tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15622428090286453972024-03-14T10:01:19.402-04:00Palindrome BrideAn elegant affair with a palindrome twist!melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.comBlogger295125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-8019567722523262672010-12-17T09:30:00.000-05:002010-12-17T09:30:01.918-05:00Friday Finds - Coordinating InspirationI've been loving these little jewelry dishes for a while and finally decided to build a collection around them. The idea wasn't so much a theme, but building wedding inspiration from one piece and coordinating colors across events. The dress could be a rehearsal dinner dress, shower dress, MOB dress, etc. The necklace could be worn by the bride or given to bridesmaids. The invitation could be for the wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner or even Thank You notes. They're not matchy, but they do all compliment each other.<br />
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TGIF!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfoOqCZ4-uF53GXbotwCIdYjpnU11S1bL8_ZF2a-oymACpotOJ193FZC7hamTJETQFP_u6Eqp4eex640uNXNuJDulcpHbEpPCUL7cSYszhy2ExbMa8g8Uf7gLtL6Ypkpw1MmRRDG6hNhS/s1600/Asian+Pastels.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfoOqCZ4-uF53GXbotwCIdYjpnU11S1bL8_ZF2a-oymACpotOJ193FZC7hamTJETQFP_u6Eqp4eex640uNXNuJDulcpHbEpPCUL7cSYszhy2ExbMa8g8Uf7gLtL6Ypkpw1MmRRDG6hNhS/s400/Asian+Pastels.png" width="400" /></a></div>Clockwise from Top L:<br />
SMV Designs - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62729623/cornflower-blue-chalcedony-and-pearl">Cornflower Blue Chalcedony and Pearl Necklace</a><br />
Sofralma - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49343689/set-of-three-antique-enamel-over-copper">Set of 3 Antique Enamel Pin Dishes</a><br />
Shalom's Cottage Home - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51987770/bridal-shower-invitations-modern-dahlia">Modern Dahlia Invitation</a><br />
Poppy Pistol's Vintage - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51811034/vintage-feminine-70s-mint-green">Vintage Secretary's Dress</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-30251893185283952852010-12-10T15:57:00.000-05:002010-12-10T15:57:52.335-05:00Friday Finds - Red Winter BirdsBirds and weddings, overdone? Maybe. But they're just so darn cute. I love them and thought I would adapt the theme for a wintry wedding since us winter brides are left out in the cold when it comes to schemes outside of snow flakes. <br />
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TGIF!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNw5z9FeZwTGGz2iZSW_F5irTJJ4DlyOwCcKXK5yKoV8vBHaxN0lzSyWlpNRcvy516FONCQ-5_Ezi6W9T1a103Ll0W4fUiqk8g9t48a56u1In6G7445UJl5eXKOLwlDVSHZQRiPFtaSEH/s1600/Red+Birds.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNw5z9FeZwTGGz2iZSW_F5irTJJ4DlyOwCcKXK5yKoV8vBHaxN0lzSyWlpNRcvy516FONCQ-5_Ezi6W9T1a103Ll0W4fUiqk8g9t48a56u1In6G7445UJl5eXKOLwlDVSHZQRiPFtaSEH/s400/Red+Birds.png" width="400" /></a></div>Clockwise from Top L:<br />
By Tonetti - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63688761/new-red-jade-bird-hoops">Red Jade Bird Hoops</a><br />
Orly Design - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61359129/custom-ceramic-wedding-cake-topper-a">Custom Ceramic Wedding Cake Topper</a><br />
Victorian Station - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54355580/bird-nest-gift-bagsred-burlap">Bird Nest Burlap Gift Bags</a><br />
sweet bella - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54150659/winter-berry-love-birds-wedding">Winter Berry Love Birds Invitation</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-79782225003503372402010-12-03T11:44:00.000-05:002010-12-03T11:44:21.411-05:00Friday Finds - Toy StoryThough too themed for my taste usually, I've been getting nostalgic with the holiday season and really wanted to put together a Toy Story collection. One of these items could probably be incorporated into a real wedding as a nod to a favorite movie. Now I'm a little sad that I didn't think of incorporating favorite movies or even books into my wedding day. <br />
<br />
Are you incorporating anything from a favorite movie into your wedding day?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUT8usyG6RuoKUzDDaK_O2mLYjKLImOnvaP_hJdfWAmjhcnUYLGec6zqZvkdgdX3l2Tp8FqMB3O0I72gh8sFUpA1JJMYL6HHgcRYuYWK_XEnbX63OYa6ptr7zdtOdSPx012Sxk8I-m_my/s1600/Toy+Story.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUT8usyG6RuoKUzDDaK_O2mLYjKLImOnvaP_hJdfWAmjhcnUYLGec6zqZvkdgdX3l2Tp8FqMB3O0I72gh8sFUpA1JJMYL6HHgcRYuYWK_XEnbX63OYa6ptr7zdtOdSPx012Sxk8I-m_my/s400/Toy+Story.png" width="400" /></a></div>Clockwise from Top L:<br />
Sew Ladybug - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/12647040/little-bo-peep-in-peach-size-4">Little Bo Peep Smocked Dress</a><br />
A.N. Original Jewelry - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61464884/porky-piggy-bank-silhouette-necklace-in">Porky Piggy Bank Silhouette Necklace in Silver</a><br />
Garden 4 Arts - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52054289/love-couple-with-beautiful-stand-custom">Custom Potato Head Cake Toppers</a><br />
Dolci Fini - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49586678/western-boxed-wedding-invitations">Western Boxed Wedding Invitations</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-6037948021948844672010-11-30T15:36:00.000-05:002010-11-30T17:35:12.967-05:00Speaking Out Against FamilyI've been thinking a lot about this subject as my friends and I walk through the process of leaving and cleaving. While it's a spiritually loaded sentiment from the Bible, it's a concept that I think everyone deals with to some degree or another. When you join your life with your partner's life, you become a baby family in your own right. So where does that leave your respective families? Especially if there is friction?<br />
<br />
Questions such as these are at the front of my mind:<br />
When is it appropriate to speak out against family? For racism? For homophobic remarks?<br />
When do you cut family out of your life?<br />
What are healthy boundary lines?<br />
Should spouses have to choose between you and parents?<br />
<br />
We've all probably heard stories or have our own examples of the racist father(-in-law) spouting jokes over turkey. Or the sister(-in-law)'s biting remarks. Whatever the issue is, it can cause a real wedge in the family. I wonder where the line is between peacekeeping and standing up for what is right. When I married into my husband's family, his grandmother told me: "It's your job to help keep this family together. You have the power to keep it together or break it up." While I agree with her that family should be kept sacred and honored, I only agree to a point. There are circumstances where I would feel warranted in making a break.<br />
<br />
I tend to have a very black and white view. If I think you're wrong, I'll let you know know and what's more, I'll tell you what I think is right. As I understand this tendency more, I've been trying to employ more diplomatic means. The idea of speaking the truth in love applies here I think. If you can speak the truth, but do so in a loving way and then the other party still wants to part ways, then perhaps you've done all you can do. As a matter of conscience, I don't know that there are other options. <br />
<br />
I probably have more questions than answers regarding these situations (which vary widely from one family to another). However, I don't think we talk about these situations outside of common jokes about the in-laws or putting the fun in dysfunctional. I want to know what wisdom you have to impart. I want to know what you've been trying and what's been working.<br />
<br />
Have you had to cut off family? Set a firm boundary? Or maybe just speak out against an injustice within family? How has being married affected your decisions to do this?melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-86453759818976802472010-11-23T11:17:00.000-05:002010-11-23T11:19:31.956-05:00Heritage Photos to Heritage WallOur collection of <a href="http://palindromebride.blogspot.com/2009/09/legacy.html">heritage photos</a> meant the world to me at our wedding. While I had physical copies of all the photos, I made sure that I scanned them and eventually ordered prints for myself. I had a vision for how to display them, so I began collecting frames as I saw them on sale at Michael's, Home Goods, and Target. <br />
<br />
I love how each picture dates the couple and expressions. Let's meet the family:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha9AZWVJ5m4ngt5fl45yIDEevssiKwD4OfHRL_7JwIxoZ4e6EyOLpeEjGI1j8PZcdQOEeY1vg7y3Vvg4CH9R7c47RrW71HiUwxkCd6L16DeZ_3_VjNNMPr-aZIgSFX4NqtF9kkhBdhc_5/s1600/Harry+and+Gina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgha9AZWVJ5m4ngt5fl45yIDEevssiKwD4OfHRL_7JwIxoZ4e6EyOLpeEjGI1j8PZcdQOEeY1vg7y3Vvg4CH9R7c47RrW71HiUwxkCd6L16DeZ_3_VjNNMPr-aZIgSFX4NqtF9kkhBdhc_5/s400/Harry+and+Gina.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Palindrome's Parents</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkyhQeavC2bnBnaSSshWh5sfWMoydu22RrGd570bLAmo55gWDLG8aXP35lyU10b7ef3k1gWbk8T3DpciLA75Cl-IURzj98eRi06L0GzaxIOQhKvud4eC5BJqcV4Bi3a1XE5OXsiH7m8Iv/s1600/Fran+and+Herb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkyhQeavC2bnBnaSSshWh5sfWMoydu22RrGd570bLAmo55gWDLG8aXP35lyU10b7ef3k1gWbk8T3DpciLA75Cl-IURzj98eRi06L0GzaxIOQhKvud4eC5BJqcV4Bi3a1XE5OXsiH7m8Iv/s400/Fran+and+Herb.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Palindrome's Paternal Grandparents</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3D_veY4WikjuJEhogXiBYB2zF0spPJrBaI2il1igpTCc4IMFXxZH62ZxkCbc-EWZIpNrNyL62ScZ-gekkW7O3UDQgiam5fijMGV8r7Kc9WVKkDY9tx8kc9-CU50XHQ6lKzFiDBbWZo5T/s1600/Pecchio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3D_veY4WikjuJEhogXiBYB2zF0spPJrBaI2il1igpTCc4IMFXxZH62ZxkCbc-EWZIpNrNyL62ScZ-gekkW7O3UDQgiam5fijMGV8r7Kc9WVKkDY9tx8kc9-CU50XHQ6lKzFiDBbWZo5T/s400/Pecchio.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Palindrome's Maternal Grandparents</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxELW2RQrBP-Y21RC1o3lhxPKcVjQPxT3Yk89X7W1Apg2nQIxiClz86-hQ9OkQJpaCF35zVcu0dsP2DMTm9PqDIhzz0lZl_GiWCoPaaDpf4lB5xBN2XIActeweFvK9l96eJTzsq-v4jYp/s1600/Jasons+Great+Grandparents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxELW2RQrBP-Y21RC1o3lhxPKcVjQPxT3Yk89X7W1Apg2nQIxiClz86-hQ9OkQJpaCF35zVcu0dsP2DMTm9PqDIhzz0lZl_GiWCoPaaDpf4lB5xBN2XIActeweFvK9l96eJTzsq-v4jYp/s400/Jasons+Great+Grandparents.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Palindrome's Maternal Great Grandparents</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuJc7rY0q2Tn4CHTQrDpuwiRPoddBZi0e-YfDvHBsOSQ1OtW4LFRMDRtPtwaMDnqGMIivNnHoV4m5pLiZGw71HfC_yMXbWriLv_Hw1aN2iZw95uT4zHAp5hfvpA81N_bTIPRGwNRDtdZE/s1600/Jasons+Great+Grandparents+Second+Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuJc7rY0q2Tn4CHTQrDpuwiRPoddBZi0e-YfDvHBsOSQ1OtW4LFRMDRtPtwaMDnqGMIivNnHoV4m5pLiZGw71HfC_yMXbWriLv_Hw1aN2iZw95uT4zHAp5hfvpA81N_bTIPRGwNRDtdZE/s400/Jasons+Great+Grandparents+Second+Set.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Palindrome's Maternal Great Grandparents</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3h74zJmGO5xGgWHiDGcBoNB0yW-_qx2_qoCurPj_OmGq4P5g25eTO0UTDM9lubRrxxo2s2q3nJGBEJ8_cBct6Jm7duPOJBbpjBkaHDTa805HnDEaVHQq4za19sQBmUC5QN8AlZ1GAhvvy/s1600/Parents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3h74zJmGO5xGgWHiDGcBoNB0yW-_qx2_qoCurPj_OmGq4P5g25eTO0UTDM9lubRrxxo2s2q3nJGBEJ8_cBct6Jm7duPOJBbpjBkaHDTa805HnDEaVHQq4za19sQBmUC5QN8AlZ1GAhvvy/s400/Parents.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Palindrome Bride's Parents</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_zLDp_WgCd98oxwUbYE8MaMXOuCiBPRymMUKY3WZ6unrHn4LqAOxYZp-xWSzlPUuVxlPRKqV7ioFoWbGq643DPTOR5zaoXTRJtbDnGJPMPG40uyZgcXjMRjluB6GEt8RVrKwVvua5YDd/s1600/Kosar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_zLDp_WgCd98oxwUbYE8MaMXOuCiBPRymMUKY3WZ6unrHn4LqAOxYZp-xWSzlPUuVxlPRKqV7ioFoWbGq643DPTOR5zaoXTRJtbDnGJPMPG40uyZgcXjMRjluB6GEt8RVrKwVvua5YDd/s400/Kosar.