slowing down

Source: designerterminal.com via Loretta on Pinterest

Today, I ran into work, took care of my responsibilities. Ran out of work into my house, sort of took care of my responsibilities. And I didn't enjoy any of it. From now until the end of the day, I'm going to slow down.

Sunny day wants

I feel SO alive today! 6 am spin class with my little sister got me going (LOVE the crazy instructor that picked on me the entire class), and the promise of sunshine this afternoon is making me happy. Then again, I could just be amped on coffee ;)

Even though I am going to be stuck in a semi boring work wardrobe this afternoon watching some lax bros battle it out, I have an a few pieces in mind that would be perfect for the sunny days ahead.

Ralph Lauren Color Block Sunglasses

Alicia Patio Dress from Banana Republic (Reportedly seen purchased by the lovely Kate Middleton)

JCrew's new Cecilia Dress (the orange color scares me a little online, but the SA said it's gorgeous in person!)

Ecote Strappy Sandals from Urban Outfitters

JCrew Sidewalk Shorts

Since it's this girl's birthday in one week (and I'm getting ready to head to sunny Alabama), a shopping trip may be in store! What's on your spring shopping list?

Wedding Wednesday- Love Letters

Over the last few days, I have been writing thank you notes here and there for engagement and birthday gifts (8 days til 26!). Email is fine and dandy, but wedding browsing has made me realize how lovely a hand written note can be. It's also made me realize how expensive it is to have someone do that writing for you (helllloooo calligraphy!)

Since all the etiquette books say "no labels" and I don't have an endless supply of money or pretty handwriting, I started looking into custom return address stamps. I'm not sure which way we will go- custom calligraphy or something simpler with a hint of whimsy- but how cute are these?!

Source: etsy.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: feltandwireshop.com via Devon on Pinterest

I'm a little partial to selections 1 and 2, but with using our first names. It will allow us to use the stamp while sending out invites and again for thank yous and throughout the time we live here!

Another fun idea- Embossing...

Source: expressionery.com via Devon on Pinterest

The down side being you can't be flexible with your placement.

Have you tried the stamp route before? I love that I can potentially change ink colors up too depending on what I use for envelopes!

Wedding Brain Mush

I have to apologize- this girl has weddings on the brain. I've started a dozen posts on other topics, and somehow- I end it as a wedding post! Honestly, I just can't get my mind to stay on track.

I promised myself that this would stay a lifestyle blog- but right now, wedding planning IS my lifestyle haha. If I bore you, sorry :( But I really am going to try getting back on track this week.

In the meantime- isn't this menu (and table scape) fantastic?! Invitation inspiration- exhibit A:

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Shoe Love

I ran across these on Style Me Pretty the other day and fell in love.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Of course, I immediately went over to the Nina site and found something similar (minus the peony shoe clips). They fit my wedding shoe needs- low heel (2.5), pretty affordable at under $80, lovely, and the option of something blue!

Nina Culver heels in New Navy

Now- a search for a pretty shoe clip. I love how this bride personalized something classic to make it her own :)

this morning

This morning, I walked down the hill to the river, and saw something beautiful. Dancing across the river in the gray, rainy morning was a bright orange flame. A flame so bright, I thought someone had started a fire to keep warm. As we got closer, the flame got smaller, and I realized- it wasn't a flame at all. Instead, it was the reflection of a small, barely noticeable amber light high up on the banks. The light didn't make much of an impression on the ground, but the glassy surface of the river brought it to life.

Just because you don't make a noticeable impact to those immediately surrounding you certainly doesn't mean you don't make an impact at all.

Wedding Wednesday- Fingers Crossed and Taking a Break

Source: whalesandwayfarers.tumblr.com via Ashton on Pinterest

Good morning!

This weekend, we are driving up to a venue to check it out for a second time- this time with my parents and our negotiating skills in tow. Ever since leaving the site last week, my head has been spinning with ideas on how to make it perfect for our special day- and checking the availability calendar is starting to make me sick! I think it's a good sign, since I tried not to gush too much during our initial meeting (the boy says it ruins our chances of making a deal!)

In the mean time, I'm trying to take a little break from planning. TRYING. Mostly it means I am researching every single little thing non venue related....but for now, my fingers are crossed that we all agree on the same thing come this weekend. And that there is still a little green dot on the calendar for our hopeful date!

Of course, I can't sign off without a LITTLE eye candy :) Enjoy!

Source: weddings.theknot.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: with--this--ring.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: None via Amber on Pinterest

one year and a ton of fur

Easter 2010 - I love her fat little puppy legs!

Yesterday marked our "one year" with Miss Riley in our lives! One year of chewed socks, lint rollers, belly rubs and the sweetest puppy face. The boy and I don't know what our lives would be like without her, and we don't ever want to go back!

Last night, Riley got a special treat, long walks with each of us, and watched part of the game in bed with us (we almost made it a year keeping her out!). It was a perfect little family.