tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90695287986127651872011-12-14T03:02:24.221-03:00Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.comBlogger1111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-24410830756205030112010-06-10T12:27:00.000-04:002010-06-10T12:27:22.307-04:00Gonna get married??<br /><br />After leaving <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/06/02/families-meeting-for-the-first-time/">dinner with our families</a> Monday evening, Mr. Bear Cub and I got the opportunity to spend some time alone, strolling the streets of downtown Portland.&nbsp; This was such a welcomed breath of fresh air!&nbsp; We talked for a little while about the days to come - last minute plans, tactics for avoiding stress - and then Mr. BC asked me <i>the question</i>.<br /><br />"Let's get married!"<br /><br />"Umm... OK dude.&nbsp; Sounds fantastic.&nbsp; How does Sunday work for you?"<br /><br />"No, let's get married <i>tomorrow</i>."<br /><br />We had planned to go to the courthouse the following morning (Tuesday) to get our marriage license.&nbsp; My dear fiancé was suggesting we get the license and <i>sign it</i> at the same time!<br /><br />This caught me a little off guard.&nbsp; I mean, sure, of course we'd be getting married - what difference would a couple of days make in the long run?&nbsp; The real concern was making sure our marriage would be legal before we left the country after our wedding.&nbsp; We'd planned on leaving for our honeymoon the day after the wedding, and flying back to Chile two weeks after the wedding - what if we couldn't get the documents finalized before we left the country??<br /><br />No matter when we signed the documents, our "wedding" would still be the one we had planned for so long.&nbsp; Our real wedding - the date we celebrate for anniversaries, the one we share with family and friends, the one that links us in <i>our</i> minds and hearts - would be the celebration on Sunday.<br /><br />I must remind you - we had done NO research at all on courthouse weddings!&nbsp; We were blindly assuming at this point that you could show up, sign a document, and be done with it.<br /><br />We decided we'd hedge our bets with the courthouse - if we could sign the documents Tuesday morning, great!&nbsp; We'd be married!&nbsp; No worries for legality later!&nbsp; If not - oh well!&nbsp; We'd be getting married anyways come Sunday!<br /><br />This was all so EXCITING!&nbsp; We might be husband and wife (technically) the next morning!&nbsp; A courthouse wedding!&nbsp; I'm not much for crowds anyways, plus <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/maryjane/">Mrs. Mary Jane's courthouse wedding</a> was so incredibly beautiful.&nbsp; You know what this means?<br /><br />CUTE COURTHOUSE WEDDING DRESS!!! :-D :-D :-D<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBEFuoEg2CI/AAAAAAAAH3M/0SrhtlUyfP4/s1600/jcrew-tussah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBEFuoEg2CI/AAAAAAAAH3M/0SrhtlUyfP4/s320/jcrew-tussah.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I heart you, <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/">jcrew</a>!</div><br />I had already bought this dress - the JCrew linen-silk rosette tussah - thinking it might be nice for a reception back-up dress.&nbsp; All you short-dress ladies out there: this dress is SO beautiful!&nbsp; And it has pockets!<br /><br />So, Tuesday morning Mr. Bear Cub and I dressed in our nicest "we might be getting married" clothes, and hopped on over to the Multnomah County Courthouse.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBEM___zwZI/AAAAAAAAH3U/ylN_Wh9HokA/s1600/courthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBEM___zwZI/AAAAAAAAH3U/ylN_Wh9HokA/s320/courthouse.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38714066@N00/54130184">source</a></div><br />Even though the Portland Courthouse is downtown and surrounded by other buildings, I was still quite impressed with it.&nbsp; Plus, Portland has trees everywhere downtown - even at the courthouse, you feel like you're in a park!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBDt5-JBygI/AAAAAAAAH20/16MZ5tq3LYY/s1600/IMG_2159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBDt5-JBygI/AAAAAAAAH20/16MZ5tq3LYY/s640/IMG_2159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Inside the courthouse, we got to the task at hand - get those documents!<br /><br />You get your marriage license in the tax collection office.&nbsp; Oh tax collection room, you're so romantic!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBDuMowOZKI/AAAAAAAAH28/NrTl1JB-PL0/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBDuMowOZKI/AAAAAAAAH28/NrTl1JB-PL0/s640/IMG_2162.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Aaaaand... we got our marriage license documents.&nbsp; And obligatory pictures in front of the courthouse.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBDuUYW9c3I/AAAAAAAAH3E/kQDuEFpQ3d0/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/TBDuUYW9c3I/AAAAAAAAH3E/kQDuEFpQ3d0/s640/IMG_2164.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><br />Aren't we cute?&nbsp; Young and in love!<br /><br />As for getting the license <i>signed</i>, apparently you're supposed to plan ahead for that one.&nbsp; When we asked if we could have a judge formalize our marriage that day, the lady behind the counter informed us that they were booked solid until the following month!&nbsp; Yikes!&nbsp; So much for romantic spontaneity.