tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65033065056459577992024-03-13T07:46:28.043-04:00Hello, Wedding!Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-67749687270713245352012-03-27T22:40:00.000-04:002012-03-27T22:40:32.338-04:00Shoes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-14948984007802922222011-05-03T19:05:00.003-04:002011-05-03T19:15:19.769-04:00Ring it OnI've already blogged about Dave's wedding ring. One more time, it is <a href="http://hellowedding.blogspot.com/2009/09/fingerprint-wedding-bands.html">a fingerprint ring</a> (with <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> fingerprint inside, not Dave's, you strange, confused, unromantic people...). Here is <a href="http://hellowedding.blogspot.com/2011/03/made-impression_14.html">us making a mold of my finger</a> (beware the sleepyface, be-robed pictured halfway down the page). Ever since he sent the mold in a few weeks ago, I've been asking "Has it come yet? Has it come yet???" So it was wonderful to get home one day and discover this in my email:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-e5F6juCTs/TcCKsZNiHlI/AAAAAAAAB9E/FAHlct66kK4/s1600/Photo%2Bon%2B2011-04-27%2Bat%2B18.23.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-e5F6juCTs/TcCKsZNiHlI/AAAAAAAAB9E/FAHlct66kK4/s400/Photo%2Bon%2B2011-04-27%2Bat%2B18.23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602630431735422546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ehh...he'll get the right hand someday...</span></span><br /></div><br />The subject line was, appropriately enough, "Is this real life??"<br /><br />I know! It's bizarre.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyiHhDUNM18/TcCKx-USsHI/AAAAAAAAB9M/kim-sM5hvDI/s1600/Photo%2Bon%2B2011-04-27%2Bat%2B18.24.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vyiHhDUNM18/TcCKx-USsHI/AAAAAAAAB9M/kim-sM5hvDI/s400/Photo%2Bon%2B2011-04-27%2Bat%2B18.24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602630527595229298" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Can you confirm this is your fingerprint, plz?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><br />Woah! Did you guys know we're getting married? It's true! We have rings n stuff...Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-63199991954050273462011-05-01T18:53:00.002-04:002011-05-01T19:07:52.553-04:00Will and Kate and Happiness<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.americansuperstarmag.com/photos/file-2011/prince-william-kate-middleton-280205.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 205px;" src="http://www.americansuperstarmag.com/photos/file-2011/prince-william-kate-middleton-280205.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Like the rest of the world, I was caught up in the big wedding this Friday. Working in a newsroom, where there are more TVs than people, it was like living inside a William and Kate Funhouse--you couldn't walk two feet without seeing constantly-streaming feeds or hearing another breathless report.<br /><br />And why not? It was a great event. The dress! The kiss! The adorable curmudgeonly bridesmaid! I admit I kept one of those streams running on my desktop (also running? <span style="font-style: italic;">The Telegraph</span> live blog, which had many gems throughout the day, my favorite being their takedown of how American television anchors had to keep explaining why Kate was not, unfortunately, a princess).<br /><br />My favorite part of the whole wedding? Cartwheeling verger and 20-foot maple trees aside, I just loved those smiles. The smiles that say "We just got married, yaaaay!!!" The big, goofy, rosy-cheeked smiles that mean they are ridiculously happy, excited, thrilled, dazed.<br /><br />I love those smiles. I see them on the faces of my sweet, wonderful, married friends, and they just make me grin. So it was wonderful to turn on the TV and not see nerves or discomfort or "WTF am I doing oh crap I hope this works out" (which, to be fair, is maybe how <span style="font-style: italic;">I</span> would look if my nuptials were on display for 2 million+ people...), but the same joyful, time-of-our-lives smiles.<br /><br />Can't wait for my own, big ole smile :)Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-38181006836225532292011-04-20T18:33:00.004-04:002011-04-20T18:52:46.375-04:00Saved!Last weekend, while visiting wonderful Boston friends, Dave and I spent an afternoon addressing a stack of fresh-off-the-presses save-the-dates. These will be winging their way to people's mailboxes soon, but here's a little preview:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n7LY-kC6bOo/Ta9gRXJH1OI/AAAAAAAAB88/MZSHX26aTlE/s1600/save.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n7LY-kC6bOo/Ta9gRXJH1OI/AAAAAAAAB88/MZSHX26aTlE/s400/save.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597798713231135970" border="0" /></a><br />Ta-Dum! Some minor information has been removed, for privacy reasons, but otherwise, here's the winner!<br /><br />I am thrilled that after months of sketches and designs and research, I finally settled on a Save-the-Date that perfectly reflects me and Dave. What this also means, of course, is that I <span style="font-style: italic;">took the plunge</span> and designed my whole invitation suite! It was a daunting task, but ultimately I am so excited to see the final results--I know they'll be a wonderful intro to our wedding!<br /><br />For the detail-minded, I drew and painted the invite myself. I used heavyweight watercolor paper, drawing first in pencil, then outlining in waterproof calligraphy ink. I watercolored the drawings, then scanned them in to my computer. I edited the image--some scaling and color correction--with the free image-manipulation program Gimp (because I am both pro-open sourcing and pro-not spending money). The font is Czaristite. We used Vistaprint to print our Save the Dates as postcards. Although I've seen some bad reviews of Vistaprint online, ultimately they were ridiculously reasonable (we printed 200 postcards for less than $30), arrived promptly, and printed beautifully.<br /><br />I can't wait for our friends and family to find these in their mailboxes!Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-70185540763363351022011-04-07T22:44:00.003-04:002011-04-07T23:19:31.688-04:00Kiss and Make UpNext on the wedding agenda: make up!<br /><br />I'm planning on going the professional route, seeing as my skill with make up is...putting it on sometimes every six weeks? (True story! One day I wore make up to work, when one of my coworkers stopped me and commented on it. I guess the nice thing to say would have been something like, "You look really pretty today!" Instead she said "Wow, you look SO MUCH BETTER today than you usually do!" .... And I said, "Thank...? You...?")<br /><br />So, to the salon!<br /><br />The plan is to schedule my hair and make up trial for my bridal shower, so I can be glammed out for my lovely friends and family. And since the bridal shower is swiftly approaching, I spent an evening wandering around Internet-land picking out some possible make up looks.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIIakgQi_Ww/TZ537oFWV8I/AAAAAAAAB8c/f88TRyuhzZ0/s1600/sshair12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIIakgQi_Ww/TZ537oFWV8I/AAAAAAAAB8c/f88TRyuhzZ0/s400/sshair12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593039653496575938" border="0" /></a>I'm thinking soft and romantic, pink cheeks, natural look<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2U6P3YDr9v0/TZ53XZrYVZI/AAAAAAAAB8E/ENAOPoxYynI/s1600/keiranatural.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2U6P3YDr9v0/TZ53XZrYVZI/AAAAAAAAB8E/ENAOPoxYynI/s400/keiranatural.