Dress Details

I've been on a mission (with Pinterest by my side) to narrow down the style of dress that speaks to the way I want to look on my wedding day.  If this isn't it..then I don't know what else can top it at this point. I love the styling of the dress including the delicate beaded cap sleeves and the effortlessness of the dress itself.  No fussy train or big bulky fabric just a sweet, romantic dress to set the mood for the entire day.  To make it all even more special my future mother-in-law Mary Jean is taking on the role as my dress maker!  She took my measurements last weekend and together we will work on creating something truly special and one of a kind!  I'm excited beyond words to be working with her with this!  She's one of the most talented and patient people  I've ever met!  After she jotted down my measurements, she showed me her wedding dress that she made for her big day!  It was so simple with sweet touches added like beaded flowers all along the neckline.  This is one project I know I'll be jumping in my pants to share with you... eekk!  So excited!

True Story: My almost 5 minutes of Fame

This actually happened today, this afternoon to be exact.  I received a email from a producer for The Nate Berkus show asking me if I could submit a few high res before and after furniture shots that I took of my dresser (found via Apartment Therapy) for a segment they were doing on how to revive furniture.  A few minutes after I emailed her back (excitedly)  with the photos she sincerely apologizes and tells me that the segment had been canceled!  Ah, so close! 

DIY: Photo Layouts (via Pugly Pixel)

I love when I get the chance to learn something new and in return get to share my findings with you on this online community! One of my favorite blog design resources Pugly Pixel recently posted how to create your own photo layouts using layer masks in Photoshop. While this may sound a bit intimidating ( I've have this feeling towards them too), Katrina breaks it down step-by-step and makes it super easy and fun to create your own.  I love having the freedom to create new templates to fit how I want my photo story to be organized and laid out. With the help of layer masks you can easily drag and drop your images into your template and then size your photos to your liking. The best part is you can use these over and over and create more whenever your mood or (photo story) strikes! Check out Pugly Pixel to get the full instructions.  Here are a few layouts I've already created and are saving to use in future posts! Can't wait to try em out! Thanks Katrina for demistifing layer masks!

Danskin: Move for Change Campaign

Photos by Danskin

I first spotted this new campaign for Danskin while reading a magazine at the gym.  The first thing that caught my eye was the inspiration quotes placed beside popular celebrity names. But what really drew me in was the photography and the soft (natural) lighting that was used in each shot. If this is Danskin shot at reinventing it's brand, it's surely off to a good start. Funny how campaigns like this really do try to strike a cord with its audience. After looking at a few of these ads in the magazine I really did feel inspired and motivated to keep pushing towards a healthier lifestyle. What are your thoughts on this ad campaign? Have you seen it? It makes me happy and keeps me motivated whenever I spot these powerful images and quotes of healthy living used as a daily practice.

Wedding Weekend in Cleveland OH

Hello and thank you everyone for all your sweet comments while I've been away and feeling a bit under the weather. I've been feeling a lot better.  Theresa, I think you nailed it when you said that this road trip would be just what I needed! It feels good to be back from our little weekend road trip to Cleveland Ohio.  It was about a 6 and a half hour drive from where we live in Chicago, so instead of driving we decided (last minute) to hop on the Mega Bus! It was great,  I got to catch up on some reading, writing, relaxing, and napping! And the wedding was so beautiful, our friends Annie and Steve looked stunning together and looked blissfully happy the entire night. It was so fun to mix and mingle with some of Joe's closest high school friends. We even had time to take a brewery tour at Great Lakes Brewery (yum) and enjoy a great dinner at there pub. Here are a few of my favorite iphone shots from this weekend. Much love to Steve and Annie on starting this new adventure together :)

MIA

 

 

Please excuse me when I say that I've been in rest and recover mode for this week.  The soreness has been hanging out in my glands like an annoying pest that just won't go away.  Speaking of going away, Joe and I are packing up to head to Cleveland for a long weekend to celebrate in the wedding festivities of Steve and Annie! Joe's known Steve since he was in the 2nd grade!! We hang out with this fun couple (but not often enough) and so I'm looking forward to spending time celebrating them in Annie's hometown of Cleveland Ohio.  So hopefully I'll have some fun stories and photos to share with you next week... until then, have a nice weekend! Stay healthy :)

DIY: The Beauty Department

Photos by The Beauty Department

Have you heard of this great online beauty blog known as The Beauty Department?  I spotted it over the weekend as I was browsing through Pintrest.  For someone who is looking to shake up the everyday hair  and to finally know how to pull off a smokey eye, I think I've found the answer.  With great layouts, clean photography, and a DIY attitude, I think this site will be frequented whenever I get in a style rut or just looking to pull off a fun new do... Check it out for yourself!