Remembering the Irish in Halloween | Peterman's Eye

Remembering the Irish in Halloween | Peterman's Eye

This was too good not to share, Irish or no. Enjoy :)

And, of course, nothing beats a zombie cat.

moar funny pictures

Happy Halloween, my pretties! Costume pics to come!

xo, Eve

Sorry If I'm MIA...

{autumn splendor in the smokies}

Dearest Oh My Word! readers,

My posting is going to be very sporadic for the next, oh, month or so. I had a mini meltdown yesterday over the daunting task of finalizing everything. As much as I LOVE you, my dears, I want to be mellow and need to take the time I spend blogging and be more diligent with getting wedding things done (because I'm, admittedly, procrastinating on a few things.) I hope you understand. With that said, I do promise to make it up to you with lots of photos and some updates :)

Also, I'm not checking out entirely...just can't promise updates on the daily. Let me know if you'd like to be a guest on the ol' blog! I'd love some other folks to chime in with their loveliness, if they're so inclined, while I'm off doing the wedding and honeymoon thing. Thoughts? Any takers? Email me if you're interested!

Let's Visit...Madison, Indiana!

{source}

At only 3 hours away, nestled in the Ohio Valley, Madison, Indiana is at the top of my short "staycation" hot spots list.

Dubbed "The Prettiest Small Town in the Midwest", Madison is a treasure trove of historical homes (133 blocks of National Register homes), fine wineries, antiques stores and 19th-century B&Bs, offering a little something for everyone, no matter the time of year. (Don't forget, Madison is next to Clifty Falls, a beautiful state park, complete with waterfalls, hiking trails and birdwatching.)

If I can't make it this holiday season to check out Lanier Mansion's Festival of Trees, I'm planning on a mother/daughter trip this spring to check out their extensive gardens. Oh yes, tea and antiquing is a must!

Big Checks: 18 Days til I Do!

If you can believe it? We're nearly finished with wedding planning. The tuxes are ordered, the dress is (still) being altered, the reception planned, the vows reviewed, the readings chosen. I'm considering my 'something borrowed' options, have 2 pairs of shoes (just in case) and my final florist meeting is at noon today!

Honestly, everything is coming along brilliantly and I'm not stressed nearly as much as I thought I'd be, though the bad wedding dreams are still happening. (Last night, I dreamt that absolutely nothing went well at our wedding. I was very upset, to say the least!)

In my heart of hearts, I know that the stuff doesn't matter, but putting everything together for our wedding has been therapeutic for me and hopefully will be a beautiful, complimentary addition to the evening itself. At this point, it's safe to say that it has been a process, frustrating at times, too. Really, I made a ton of stuff. A. Ton. Of. Stuff. But I love every, single thing (but especially love the seat covers I made for D. and me. Oh joy! Can't wait to share pics of those!)

All of this hard work is paying off because everything is getting done, we're not arguing over petty things (or anything, for that matter), we're laughing, enjoying these days and trying to get our minds off of any worries or nervousness we feel. Because it's scary. And real. And we're nervous. Not in a bad way, just in a "holy-crap-this-is-really-happening" sort of way. I'm trying to embrace every feeling because those moments in our lives are few and far-between.

P.S. We had so much fun together over the weekend. Although cold and rainy, the Pumpkin Fest was such fun! En route from parking spot to festival, I fell in love with this house. Oh what I wouldn't give to live in a 19th century house like this! What a beaut. Circleville is chock full o' historic beauty.

{It's FOR SALE!}

Circleville Pumpkin Show

{source}

Yay! I love pumpkins! And corn dogs!

Years and years ago, my love and I ventured out to the Circleville Pumpkin Show for the very first time. Sucker that I am, I wanted to play a game. D. didn't want to waste money on crappy carnival games, but settled for my playing the goldfish/ping pong ball game...you know, the one where you have to land a ping pong ball into a little fish bowl and, if you do, you win a goldfish? Long story short, we walked away with not one, but TWO goldfish! It was the last day of the event and I think I can explain our "good luck" like this: 1) the guy felt badly that I had done so terribly, that he gave me another chance to win and I won. 2) It was the last day of the event. I don't think those goldfish were doing so hot. 3) I squealed like a 5 year old when I won. How could carny guy resist my charms?

