a neon party for james

very happy to be posting pics from jamesy's first birthday party that i've been antsily pantsily waiting for. thanks a bunch, pam! love them!
special thanks to jenny for letting us borrow her most perfect backdrop, my aunt pauline the florist, best cousin hyein for her slave labor, and all our wonderful friends and family for coming out to celebrate with us!

we love you, jamesy! sorry for putting you in such merf-tastic shorts on your big day, though...hehe...

farewell address to a dress

dear wedding dress,

thank you for being such a perfect dress - simple and elegant in your beautiful silk organza, tulle and satin layers. i was really nervous about taking you apart to make crafts, but it ended up being such a fun experience and now everyone who was there can forever be a part of the sisterhood of the trashed wedding dress, like that movie with the jeans...sort of. so now commending you to my fondest memories, i bid you affectionate farewell!

love,
rosie

ps- here are some photos from our trash the dress crafty party.




the first cut // bags for your loot // supplies!


janice working on her apron


angie models her hairpin // a scrapalicious mess // my necklace

{eye} try : everyday container vase

with so much fabulous stuff out there in the blog world, it's so easy for me to get intimidated or revert to pure stalker status. but i remember reading somewhere that "originality is overrated!" which totally inspires me to dig up all those saved jpgs and tutorials to try concocting my own versions, no matter how awkward or weird it may turn out.

this DIY project from design sponge caught my eye a couple months back and got me looking for my own everyday containers to use as vases. here's a sugarbowl from the thrift store that seems to fit the bill quite nicely...

ps - goal #36: find a vintage globe with an interesting history. (interesting history optional or can be made up, depending on how cool the globe looks).

lessons i learned from my mom

1.  never compromise, especially when looking for a parking spot. it's better to wait it out than walk from the other side of the lot.

2.  don't fear others' opinions when returning something you've changed your mind on. if you bring your husband, he will feel shame enough for both of you, as he tries to stand camouflaged by the nearest clothing rack.

3.  when all else fails, use sunblock, drink lots of water and/or get a bob haircut.

ok really though, from her surprise themed dinners for the family and the little notes she would slip into my lunch, to her berenstain bears book collection and cross-stitching artwork, my mom has taught and inspired me more than any blog or magazine ever could. she's shown me the joy in making others feel special and filling her home with love - all with the strength that comes from understanding God's true love and not having wasted energy from walking from that really really far parking spot.

trash the dress

after much deliberation, i have decided to *gulp* demolish my wedding dress! instead of letting it a) collect dust and wrinkles in our apartment, b) go unnoticed on a craigslist post, or c) get charged extra buckaroos to be put into a fancy box, i have invited my nearest dearests over for a craft party where they can each take a piece of it and use their skills to make something perty to take home and remember our wedding forever and ever!

i'll admit i am a bit anxious to do this. i don't know why but my recurring "worst case scenario" dream ends up with all of us dressed in fraulein maria's curtains.

but then i remember how crazy cool & talented my friends are and i'm more excited to be spending time with each of them and ooh-ing and aww-ing at all the lovely things they'll be sure to produce. stay tuned for pics!