Let's Get Married!

Let's Get Married!

So based on my lack of postings on the subject, you probably think I am one of those anti-bride type of brides. The too-cool-for-school, f-martha, style-me-ugly type of gal who just doesn't buy into the whole "i'm a princess welcome to world biatches" type of wedding day.

And there you'd be wrong.

You know that show Hoarders? That's like me, but instead of collecting piles and piles of crap and rodent excrement, I collect millions of wedding ideas. I hoard them in my mind, I obsess over them. Silk taffeta or silk satin for the bridesmaids dresses? Is champagne too close to ivory, is ivory different than diamond white? And like those many toothless hillbillies addicted to their stuff, I refuse to let things go.

"What bf, you don't like my idea to have trapeze artists wearing only body paint swing from the ceiling beams? HOW DARE YOU NOT LIKE MY CRAZY SUPER-GENIUS IDEA! Now we are DEFINITELY hiring them".

This is why I haven't shared the many awesome, beautiful and amazing wedding finds I've come across. I might not be able to stop myself. It'd be like a crazy train, you'd be both the passenger and the helpless maiden tied to the tracks. 

Today is an exception. I just had to share this wedding from Style Me Pretty Australia. It's like if a wedding did it with a rockstar and had a baby that wore Betsey Johnson. It so not me, but its so cool.

And for the record, I wouldn't call myself a Bridezilla. I'm more of a Captain Jean Luc Picard.

"Make it so".

Preparing for Flight

Preparing for Flight

Paris is oh-so-quickly approaching.
Despite all my planning, I feel completely ill-prepared.

Operation learn French in one month: fail.
My list of restaurants to visit is far longer than my stomach capacity is wide.
Sadly. **sigh**
And as the primary planner in our household I feel all the pressure of creating a successful trip full of wonderful memories.
The bf's only plan revolves around stuffing his face full of crepes.
Oh, and the daily bottle of wine and block of cheese he's been moo-ing about for weeks now.lol
( if you've never met the guy, he's real skinny, so i'm allowed to be bitter and crap-talk about his eating habits!)

I've been distracted lately with my graphic design class.
We've been learning a lot about the importance of having a strong concept for a project.

It's really had me thinking about this here little blog, and how I really need to focus in on a concept.
As you can tell by my ever changing decor around here, my ideas change with each shift in the wind and turn of my mood.
And Little Girl Shiny World, as cute as I think it sounds, well its a little long. and it might give the idea that I am a little girl, which my dears I am definitely not. I will share with you here that I am 24 years old. I don't play with dolls, and my view of the world can sometimes be quite cynical.. I wouldn't say the world is shiny all the time, some days it's barely a sheen for me.

The point is I've been doing some re-thinking about this blog. I would never abandon it. I love all the interesting blogs I've found and inspiration I encounter daily because of my outlet. But it needs some re-tooling. To be decisively me. Or decisively what I'd like to be, and share. A little cleaner, less scattered. More of me doing things that I love and searching out what those things are.

I think I'm having a kind of "Reality Bites" moment in life, and that extends into this realm as well. 
(if you don't get the reference, Google it. 2 hours of 90's angst perfected).

So I'll be back--Paris beckons after all.
But don't be surprised if I've changed.
Perhaps a little wiser, most unavoidably older.

Or maybe just fatter. From all the damn good food I've eaten.
Stay tuned!

From Pa Design

**oh and I just had to share this. it's a tripod that can mount onto a water bottle. no more cutting each others heads off or long arm shots of you and your honey! if it actually works its genius**

Pearls of Wisdom

Pearls of Wisdom

 Source
I am no Jackie O.

If anything I'm a little Lucille Ball.

But I strive for grace.

 Effortless elegance.

Or should I say seemingly effortless.

Because I think that all great things require

at least a bit of effort

if only to get things going.

I am trying to consider myself

a work in progress

because so many times I forget

that I can change things and be different.

if I try!

Now I find advice on etiquette

can often be overbearing, unrealistic, & a wee it pretentious

But at the same there are rewards to be reaped

from putting an effort not only into your appreance

but your demeanor & manner as well.

Here are a few little tidbits I just loved (and some I added ) from 100 Ways to Be Elegant over at Live the Charmed Life

now like I said I'm not going to list all 100 here because frankly, there are many I just won't be able to work on. (I will never chew each bite 20 times, just not happening lol)

but some are just so simple and will make me feel

like I might just catch Grace Kelly.