We went home that day with the newest addition to our little family, Fish and Chips. Wouldn't luck have it that those fish lived for YEARS? Poor Chips died, though, leaving us with a fish named Fish. How original. Then we lost Fish and D. has forbidden me from ever playing the goldfish game. Wise decision, very wise indeed!

Not Your Nana's Needlepoint

{clockwise: headband - Tucker Blair, key fob - Smathers & Branson,
baby booties - By Paige, flip flops - Tucker Blair, photo album - AMH Design,
elephants & martinis belt - Smathers & Branson}

Today's a hugely busy day...I'm off to buy the rest of my wedding day beauty accoutrement, attempt to tidy up my office a bit and, later this afternoon, we're meeting our event coordinator at The Worthington Inn to go over the details of our wedding reception. Hurrah!

With that said, I'll keep it short and show you some of my favorite needlepoint pieces. Oh aren't they darling? I love needlepoint. It's so...preppy! Maybe I'll take up needlepoint and round out my crafting abilities :)

I Heart TOMS!

{Rockin' the One for One style, His in plaid, Hers with bows.}

I had the pleasure of being a guest of The Ohio State University yesterday for a dinner honoring Blake Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS Shoes, and was able to hear him speak to students and lovers of TOMS. Blake's appearance was part of the 2009 First-Year Distinguished Speaker series at the university, aimed at introducing incoming freshman to leaders and entrepreneurs in the business industry and community alike.


It was exhilarating to hear Blake speak about his experiences getting started, growing, motivations and ambitions in developing a sustainable business. His business model alone is enough to revolutionize how we, as consumers and professionals, approach both product development and purchasing power -- the idea that a for-profit business does not have to exist parallel to a philanthropy, that businesses and charities can unite as one (and that we can actively choose to support those businesses...and why wouldn't we? C'mon people!) It takes courage to do something new and it takes determination to make it work. Blake Mycoskie has both in spades. My shoes are off to you, sir!

{Now we're BFFs}

{Oh yes, and Blake signed my TOMS :) }

42 Days Away From Paradise

Just when wedding stresses start to get to me, I remember something. Jamaica is just around the corner. Bring on the fruity umbrella drinks, please!

This SO doesn't suck.

To Top it Off

{Charlotte Geary}

How I love this photo! Englishmen make for darling bridegrooms, don't they? There just isn't anything more charming than a top hat and a cutaway tuxedo. Even my amazing future father-in-law wore a top hat on his wedding day (and soon, I'll get a hold of some photos. They sure made a stunning pair, let me tell you what.) My mister isn't wearing a top hat to ours, but he is, in fact, wearing a cutaway jacket. I get all squishy inside when I think of how dapper the gents will look. They may even upstage the bride herself! Or...at least they can try :)

{Charlie's Design Diary}

{Nothing But Bonfires}

Happy Birthday, Sissy

{flickr}

{Etsy Love} Cocopunkz

{courtesy: sole classics}

Oh Etsy, you've done it again. You've brought to light yet another amazing talent. Cocopunkz, you make me swoon. Just look at these shoes?! Ah. Maze. Ing. They remind me a bit of the works by once-local, gone-West-Coast artist Jeremy Nichols (Raskoe). Sole Classics is still one of my favorite stores to visit because of his murals (top).

{My faves. Infatuation is right.}

{Obsession}

{Kamikaze}

{Dancing Cranes}

The Ohio Statehouse

We had a little bit of stress about where to have our wedding photos taken. The sun will be setting around 5:15pm. Our ceremony starts at 5:30pm. We're traditional and didn't want to do a reveal prior to the walk down the aisle. (Actually, it was one of the few things D. was very set upon. He didn't want to see me until I was walking down the aisle. Sounds good to me!)

So that brings me back to the picture pickle we found ourselves in...where can we go that will provide enough light AND work with our aesthetic preferences? We asked friends, message boards, our photographer and colleagues. We came up with a few really good ideas and some decent backup plans, but it wasn't until Dan made a particular suggestion that everything felt right...And that suggestion was the Ohio Statehouse. Who knew for $50 and an application, you can get specially-granted access for your wedding photos at this stunning, historical site? I AM SO EXCITED I COULD BURST!

Snow Schmo. Rain? No tears here. No sunlight? No problem. We've got the beautiful Statehouse as our backdrop. Seriously... gorgeous. At nearly 150 years old, I can't think of a more appropriate place. Thank you, my love, and thank you, Ohio!