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593039031154267538" border="0" /></a>Basically: Keira Knightley in every movie ever.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q64TumszXK8/TZ53W5i3WHI/AAAAAAAAB70/fmoSxU5QftE/s1600/80529_keira-knightley-at-the-2008-toronto-film-festival.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q64TumszXK8/TZ53W5i3WHI/AAAAAAAAB70/fmoSxU5QftE/s400/80529_keira-knightley-at-the-2008-toronto-film-festival.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593039022528616562" border="0" /></a>And also real life...<br />This one I like because it's still soft and romantic, but with a little more oomph<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YbHDsN1dOU/TZ53W43HB5I/AAAAAAAAB7s/o2MscuRrjvc/s1600/81637599hairmakeup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YbHDsN1dOU/TZ53W43HB5I/AAAAAAAAB7s/o2MscuRrjvc/s400/81637599hairmakeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593039022345095058" border="0" /></a>Here she is again in different light.<br />Love the smoky eyes, although I might want something a little less sultry<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4AIlChT8jk/TZ53WgtdrDI/AAAAAAAAB7k/9MH7e9XINbw/s1600/55454_Jessica_Biel_celebutopia_net_325_122_84lo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e4AIlChT8jk/TZ53WgtdrDI/AAAAAAAAB7k/9MH7e9XINbw/s400/55454_Jessica_Biel_celebutopia_net_325_122_84lo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593039015862185010" border="0" /></a>Another natural beauty.<br />Since I never wear make up, I'd like my to be enhancing, but minimal.<br />Something like this pretty much takes the cake.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y02mx0r0jGI/TZ537kYBpvI/AAAAAAAAB8k/hRLOTg00N0A/s1600/%252Bbxl0JUPw4adl.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y02mx0r0jGI/TZ537kYBpvI/AAAAAAAAB8k/hRLOTg00N0A/s400/%252Bbxl0JUPw4adl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593039652501169906" border="0" /></a>In my dream world, I would pull off bright red lips.<br />Sadly, I am completely incompetent when it comes to this look,<br />and I always end up looking like a cross between Ronald McDonald and Miss Havisham.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugUX1cj02Cs/TZ537CUihmI/AAAAAAAAB8U/3t75gYZZLlA/s1600/redlips2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ugUX1cj02Cs/TZ537CUihmI/AAAAAAAAB8U/3t75gYZZLlA/s400/redlips2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593039643359741538" border="0" /></a>Plus, while I am pale-as-paper white,<br />my skin tone isn't quite as red-lippy friendly as Ms. Hathaway's.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--triecIB1rw/TZ53XFBo3-I/AAAAAAAAB78/lKSvib9oMPg/s1600/b2217e3c62b28e03_fightingpremiere10.jpg"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lw2dAcZ-VSs/TZ536-kmoBI/AAAAAAAAB8M/w3Pvi18yz4g/s1600/make-up_090206_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 323px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lw2dAcZ-VSs/TZ536-kmoBI/AAAAAAAAB8M/w3Pvi18yz4g/s400/make-up_090206_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593039642353377298" border="0" /></a>Pink cheeks, little color on the lips, bright and clear skin--<br />just enough pretty to be special,<br />not so dramatic that I still look like me!<br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-23265641539368243382011-03-29T23:05:00.003-04:002011-03-29T23:21:07.882-04:00Elizabeth Taylor's Weddings Photos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/50593445.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=E41C9FE5C4AA0A14C445CC82365C547CFE257D67C53B631D56D4827E7828329FB01E70F2B3269972"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 544px; height: 594px;" src="http://cache4.asset-cache.net/xc/50593445.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=E41C9FE5C4AA0A14C445CC82365C547CFE257D67C53B631D56D4827E7828329FB01E70F2B3269972" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Leaving her first wedding, to hotel barren, Paris-Hilton-great-uncle Nicky Hilton.<br />Even though I know there are seven more to follow,<br />and this one resulted in a not-great marriage,<br />which lasted for less time than most cheeses take to age,<br />it's hard not to see how happy and swept-away she is.<br /><br />Style, class, drama--all good things to keep in mind on the wedding day.<br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-84868130488653602652011-03-25T09:42:00.002-04:002011-03-25T09:47:43.882-04:00How to Be the Perfect Girlfriend/BoyfriendWhile Dave and I are vacationing in South Carolina this week, I'm going radio silent on wedding planning. It's wonderful. In the meantime, please be entertained by these two videos, which despite being humor videos, actually contain some good advice on how to maintain a healthy relationship. Happy Friday!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="videojugplayer" width="640" height="382"><param name="movie" value="http://www.videojug.com/player?id=0428efb6-c039-e254-e478-ff0008c8e85c"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.videojug.com/player?id=0428efb6-c039-e254-e478-ff0008c8e85c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="396"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.videojug.com/tag/dating-humor">Dating Humor</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-be-the-perfect-girlfriend">How To Be The Perfect Girlfriend</a><br /><br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="videojugplayer" width="640" height="382"><param name="movie" value="http://www.videojug.com/player?id=1e32c43e-8729-d829-d1a8-ff0008c8e357"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.videojug.com/player?id=1e32c43e-8729-d829-d1a8-ff0008c8e357" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="396"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.videojug.com/tag/dating-humor">Dating Humor</a>:<br /><a href="http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-be-the-perfect-boyfriend">How To Be The Perfect Boyfriend</a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Also, aren't these two actors adorable?<br />I want to move to Wee Britain and have them be my zany friends.<br /></span></span><br /><br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-35802057030879278822011-03-16T20:48:00.001-04:002011-03-16T20:48:00.396-04:00Bling RingSince I've already posted about Dave's future wedding band, I thought it was only fair to post about mine.<br /><br />It's sort of daunting to pick out your wedding band. I mean, that's the ring you're going to wear for the rest of your life. FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIIIIIIFE. Scary, yeah?<br /><br />I was a little nervous a few months ago, when we started looking around at rings. I knew I didn't want a simple band, but something with a little more flair and personality. I also didn't want something that was only a complement to my engagement ring. I mean, I LOVE my engagement ring, but I wanted my wedding band to stand on its own.<br /><br />I wasn't sure if I wanted a carved wedding band, like my mom's, or an eternity-style ring with lots of stones. Basically, I was willing to take a look at anything. So, around Christmas time, Dave and I headed to the Diamond District in New York to check out the rings.<br /><br />Have you ever been to the Diamond District? Those people mean business. You literally cannot stand unattended for more than five seconds before someone shouts at you to check out their jewelry. In fact, that was how we found the jeweler who sold us my ring, when he shouted, "Hey guys, I'm back here!"