Thursday, May 27, 2010

Bionic Bride

Bionic heart keeps bride, 22, alive. Instead of her funeral, she’s planning her wedding today. 

This story made my tears just stream down my face, but she is so blessed. Clearly loved by many and just was not meant to leave this earth just yet. I wish them many many years of happiness and health.

Wedding Dress Collection Complete

So I am that mythical creature in the bride world that is known as a dress whore. I have a problem, and I love them all so what did I do? I AM A 3 DRESS BRIDE. Well technically for the big day I just have two dresses (my wedding dress and a dress for the reception), and then my 3rd dress will be used for my trash-the-dress session. Personally I don't care what anyone thinks about it because my 3 dresses still cost less than most peoples single dress.

My Sottero & Midgley JSM1103 was bought second hand at a very discounted rate. Perfect for me because I could never see myself (this is just my personal choice, but there is nothing wrong with it if you chose to) spending more than $1,000 on one dress.

Here she is on the model:


And on me:




Next is my reception dress. I had this made by a company called Milly Bridal.

I ordered my dress back at the end of January (the 31st actually). I was told of the time line, and then figured with the Chinese New Years that it would tack on a little extra time.

I got pictures of my test dress mid to late March. I made some changes and had little communication with them in the mean time, which made me a little anxious because I had no idea what was going on or when it was going to be finished. Seeing some of the negative feedback and people who had to ask for refunds on the boards in the Milly Brides Group was making me even more nervous! But I thought, there hasn't been a reason for me to freak out, so I wont let it get to me.

I recieved my dress on Tuesday (but was out of town, so I couldn't pick it up until today). I want to tell you all how relieved I am, because really my expectations were starting to get a little low. I think the craftsmanship of the dress is excellent. There are some areas that will need to be taken in (around my "girls" for example). Over all, for the price I really couldn't ask for more. They turned a dress I would never be able to afford, into an affordable version of my dream reception dress.

I just need to find a bra that holds my girls in place now. ;)

(Excuse the no makeup/hair and all the CRAP in the background)
Inspiration (Oscar De La Renta 2008 Collection):

Me in my Milly Dress:
 

And now for the TTD Dress!

Inspiration (Maggie Sottero - Allison Marie):


Me in my Milly Dress:


 Over all, very happy with my experience with this company. With all 3 of my dresses the total spent was still under $1,000 for all three dresses. So really I couldn't ask for more! Now what? On to shoes perhaps?

Monday, May 17, 2010

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Life Lessons from Ashley

Josh's grandmother passed away early this morning and I just wanted to write something really quick out to the blog world and my wonderful followers.

Please enjoy every beautiful and not so beautiful moment that life gives you. The not so beautiful moments make those really beautiful moments really special, because they make you appreciate everything that much more. Grab life by the horns and have a fun ride! We don't get to live forever, and so we must enjoy every second we have. Some people are born and they live until they are 85. Others are born and they live 5 minutes. Either way, every moment we get and every breath we take counts. Make sure you use your time living life the best you can. Donate to charity, volunteer at a children's festival, go to a casino once just to see what it's like, cook (and enjoy it even if it's terrible), eat out, travel (even if it's just to the next town), hold a baby (they are so beautiful and just make me feel happy instantly), skydive, ride on a motorcycle, fly in an airplane, plant a tree, read a book, open your mind to other genres of music, go to a concert, try playing a sport, go for walks, go to a movie by yourself, have a pet... I could really go on forever but I think you get where I am going with all of this.

Spend time with your family. They may have drama or they may drive you crazy, but they are all important to you in more ways than you can imagine. They are the people that surrounded you on the day that you were born, watched you grow, the people who came into your life as strangers but stayed be cause they love you so much even though you may not be blood related, and the people who look after your best interest because they want to see you succeed in life and watch you inspire those around you.

Don't forget to tell those who you truly care about just how much they mean to you. They can be gone in an instant and they might not know how you feel (chances are they do, but you should tell them all the time anyways. It makes people feel good). Hug people. Hold their hand. Bring them surprises (who doesn't like chocolate or a nice bottle of wine, right?). Send them a "just because I was thinking about you" card/letter/email.

If you get married, remember what it's about. YOU and your partner. No one will remember what color linens you had or that you invitations didn't 100% match the colors of the rest of your wedding.  They will not care how much you spent on your dress or that your ring has a 2 carat diamond. None of it matters. The only thing that should matter is that you love each other and that you are making this commitment to be with that person for the rest of your life. Love them. Don't get mad at them because they forgot to add soandso to the guest list or couldn't decide which shade of white they liked more for the stationary.


I guess this ended up being a little longer that I anticipated, but it's all very important and I feel I have to get it out. 

Love with your whole heart. Don't be afraid to fall, and don't forget that if no one is there to help you back up that you can do it all by yourself. Know that you mean the world to someone. Know that while some people say we are not each a special and unique snowflake... you are because, you are YOU and there is no one in the world quite like you. Cherish your victories and accomplishments. Do good things in life, not for yourself but for others that might not have as much as you do. Get into debt for something worthwhile if that's what you really want, but don't go overboard because you do eventually have to pay it off. Dig your toes in the sand. Jump into the really cold water. Stand in the middle of nowhere and scream as loud as you can. BE HAPPY.

And know that even though I may not know you (whoever you are that is reading this), you are special to me.



You are missed and loved by so many Grandma B. Rest peacefully in paradise.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Drooling Over My Chair Signs ♥

My dear friend Michelle has finished my chair signs. They are so fabulous! I just love them, she is so talented! Check out her Etsy shop here!


Aren't they the most fabulous thing ever?!

Monday, May 3, 2010

F21 into Sweatshop Labour?

A little eye opener (blog post) on the fashion store Forever 21. Definitely some things I didn't know. Now I'm not saying other stores don't do the same because well who knows where or how all of our clothes at our coveted shopping stores are made. It really is hard to differentiate the "bad guys" from the "not so bad guys". I can't say that there is one store that I know of that is 100% amazing. Do you know of any? I would like to hear your suggestions if you do!