their own shirts and wear their own suits. We provide the bow ties (from J. Crew -done and done). Apparently there is a certian kind of shirt they need? I dont know, it's Andrew's thing.

Sunday: Oh Sunday - so excited! The unbelievably talented Kate Erickson is coming to do my makeup and hair trial run. Check her out at: http://www.kateerickson.com/. I am so excited for this, I can't even tell you!! I love everything about getting my hair and makeup done. I love to see what other 's view as my strengths. I have been growing out my hair since we were engaged (so long, I can't wait for the bridal bob post wedding!), becuase I want my hair to look uber romantic. When I saw Portia de Rossi's hair for her wedding, I knew it was exactly what I wanted. Soft but gathered. Clean yet unplanned. It is the perfection of hairdo's and luckily Kate loves it to. Here it is (note the importance of a lovely hair pin):

Weekends have been officially lost to the wedding and it is seeming a bit hectic. But, I have yet to dislike this process or lose sight of the real treat: our marriage. Three months of running around, stressful decisions, and the checkbook looking slim, but in the end it's being married to Andrew that is the cherry on top!

Put a cork in it

2009-03-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

I finally have my Andrew back. After four years of hard work and not a weekend to ourselves, we are officially a couple again. And how did we celebrate a weekend without studying? I put him on wedding duty and he spent his Sunday in front of the TV watching college basketball and cutting 200 wine corks. Only one very bad cut to his finger later, and we are able to cross that off the list!

I bought the 200+ corks on EBAY for $15.00. We definately could have gotten there on our own, but figured drinking 200 bottles before our wedding in three months is a bit counter productive. So, they arrived quickly and without any problems. Once they are done, they will look like this:

I think they are going to be darling and certainly fit out Loire Valley cocktail hour. Thank you honey bunny for all of your surgeon like slicing!

Tick tock Tick tock

2009-03-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

Lately, it seems I am in a constant state of waiting and anticipation. A little update on our pre-nuptiul status.

Andrew returned safely and clean shaven (he grew a massive beard - which I hated) from his Bachelor Week in Vail and Breckenridge. He is lucky to have great friends who made the trip from all over the country to join him in extremeness. Andrew is not the strip club kind of guy; he prefers long days on the mountains, followed by hot tubs with beer. Reason 5007 that I love him. Now, I am waiting on my own girl power weekend...the beach can't come soon enough!

Still absolutely no word on lovely little love shack. This is why our country is in such a mess - a qualified young couple with stars in their eyes offers to buy a house that the owners want to sell. Three weeks later, the bank still hasn't gotten back to us. Geesh, move over Obama, I have a bone to pick with these bankers.

The first dress fitting - the highly anticipated moment was last weekend. My mom, who was in from out of town, and my lovely personal attendant joined me. So nervous, that the dress I loved would look different. That I wouldn't like it as much, that the color would be all wrong, and most importantly, that I would still look like the stuffed sausage I was in it in August. When I took it out of the bag, the seamstress gasped. That was the best reaction I could have asked for. It truly is an amazing dress and I love it more today than I did when I bought it. As I stepped inside (no easy task), the dress zipped with ease. Too easy and too big. As Martha would say...It's a Good Thing.

The seamstress didnt want to pin me because my body is changing so much...so I am waiting until May 19th for my first official pinning.

We are at the point of the wedding planning, where most everything is squared away and we are riding the wave. It is the first time since we got engaged, that I have gotten to sit back and imagine the day, no decisions necessary. Just simple day dreaming. I am over the moon excited for the day and thank my lucky stars that I have had the glory of time on my side. I am going to take this time, to love my honey and be so thankful that we are going to be married.

What a Tulle

2009-03-06T06:29:00.000-08:00

Seeing as though tomorrow is my very first wedding dress fitting (slightly terrified, and slightly excited), I thought it time that I describe my Wedding Dress Shopping Experience.

Unlike most brides, this is one aspect of the wedding that I was dreading. As a girl who has been dieting since I was twelve, the pressure of perfection on my wedding day daunts me. So, it is no secret, that trying on a white dress in front of my friends and family, didnt exactly scream "FUN" to me. Dont even get me started on the clamps - that is cruel and unusual punishment in my book.

But, like falling in love, serendipity stepped in. I was at a bridal boutique with one of my girlfriends searching for her wedding dress. I was there for moral support only - no dress shopping for me much to the distaste of my friends. I oohed and awed and then something caught my eye.

