13 Today

{First day of school, 3 years ago. More fashion sense at 10 than most adults.}

My cousin turns 13 today. He's one cool kid, too...though he told me two days ago, "In two days, I'm not a kid anymore." My sister and I howled. We tried to tell him that WE are still kids in the eyes of our adults. We tried to tell him he'll always be a kid to us, but I'm fairly certain he ignored us (as 13-year-olds are prone to do.)

All of this got me thinking...do you remember your 13th birthday? I remember 10 (aka Batman birthday) and I remember 15 (Jack's Surfboards t-shirt present birthday) and 16 (one. memorable. birthday), but 13? I'm drawing a blank. Funny how when it's your day, you're so impressionable. You're so right there in the moment. Then? 17 years pass and you don't remember a thing.

Birthdays are a big deal in our family, but especially to my Sissy and me. We go all out. We prefer to make (and receive) handmade cards and gifts, too, if you're of the craft-friendly persuasion. Queen for the day, dinner is your choice. Sissy's choice was always mom's spaghetti (because, frankly, it rocks.) Mine? I think it was a toss-up between pizza and hot dogs and mac & cheese. What can I say? I had simple tastes. Heck, I still think that would make for a tasty birthday dinner!

What is your fondest (or most memorable) birthday? Did it involve mac & cheese or too many Jell-o shots like a few of my birthdays past? Though I have a tendency to think every year is better than the last because it's another year here to celebrate, I think one of my top fave birthdays was my 30th. Perfection.

So, to my cousin T. The only 3-year-old who loved The Beastie Boys and skateboarding...not that Sissy didn't have a little something to do with it :) We love you, kid (oops, I mean, man.)

Butcherblock Love

We eat, prepare, bake and cool food on our kitchen counter. We also use it as a beverage station during parties, a craft table and a drop spot for mail, groceries and other stuff. What are your thoughts butcherblock regarding cleanability, durability and appearance after breaking them in?

Does anyone have one who may share advice and bits of wisdom on their maintenance? We have atrocious faux butcherblock in the kitchen now and I'm not such a fan, but I also don't want to spend a fortune on granite...I'd prefer to save up for a sexy subway tile backsplash, too ;)

The Hot.

Let's Go Fly a Kite

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Brisk, bright and windy. Today's the best kind of day for flying a kite.

Don't have perfect kite-flying conditions in your neck of the woods? Fill in the void with this pretty print from Belle & Boo. I love her illustrations. Completely darling!

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Going to the Probate Court and...

Gonna get a marriage license! (queue The Dixie Cups backing track.)

Today's a big day for wedding-related happiness. We are venturing off to Probate Court with documents in-hand to get our official marriage license. One huge ginormous check off of The List. Then, later this afternoon, we get to meet with our minister to go over the ceremony, vows and details. *squee!*

Oh yeah...and did I mention that yesterday, I had both my hair and makeup trials? Both HUGE, MAJOR successes? My. veil. is. perfect. Want to post photos so badly it hurts, but I just can't ruin the surprise. Soon, very soon! /happydance

There is only one teensy problem with the make-up. Hello, M·A·C. Why on Earth do you cost so much? It caused physical pain when I saw how much my dream face was going to cost me, but we axed all but the essentials. I'm going to take an assessment of my brushes and see if I can make do. I think when it's all said and done, it will be about $200 spent on makeup and a couple brushes. Right then, I'm fairly certain I threw up in my mouth a little. I'm thrifty. I have never in my life bought a face-full of high-quality make-up, as I generally opt for the "make do with makeup on the cheap" philosophy. Let's just say that cheap beauty products are not always kind to a 30-year-old face. And into my life walks M·A·C Cosmetics...

Ladies. OH MY WORD. I don't care what I have to do to get this M·A·C makeup. Fo riz. I wore it all night. Over night. Just to "test". The eyeshadow smudged a little. That's it. As featherlight as the foundation/powder combo was (with amazing coverage), I had to scrub to get it all off. Skin never looked better. Not a single blemish and I have crazy oily skin. Let me just mention the sales rep/makeup genius Angela was completely fantastic. She deserves a Starbucks on me for the magic she worked, I'm telling you what. I'm 100% sold.

M·A·C was recommended to me highly from an old colleague of mine who was married over the summer. She had gone to the M·A·C counter, was all dolled up for free and bought everything they used, taught her how to put it on and everything. My bridesmaid/future cousin-in-law swears by it, too, and has my FMIL send it to her in England. That says something, people!