1. Send thank you notes

2.  Practice good posture (I think my Pilates video has really been helping here!)

3.  Listen without interrupting

4.Have a signature wine that you serve guests

5.  Read on a variety of topics

6.  Maintain a budget (this one is really going to kick my butt)

7. Study & support the arts

8.  Have a signature perfume-- I love it when perfume reminds me of someone.

9.  Learn French-- I want to do this so I can recognize all these cooking terms I see!

10.  Practice quality over quantity. I need to learn this in building my wardrobe

11.  Remember birthdays

12. Go on picnics & bike rides!

13.  Simplify your home

14. Wear pearls

15. Remember that it's more important to be kind than to be right

16.  Serve coffee or tea after meals

17.  Don't complain (this one will also be a tough one)

18. Keep your home clean & uncluttered

19.  Learn how to host a small dinner party

20.  Learn how to make a martini

21.   Don't point out mistakes of others unnecessarily

22.  Be patient

23.  Limit cursing

24.  Sip your drink (my habit is to chug! must refrain lol)

25.   Accept compliments graciously (I am so bad at this)

26.  Have fresh flowers in your home

27.  Write letters

28. Keep your nails well manicured

29.  Maintain your shoes & clothing (this means do not leave things on the ground Rachel lol)

30.  Be well groomed (so maybe I need to wake up a bit earlier so I dont have like 10 mins to get ready lol)

40.  Remember that money does not equal elegance.

41. Get your clothes tailored--especially us shorties out there! lol

42. Spray lavender on your sheets.  I can tell you that it is very important to me to create the most welcoming bed ever. I spend so much time there I want it to be fabulous.

43.  Maintain your health!

44.  Think before you speak. Can anything good come from it?

45.  Light candles in your home.

46. Give others sincere compliments.

47.  Take responsibility for yourself & your own happiness.

48.  When you want to buy, create!

49.  Give thoughtful gifts, rather than expensive ones.

50.  Do things that make you excited about life.

Ok so I've limited the list to fifty. And really these are just little prompts for me.  The importance lies in sincerity, since anyone can spot an insincere gesture. Find inspiration in things that feel natural to you, not forced or fake :)

Hope you enjoyed these as much as I did. Thanks to Live the Charmed Life for inspiring me :)

What's For Dinner: Italian Zucchini Boats

What's For Dinner: Italian Zucchini Boats

I've always wanted to go on a gondola.

Floating down a little waterfront

having some sweet voice serenade me.

Hopefully digesting some lovely Italian meal. . .

Ah dreams. 

Yes I dream of digestion. And so I prove to you once & for all, I am a foodie.

To satiate my hunger

whilst I save away for that long awaited boat-ride

I make inspirational little dishes

that upon hitting my lips, trick me for a moment

transport me

to a wee little gondola

on a wee little waterway

a million miles away

So check out these Italian Zucchini Boats, & perhaps you too, may float away. . .

Italian Zucchini Boats
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 medium white or sweet onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1 1/2 cup mushrooms, diced
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (or a combination of parsley, oregano and basil)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4-5 medium-sized zucchini
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat with enough olive oil to coat the pan (roughly 2 tablespoons). Add diced onion and pepper. Saute a few minutes until they begin to soften. Add garlic. Saute another minute, until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the turkey and combine with the onion mixture. Cook until meat is browned.
- Add mushrooms and tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes). Stir to combine. Add italian seasoning or spices. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Continue cooking the filling until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has thickened a bit. Once thickened, remove from heat and allow to partially cool.
- In the meantime, slice each zucchini lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides of each zucchini half, leaving a shell that is roughly 1/4 inch thick all the way around. Place zucchini shells in a large baking dish that is filled with 1/4 inch water.
- Once the filling has cooled, stir in the Parmesan cheese and beaten egg.
- Scoop the filling into the empty zucchini shells.
- Carefully place the baking dish into the oven (careful not to spill the water!) and bake for 25-20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Thank  you A Dash of Sass for sharing such a yummy recipe!
Psst it's actually pretty healthy too (especially if you cut back on the cheese!)

O.M.G. Love; Looks Good to Me

O.M.G. Love; Looks Good to Me

Time for a little break from sharing my Napa goodness.

Because, contrary to my current sentiments

there are other great things out there besides Napa Valley & red wine.

Or so I hear.

One of these great things I just discovered is the blog & illustration of Looks Good to Me

As you may know, I am obsessed with great illustration.

Especially anything involving watercolors!

So thanks to a new commenter

Fashion Art & Other Fancies 

I was introduced to my newest art interest.

It's like melting ice cream on a hot summer day.

Love it!

I am just loving Caroline. She illustrates all my favorite things: wine, food  & fashion.

Check her out.

