Not a snowflake, just a flake

I am WAY late in responding to this tag, but somehow I have completely lost myself in peppermint mochas and Christmas carols. With a minute to spare and most of my gifts already wrapped, I finally have the time to play along. Unfortunately I am positive that everyone else has already been tagged (um, like 2 weeks ago when I was supposed to play along!), so I will just do a "pretend tag" for anyone who wants to participate. I was so graciously tagged by Lucky Designs (who I LOVE, by the way!) and she will probably never let me join in any games again as I am clearly not a "rules" kind of girl. :)
The rules are as follows: Link to the person who tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird things about yourself
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
And now, the moment you have been waiting for:

1. Every boy I ever dated (including the one I married) has been a lefty. Weird, huh? I am not a lefty and, quite frankly, I find it rather annoying that we actually have to pay attention to who sits where in the booth at a restaurant, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
2. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education/Spanish and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration.
3. I can't swim. I have lived at the beach my whole life and refuse to get in the ocean. As I never intend to be in a situation where I am on a boat that capsizes, I think I'll be OK.
4. I tried out for, and received a callback for, The Apprentice:Martha Stewart. Obviously it didn't work out, but it was a blast.
5. When I get annoyed with someone I like to use big words with them. Especially with my husband. He hates that.
6. My very first concert was U2-Zooropa. I was 15, had front row seats and touched Bono repeatedly. It was a truly surreal experience.
7. In college I pierced my eyebrow without telling my parents. When I came home for a visit, you would have thought I had committed a violent crime. The disappointment was much worse than the pain and, needless, to say, parental approval prevailed. It came out very shortly thereafter. I still have the scar to remind me of what a dork I was.

What, seven already? But I had about 12 more things to share. Next time, perhaps.

Check that off the list

I just finished mailing the last of the invites for our Holiday Open House. Next on the list: picking up the Christmas cards from the printer and mailing them off. (With all the money I've spent on stamps this week, I could have bought at least two more gifts!)

And yes, I did ask Santa for a new camera.

On the ninth day of Christmas

...my Advent calendar said to me, "buy mistletoe and kiss". A simple enough task, I thought. That was until I drove to NINE different stores in search of it. I was a woman on a mission. From the first stop, the Farmers' Market, where I was told, "oh no, it is too early for mistletoe" (huh?) to the Home Depot where I was told, "we ran out of that last week", to the drugstore where I was told, "oh, we just sold the last one", it seemed that with every place came deeper disappointment. "We'll just switch it for another day", said Gabe. "Unacceptable" was my reply (I mean, seriously, you can't just go "switching" activities on an advent calendar. Can you?). And so it was that we had the brilliant idea of going to the Christmas tree lot (duh, right?) where we spent $3 on this quite pathetic little bunch that will probably die by tomorrow. And kiss we did. It was lovely.

Just a taste

The wedding I had this Saturday could not have been more fabulous and I am happy to say that I have in my hot little hands (OK, in my hot little hard drive) a couple of preliminary images from the oh-so-talented Leigh Miller. Details were key at this wedding, so here is just a taste of how it all came together. Much more to come in a couple of weeks.

Yes, this is how I am dressed before the wedding. You try hanging things in trees and from doorways in your skinny jeans.

Remember all those circles I was doing the calligraphy on? Here's the finished product. I wrote the words "love", "joy", and "welcome" in English, French, and Dutch. Oh, and those strands of orchids? Let's just say that best be left to a professional florist. If I never string another flower on a line, it will be too soon!

The head table. Peonies and mums. Yum.

The gown was indescribably perfect. Rivini custom made this gown for Erin and it could not have been more beautiful.

Happy Chic at Barnes and Noble

While out for an after-dinner Barnes and Noble stop (one of my favorite Friday night activities) I came across the new Jonathan Adler line designed exclusively for the store. Being quite an admirer of Jonathan Adler (we did get married at The Parker, after all!) I was happy to see him receiving such great exposure. A bit too commercial? Maybe. But I can't say I'd turn down a deal with a major retailer, either.

Sneak Peak

How can it be that the extra long weekend has already come and gone and yet I still have not caught myself up? I have Erin Cole's wedding this weekend and I am so happy to have finally finished the programs, the menus, the favor tags, and the place cards. I'm still working on all of the hand calligraphy for the circles in the first picture (I'll show you the end result after the wedding, and no, they are not table names!). I only have about 20 more to go! Here's a sneak peak. Now, back to work! I have to finish some last minute printing and handwriting!

I am thankful

I just want to say thank you to all of you who read this little blog! When I started this whole thing a few months ago I never thought I would receive the positive response that I have. I gain such inspiration from so many of you and want to say THANK YOU! Thank you to those who stop by regularly, thank you to all that have linked to my site from theirs and thank you to those who just happen upon this site by chance. I appreciate your support and hope to continue to provide an additional source of inspiration to make every celebration in your life a truly special occasion. To all of you- May you truly ENJOY your Thanksgiving!

Hooray for holiday discounts!