<br /><br />I tried on a few things, dismayed as usual that my size-four finger does not fit 99% percent of the rings, when our jeweler pulled out this little baby:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ntRAjRS3Bg/TX65hfB4qeI/AAAAAAAAB5g/cX0ipksxHzs/s1600/ring1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ntRAjRS3Bg/TX65hfB4qeI/AAAAAAAAB5g/cX0ipksxHzs/s400/ring1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584104572902222306" border="0" /></a><br />Oooh isn't it lovely? I adored the style, the unique design, the (girly alert!) sparkle. But the icing on the cake? It was a perfect size four.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvA_GqfOybs/TX65hovTrqI/AAAAAAAAB5o/QdQZMmI9F1Y/s1600/ring2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvA_GqfOybs/TX65hovTrqI/AAAAAAAAB5o/QdQZMmI9F1Y/s400/ring2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584104575508655778" border="0" /></a><br />It took about five minutes for me to decide that this was it, <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> ring. The ring I'm going to marry Dave with, the ring I'm going to wear forever, the ring that means I'm my kiddo's and he's mine and we're, oh gosh, <span style="font-style: italic;">married!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGm1rwsycK8/TX65h7Ec7vI/AAAAAAAAB5w/QoTNncvhhUU/s1600/ring3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uGm1rwsycK8/TX65h7Ec7vI/AAAAAAAAB5w/QoTNncvhhUU/s400/ring3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584104580429180658" border="0" /></a><br />Here it is with my engagement ring. Complements, but isn't overpowered, subtle but unique--it's my wedding ring! So so so so so so crazy, so crazy wonderful!Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-62366316514271042402011-03-14T09:00:00.003-04:002011-03-16T20:58:52.734-04:00Made an Impression<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.102377857.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 451px; height: 384px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.102377857.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After much deliberation, Dave finally decided to go with the fingerprint ring I noticed last summer (just for his ring: I ended up choosing a different wedding band, which will soon get a blog post of its own). They are so, so beautiful, so much so that I'm willing to lay aside my concerns about giving him a wedding ring in which its main appeal is inside the ring, thereby encouraging him to take it off and (probably) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJZjm52Jx20">spin it across surfaces like he's the host of a late-night talk show</a>.<br /><br />Part of the fun of the fingerprint wedding rings is that they send you a kit to get your fingerprints. So, we broke it out last weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DD7abHHF9GU/TXw9ZgUqyVI/AAAAAAAAB4o/iRf8h4_kC3o/s1600/IMG_3.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DD7abHHF9GU/TXw9ZgUqyVI/AAAAAAAAB4o/iRf8h4_kC3o/s400/IMG_3.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583405146415221074" border="0" /></a>Everything came with easy-to-read instructions, although I wouldn't recommend trying to do this on your own. There was a lot of boiling water, running water, moving between hot and cold.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34L3rBxOGsE/TXw9ZVeqoQI/AAAAAAAAB4g/MwzSSzXSNQE/s1600/IMG_2.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34L3rBxOGsE/TXw9ZVeqoQI/AAAAAAAAB4g/MwzSSzXSNQE/s400/IMG_2.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583405143504363778" border="0" /></a>We started with soaking my hand in water for 8 minutes, to raise the fingerprints.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h36Zoh93Kng/TXw9YwJHgDI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/6Xtnhs3hvyw/s1600/IMG_1.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h36Zoh93Kng/TXw9YwJHgDI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/6Xtnhs3hvyw/s400/IMG_1.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583405133481869362" border="0" /></a>It was <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> early in the morning, hence my "I am not amused/awake" face and Hello Kitty! bathrobe. Don't judge.<br /><br />The impression kit came with these three-inch long black strips, which we had to heat up in boiling water so they would be soft enough to take impressions (they sent lots of extras in case of mishaps).<br /><br />Dave boiled the water, then we poured it into a bowl where we floated one of the black strips.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_tUCzB90PE/TXw9aCV1c5I/AAAAAAAAB44/hdOlvEyiPOw/s1600/IMG_5.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_tUCzB90PE/TXw9aCV1c5I/AAAAAAAAB44/hdOlvEyiPOw/s400/IMG_5.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583405155546919826" border="0" /></a>After a few seconds, I took the black strip off and pressed my finger against it (the strip was warm, but not super hot, thankfully).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1vmig_V3Zw/TXw_XYElC5I/AAAAAAAAB5A/h_LTQTkPiFk/s1600/IMG_6.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1vmig_V3Zw/TXw_XYElC5I/AAAAAAAAB5A/h_LTQTkPiFk/s400/IMG_6.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583407308863769490" border="0" /></a>Then I had to hold my finger under cold running water for a minute to set the impression. This was, by far, the worst part of the whole experience. I am a wimp when it comes to cold, and I spent the whole minute whining and wishing for time to speed up. Then I did again seven more times.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh5q4TBxnlE/TXw_XueTOdI/AAAAAAAAB5I/PHFUQOK3ATI/s1600/IMG_7.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zh5q4TBxnlE/TXw_XueTOdI/AAAAAAAAB5I/PHFUQOK3ATI/s400/IMG_7.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583407314877233618" border="0" /></a>Meanwhile, as I was incapacitated, my wonderful future husband cooked me breakfast. This was a terrific perk and "Have your fiance cook you food" should be part of the official directions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IC2v4ahplyo/TXw9Z1JutdI/AAAAAAAAB4w/vNNdTnIU6Xs/s1600/IMG_4.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IC2v4ahplyo/TXw9Z1JutdI/AAAAAAAAB4w/vNNdTnIU6Xs/s400/IMG_4.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583405152006485458" border="0" /></a>By the end, we had a beautiful, perfect impression of my finger, for use in my future husband's wedding ring. Yay!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >*Like the ring, too? Check out more designs and ordering info <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fabuluster?ref=seller_info">here</a></span>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-66916697983634367152011-03-12T22:02:00.006-05:002011-03-12T22:38:42.582-05:00Our Wedding Cake Will Be...<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BKT9qkbOxk/TXw1YLokwjI/AAAAAAAAB4A/ftddrr52fes/s1600/redcake.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_BKT9qkbOxk/TXw1YLokwjI/AAAAAAAAB4A/ftddrr52fes/s400/redcake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583396327588676146" border="0" /></a>...red velvet!<br /><br />Ooooh man.<br />This was good.<br />Wedding guests: you are in for a (literal) treat.<br /><br />Last weekend, Dave and I finally got to go to our bakery,<br />Eat Cake Bakery,<br />to try our cakes.<br /><br />Confession:<br />We had already decided on red velvet before the tasting,<br />but, sensing an opportunity to eat amazing cakes,<br />we asked to try a variety.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2-FZ-mgwSQ/TXw4gVStb1I/AAAAAAAAB4I/XMuVUq24cgY/s1600/IMG_9.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2-FZ-mgwSQ/TXw4gVStb1I/AAAAAAAAB4I/XMuVUq24cgY/s400/IMG_9.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583399766155161426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">chocolate with vanilla buttercream and filling<br />and chocolate with peanut butter filling and vanilla buttercream </span></span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5mdylCO0oc/TXw4gj-v0TI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/QGdh-c8KT48/s1600/IMG_10.JPG.