All by it's lonesome was my dress. Sitting pretty on a mannequin in all its tulle and glory. I approached the mannequin as if it were pitbull, fearful but curious. Upon closer inspection, I melted into its aura. One look, that is all it took.

I finished with my friends, quietly making eyes at the mannequin. I spent the entire night sleepless. I left work early the next morning and ran back to the bridal salon. It was first dress I even liked, tried on and then bought. They say it happens that way - I didnt think it would for me, but I stand corrected.

Now for the drama. I went back several times to try the dress on and eventually agreed to buy the dress off the floor for a lower price. After I signed the credit card slip, left with my girlfriends feeling revived and excited, I recieved an email from the salon owner. She had made a mistake and charged me too little - that she made an error in judgement and couldnt sell the dress to the agreed price. Knife in heart.

Emails went back and forth, and she wouldnt budge. Eventually, becuase I was too emotional to deal with it, Andrew had to get involved. It was the last thing I wanted, for my future husband to be involved in any way with the dress. But, he stepped in and to my rescue, Prince Charming resolved the issue.

It has been six months since I purchased the dress and not a word shared with the owner. Tomorrow, my mother and I will march in, take the dress and go elsewhere for my alterations. It is a yucky turn on what should be an amazing experience. Lesson Learned: Sometimes my Prince needs to a-Dress our issues.

Finding The One

2009-03-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

Your heart starts pumping, tingles sizzle up from your belly, your eyes widen, and all of a suddent the future looks perfectly clear. You envision the family you will form, the memories you will make, and the years of happiness to anticipate. You have found "THE ONE" and you cant remember a time when you weren't so certain that this is it.

Okay, well, it wasn't quite like that with Andrew, that took time and learning. We were kids and...we were very drunk. The "one"moment happened wayyyy into the relationship...about three years. Different story...

WE FOUND THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how good it feels to walk into a house, a house that you have been trying to find, and just know. It is everything we have been looking for!

We met on Sunday to see 7 houses. This was house three and there was no turning back. I think I have probably been through about 150 houses - no kidding. This process started about a year ago and has been emotionally charged to say the least. The last house (The Dog) was crossed off the list when I got a bid back for 100k to make it even somewhat attractive. I just cant live in a house that doesnt have some curb appeal.

This house came on the market on Friday. It is on a street in St. Paul that has a beautiful boulevard and huge old oak trees. It's a dream come true street - think Father of the Bride street...just perfect!

We trudged through the snow to get to the front door. The house is on its way to foreclosure (I would say about 1 in 5 houses that we look at is - sad) so the walk wasnt shovled and it is empty. The minute we walked in, I knew it. Gorgeous hardwood floor, large archways, crown molding, built in cabinets, iron railing...my dream house. It was built in 1930 and has been lovingly mantained. It has so much charm, I dont even know where to start.

So, the offer is in and now the waiting game begins. It's a different scenario than most sales becuase the owner is the bank. It could take up to a month which, for a girl who does not posess the virtue of patience, is like playing in traffic.

Legal Eagle

2009-02-25T06:19:00.000-08:00

The day has finally arrived (okay, not that one of course...four months and counting)! Andrew is on Day Two of the all terrifying Minnesota Bar Exam! We are beyond nervous as this holds our future on a bubble sheet.

Here is the severity of the situation: Andrew was honored and extremely lucky to recieve and offer from Leonard Street and Dienard - a law firm in Minneapolis that is known for among other things, Energy Law. This is the only reason he went into law as he is over the moon passionate about our environment and how to be a proactive member of society, i.e. addressing the energy crisis (thank you Obama for bringing light to this last night!). If there ever was a lawyer to love, it is my honey. He is ethical, moral, decent and fights for each and every one of us. Plus, he is beyond darling, lets be honest.

So, when it came to decide on whether we would be in New York at a big wig law firm or here in our sprawling little metropolis, he chose to be a big fish, and I love him for that. Now, it all comes down to today. If Andrew does not pass, he is out a job, we're out a mortgage, and well, just plain screwed...no pressure Andrew.

If you believe at all in God, Allah, Budha, or what have you, do a girl a favor...put a little prayer into your day for my Pooh!