I had been toying with the idea of airbrush makeup, which was recommended on my local board on The Knot. I checked out the top recommended airbrush makeup artist in my area and her services cost $120 for bride day-of-wedding makeup application. That's just silly to me. Sure, wedding=markup, but if you charge $50 for the bridal party makeup application, how do you justify the bride's face costing 140% more? Nonsense. Justifying spending so much on makeup at all is hard enough for me...but if I'm dropping serious cash, I'd at least like to have it for my honeymoon and the holidays! Merry early Christmas. This year, I'm giving myself the gift of beauty and confidence. Who knew it would only cost $200?

Sorry my "happy marriage license day" post morphed into "blab about makeup" post, but I'm telling you. M·A·C Cosmetics must be that good to trump my marriage license! Ha! With that said, I'm going to get in my Shred for the day, make a hazelnut iced coffee, get cleaned up and get started on our day. If I don't pop in later, enjoy your weekend :)

Stick a cork in it.

Or, perhaps, "Stick it in a cork." That seems more the more accurate phrase, doesn't it?

I need a cork board. Badly. Aren't these versions fantastic? One of these days I'm going to get around to making one. Simply too lovely not to! I can wait until after Christmas, honest!

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Destination: Negril Lighthouse

Can't stop thinking about the honeymoon. One place I definitely want to visit is the Negril Lighthouse. Here are His & Hers Jamaica-inspired sightseeing outfits. Because I am just that ridiculous. I could only dare to look so chic on my honeymoon! D? He always look put together.

{HER hat, dress, bag & shoes}
{HIS sunglasses, shirt, pants, shoes & Flip HD video camera}

Is it Any Less Personal Because it's Traditional?

So I'm going to give the closest thing to a rant that I've ever done thus far on this blog.

Perhaps it's just me being sensitive, but I'm starting to wonder...when did the non-traditional wedding become the standard to which all weddings should be measured and judged? Am I alone here in thinking there is something sacred with being married in a church, something awe-inspiring about brides in white, crispy linens on the tables, sit-down dinners and dancing the night away to your favorite songs? The question begs to be asked: At what point, exactly, did traditional become cliché? Is a wedding any less personal when it's traditional?

Stay with me for a second...because I'm confused and would like to work this out.

It seems to me that more often than not, wedding-related sites and blogs out there are giving the impression that they celebrate the individuality and personality behind the wedding, cheering on the "non-conformists" for making some kind of stand against the WIC via their wedding and, by doing so, have found the new formula to a happy wedding. Well, sorry, but I think that's a bunch of B.S.

This really should go without saying, but I feel like I need to give a kind reminder that it isn't the tchotchkes on the tables, wedding fashion choices, invitation selection, flowers, venue, music, cake or any of that other stuff (or lack thereof) that makes a wedding personal. That stuff doesn't define you; it merely reflects your personal taste. It didn't make your wedding special. Perhaps it made it memorable, but not special. There's no magic in stuff. The part that made your heart sing, your guests cry and onlookers wonder with delight came from the non-tangibles -- the unadulterated bliss in seeing your love at the other end of the aisle, the sadness in hugging your parents, a baby crying through the vows, tripping on your dress's train, dropping the rings, giggling during the blessing, eating well and drinking enough to dance on a chair (sorry, Mary!) -- these things are it. These very real things make the magic of a wedding and make it a fiercely personal experience. The practicality lies in your perspective, knowing that the stuff doesn't ever make or break you.

I'd hope that everyone getting married wants to celebrate in a personal way, in a way that reflects who they are, what they represent as a couple and what makes them truly happy. Otherwise, maybe they shouldn't be getting married in the first place...but that's another post entirely. My point is this: who are we to judge the wedding-related choices that another couple makes based on our own personal preferences? Should we look down upon a bride who dreams of a black-tie wedding at St. Patrick's and reception at the Ritz, wearing a white Monique Lhuillier gown and sipping champagne on the arm of her handsome bridegroom, listening to the sounds of an 18-piece band? Do we somehow feel that the antagonist bride & groom have a better chance at a successful, loving marriage because they opted for being married in an art gallery, with her in a bright yellow dress and he in Chucks, with a doughnut and PBR reception, complete with local underground DJ and an after party? Is their version that much more "real"? Are we guilty of privately (or publicly) shaming those people who spend exorbitant amounts of money on their (stress: THEIR) dream wedding or those who let go all preconceived notions of a wedding and got married in the back yard? Are we jealous, maybe? Jealous of the money spent on one side of the coin and freedom spent on the other? Perhaps we will always think the grass is always greener? Maybe we're completely insatiable creatures. Who knows.

