Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Wedding Wednesday

I have to admit that from time to time during this wedding planning process, I've found myself getting incredibly overwhelmed. I generally am not a fan of events that have a lot of build-up around them.  The expectations are too high, I'm upset when things don't turn out perfectly, the way I had planning in my head and I'm far too controlling to let anyone do the planning for me.

This may be surprising to my friends and family because I love helping others plan their special day, I'm obsessed with details, flowers, food, hosting parties, etc. Planning my own has been a completely different story.  Every decision has more weight.  We're trying so hard to make our wedding unique, a day that reflects us as a couple.  The idea of a completely traditional and formal affair is just not us.  

There have certainly been times throughout the past few months when we've considered eloping/going to the courthouse/grabbing our immediate family and closest friends and just going for it.  In the end, we decided that it's important to us to have the people who love and support us surrounding us on our big day. 

So, now I'm trying to truly enjoy this time of our engagement.  I know that it will be gone before we know it, we're already just over six months out. I have to step back and remember that when it's all said and done, I will be married to a wonderful man.

image via

Monday, February 20, 2012

An update in instagram

A J. Crew Outlet trip with my mom resulting in lots of brights for Spring! 
 
 Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies - my favorite

 A book club get together {an excuse to break out the gold flatware and eat large amounts of cheese, yes, that is white aged cheddar with chocolate in it, yes, it was delicious}

Hollywood had bath time and was then mad at me for all of two hours

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Dream Home

Have you ever logged on to your Pinterest account and clicked through your interior inspiration boards, just taking in the beautiful images, putting them all together to build your dream home?  Come on, I know I'm not the only one!  Here's what I've put together this evening...

 Jenna Lyons' entryway, so full of character


 Lots of cozy places to curl up - a must


 A bedroom sanctuary perfect for lounging on Sunday mornings 

 A little outdoor space

 The perfect space to cook, complete with dog waiting for you to drop food

 I'm a city girl 

 Space to entertain


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Oh, to be French...





Why is it that the French just do it better - eat, enjoy, raise children.  Seriously, I've read all of these, with the exception of Bringing up Bebe (which comes out this month), and these ladies seriously have their ish together.

All books available on Amazon.com

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wedding Wednesday: The Registry


Lets be honest, a lot some elements of wedding planning really aren't that fun.  Things that are fun: the dress & registering.  We made our way to Williams Sonoma a couple Saturdays ago to get some goodies up on our registry.  We've lived together for a couple years, and I love to cook, so we've pretty much purchased the things we've needed as we've gone.  BUT there are a couple things I've been holding out for: a Le Creuset dutch oven, a Kitchen Aid mixer, and some killer All Clad stainless steel cookware. We threw some other fun stuff in there too. The fiance was excited for two things: an incredible hulk pancake flipper and a french press.  Both of which are on our registry.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Hollywood vs. the booties


This was just too funny not to share. I got Hwood some booties because her poor little bulldog paws were getting torn up from the cold, salt and ice on our Chicago city sidewalks. Last night was our first attempt.  At first she didn't really know what to think of them {or how to walk in them}, but after we headed out on our walk, she was totally fine with them.  I actually think she likes them!

Friday, February 3, 2012

I'm in love



Seriously... IN LOVE.

With what you ask? Well, not that amazing white subway tile with grey grout, or the subtle drop lights that perfectly accent the natural light from the window. Not the simple and elegant white flatware or the splash of green brought on by the cleverly placed topiary. Certainly not that fabulous stove and that gorgeous natural brown island or the wicker accents.

I am seriously in love with that loaf of bread... I love me a loaf of crusty Italian bread.

TGIF ladies.

via

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Valentine's Day Gift Guide {for your man}


In honor of February 1st, I thought I'd skip a Wedding Wednesday and throw together a little gift guide for your man.How do you like to celebrate Valentine's Day? I personally like to lay low. Pizza  and red wine has become a much loved tradition.

baseball hat J. Crew
jack spade iPhone case
sir jack's {pricey} cufflinks
bulleit rye whiskey