<br /><br />At least we got our marriage license taken care of!&nbsp; And I got an excuse to wear my short wedding dress!<br /><br />Even though we had a walk-down-the-aisle-with-family-and-friends wedding, I still love the idea of courthouse weddings - they're so romantic and intimate!&nbsp; Have you and your future intended ever thought about getting legally married before the wedding day?<br /><br /><br />Catch up on the tale!<br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/31/equinox-love-new-beginnings/">Equinox Love: New Beginnings</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/equinox-love-through-our-friends-eyes/">Equinox Love: Through Our Friends’ Eyes</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/25/wedding-tears/">Equinox Love: Reticence</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/26/portland-wedding/">Equinox Love: The Tipping Point</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/31/wedding-weekend-4/">Equinox Love: Preparations Before the Family Storm</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/06/02/families-meeting-for-the-first-time/">Equinox Love: Meet the Parents!</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2441083075620503011?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-40671506903056695832010-06-01T10:18:00.001-04:002010-06-01T10:25:31.246-04:00Less than a week before the wedding, our parents had yet to meet!&nbsp; This, I think, is among the strangest things about adulthood - the stark realization that your parents have yet to even <i>meet</i> those who will become deeply entwined with your future.&nbsp; Your fiancé's parents - they will be <i>your</i> parents.&nbsp; And your parents, the people who have guided you, molded you, counseled you, <i>bathed</i> you - they will be his.&nbsp; For me, this truly solidifies the notion that you and your fiancé are really, and finally, becoming a <i>family</i>.<br /><br />So naturally, I was a little anxious about the first meeting.&nbsp; I mean, our parents made us, and we like each other - so they <i>must</i> like each other, right?&nbsp; (Sorry, Juliet.)&nbsp; Even though Mr. Bear Cub and I are astronomers, we're lucky not to be so star-crossed. ;)<br /><br />Amidst the mayhem of preparations, my parents (Momma Bear &amp; Papa Bear) and siblings (Sis Bear Cub &amp; Bro Bear Cub) flew into Portland from Oklahoma Monday afternoon.&nbsp; Mr. Bear Cub's mom and two sisters also flew in from Wyoming that day.&nbsp; And then Mr. BC's step-grandma (his step-mom's mom, and also our <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/26/rye-bread-with-margarine/">officiant</a>) trained in.<br /><br />We decided that a good common ground would be dinner at a restaurant - this was <i>such</i> a good idea.&nbsp; We made reservations at a nice sushi place in the Pearl District (agadashi tofu OMNOM), and everyone trickled in around the same time.<br /><br />And you know what?&nbsp; The "meeting of the families" went <i>fine</i>.&nbsp; I think I was anxious because as much as I love my family, they're weird.&nbsp; For that matter, everyone's family is weird - in their own way, of course. :-p&nbsp; I have this theory that the magnitude of familial eccentricities is directly proportional to the density of family members present (ie - my whole nuclear family + his whole nuclear family = A-bomb of eccentricities??).&nbsp; Then throw more family (and friends) into the mix, and you might as well call it a "Manhattan Project Wedding".&nbsp; ;)&nbsp; I kid!<br /><br />The dinner conversation was going smoothly for a long while (ie, everyone was talking about how awesome Mr. BC &amp; I are ;) ), and then someone (I can't remember who) added the enriched uranium to the noun and verb soup: church and/or politics.<br /><br />If Mr. BC and I are star-crossed in any way, it's that his family is staunchly progressive democratic (Oregon, hello!) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deism">deist</a>, and mine is values-voter conservative (straight outa Oklahoma!) and very Catholic.&nbsp; Being the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/26/rye-bread-with-margarine/">progressive humanist that I am</a>, I've learned to choose my battles over church and politics <i>very</i> wisely.&nbsp; Read: AT ALL COSTS, don't add this reactive substance at the first meeting!&nbsp; (Subsequent tests are at your own discretion ;) ).<br /><br />I think it was something about single-payer health care.&nbsp; Someone on the left (literally - his family was sitting to the left of us) said something like "Why don't we have single-payer health care already?&nbsp; It makes so much sense!"<br /><br />I saw my dad (sitting, ironically, just to the right of Mr. BC's dad) suck in a long wind of air, firmly place both palms on the tabletop, and then retort with, "And raising taxes to pay for it makes sense? [grmblgrmbl]..." (this is largely paraphrased, by the way!)<br /><br />Mr. Bear Cub and I froze, our chopsticks mid-air, sashimi halfway to our previously blitheful mouths. <br /><br />There was some sshhh-ing on the left of the previously unknowing provocateur, the world [for us] stood still for a few seconds longer, and then it all passed.&nbsp; Sashimi hit mouths, wedding chatter continued, and atomic warfare was averted!<br /><br />All in all, it was a pretty successful first meeting for our families!&nbsp; (Just add sushi!) <br /><br />How was your Meet The Parents experience?<br /><br /><br /><br />Catch up on the tale!