Keyword: Vintage, Beaded, Clutch

I used a vintage beaded clutch when I was bridesmaid for my sister's wedding. It was my grandma's and it was always in the drawer in my mom's dresser that held all of her special things (her wedding night negligee and silky scarves).
My sister's wedding took place at St. James Cathedral and the reception was held at the University Inn which is now the Hotel Deca. It was all so glamorous. We heard that Dale Chihuly often drinks in the dark hotel bar. Who would know that three years later, I would get married surrounded by Chihuly glass myself (at the Museum of Glass)?
It seems that every time I do a keyword search on etsy, I come up with a goldmine. Today's item is the best yet. Someone snatch this up so it will stop tempting me. The feathers are just darling and perfect for a vintage bride. For more detailed shots or to just buy it already, click here.
Love + a glamour puss,
Megan

Free Photo Book!

I have to share the news.
Shutterfly is giving away a free 20 page, 8×8 photobook through March 10th.
Simply enter PHOTOBOOKS at checkout.

After creating wedding photobooks for my mom and my mother-in-law for Christmas, I have been thinking that one day I should make my own. This is a bit too small for a wedding album but could be a cute little book to have for any occasion.

I'm going to send this deal to my sister and she can make a book for Hank Cameron, my nephew. He had his picture's taken by our friend Cam (who he is named after) at his baptism earlier this month. Cam is a talented photographer who also shoots weddings in the Portland area. We are particularly proud to say he is also the Portland Trailblazer's staff photographer. If you watch a Blazer game you can sometimes see him under the basket twisting his body to get the best shot. He was also roped into videotaping at our wedding by my mother-in-law, bless her heart. Look at his work with Hank...and then go check out his website.

Love + capturing moments,

Megan

Wedding Event at Paper Source

Paper Source is hosting a wedding event on Saturday to inspire you to create your own details.

11:30 am - Announcing the Big Day

12:45 pm - Inspired Invitations

2:00 pm - Tasteful Tabletop Décor

It sounds like a blast and Paper Source is a serious black hole for me. I fall so easily in love with pretty paper and all the fun "do-dads" as my mom would call them.

For more info on the event, check here. Our only Paper Source in Washington is in Bellevue, across the street from Bell Square.

I know the event will feature great, new ideas!

Love + that new paper scent,
Megan

Happy Valentine's Day

Today is one of my favorite holidays. I know about all the cynics but what could be wrong with a day celebrating love? I have so many special memories from past holidays. Dale brought me chocolates in a brown paper bag in the first grade and Marky gave me his sister's earrings in the second grade.

Freshman year of college, I got a care package from my mom, bursting with candy and chocolate, temporary tattoos, stickers and a pop-up book. All over the white shipping box she had written special messages of love (I still have this box).

The first year I celebrated with Asher, he sent me on a scavenger hunt through our apartment with special little clues at each stop. At the end of it there was a pair of Nike Dunks in the oven and then he airbrushed me a shirt to match.

Last year we went to a Caribbean restaurant and he watched me while I cracked crab with juice running down my arms. We finished the meal with fried bananas and vanilla ice cream and it was so decadent. I could tell how much he loved sharing food from "his home" with me.

This morning I woke up, a little grumpy, and while I was getting dressed to take him to the bus, he surprised me with a fresh pair of Nike Dunks (he really likes me wearing fresh kicks). He said it was to "cheer me up" and it worked. But the best part of the day (so far) is that he decided to stay home from work and love me all day long!

So...Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Love + candy hearts,

Megan

PS. Thanks to Biggie for modeling my new shoes. Notice how they are the same colors as the conversation hearts? Is is a coincidence?

Valentines from Gaza

This is incredible...last I heard Israel was restricting food and aid trucks through the border to Gaza (and almost no exports) but they allowed 25,000 carnations to pass through, bound for Europe, in time for Valentine's Day. (Read more here). It makes me think of this print....by him.

Frugal Flowers

Today I was researching flowers for a summer wedding. The bride wants something simple, easy, loose but hoped for calla lilies in her bouquet. We have talked before about getting her flowers at the Pike Place Market the morning of the wedding. Since my husband is a vendor at the market, I went to visit him and talked with some of the flower vendors. The told me that they can bring in extra flowers with advanced notice but that calla lilies wouldn't be available in late July.
So on to Google I go. I called some local florists for single stem prices which were (gasp) $10 and up per stem on average. After poking around, I found the best deal.
Costco!
They offer 50 stems for $84 and the shipping and handling is free. There is a $5 extra fee if you aren't a member. I called Costco and learned that the pricing can vary, depending on the season, but that there should be too much of a fluctuation. An all around incredible value! Don't you love finding deals?

This is really just about love

I watched this today and seriously sobbed. So much happiness and love. My sister-in-law and brother live in Long Beach, CA and she was visiting us during the November elections. She was so upset by the "Yes on 8" campaign. My brother called in from the midst of the rally taking place outside their apartments. So many people, shocked and saddened by the results.

So here's hoping that these marriages continue to be acknowledged (go here to learn more and sign the petition) and that someday Washington gets with the program (though state law does allow for "domestic partnership, it isn't the same as marriage rights).

This is love people, this is love.