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Palindrome Bride's Maternal Grandparents</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOy2Tkl-aSplpeQen5DHZkuYcRGPc4hzdkWyy2unxRub286MxZ7KFRvQeVGi7hi8UZjlHzBc7hRASOHDlfh_sajjuND5dxOAjvajXFkSYrNXpPvCjuivJDffzzr_mfQrWs0Ci81xXlg8T/s1600/Kummer+Together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOy2Tkl-aSplpeQen5DHZkuYcRGPc4hzdkWyy2unxRub286MxZ7KFRvQeVGi7hi8UZjlHzBc7hRASOHDlfh_sajjuND5dxOAjvajXFkSYrNXpPvCjuivJDffzzr_mfQrWs0Ci81xXlg8T/s400/Kummer+Together.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Palindrome Bride's Paternal Grandparents</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcduBIrTqV0WMCL_UnaHFZpGnGio6Idf1dT30nOzB9H1azcBJNRO3GyksWbBbSIVa-qY3gpkxdfFASneg8yapA25GBCQlNR_9r5K4NyH098pGvBlCziGvSmtefr3JkQH4VCvqU_vrwyv-c/s1600/Mildred+and+Joseph+Kummer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcduBIrTqV0WMCL_UnaHFZpGnGio6Idf1dT30nOzB9H1azcBJNRO3GyksWbBbSIVa-qY3gpkxdfFASneg8yapA25GBCQlNR_9r5K4NyH098pGvBlCziGvSmtefr3JkQH4VCvqU_vrwyv-c/s400/Mildred+and+Joseph+Kummer.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Palindrome Bride's Paternal Great Grandparents</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After framing each photograph, I laid them out on the floor and arranged them loosely based on family ties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxfeOY_C6TVokxD7g4CKCJJDAqgx0yOxyS2YFD6RMRLZBgx5O-XwKQxLiONQm1w3ho1HCSCoXAMUuPR5DVFSpHgvwMFR4aH0TtzUx8rfK1zmnM7pK8uq-wWuPyzPS94qLMR-MaiOEofdY/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxfeOY_C6TVokxD7g4CKCJJDAqgx0yOxyS2YFD6RMRLZBgx5O-XwKQxLiONQm1w3ho1HCSCoXAMUuPR5DVFSpHgvwMFR4aH0TtzUx8rfK1zmnM7pK8uq-wWuPyzPS94qLMR-MaiOEofdY/s400/DSC_0402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Some experts lay a piece of butcher block under the frames and then tape the paper onto the wall. Then they nail hangers right over the paper, thus ensuring exact placement.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGrMyhG7yRYWBUQMfKq5VbnnTZUR66K7mP28L6xGNa8OlCv6kwyhpLyv4Z996lIc0jOLEw_3AnCJkrfD2as6z2XjD9yDh6ZwVhD7C_yde8eF-aI0b0uysk13yJY4heCpIUb9ovPM3D49n/s1600/DSC_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGrMyhG7yRYWBUQMfKq5VbnnTZUR66K7mP28L6xGNa8OlCv6kwyhpLyv4Z996lIc0jOLEw_3AnCJkrfD2as6z2XjD9yDh6ZwVhD7C_yde8eF-aI0b0uysk13yJY4heCpIUb9ovPM3D49n/s400/DSC_0403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I am a "this looks close enough" kind of gal. So I just used my hand to approximate distances and it worked out pretty well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBviLxay-8VyxW9W2rTPkw8o0dkwkHQdh4AC5DkbOCibqJQE_nlAqT8AiNlxUZV6nn5E_pgPiSxloOLTnud5Wfh9Lm2lfjSVWgosakms6LxoD8UesxRpmwAlb17w2bYVVzwcvu6d1rAiwd/s1600/DSC_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBviLxay-8VyxW9W2rTPkw8o0dkwkHQdh4AC5DkbOCibqJQE_nlAqT8AiNlxUZV6nn5E_pgPiSxloOLTnud5Wfh9Lm2lfjSVWgosakms6LxoD8UesxRpmwAlb17w2bYVVzwcvu6d1rAiwd/s400/DSC_0404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love how the mixed patinas of the frames make them look original. I also like the asymmetry of the collection as a whole, yet it still feels balanced.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDKaPyjtIU8sU5vcvcGnlw_zug6yYLT-dFOY4xd-512EAcYZtjK7MIlsIrhtQGX7dwKjksGAddZua_qeTDbClAZJHS1AESGBrdCN8GeXpvXSMQL2I_L4AuaLBGPhnqBtYhASF_IUnsSRc/s1600/DSC_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDKaPyjtIU8sU5vcvcGnlw_zug6yYLT-dFOY4xd-512EAcYZtjK7MIlsIrhtQGX7dwKjksGAddZua_qeTDbClAZJHS1AESGBrdCN8GeXpvXSMQL2I_L4AuaLBGPhnqBtYhASF_IUnsSRc/s400/DSC_0398.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did you collect photographs for your wedding? Are you planning on incorporating them into your home decor after the wedding?</div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-5628661931543545282010-11-19T13:15:00.000-05:002010-11-19T13:15:00.643-05:00Friday Finds - To the BritsI may or may not have gone on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prince-William-Gateway-Biographies-Elaine/dp/0761321209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290113951&sr=1-1">WoW</a> spotting trips when I studied in England. Since I'm happily married now and he is on his way to be, I could find no other inspiration this week than the impending royal wedding. I went cheesy and touristy too. At the pub down the street from my flat they had Cheese Night every Saturday (basically American 80's Night!). The round about sign invitation is probably my favorite, though I really enjoy the irony of the telephone booth ipod case (which I think would make great wedding party gifts!). <br />
<br />
TGIF! (or more appropriately, GSTQ - God Save the Queen!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lxUkBpm1vzinf05kkLPEu-sP9VGSugZD_m1IYMOu2MlyFDESVPOqcnph3vz0D1RJCzDD7Dd9ze-4A0vBejRbAnR_FlYPWiGOmAjYL0zN1AgTO7AxWwvYgkn_ECNehB0uBObNzZ-RvQjE/s1600/God+Save+the+Queen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lxUkBpm1vzinf05kkLPEu-sP9VGSugZD_m1IYMOu2MlyFDESVPOqcnph3vz0D1RJCzDD7Dd9ze-4A0vBejRbAnR_FlYPWiGOmAjYL0zN1AgTO7AxWwvYgkn_ECNehB0uBObNzZ-RvQjE/s400/God+Save+the+Queen.png" width="400" /></a></div>Clockwise from Top L:<br />
CB Sew - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62152481/british-red-phone-booth-gadget-case-fits">British Red Phone Booth Gadget Case</a><br />
The Blissful Baker - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61425380/british-themed-cupcake-toppers-set-of-10">British Themed Cupcake Toppers</a><br />
Alive House - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62115185/sale-londonunion-jack-flag-cushion">Union Jack Pillow Cover</a><br />
Doodle Love - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46029721/love-roundabout-wedding-invitation">Love Roundabout Wedding Invitation</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-27853176625231643182010-11-15T09:22:00.000-05:002010-11-15T09:22:35.797-05:00Honeymoon in My Hometown - Hampton Roads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">You may have taken summer vacation to Williamsburg and been forced to appreciate colonial history, but the area has a ton to offer in the way of romance and activity for a honeymoon close to home. Here are my personal suggestions if you're headed to the area for your honeymoon (or anniversary trip, or even babymoon trip?).</span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><b>Where to stay:</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/orfws-norfolk-marriott-waterside/">Norfolk Waterside Marriott</a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLXfNgfzxSHygdMJDppVEEezhA-9QGOpzof_Sj-RORkLjzQ2WZijFOwEnlPxRLNQjfiNwulLQZrsbmgr-ks9xVQmKwlzDZp25kItp2iyaWJieAz3FuufPiw5FLxdCMHEPTGiFl_FZCiwN/s1600/orfws_phototour31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLXfNgfzxSHygdMJDppVEEezhA-9QGOpzof_Sj-RORkLjzQ2WZijFOwEnlPxRLNQjfiNwulLQZrsbmgr-ks9xVQmKwlzDZp25kItp2iyaWJieAz3FuufPiw5FLxdCMHEPTGiFl_FZCiwN/s400/orfws_phototour31.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Stay downtown and enjoy the waterviews! Hop on the water taxi to explore downtown Portsmouth, or hop on the highway to enjoy any of the 7 cities in the area. We stayed there on our wedding night and received excellent service. </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://deals.sheraton.com/Sheraton-Oceanfront-Virginia-Beach-Hotel-814/so.htm?PS=PS_aa_NorthNY_NorthNY_-_Google_-_BD_sheraton_virginia_beach_Exact_050510_NAD_FM">Sheraton Ocean Front at Virginia Beach</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1MjMFFpkxUXVLODyFGmb0gkNLxV-rrwJ3Xp0C_VfqeWxfIsNiUSICD0Zdx934EpkF3aZCFyTytUlMM2DFpdChU_ce5k2Ml7wNJvtt6hoIWCGpUNUfwr7ZsMoHMbTqQEfoGMieaGfxWQR/s1600/she814br.60077_md.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1MjMFFpkxUXVLODyFGmb0gkNLxV-rrwJ3Xp0C_VfqeWxfIsNiUSICD0Zdx934EpkF3aZCFyTytUlMM2DFpdChU_ce5k2Ml7wNJvtt6hoIWCGpUNUfwr7ZsMoHMbTqQEfoGMieaGfxWQR/s400/she814br.60077_md.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Stay at the Virginia Beach ocean front and enjoy waking up to the sound waves and 'gulls. The boardwalk is just steps away, and plenty of restaurants are within walking distance. </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://foundersinnvirginiabeach.com/default.asp?source=google+founders+inn&gclid=CIf81eve_aQCFRLLKgodsxb9gQ">Founders Inn & Spa</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IgZ3UYLlyvXMOmddnayl-JDft1Zo0F1Cjsw3OicFd42snWniUEAeiLo4chrKwfEQRdGBCzDB3OJHivKsHhgyHl2Gf3DZQJ6JsUgOg8u5EYGJbfk2QPzD9RiRBj04eD0h09ezFDOjnxv-/s1600/dbimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IgZ3UYLlyvXMOmddnayl-JDft1Zo0F1Cjsw3OicFd42snWniUEAeiLo4chrKwfEQRdGBCzDB3OJHivKsHhgyHl2Gf3DZQJ6JsUgOg8u5EYGJbfk2QPzD9RiRBj04eD0h09ezFDOjnxv-/s400/dbimage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The Founders Inn & Spa is lovely and very hospitable. The surrounding campus of Regent University is also beautiful and stately. When we ate at the Founders Inn after my graduation, the food was delicious. Sunday brunches are the talk of the town. Head to the spa for a little extra luxury.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>What to do:</b></div><div><a href="http://www.nauticus.org/">Nauticus Museum and USS Wisconsin Tour</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S59tDX9vNA6ygonOeehCFv1F4td7caGY3D2FUYK6Fik4cnb_mxzNul6gmihN41BT78hDWZiCrFxFizpsupn2sMnBjF1vBQ7Foof64P9XAgXZ2sW7u9lit-s2QvR7Xu_WVAyySZgy204y/s1600/50415_313234108832_7853310_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5S59tDX9vNA6ygonOeehCFv1F4td7caGY3D2FUYK6Fik4cnb_mxzNul6gmihN41BT78hDWZiCrFxFizpsupn2sMnBjF1vBQ7Foof64P9XAgXZ2sW7u9lit-s2QvR7Xu_WVAyySZgy204y/s400/50415_313234108832_7853310_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Interesting bits of military history.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.chrysler.org/">Chrysler Art Museum</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia46C2u-lJrDJ9vUxLEJo1ax2h8ef0AkqHyMTtNsNJNmMPmPv8ys2hAHMrVZ9fL9nC4wgLqP_YRIfQ9V8nBsiUFTtwqnmDBWROxpKSS4993F6DslRdkC5bblmxVareYH3w6mFwQZdAytTP/s1600/hpwc-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia46C2u-lJrDJ9vUxLEJo1ax2h8ef0AkqHyMTtNsNJNmMPmPv8ys2hAHMrVZ9fL9nC4wgLqP_YRIfQ9V8nBsiUFTtwqnmDBWROxpKSS4993F6DslRdkC5bblmxVareYH3w6mFwQZdAytTP/s400/hpwc-back.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>Well curated museum and interesting collection.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.sevenvenues.com/about/history/chrysler">Chrysler Hall</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGQmO25BJeSe4fc2_dJ0HljWpV9Mg1HnN7ldL1VFxoeiGnkyz5ZbXiMOwVM5HrMgiPh4HGbOV6bly19ttBs95KEImAC1Pjw4qexR8uTspT3S3qi903rxBMr5yqgbXAdKS8I1C22wB8v96/s1600/venue_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGQmO25BJeSe4fc2_dJ0HljWpV9Mg1HnN7ldL1VFxoeiGnkyz5ZbXiMOwVM5HrMgiPh4HGbOV6bly19ttBs95KEImAC1Pjw4qexR8uTspT3S3qi903rxBMr5yqgbXAdKS8I1C22wB8v96/s400/venue_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.sevenvenues.com/about/history/chrysler"></a>Musicals, speakers, the symphony, comedians, and military tattoos.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="http://www.virginiaaquarium.com/Pages/default.aspx">Virginia Aquarium</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1BTxhrgfptTH1ngVwGfn1DO1yfT9ZS46zcO0oWIpOYS_G_qzGpgDYacchAG9X58HVbFGIS3enM2tGLvZ4iEjuNK_OvmhBrzCt63doPqFEBf2f-rNZga3MWCWBDWyZUktzcH6BZpre26x/s1600/Winter+hours+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1BTxhrgfptTH1ngVwGfn1DO1yfT9ZS46zcO0oWIpOYS_G_qzGpgDYacchAG9X58HVbFGIS3enM2tGLvZ4iEjuNK_OvmhBrzCt63doPqFEBf2f-rNZga3MWCWBDWyZUktzcH6BZpre26x/s400/Winter+hours+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Animals and an Imax theater - satisfies your inner kid!<br />
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<a href="http://www.apva.org/capehenry/">Old Cape Henry Lighthouse</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pVaJ6BwV85TkUb5hgJzfNGgM-ROY5D_V3QGOQ1TR3Op8Iku3gIA0I8uxjQdhqo-SxYVdJ3JRz9uir3cEA4PTxHx7XUNxzo7JtFZaRLPdqxN-FpO3Ep74rqhzJfhWKzlY-arBSfX8cR5p/s1600/exterior_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pVaJ6BwV85TkUb5hgJzfNGgM-ROY5D_V3QGOQ1TR3Op8Iku3gIA0I8uxjQdhqo-SxYVdJ3JRz9uir3cEA4PTxHx7XUNxzo7JtFZaRLPdqxN-FpO3Ep74rqhzJfhWKzlY-arBSfX8cR5p/s400/exterior_02.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>Great views of the beach and surrounding area.<br />