{1 courtesy: discover ohio}

{2 & 3 courtesy: Ohiochannel.org}

The Big Reveal: Invitations

We've officially hit the 1-month mark 'til we say our vows. It's a powerful thought and I find myself a bundle of emotions. Happy, nervous, anxious, loving, thoughtful and even a little sad. It's weird. You'd think after nearly 12 years with someone, you wouldn't feel anything but total bliss, but, as I've discovered over the last year, it's so much more than I had anticipated. For me, it's been almost a rite of passage. Never have I ever felt more independent, ready and committed. It's a very grown up, serious feeling. Blissful, joyous, exuberant, yes, but serious. It's hard for me to articulate exactly how I feel, but I think you get the gist. I'm already mentally working on trying not to cry through the entire thing. Yeah. I might fail miserably, but that's what waterproof makeup is for, right? :)

With that being said, it's time to reveal the glory that is our wedding invitation suite. It was my true labor of love and one obsession. Really, I cared more about the invitations than the flowers and *almost* the dress. I'm very pleased with the way they turned out and proud of my work. Enjoy!

The details:

· Design for all pieces: me
· Printing: letterpress (invitations), digital 4-color (RSVPs) by Mercurio Brothers
· Paper stock for invitations & RSVPs: Somerset Soft White 300 gm Velvet
· Inner & outer envelopes: Strathmore square flap 80lb Wove in Natural White
· Calligraphy: Future MIL!
· Paper stock for maps/insert: Paper Source (printed at home on the Canon i560)
· RSVP envelopes: Paper Source
· RSVP labels: designed & printed at home on Canon i560, Avery labels
· Custom embosser/return address: Three Designing Women

{In addition to what you see, there were 5x5 double-sided custom maps and directions cards, a 1.5" brown card stock belly band with an 1/8" wide double-wrapped satin ribbon to hold all of the pieces together. *note: I got the color as close as possible, but isn't quite right. It's more a muted warm yellow, rather than a bright yellow as in the foreground of image 1.}

{Please do not copy images without my consent!}

{Must Have} LeSportsac Garment Bag

{courtesy: amazon}

My best friend/bridesmaid is going to Mexico, as her sister-in-law is getting married and they've opted for a destination wedding. Isn't that exciting? This is also the first time my friends have flown with their 18-month-old son. I am praying they don't become the people I most hate on any given flight...the parents of the crying child. Terrible, aren't I? But the volume on my iPod only goes so high, folks. It is only worse when it's a toddler pulling on my hair from the seat behind me...but enough of that...let's move onto the good stuff!

All this talk of packing and sunshine and international flights has me thinking of our honeymoon. Again. December cannot come soon enough! I did buy the most darling "crushable" pseudo straw floppy sun hat in white at Target for $3 clearance. Yippee! Aside from wanting to pick up a few extra frilly things for the HM, I think I'm all set! Granted, I'd love to buy the 25" upright luggage to match my DVF rolling carry-on, wouldn't it be even better to only have to check one luggage between the both of us because I didn't over pack?! That's my mission. Wish me luck :)

Besides...I'll have the best travel item ever -- the garment bag. I got my LeSportsac garment bag on clearance at Filene's Basement last fall for $20, right before I went on a cruise down Baja Mexico way. WOW. Did it make travel easy or what?! My dresses...something like 8 of them, doubled up on hangers, didn't wrinkle a bit, the bag itself is lightweight so it didn't add to the bulk of the garments contained within and it counted as my 2nd carry-on item. Love that! All of the bag's pockets held accessories, like bangle bracelets, scarves and wraps, too, giving me a bit more room in my luggage. It will most definitely make an appearance on the honeymoon trip...it can hold our dressier items, like a sport jacket for D. and my more formal dresses, for the more special dinners together.

Trust me. If you are traveling, for a destination wedding, a cruise, a honeymoon, for business or pleasure, invest in a garment bag. You'll be so happy you did. I can't recommend the LeSportsac's garment bags enough. They come in a variety of cute, bright and more demure colors and patterns. If you can get one on sale, like me, it's even that much better!

Keeping It Together

Keep it secret. Keep it safe.
{Translucent Expanding File Carrier, The Container Store}

With a little over a month to go, we are certainly nearing the wedding finish line. With a solid year of planning, scheming, organizing and collecting inspiration behind me, there is one thing I couldn't have lived without. That, my friends, is my accordion file folder. Well, technically, both of my accordion file folders.

