Wedding on the Brain

Hey guys, as you can tell I've been very MIA, but like all things go in life, I'm swamped  and on top of that I'm planning a wedding :)  I now have appreciation for anyone who's planned one, helped plan one, or accompanied any events in planning...holy cow!  A different world.  Luckily no Bridezilla here, actually quite the opposite, I just want things done and move on.  Hopefully no meltdowns will ensue.

But I've been scouring the WWW and Pinterest to nail down exactly what I want, similar to Interior Design  except there isn't much deviation when it comes to centerpieces. *sigh*  But here are few details I'm DYING over -and as you can tell my colors are white and gold with a little black :)

Lovellabridal

Mirrored table top...on another level.

Black and Gold Linens, Very Ralph Lauren meets uber glam, no?

Umm Gold Vintage Flatware?????? Very Marie Antoinette :)

 

Such a glam and stunning BM Dress, and the bouquet is pretty fab too.

Do it Yourself Pin

A little Gold glitter never hurt anyone :)

Black and white tile, so french. J'adore.

IMGend

 Drew does it pretty maj with the backless (so trending right now), all those pearls and big hair...stunning.

 These two melt my heart, and not because he's sharing a scone-- but Dang, vintage is soo good.

Signed by Tina

 Love the simplicity of the cake and the drama that's in that invite

Prairie Brooke Gallery

Although Adrienne and Paul are thing of the past :( I love the idea of enjoying your dress everyday.  There must be somewhere in my 970sf I can display my dress :)

Hey there!

 I know its been a minute, but lots of news here. Finished renovations on the kitchen and started on the bathroom, more on those later. Cue the drum roll please- this girl had a semi-surprise weekend in San Francisco and snagged this guy-

 

 

 

And when I say snag I mean, took him off the market :)

 

 

The planner of the two of us, had an incredible evening all planned out that I will never forget. After a sunset proposal, a limo picked us up and then whisked us all over town for all the best views.  Whatta Guy!  Did I mention that the red backpack never left his side the entire day?!?! I was beginning to wonder what was with the man bag :) ...also glad that he made me change out of my workout clothes!

Then after the amaze evening of sightseeing and new sparkle-- A morning of coffee and shopping waiting on the ride to Napa

 

Goodbye San Fran!

 

Ahh, what a sight.  First stop was Mondavi, never mind its only 9 in morning and we are drinking at a winery.  Its very laize faire in Napa, I could literally take a nap in the grapes.

Loved the tour of the barrels, $30,000 barrels.

Oh and I did I mention we went viral (aka Facebook) about getting engaged on the day of Napa? Talk about technology in paradise.....notice no man purse today :)

On to the next winery- Andretti, as in Mario, very quaint and can't buy it in stores.  Clearly I'm feeling good.

 

Next stop was the Menage a Trois, which is actually one of my favorites, but at this point I had had enough and was just there for the view.  But a very hip winery compared to the country feel of the others.

Rett however indulged.

Then after our ferry ride back to the city, we took a stroll through China Town to see everyone preparing for the Chinese New Year, the largest celebration outside of China.  My feet were about to fall off.  And let me just say that San Francisco is not the town to drink alot of water in...no public potties, like anywhere.

 

On our last day we decided to just stroll and enjoy the city's sites.  Down at the Wharf we saw sunbathing seals, a themed polar bear plunge, Ghiradelli drinking chocolate(life changing), original sourdough and Rett with 'his boat.'  Yes he's that cool-- his middle name is Neptune, a family name :)



Then we met up with one of Rett's high school friends and his lovely girl and did the way locals do-- hole in the wall pizza and a very chill park. I think San Francisco is the Austin of the West.

I couldn't possibly not visit the famous Lombard St, the most crooked street in the world.  People line up their cars to go down the short street, super slow making quite a racket.  I have to feel for the people whose house is on the street, although their glutes must be in amazing shape.

 And finally the Chinese New Year Parade

 

Such an amazing trip, one that I will never forget.  Thank you Rett, for taking me on a trip of a lifetime and I couldn't love you more! XOXO



 

Foodie Friday: Tomato Artichoke Chicken Bake

This a good one ya'll, and pretty stinking healthy :)  Happy Friday!

Tomato Artichoke Chicken Bake

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4-5 Roma Tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 jars of artichoke hearts in water, quartered
2 tablespoons of flour (to absorb liquid)
1 teaspoon stevia
salt and pepper to taste
fresh grated mozzarella cheese
fresh basil, chopped

Salt and Pepper your thawed chicken, set aside.  In another bowl combine tomatoes, garlic, artichokes, flour, stevia.  Place the tomato mixture in with the chicken in a oven safe dish.  Bake at 350 degrees until chicken is almost done, about 30 min.  Take out of oven and top with mozzarella then put back in oven until chicken runs clear and the vegetables are caramelized.  Take out of oven and top with fresh basil.  Serve by itself or over cook spaghetti squash "pasta."

Recipe/Photo adapted  

Pulling the Pulls

So I've been on the hunt for new drawer pulls for the bathroom reno and am having a hard time narrowing down the options.  After I suffered through Home Depot and Lowes and finding nothing (ever noticed how all the remotely cool hardware is all special order? Hate that!) I turned the the World Wide Web, Holla!

Cabinet Hardware can really make or break your space.  It sets the tone in some ways for the room, for example, Classic-

Super timeless and as long as they are quality, they will last the test of time.  Think one color of metal (nickel and chrome will always be in).

To Vintage-

Vintage Pulls are cup pulls, latches, and anything with more details.  These really give an old timey look to the face of the cabinets.

To Trendy/Modern-

I like the play of the mixed bars, that have an ode to the vintage, and the ring pulls.

Instead of ring pulls this is modern twist made into a hexagon, and I bet they don't swing like the ring pulls do.  Classic finish and this one is good for a long time.

When shopping around for hardware, you most likely going to buy a few which means more $$$, so try to stay away from anything too kitschy or cheap like these--

 Leave the grapes to eat, not for the hardware.

Anything with colors is risky, Kelly Green may be the concept, but requires updating when you decide to change schemes later on down the road.

Hearts are cute, but not a classic/universal design.  Also when going for gold, make sure its more of an aged finish like brass that always comes back. Plated gold tends to not wear as well and look cheap.

 So back to what I'm thinking- I love the idea of making my bathroom looking more 1900's vintage (think hexagon mosaics, timeless colors and subway tiles), but my new cabinetry tends to go VERY modern- IKEA Harlig

  I just didn't see the point and putting something super nice when this isn't my "forever bathroom."  So in order to warm these up I finally went with a Hickory Hardware ring pull in Dark Antique Copper to match the sink hardware.

Here

But another part of me really wanted this beauty, but mixing too many metals is not me and I already will have 2-3 in there.  But how about the price?!?!?!?

Here

Completely not the look I'm going for, but loving this trend.  Finally my "outdated" gold door hardware has come back around in style!!!

Here

And if I had money coming out of my ears or I wouldn't be attached to leaving these gorgeousnesses when I moved, I'd spring for these babies-

Here

All images from Decorpad