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<a href="http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/fir.shtml">First Landing State Park</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEUmvqltznB37R37UBqH9UyuUY6ToTV6s_fqFeEfpV-SNPNZaPzeMcaHnm6yEx1_wwSnQh6thyphenhyphenjGFEwJJwCFuG0chAmpmbSJcVXgeHjybcBHkvvkd7TspRUeTSmEta-v4Bp68prXS8W8K/s1600/fir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwEUmvqltznB37R37UBqH9UyuUY6ToTV6s_fqFeEfpV-SNPNZaPzeMcaHnm6yEx1_wwSnQh6thyphenhyphenjGFEwJJwCFuG0chAmpmbSJcVXgeHjybcBHkvvkd7TspRUeTSmEta-v4Bp68prXS8W8K/s400/fir.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Extensive trails, camping, etc.<br />
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<a href="http://www.narocinema.com/">Naro Cinema</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0_vZuR5II7qtZvVufnSJvv4tqzKqx7Mvg6R5dfjVEYu-xKFO07p9Gvrd3i6LGOMZsuJT6PLlTzJYGslzs9OUFW_U3e6-U9i0K89xhASwXiFTFKQXt3qxp77hDXMY721IVIg4oCex-KrT/s1600/altdaily2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0_vZuR5II7qtZvVufnSJvv4tqzKqx7Mvg6R5dfjVEYu-xKFO07p9Gvrd3i6LGOMZsuJT6PLlTzJYGslzs9OUFW_U3e6-U9i0K89xhASwXiFTFKQXt3qxp77hDXMY721IVIg4oCex-KrT/s400/altdaily2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Great old theater, reasonably priced concessions, interesting films.<br />
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<a href="http://buschgardens.com/bgw/default.aspx">Busch Gardens</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K_UTmebSKwHGXPYuLXXKpl_aoutEDZAmRHysjjzundnBf817dWc8DAsFYGd5gvO4-ih7T4S9PdeImktVVuDMsFVGsxyB3jL0skIrja1ozj_wlNDJESNqZFHxdVeqjCUZYOjBsrNX6xk3/s1600/Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K_UTmebSKwHGXPYuLXXKpl_aoutEDZAmRHysjjzundnBf817dWc8DAsFYGd5gvO4-ih7T4S9PdeImktVVuDMsFVGsxyB3jL0skIrja1ozj_wlNDJESNqZFHxdVeqjCUZYOjBsrNX6xk3/s320/Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If you're a coaster lover, like me, this is a must!<br />
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<a href="http://www.history.org/">Colonial Williamsburg</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsgbuq332cS7lHWxBbUtUB74CSO-V6fhvFNKnj8p4XGbSd39MMdzXBTKG9-t4wfdwVA-oBYTL15ltS0FP62PW8p6y-kv15vs4XHgdp9aOJXgA7Maky4p9TtiDXcwSc9a0mB2kiETKFRox/s1600/revcity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsgbuq332cS7lHWxBbUtUB74CSO-V6fhvFNKnj8p4XGbSd39MMdzXBTKG9-t4wfdwVA-oBYTL15ltS0FP62PW8p6y-kv15vs4XHgdp9aOJXgA7Maky4p9TtiDXcwSc9a0mB2kiETKFRox/s400/revcity.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You just may appreciate it more this go around!<br />
<br />
<b>Where to Eat:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chicksoysterbar.com/ordereze/Default.aspx">Chick's Oyster Bar</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2Yi51U08GmAicANQn7cGhoBBOVxtwESiDiosSydBN2EtJFsZq0zu4A7FBO_2iVYra6PX2WPgRlKfUsSaVnpIbNZkILA20RwvfNtZbC2Ob0DpoVWx8zmtgzPjEdv585T27cwtO7ay7I_B/s1600/IMAGE4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2Yi51U08GmAicANQn7cGhoBBOVxtwESiDiosSydBN2EtJFsZq0zu4A7FBO_2iVYra6PX2WPgRlKfUsSaVnpIbNZkILA20RwvfNtZbC2Ob0DpoVWx8zmtgzPjEdv585T27cwtO7ay7I_B/s400/IMAGE4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Hang out on the deck, pick shrimp, enjoy life.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biergarden.com/">The Bier Garden</a><br />
No picture, just trust Palindrome Bride. Order the spatzle.<br />
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<a href="http://www.tautogs.com/center.cfm">Tautogs</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIxn_6mShzQ3OqN7rkAA20QdpL0YDCLAXgvmHu9Vzh0Pv3mZBmq2AdGWSxYdr3qg8n5vTODU7AvZk1dvQni16MqjA7tQSwPLK-LMzNQfur2h4xkmvqF1TnS0Op4T7s5khJNW-aqGOt0gR/s1600/tautogs_group_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIxn_6mShzQ3OqN7rkAA20QdpL0YDCLAXgvmHu9Vzh0Pv3mZBmq2AdGWSxYdr3qg8n5vTODU7AvZk1dvQni16MqjA7tQSwPLK-LMzNQfur2h4xkmvqF1TnS0Op4T7s5khJNW-aqGOt0gR/s400/tautogs_group_photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Start with the she crab soup, you won't be sorry.<br />
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<a href="http://www.williamsburgwinery.com/">The Williamsburg Winery</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzJTUrfSdsLtNfpWWowqUiDuTYIap3xfDtNa4GD0qhoMUy9tcTj7tsGeBUxSe73kt1KvQCpjx8QvvpGyF-wa7MV9-dePIsqbNxOVyi9qRfHoZaLlSE48o4OG_cwfjSll-XjYCf2ySe0NM/s1600/TWWair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzJTUrfSdsLtNfpWWowqUiDuTYIap3xfDtNa4GD0qhoMUy9tcTj7tsGeBUxSe73kt1KvQCpjx8QvvpGyF-wa7MV9-dePIsqbNxOVyi9qRfHoZaLlSE48o4OG_cwfjSll-XjYCf2ySe0NM/s400/TWWair.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Eat at the tavern and enjoy some Virginia ham with a lovely table red.<br />
<br />
Have you been to Hampton Roads? Would you consider a local honeymoon?<br />
<br />
<i>*All photographs sourced from the accompanying links to each location.</i><br />
<br />
</div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-74077522151744460782010-11-11T22:03:00.000-05:002010-11-11T22:03:53.822-05:00Palindrome Then and NowI've been thinking recently about what I thought marriage would be like. My dreams. My reality. My expectations from high school are deeply contrasted by my current expectations.<br />
<br />
My relationship thoughts have largely been shaped by my faith. When I was in Jr. High, I was counting down the days until I turned 16. My parents had promised that I could date at that age and I figured I'd have a high school sweet heart, go to college, marry that sweet heart, and have babies - just like my parents. Awwwwwww.<br />
<br />
Around the time I turned 16, our church got swept up into the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kissed-Dating-Goodbye-Attitude-Relationships/dp/1576730360">"I Kissed Dating Goodbye"</a> movement. It may sound crazy to some, but the main idea was a throwback to formal courting where the gents initiated, parents chaperoned, etc. Needless to say, I was never asked out in high school.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__ktSeqqqpIxMpqHxXBu9Bzk9eC6B9c8u1fkmroquvfC8EykTTC_KsLi_Yc6GM6xRlF7jwFRBrjiLIVdto42Oym17gVeJTqZbE93gINKiUw81sFjizs-UubtYuR5TLbxTF0GEleR3Tcla/s1600/HIghschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__ktSeqqqpIxMpqHxXBu9Bzk9eC6B9c8u1fkmroquvfC8EykTTC_KsLi_Yc6GM6xRlF7jwFRBrjiLIVdto42Oym17gVeJTqZbE93gINKiUw81sFjizs-UubtYuR5TLbxTF0GEleR3Tcla/s400/HIghschool.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The summer I was 16, our youth group visited an orphanage in Mexico.</i></div><br />
I thought that college would be my ticket to my MRS. I had (actually still have) strong desires to be a mother. I think I'm just hardwired this way. So I made a plan. I'd meet a nice boy at Bible study my freshman year. Sophomore year, we'd hang out more, become best friends. Junior year, we'd become more than friends. Senior year, we'd be engaged and I'd plan a wedding for the weekend after graduation. Ha!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv4hcuXGTAQ42bQ9AHv4h8__jTQWDgHBVZwZlKAv0rA-3Dhlz-ZJq3aNB9P8STtQgA_iQE-BnT2DqHFrIBOqS7QMgxCrLK3qMCafJ4w0F2_sD2pjTUDvo-tpWX50wYmCoBMcFf1RsKbpw/s1600/college.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv4hcuXGTAQ42bQ9AHv4h8__jTQWDgHBVZwZlKAv0rA-3Dhlz-ZJq3aNB9P8STtQgA_iQE-BnT2DqHFrIBOqS7QMgxCrLK3qMCafJ4w0F2_sD2pjTUDvo-tpWX50wYmCoBMcFf1RsKbpw/s400/college.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>At Palindromaid S's (and Mr. Palindrome's!) graduation with my MRS plan gone to crapola.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, I see that love doesn't follow my plans. I realize that my high school and college dreams didn't reflect what I truly wanted. The thing I wanted most was to meet a man who would challenge me, be my companion, love me, and love building a family with me. The path and timing wasn't the most important thing, but I focused a lot on that in my love immaturity. </div><br />
Our love story started in college but unfolded over the next 5 years. We moved a combined total of 11 times during that time, sometimes in opposite directions. It wasn't my ideal path, but it was my dream. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EZ76-QDzeo4CgQKfksLS9C2G3zmG_SJxNDEI0YShLWasCK5oDXOSyJ0jWXD5Aeis0IEfqP7-QyHHLcIsxf46_ZQ6o05AgTIdHGIkPGw1yKoJdVaoqcerh4RRINL2Ekl8GMjbEQrvC-JX/s1600/first+year+with+j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EZ76-QDzeo4CgQKfksLS9C2G3zmG_SJxNDEI0YShLWasCK5oDXOSyJ0jWXD5Aeis0IEfqP7-QyHHLcIsxf46_ZQ6o05AgTIdHGIkPGw1yKoJdVaoqcerh4RRINL2Ekl8GMjbEQrvC-JX/s400/first+year+with+j.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Palindrome and me circa 2006</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">How have your thoughts about relationships matured since high school?</div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-85279953457438027362010-11-09T15:40:00.000-05:002010-11-09T15:40:27.510-05:00Corn Dogs, Lambs, and Colas Oh My!Cola and I both got the corn dog platter. This platter supposedly had 4 mini corn dogs on it. When the platters came out with 4 full size corn dogs EACH, we just about died. After reviving ourselves we talked shop about weddings with readers, hubbies, and relatives. Then us North Carolina gals tried to talk the Colas into moving to the east coast! The mountains, the beaches, the history, the long summers, the baseball, the jobs, the affordable housing! Seriously, the state government should put us on their payroll because I think we were pretty convincing. After lunch we grabbed a quick picture overlooking the stadium. We couldn't have coordinated our lovely autumanl sweaters even if we had tried!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97MyoQoVdV1RtORS2TPuMQKolIBOd2QhMraxwtZp5xvDev1OO0e83x9ZXua2ICEMIoBS-JRysxoJd6kHt_QKV2Xn8qibeSSu9gBOVucSzZrbEto2sttp7IlwuYzmalokXx17F5fEHd8qB/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97MyoQoVdV1RtORS2TPuMQKolIBOd2QhMraxwtZp5xvDev1OO0e83x9ZXua2ICEMIoBS-JRysxoJd6kHt_QKV2Xn8qibeSSu9gBOVucSzZrbEto2sttp7IlwuYzmalokXx17F5fEHd8qB/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lovely reader, mcnetn3, Cola and Lamb</div><div style="text-align: center;">Photograph by Mr. Cola</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks to everyone who made it out to the meet up! Let's try to do it again near the holidays!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">*Sorry for the sun flare, if I knew more about editing, I probably could have fixed it better. Oh well, Cola looks extra angelic here :). And to the lovely reader whom I couldn't match with a handle after the fact, I've learned my lesson and I'll be writing those down during lunch from now on!</div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-24122389208788357392010-11-04T16:38:00.000-04:002010-11-04T16:38:13.239-04:00Real Life Palindrome StyleI really enjoy when bloggers I follow give some insight as to what their life is like outside of their blog. I like the snippets of what you eat, favorite movies, etc. I also feel like I owe you a juicy secret. Not some secret like, "I'm addicted to Mountain Dew" (I'm not anyways, but I consider it to be a bad secret). I'm talking about the juicy kind of secret that makes you think, "Wow, she covered that neuroses pretty well!" <br />