For me, the magic behind any happy wedding (and marriage) is the love, respect and friendship people share, with their dearest people encouraging and supporting those same feelings. It has very little to do with the stuff. The trick in planning YOUR perfect wedding is to not give a hoot what other people think about the choices you're making, but be unwavering in your choices made together. Don't let anything distract you from what works best for your budget (whether it's $500, $5,000 or $50,000), what is a natural choice for you as a couple (because that's where the magic really starts) and what you'll be happy remembering forever (because it really should be forever.)

So. With that said, I'm going to say this: though maybe the wedding we've planned for ourselves may appear too traditional for some, it's what works for us. Every choice we made was thoughtful and deeply personal. Nothing went unnoticed, nothing made arbitrary. It will be a complete celebration of who we are and what we're all about. This is OUR wedding and our version, like many others, involves a church, a white dress, black tuxes, a sit-down dinner and a band. It also involves a fourteen-year friendship, an eleven year relationship, our shared values, our memories together and separate, our creativity, what we love and who we love -- best friends and family who came from all over the globe to witness and be in the presence of our joy.

And it is that, my friends, is what it's all about. For us, anyway.

I'm STILL Wishing DIY Meant "Did It Yesterday"...

Last week was a productive wedding prep week. I managed to fashion together all of our pew wreaths (24 in total, phew!), made a puffy bow for the programs basket, had FMIL cut the circle for the cake stand, started working on the grab bags for out-of-towners and began working on my special chair back covers for our own personalized bride & groom reception chairs. I would've finished the chair back covers entirely, but it didn't begin well...wrong size template and yarn weight. Fear not! I'll get it worked out and they should look smashing :)

Here are the remaining DIY projects:

- print & assemble programs
- print menus
- print & assemble escort "cards"
- finish chair back covers
- finish cake stand
- make veil

There are so many more non-crafty things that need to be done, too (such as...getting our wedding license and making final payments to nearly everyone, nobigdeal.) October is shaping up to be a busy month, but I'm confident that we'll get it all completed, despite being down one key member of Team E+D...Sissy (aka the MoH) is moving away at the end of the month! ACK =( I'm very sad. But she'll be coming back for the wedding and staying nearly a week. We're all very excited for her, but she's my Gibraltar. It's going to be an interesting adjustment for me, maintaining my sanity without her close by. My excitement and hope for her success is getting me through, though! Poor D. He's going to have to bear the whole weight of my wedding stress now. Well, there's always my momma. She's always good for a chat or twelve :)

Now, back to the DIY projects. Because we are delaying our honeymoon departure until the first week in December, I'd like to make us new luggage tag sets sometime before then. D. has requested red ones to match the black luggage I bought him a few years ago and I plan to go with some bright, cheery pattern to match the navy/white Diane von Furstenberg luggage he bought me for my birthday (hurray!)

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While snooping the interwebs for a freebie pattern (one less thing I have to figure out myself through trial & error is a good thing, at this point), I came across this completely great quickie luggage tag tutorial. Aren't they darling? I think I'll fashion ours much the same way, though I am going to attempt to sew on a bit of clear plastic to hold our contact information. Being ever so thrifty, I hold onto all of those vinyl bags that new sheets and such come in and I think that vinyl weight will hold together nicely. Rather than sew 3 sides to form a sleeve for the information card to slide into, I may just sew all 4 sides to keep it from falling out. We won't be moving for awhile, anyway :)

Arrrrrrrrrrgh Ya Free Saturday Night?

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Welcome to the weekend, everyone!

Don't forget -- today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day. So, if you be not from the house of Ninja, throw on your favorite pirate shirt tonight and get yourself some booty.

P-)

{courtesy zazzle via The Little Wooden Hanger}

I heart Meg (AKA Go go Team Practical)

Now there are some pretty sassy, amazing, lovely, fantastic people out there in the world, but I can't lie. As far as complete strangers who I would befriend in a heartbeat go, Meg is at the top of the list. She is really effing cool. Not only is her blog A Practical Wedding completely and utterly all about what it's really all about (and I *highly* recommend every bride-to-be to go over there for a healthy dose of reality), Meg likes really cool stuff. Like. Really. Cool. Stuff.