In the spirit of giving thanks, Sugar Paper (one of my all time favorite paper stores) is offering a 25% discount through their website. Stock up now!

Fish Lips

I was in a great little store the other day and came across this "fashionably responsible" wrapping paper from Fish Lips Paper Designs. I am loving their holiday papers for something just a little different under the tree.

Cotton Idea Studio

I love discovering local independent paper and sationery shops. I recently came across Cotton Idea Studio, a new boutique shop located in Laguna Beach specializing in all manners of fine paperie. In addition to their own line of custom cards and invitations, this little shop also carries all of my favorite paper and small gift lines including Egg Press, Snow & Graham, Pikku, Hable Construction, Page, Paper + Cup, Mr. Boddington, Night Owl, Hello Lucky and Little Tree Press. Though having just opened their doors, I am sure this will very quickly become a most favorite shop of the Orange County paper-obsessed.

all images courtesy of Cotton Design Studio

J. Crew love

It's been a while since I have actually opened one of the 12 J. Crew catalogs I seem to receive every month before carting it off to the recycling bin. It's not that I don't want to take a peek, it's just that I don't like being tempted to spend money on things I really don't need (the last time I did look, I fell in love with $135 clutch that, quite frankly, I just can't justify when I am supposed to buying for others!). I have always liked J. Crew, but to be quite honest, their style is at times just a bit to preppy for my taste. Lately, however, I have fallen back in love. I have to say that their bridesmaids' dresses continually amaze me. From the very first season, around the time I was engaged, until now, they just get better and better. I opened that catalog today and just look what I found! Now the dress has been out for a few months, but with that belt?! Yes, yes, yes! I LOVE it! Oh, and it's on sale (not mentioned in the catalog, but it is on line!!!)

(What I don't love? That this picture is not on line and neither are the Nina and Pia dresses featured on page 97 0f the catalog even though they are on the "Weddings" intro page! --or maybe they are and I just was to impatient to find them!)

open this image (or your catalog!) to see the details

Ikea has done it again!

Always the quintessential go-to-store for inexpensive reception and party decor, Ikea once again impresses with this fabulous outdoor chandelier, available in 2 sizes. While there, check out their holiday tent. This is their best year yet and inspiration abounds.

NY Market Highlight : Rivini

Sorry about the spotty posts, it has been a busy few weeks chock-full of deadlines and drama. With the holiday season already here, free time seems to be somewhat of a thing of the past.


Rivini is one of my absolute favorite designers. Period. I have had the pleasure of knowing Rita for a few years now and she is even more incredible than her designs. I am very excited to be working with her at an upcoming November 16-17 Rivini Trunk Show at Erin Cole. Anytime the designer comes to a trunk show is special, but when the designer is as fun loving, personable and kind as Rita is, it's a guaranteed great time.

This year's line is unbelieveable. The gowns are simply stunning. Not only is there a lovely array of slightly more traditional gowns with A-line cuts and beaded embellishments, but there are also a number of more couture, highly stylized gowns from which to choose. I simply cannot say enough and these pictures by no means do the gowns justice. You just have to trust me and make an effort to see these gowns. Oh, and that short one at the end- get out! I can see it now-hip couple, intimate wedding, cage veil, feathers, ooohhh how perfect!

NY Market Highlight : Judd Waddell

If you are not familiar with Judd Waddell, you should be. Not only is he one of the most hysterical designers I have worked with over the years, but he makes simply beautiful gowns. This year's line is no different. I have always defined a "Judd" bride as a girl who wants a classic gown with a slightly understated modern twist. His designs are never over the top or outrageous, rather they have clean lines, classic details and beautiful silhouettes.

Erin Cole and Judd Waddell

Patchwork Craft Fair

I can't wait to see and be inspired by hometown talent! Although this is only a preview of the large event to come in March, I am very excited to check out this mini craft fair. Reviews next week.

NY Market Highlight : Meeting Darcy Miller

So I missed Martha by 5 MINUTES!!! Unbelievable! The Martha Stewart Party is always THE event during Market and it is a who's who of the bridal world. Who cares who's who- I wanted to meet Martha! By all accounts she looked fabulous and was very friendly. Not all was in vain, however. I did meet and chat with Darcy Miller (MS Weddings) and Bee Kim (Wedding Bee) about blogging in the bridal world. I had met Darcy once before in the past, but was once again impressed by her unpretentious demeanor and most gracious personality. Though not Martha, I felt amazingly fortunate to be able to meet and speak about my little blog with such an influential woman.

A frightfully fun evening

I've never been one for Halloween. Sure, I would don a costume occasionally, but I could never quite get into the over the top decorating and the "ghoulish" spirit of it all. This year was different, though. This year I looked at Halloween as more of a welcome to Fall and a true beginning to the holiday festivities. It seemed that everywhere I turned, I was inspired by the limitless number of fantastic entertaining ideas. What else could I do but host a Halloween dinner party? No costumes or bloody monsters, just great food, witty conversation, and a hysterical game of Cranium (for more on this, visit my other blog- you won't be sorry!). Do I sense a new tradition for the Palmers?