On Sale

Great finds on sale at Ballard Designs:

Nailhead Mirror for $99.99

Chase Sconce (so sleek in a modern or masculine bedroom) for $79.99

 Rope Mirror for $79.99 (the nautical obsession continues)

Green Medallion Drapes starting at $44.99 - adorable pattern!

Happy shopping!

Paperless Post

I've mentioned my love of stationery before. I try to be as eco-conscious as I can in our daily life, but by no means am I perfect. And stationery, by nature, is a waste of trees. That is, if you haven't met my friend, Paperless Post!

Paperless Post is an online custom stationery company that lets you create personalized e-cards. Savvy eco-minders, they email your missives to your recipients. Thank yous, moving notices, party invites - they've got them all. The cost? Free sign-up and a fee of one 'stamp' per email address (bought in bundles and 13 cents at most for each), and if you want to include a decorative liner in the envelope, which of course you do, a fee of 1 'coin' per liner (20 cents). I've used this service for a bachelorette, a bridal shower invite and our upcoming 'summer cocktails.' Apparently so has Houston.

She is so grounded.

I Will Take One of These

Chanel Resort 2011

Love the shoes, the rings and the drop-waist ruffles. Nightgown meets beach wear in Cannes. 

Um, yes.

Two Strangers

 Happy Birthday, Ashley!

They don't look alike at all. I mean, strangers? Mailman's children? Stork delivery?

Una's gorgeous younger sister, the aspiring and talented actress, whose birthday it is today. Rip it up in NYC!

Snapshot of a Weekend

Oh, the thrills of our Milwaukee life.

Friday: Jon is home prepping for Saturday's test and while I am out for a run manages to eat a bowl of Rice Krispies cereal, two rolls of spicy tuna sushi and a chocolate ice cream bar. For breakfast.

That night I meet up with Erika, otherwise known as "Superior" (my fellow florist who - at 23 - whipped my derriere at everything but bucket cleaning), and we head to Verge Music Festival, a concert of up-and-coming and alternative bands. Saw The Championship (local band - will now be stalking them), Crash Kings (lead singer = Jack White meets Billy Joel), Reni Lane (um . . . special) and She & Him. Everyone was there for She & Him, which led the promoters to shadow the rest of the band in creepy red lighting, including "Him," the incredibly talented M. Ward, and to turn the spotlight and volume up on just Zooey Deschanel to the point that all you could hear was gurgle. Yes, gurgle. We went as far back from the stage as we could in order to make sense of the mash of words. Girlfriend needs to step up the performance or stick to her day job (even though her voice rocks and is super unique). On the plus side, her hair also rocks. Sweet bangs.

Saturday: Jon had created a detailed schedule (6:00 AM wakeup; 7:15 double espresso with a drop of milk and 1/2 of a Splenda; 12:05 arrival with bag lunch and second espresso - you get the idea) that I diligently adhered to until 5:05 PM when he collapsed into the car from exhaustion. With no test results for 3 months he's off the hook from studying and also finally off the wagon. It's about dang time. I need a drinking partner and Houston and her water bowl just aren't cutting it.

Since it poured buckets Saturday night we decided to see a movie, which Jon, as Special Man of the Day, picked. AKA "Splice" with Adrien Brody-where-have-you-been-since-The-Pianist and Sarah Polley-that-indie-chick-with-the-big-eyes, about genetic scientists creating a human-animal hybrid. AKA horrendous. AKA never seeing it again in my life. AKA if the words "you just had sex with a reptile" and "then that reptile has now switched sexes and is attacking your girlfriend" sound appealing, I suggest you sprint to the theater. Scarred. Horrific. Furious. Thank God for buttered popcorn. I had a bag to myself.

Sunday: After awaking at 4:30 for the past month, we slept in to a lazy 6:30 AM. For the first time in the history of our relationship - I typed that lefty style with my right hand on a Bible, friends - Jon went on a run with me. And when asked if this could become a routine announced to me: Yes. Once a year. 

I capped this day off with breaking my phone for the second time this year and officially re-catching whatever Jon has been sick with all week. I can barely swallow. You know what feels best for a sore throat? Ice cream. 

I hear Dairy Queen opens at 10.

June 4

Today is both a wonderful and sad day. It is my father's birthday (don't worry, Dad - I won't say the number, though you certainly don't look your age) and it is also the date of our dear friend Landon's passing, one year ago. 

Happy birthday, Dad - I wouldn't be here without you! (Literally.) Celebrate with a Narragansett beer! Or three.

And Landon, we miss you. So much. It's just not the same without you.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe weekend. Give your loved ones a hug. Life is short.

Check Me Out!

Providence Classic Groom's Board #1:

Providence Classic Groom's Board 1 by Providence Classic

What do an Indian Summer and Italian designers have to do with each other? 

See the full post here!