Like an old school hip hop beat? Can you get down to some 80s pop dance tunage? Yeah. Me, too. Read her post from yesterday. It's FTW.

Turn up the sound and get you're groove on. It IS Friday, after all!


{Practical My Ass! from Michael Antonia on Vimeo}

Mum's the Word

{martha stewart}

I awoke this morning to a very chilly house. It was the first morning where I really didn't want to get up and out from under my very warm down duvet. That, to me, is a tell-tale sign that summer has left us for the duration here in Ohio.

So, to celebrate the transition into my hands-down, fave-o season, I'm thinking of doing something festive at our front door. We're nearly finished painting our front door black and I think a nice autumnal vignette will set it off nicely. Perhaps a bale of hay and a few pumpkins will come to this party, but nothing says 'Autumn!" to me the way chrysanthemums do. They're a must! Oh, how I love a big potted hardy mum in burgundy or gold. (P.S. Right now, Kroger has some gorgeous mums and Meijer has huge hay bales for less than $10.

However excited we both get at our favorite season, there is one rule we began years ago and have adhered to (surprisingly) very well: All fall season and/or holiday decor and related items cannot be displayed until October and not a day before (same goes for buying Halloween candy, which is a blessing, truly.) I don't remember why we started that rule, but it seems to work for us and let's us enjoy the final death rattle of summer. So, with that said, while I have these great ideas, I have a couple of weeks before I can get cracking!

Do you decorate for autumn, Halloween or Thanksgiving or all of the above? What are your tried and true decorating ideas, tips and suggestions?

1. Keeping decorations simple gives the look without going too country.
2. Limited space? A bright floral wreath is a welcome addition to any entry.
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Get this same look by planting mums in a terra cotta pot and paint on a jack-o-lantern face.
Add variety by using different sizes of pots, colors of mums and painted faces.
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I love these soft, monochromatic shades of terra cotta.
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The one where I discuss my leopard-print shoe obsession.

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OK. I need to share my not-so-recent obsession with leopard-print ballet flats because it's getting difficult to resist not running out to buy a pair like.Right. Now. But let's be real here. At no point, ever, in my life would a leopard-print ballet flat, preferably in pony hair, be a practical addition to my wardrobe. (Yes, that statement just came from someone who wears and loves grape-purple suede and patent leather peep toes and makes it work.)

I think the root of the shoe evil is stemming from my, at the moment, very bland clothing collection. Well. Bland for me, anyway. I tried to cut back and purge and create a closet of interchangeable classics.

Trench? Check
Everyday top? Check
Well-fitting jeans? Several checks
Dress pants? Check
A great skirt? Check
Day dress? Check
Classic LBD? Again, several more checks

I could go on and on, but I think you understand where I'm going. To be completely honest, I've done a spot-on job, collecting everything but the jacket/blazer (which is on this fall's major Must Have list...right next to leopard-print ballet flats...)

See what I mean?! My craving for said shoes is seemingly insatiable. It's a completely impractical, insane wish-list item, but oh. How darling they would look with skinny jeans and a blazer. Sigh. I think I'm going to have to steer clear of the mall for awhile until I get this under control. Or at least until I get a coupon :)

{Tory Burch via Nordstrom - $225}

{Michael Kors via Nordstrom - $129.95}

{BP via Nordstrom - $59.95}

{Charles by Charles David via Nordstrom - $54.95}

Inspiration: Ethereal Romance

{wrap} {dress - Nelli} {shoes - Hollywould}
{necklace - J. Crew} {clutch - Urban Outfitters}

I came across this dress and had to share. Isn't it stunning? To balance out the fluttery femininity of the chiffon, I'd pair it with a buttery leather clutch in rose, a warm gray wrap, metallic ankle-wrap ballet flats and a yellow gold chain necklace.

Redefining Tradition

In the earliest stages of wedding planning, the question I was most asked is "What kind of wedding will you have?"

With a decade of memories, trends and friends behind us, Mr. and I sat down and put our heads together about what we pictured for ourselves. It was important to me that decisions be mutual and not "bride exclusive" for what is to be our special day (though I did have to rein myself in when it came to flowers, cake design and DIY details a few times. I forget that gentlemen, generally, aren't so bothered. Sorry, darling.)

