frugality. psht.

I'm sure most of you take one look at my blog and say to yourselves, "like I have time to read this...where are the pictures?" Hmmm. Good question. I am really lacking on the picture side of things, but totally going overboard on the words. I hope you can deal with it. Just like my random postings that I would love to do every day but somehow manage not to...

Anyway, on my quest for shoes (so Dave is more than a foot taller than me...and apparently my Mom won't let me get married in bare feet) has turned rather fruitless. Strappy this, shiny that...sequins here and rhinestones there. I have one word for you: cheesy. Not to be picky but if I am going to pay for shoes to be on my feet, I want something classy, classic and beautiful...with just a slight vintage touch and a simple, natural look. What? Too picky?

Well, much to my surprise, I came across a shoe that not only took my breath away but also stopped me on my mad search for shoes...that is until I saw the price tag. What can I say, Dave, you are marrying a woman with excellent taste!

Seriously. How good would my foot look in that shoe? Sigh. With the price tag attached, however, I better keep searching. And while I search, I am going to pout, just because I can.
(how did I do? a little shorter and a picture...I'm practically a pro!)

banana.

I had a conversation/photo exchange/compliment session over email today with a client I have been working with on an upcoming project. I sent her the link to this blog today, so if this incredibly wonderful but insanely busy woman ever stops by, I hope she knows I am talking about her!

Anyway, after exchanging just a few words with her, it made me stop for just a brief moment and think to myself how incredibly blessed I am. This is something that I am fully aware of on a day-to-day basis and something I truly never forget, but there are those little moments and exchanges that really make you stop and just say out loud to yourself, "I am one incredibly lucky person."

I have a Mother who has given everything she has just to pave the way for success for her children, and to her I will forever be eternally grateful. She taught me; I learned. She loved me; I loved back. She let me learn from my own mistakes; I fell and she helped me pick up the pieces. She supported me; I gained insight to her immeasurable strength and applied it.

I have Friends who no matter what, never cease to amaze me by their continued love and kindness. To have those people that you can turn to in any situation and know that they will be there to punch someone in the face for you or just let you use their shirt for a kleenex; that is an incredibly humbling thought and one that I am so grateful for.

I have a Family that I am marrying into that not only accepts me, but welcomes not only me, but my Mother as well with open arms. It is a dream I have always had, to have those two families come together as one and I see that dream lies before me. Words cannot explain how wonderful that truly is.

I have a Fiance who somehow manages to make me fall deeper and deeper in love with him on a daily basis. He is a source of laughter, a comforting voice, a smile on my face, and the breath from my mouth. Every day I am reminded how truly amazing God is and how he brought us together and it brings in me a feeling that I can't possibly put into words. I cannot tell you how much, I cannot tell you why and I cannot tell you how - but it is a feeling that I wish upon every single person in this world.

I apologize for getting sappy. Let's mix things up a bit. I met with Bethy tonight (our photographer) and instantly became an adoring fan of hers. She is so beautiful, so sincere and so passionate...after meeting with her I just wanted to jump up and down. Literally. I just cannot wait!

Also, I will have you know that I baked some banana crumble muffins tonight for my turn at "treat day" at work tomorrow. My apartment smells like heaven. Just a little FYI for you all. More tomorrow...

sugar.

It's been too long since my last post; no excuses but it truly has been crazy busy with the holidays among other things. I'm sure none of you missed me too much, but for those of you that actually do read this, I apologize!

This past weekend, as I sat in front of Dave's television (which remarkably gets cable channels unlike my own) I stumbled upon the most remarkable show. It's called Amazing Wedding Cakes on the WE channel. It follows three different high-end cake designers in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York as they work with clients and develop the most amazing wedding cakes (funny...how ever did they come up with the name for the show??)

After watching four hours of this show (in a row), I came to the following conclusions:

1. It is a blessing that I do not have cable. Yes, a blessing. There are a plethora of wedding shows on television. Seriously. If I had access to those shows in addition to the endless sources on the internet, I think my head would explode.

2. I had no idea just how complicated and intriguing baking wedding cakes truly was. Wow. That is all I can say.

3. There are a lot of shows about weddings on television. Yes, the word plethora is used again. And for good reason.

The Cake Girls out of Chicago are by far my favorite artists to watch (the images above are also some classic examples of their work). From concept to sketch to finish, it is incredibly difficult to take your eyes off of their every move (you can even ask Dave, he watched two hours with me and actually enjoyed it!). Check out their website here. I dare you to not be impressed.