And My Little Dog Too

2009-02-16T08:24:00.000-08:00

The house hunt continues! After the disappointing news that the house we loved was sold the morning we made an offer on it, we had to keep pushing. This brought us back to what we lovingly refer to as, "The Dog". Now the old house wasn't exactly pretty either, we called that "The Duplex". A little background information is necessary. We are searching for a home in a very specific are known as Mac Groveland in St. Paul. This is app. 20 city blocks wide and 10 city blocks long. It is a bubble in the crashing realestate market - prices havent seemed to drop all that low becuase the neighborhood is idyllic - kids walk to the darling three story brick schools (complete with crossing guards!), the wide boulevards have 200 year old oak tress, every house is different and features homes from grand mansions to charming bungelows, and there is an eclectic coffee shop and stationaire on every corner. It's our little slice of heaven and we wouldn't dream of looking anywhere else. So, when a house comes on the market that we are interested in in the least, we have to look at it. In the case of "the dog", we were intrigued by its location. It sits on one of the best streets in Mac Groveland - a block off the mighty Mississippi river which features a grand boulevard of amazing homes, running paths, and just plain beautiful scenery. We looked at the house about a month ago and loved the location but the house itself is the ugliest and smallest house on the block. However, we want it...

There she is in all her puppy glory. Un-inviting, assymetrical, and post war design - and they want how much? But, I could make this baby great. It's got all of the makings of a great French Eclectic. The blueprints are drawn and its entirely possible. But with some seriously heavy petting. I am meeting the contractor there this week to find out if we can have some curb appeal added. It needs an addition on the front to address the bomb shelter facade and eventually another on the back to gain some much needed space. We're talking 1300 square feet in this place...a little tight for the newlyweds... So keep your fingers crossed...we may have a kennel...I mean love nest soon!

Naughty Blogger

2009-02-09T17:31:00.001-08:00

Have I lost you???

Okay updates, updates...Since we last spoke, so much has transpired. First, thankyou to those of you who commented on my "Photo Freak Out". After three interviews, four phone interviews, and one loss of a down payment, I have taken your advice and booked the lovely and extremely talented Melissa Louise from Dolce! We are so excited and I am beyond relieved to know that I have nothing to worry about come the Big Day. Check out her blog: http://www.melissalouisephoto.blogspot.com/.

Our love nest...or lack therof. Well, after hoping and praying that the house we wanted would stay on the market long enough to get our approval, we spent Saturday making an offer on the house!! We finally got our approval on Friday night, marched into the real estate office, put down the pen, took pictures and left with a handshake and nerves in our stomach. An hour later we found out the house was sold that morning. A painful lesson and such a waste of time. We are dissapointed but firmly feel the house we want is out there somewhere, just not for sale yet. The market here in Minnesota is a bummer - great time to buy, but absolutely nothing on the market. So, the beat goes on...

I spent Saturday morning with our printer for our invitations which was such a fun experience! His shop is comical: papers everywhere, inspiration plastered to the walls, cans of cheese popcorn stacked in the corners. But, I loved him and his granola ways. My bridesmaid who happens to be getting married 3 weeks after us found him and he is going to save me about $300. She gets Bridesmaid of the Year!

Sauvez la Date

2009-02-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

It's official...no turning back...Save the Dates' are in the mail! We decided to do a postcard that gives a sneak peak into the day - the reception location, the vintage theme, our design motif, colors, and the French influence. Here is the front:

On the back, we featured the details for our guests:

I was pleased as pie as how they turned out and even better - they only cost us $55 for 150 copies! We saved money on design (I did them myself) and printed them through an online source. Plus, postcards use less paper (how very "green") and therefore we saved on paper costs!

C'est magnifique!

Photo Freak Out!!!

2009-01-28T15:48:00.000-08:00

Okay, all of you bloggers, this bride needs your help!!! We booked our photographer a year ago and I have decided that I am not comfortable moving forward. Soooo.....now we are back to square one and I would love to hear from all of you who you think we should book. It's between three different photographers and I wont even mention price because it's all over the board. Keeping in mind the feel of our wedding (see inspiration board below) who do you think best fits our vibe?? http://www.dolcestudios.com/ **See Dolce/Associate portfolio as the other just Dolce is booked. http://www.dupuisphotography.com/ http://www.carolineyang.com/ I would love to hear from you! I need your help!

Inspiration...C'est Moi

2009-01-25T18:31:00.000-08:00

I ADORE the blog, Snippet and Ink so much that I decided to take a cue and create my very own "Inspiration Board". So here is a sneakpeak at the vision for our wedding!

Now, to explain the details...

(From upper left)

The highly coveted bridal shoes - I almost broke down and bought these for $265 but luckily patience payed off and I was able to get them for $130!! They are so beautiful, vintage yet sexy, and such a unique color - it plays off the dusty rose tones of the wedding so well!