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My secret is that I have an obsession with toe nails. It's an unhealthy obsession with unhealthy toe nail hygiene. I trim my toe nails to the quick once a week and clean them out religiously. I NEVER cut the cuticles on my toe nails. I will cut them anywhere in our house that is convenient to me, much to the chagrin of Mr. Palindrome who constantly yaps at me to keep track of the clippings. I wish that the nail obsession stopped at my own two feet. However, it extends to everyone whose toes I see. Summer is the height of my obsession, as I look at everyone's toes sprouting from their sandals. Irregular cut nails? I want to file them. Corns? I want to buff 'em. Long? Oh, please for the love of all that is good in this world, please let me cut them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqa0gVn4-edJ4-P3mZ_0IJR3LyQ7-vJKCCr3t92bZqFBf44tbqh30C-hXJ2epB6m2ZNYGB_QlY7PRYbOq00alKoovK3nTvRas-7o6yOxXPj0oDNfs7i6CXXfLW7jx4Tn9WAs5NBh00LNf/s1600/Toe_nails_of_left_foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqa0gVn4-edJ4-P3mZ_0IJR3LyQ7-vJKCCr3t92bZqFBf44tbqh30C-hXJ2epB6m2ZNYGB_QlY7PRYbOq00alKoovK3nTvRas-7o6yOxXPj0oDNfs7i6CXXfLW7jx4Tn9WAs5NBh00LNf/s320/Toe_nails_of_left_foot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://qwickstep.com/search/toe-nails.html?p=7"><i>Source</i></a></div>While I have contained this urge with strangers, those closest to me cannot escape my homicidal toe nail bent. As children, my Dad would cut our toe nails after our Saturday night baths. When I was old enough, I cut my own and my brother's. Until I left for college, and even when I returned home from breaks, I would still cut my brother's toe nails. Now I cut Mr. Palindrome's. Sometimes I cut them while he sleeps so that he won't fidget. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXIY_7FP4MXTpVjzkPnW9RfcFPmBTlBVXYFi3oeYYEhNGz-7jUd2BcG5n7l1OkrYf_CKqw2VqdgYwGb4b6VojFwvelUREx-SEb6FaRHUL0l5zpLXK9ut4hE81nY3Hb0dp9J6nf5J_89aq/s1600/photogallery-5-min-pedicure-page-3-clipping-toenails-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXIY_7FP4MXTpVjzkPnW9RfcFPmBTlBVXYFi3oeYYEhNGz-7jUd2BcG5n7l1OkrYf_CKqw2VqdgYwGb4b6VojFwvelUREx-SEb6FaRHUL0l5zpLXK9ut4hE81nY3Hb0dp9J6nf5J_89aq/s320/photogallery-5-min-pedicure-page-3-clipping-toenails-full.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dailyglow.com/photo-gallery/personal-care-spa-pedicure-at-home/shape-nails-and-cuticles-quickly"><i>Source</i></a></div><br />
When I see my toe nail cutting handy work, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. It's irrational. I know. The ends of beautifully groomed toe nails totally justifies my crazy-clipping-while-you-sleep means though. Besides that, I deal with Mr. Palindrome's ear cleaning q-tip obsession, so I think we're even.<br />
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Tell me a secret/real life obsession of yours!melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-90332619140964531712010-11-03T15:26:00.000-04:002010-11-03T15:26:08.497-04:00Palindromes Featured on Elizabeth Anne DesignsI just heard from our coordinator, Pavaune (of <a href="http://www.invitedeventdesign.com/index2.php">Invited Events</a>), that our wedding was featured on <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a> in the local <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/local/richmond/">Richmond blog</a> section! Some of the Palindromaids are featured about half way down in our photobooth :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9kXKE096DaBtr2t0rkvmgfSColobsy_whY9L_51arS2OnnY4mrT2AQRIOIblOa-ugriRt5pVoseIC9zme9EmR9nwjAynt5OrEzeNpIX4EL-oTKMF_rNYr9RDzw0GMiETQqwJDCHxr3fs/s1600/Elizabeth+Anne+Designs+Feature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9kXKE096DaBtr2t0rkvmgfSColobsy_whY9L_51arS2OnnY4mrT2AQRIOIblOa-ugriRt5pVoseIC9zme9EmR9nwjAynt5OrEzeNpIX4EL-oTKMF_rNYr9RDzw0GMiETQqwJDCHxr3fs/s400/Elizabeth+Anne+Designs+Feature.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Check out the entire post<a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/11/03/winter-white-wedding/"> here.</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-54106242713935848682010-11-02T09:51:00.000-04:002010-11-02T09:51:07.991-04:00Weddingbee Meet-up with the Colas in Durham!Hey Y'all! My southern lingo is improving, and now it's time for me to show off my southern hospitality as we welcome the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/cola/">Colas</a> to the area! Mr. and Mrs. Cola are visiting this Saturday and we'll be meeting them at <a href="http://www.tobaccoroadsportscafe.com/about/index.html">Tobacco Road</a> in downtown Durham to show off our fun city, ball park and local brewskies! Join us for lunch and bring the SO!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsu5IUuWRcLqzSZXc0YnhkIpLjMHXU_kgC0DLRehfstrnijZH_1joUa2MR5roAw7DyRmjxZnnamicO0OHbTHUkVA95xzksaYj08JAjtlNH4i8J9TyjxPYFl_OIDthzbCtxrrG05pDOumR/s1600/home1_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsu5IUuWRcLqzSZXc0YnhkIpLjMHXU_kgC0DLRehfstrnijZH_1joUa2MR5roAw7DyRmjxZnnamicO0OHbTHUkVA95xzksaYj08JAjtlNH4i8J9TyjxPYFl_OIDthzbCtxrrG05pDOumR/s400/home1_01.png" width="400" /></a></div>Tobacco Road Sports Cafe<br />
280 South Magnum Street<br />
Durham, NC<br />
919-937-9909<br />
Saturday, November 6, 12:30 pmmelindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-3000193952752314542010-10-29T16:09:00.000-04:002010-11-12T13:11:04.013-05:00Friday Finds - Feeling BlueI'm not down, but I have been thinking a lot about my dining room decor which features my collection of <a href="http://www.robbinsnest.com/liberty-blue/">Liberty Blue</a> china. It's such a rich blue and I've been playing with coordinating colors like white and yellow. So this week, I took my china inspiration to create a blue transferware wedding. In addition to the features, I can envision mismatched china place settings, loads of white hyndrangeas, and perhaps royal paper lanterns. The feel would be somewhere between casual and formal, perhaps well suited for an afternoon garden wedding. I know I show so many vintage dresses, but they're so stunning, I have a hard time passing them by!<br />
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TGIF!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyoVI0Y4qTOqW4oh8mh2bfYE7AabGr_SgmcrOtKkLl4FgCBCPbPfnF-UPw7fUQzdImzQL9E8D3V_-3oHmAkV3Fqy1zP3rzWUZnh7Fl6miFOhLDv5hBLd21ICKxrdp-PaO7MJ2opJYa9yw/s1600/Royal+Blue.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyoVI0Y4qTOqW4oh8mh2bfYE7AabGr_SgmcrOtKkLl4FgCBCPbPfnF-UPw7fUQzdImzQL9E8D3V_-3oHmAkV3Fqy1zP3rzWUZnh7Fl6miFOhLDv5hBLd21ICKxrdp-PaO7MJ2opJYa9yw/s320/Royal+Blue.png" width="320" /></a></div>Clockwise from L:<br />
Timeless Vixen - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59713201/1950s-vintage-crisp-white-flocked">1950s Vintage Chiffon Party Dress</a><br />
Lkfarnsworth -<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59613356/dutch-masters-earrings-delft-dainties"> Dutch Masters Earrings</a><br />
Appleberry Ink - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56342736/contemporary-paisley-pattern-wedding">Contemporary Paisley Invitations</a><br />
Me and Matilda - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53180033/super-skinny-necktie-by-me-and-matilda">Super Skinny Necktie</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-74490188407090137842010-10-28T21:24:00.000-04:002010-10-28T21:24:30.270-04:00Why Do They All Say Polyester?I needed a break. The kind of break where you chill with a girlfriend, gripe about life, and then spend all your allowance in one place. Em and I also wanted to check out bridesmaid dresses, so we killed two birds with one stone by meeting at the <a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=54">Jackson Outlets</a>. We hit up <a href="http://www.bridalsbymichellerenee.com/">Bridals by Michelle Renee</a> to try on some <a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/Company/HomePage.aspx">Alfred Angelo</a> dresses. The dresses were arranged by color and length, so we had to go a dwess huntin' for the alfwed angewhoas. We made out better than Elmer Fudd though. We soon had 5 dresses of varying lengths and styles.<br />
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Like a good blogger, I had my camera in my purse. Like a bad blogger, I never took it out. We got carried away with our girl talk. Life, love, ups and downs - in and out of dresses. Then no pictures. So sorry. I did make note of the styles we tried on though.<br />
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Dress 1 wasn't an Alfred Angleo, but it was pretty cute, so we decided to try it on anyways.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3v7mybd7mTVV2gCXxRGlhCoTiMAmYPKJsCJz5jrP-OiMR7pvxgP5FWGDCEfWdOXmXk6TXjgJKSnpsq3Gt0AoSiClr0wjqMtFAzhkRffFEMdkaPDCxUHin3x0erccViy7KMlnoQ1umumL/s1600/DessyD445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3v7mybd7mTVV2gCXxRGlhCoTiMAmYPKJsCJz5jrP-OiMR7pvxgP5FWGDCEfWdOXmXk6TXjgJKSnpsq3Gt0AoSiClr0wjqMtFAzhkRffFEMdkaPDCxUHin3x0erccViy7KMlnoQ1umumL/s320/DessyD445.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> This <a href="http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/d445/">Dessy D445</a> style was super cute on, but there were two draw backs. In person, the taffeta was quite shiny and we weren't sure if we liked it. We didn't hate it, but it wasn't a pro. The sweet heart neckline was cute and good for my figure, but it was also coming up a little low.<br />
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Dress 2 we picked out because of the length and the bow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED3ze5OcpGwaKFMHQQK4NOivAgroqauqhzP_lbu6T5_psjZZ7cJ73l51GuWinaUQb-pKcePpZYcb8qLg-GtytFT-ostDFUTwXpLYYcGrHCdOCcQU8c0YKYzJxNJRZ-H-xuwfFavy4aUeR/s1600/AA7128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiED3ze5OcpGwaKFMHQQK4NOivAgroqauqhzP_lbu6T5_psjZZ7cJ73l51GuWinaUQb-pKcePpZYcb8qLg-GtytFT-ostDFUTwXpLYYcGrHCdOCcQU8c0YKYzJxNJRZ-H-xuwfFavy4aUeR/s320/AA7128.jpg" width="238" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?productID=ccb5605e-41be-4876-a5a8-8b30f97cc90d&categoryID=772f03c9-de43-4942-bfa0-da77e21ebd65&pg=1&colorId1=">Style 7128 </a>was cuter on the hanger than on my body. The bow looked a little juvenile and covered up my waist. The puckers on the skirt were right over my pooch area, unnecessarily drawing attention. Not our favorite, but on the right girl, could be great.<br />
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Dress 3 drew us in because of the obi style sash and wrap around skirt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV5TenzVx5P6A6f2YatZfE-KkmpQJnJ_jvsxEN4zntWV7KQVMrepdSxyfVZrEd5An6p1bxa-33WyYb1ZgKpA0qmDhly1mJKyoLH0JbwUIaBJw8j5Nx593D8b2g8Y2f8dPKYpB0EUFX60p/s1600/AA7126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpV5TenzVx5P6A6f2YatZfE-KkmpQJnJ_jvsxEN4zntWV7KQVMrepdSxyfVZrEd5An6p1bxa-33WyYb1ZgKpA0qmDhly1mJKyoLH0JbwUIaBJw8j5Nx593D8b2g8Y2f8dPKYpB0EUFX60p/s320/AA7126.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?productID=5dc60fd5-6c2c-452c-bbd3-5fa5f1838b33&categoryID=772f03c9-de43-4942-bfa0-da77e21ebd65&pg=1&colorId1="> Style 7126</a> hugged me in all of the right places. It accentuated my waist, the skirt had some interest, and the sweetheart neckline was more modestly cut. <br />
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To contrast some of the satin we were choosing, we decided to try Dress 4, this longer chiffon dress. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyuYVx6h3iN7_7-b-qiRyVNgJFqTsR9Oq8edQ1mvAW69SBc6DnvfmETJUlLZ0ugqq6jqOrp8K0ZhTsrqoc8fJT0_vUZbBMnTzXBWpva-fSU09bLdLF2np1FyhGNwFw-HeH5mD031gsL59/s1600/AA7076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyuYVx6h3iN7_7-b-qiRyVNgJFqTsR9Oq8edQ1mvAW69SBc6DnvfmETJUlLZ0ugqq6jqOrp8K0ZhTsrqoc8fJT0_vUZbBMnTzXBWpva-fSU09bLdLF2np1FyhGNwFw-HeH5mD031gsL59/s320/AA7076.jpg" width="232" /></a></div> <a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?productID=2e654048-9ea8-4207-9e9e-f56e2af39151&categoryID=772f03c9-de43-4942-bfa0-da77e21ebd65&pg=1&colorId1=">Style 7076</a> looked quite pretty on and had a flowy quality. I don't think the straps were Emily's favorite and the looser fit all around wasn't my favorite, but it's a lovely dress. Now that I've been married, I'm much more conscious of wearing empire-ish waists and baby doll tops because people start to assume I've been baking if you know what I mean ;).<br />
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Dress 5 was a last minute addition and caught our eye with a lace up back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi671K3KFUwUxAqlEco9B9ecuzEX_aZz_IJOh8MwgHpmfThUCa1GOnCrjEMPATokOdvXaOS5qTnKfjJRFDMBThL1YxuHp9dorcsl-BsAX4FVL5Gp1PK8RZQBIXgKvfrjZlv-O6INVSqIYGx/s1600/AA7131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi671K3KFUwUxAqlEco9B9ecuzEX_aZz_IJOh8MwgHpmfThUCa1GOnCrjEMPATokOdvXaOS5qTnKfjJRFDMBThL1YxuHp9dorcsl-BsAX4FVL5Gp1PK8RZQBIXgKvfrjZlv-O6INVSqIYGx/s320/AA7131.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>Similar to the third dress, this <a href="http://www.alfredangelo.com/Collections/ProductDisplay.aspx?productID=39720672-f6c3-40ba-a22e-14bc80a1d618&categoryID=772f03c9-de43-4942-bfa0-da77e21ebd65&pg=1&colorId1=">Style 7131</a>, was very flattering around the waist. The layered folds on the bodice lay very prettily and the lace up back would make for easy alterations. <br />
