Baillie the very happy and excited bride!
Baillie's gorgeous bouquet
getting ready to put on the wedding dress
bridal party photos on UW Campus (me on the left with my friend and fellow bridesmaid Tara)
first look
I really want a vintage bike like this one, with the old fashioned pedal brakes and basket. Today in the early morning, I can already tell it's the perfect day for a bike ride along the beach. Breezy, sunny, and warm.
I don't know about you, but I need a laugh today. Squint in and check out this wine label for Fat bastard wines. Perhaps this rhino/hippo is the wine's namesake, as he actually sinks into the label. Haha, it's the little things in life...
Also, Baillie gave us our bridesmaid gifts, matching black clutches and lovely jeweled necklaces to wear on the big day.
So the countdown begins... Tonight I'm picking up the maid of honor at the airport, Saturday is manicures/pedicures in the afternoon, and rehearsal dinner in the evening, and Sunday is the big day - hair, make-up, photographs, and bride & bridesmaid revelry. Should be a good time, looking forward to it!
I seriously need to unsubscribe from Coach's seemingly informative oh-by-the-way-we-have-new-merchandise e-mail updates. It's a depressing reminder of all the cute stuff I can't afford. Like I have $398 lying around to spend on this gorgeous bag...(exasperated sigh).
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It is a gorgeous clear-blue-sky day in Seattle! While this photograph doesn't quite capture the reality of a Seattle beach, it sure makes me feel like summer!
My mom and I hosted a bridal shower on Sunday for my dear friend Sarah. After the games, food & beverage, and present-opening had concluded, I was surprised to be presented with a hostess gift of my own. Imagine my delight to unwrap these darling hand painted dessert plates by Seattle tableware designer Rosanna. My set of 4 "Bon Voyage" plates includes the lovely cities Paris, London, Venice, and New York.
Hence - finding a lovely little umbrella is a quest of mine, though I never have much luck. I find that when it comes to forking over $40 for an umbrella, I have a hard time justifying my cause. However, I do like this red polka dot umbrella, very reminiscnent of the chic one Audrey Tautou carries in Amelie.
image/etsy
Love, love, love this postcard via rarrarpress. What a fabulous compliment to receive in the mail. Almost like Christian Siriano sent it himself!This weekend a friend introduced me to this popular youtube clip - Grand Central Freeze. As an undergrad art history major I've had my fair share of observing art installations - but this one is pretty impressive. Shout out to ImprovEverywhere, the 70-person NYC improv group that pulled off this monumental and artistic stunt (among others) around the city - kudos! I wish I'd been in Grand Central terminal to see this hilarity in person.
video/youtube
When my students ask me what my favorite animal is I usually say "giraffe." In reality, if I had to make a list of favorite animals, giraffe would actually be in my top 5, rather than my #1, but who's counting? The answer of "giraffes!" happily satisfies 7 & 8-year olds, because giraffes are such odd, visually intriguing animals. Unique, awkward, yet utterly lovable. Upon our recent class field trip to the zoo, the Savannah (home to lions, ostriches, zebras, and giraffes) was the place topping every students "We have to see this!" list.
School's out for summer! Yes, it's true, today is the last day of school.
Leave it to Miss Martha Stewart to think up this festive solstice soirée - a peony party! A twist on your average garden party - I'm envious of Martha's peonies, they are simply lovely. Wish I'd been invited!
Travel & Leisure magazine took a poll of approximately 60,000 people, asking them what their favorite US cities were - and here are the results. According to survey feedback, Americans have some "pretty strong feelings about New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami." 
Apparently enamel is the new...well, whatever the latest new trend was (I can't quite keep up)! As for me, I'm a big fan of buying simple, solid colored pieces that you can alter by accessorizing with some fun jewelry to create many an outfit. This shiny magnolia cuff bracelet is bound to add some flair to your summer wardrobe.
images/cupofjo
Everyone knows gladiator shoes are the hot item this summer. But if you want to take a slice of Sex & the City style home - now you can... Carrie Bradshaw's Christian Dior gladiator platforms are available to nobodies like us...that is, if you can shell out a a whopping $770.00 for a pair. I think I'll just look...
How cute is this monster hat for your little one? It even has tiny ears and growl worthy sharp teeth. Be prepared for the roaring that could occur as s(he) gets in character!
Behold the secret to the perfect pout. New to the cosmetics market is Smashbox O-Gloss. Here's the gist - it goes on clear, but once applied transforms into your perfect pink. I wasn't a believer until I tried it at a recent bachelorette party.
image.1&2/flickr
Please observe exhibit A - my motivation and inspiration to cook: hunger and cute kitchen ware! I might whip up fresh rhubarb muffins everyday if I had these chirpy measuring spoons!
Meet the latest Bond Girl. Ukrainian born Olga Kurylenko will star opposite Daniel Craig as "Camille" in the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, due out in theaters this fall. What do we think?
Rhubarb is such an odd fruit - it looks like red celery stalks, it's sour, and yet in combination with the sweetness of sugar, it is absolutely delicious! 
I admit, I judge wine bottles by their label. Rather than being captivated by flavors of a region, my eye gravitates toward the catchy, creative, or whimsical label. Which is how I came to find "Holy Cow," Riesling, a K Vintners wine, I couldn't resist the little halo perched above this angelic cow's head. Not only that, it was both affordable and flavorful. SOLD!
Happy Friday the 13th! Skate on down to a superb weekend! There is finally sun in Seattle - HOORAY! image/coggles
Victoria Secret is now featuring swimsuits available in stores, featuring everything from string bikini's to these pin-up girl inspired suits are very reminiscent of old Hollywood glamor. This high waisted look reminds me of the 50's siren of the silver screen, the lovely Rita Hayworth. 