In my designer's mind over the years, I had planned several altogether different styles of weddings for us, from a nautical theme on Lake Erie to eloping to Europe. Europe only narrowly lost. But those variations didn't answer the question for me. "What kind of wedding will we have?" A happy yet serious one, surrounded by our very closest people . That was our priority. I couldn't stop picturing in my mind's eye -- walking down the church aisle to my love, my best friend. There was just one small problem. We didn't belong to a church and I wasn't interested in borrowing a church for the day. That just seemed strange; that we could enter this holy bond but never go back to the church for the other celebrations life has to offer? So we began what I snarkily refer to as" church shopping".

I know, I know. It sounds terrible, but really. You're going to try one more than one pair of shoes before you buy them, to make sure they're the right fit, right? Well, Mr. and I have varying degrees of faith and our beliefs come from different foundations, so it made it trickier finding a place we both felt was a church home. Can you imagine that we found it after 3 Sunday service visits? First Community Church. Amazing people. I love them. I feel happy when I'm there. I feel light of spirit after a service there. I feel community there. Becoming a member of a church, having never been such previously, was a big step for us both, but one of the best decisions I personally have ever made. After a little time, I knew in my heart that the dress, flowers, and all that other wedding stuff didn't truly matter. I was coming down that aisle in whatever I had and we were getting married in a happy place no matter what. Talk about feeling liberated from the Wedding Industrial Complex!

Once we knew where and how we'd be married, that's when the research began. Though the details of our wedding wouldn't effect our marriage, details are my thing. I'm a fussy britches designer; I simply can't help myself! Wedding blogs and magazines were a great help in keeping my creativity keyed up, but that was about it. To me, the most important thing was that our wedding be a reflection of who we are and that wasn't going to be found in any magazine. The idea that floated around me was how we would go about redefining tradition, learning from the past to create our personal version of holy matrimony. Classic. Honest. Elegant. A modern take on a vintage wedding, chock full o' love, laughter, food and memories. Yep. THAT is the kind of wedding we would have.

Back to the more than ten years we've spent together up to this point. You can imagine what many folks said when we announced our engagement to marry. "It's about time!" was a resounding anthem last year, but it was the very last thing I ever wanted to hear. We did what many people don't before they marry. We grew up. We just happened to grow up together. We gave ourselves time to figure it all out. Turns out, we kinda like one another! I don't want our wedding to be a countdown, something everyone has been waiting around for...those "it's about time" folks. I want it to be a celebration of our time together, our love for one another and dedication to one another. I want to focus on what it means to us to do this because marriage is pretty serious stuff, isn't it? It's all about the real. That's my new motto.

Now that the invitations are out and all those fun details are coming along beautifully (having the luck and grace of finding brilliant vendors certainly helps), we're approaching the 2-month mark with more excitement than we can contain. My darling Mister keeps wishing time would hurry up. Last month, I was nervous about getting projects done. Now? Who really needs them?! I wouldn't mind if time hurried up just a little bit myself.

Perhaps someone gave you words of wisdom that worked well for you or you've come upon learning something yourself...To all brides, old and new, what is the best piece of marital advice you would be kind enough to share?

Happy Caturday!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Remembering 9/11

{Fynnegan Sloyan via Platial News}

Eight years today, our country experienced grievous acts of terrorism. Thousands of people died. Millions were affected. Where were you on 9/11/09? I was in class downtown being taught the fundamentals of design by an American veteran. He left to make copies. He returned with a look on his face I'll never forget. That was the last moment before finding out how my America would forever be altered. We were dismissed to go home. I've never felt so scared, listening to everything transpire via radio and later, on television. I called everyone I knew. I prayed for my friends and family in New York and around the world. I cried. I walked to the drug store, where I stood in silent companionship with fellow Americans. We all were numb. The towers were still burning. Hours later, our dear friend called from Japan, where he had just learned of the attacks. The first words out of his mouth were, "Is this for real?"

So, why is it in this short eight years that we are so many so quick to forget those primal, raw feelings of how we felt that day? Are we disillusioned by war and politics? Perhaps some of you are. Do either change the outcome of that day? Absolutely not. Innocent men, women and children died that day. Better people than I died trying to rescue survivors. We're doing them a dishonor by not remembering or, worse yet, dismissing the accounts of that day. Do parents talk with their kids about it? Think about it...the now-adult 18 year olds were 10 years old when 9/11 happened. Do they really understand? Can they ever really understand? A deep part of me fears they never will.