An image from one of my favorite designers (did I mention I was an interior designer?) is Suzanne Kassler. This is an image from her home that epitomizes the feel I would like to convey - Parisian and gilded with a touch of history!

Two of the five dresses that my beautiful ladies in waiting will be wearing. I have been scouring for almost a year and every time a dress in a champagne or gold tone goes on sale, I snatch it up. My girls are so different and every dress I have found will really make each of them look and hopefully feel beautiful. Plus at under $150 each, they will have enough money to play up the shoes and jewelery of their choosing. I want them to have fun with ther ensemble - the more unique the better!

(Middle Row)

An image from a dessert bar - I swear we thought of this first, but it seems the dessert bar is all the rage! Ours will feature cakes, cheesecakes, mini desserts, bars, cookies, and vintage candies like Boston Peanuts and Rasberry Malt Balls!

Andrew is very proud of his Scottish heritage, so in lieu of the kilt (my aunts are way too crazy for the mystery of the kilt!), the boys and fathers will be wearing pocket squares in his family plaid. We are also having a Scottish themed rehearsal dinner to honor his family.

A 1957 white Bentley Limo will escort us from the church to the reception!

I have been collecting antique milk glass since I was 18. Over 200 pieces will be filled with a monochromatic colorblock of rose, salmon, and rasberry toned flowers to serve as centerpieces. In addition to the several pieces of glass and flowers, the round tables will feature gold chargers, champagne satin runners, dozens of tea lights, bottles of wine and our table names (more info to follow). The look will be messy - like a late Saturday night in Paris at the home of an established fashionista's dinner party after too many bottles of Vouvray!

(Bottom Row)

Andrew and I were engaged in the Loire Valley, 2 hours outside Paris, so the wedding will take on many French influences. From wording on our stationary to our signature drink, we want our guests to fall in love with France the way we did!

Andrew and his groomsman will wear their own black suits with bow ties and the aforementioned plaid pocket square. So very, "An Affair to Remember"!

The lovely "Coffee Break" Rose will be mixed with "Terra Cotta" and "Leonida" roses, carnations, orchids, cocscomb, and a amaranthus to create a tone on tone bouquet for myself and my girls. Luckily, I have the worlds most talented sister (and matron of honor) who just so happens to be an in demand floral designer with her own company! This is one category I dont need to sweat!

And lastly, our invite which I designed and features a scroll motif that will be repeated throughout the stationary. The motif was found in one of my wallpaper books - the beauty of working in a design studio - inspiration is all around!

Coming soon - our Save the Date! Finally mailed on Saturday!

I Dream of Vera

2009-01-20T12:34:00.000-08:00

5:30 am...my roomates kept me up all night with their not so light footsteps, I have a 10 hour workday ahead of me. The alarm goes off, "I am not working out today...I'm too tired." 2 milli-seconds, "Okay Okay, Vera i'm coming."

This is my daily ritual. When the trail of tears started, otherwise known as "you have seven months to lose those lunch lady arms", I needed SOMETHING to make me snap out of my slumber, sluggishly throw on a sports bra, and turn the treadmill on. This is how, "I dream of Vera" was born.

I will post more information on my dress soon...the shopping, the nightmares, the fears, the sticker shock, the drama with the sales lady, and the happiness of finding the one. In the meantime, I leave you with another Vera dress to oodle (remember, Mr. Gibbons reads this too!) and let you know that as of this morning, I am down another 2.8 - total weight loss: 14 lbs!!

Ahhh Bliss

2009-01-14T10:10:00.000-08:00

Getting married for me, in addition to the lovely party, the exchanging of vows in front of our families and friends, and the life long companionship is really just a means to an end...BABIES!!! I cannot wait to have children! It is what I was born to do and I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to meeting these little things that Andrew and I create. I just cant wait! Well, that is I can wait until after June 27th, and 9 months after that just to be sure. Luckily for me, I have been blessed with a sister who has kept my need for children at bay for the last three years. Jack came into my life and everything changed. I left my job and life in Chicago and moved back to be closer to him. He is my angel and a devil at times, but my buddy in the truest sense. Yesterday I was blessed once again with a new little man! Charles Walter was born at 8 am weighing a whopping 8 lbs. 10 ounces. He is such a blessing and I can't wait to watch him grow. Jack is beside himself excited and loves his baby brother already. I have gotten Jack all to myself as the family stays at the hospital. Andrew is on Jack duty today (so cute to see your fiance one on one with an inquisitve little boy who is not quite fully potty trained) and we get to play house at night. This is why, today, I have to sigh....Ahh bliss...

Here is our little angel, Baby Charlie.

