Thursday, April 14, 2011

Wedding Chaos

So just when I thought wedding plans were running smoothly (i.e. all major vendors booked, lovely alternative to a ring bearer pillow found, couples shower thank you notes designed, flower girl dress picked up), I get a huge wrench thrown in my way (i.e. rehearsal dinner spot not so much working out and the hotel already booked despite the fact that not one one groomsmen has booked). I am in slight denial of this so I have yet to inform any particular wedding party members of this little issue at the present, well except for my groom as he has been employed to help me find a solution! Trust in the Lord, right?

Not to mention that I swear the wedding channel checklist continues to grow despite the fact that I make checks on it daily...hmm. Perhaps I should keep my focus on the other events I have been planning ;)

Ok thanks for letting me rant for just a moment...I feel much better.

Travel Scrapbook, Take One

Here is what I worked on last week while excusing myself from all household duties...


the start of our TRAVEL scrapbook

Off to Dublin we go...

We'll take afternoon tea for $100 and Dublin Hop Tour for $1000

Fish & Chips + Couples Massage = A+ for Merrion Hotel and Cellar Restaurant

Tickets for 2

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Guinness, Kilmainham Gaol, & Jameson Dist.

Gravity Bar & a pint of Guinness please

Temple Bar followed by Day 2 on the Dublin Bay 
Drinks in Temple Bar & Liffey River 
The trip would not be complete without a little McCafe ;)

Malahide Castle & all things Dublin

We'll take it!

The Art of Marriage...read, listen, act

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

We tried to bring them luck, we really did

Sad face...don't make me go :(


I considered it quite a successful and creative week ;)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Dessert & Champagne Couples Shower

A few highlights from Liz & Win's Couples Shower...


The Hosts: Soon-to-be Thompsons ;)

The dashing engaged couple: Liz & Win

The Laborers: Bun & I

The Bartender

Cupcake Centerpiece

Bride & Groom cupcake sticks

Pitcher & Spatula Centerpiece

Gift table

The Gaffrons' Dessert Recipes!

Favors

Cupcake & Ice Cream Cone Wash Cloths

Liz & Win go together like dessert & champagne ;)

The Cali Girls: Annie, Liz, Me, Meissa, Nikki, & Autumn

The Cali Group: Kress Family + Hubbies

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

A Book In Review: Entre Nous

One of my favorite pastimes is to read. I especially enjoy reading while multi-tasking with other activities such as working out, walking the streets, flying, etc. Currently, my read of choice is Entre Nous about the French Girl and her je ne sais quoi attitude.

I can honestly say that since I was about 8 years old, I've been in <3 with the French. Paris, yes please. Beret, check check. Eiffel Tower, to the top we go. Thus the book, a 2010 Christmas gift, was a natural fit. The book gives an inside look into all things French woman from le corps to le coeur and la maison to la fete. (body, heart, home, party).

The French girl carries her self with confidence always. She will kiss but not tell. Her salary is never disclosed nor are her shopping hot spot secrets. Her outfit may look like a million bucks yet could just have easily come from a thrift shop. She most certainly has a chateau in the mountains where she vacations during the winter and summer. You will spot her sipping coffee alone mid-afternoon relishing in the solitude of a good book. Dinners are four to five courses every night and the little Pierre & Francoise are present regardless of their extracurricular activities. Fresh groceries are purchased each day to ensure only the freshiest ingredients, and she has a great rapport with her boucher, boulanger, et fermier (butcher, baker, farmer).

Her life is one of simplicty with a dash of adventure. Indulgence is key, not just on occasions but always. Thirty five-hour work weeks combined with six to huit week holidays per year...

Where do you sign me up for this French girl's life?

Monday, April 11, 2011

Weekend Recap

Just a little recap to start off the week:

  1. Great visit with all sort of friends: Elizabeth & Barry rounded out their trip to Cali with a pit stop in San Fran allowing us to gossip over cocktails, laugh while enjoying delicious sliders, and indulge in American Cupcake. Bun & Tim so graciously hosted us during our stay in L.A. and spoiled us with breakfast burritos and continuous jokes. Rachel & I caught up over Fresh Brothers thin crust pizza and greens salad adding just the right amount of girl talk, guy talk, and all things inbetween. More friend time highlighted below...
  2.  Wedding progress, YES a check mark: We made great use of the drive down stopping in Carpinteria to taste with Phi @ Catering Connection. Just as I suspected, the food was to-die-for! We are all set with catering for both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding making me one happy camper.
  3. Honey Badger, the most fierce animal: Aside from laughter, we received an education courtesy of the Mahonys. In case you are interested in learning about the honey badger and all of its glory, visit this youtube video.
  4. Couples Shower: Meissa & Josh so graciously let us host the couples' shower at their clubhouse. The locale could not have been better. A gorgeously decorated room with top notch views of the ocean and the amazing sunset as the party started. Bun & I spent about 2 hours getting things set up. Ryan played bartender. The whole crew + more were present for the affair. Cupcakes & champagne were served and were a big hit. Liz & Win seemed to really enjoy themselves. Pictures coming soon! 
  5. Shopping 101: Along with taking advantage of tasting options, we also made a small pit stop in SLO (San Luis Obispo) at HepKat Clothing to pick up my 1950's dress. I have been salivating over this number since last month when we took a mini-vaca to SB. Talk about patience and persistance ;) Luckily, I was able to get the last dress in my size. One event outfit down, about 10 to go!
  6. The Masters: Can you say painful to watch? Poor Rory McIlroy just couldn't make a putt, drive it straight, or chip it in. To be frank, he looked like the cursed UK basketball team. My cheers for Adam Scott got him a whopping 2nd place, but hey, at least Tiger didn't win.