With respect, I ask you to take a moment today to sit and remember where you were on 9/11/01. Give thanks that you are still here and say a prayer for those who are not. Or don't. That's the beauty of freedom.

Edit: Thank you to Jason for sharing this great map with us all. Be sure to leave your mark.

You're Invited! WWII U.S.O. Hangar Dance

Showing off my stems, seams and all.

It's almost that time of year, folks! Dust off your uniform and polish up your dancing shoes because this September 19th, 2009, the Historical Aircraft Squadron will host their annual WWII U.S.O.-style hangar dance!

This year will again feature the fantastic Z Sharp Band, with their full 18-piece jazz orchestra specializing in the Big Band era classics!

For those of us who could always use a refresher, a FREE one-hour dance lesson will be provided from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. before the start of the dance. Just give my friend and HAS volunteer Kathy a call at 614-899-9690 to reserve your spot -- and tell her Evelyn sent ya!

Two Lovely Ladies

So get ready to mark those calendars...here are the details!

Who: Historical Aircraft Squadron -- a GREAT non-profit, all-volunteer group dedicated to the restoration, display and operation of former military aircraft and equipment in the hangar and museum at the Fairfield County Airport.
What: WWII-style Hangar Dance is "Bring Your Own Beverages" with Hors D'oeuvres provided. Once again, this year will feature the fantastic Z Sharp Band, with their full 18-piece jazz orchestra specializing in the Big Band era classics!

Where: Fairfield County Airport Historical Hangar
3266 Old Columbus Rd NW, Carroll, OH 43112

(Click HERE for a map)

When: Saturday, Sept 19, 2009 from 7-11 p.m. (Free dance lesson from 6-7 p.m.!)

Tickets: Admission is at the door, single $20, couple $35

P.S. I don't know if they'll be having a contest for the best-dressed couple, but, as last year's female winner (!), I can say that there's no harm in dressing your finest!

Evelyn & Bob - The 2008 Best-Dressed Contest Winners
(Did I mention that Bob's uniform is HIS ORIGINAL? What a guy!)

Happy 09/09/09!

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Yahoo! News had a great article yesterday about what makes 09/09/09 such a special day (read it here.)

Did you know...?

· 09/09/09 represents the last set of repeating, single-digit dates that we'll see for almost a century (until January 1, 2101), or a millennium (mark your calendars for January 1, 3001), depending on how you want to count it.

· Apple held back its traditional Tuesday release until today.

· Lots of folks are taking advantage of the special numerical anomaly and getting hitched today (and congrats are in order if you're one of the luckies!)

Some cultures think it's lucky, some auspicious. Me? I think it's really cool. Clearly, having chosen Friday the 13th as my wedding date, I'm not one for negative superstitions :)

With this unique day in front of us, what are you doing to make it memorable? Eat an ice cream sunday with 9 toppings? Run 9 laps around the track? Run out to buy The Beatles Rock Band? Go to the movies to see 9 (which, incidentally, is a Tim Burton animation extravaganza about the post-apocalyptic world and looks pretty amazing)?

Personally, I think I'll aim for 9 minutes of the 30-day Shred, 9 cupcakes and 9 Diet Cokes.
(Well, at least I'll think about that 9 times...)

Fall Back

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Crisp breezes, sunshine and the call of cicadas...it's nearly summer's end here in Ohio and these last few days have felt like it. I can't remember weather more perfect or more autumnal. It feels right for back-to-school, football, apple cider and warm sweaters. In our home, this is our favorite time of year and it brings us a lot of happiness.

So with the very beginnings of fall before us and summer days shortening, what do you look most forward to in the start of the new season? This year, I am looking most forward to the things we love the best -- pumpkin harvesting, Halloween costumes, football (it's so important, I had to mention it twice) and sleeping snuggled under 50 pounds of blankets with the windows open -- but most of all, I want to "fall back" from everything else and enjoy every last moment leading up to our wedding in November. The gap between now and then is closing quickly and, though there are a few more important things to take care of, I don't want to be stressed or rushed to get them done and especially don't want to feel like they are chores. No one likes chores. And this is our wedding. WEDDING! That makes me so happy, you can't begin to imagine. With that said, I welcome the most memorable fall season to come and hope that Indian Summer doesn't make it to Ohio this year.

PS. Go Bucks!

Have you seen West Elm lately?

That store is chock full o' goodness right now! Sis and I happened to pass by West Elm over the weekend and fell in love with a good handful of things just looking through the windows.