Once we were engaged, it was one of the first things I bought. A cute pink-edged heavy-duty plastic expanding file with designated tabs for dresses, flowers, cake, entertainment, ceremony, favors...you name it, it has a tab. After the initial planning stages, when contracts came in and final plans and ideas came to fruition, I cleaned out the file and removed all of the ideas not worth hanging onto and made room for the important things - copies of paid checks, contracts, vendor contact information and so on. This thing came with me to every meeting with every vendor and it made getting (and staying) organized a snap.

So, for all you brides currently planning -- or for you hopeful gals out there who are not yet engaged -- a bit of advice. If you don't have something to help you keep it together from now until the big day, invest in a binder or expanding folder! You'll be so happy you did. Oh...and one more thing. Make it something cute, that you love to look at and carry with you. After all, it is your wedding it's holding!

If money is no object.
{Audrey Expanding Five-file Tote, Russell+Hazel}

Make work fun again.
{Expandable file, Amy Butler}

Put together nicely.
{Semikolon Accordion File, See Jane Work}

Haute Halloween Wedding

I came across this posh Halloween wedding shot by Janae Shields in San Francisco and had to share because, not only does it feature one of my favorite holidays, it is simply stunning. Monique & Mark most definitely knew how to put together a fun, quirky and classy themed wedding, don't you think? The cake itself is to die for!

These are just a few of my favorite shots. Click here to see many more. Enjoy :)

{all images courtesy Janae Shields Photography}

What a Gal

{courtesy: Reader's Digest}

It's no secret around here how much I adore Paula Deen. Mom and I have eaten at The Lady & Sons in Savannah. To me, she's a rare one...a positive, hardworking, down-to-earth, real woman with a real story who worked hard and honest to get where she is today. You can't even believe how quickly I'd jump on the chance to sit and have a cup of coffee with her and just chew the fat.

Today, while I was out running wedding-related errands, I popped into Meijer for printer paper and the November issue of Good Housekeeping has Paula and her grandson Jack on the cover. For $2.50, I bought it. Yes, I'm a magazine kinda gal. Yes, I don't have $2.50 to be spending on Good Housekeeping. Yes, I thought it over while in line. Yes, I bought it anyway. Yes, I'm so happy I did.

In in is one of the best articles I've read in the longest time. The editor-in-chief had an interview with Paula and it made my day. The woman is just a peach! Not only did she do the whole interview in a long nightgown (because she couldn't stand to wear Spanx any longer!), propped up on her bed in her bedroom, she talked about her work ethic, her family and her history, she kept it real with us...all the real folks reading the article. No false pretenses, no B.S., no show. Those few pages of reading were more refreshing than a tall drink of water, let me tell you what.

With so many great magazines, like Gourmet and Modern Bride, calling it quits, I hope that Good Housekeeping will be safe for awhile. I know, after that great article on Paula Deen, I'll keep reading and you should, too. After all, what woman couldn't stand to have a little more "good housekeeping" in their life?

Halloween Party Poop!

For years I've wanted to have a Halloween party and serve this kitty litter cake. Completely revolting and hilarious, just the way Halloween should be! Maybe this will be the year...

{courtesy Kristian Hoffman via Fatale Abstraction}

Recipe courtesy Kristian Hoffman:

CAT LITTER CAKE RECIPE - A sure fire hit for the next family get together or party. WANT TO HAVE FUN AT A PARTY? PREPARE THIS RECIPE AND WATCH YOUR FRIENDS' FACES !!
[*NOTE: THIS CAKE CONTAINS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT IS NOT EDIBLE!!*]
CAKE INGREDIENTS
1 box spice or German chocolate cake mix

