Kate's Second Dress ...

... is also a McQueen number. And, the Princess looks party perfect!

{source: People}

Royally Wed

Not too long ago, Kate Middleton stepped out to greet her guests at Westminster Abbey in a fabulous wedding dress designed by Alexander McQueen's Creative Director, Sarah Burton.

Kate worked with Burton to design a dress that married both tradition and modern. The v-neck dress features a sleeved, lace bodice. The skirt is said to mimic the opening of a flower and her train is almost 9 feet long. Her sheer lace trimmed veil is held in place by a Cartier "halo" tiara borrowed from Queen Elizabeth.

When Kate arrived at the alter to join William, her uniformed husband-to-be whispered to her that she looked beautiful, making the public affair seem more personal. 

The happy couple is off for a day of celebration as the newly named Duke & Duchess of Cambridge. After I see the royal kiss, I'm off to starting getting ready for work; I'm sure I'll get caught day dreaming of the rest of the wedding day!

{source: RoyalWedding.Yahoo.com}

Fun Ideas for Mom ...

Beach & Farmer's Market Essentials, Pretty Little Luxuries, Entertaining Must-Haves

1. Bloomingdales - Waterford Evolution Urban Safari Spotted Vase - $185

2. J. Crew - Reusable Tote - $15

3. Jayson Home & Garden - Farmer's Market Baskets - $20-38

4. Kate Spade - Shady Side Dipped Scarf - $95

5. Jayson Home & Garden - Shell Salt & Pepper Set - $20

6. Bloomingdales - Bormioli Rocco Ypsilon Jug - $10

7. Vera Bradley - Lemon Parfait Beach Towel - $30

8. Anthropologie - Sea Grass Striped Goblet - $10

9. Anthropologie - Food, Fashion, Friends -$49.99

10. Luxury Monograms - Monogrammed Pink & Black Blend Napkin - $35

11. Stella & Dot - Sunset Bangle - $69

Patina

A while ago I mentioned a special family heirloom ...

and here's the history behind it.

The ring was originally a cocktail ring worn on my Grandma Anne's pinky finger. My Mom's Mom passed away years ago from Alzheimer's and it is really the only thing I personally have to remind me of her now. Grandma Anne was a beautiful stewardess who captured the heart of many and was proposed to numerous times. Eventually she married my Mom's Father and at some point during their marriage he gifted her this very cocktail ring.

Prior to gifting it to my Grandma, the ring was worn by my Grandpa's Mom, Harriet. And before that, the three center stones are remembered to be part of her husband's father's pocket watch.

To sum it up, the ring started four generations ago with my Great Great Grandfather's pocket watch, was then worn by my Great Grandmother and lastly my Grandma. My Mom gifted it to me on my 21st birthday after turning into a more wearable, everyday ring (not many people wear pinky rings these days!) and I guess at some point I will have to pass it on. Outside of my engagement ring and dog, it is the one thing I'd run into a burning building to save!

25% of Stella & Dot This Weekend Only!

Stella & Dot is offering customers 25% off the highest price item they order! The savings are available today and tomorrow only. 

Hop on over to my website to see if their is something special for Mother's Day (or yourself)! Enter SPRING11 at checkout for your savings. Happy Easter!

Sweet vs. Savory

For someone who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, I always pictured myself having a beautiful wedding cake to cut at my wedding. I've decided a banana cake would be pretty amazing if I were to head down the more traditional route. Aren't these versions just gorgeous?!

 

 

Couldn't help but include some, smaller cakes that would be just as beautiful for a more intimate wedding!

However, since this wedding has  picked itself up and moved to the beautiful, rustic wine country, I'm considering a cake made of ... CHEESE! The foodie in me loves that I could have a classic cheese dessert course and miniature desserts. My only concern as that they won't be as beautiful as their sweeter, more traditional cousins. But, these versions below are up for the challenge ...

 

What are your thoughts? Would you go the less traditional route in favor of something more suited for the affair?!

Boy Meets Dog

I'm going to let you in on a little secret, Nate and I have an imaginary dog. Phoebe's younger, tricolor brother who we call Barclay. He's been around for about 5 years now and we imagine he looks something like this ...

Barclay is all Nate's doing. It happened six years ago when he met this furry, little nugget ...

and it was love at first lick! 

Father/Daughter bonding at its finest

Don't worry Phoebs, some day you'll have another little buddy ...  Nate will see to it. While most men picture themselves sitting next to a lab, drinking beer and watching the game, Nate is sipping wine with this girly looking lap dog! Love it.

Effen Amazing.

I understand it is not normal to talk about alcohol on a Monday morning ... but I just can't get my mind off of this new discovery ...

Hands down my favorite food is cucumbers. When I was a kid, my friends would tie cucumbers to the top of my birthday presents. That's how deep my obsession was and still is to this day.

On Thursday night, while celebrating a friend's birthday, I was introduced to Effen Cucumber. Music to my mouth. Replace your vodka, soda lime with Effen Cucumber for a spa like to twist to a weekend staple.

It's so refreshing ... and almost makes you feel like you are being healthy. Did I just say that?!

{source: Beam Global}

Another Pink Obsession

I've been head of heels for Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere's pale pink office walls for a while. And then I found this bedroom and found a new pale pink space to become completely obsessed with designed by Katie Lydon. It's more calming than girly and I'd love to rest my head here every night. Wouldn't you?

{source: Elle Decor}

Terrified.

I'm in denial that bell bottoms are coming back. Quite frankly, I think they are so unflattering. Who knows what I'll be thinking next month. But right now, I'm just scared.

Even more terrifying is the fact that I was able to find these flares for men. I'm so not okay with this! The hat is just flat out bizarre ...

{source: Fashionising.com}

I Spy ...

Not too long ago, I spied an amazing lamp from Things That Sparkle's home tour on Made by Girl. Instant Obsession. The other day I reached out to Alex to see where she purchased the lamp. Turns out it is Nate Berkus for HSN and super reasonable!

On a different note, I'm having my first Stella & Dot party tomorrow ... wish me luck!

{sources: Made by Girl, HSN.com}

The Little Things

Two things that made me smile within the last week ...

1. An old co-worker emailed me that my blog was an inspiration and to keep up the good work. I love hearing that I have motivated him to get stuff done around his place as so many bloggers have encouraged me to take on the next project!

2. Last night I received my Stella & Dot samples and it felt like Christmas at my place!

Okay, this picture is a little dramatic ... but you get the point!

{source: we heart it}