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Dresses 3 and 5 made it to our short list. Em is still thinking about the length, but I would be very happy with either dress. We felt like it was almost too easy. We were in and out in about 30 minutes. It could also be because we were woefully unprepared. We hadn't poured through the website and we weren't looking for specific styles. Neither of us are very girly, so we didn't know the fabric types. We finally resorted to looking at the tags, which all said, "Polyester." I used my best wedding blogging skills, to then guess at the proper names.<br />
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While the dresses were fun, the best part was spending time with Em, especially since we missed this experience during my wedding. Even if you're not into dresses, I would recommend spending an afternoon hanging out with your best girls as you prep for your wedding.<br />
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What was your bridesmaid dress shopping experience like? Any other Alfred Angelo bridesmaids out there?melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-67873575770235587232010-10-22T19:58:00.000-04:002010-10-22T19:58:00.808-04:00Friday Finds - Modern PumpkinIf I had wed in October, I certainly would have decorated with pumpkins. Since not everyone enjoys literal holiday decorating, I wanted to take pumpkin to the modern edge for an October wedding. I think my favorite item in this collection is the custom made cake topper. The detail is exquisite and if you look through the shop, there's such a diversity of characters and styles. <br />
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TGIF!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsKels-IymAEffSMBaJuvSMYj5ITyKNzZqeSDW5s63HOu6Wgg5AVKQ-_-PFPX5VyKLvj61TWlBIhsqMz7GoRjKrwb3WeGukarK18ESYdcNeHL3XuwGUWRlUX32qFQHWFlWY6_YoYuEMvz/s1600/Mod+Orange+Wedding.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOsKels-IymAEffSMBaJuvSMYj5ITyKNzZqeSDW5s63HOu6Wgg5AVKQ-_-PFPX5VyKLvj61TWlBIhsqMz7GoRjKrwb3WeGukarK18ESYdcNeHL3XuwGUWRlUX32qFQHWFlWY6_YoYuEMvz/s400/Mod+Orange+Wedding.png" width="341" /></a></div>Clockwise from Top L:<br />
Zoe and Doyle- <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59578434/titanium-and-orange-pearl-band">Titanium and Orange Pearl Band</a><br />
Live in Style - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52867625/penelope-feather-headband">Penelope Feather Headband</a><br />
interplantations - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58863410/rehearsal-dinner-invitations-utensils">Rehearsal Dinner Invites</a><br />
Milk Tea - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58738524/custom-keepsake-wedding-cake-topper-with">Custom Keepsake Wedding Cake Topper</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-73249706548380231602010-10-18T22:25:00.000-04:002010-10-18T22:25:23.857-04:00Priscilla of Boston Grand Opening in RaleighMr. Palindrome's classmate's wife (second cousin once removed, just kidding, but seriously that seems a lot more removed that it actually is) works at the lovely, new Priscilla of Boston wedding salon in Raleigh. She graciously extended invitations to their grand opening soiree to the other wives in the program and was a fun hostess to boot!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzg3MkmQn8lHqBbon2eHsE9Isj-oVijfMvM9VibwMtq8syCYqgN4xI8gCQcb74U29EkQ166n-AQ4EdD9oLaHnOsS4sHIXnCj3ndxfm1FQa2PsGMu58Bu3gVWiw3tTR4URRjNlGpFEYT0O/s1600/DSC02742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzg3MkmQn8lHqBbon2eHsE9Isj-oVijfMvM9VibwMtq8syCYqgN4xI8gCQcb74U29EkQ166n-AQ4EdD9oLaHnOsS4sHIXnCj3ndxfm1FQa2PsGMu58Bu3gVWiw3tTR4URRjNlGpFEYT0O/s400/DSC02742.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> I've never been to a grand opening before, so I had zero expectations. This opening made me want to attend them all the time! Live models, as seen in the photograph above, were stationed in the front windows and side rooms. They changed through out the evening for a variety of looks. I spoke with representatives from <a href="http://www.baileybox.com/">Bailey's</a> where they have jewelry in addition to fine china and crystal for which couples can register. Turns out our husbands do similar work so we talked more about that than weddings - pretty clichéd old married woman talk eh? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUa9lUkuLhs3UwEiHKQYc1oJ2oj54PmuyHhBJBxowFnufcmgeamBRja6qITzeZslLO6trYKLJk3aOCog30yOzE_XWn9zRvrMboc5TGFoGJkkTHf5WgzyM84FvnW3ygP8ytl8u0cTD92Mo/s1600/DSC02743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlUa9lUkuLhs3UwEiHKQYc1oJ2oj54PmuyHhBJBxowFnufcmgeamBRja6qITzeZslLO6trYKLJk3aOCog30yOzE_XWn9zRvrMboc5TGFoGJkkTHf5WgzyM84FvnW3ygP8ytl8u0cTD92Mo/s400/DSC02743.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I was drawn to this sweet table featuring items from <a href="http://www.lavenderandlacelinens.com/index_flash.html">Lavender and Lace</a> because the jar of sprinkling silk is the exact same jar that my mom gave me as a wedding present. I recently used it for the first time on our sheets and Mr. Palindrome kept asking me how I made the bed so comfortable. While changing to nice clean sheets probably had something to do with it, I like to think the sprinkling silk took it to the next level. Any<i>sprinkling</i>, they had a lovely display that gave me some ideas for keepsake type gifts for some upcoming weddings, especially with the 20% off coupon the representative gave to attendants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupsv5v2CzGLudXlL10sKpXnh5_XwxPvEYceG4TnyabkBbQs7L1JANLASIDNCy0KAayZfSxFsyuuH5RAPCeLMXd9RVDxaQEEKF6WucWSY3Bggoqms4B1gM3iXyIm-iLsNTagXhjv9JRnJp/s1600/DSC02748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupsv5v2CzGLudXlL10sKpXnh5_XwxPvEYceG4TnyabkBbQs7L1JANLASIDNCy0KAayZfSxFsyuuH5RAPCeLMXd9RVDxaQEEKF6WucWSY3Bggoqms4B1gM3iXyIm-iLsNTagXhjv9JRnJp/s400/DSC02748.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Shannon from <a href="http://www.charlottesinc.com/">Charlotte's</a> and I talked for a long time about invitations, weddings, moving for yourself, moving on after love, and Wisconsin. For real, people (like Shannon) from Wisconsin are just so nice. I was particularly drawn to the orchid invitations below as I start to think about planning a shower for Emily. The shop does design and printing as well which could save me a lot of trial and error.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IPaIpfvxMbQUzS4GXj2euA-5hY5ACsyVxCY91rO0L2-kRwWa_zNR3no6nAorkndPElVuTEIaPcLspMSyQJmxm10LwiABJgtI4jLXD4g8I7I57Tr7KdcOpKTj45wpW-rre3USKZpKJELG/s1600/DSC02749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IPaIpfvxMbQUzS4GXj2euA-5hY5ACsyVxCY91rO0L2-kRwWa_zNR3no6nAorkndPElVuTEIaPcLspMSyQJmxm10LwiABJgtI4jLXD4g8I7I57Tr7KdcOpKTj45wpW-rre3USKZpKJELG/s400/DSC02749.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The floral arrangements were breathtaking. Can I remember which florist did them? Nope. Bad blogger, bad bride. I'm sure if you were intent on finding out, you could sleuth around and find the names. Funny how I don't write this sort of thing down anymore now that it's not<strike> life and death </strike>my wedding we're talking about. Oh, and the food. And the champagne. Delish. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWudeJei6_g0vByWdyE5QszxwLBsRv16p9h9ABJrDU3I_UEi4zYERFYvqEoDNOwrfxX2I8laKDHKTepbf06CZff6ALTaFgwSu0sBwfY5w8QjYiHVxvok9rdLeE9-uWgYwSR3CKQwzByc5/s1600/DSC02745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWudeJei6_g0vByWdyE5QszxwLBsRv16p9h9ABJrDU3I_UEi4zYERFYvqEoDNOwrfxX2I8laKDHKTepbf06CZff6ALTaFgwSu0sBwfY5w8QjYiHVxvok9rdLeE9-uWgYwSR3CKQwzByc5/s400/DSC02745.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>At the very front of the store, right when you walked in after being shown in by a gentlemen in tail coats (posh, no?) sat a huge display of mini cupcakes from <a href="http://www.thecupcakeshopperaleigh.com/">the Cupcake Shoppe Bakery</a>. I wasn't a a fan of the funny, bushy dress on the top, but boy was I ever a fan of the coconut cupcakes! They took me right back to my wedding. I could have eaten 10, but I stopped myself after a respectful 3. I almost shoved a few in my purse but the models were staring like hawks. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBfEV0awnfhTAbbT8XOwupb922Rr2UKnUOkktogw606xbpW7RsSug9r-XVUomd0X0XDsVibHy6Y-ic7PUbd2Gfjw-X1AYINj7mbnRAyc1rrDT1bFjc57zI10eudRAOR3v3OYOdy9i0Pw-/s1600/DSC02747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsBfEV0awnfhTAbbT8XOwupb922Rr2UKnUOkktogw606xbpW7RsSug9r-XVUomd0X0XDsVibHy6Y-ic7PUbd2Gfjw-X1AYINj7mbnRAyc1rrDT1bFjc57zI10eudRAOR3v3OYOdy9i0Pw-/s400/DSC02747.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also met the Publisher/Editor of <a href="http://www.southernbrideandgroom.com/">Southern Bride & Groom</a>, Donna Parks. We talked blogs and I picked up the latest issue. For Triangle couples, it has a good catalog of local venues and companies - a nice place to find inspiration in print, though quite traditional and leaning towards the WIC. Rounding out the industry representatives, a DJ spun tunes in the front of the shop while a photobooth rental guy hung out in a side room. Finally, I decided to examine the dresses, the real reason why I drove out to Raleigh in the first place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD4HYaFMg3g_8_Hnb1hM93Gjk7Dvx1llqo-ZPIU4hdU9c4VAtciFD88_-IcG-XfV_-gGvvC6_mGh0cyfxfDy4z-5Jwg6v421Oa4Nl4IrLa0rxxh5dhibEFQwi2zBCn0YC7HJZWlOw93Ma/s1600/DSC02744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD4HYaFMg3g_8_Hnb1hM93Gjk7Dvx1llqo-ZPIU4hdU9c4VAtciFD88_-IcG-XfV_-gGvvC6_mGh0cyfxfDy4z-5Jwg6v421Oa4Nl4IrLa0rxxh5dhibEFQwi2zBCn0YC7HJZWlOw93Ma/s400/DSC02744.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Cocktail length dresses reigned supreme all along one wall and my neuroses was satisfied by their rainbow order on the rack. There were a lot of cooler tones with navy and grey being choice colors. Ruching along the top, ruffles, and bubble skirts also displayed prominently.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRIszl_YFBlJ6Ujn_UfS4qAkrGNv3v6aUfytzVAEvBtUWgdoyZ4yAY8wXE9fIdgEkQbGpF305x6WD5B67lG5bVgUVKq7gkPKaviQkbbK1K3ev0EZ4zjraCIXNHvw7Gq7ZNHSOWnYx89XZ/s1600/DSC02746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifRIszl_YFBlJ6Ujn_UfS4qAkrGNv3v6aUfytzVAEvBtUWgdoyZ4yAY8wXE9fIdgEkQbGpF305x6WD5B67lG5bVgUVKq7gkPKaviQkbbK1K3ev0EZ4zjraCIXNHvw7Gq7ZNHSOWnYx89XZ/s400/DSC02746.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I couldn't help but love this little number even if I don't think it has mass appeal or practicality. The feathers just slay me - what a great take on the flapper style, but with a more ethereal, dare I say angelic, flavor. Again, so sorry not to know the designer, but it was such an afterthought of "ooooh, pretty." To try it on, Priscilla of Boston takes appointments and is located at:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Priscilla of Boston - </strong>Raleigh </div><div style="text-align: center;">2023 Cameron Street </div><div style="text-align: center;">Raleigh, NC 27605 </div><div style="text-align: left;">There were plenty of short dress styles to choose from amidst the sea of long gowns - some enticing enough to make me want to try them on myself. It made me nostalgic for my gown, which I haven't felt even a pang of until now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you been to a bridal shop opening? What do you local brides think of Cameron Village's wedding industry resources?</div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-48816006965486189662010-10-16T18:06:00.000-04:002010-10-16T18:06:19.143-04:00Friday Finds: Purple Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Eggplant. I eat it. I look at it. It's about to take a hike for the winter, but let's enjoy it together as the summer turns to fall. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This gorgeous vintage dress is really a showstopper with sweet sparrow prints on it. It would make a great eclectic bridesmaid's dress or rehearsal dinner dress. I choose this style of earring a lot - something about the cluster and the word harvest and the yellow gold - all appropriately autumnal. The clutch is just so great with chartreuse. I feel that it's a very modern take on traditional autumn hues. Besides the color combo, I love the flourishes on the invitations. I think it serves as an almost abstract representation of the cycle of seasons and falling of leaves without being overt about it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">TGIF!