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5mdylCO0oc/TXw4gj-v0TI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/QGdh-c8KT48/s400/IMG_10.JPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583399770097963314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">tiramisu with canoli filling and vanilla buttercream<br />and...the winner! red velvet amazingness </span></span><br /><br />They were...wow.<br />We could only eat a few bites of each before we started to feel a little...caked out,<br />but they were all so amazing,<br />if I wasn't absolutely settled on red velvet,<br />I don't know how I could have decided.<br /><br />I think my favorite, for pure taste,<br />might have been the chocolate peanut butter--<br />there's just something special about that combination.<br /><br />Which is not to say there was anything amiss with the red velvet...<br />in fact, it might have been one the best I've had:<br />rich cocoa flavor,<br />pure red color,<br />oh-so-light cream cheese buttercream,<br />and a sweet surprise on the bottom,<br />a thin layer of white chocolate.<br /><br />We went for something clean and simple for the outside,<br />sharp corners,<br />smooth lines,<br />slightly rough on the outside for a "homemade" finish,<br />topped off with some fresh flowers,<br />and our DIY wooden cake toppers.<br /><br />Can't wait.<br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-40431076150876019602011-03-09T20:06:00.004-05:002011-03-09T21:20:04.421-05:005 Kitchen Registry TipsThere are few things I long for more than a well-stocked kitchen, and so building our registry was something akin to picking out the gates of Heaven (less heavenly? The four-hour schlep through Bed, Bath, & Beyond). I've pined for, researched, and finally decided on my ultimate kitchen dream list, and these are a few of the tips and tidbits I've picked up:<br /><br /><div> </div> <div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/380/146092125794C.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 380px;" src="http://images.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/380/146092125794C.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">nooooo....</span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">#1 Avoid sets</span></div> <div>The pots and pans section can be confusing. Copper, anodized steel, non-stick, aluminum--not to mention sizes, weights, colors. It can be tempting to avoid the mess and go with a set. The problem with sets? All those different metals are good for different jobs and when you get a cookie-cutter set, you end up with big gaps in your cooking. Pick and choose what you feel most comfortable with, but in general you want a huge nonstick pan (upwards of 12"), a small nonstick pan (8"), and a medium cast iron pan (10"). Pots should be in a variety of sizes in a sturdy material like steel--non-stick is usually not necessary. You want at least 1 oven-to-stove pot (a Dutch oven), one very small pot (1qt), and one medium size pot (at least 4.5 qts).</div> <div> </div> <div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/380/72077112667C.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 380px;" src="http://images.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/380/72077112667C.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Onion goggles, for all your onion-cutting, eye-protecting needs</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">#2 Get your gadgets to do double duty</span></div> <div>Kitchen stores are full of gadgets that promise to save tomatoes, peel garlic, and cut your corners. What they really do is take up space in your drawer. Some gadgets will definitely be worthwhile, depending on how much you use them, but it can be hard to weed out the superfluous ones. The trick? If the item it's supposed to work on is part of its name (lemon zester, nutmeg mill), you can usually substitute something else (microplane grater will get both those jobs done). Unless you only eat lemons and nutmeg. Then have a ball, weirdo.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/380/3337212142366P.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 380px;" src="http://images.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/380/3337212142366P.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Liquidize your 401k in this copper-plated tea kettle!</span><br /></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">#3 Most expensive does not equal best </span><div>With the resurgence of gourmet home cooking, it can be easy to drop a bundle on the most expensive tools and trappings on the market. For the most part, though, a lot of this expensive cookware isn't necessary and cheaper, just-as-good alternatives can be substituted. Which makes sense! Unless your kitchen feeds into Per Se, you're not going to need full professional sets of anything. Splurge on the few things you really want and plan to use regularly (my big-ticket item? A high quality ice cream maker), but otherwise you don't need Le Crueset cast iron cookware (there are cheaper alternatives from celebrity chef lines like Rachel Ray, Emeril Lagasse, and Martha Stewart) or Japanese sashimi knives (good German steel will get you through most situations).</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.216585778.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 569px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.216585778.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Still good!</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">#4 But, at the same time, go for quality </span><div>There's a temptation, especially when other people are doing the buying, to edge towards the cheaper versions of things. Remember that this is your time to stock up on the items that will last you for the rest of your lives, and, unsurprisingly, that will cost more than what it took to fill your dorm room kitchen. Before you decide on anything, research it, read reviews, pay attention to the brand and history of a product. Avoid plastic and go instead for wood, metal, or ceramic. Take a look at your parents' kitchens and ask them what was on their registries that they still use--and stick with those brands.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.technorati.com/09/11/30/1897/online-shopping-420-420x0.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 260px;" src="http://static.technorati.com/09/11/30/1897/online-shopping-420-420x0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Happy Wedding!</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">#5 Online shopping is a godsend, but check it out in person </span><div>I loooove me some online shopping. And online registry shopping is genius. You have more choices, less pressure, and the ability to look up consumer/professional reviews with the click of a Google. I spent weeks honing our registry list, but in the end I knew I was going to have to check everything out in person, so one snowy evening with Dave in tow, I trekked out to Bed, Bath, & Beyond where I spent the next several hours running down the list and Dave curled up in a corner with his iPod like an abandoned child (every half-hour or so I would pat his head while I walked by, and he seemed to enjoy that...). And as much as I loved the ease of the online registry, seeing things in person clarified a lot and helped me realize what was really quality, what was misshapen and poorly designed, and what everything actually looked like (like, don't buy shotglasses thinking they're drinking glasses...).