My faves:

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Soul Food

{Litlnemo's Grandma's Pumpkin Pie Recipe}

I come from a long line of soul foodies -- grandmas, grandpas, parents, aunts, uncles and a sister who cook not merely to feed your belly, they cook to feed your soul. I have early memories of both of my grandmothers cooking for Sissy and me. To this day, I still will have "bites" of my mom's food, right off of her plate, because I swear it tastes better than if I had my own. I remember Sissy growing her own radishes when she was about 5 and having to scoot a chair to the sink to wash them. I have more food memories than time to retell them. Food is more than food to me. When it comes from my family, it's true soul food.

Now, it's no secret that I don't cook much. I love LOVE to bake, but I just don't cook - partly from semi-rational kitchen fire fears and partly because I don't understand the basics. My mom and sister are what you'd call "garbage cooks". They can whip up a 5-course gourmet meal from whatever they have on hand. It is completely amazing to witness and even better to sample. Me? I need a recipe.

But what happens when I have a recipe is nothing short of magic. I'm fearless. I get it. I just need scientific precision in the kitchen or I'm not tempted to try (though you'll be proud to know I didn't measure my spices for Beef Burgandy...that was all pinches and dashes. Very proud.)

The one part that I played in the orchestration of my bridal shower was to ask each lady invited to share their favorite recipe with me, to become part of my first, my own family recipe album. Not only did so many dear ladies contribute, but many recipes came from overseas. The ones that really got me, though, were the photocopies of recipes from my grandmother's and my great aunt's kitchens, written in their hand. They were the ones that made me cry. Who knew a recipe for fish fry breading could be charged with so much emotion?

Now, thanks to the completely amazing women in my life, I am armed with my more than 2-dozen recipes and am determined to learn to cook for the soul, too. With a gift like that, who needs presents?

{Bombshell Beauty} The Lipstick Effect

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Maybe you've heard the buzz on what's being called the "Lipstick Effect" and perhaps you have not. Nonetheless, there is some truth and common sense behind the idea that women, during (wait for it...) "economic uncertainty" drop the frivolities of ultraluxe goods and opt for high-impact, low price-point items, like the classic red pout circa the 1930s and 40s.

There is something to be said for spending $5 on a new tube of lipstick, isn't there? And if you're only spending $5, why not go for broke, so to speak, and go with a high-impact color like red?

Not all of us is willing to gamble on which shade of red to buy, however (and goodness knows there are a million and a half shades out there.) Nothing irks me more than buying the wrong shade of lipstick and never wearing it again. What a waste!

To help you on your journey to becoming a bombshell yourself, here's a few hints to choosing (and wearing) the perfect shade of red.

1. Know your skin tone. This one is a biggie in knowing how to select complimentary makeup colors and shades. Not sure if you have warm or cool undertones? Head to your nearest makeup counter for an assessment or use helpful online sources for guidance. Generally, bright, classic red looks great on pale complexions, but here are some general rules:

· Cool Tones: Berry reds, pink tones, blackberry, plum and other blue-based reds

· Warm Tones: Tomato reds, orange-reds, corals, tawny or golden reds

2. Outlining is essential. To prevent feathering and keep your color on your lips, outline them! Many use a coordinating red to carefully outline your lips, but I prefer and recommend a nude or neutral liner. I've also filled my lips in entirely with a nude liner prior to applying a bright red to my lips to maintain color for longer.

3. Powdering & blotting. One thing I don't hear often enough are the powdering and blotting tricks, which are nearly essential to wearing red lipstick. If you really want your color to stay put, apply your liner and lipstick carefully, then dust on a little translucent power (with a cotton ball, so as to not ruin your powder puff), then reapply a second coat of lipstick, then blot. The best way to blot without ruining your clean lines is to take one slip of toilet paper and roll your lips over it gently or slightly pucker your lips and kiss.

4. Everything else. The general rule of thumb is to keep the rest of your face pale in comparison to your classic red lips. In most occasions, that's a safe rule. Go easy on the rouge and eye shadows, maintaining a clean, bright complexion is more than enough. If you're feeling daring or have a date night, black eyelashes and a bit more eyeliner may be in order. Nothing is as sultry as a smoky eye and a red lip! But apply makeup with caution because there is a fine line between looking like a classic beauty and a harlot. When in doubt, go for the less-is-more look.

And remember...you're never fully dressed without a smile!