Finding magic in Kelly's Closet

So...unlike most women, I had completely put off finding my dress. I am not sure if this is because I don't think I will find something I like, I don't want to spend more money than budgeted, or I don't want to waste the weekends running around Atlanta. I simply decided to find a dress online, send it to my friend's Aunt's dress shop in the Philippines and call it a day.

But...I felt like I was neglecting my mother. Here is her chance to go shopping with her daughter to find that one special dress and I simply thumbed my nose at the idea. She didn't make any noises about it, just sat patiently by while her middle child quickly became consumed with guilt and started to make some appointments. The first one isn't worth mentioning - we practically snuck out of there. But the second one...I am so happy to sing their praises because it was the experience I needed.

Kelly's Closet, near Little Five Points, was an incredible experience. Since I made the last minute decision to go dress shopping, I emailed them that Sunday morning. They quickly responded with times they had available and we picked a 3:00 p.m. slot. It is the cutest boutique which has both street clothes and Bridal dresses. FYI: you must make an appointment for the Bridal side.

Alisa helped us and I couldn't have imagined a better person to steer us through their unique designers. She was funny, helpful, and took the time to figure out what I was looking for (because I didn't quite know myself). She introduced us to some fun dresses and the only qualm is that I wish I could have taken pictures there! It was great because we didn't feel rushed and felt like we could have spent the whole afternoon there, just laughing and gabbing away!

Out of all of them, here are my top picks!

Australian designer Mariana Hardwick designed this simple number. I didn't think I would love the strapless A-line - but it was quite flattering on!
This "Kitten" Amy Michelson dress was a little too sexy for my mother! But the front is rather simply and pretty - it would just give everyone in the pews something to gasp at ;) It's called Flash... go figure! The one I tried one had a cross made of silk, not the bedazzled version in the pictures below.
Our favorite though...the one we call our Lottery dress - was by Justina McCaffrey! If only we won the lottery...then I would be walking down the aisle in this number! Simply beautiful and classic!

As you can see -- I am quite all over the place in trying to select my nuptial attire!


Overall, we spent a wonderful afternoon with Alisa going over so many options. She was so sweet to us, even when she realized that we didn't find the dress we wanted, simply saying that I shouldn't settle! I couldn't have been more in love with Kelly's Closet. All the dresses gave me a romantic and whimsical feeling!

I walked out slightly disappointed simply because I wanted to buy my dress from such wonderful people - but a majority of their dresses were more than I was willing to spend. Alisa gave me a list of other shops that she recommended and starred La Raine's Boutique as the first shop I should visit next. I really appreciated her honesty!

I also received a sweet postcard in the mail from Alisa the next week, just checking up on me! I highly recommend them to ANYONE shopping in the Atlanta area for their dress! Do you have any hidden dress finds in Atlanta? My shopping wasn't as extensive...so where else would you recommend a bride to shop (and find great customer service)?

Next stop...La Raine's Boutique.

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Sliding in Some Color...

Another check off the list! Over this holiday week - I had a couple of goals set for myself and succeeded! :) Easiest one off the list was to create the liners for the envelopes! For those that would like a step by step - I have included one below! All I ask is that you please ignore the bright yellow and red chili cloth over the table!! My mom uses that to protect her work table and it is thoroughly distracting!!! My apologies!

This is a simple process to complete if you are organized and ready to simply get it done! I have to make approximately 250 therefore I tried to use the 12x12 paper that I bought efficiently. See the supplies below :)

84 12x12 Daisy D's Paper
250 Envelopes from Paper Source
Paper Source Envelope Liner Template
Roll On Permanent Runner
Trimmer

1. Take the 12x12 and cut it down to make the stencil easier. I line the paper three dashes after the 6 inches and cut the paper.

2. Take the wider piece and copy the template for a 5.75" square. You can fit two on this piece of paper. I modified the height of the template (see below) in order to conserve more paper.

3. Use your trimmer to cut the other piece down as well (Three dashes before the 6). If you rotate the paper vertically, you can fit one more stencil. Save your scraps for future projects.4. Using scissors - cut out the liner - saving scraps for future projects. I put the boys to work on this! Simply hand them scissors and a beer and they will cut until the football games are over!
5. Flip over the liner and put tape on the top part that fits into the flap.
6. Slide it into the envelope, design up, and once secure - fold over the flap to "close" the envelope. This is how I make my crease.
Voila! Beatiful envelope liners (minus the utterly tacky red hot chili peppers!) A simple and easy way to add some color to your invitations.

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Thoughts from California!

I am so excited. I have been out of town for Thanksgiving and just received my package from Janie for the International City Swap and she is absolutely amazing!!!Man...what an amazing person! She sent me awesome things from California! I love that I get to try some yummy Zinfandel - the flavours of Chocolate and Vanilla sound fantastic! And since I cook (and love Italian food) the olive Oil is so cool! It is from Willow Creek Olive Ranch and has flavors of citrus crushed with olives! Sounds quite delicious! She also snuck in there some California pistachios (love Trader Joes!!), Golden Raisins, and Scharffen Berger chocolate (one can never go wrong with chocolate!). She also sent an awesome magazine from Southern California Sunset and a really cool picture frame! The magazine is perfect as I love to cook and what girl can go wrong with a frame?
What an amazing selection of goodies from California! Thank you so much Janie! Even my fiance was excited -- trying to snag my wine! :)

Hope everyone was as blessed over this holiday as I was!

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Those Crazy Friday Shoppers!