<br /><br /></div> <div> </div> <div style="font-weight: bold;">Special #6, for the wedding guests!</div> <div>Remember that everything on your registry that your guests asked for, they want. I get it, you want to be the cool wedding guest who buys the mini deep-fryer (no, Dave made me take it off), but think about the things people will really need. I promise you, a full set of cookware will make more people happy than a cotton candy machine (no, again!), and if you come on the registry late and there's still some essential piece of cookware--a pot or pan or a knife--on the list, your to-be-wedded friends will love you for filling the gap.</div> <div> </div> <div><br /><br />Good luck, and happy registering!<br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-53060188993710359332011-03-07T15:33:00.004-05:002011-03-07T20:21:08.496-05:00Well- SuitedI am constantly amazed at the different approaches Dave and I take to wedding planning. Me buying my dress: 4 bridal shops, weeks of searching, agonizing decisions. Him buying his suit: 5 minutes in Joseph A. Banks because they were having a sale.<br /><br />We'd already gone shopping once for his suit (in Manhattan's suit district. Yes, it exists.), and it didn't go great. Slightly overwhelmed by the choices, Dave had mostly resolved to either go back to Brooks Bros. when they finally put out their spring/summer suits or get something custom made. Either way, since he was buying suits for his groomsmen, he knew it was going to be difficult, expensive, or both to find something that looked nice and fit four differently-sized guys.<br /><br />Which is why I'm impressed that, as we were walking to the bank last Saturday, he did a double-take at a sale sign for suits at Joseph A. Banks and walked out half an hour later with his wedding suit, another suit for job interviews/presentations, and 4 matching suits for presents for his groomsmen. Every suit was extremely well-made and, if not for the aMAZing sale, too pricey to consider. His total savings were actually more than the total cost of my gown. AND he even ended up with an absolutely beautiful suit--navy blue, like he wanted, with an interesting herringbone weave to set things off.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://suitored.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Gieves-Hawkes-Navy-Blue-Herringbone-Suit-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 600px;" src="http://suitored.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Gieves-Hawkes-Navy-Blue-Herringbone-Suit-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dashing.</span></span></div><br />I think he was skipping on his way out of the store.<br /><br />We stopped in a department store to look at shoes and as we passed a row of ties he snatched the first gold one he could find ("Bam. Tie. Done."). It was impressive.<br /><br />All he needed was a pocket square and his shirt, but he was worried he'd already successfully resolved so many wedding issues ("<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reaganing">Lemon, I'm Reaganing</a>.") that he didn't want to tempt fate.<br /><br />So, suit: check. Presents for groomsmen: check. Jealous fiancee: check.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-184617610362867492011-03-03T20:00:00.000-05:002011-03-03T20:00:00.701-05:00A Pretty Song to Get in Your Head<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Iq4DsqiW2DI" allowfullscreen="" width="640" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe><br /><br />Had this stuck in my head all day<br />It is sweet and lovely<br />Get it stuck in your head, too<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(clickety-click)</span><br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-90412159903772480862011-03-02T19:16:00.000-05:002011-03-02T19:17:21.871-05:00Four More Days Until Cake Tasting...!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.140014620.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 570px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.140014620.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-47415288054661948792011-02-15T18:21:00.002-05:002011-02-15T19:10:07.669-05:00BHLDN: Doesn't Like Vowels, Does Like Pretty<div style="text-align: center;">Urban Outfitter's new bridal line, BHLDN (aka "BEHOLDEN," for those of you who, like me, thought they were looking at one of those vision tests in doctors' offices), launched today. And it's preeeetty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19593714_011_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19593714_011_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Granted, my main experiences with Urban Outfitters mostly involved the Harvard Square Bargain Basement, not really loving paying $110 for a shredded t-shirt with a distressed image of James Dean, BUT-- I really like these dresses.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19630367_011_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19630367_011_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a>For sure, Urban Outfitters knows its type:<br />bohemian, detailed, vintage-inspired<br /><br />I could see any number of sun-kissed California brides<br />wearing this for their vineyard wedding.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19898402_015_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19898402_015_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a>Granted, a little grandmotherly,<br />but the bride who goes for this <span style="font-style: italic;">would</span> have a risky sense of style<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19594811_004_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19594811_004_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a>Pure architectual fun.<br />And I love the delicate silver in lieu of traditional ivory<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19945096_004_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19945096_004_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a>Woah. They can't all be winners.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19629054_066_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/19629054_066_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a>They have more than gowns, though.<br />I love this frothy, over the top bolero jacket.<br />The $300 price tag? Not so much.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/20198487_011_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/20198487_011_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ditto these sweet ivory gloves.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/20605903_045_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/20605903_045_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a>Bridesmaid dresses!<br />Most them did not look terribly forgiving<br />(I pity the poor girls bamboozled into wearing <a href="http://www.bhldn.com/the-shop_dresses/gin-fizz-shift"><span style="font-style: italic;">this</span></a>),<br />but a few, like this sweet blue number, stand out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/20432217_041_a?$zoom$"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 670px;" src="http://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/BHLDN/20432217_041_a?$zoom$" alt="" border="0" /></a>Another one!<br />Chic, classic, just different enough to be interesting.<br /><br /><br />All in all, some pretty dresses, although the prices were surprisingly high.<br /><br />The appeal (and high price tags) of most bridal gowns comes from their hand made-ness, with the designers popping up at trunk shows to sell their dresses in person, long waits while teams of seamstresses work their magic. You <span style="font-style: italic;">show up</span> to a bridal store, you want to see your dress in person, try it on, know how it feels. It's sort of a serious purchase (at the very least, an expensive one), and not really the kind of thing you want to "Add To Cart."