Heaven with Eleven!

2009-01-12T06:23:00.001-08:00

As I have mentioned in my headline, one of my too large for life challenges this year is losing the weight in time for the wedding. Well ladies, it's time to invite you in to my literal uphill challenge!

I have been on a mission since we returned from our trip the last week of October to Italy. I ate and drank my way through the Tuscan countryside and up through the amazing Mediterranean coast. This is the only way to travel through Italy. That being said...

I came home to the staggering reality that I was 8 months from wearing a tight white dress. It has been 58 days and three holidays, and ladies, I am happy to report that I am down 11 pounds and 3.6% body fat!! There is plenty more work to be done - I have 19 more pounds to go until my goal weight, which seems like alot, but I know my body and I know that I wont be satisfied until then!

I encourage all of you to use a system that I believe is the only way to lose weight healthily and for life. It's on an line food diary: http://www.myfooddiary.com/.

It registers everything you are eating and gives you an idea of where you are headed and where you have come from. It is a true life saver!!

I weigh myself every Monday morning...so I will keep you posted next week!

To Shoe Or Not To Shoe?

2009-01-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

As the details of the day begin to take shape, I have turned my focus towards the ever popular bridal shoe. I didnt think this was a detail I would care greatly about, however, who am I kidding, I probably own over 100 pairs.

I am loving all of the "shoe shots" out in wedding land. The socks, the cowboy boots, the colored pumps...but how to chose?

I have found two options that will fit my dress and look to a T. Now, when it comes to price, I ask you...is it worth $265??

Here is a pair I found that are darling, a comfortable heel height and will put me back about $130.

Here is the pair I REALLY want, but come in at the lovely, little price tag of $265.

What to do? What to do??

Hey Mr.!

2008-12-30T06:22:00.000-08:00

When you tell the boy about the blog (sort of ashamed - like he might laugh??) and he decides he wants a voice, I cannot help but be ecstatic! So, in addition to reading and riding the rollercoaster with me, the Mr. will be heard! Stay tuned....

Introducing....Mr. Gibbons (here is a picture of us from our recent trip to Italy)

You cant fight city hall

2008-12-27T17:58:00.000-08:00

In searching around for wedding junk (yes, this a roudy Saturday night for me...creating a blog, working on Save the Dates, swooning pricy photographer's sites) I stumbled upon an image that made me pause. A darling couple and their simple City Hall wedding. Am I missing something? Why does this sound so appealing now? Now that the reception hall is booked, the dress is bought, the linens and chairs are rented - why now do I find this appealing? I never thought I would be the girl who would consider running away - but these images really make me yearn for a simple ceremony downtown, complete with hatbox and veil - well of course, there has to be a viel! I am not that simple!

I have fallen for the blog...

2008-12-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

After swearing I would never start this, well, I have found the "Blog" to be too alluring. I have loved being invited into all of your homes and lives, and decided that a blog of my own is necessary. It is high time I invite you into mine! And poor Andrew's by default. Today is the official 6 month countdown to our wedding and days away from the calendar on my IPhone reading: 2009. An exciting year, yes, but one that leaves me a bit anxious as to what we have ahead. In this blog, I will let you all in on the stress that is my life. Here is a rundown of our classic case of " We're biting off more than we can chew!"

January: Andrew is officially on the payroll at Leonard Street and Dienard. Hallelujah! After 3.5 years of law school and graduate school, I can retire my roll as Baby Mama.
February: We are finally able to make an offer on a house after this crazy year of financial termoil that is our economy. Who knew it would be so hard to get an approval!? Andrew takes the bar in late February - god willing he passes!
March: Hopefully, we will be moving into our new home!!! Let the jackhammers fly and the paint swatches be hung - this designer can finally do some dirty work on her own abode! Andrew will be celebrating Bachelor-ness skiing with the boys followed by officially starting his job with Leonard on March 16th.
April: Wedding shower season officially begins with the family shower April 4th.
May: While attending other friends weddings, we continue to slave away on our house and scramble to wrap up our own nuptial planning. I go on my own celebration of girl power with a weekend in the sun for Memorial Day's bachelorette bonanza.
June: Official freak out month begins - showers, family, last minute shedding of pounds, fittings, and thank you cards. June 27th is the big day!!
July: Aaaahh, yes...2 weeks of the blue lagoon in the Philippine's on our honeymoon. This seems all too far away....

The rest of the year seems slightly less important at this point, but rest assured there are high school reunions, a number of weddings near and far, and the continued work of our fictitious home.