I'm 2!

Our cousin's baby girl turned two last month. I can't believe how fast she's growing up. I swear that her first birthday wasn't that long ago.

Birthday girl, A, had her party at Ray of Light Farm in East Haddam, CT. There was facepainting. Farm tour where you could feed the goats, pet the duck, and there were enough hamsters to go around so that no one had to share! Everyone stuffed their bellies with pizza, fruit, cupcakes, and ice cream. And to top off the day, pony rides! Let me tell you, A was in HEAVEN. She was grinning from ear to ear by the end of it all.  

All photos taken by me.

I'm so glad I was able to be part of the festivities and document everything via photos. I won't lie, it was a long drive (4 hours round trip), but it was so worth it. Life through the eyes of a child is more amazing than I can put into words. It was a nice reminder that there is more to life beyond the walls of my cubicle.

You probably noticed that there no pictures of the birthday girl, party goers, or people in general. I'm far too lazy to ask the parents for permission to post, so you'll just have to take my word that there were real people present at the party.

White Dress: The One!

I had tried on some 27 dresses (oooh I fit in a movie reference!) and I was feeling pretty confident about my original pick, Maeve. On a last whim, in late May, I checked my favorite designer's website one last time. What would you know, Pronovias had just launched their 2011 line. I'm not lying when I say that, because the new collection was not there the week before. I may or may not have been an avid visitor to their site.

Anyways, Farnes from the 2011 Fashion collection took my breathe away. She really did. I gasped outloud at my desk, good thing no one was around or paying attention. I can't remember which came first, I either immediately started sending out pictures of Farnes to my bridesmaids and members of the wedding club, or I started looking for bridal salons that had it in their store. Seriously, this dress and I were just meant to be. The bridal salon down the street from me had just gotten it in the week I called! 

People say you just know when you find your dress. It's true! I didn't have tears streaming down my face, like the women on SYTTD. I was a little shaky, flushed, and smiled from ear to ear. It was it!



The big drama: The store offers 10% off if you order withing 24 hours of your first visit. I didn't have the guts to pull the trigger right then and there. I used the excuse that I needed to talk to my mom and wedding planner, first. I called back later that day and asked if I could have more time, the consultant agreed. I went out of town for a bit and the next appointment I could get was 2 weeks later. Guess what? The consultant had magically dissappeared by then and didn't mention to anyone that she gave me an extension.

These are actually photos from my second appointment.
They were the only salon that didn't allow photos unless you were purchasing a gown.

Yeah...so the train wasn't that much shorter. My seamstress was only able to
shorten the hem in the front because of the zipper placement in the back.

Now that I think about it, I don't know if my photography got a shot of the flowers on the shoulder strap.

I LOVE my dress. Farnes hangs from my closet door. I check on her from time to time. I just want to make sure she's doing alright. Although, I probably should look into getting her cleaned. I've been avoiding it because I'm afraid the "petals" will fray. They had already started a little bit.

Previously:

White Dress: The Search Begins

White Dress: The Search, part 2

White Dress: The Search, part 3

White Dress: The Search, part 3

I picked this third shop because they carried many dresses from the Watters collection. The following images are all screen captures from my presentations. I may add some additional commentary in the captions or at the end, but we'll stick with what was written at the time for the most part.

*Stock model photos are from Watters. All photos of me taken by the fabulous Natalie.*

Previously:

White Dress: The Search Begins
White Dress: The Search, part 2

White Dress: The Search, part 2

Part 2 takes us to Vows Bridal Outlet. The following images are all screen captures from my presentations. I may add some additional commentary in the captions or at the end, but we'll stick with what was written at the time for the most part.

Model photo from what used to be Priscilla of Boston.



I think the middle photos are from Vows.

Model photo found via Google, and most likely originally from Pronovias.

I was smittened with the Ulla. It was so modern and flowy. But I came to the sad realization that by the time the dressed was hemmed to my height, it would lose all the details that make it what it is.

*All photos of me taken by the fabulous Natalie.*

Previously:

White Dress: The Search Begins

Fab Friday Finds

via Pinterest via Stolen Girlfriends Club

Apparently, I am still obessed with all things bows (see here, here, and here). Shiny bow on a ring? Yes, please.

Ruche

Eh...guess I'm on a roll here. Delicate crocheted bows on a wedge heel! I almost squealed when I came across these. It's a shame that I can't find these in my size. I will be stalking both Ruche and ModCloth in hopes that they will restock.



The Container Store

Hanger hamper. I don't know about you, but I would have killed for one of these while moving between apartments. I used to shove all my clothes in suitecases and then try to coax all my hangers into my hamper and random boxes, but of course they would never stay put and just turn into a jumbled mess.

West Elm

Now that we have placemats, we need napkins. Well, we don't need them, but rather, I want them. Save a tree, use a cloth napkin. I love the ogee pattern on these napkins from West Elm, but I'm not in love with the color. I want something with a punch, but won't clash with our happy green plates. I have been searching for something in the yellow/orange family. Perhaps mixed with some blue or purple? I know, it sounds totally strange, so we'll have to see.