<br /><br />Unless I'm missing something (in which case their website is seriously lacking in information), you can only buy these dresses online. Urban Outfitters not being especially known for fine craftsmanship, I would be wary of plunking down $3k+ dollars with no idea of how the fabric feels or what the fit is.<br /><br />My suggestion (since...you're asking?) would have been to follow J.Crew's model. Their line of wedding gowns is stunning--exquisitely beautiful and moderately priced. Although I didn't try on any J.Crew dresses, a friend went with them for her wedding last summer, and I was blown away at how beautiful and elegant she looked (her dress was less than $500, I would have believed it was over $5000). Plus, J.Crew invested in their wedding gowns by creating a whole mini bridal store in Manhattan. No luck if you're not in the Tri-State area maybe, but a gorgeous (and classic) $600 gown is a heck of a lot less risky to buy online than a $4000 origami-inspired Urban creation.<br /><br />Still, I applaud BHLDN's range of gowns and was pleasantly surprised by how much else they had to offer. I could definitely see a bride planning her whole wedding in the BHLDN world, clicking "Add To Cart" on shoes, dresses, lingerie, and necklaces. It would, at least, allow you to dress shop in your pajamas.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-84132486538168013192011-02-14T17:09:00.000-05:002011-02-14T17:10:25.035-05:00Valentine<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmGtHSnlmtM/TVmoN2_5uRI/AAAAAAAAB2w/EaiXiUyIgPY/s1600/CameraBag_Photo_1000.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VmGtHSnlmtM/TVmoN2_5uRI/AAAAAAAAB2w/EaiXiUyIgPY/s400/CameraBag_Photo_1000.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573670969903003922" border="0" /></a><br />Love that guy.<br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-19286810151226801772011-02-10T21:11:00.002-05:002011-02-10T21:32:42.906-05:00Tip Top<div style="text-align: center;">I'm busy working on cake topper v4.0<br />(the first three having ended...poorly)<br />I believe in the next one, but I'm one bad craft experience<br />from breaking down and ordering something on Etsy.<br /><br />Luckily, I have plenty to choose from.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.193948630.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 427px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.193948630.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>You can't go two inches without seeing some sort of bird-themed topper.<br />Kinda reminds me of <a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/210887/portlandia-put-a-bird-on-it#s-p1-sr-i0">this</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.177633508.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 621px; height: 416px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.177633508.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Ninja bride n' groom!<br />Sneakily in love.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.214523488.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 570px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.214523488.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>This reminds me a little too much of me and Dave...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.213033909.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 760px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.213033909.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Doh. So sweet.<br />I like the little blushing bride<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.195393800.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 658px; height: 658px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.195393800.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Four </span>dogs!!!<br />I want this to be my life.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.208472377.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.216187487.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 828px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.216187487.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>For the vintage lovr.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.194950524.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 625px; height: 413px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.194950524.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Keepin' it simple.<br /><br /><br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-88072942876694061482011-02-09T23:30:00.002-05:002011-02-09T23:32:46.656-05:00Roses and Stripes<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/6804043/tumblr_lfxerd0wTa1qdtro1o1_500_large.jpg?1296620755"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://s3prod.weheartit.netdna-cdn.com/images/6804043/tumblr_lfxerd0wTa1qdtro1o1_500_large.jpg?1296620755" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Have a cake on me.<br />Three and a half weeks 'til cake tasting.<br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-60742777305276503892011-02-03T21:08:00.002-05:002011-02-03T21:10:35.105-05:00Valentine<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/valentine/set?id=27886757"><img alt="Valentine" title="Valentine" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlVnclBtd013NEJHNUhGaEptMWx6UUEAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/leather_shawl/shop?query=leather+shawl"></a></small></div><p style="text-align: center;">Does this have anything to do with weddings?<br />A collection of pretty, Valentine's Day clothing?<br />My dream outfit?<br /><br />Um, weddings mean love means Valentine's?<br />Close enough.<br /></p></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-45648383247524388902011-02-01T18:45:00.003-05:002011-02-01T18:47:42.218-05:00Hello Love<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://iammommy.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551040fb788340120a86782ac970b-pi"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 541px; height: 405px;" src="http://iammommy.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551040fb788340120a86782ac970b-pi" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I think I am in <3<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">from <a href="http://iammommy.typepad.com/i_am_baker/2010/02/heart-cake-tutorial.html">i am baker</a></span></span><br /></div><br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-78009324894523371612011-01-31T19:33:00.002-05:002011-01-31T19:42:57.967-05:00Saving...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TUdW-1ycd7I/AAAAAAAAB2k/epSGI0AUM0E/s1600/faces.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 170px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TUdW-1ycd7I/AAAAAAAAB2k/epSGI0AUM0E/s400/faces.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568515101857445810" border="0" /></a><br />I have finally (finally!) settled on a Save the Date that Dave and I love. And I'm thrilled! The best part? If I work hard (and also slightly lose my mind...), I can use it to form the basis for a whole lovely invitation set.<br /><br />While the full design is still under wraps, here's a little preview, a sweet mini-sketch of me n' my kiddo.Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-9256499418037662852011-01-28T20:09:00.000-05:002011-01-28T20:09:00.487-05:00The Weirdest (Coolest) Wedding Thing I've Found on Etsy<div style="text-align: center;">It is no secret I am an Etsy fan, be it for sister-in-law presents or antique jewelry or inspiration. And Etsy is on to all of us crafty, blogging brides, with a whole wonderful section devoted to everything wedding (which inspired a blog! It's like one of those snakes that eats its own tail).