**Oh ps I wanted to share the fact that Aaron Brothers is having a penny sale! I found it out when looking for a photo ledge online & I headed over to our local shop.
Awesome! Buy one frame, get one for a penny.
You cannot beat that, especially when you want to frame some recently purchased prints!**

A Little Present

A Little Present

Came in my mail today

So quickly!

I only ordered it a few days ago

 and it made its way across the country

in the blink of a boston terrier's eye.

Thank you Miss Makes Alot
for the awesome necklace
(& sweet headband too!)
I think I have decided to wear it
on the Wine Train.
Since it's a period piece
just like the train!
A little red lipstick and
voila. Glamor.

A Little List. . .

A Little List. . .

I saw this lovely idea on Coeur de La, where I'm always left feeling easy-breezy. Does that sound strange? Caroline is just so talented at highlighting the simple pleasures in life that I so often overlook but love to be reminded of.  The enjoyment of a good meal with even better company, the beauty of farmers market produce & pretty wild flowers & road trips with the one you love. The things that make life great!

Anyway this little exercise she posted was so interesting because its an offbeat way to learn things about people.  Not only that but when you think of your own responses, it's interesting to see how you imagine yourself. Also, I'm a bit overwhelmed with work & this is a welcome distraction.
Happy Thursday, the day that is not as exciting as a Friday, but almost :)

If I was a month, I’d be May.

If I was a day of the week, I’d be Friday.
If I was a time of day, I’d be an evening.
If I was a planet, I’d be Venus.

If I was a sea animal, I’d be a mermaid.(hey, they exist! lol)

If I was a direction, I’d be north.

If I was a piece of furniture, I'd be a chesterfield.
If I was a liquid, I’d be gold. lol
 If I was a gemstone, I’d be an opal.

If I was a tree, I’d be a weeping willow.

If I was a tool, I’d be a knife.

If I was a flower, I’d be anenomes.
If I was a kind of weather, I’d be a fall breeze.

If I was a musical instrument, I’d be a piano.
If I was a color, I’d be blush.

If I was an emotion, I’d be passion.

If I was a fruit, I’d be sweet dark cherries.
If I was a sound, I’d be the wind rustling in the trees.

If I was an element, I’d be fire.
If I was a car, I’d be a classic Jaguar.

If I was a food ... I would be garlic.

If I was a place, I’d be a Southern manor.

If I was a material, I’d be silk.

If I was a taste, I’d be savory.
If I was a scent, I’d be vanilla bean & coconuts mixed with sunscreen.

 I would love to see all of your responses. . .

Starstruck

Starstruck

You remember back before MySpace was the aging starlet it is today, before it was just one step away from being featured on To Catch a Predator?  They had those little cartoon emoticons so you could show everyone your mood.  They were always extremely lacking, like how can a little animated face describe the way I feel after working 40hrs and getting in a fight with my mom? The answer is it can't. I'm way too complex for your emoticons MySpace.

Anywhoo today I received a reply from my favorite new illustrator Sandra Suy and I wish I could post a big smiley emoticon everywhere!  I emailed her about a month ago to request a certain print and to ask permission to use her image on my blog. After the first week I was sad at the silence, but not surprised.  I mean this woman is great and my requests were basically pittance. Um, please pretty lady, may I use your fancy image on my little blogey-thing?

Well my frown has been turned upside down by her response today. She was so nice. She said the illustration I had seen elsewhere but not at her Etsy store for sale could be printed for me.  She also gave me permission to use the image on my blog, which you now see above. Woohoo! So again everyone head over to Etsy and buy her stuff. She is great. Maybe there's hope for Tuesdays after all.

DIY Love, Metallic Molding

DIY Love, Metallic Molding

My love of shiny things exists on two levels.  One is figurative, anything amazing, pretty, fabulous or gorgeous I deem shiny & I embrace.  On the other hand I literally like shiny things. I wish my house could be a mirrored box with metallic accents.

When I saw this InStyle DIY project on A Sweet Concoction I fell in love. With foil tape and a yard stick ( I checked & it's 4.99 @ Ace Hardware) you can make some very chic molding.

I've dragged the bf into this project as I cannot get things level to save my life. You can imagine what picture hanging is like for me (I will tell you it's not pretty). The bf said this looks like a pretty princess room and I said um, obviously I am a pretty princess! I'm going to try and convince him we should do it this weekend, well see.  I will post the results.  Until then check out this great project for yourself.

It's Like Your in My Head

It's Like Your in My Head

And you can see my innermost desires.

I've made a dangerous new discovery, A Sweet Concoction where they seem to know the way to a girl's heart is through shoes & sweets.