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklusNQnwiFBB94e4-cpREwJgNEJmCku6e0qnlWSgKsMTPyOY9V1zWAPqj2AQu2K56WkD6LNDsemeYce7sXMbEILCLA8S9WrGAZC7hVUJv7rEOskJ0jYB8FE-C4J9uXTnD_5X4Z4tn1PKt/s1600/Eggplant+and+Chartreuse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklusNQnwiFBB94e4-cpREwJgNEJmCku6e0qnlWSgKsMTPyOY9V1zWAPqj2AQu2K56WkD6LNDsemeYce7sXMbEILCLA8S9WrGAZC7hVUJv7rEOskJ0jYB8FE-C4J9uXTnD_5X4Z4tn1PKt/s320/Eggplant+and+Chartreuse.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clockwise from Top L:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Vintage Marmalade - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55372889/tiny-sparrowvintage-70s-sheer-print">Tiny Sparrow Vintage 70s Sheer Print Dress</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rhonda Michaels -<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57378142/lemon-quartz-with-amethyst-sprinkles-14k"> Lemon Quartz with Amethyst Sprinkles</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Bella Fiore - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58544434/bridesmaid-clutch-chartreuse-green">Bridesmaid Clutch</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">appleberry ink - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38730309/contemporary-floral-swirly-vines-wedding">Contemporary Floral Swirly Vines Wedding Invitation</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">PS - Want to find out why I'm a day late and a dollar short (again!) for Friday Finds this week? Check out the home blog - <a href="http://www.palindromeathome.com/">www.palindromeathome.com</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-31551243774390496572010-10-12T10:40:00.000-04:002010-10-12T10:40:51.028-04:00Real Wedding: Pin WheelsI've been wanting to share this wedding since I first heard from my friend that she was going to make all of the decor. Out of paper. Into pin wheels. The idea was charming and the execution even more so.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4JkGTJ2aiZA4xcWN4dc8LYn5W1swtbn5F_DaiRPvZtoyU9XC8oAo64EZCJUeDA9aYmyxNohE-rjdH5_Q32zmf_k3UzdrS96aX4PwsQzE92xTz8VMxsm3cQ_lrjJeHUIq0rXYVtvjnqyX/s1600/Overlooking+corn+field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4JkGTJ2aiZA4xcWN4dc8LYn5W1swtbn5F_DaiRPvZtoyU9XC8oAo64EZCJUeDA9aYmyxNohE-rjdH5_Q32zmf_k3UzdrS96aX4PwsQzE92xTz8VMxsm3cQ_lrjJeHUIq0rXYVtvjnqyX/s400/Overlooking+corn+field.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Krista and Mike were married at a farm not far from our hometown. In August, the corn was tall and ready to be harvested. The overcast sky looked menacing but the rain held off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInTzICu3J7jalk9CzR4fxLx5Bn2LIKHYBEBGY2KMlml2YYA11j2TdcioO9OMKQwkLguwOPUR91ZbbHSCSrFysdpk6xQkLKSSfsX82Gcr7nNbEM_uRh_dQR38xN0yjkRklLWGPH_RSYeY3/s1600/Unity+Bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInTzICu3J7jalk9CzR4fxLx5Bn2LIKHYBEBGY2KMlml2YYA11j2TdcioO9OMKQwkLguwOPUR91ZbbHSCSrFysdpk6xQkLKSSfsX82Gcr7nNbEM_uRh_dQR38xN0yjkRklLWGPH_RSYeY3/s400/Unity+Bush.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In the distance you can see what I thought of as a unity bush. The mothers each ceremoniously added dirt and then the couple watered it after their vows.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpy_jkhrXqbCZkSU5It-8ZvL6EKzPz1v4QprM0eksWDh21ds_yWwXFvmUe_PzhTtmc2POEp67M71y0XU3tm-ko6UsVRfhBu1zi1Q2pQW2DL-4VeR5novkFr1drqCRf2_NxkoDrMd3aE30/s1600/Aisle+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVpy_jkhrXqbCZkSU5It-8ZvL6EKzPz1v4QprM0eksWDh21ds_yWwXFvmUe_PzhTtmc2POEp67M71y0XU3tm-ko6UsVRfhBu1zi1Q2pQW2DL-4VeR5novkFr1drqCRf2_NxkoDrMd3aE30/s400/Aisle+Decor.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>Alternating colors of pinwheels lined the aisle. With the slight breeze forewarning rain, the pinwheels actually spun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUOziydC2GDPwoJ2j52zR6_8WOyykBILlrFsxBZGNna98OW7ItQV8AM-l-WaPgEdJVJQwan9eQPsy1U8VGEmgaqWu2qeGv6rpjYnrG0N-NtmLZP9iWjbq4_rAZfVRMXHD6WzNvjfF05nf/s1600/Close+up+Aisle+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUOziydC2GDPwoJ2j52zR6_8WOyykBILlrFsxBZGNna98OW7ItQV8AM-l-WaPgEdJVJQwan9eQPsy1U8VGEmgaqWu2qeGv6rpjYnrG0N-NtmLZP9iWjbq4_rAZfVRMXHD6WzNvjfF05nf/s400/Close+up+Aisle+Decor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In addition to the pin wheels, Krista also decorated wooden die cut fans. Before the ceremony we tried our hands opening them flamenco style. I also found the location to be a great excuse to wear my <a href="http://www.palindromeathome.com/2010/08/my-cowgirl-boots.html">boots </a>to a wedding!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26fIgEhBQo2h-k8XsRgEADFpRrfgKcCyGcUlRYEPNJAjefOarOZcdwLesCkGUCORwsrjWZihgR-kV0UCql-scXMcBVJu0hK5Y-GddQu5Ht6Kpus6owrdCEu9aQ_hvKCByMpdFFdrakGVs/s1600/Fan+and+Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26fIgEhBQo2h-k8XsRgEADFpRrfgKcCyGcUlRYEPNJAjefOarOZcdwLesCkGUCORwsrjWZihgR-kV0UCql-scXMcBVJu0hK5Y-GddQu5Ht6Kpus6owrdCEu9aQ_hvKCByMpdFFdrakGVs/s400/Fan+and+Boots.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The pin wheel decor extended beyond pew liners. Here's a closeup of an usher's bout:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC82Xk7afMAfsOxWRIzhNJYU4jDlv1ZKvkEMYW5IYuw5w2XnRkOQsu9T3IYf-Pcp-nFWHcQNSGZs6yyGCDMMtIYYpR59FrEFwvtFmzL0xzPoIfjTQmSYtWWvixXh61XDOEKs57bN52Zbb/s1600/Bout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC82Xk7afMAfsOxWRIzhNJYU4jDlv1ZKvkEMYW5IYuw5w2XnRkOQsu9T3IYf-Pcp-nFWHcQNSGZs6yyGCDMMtIYYpR59FrEFwvtFmzL0xzPoIfjTQmSYtWWvixXh61XDOEKs57bN52Zbb/s400/Bout.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These last three photos were taken by Krista and Mike's up and coming photographer, Emily Patton of <a href="http://emilypatton.blogspot.com/">Emily Photography</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gV9upHyk1VcZbbSZO5afpE0O-hHHZ_xqTxnrlc_uguWSzQa3vZzTx4ffxOUCUAfAcJqdsySTZKinDePevFag9n1L6W7Wq8hsbxDIORaKnDHXAK1vuD-ABqRBJIYIRrwLARGu9PNfVbhc/s1600/B1-24-10+%2867+of+120%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gV9upHyk1VcZbbSZO5afpE0O-hHHZ_xqTxnrlc_uguWSzQa3vZzTx4ffxOUCUAfAcJqdsySTZKinDePevFag9n1L6W7Wq8hsbxDIORaKnDHXAK1vuD-ABqRBJIYIRrwLARGu9PNfVbhc/s400/B1-24-10+%2867+of+120%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The pinwheels made their first appearance in Krista and Mike's lovely engagement session. The lighting here is just delicious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUoVo32fIdu5m43jHzbtizOAr9iBQok3pCBDCsvbIcwwbGqblGI61XiduM-HKNN-FHal4Vd-em37U8Hdpe0Te-OcjFfeoNqQKvkYaEJttH2S_mEOi9IxFJ3ddeCJfF6RewCfAXkBoh8w_/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUoVo32fIdu5m43jHzbtizOAr9iBQok3pCBDCsvbIcwwbGqblGI61XiduM-HKNN-FHal4Vd-em37U8Hdpe0Te-OcjFfeoNqQKvkYaEJttH2S_mEOi9IxFJ3ddeCJfF6RewCfAXkBoh8w_/s400/DSC_0253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Even Krista's bouquet featured the pin wheel. I loved how she incorporated buttons and curly wire too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h-N-7HITfFlQtHj1gHwd2Hc1QYwtWjyEGuMss04T2HEpCooxZv2fnQTSg1PGdoJepcimebGhPKV5A2OCRHSdPRugEoSb26HaAIxKoNkm3mq1GPWTNjN0zghd-Q9VndzPfKBBDW0PIRun/s1600/DSC_0355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h-N-7HITfFlQtHj1gHwd2Hc1QYwtWjyEGuMss04T2HEpCooxZv2fnQTSg1PGdoJepcimebGhPKV5A2OCRHSdPRugEoSb26HaAIxKoNkm3mq1GPWTNjN0zghd-Q9VndzPfKBBDW0PIRun/s400/DSC_0355.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is one of my favorites from the day, Krista looks so happy and I love Mike's pin wheel bout peeking out!<br />
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Are you decorating your ceremony without flowers? What materials are you using?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-61443360339055725752010-10-08T16:01:00.000-04:002010-10-08T16:01:13.329-04:00Friday Finds: 'Stache While You CanBandwagons can be fun to jump on. This one is particularly fun, and apropos if one of the wedded to be is sporting their own mustache. I also dig homonyms. <br />
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Even if no one in attendance is mustachioed, the pictures taken of your dressed up guests will place your wedding squarely in the early 21st century and serve as fodder for you children and grandchildren.<br />
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TGIF!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbatAUfO8gJbKAZXCssHrCN97-SZeXofYxzivv7BmveE75vsCzEWFjAeolrdg3YyQ3kvktENyysuPjGNEnJvionS0d4QHDaoxL5uL1nvWmY7W4EAi6ThjRRdsnI-3x-ee2NQDg5PrHRtH/s1600/Mustaches.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbatAUfO8gJbKAZXCssHrCN97-SZeXofYxzivv7BmveE75vsCzEWFjAeolrdg3YyQ3kvktENyysuPjGNEnJvionS0d4QHDaoxL5uL1nvWmY7W4EAi6ThjRRdsnI-3x-ee2NQDg5PrHRtH/s400/Mustaches.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Clockwise from Top L:<br />
Whisker Works - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58367960/quintessential-mix-of-mustaches-set-of-5">Quintessential Mix of Mustaches</a><br />
emmylew - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53584348/quite-a-pair-card">Quite a Pair Card</a><br />
Paisley Magic - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52668435/retro-moustache-tote-bag">Retro Mustache Tote</a><br />
The Cufflink Maker - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51389355/5-sets-handlebar-mustache-cufflinks-by">Handlebar Mustache Cufflinks</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-1527491220533637712010-10-04T16:10:00.000-04:002010-10-04T16:15:02.782-04:00Review: Shutterfly AlbumThis is the story of how we ended up with 3 wedding albums. It all started by wanting to save money. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WA34-gQPP17Lizp8XEp67PsbjsRw4iRY478-w3NXw8M8jtXS3mgyPFuMwxcIn6rJyhGo2aPNqnXRhpibWe5bB52PPxl5EYT1iB2Ep854fN8Q9eVaKpYWYqt05tAvXO_sQlVseAkit0Rz/s1600/Album+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7WA34-gQPP17Lizp8XEp67PsbjsRw4iRY478-w3NXw8M8jtXS3mgyPFuMwxcIn6rJyhGo2aPNqnXRhpibWe5bB52PPxl5EYT1iB2Ep854fN8Q9eVaKpYWYqt05tAvXO_sQlVseAkit0Rz/s400/Album+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While many albums are absolutely gorgeous (and drool worthy, believe me, I've drooled), we weren't sold on the idea of spending $1000+ for our wedding album. I searched a lot of sites, I looked at <a href="http://www.adoramapix.com/home">Adorama</a> based on recommendations, and I just wasn't feeling anything. I didn't want to start from scratch and design pages in InDesign. I didn't care about the book laying flat. Long story short, I just about gave up on getting an album.<br />