<br /><br />That's where I found this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.196661037.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 570px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.196661037.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Hmm...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.208485876.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 427px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.208485876.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Something seems to be...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.208512283.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 449px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.208512283.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />...off...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.211661890.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 427px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.211661890.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />kind of twisted...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.208521158.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 427px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.208521158.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />even...loony (hahahahahahahHAhahaha)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.211662873.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 427px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.211662873.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Something tells me the bride who goes for this is not the Say Yes to the Dress type.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.191531108.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 760px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.191531108.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Even the "normal" little couple, surrounded by doves,<br />kinda looks like a still from a Hitchcock movie<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.186720259.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 760px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.186720259.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Says the maker:<br />"In this shop, a cake topper that is content to remain human becomes the real oddity.<br />But this couple dares to be different!"<br /><br />How much do I love?<br />Love love love.<br />Throw your money at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/melabo?ref=ls_profile">this talented lady</a>.<br />Ceramic wonderments, $30-50 at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/melabo">her Etsy store</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.206559622.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 427px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.206559622.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Uni-keet!<br />I want one million of these in my house.<br /><br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-26050341936248349982011-01-27T20:00:00.001-05:002011-01-27T20:09:17.019-05:00Boo-KayWhile the search for a florist continues, I'm on the lookout for bouquets<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4QJ6vCagI/AAAAAAAAB18/5PE6GrZUee8/s1600/pearls-bouquet.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 340px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4QJ6vCagI/AAAAAAAAB18/5PE6GrZUee8/s400/pearls-bouquet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903952047925762" border="0" /></a>Pearls and peonies and pink!<br />I can just imagine a line of bridesmaids, swinging these around<br />(with my friends, the bouquets would swiftly become weapons, but still, pretty?)<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4QJm8yWmI/AAAAAAAAB10/N-cez7INY3k/s1600/Wedding81-500x683.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4QJm8yWmI/AAAAAAAAB10/N-cez7INY3k/s400/Wedding81-500x683.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903946736884322" border="0" /></a>I'm still leaning towards pale, antiquey, simple...<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4QJcPRvgI/AAAAAAAAB1s/HI50Ztoq1K0/s1600/Kyle%2B%2526%2BAshley_314.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4QJcPRvgI/AAAAAAAAB1s/HI50Ztoq1K0/s400/Kyle%2B%2526%2BAshley_314.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903943861648898" border="0" /></a>...like-a so.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like how tiny the bouquet looks in this guy's huge hands.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4QJAiKQtI/AAAAAAAAB1k/zogpPbg1AYw/s1600/DSC_3826.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4QJAiKQtI/AAAAAAAAB1k/zogpPbg1AYw/s400/DSC_3826.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903936424657618" border="0" /></a>Beautiful simplicity.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4PlT5TMhI/AAAAAAAAB1c/UM_c5oGNcy0/s1600/cardigan-bride-vintage-wedding13.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4PlT5TMhI/AAAAAAAAB1c/UM_c5oGNcy0/s400/cardigan-bride-vintage-wedding13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903323146695186" border="0" /></a>Sweet and soft, just enough colors to keep things interesting<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4Pkq_e6gI/AAAAAAAAB1U/eAqeeYj2wS8/s1600/AustinBeccaBrideGroom6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4Pkq_e6gI/AAAAAAAAB1U/eAqeeYj2wS8/s400/AustinBeccaBrideGroom6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903312166775298" border="0" /></a>Real bride alert!<br />Beautiful pinwheel flowers<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4PkLA6dcI/AAAAAAAAB1M/atZug_r4Fs4/s1600/8012B_1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4PkLA6dcI/AAAAAAAAB1M/atZug_r4Fs4/s400/8012B_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903303582840258" border="0" /></a>File this under "Love, but can't pull off in real life."<br />There's something so joyful and fun about a big bunch of long-stemmed flowers<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4PjgdVQuI/AAAAAAAAB1E/ic8L1f7d1vo/s1600/8071B_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4PjgdVQuI/AAAAAAAAB1E/ic8L1f7d1vo/s400/8071B_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903292159312610" border="0" /></a>But sadly I can imagine these falling apart in my hands<br />oh-two-hundred seconds after getting them.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4PjfH8mUI/AAAAAAAAB08/ghdnCoPsgQE/s1600/04.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TT4PjfH8mUI/AAAAAAAAB08/ghdnCoPsgQE/s400/04.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565903291801180482" border="0" /></a>And, as much as I love color,<br />I still wouldn't rule out the traditional.<br /><br /><br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-16596503322751249152011-01-26T20:48:00.004-05:002011-01-27T18:30:52.875-05:00Squiggles<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TUDPDBDwiAI/AAAAAAAAB2E/UQ8sEzfRN0Q/s1600/pink_squiggles.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TUDPDBDwiAI/AAAAAAAAB2E/UQ8sEzfRN0Q/s400/pink_squiggles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566676790160689154" border="0" /></a>Scheduled cake tasting for <s>February</s> March (sigh).<br />Happy Wednesday, folks.