1 box of white cake mix
1 package white sandwich cookies
1 large package vanilla instant pudding mix
A few drops green food coloring
12 small Tootsie Rolls or equivalent
SERVING "DISHES AND UTENSILS"
1 NEW cat-litter box
1 NEW cat-litter box liner
1 NEW pooper scooper
Prepare and bake cake mixes, according to directions, in any size pan. Prepare pudding and chill. Crumble cookies in small batches in blender or food processor. Add a few drops of green food coloring to 1 cup of cookie crumbs. Mix with a fork or shake in a jar. Set aside.
When cakes are at room temperature, crumble them into a large bowl. Toss with half of the remaining cookie crumbs and enough pudding to make the mixture moist but not soggy. Place liner in litter box and pour in mixture.
Unwrap 3 Tootsie Rolls and heat in a microwave until soft and pliable. Shape the blunt ends into slightly curved points. Repeat with three more rolls. Bury the rolls decoratively in the cake mixture. Sprinkle remaining white cookie crumbs over the mixture, then scatter green crumbs lightly over top.
Heat 5 more Tootsie Rolls until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake and sprinkle with crumbs from the litter box. Heat the remaining Tootsie Roll until pliable and hang it over the edge of the box.
Place box on a sheet of newspaper and serve with scooper. Enjoy!

{Must Have} Pixie Bell

Bring it on, winter! With a hat from Pixie Bell, I could even learn to like the cold.

{all courtesy: Pixie Bell}

Funky Chicken

{Thanks, Martha.}

Cutest. Costume. Ever.

{Bombshell Beauty} Tips & Tricks of the Trade

As I've mentioned in previous posts, my sister (aka Sissy) is an amazing hairstylist. In fact, she's a hair genius, and that is not a partial or exaggeration whatsoever. I'm telling ya, she just knows her stuff!

Over the years, we talk about hair, makeup and beauty products. We tried lots of them, too. Here are a few "tricks of the trade" I found have helped me maintain my Bombshell status over the course of time.

What are your tricks to live by?

Here goes my list:

Tip #1: Volumizer is flat hair's BFF. There are a million out there and I've still not settled on a favorite, but volumizer is a MUST for my hair (lots of body, fine-to-medium texture, color-treated.)

Tip #2: The best time to use hair products, like a volumizer, is after the bulk of your hair is try and it feels just slightly damp to the touch.**

Tip #3: Take the time to learn how to dry your hair properly. Who knew that I've been doing it wrong for, oh, my entire life? You know that beautiful, blown-out look your hair has after returning from the salon? The trick is to gently squeeze out all excess water from your hair before starting to blow dry. Also, a wide-tooth comb is a handy tool to gently work through tangled tresses. Set your dryer to high temp, high air flow, maintain a distance from your hair (about 12-18") and KEEP IT MOVING. No one likes scorched hair. Then, when it is just barely damp (**This is the time to add your products), turn down the heat to warm, pin up the bulk of your hair and, using a round brush, dry small sections slowly (about a 1-2" chunk works well for me.) Slowly work around the non-pinned, then take out a small amount from the remaining hair until it's all dry. *Note: You shouldn't have to keep going over the hair with the dryer using a round brush to get it dry. If you are, then it's not ready for the brush...keep drying on high all over until more of the moisture is out, then start with the brush/warm heat combo.

Tip #4: Cetaphil is the best face wash I've ever used. I have oily, pimple-prone skin. I tried everything...Mary Kay, Proactiv Solution and just about every drug-store brand out there. In nearly every case, I didn't get a clean-feeling face OR I was felt too dry and my dry skin would break out my face. Finally, I read somewhere that Cetaphil was worth a try. Less than $10 and a few weeks of daily washes later (in WARM water only, please) my skin has never been better. Even my momma swears by it now. She had areas that a dermatologist couldn't smooth out...Cetaphil worked like a charm. Great for all skin types and ages, it's affordable, gentle and leaves your face feeling very clean. The daily face lotion is great, too!

Tip #5: 99-cent drugstore nail polish remover is just fine. I like a non-acetone formula, personally, and for anyone wearing artificial or acrylic nails, it's a must (unless you want to melt your nails!) Best way to take it off is to soak a cotton ball, hold it between your pointer and middle fingers and thumb, put the polished nail place between the cotton and your thumb and hold for a few seconds. Then, after the remover starts to break down the polish, gently rub the cotton with your pointer/middle fingers holding the cotton. No more wasting remover or having to buff out your nail bed to remove polish remnants!

Tip #6: Daily lotion is a drink of water to your skin. In addition to keeping hydrated, moisturizers and lotions are a great helper for your skin, especially in cooler weather when indoor heating saps skin's moisture. I love cheap cocoa butter lotion, but Bath & Body Works' Body Cream and Body Butter are dreamy, too. When's the best time to apply? Right after your bath or shower, but not until after you're dry. Despite popular belief, applying moisturizers onto damp skin only waters down the product. Towel off before slathering on!