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Motherdrome wouldn't hear of it though. She wanted an album and she wanted it yesterday. So she suggested <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/?cid=SEGOO.BRAND">Shutterfly</a>. I had made a little album of our engagement pictures for free thanks to a coupon. My mom had really liked that one and requested another of our wedding with a leather cover. So I started to experiment. Turns out that I really liked the storyboard method of choosing photographs. I really liked the limited layout choices (too many choices makes me freeze). I liked it so much, that I made one for my parents, Mr. Palindrome's parents, all of our grandparents and one for ourselves. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCbTf5NYwDlIvBwDfW1Cbfi0lTbd1ecRfiAicIXZaGal_9pJffMXbAkKybZM18Zcl5pZvFeI2RRokSMFPAdzjcP25mqivjpA7jgVmSINp_EfANUXPh_Br1pY42pO1yeOWwlXQP4BGCDRX/s1600/Album+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCbTf5NYwDlIvBwDfW1Cbfi0lTbd1ecRfiAicIXZaGal_9pJffMXbAkKybZM18Zcl5pZvFeI2RRokSMFPAdzjcP25mqivjpA7jgVmSINp_EfANUXPh_Br1pY42pO1yeOWwlXQP4BGCDRX/s400/Album+5.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(I love Mr. Palindrome in the background - this is our new life, me blogging and taking pictures around him doing homework!) </i></div><i> </i>When our album arrived, I was really excited. We sat on the couch, tearing off the orange cardboard box. We ooohed. We awwed. We reminisced. Then we saw that one page printed twice (their bad) and that I had cropped one photo too close so it was blurry (my bad). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiylN69KxEGPsvEDr5scwpDPVmFPStxZ2d2tdAPb7u3jM5qJmP5Wa-oi4ig1mG01CypPCS1HyHm4yqGkyY_MkNyQ5_XRtRohmpa9OUWZHD6rTcc6cmx3OI1uyb_d6HGPsib8rDppPvxZ68/s1600/Album+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiylN69KxEGPsvEDr5scwpDPVmFPStxZ2d2tdAPb7u3jM5qJmP5Wa-oi4ig1mG01CypPCS1HyHm4yqGkyY_MkNyQ5_XRtRohmpa9OUWZHD6rTcc6cmx3OI1uyb_d6HGPsib8rDppPvxZ68/s400/Album+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After updating the page where I made a mistake, I called customer service. They were great and said they'd reprint it right away! Yay!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qvYnTdqrA-I3fpISB5Q4kqGraaL3Mdjs2WoSjPachZFjA3Nii6p4lZcjsw0UoXnxcDAnxcGQFAFXNio6IrOODc9myBxAYYNxASAYpUFCX0KMHuKRk5u774qBfxxOb6MxAviS2OZxUrcI/s1600/Album+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qvYnTdqrA-I3fpISB5Q4kqGraaL3Mdjs2WoSjPachZFjA3Nii6p4lZcjsw0UoXnxcDAnxcGQFAFXNio6IrOODc9myBxAYYNxASAYpUFCX0KMHuKRk5u774qBfxxOb6MxAviS2OZxUrcI/s400/Album+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>After opening the second album, I immediately saw a problem. The binding was loose. Also, they reprinted from the previous file, so my mistake was still there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7SJCJkTIqSI7a10IzyKIrLcbxb60WyYB4dujA5NbXGMkyre5alVabxNtGvOnrdyL9doqEAftnCXGhNdy52uJlB-lawdnFQ_QrbCav6IgC9pQccx3JNzFGuho57NNOGFzeJdHO0mJ2_w4/s1600/Album+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7SJCJkTIqSI7a10IzyKIrLcbxb60WyYB4dujA5NbXGMkyre5alVabxNtGvOnrdyL9doqEAftnCXGhNdy52uJlB-lawdnFQ_QrbCav6IgC9pQccx3JNzFGuho57NNOGFzeJdHO0mJ2_w4/s400/Album+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I called customer service. Again, they were great and said that they would a credit in my account so that I could change my mistake and have it reprinted at my convenience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTzw2Llbvv8T2Cq2umXAVUaXg_yrqmDkWEs_23YMTR8GeLVsnHS2X4Jhlt_C62im3_JWQ97SiAOZwMISCf5AKguOA7gC2xN1XL62nn4PkTdQttgeYoGEJOpxpQtvLMITJOBvPvwRR9X-c/s1600/Album+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTzw2Llbvv8T2Cq2umXAVUaXg_yrqmDkWEs_23YMTR8GeLVsnHS2X4Jhlt_C62im3_JWQ97SiAOZwMISCf5AKguOA7gC2xN1XL62nn4PkTdQttgeYoGEJOpxpQtvLMITJOBvPvwRR9X-c/s400/Album+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>About a month later, I got everything together and was ready to hit order. There was no voucher in my account. It had expired. Sigh. Another call to customer service cleared it up, they put the credit back into my account and I ordered the third album. Thankfully the third album was just dandy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7pr4BwxORJjQe3oTRdrpNn-McZ-gUKdZdQT7a5SDvyiVzOhARtumpnl-sfh3pDV6pmN76VZrI9xsHRSKSjnmtXyvE0FMCOWy3qffckzTfVZicjn4MsRGtwA7nVHp26zYNhyphenhyphenpaYzDX4bA/s1600/Album+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7pr4BwxORJjQe3oTRdrpNn-McZ-gUKdZdQT7a5SDvyiVzOhARtumpnl-sfh3pDV6pmN76VZrI9xsHRSKSjnmtXyvE0FMCOWy3qffckzTfVZicjn4MsRGtwA7nVHp26zYNhyphenhyphenpaYzDX4bA/s400/Album+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm very pleased with the print quality and the colors. I love the full page pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwwJtLV1-likjDKyuiCgKfeOO0vtDenP6mxz8VxsTUAR3RksEsg9rggp_Sjq536HX2I1JFVx5yRIsFTUiSYsyHlWkBDTnrCFa0nbCuZ_AW2LxJbZ9I3u2dQk3eJPR5SFGz7zlA-jHXq2T/s1600/Album+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwwJtLV1-likjDKyuiCgKfeOO0vtDenP6mxz8VxsTUAR3RksEsg9rggp_Sjq536HX2I1JFVx5yRIsFTUiSYsyHlWkBDTnrCFa0nbCuZ_AW2LxJbZ9I3u2dQk3eJPR5SFGz7zlA-jHXq2T/s400/Album+8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm just a little bummed about having to reprint so many times, but customer service was helpful each time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PUDwsK5CBxXTmIHBf-mlKyvXdp0GLbztBXaNnSJ_S9ZAxNZPH-ZKo0cBrVenNCECkASW9MEp-0cxHGQjX6UKGpIa4AxrcR6m79FnUqRdli7aYjee2jQCFDSZDwvEtS7O5WsBvushF_XN/s1600/Album+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PUDwsK5CBxXTmIHBf-mlKyvXdp0GLbztBXaNnSJ_S9ZAxNZPH-ZKo0cBrVenNCECkASW9MEp-0cxHGQjX6UKGpIa4AxrcR6m79FnUqRdli7aYjee2jQCFDSZDwvEtS7O5WsBvushF_XN/s400/Album+9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And my experience didn't stop me from ordering a small album for our honeymoon as well! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFT6svKkXd79ZvCQBcLwI61HmcK6fi9Hy-oWmqeJIebP5WP_3zBmn-GtnegGesuE9ccXP58Dwxb6zbKuh4dxvtbuD7UZDjKeAa-PKRSQTGwFP4aLtZSPaVm4EHGF41otOurwcm79VFjsH/s1600/Album+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFT6svKkXd79ZvCQBcLwI61HmcK6fi9Hy-oWmqeJIebP5WP_3zBmn-GtnegGesuE9ccXP58Dwxb6zbKuh4dxvtbuD7UZDjKeAa-PKRSQTGwFP4aLtZSPaVm4EHGF41otOurwcm79VFjsH/s400/Album+10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Was an album important to you? Would you consider a DIY album?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-20195455296004012482010-10-01T09:06:00.000-04:002010-10-01T09:06:57.716-04:00Friday Finds - A Wheat WeddingIn my head, I'm screaming this title 80s hair band style to the White Wedding theme. Shamefully, I was even bobbing my while I typed it.<br />
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Any<i>wheaties</i>, I had a really sweet pastel inspired Friday Finds lined up this week. Then a cold front came through with rain. Goodbye pastels! Hello Autumn! I've seen wheat in weddings before, but it's usually paired with cranberry or chocolate. For this collection I decided on a monochromatic palette that features the wheat as the main dish. One of my favorite items of the collection is the wheat ring - subtle and yet deeply satisfying as consistent with the theme. Oh, and the dress! Wedding party, mother, guest, even for the bride - and a steal at $95!<br />
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TGIF!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF4DNzq_K8w-JtRruh8PbRqCsNdBEsvhFsJW-FJnESXcqnWX6tFkEouJdxmL44pPs4xufv-evvqRfF9ltxemhdObnyNLmTsvNDV0Y1bZD5ngBxHx8yxI-U5umYp_yWUylSi3zytVOEKwZ/s1600/Wheaties.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOF4DNzq_K8w-JtRruh8PbRqCsNdBEsvhFsJW-FJnESXcqnWX6tFkEouJdxmL44pPs4xufv-evvqRfF9ltxemhdObnyNLmTsvNDV0Y1bZD5ngBxHx8yxI-U5umYp_yWUylSi3zytVOEKwZ/s320/Wheaties.png" width="221" /></a></div>Clockwise from the Top L:<br />
Which Goose - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55455616/through-the-rye-boutonniere">Through the Rye Bout</a><br />
Frock Stars - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50004923/1960s-silk-cocktail-dress-with-rosette">1960s Silk Cocktail Dress with Rosette Sash Waist</a><br />
Which Goose - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55869742/wheat-field-bouquet">Wheat Field Bouquet</a><br />
Lunasa Designs - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49224264/fields-of-wheat-ring">Fields of Wheat Ring</a><br />
Kitsch N Collectibles - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56022659/3-vintage-tuscan-yellow-domed-flower">3 Vintage Tuscan Yellow Domed Flower Buttons</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-77972624649154173642010-09-21T15:04:00.000-04:002010-09-21T15:04:55.212-04:00myregistry.com vs. Amazon Universal Registry ReviewThe concept was so cool. Pick anything for sale on the internet and have it listed on one centralized registry site. Unfortunately, <a href="http://myregistry.com/">myregistry.com</a> was one of those "better in theory" registries for us. It ended up being our least popular registry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xdv9KsRXi8ZEadUtRnPrsjwjBFtm460Mps9iT0zxbZMnxtuQQY0o4SbVk3xNN50Bmsjjce7U1DwfjmXiPf9X8OjVmshF7gbxzgAA4TlfLgTl_sTGT4LGDgrO_H6bVfZRvTXVlqSBsj5a/s1600/Registry+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1xdv9KsRXi8ZEadUtRnPrsjwjBFtm460Mps9iT0zxbZMnxtuQQY0o4SbVk3xNN50Bmsjjce7U1DwfjmXiPf9X8OjVmshF7gbxzgAA4TlfLgTl_sTGT4LGDgrO_H6bVfZRvTXVlqSBsj5a/s400/Registry+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Screen shot of main page</span> </div>While it was fairly easy to add things on our end, it was a pain to manage once the items were added. Unless I ordered every item manually, the site ordered items by price (so my bamboo cutting boards got separated from the mineral oil to clean them, etc.).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOWGsFhmi3Oi9sG9bPec_3Au-FfCb0P9urGLnN3h9omd42tHL_qEerQsUAv2kF8HDBW1VMh33deUcACKN80cf4c7JjAyicuwzwQbCaL_60ra1UlIU093agTDq8WlbkfUqgYw9CgShPOM-/s1600/Registry+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOWGsFhmi3Oi9sG9bPec_3Au-FfCb0P9urGLnN3h9omd42tHL_qEerQsUAv2kF8HDBW1VMh33deUcACKN80cf4c7JjAyicuwzwQbCaL_60ra1UlIU093agTDq8WlbkfUqgYw9CgShPOM-/s400/Registry+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Screen shot of the manual sort function</i></div>Also, I think it was not user friendly from the guest side. Unless the guest knew exactly what they wanted to buy after browsing the initial page, the site would open a new window for each item, making it difficult to navigate back to the browsing page.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqjz4It6uHpjZzR6LowIagRwSLtYRmx1X5IwfAi8OfNGWE9w5EV0lVqrYlUBRbUyAizsPwAo1Iy1EF3N7JJTWJPg4MHN-RAhyphenhyphenV93IUi_lMwYLI7tqt6YXLRyyIho1adSJ-90A8UIe7yA6/s1600/Registry+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqjz4It6uHpjZzR6LowIagRwSLtYRmx1X5IwfAi8OfNGWE9w5EV0lVqrYlUBRbUyAizsPwAo1Iy1EF3N7JJTWJPg4MHN-RAhyphenhyphenV93IUi_lMwYLI7tqt6YXLRyyIho1adSJ-90A8UIe7yA6/s400/Registry+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Screen shot of separate windows</i></div>Any<i>registry</i>, our Macy's and Pampered Chef registries were completely cleared out and we had about 70% of the stuff still on myregistry.com.<br />
<br />
My MOH, Emily, set up an <a href="http://amazon.com/">Amazon </a>registry that also allows you to add items from any internet site. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEXtIWNhTZbmSb8yp4HAJiSl3zDcXSbbAKnl-GzgT7m8tfMY396CEJ5PQWiwB9CH0coWolixSQM_zAqP6zNeFegdSMOGw9X6IIBi5FQ2SrsrywyDrAm_7y4y6pPLRq3EOtYL_9WZBKq-f/s1600/Registry+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizEXtIWNhTZbmSb8yp4HAJiSl3zDcXSbbAKnl-GzgT7m8tfMY396CEJ5PQWiwB9CH0coWolixSQM_zAqP6zNeFegdSMOGw9X6IIBi5FQ2SrsrywyDrAm_7y4y6pPLRq3EOtYL_9WZBKq-f/s400/Registry+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Screen shot from Emily's registry - notice the cool priority ratings!</span></div>She had a few (ha! I should say she sent me a very thorough review!) thoughts about using the registry, and though she qualifies her insights as pre-wedding, I thought you'd find them really useful. <br />
<ul><li>It's too easy. The little "add to registry" button installs in no time and lets you browse/add from anywhere that has a website. I also like that it adds an item picture and you can add comments. For universal registering adding, it's awesome. </li>
<li>Inspiration is handy. The features like Top 100 Registered For Items and browsing Most Registered by Region are great sources of inspiration. There's also Most Registered by product category and a registry checklist, all with links. You can also browse other couples' registries - Amazon essentially recommends registries to you if you share an item or similar items, so you can see what else they have that you might want. But if you're squicky about privacy, this might be a turn-off, finding others' so easily - and knowing random people can also view yours. </li>
<li>Prioritizing. Pretty sweet, and something I wish more registries had this function. If I want to let you know, without having to let you know personally and awkwardly, that while it's awesome that you want to buy us anything, we really wish you'd pass up the towels and go for the cordless drill, I just change the priority. (Remember to save your changes as you do this.) </li>
