Inspiration ...

comes from the most unexpected places.  I went to the farmers market this morning and found some wonderful breads and fresh produce.  This struck me with inspiration for the bridal shower menu.

Baked Ziti, Bruschetta, Fresh salad, mini  Rosemary bread grilled cheeses, roasted veggies... with almost all the ingredients coming from the farmers market.  I overheard a few women talking about how the produce is still fresh and crisp a week later and tastes like if was just picked that morning.  This is the type of thing that we don't get when we shop at Albertson's, Vons or Smiths.  Where I live there is a farmers market every Thursday from 10am - 4pm.  With the Bridal shower being held on Saturday I could pick up the fresh produce that I need and have plenty of time to prep and make the items.  Not to mention we could pick up fresh fruit to snack on or use in desserts.  My mouth is watering just thinking about all this fresh and wonderful food.  =D

Menu:

Roma Tomato, basil bruschetta (with optional shredded parmesian cheese topping)
Baked Ziti
Rosemary grilled cheese
Salad - Green leafy lettuce, grape tomatoes, cuecumbers, bell peppers, carrots, other assorted veggies
Pitta chips with humas (maybe haven't tried this but sounds interesting)
Roasted eggplant, zucini, squash, potatoes, onions, carrots, etc. (whatever I see that would look and taste yummy together)

Desserts,
Fresh fruit
cupcakes
fruit tarts or shortcakes
French Macaroons (I might have to buy these but I really want to try them because they don't have coconut!!)

Iced teas, Fresh Lemonades, Italian Sodas and punch to drink!!

I think we have a menu!! :)

Bridal Shower Wish List

So my bridal shower is coming up and I was trying to think about things that I reaFlly, really hope that I receive.  I recently went to Sephora and found a wedding look that is just want I wanted (at least the eye portion).  So I would really like to get some of the items from the Too Faced collection.  I like the natural eye pallet and their eyeliner(it's like a pencil blended with a liquid).  I'd also be interested in trying Kat Von D's tattooed eyeliner in black.  When looking through my makeup collection I realized that black eyeliner is something that I don't have yet.  


There are a lot of items on my registry that I'd like.  I really, really, really, REALLY want a Kitchen-aid Stand Mixer!!!  (I know it's a long shot but I REALLY want one!!) I want a cakepop maker/pan.  I like the idea of making cake pops I'm just not a big fan of frosting so a cakepop that is all cake would be amazing.  


Traditional Items:  A monogrammed robe would be adorable.  Mrs. hoodie to get ready in for the wedding day(matching sweats would also be wonderful).  Reception shoes  I'm looking into getting a pair or two of Toms sneakers (One pair to try before the wedding, one for the wedding reception).  They have a cute pair of ivory grosgrain shoes.  They look like they are made out of ribbon.  They also have a pair that are sparkly but I have mixed feelings about that pair.  Anything in my favorite colors, polka dots, and/or bows.  Charms for my charm bracelets, accessories for the wedding.  (I'm still looking for a hair comb or some type of hair accessory)   Picture frames and other sentimental items. I want to be able to look back at this experience and have happy memories.  I don't want to be worried that I didn't get what I really wanted or what I hoped for.  



Along with thinking about the bridal shower I keep thinking about what I am going to wear to the bridal shower and for the rehearsal/ rehearsal dinner.  My bridal shower has a 1950s housewife theme and it represents my love of things classic and vintage.   I want something simple, understated yet elegant.  I love this picture -------> It represents the feel of the look I'm going for.  Simple, elegant and classy.  (I would even attempt to keep the heels on for as long as possible.) 


Well this is all I can think of for now.  I'll add more if I think of anything.  Check out my pintrest page for a lot more about me. 


I found this list on my phone.  I guess I forgot about it until after I posted this.  

Bridal shower wish list: 

• Mandolin slicer 
• Spice rack with spices 
• Kitchenaid mixer 
• Food processor
• Storage canisters (for flour, sugar)
• Casserole dishes 
• Cooking utensils 
• Cutting boards 
• Knife set 
• Soda streem
• Grill pan and griddle pan
• General home Storage 
• General girly items... Lingerie, sleepware, bridal sweats, TOMS sneakers, bare minerals makeup 

Less than 3 months to go...

At this point in the wedding planning process I figured I'd have a lot more done.  I wanted to get everything done this summer so that I knew I'd have time to relax.  Well as we are full aware things in my world don't go as planned.  Stress with work and other things has kept me from doing everything I wanted.  The limitations placed on decor by the venue are proving to be a challenge and I can't figure out a clear idea of what I want.  Every time I think about my wedding lately it causes nothing but stress.  People tell me to ask for help or let them know if I need anything but I'm not sure how to verbalize that I need WAY too many things done and the people I would love to turn to for help are doing nothing but adding more stress.  I should be elated that my Bridal shower is coming up soon and that the joint bachelor/bachelorette party is later that night but I'm just worried that none of it will work out and that it will be an EPIC fail just like my birthday usually is...(which my birthday so happens to be 10 days before my wedding) .

I would love to just order the bird cage centerpieces that I saw on etsy that I love but I can't seem to make up my mind as to what overall look I want when everyone walks into the reception.

I have ideas of what I want (and they would all require a different locale a huge tent with chandeliers, fabric draped walls, a beautiful view, flowers everywhere, candles lit on every table, a huge dance floor, open bar with signature cocktail, long tables with food served family style and have the backdrop of a stary night sky) and what I don't (a few random decorations that look tacky and do not match what so ever).  At times I wish that I am just dreaming that that everything will come together beautifully but I'm beginning to have my doubts.

I've started the alterations on my bridal gown (I am not doing them myself, David's Bridal is) and I'm still not sure of the overall look that I want for when I walk down the isle.     I know part of the issue is the lack of self confidence I have right now.   As of lately I have not liked the way my body looks in anything and it is something the ripples through when I go clothes shopping.  (This is probably why I'm leaning towards a themed bridal shower versus the ones I've seen or been to in the past.)  I would love the traditional stuff (getting ready items for the wedding day and the other really girly stuff) but I feel out of my element in that area and I don't want to be embarrassed by any gift that I receive.  

I wish I felt more confident all around with everything that I am doing but I'm beginning to doubt myself in all aspects of my life.  I'm constantly frustrated with everything that I attempt to do or project I take on.  I wanted to be a very DIY Bride and take pride in knowing that many aspects of my wedding were going to be designed, assembled or crafted by me.  But now it seems like a huge burden that I don't want to take on.  A few people have tried to be helpful but they don't know most of the information that they would need to help.  I can't figure out the flower arrangements and when I would find the time to assemble them and store them to have handy for the day of the wedding.  Not to mention the cost of flower if I choose not to do it myself have order them from a florist.  I really don't want to pay someone over $100 per bouquet when I can make them all for $80-150 total.  

There has been a few times recently where I just want to throw in the towel and say good riddens to the whole thing.  I can't figure out what I need because I don't know what has been purchased by others on my behalf.  I more worried about paying off the things I contracted to do (venue, photographer, cake, catering, hotel room block, etc.) rather then getting everything decorated, welcome baskets assembled, etc.   Why can't I just have the fairy tale that is in my head?  My subconscious response is that real life is not a fairy tale but my hearts says that your wedding should be like one.  It should be the story of your love for the person that you are joining your life to.  By the end of October I will have promised to love, honor and cherish a wonderful man whom's love I couldn't bear to be without.   Because in the end...(this photo says it best)