Even if I had bought them, I'd still be paying for them

From last Spring, but still just as fabulous.

Louis Vuitton

Cousins Baby Couture

Baby showers are probably one of my favorite parties to throw. Sure, the mom-to-be may register for outlet covers and crib sheets, but the most fun gifts are those that are more unique and creative, those that maybe mom wouldn't necessarily buy for herself. Cute blankets and burp cloths just don't seem to rank up there on the priority list with bottles that don't leak and diaper genies, but they certainly are a welcomed and appreciated gift. With this in mind, Cousins Baby Couture was born. OK, maybe I am a bit biased as this little company belongs to my sister and cousin, but the blankies are so cute and cozy they almost make want to have a little one of my own. Almost.

Ann Taylor, really?

I am not an Ann Taylor girl. Oh, I have nothing against it, it's just that it does not suit my particular style. That being said, I was rather impressed when I came across their limited line of bridal gowns. They've been doing bridesmaid dresses for a couple of years, but I had no idea you could also find a wedding gown for as little as $600. Oh, and they are 20% off right now. Make that $480. For that price you could afford to spend more on your accessories to pull the look together. Just one more way a bride can find a simple, yet pretty dress without spending a fortune or going to one of those "Costco-esque, get 'em in, get 'em out, sell them a gown" kind of gown shops.

Busy Bee

This weekend gave me a chance to catch up on a couple of projects I've been working on. I packaged up some cutom mailing labels I designed for Christine of CVD Custom Invitation Studio and I finished designing and assembling some baby shower invites for my sister Sarah of Cousins Baby Couture. Though I haven't yet settled on a design for the labels for the invites, I must say that I am thrilled with the amount of work I actually accomplished on such a perfect weekend.

Legos, Princesses, Bowling Balls, and a Jedi

The next couple of months are filled with kids' birthday parties. Try as I might, it's simply not as easy as one might think to make Darth Vader creative and crafty. Trust me, the nephews do not want my hand designed version of Darth on an invitation, nor do they find little light saber place cards or homemade Chubacca piñatas charming. Nope. Somehow those things just don't fly past the age of four. One trip to Party City is all they really want. If they only knew. If they only understood how much I would love to use some of the handmade, tragically cute decorations I found at Mahar Dry Goods.

Lara Porzak

Some stunning photos from Lara Porzak. Fine-art photographer to the famous and fortunate, Lara shoots all of her photos on film.

Love from Australia

No. I'm not planning a trip to, nor have I ever been fortunate enough to have visited Australia. But, I was lucky to have received a couple of issues of the Aussie publication Wedding Style Guide from the lovely Jane. Because Australia is in the whole "their Summer is our Winter" thing, it's kind of like cheating as I am currently reading their Fall 2008 issue. Many inspired posts to come soon!

In honor of cinco de mayo

Mexican Wedding Cookies are one of my favorites. These from Martha look especially yummy.