Usually we spend our Thanksgiving down in Destin at our beach house - but unfortunately - Peyton Manning shifted our tradition! Since the Colts were playing the Falcons (and my father has season seats) - he declared it Falcon's Day! So in Atlanta is where we are to stay. We did not allow this to affect our traditional Friday shopping however!

After some research, Mom booked rooms by the Mall of Georgia. We decided we could start our 4 am bonanza at this high extensive mall and hope for the best. However, a couple of days before, we caught wind of the North Georgia Premium Outlets opening up at Midnight! Imagine that -- we can hit two completely different stores in one night! We had two cars...J was driving ours and Nino was driving my sister later (they were coming from the Falcon's game).

We all got really excited until we hit Exit 17 around 11:45 p.m.

Look past my mother! The line goes a long way back!!

We decided to continue and stick it out - we are Troopers! It took us about 15 minutes in a long line to find a parking spot. A lady and her daughter were running back to their car without any bags! Hmm...not a good sign! We snagged her empty place and jumped out after high fiving! I need to remind you that it was freezing cold - and when we walked up to our favorited stores - there were lines wrapped around the corners JUST TO GET IN! We went to a couple and found them all the same way! Boo!! Being the sensible and tired people we were....we quickly escaped and phoned my brother to do the same. Below is the picture of us jammin down 400 South while there is still a line many miles outside of the Outlets.

Thirty minutes later (1:30 a.m.), we were tucked in bed with our alarm clocks set to 4:00 a.m. to do a better job at the Mall of Georgia. And better we did...arriving back home at the Brazeale compound around 2 p.m. ready for a long long nap before some football!! Hope everyone had a fulfilling Thanksgiving surrounded by those who love you!!!

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A taste of what's to come

I am so excited...I simply cannot sleep! One our our first DIY projects should be finished over the holiday week with a December departure. Finally - all of our hard work will be on display for our guests...a hint of what is to come! Since I am so antsy -- I have provided a sneak for you as well!


What project excited you the most? Was it the first one you have completed (as in my case), simply every one that could finally be put aside (which will also probably be my case!), or somewhere in between? .

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Announcing our News...

How does one annouce their own engagement? Etiquette says to advise your parents first, then siblings and close friends. We did this the minute we got on MARTA riding back from the airport. We called up our parents and told them the good news! And then sat back and let them spread the word ;) Mind you -- they were expecting the call as J had asked Dad's permission in July!

As for the rest of the world -- what does one do? There are a plethra of options ranging from formal mailings to newspaper annoucements to changing your status on Facebook - it is really all up to you! However - what would you have said if I used the following to annouce our engagement sent by a simple email??

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

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Water vs. the Twins

vs.

I would like to think that almost everyone checks their horoscope at least once a month ... whether in a magazine, online, or in the newspaper. I find it entertaining and some truth, which keeps me always coming back. J doesn't really care either way - but when we first started dating - I sent him 'updates' on his personality vs. mine - it always gave us a giggle. So here we go --



I was born on a Wednesday....
AQUARIUS * Abstract thoughts* Loves reality and abstract * Intelligent and clever* Changing personality * Temperamental * Quiet, shy and humble * Low self esteem * Honest and loyal * Determined to reach goals* Loves freedom * Rebellious when restricted* Loves aggressiveness * Too sensitive and easily hurt * Showing anger easily * Dislike unnecessary things * Loves making friends but rarely shows it * Daring and stubborn * Ambitious * Realizing dreams and hopes * Sharp * Loves entertainment and leisure * Romantic on the inside not outside

He was born on a Thursday...

GEMINI * Thinks far with vision* Easily influenced by kindness * Polite and soft-spoken * Having lots of ideas * Sensitive * Active mind * Hesitating* Tends to delay * Choosy and always wants the best * Temperamental * Funny and humorous* Loves to joke * Good debating skills * Talkative * Daydreamer* Friendly * Knows how to make friends * Abiding * Able to show character* Easily hurt * Prone to getting colds * Loves to dress up * Takes time to recover when hurt * Brand conscious* Executive * Stubborn * Those who loves me are enemies

So what do they say about us together?

Gemini-Aquarius

Hold on to your hats! This oddly dressed couple may change the way the world thinks all by themselves. Who could better relate with the far-out Aquarian know-it-all then the bright Gemini? Others may laugh at the fairy tale ideas of these two air signs but that's okay. They know it's only a question of time before they'll be understood. Gemini will appreciate the freedom Aquarius gives and anyway, here's someone who has as many friends as you and who will become instant friends with all your friends.

Gemini Man & Aquarius Woman
This is tied with Libra and Aquarius as being your number-one soulmate love match. The Gemini boy and Aquarius girl combination is excellent because you really appreciate the most interesting qualities in each other. You are both intelligent, insightful people and you will delight in the amazing conversations that you have together. You also share each other’s taste for variety and new experiences, so you’ll have a lot of fun together. Your physical chemistry is strong and romance for both of you is more creative and fun with each other than with most other signs. You will have the best of both worlds in this relationship, because you will be both great friends and great romantic partners. A real soulmate match. (Jellybean's Astro-Soulmate Guide)

In Gemini boy, Aquarius girl finds a kindred spirit that can keep up with her on an intellectual level. Not one to fall for shallow handsome types, Aquarius girl will find thrilling company and a wealth of inspiring ideas with her Gemini companion. What could be sweeter? (FunGirl Astrology)

Some famous couples...

James Dean (Aquarius) and Pier Angeli (Gemini);

Seal (Aquarius) and Heidi Klum (Gemini);

Overall - it sounds like we are in for a fun ride!! Did you ever check your compatibility when you first starting dating??

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