<br /></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6503306505645957799.post-81124131650457577742011-01-09T13:34:00.007-05:002011-01-09T14:30:44.446-05:00Evie's Rules of EngagementNot long after I got engaged, I somehow got invited to the New York City bridal expo. I heard about it before (mostly through Jezebel's "Oh God what are we doing here" reports, <a href="http://jezebel.com/375812/single-slut-crashes-new-york-weddings-showcase">1</a> and <a href="http://jezebel.com/5512679/bride+to+be-psychologically-tortured-by-wedding-expo">2</a>) and heard about my mom's experience at bridal expos (they only <span style="font-style: italic;">barely</span> stopped short of giving her foot massages in the lavish attention they paid on her, the keeper of the checkbook). So I figured, what the hell? With the fiance out of town, I called on my best gal, Evie, to accompany me.<br /><br />"Free cake!" I told her. "Free champagne! It'll be great!"<br /><br />With high hopes and empty stomachs, we set off. I'm not really sure what my expectations were, but my first impressions, seeing easily 1000 brides-to-be, plus about a dozen unfortunate fiances or (oh lord) boyfriends, was more of a refuge camp than anything. As soon as I walked in the door I was slapped with a sticker that identified me as the bride to the fifty+ salespeople inside and made to fill out form after form with my personal information.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoBvV6eYxI/AAAAAAAABzc/blGc3ALlL4I/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoBvV6eYxI/AAAAAAAABzc/blGc3ALlL4I/s400/IMG_0399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560258602790183698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">It took me about 15 minutes to realize this means Very Important Bride.</span> </span><br /><br /></div>For some ungodly reason, I obediently filled out everything on the forms--address, email, telephone, Dave's contact info (later Evie said, "I was really surprised that you actually did that," and I had no response except some primordial form-filling instinct in me suddenly kicked in). All that earned me was a deluge of mail from every wedding business in the tri-state area. I STILL get magazines and emails. This actually may have been the dumbest thing I've ever done in my life.<br /><br />The expo itself was a nightmare, with hundreds of women crowding around the two (two!) tables with free food. We were given goodie bags when we walked in and Evie forced me to take everything from every table. She also forced me to wait in line for the free photobooth-style photos:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoDgyeHX3I/AAAAAAAABzk/Q5pLlLI0rh4/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoDgyeHX3I/AAAAAAAABzk/Q5pLlLI0rh4/s400/IMG_0394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560260551781080946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">You can see it really get to me on the bottom left.<br />Yes, we are hanging ourselves with free shell-lei necklaces.</span><br /></span></div><br />Finally, Evie took pity on my crowd-induced panic attack and we left to go get burgers. Although I encouraged her to throw away the 3lb bag of magazines and ads she had accrued while at the expo, she said, very anthropologically, that she wanted to take them home to study them.<br /><br />The result of this study? Evie's Rules of Engagement, culled from the advice of a dozen terrible wedding magazines. She made me a poster. You all wish you had a maid-of-honor like this.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoEvl7nqXI/AAAAAAAABzs/E_zV0AvoCKk/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoEvl7nqXI/AAAAAAAABzs/E_zV0AvoCKk/s400/IMG_0388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560261905624836466" border="0" /></a><br />Here they are, in order:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoEvwby9xI/AAAAAAAABz0/ui5H-W0mv38/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoEvwby9xI/AAAAAAAABz0/ui5H-W0mv38/s400/IMG_0389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560261908444149522" border="0" /></a>Check! This is the only part of the rules that makes sense from a logical human perspective.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoEwDUjv_I/AAAAAAAABz8/3HGz13yw3Yw/s1600/IMG_0390.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoEwDUjv_I/AAAAAAAABz8/3HGz13yw3Yw/s400/IMG_0390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560261913514065906" border="0" /></a>My favorite is the one comparing your boyfriend to a gas-guzzling SUV (and you to an energy-efficient hybrid).<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoEwm4lkgI/AAAAAAAAB0E/T6froPo_Ewg/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoEwm4lkgI/AAAAAAAAB0E/T6froPo_Ewg/s400/IMG_0391.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560261923060421122" border="0" /></a>I like this rule, but it would have gotten you a black eye at the wedding expo. Ever seen two hundred hungry, sweaty women fight over a mini red velvet cupcake? Now I see it every night...in my nightmares...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoExH0mzBI/AAAAAAAAB0M/KW10MxoCIO4/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoExH0mzBI/AAAAAAAAB0M/KW10MxoCIO4/s400/IMG_0392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560261931902094354" border="0" /></a>Touche, Evie. Touche.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoHB03AwiI/AAAAAAAAB0U/zq9RPPB8sLM/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoHB03AwiI/AAAAAAAAB0U/zq9RPPB8sLM/s400/IMG_0393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560264417892942370" border="0" /></a>The aforementioned shot, with the aforementioned noose.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoHCi-_rOI/AAAAAAAAB0c/_8xr_7gvCLQ/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoHCi-_rOI/AAAAAAAAB0c/_8xr_7gvCLQ/s400/IMG_0395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560264430274456802" border="0" /></a>which leads naturally to...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoHC87x_tI/AAAAAAAAB0k/OpKdkGPZUWk/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoHC87x_tI/AAAAAAAAB0k/OpKdkGPZUWk/s400/IMG_0396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560264437240299218" border="0" /></a>True story: Dave's dad is impossible to buy a Christmas present for, so, jokingly, I suggested the only thing we could give him that he couldn't get himself was another grandkid. Dave laughed, agreed that that was true, conversation over. A few weeks later at our annual Christmas party, Dave, his mom, and my mom were all chatting. His mom asked what Dave and I got his dad. I was in the dining room, setting the table, when I heard this and thought <span style="font-style: italic;">don't say it, don't say it</span>--"A grandchild!" Dave cheers.<br /><br />Let me describe the scene that followed, when I ran into the kitchen. There's Dave, a big smile on his face, waiting for laughter that would never come. There's his mom, eyebrows halfway up her forehead, eyes wide. And then there's my mom, mouth open, completely frozen, with a facial expression that says something like "How quickly can I dismember the idiot who impregnated my unmarried daughter?"<br /><br />"In three years!" I say. "A grandkid in three years! Not pregnant!"<br /><br />The room collectively breathes a sigh of relief and my mom says, "Good, because there was no <span style="font-style: italic;">way</span> you were going to fit into your dress."<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoHDzThKCI/AAAAAAAAB0s/T2AdskEFLao/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7cqrD0XiPxo/TSoHDzThKCI/AAAAAAAAB0s/T2AdskEFLao/s400/IMG_0398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560264451835373602" border="0" /></a>Last but not least. I hope Sandals Jamaica got a nice boost in reservations from this.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bcCYx5oFz3g?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bcCYx5oFz3g?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div>Kendallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13918294368137405967noreply@blogger.com0