<li>The organization is strange for both regular and Universal registering. I really wish they had a drag-and-drop, although I don't think traditional registries do this. But I want to change and arrange my registry like I do my <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1285093922_3">Netflix</span>. Amazon will add things as you add them. This means that if I add a balloon whisk, and then a day or two or a week later I add the flat whisk, they will be listed apart. If I want my whisks to show up together, I should delete the balloon whisk, then re-add it, and then add my flat whisk. Amazon will also add your Universal items as you add them. So yes, when we decided we wanted to register for additional sushi plates, I deleted the first one, and then added them all at the same time so they would be in a nice orderly row. If you are anal-retentive, this lack of symmetry will bother you, and you will end up doing this too.</li>
<li>Product Categorization isn't uniform: Amazon, not you, determines the product category. So even if I add them at the same time, my 10-inch cast iron skillet is listed in Other Kitchen, but my 8-inch cast iron skillet is in Sporting Goods. My medium and large cookie scoops are in Kitchen, but my small one is in Other Kitchen. I have no idea why they're different and I can't change it.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtx4ciRgPDProLgLYvc0y3W120CK9MPdAmAdbYGFS2Y9rhYVviAh0gdLmP5gtsIed-9aYUBC8MICFB0E1-cW__D2fCpx1nwgy9N131WKu9kNTRNFGOr9L8D1FzeEJJP-peWlDwMX80aFf/s1600/Registry+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtx4ciRgPDProLgLYvc0y3W120CK9MPdAmAdbYGFS2Y9rhYVviAh0gdLmP5gtsIed-9aYUBC8MICFB0E1-cW__D2fCpx1nwgy9N131WKu9kNTRNFGOr9L8D1FzeEJJP-peWlDwMX80aFf/s400/Registry+5.jpg" width="400" /><span style="font-style: italic;"><i>T</i></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The offending skillet in the sporting goods section </i></div><ul><li> The one long page of Amazon's registry is really nice; I don't need to scroll through multiple pages. In addition, it separates out my Amazon items into departments. Universal items are lumped together. You cannot change the default view from this and save it. You can temporarily arrange items to show by price or priority (which will include the <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1285093922_4" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Universal</span> registers in the appropriate division) but you cannot save this. On your or your guests' next viewing it will show up again as the default.</li>
<li>The Guest/visitor view is a nice addition as well. I can see how my registry appears to a visitor. This shows how a guest views the registry, all cleaned up of empty categories. </li>
<li>Amazon has a Shop This Store versus Buying Elsewhere feature. Amazon allows guests to 'reserve' purchases of items, in case they prefer offline shopping or hopefully find it cheaper elsewhere. We have not yet put this into practice, but I like the in theory concept of it. However, for Universal items, before viewing the item on its outside host website it asks you to confirm a reservation for purchase - I suppose the logic is that people would buy an item and then forget to mark it as purchased, leading to duplicates or confusion. But I don't know how you un-reserve an item if, for instance, someone wants to look at our tools and so reserves them on our registry for purchase, but then decides that with shipping it's too much. I'd assume there's a cancel feature in their confirmation email, but it's not addressed in the FAQ and I'm curious.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYrAZAIg49pXd6zVY9TGZwCdkrczwIS0fVlzviGpeqLnZEhylXdrnwTI9Fa8XaGbk1fbx0QW933W6HQuIUxBMwnjACkbnWqPqL_ZB2u83A6_YH3Q21amds_TaXNqGz0XvQN4xPZQCXr6L/s1600/Registry+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYrAZAIg49pXd6zVY9TGZwCdkrczwIS0fVlzviGpeqLnZEhylXdrnwTI9Fa8XaGbk1fbx0QW933W6HQuIUxBMwnjACkbnWqPqL_ZB2u83A6_YH3Q21amds_TaXNqGz0XvQN4xPZQCXr6L/s400/Registry+6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Nice feature, but could get tricky if guests later change their mind or can't find in-store availability</i></div><ul><li>No completion discount: This is only really pertinent if you compare Amazon to a traditional registry. As a Universal registry, of course they can't offer this, and it doesn't make sense. But we opted to create small in-store registries when we found ourselves registering for 10 items at one store, rather than adding to them to our Universal, in order to take advantage of a traditional completion discount. For non-Universal items, it would be awesome if Amazon offered me say even 5% completion on items registered for and not purchased through Amazon, but I don't see this happening.</li>
<li>Know your guests! We chose Amazon because our wedding is mostly peers and colleagues, as we both have small families and most are familiar with the internet and online shopping. We liked it because we can do massive online research to find the best products at the best deals and then add them - all without turning off the game or getting out of our pajamas or needing to find time when the store wouldn't be crowded. We haven't picked up a scan gun yet, and I don't think we'll miss it. For most of our guestlist, Free Super Saver Shipping is already a way of life, and so we hope there's ease for them as well. Amazon has great prices for most items, but be aware that you or more importantly your guests may be able to get a better deal on some items with sales or coupons elsewhere. And not everyone is on-board with online shopping, or they may just prefer to shop in physical stores. Expect this and be prepared for backlash if you have relatives or friends like this. This was also a factor in setting up a small in-store registry.</li>
</ul>Next time I'll have Em do all of my reviews. Seriously, home girl is THOROUGH. Must be all that grad school.<br />
<br />
If you registered, did you have a registry flop? What was your most popular registry?melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-69045349006312113932010-09-17T10:40:00.000-04:002010-09-17T10:40:22.429-04:00Friday Finds - Everyone but the BrideI found a darling flower girl dress. Then I found a handsome bow tie. Followed by earrings perfect for the mother of the bride. Rounding it out, I couldn't pass up these lovely satin bowed shoes. And I found it all while looking for a wedding dress! That's the way it goes sometimes. I happened to be a bride who found my dress first, but I've heard many a story of a frantic bride finding a dress mere weeks before the wedding. They were beautiful. So all's well that ends well. Even for this week's Friday Finds.<br />
<br />
TGIF!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGiV_F3rfSmojJ17zKHD46FGFLDBIfpx-l9ga7WufsFQFQy0mTlgzY-6t9npVvaTWPrT4jFz5QeKzFFjj3nY-C2kISri9tPg-n8j2QuwXsEU-mkt7Fs7QQDMDpAAguTj4KoxhpVjQdicR/s1600/Everyone+by+the+Bride.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirGiV_F3rfSmojJ17zKHD46FGFLDBIfpx-l9ga7WufsFQFQy0mTlgzY-6t9npVvaTWPrT4jFz5QeKzFFjj3nY-C2kISri9tPg-n8j2QuwXsEU-mkt7Fs7QQDMDpAAguTj4KoxhpVjQdicR/s400/Everyone+by+the+Bride.png" width="400" /></a></div>Clockwise from Top L:<br />
Raleigh Vintage - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53172925/vintage-1950s-wembley-bow-tie">Vintage 1950s Wembley Bow Tie</a><br />
Nicole - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54794990/satin-kitten-heels-with-bows-and?ref=sr_list_7&ga_search_query=shoes+satin&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=4&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title">Satin Kitten Heels</a><br />
Mid State - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54271876/50s-78-silk-chiffon-communion-party">50s Silk Chiffon Party Dress</a><br />
Flipping Out - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56024948/1950s-gold-filled-pearl-flower-earrings">Gold Filled Pearl Flower Earrings</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-61944594672589398322010-09-14T11:23:00.000-04:002010-09-14T11:23:21.102-04:00Reflections on Marrying a Family<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">They say that you don’t marry a man, you marry his family.<span> </span>They turned out to be right.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We’ve been married 8 months and for 1 month of it, we’ve spent the majority of our time at the hospital.<span> </span>With the family.<span> </span>With our huge Jewish and Italian mix of a family who call it “The Family” as though we just stepped off the set of The Sopranos.<span> </span>Where people yell first (they call it talking) and then eat.<span> </span>Manga, manga!<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You think that you can control your family interactions.<span> </span>You think you can control your life.<span> </span>You can’t fully control either when someone is in the hospital.<span> </span>You just have to show up and deal.<span> </span>Sometimes, it’s a riot.<span> </span>Everything is funny, everything is a joke.<span> </span>Sometimes, it’s a riot.<span> </span>Everything is like tear gas grenades and rubber bullets.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Life is the place where dysfunction intermingles with quirks, grooms personalities, and intrudes into relationships.<span> </span>The hospital is the place where dysfunction meets grief.<span> </span>In the throes of that grief is where you realize you just married <i>the </i>family.<span> </span>There’s no controlling it and there’s no escaping it.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thankfully, you also realize that you just married <i>the</i> family.<span> </span>The family is full of life, faith, and hope.<span> </span>The family is full of grandparents who take an interest in your work (welcome) and your love life (less welcome).<span> </span>It’s full of enough people who love to eat that you know you’ll never go hungry as long as you’re in the family.<span> </span>And it’s full of people who say, “Welcome to the family!<span> </span>We’re glad you’re here.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qE518P8ijM_EL2t7oT9BLjhfggKjrAGAWXupKHdzo2svJ2NS_9kypCYqD_a-7L68oU6S5QoOvyWaNodXKM5LU9YgL3xR2UN6uCr2UvIvsrpy59e47CcVfiLQcuowniuypPe6n6JBrNJv/s1600/ry%253D406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qE518P8ijM_EL2t7oT9BLjhfggKjrAGAWXupKHdzo2svJ2NS_9kypCYqD_a-7L68oU6S5QoOvyWaNodXKM5LU9YgL3xR2UN6uCr2UvIvsrpy59e47CcVfiLQcuowniuypPe6n6JBrNJv/s400/ry%253D406.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo by <a href="http://www.samhughesphotography.com/">Sam Hughes</a></i></div><div class="MsoNormal">What has your experience been like marrying a family?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1562242809028645397.post-51762957892224034722010-09-13T15:23:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:23:44.669-04:00Friday Finds on a Monday - Pink and Blue WeekdayWhen life gets in the way sometimes you postpone a post. Other times you get married on a Monday. In the spirit of changing things up, of doing the unexpected, and weddings on a weekday, this Friday Finds is all about a city hall wedding. I thought of a whole story, how the couple has had it up to *here* with wedding crapola. How they dress in their Sunday best and turn their case of the Mondays into a marriage on a gorgeous day. They say, "I Do" and then picnic at noon time in the city park. Now that's cheery!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsGKazTOG2j7NaX9vOhR2UbrNvg9oyDCfMR-iA_b8UBSHB-zZcPsErlNxxH3YkRK2D7Icx9yXEvxg4hTFHf69rBS2H_PvvVZgdoKOc-9w72bTq4uDIox2huwl0yHa9qVavnu_BKMJjeSw/s1600/Pink+and+Blue+City+Hall.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsGKazTOG2j7NaX9vOhR2UbrNvg9oyDCfMR-iA_b8UBSHB-zZcPsErlNxxH3YkRK2D7Icx9yXEvxg4hTFHf69rBS2H_PvvVZgdoKOc-9w72bTq4uDIox2huwl0yHa9qVavnu_BKMJjeSw/s400/Pink+and+Blue+City+Hall.png" width="400" /></a></div>Clockwise from L:<br />
Ties-Necktie - <a href="http://www.ties-necktie.com/striped-light-blue-silk-tie-p-10719.html">Striped Light Blue Silk Tie</a><br />
Urban Pink Photography - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36827467/city-hall-8x8-fine-art-print">City Hall</a><br />
Ingenious Rehab - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54400732/vintage-feminine-powder-pink-organza">Vintage Feminine Powder Pink Organza Party Dress</a><br />
Heirloom Angel - <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52471946/sale-vintage-guildcraft-glove-box-and-2">Guildcraft Glove Box and Two Pairs of Gloves</a>melindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16952930687812804372noreply@blogger.com1