<br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/31/equinox-love-new-beginnings/">Equinox Love: New Beginnings</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/equinox-love-through-our-friends-eyes/">Equinox Love: Through Our Friends’ Eyes</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/25/wedding-tears/">Equinox Love: Reticence</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/26/portland-wedding/">Equinox Love: The Tipping Point</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/31/wedding-weekend-4/">Equinox Love: Preparations Before the Family Storm</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-4067150690305669583?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-24621456591101923192010-05-29T19:50:00.000-04:002010-05-29T19:50:15.566-04:00As you noticed in my <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/26/portland-wedding/">last post</a>, we had just a couple of things to take care of the week before the wedding!&nbsp; We had so many things we <i>wanted</i> to do, let alone the things we <i>needed</i> to take care of.<br /><br />For example, we really really missed being in the states and doing normal US-things.&nbsp; So, on our list of "funbligations" (obligations that are just too dang fun to pass up!) were things like run in <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/19/did-she-just-say-marathon/">Forest Park</a>, have coffee at <a href="http://www.sainthonorebakery.com/">St. Honoré Bakery</a>, eat breakfast at the <a href="http://www.screendoorrestaurant.com/">Screen Door</a> (omg you need to go there - soul food heaven!), and take a stroll through <a href="http://www.rei.com/">REI</a> for old time's sake.&nbsp; I know this might sound lame.&nbsp; It's amazing the little things you miss about your home country!<br /><br />Anyways, we had a tight schedule in which our Portland gallivanting could also count as wedding prep - my family was flying into town on Tuesday, and that's when the prep would kick into over drive.<br /><br />Saturday morning was a <i>dream</i>.&nbsp; The first thing we did was run 5 miles in Forest Park.&nbsp; Those were the easiest 5 miles I've ever run in my life - everything was so beautiful!&nbsp; (Maybe the euphoria over getting married was kicking in?)<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www6.worldisround.com/photos/29/333/515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www6.worldisround.com/photos/29/333/515.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.worldisround.com/articles/347048/photo4.html">not me - but just as good!</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Forest Park is right next to the darn cutest little neighborhood ever - what I lovingly refer to as the alphabet district.&nbsp; All the streets run in alphabetical order, and they have the same names as characters from the Simpson's (these were actually the inspiration for the characters' names!).&nbsp; Just blocks from the end of the trail is the St. Honoré Boulangerie - oh-so-cute, and delish coffee and pastries to boot!&nbsp; (Maybe I should do a Honeymoon In My Hometown for Portland already?)&nbsp; Sipping coffee after a run in the woods was absolutely divine.<br /><br />After coffee and a shower, we bopped over to the other side of Portland to rehearse with our band, <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/14/fiddle-ing-their-way-to-my-heart/">Terracoustic</a> - I'll save those deets for the reception, though. ;)<br /><br />We truly got derailed when, on Sunday, we tried to fit a 12 mile run in before visiting our venue for the final consultation (2.5 hours away!).&nbsp; The plan was to run most of the Sauvie Island <a href="http://www.foottraffic.us/flat/">Foot Traffic Flat </a>course (a protected 12 mile route), then stop by the flower farm to see what would be in bloom for our wedding, pick up lavender bouquets on the island, and top the day off with our visit to Westwind.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foottraffic.us/uploads/map-2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://www.foottraffic.us/uploads/map-2009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.foottraffic.us/uploads/map-2009.jpg">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;Sauvie Island is located right in Portland and, lucky for me and my penchant for lavender, it has a bountious lavender farm on it!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2672591487_ec70b2733e.jpg?v=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/2672591487_ec70b2733e.jpg?v=0" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mommypants/2672591487/">source</a></td></tr></tbody></table>I thought that 12 miles would be a piece of cake by this point.&nbsp; We'd already been running up to 18 miles, anyways!&nbsp; Unfortunately, it wasn't so easy.&nbsp; Jetlag does a number on your ability to run.&nbsp; We were sluggish the entire run.&nbsp; I began to think we couldn't run the marathon ("Would this be a metaphor for our marriage??"&nbsp; I thought, defeated, as I gulped down air).&nbsp; I even had to stop at mile 11 to cry on Mr. Bear Cub's shoulder.&nbsp; I couldn't understand what was so difficult about <i>this</i> run.&nbsp; We'd already come so far, we'd already set everything up like clockwork.<br /><br />By the time we finished our run, it was way too late to drive out to Westwind.&nbsp; We called the staff, and rescheduled for Tuesday, hopeful we'd still be able to get everything taken care of in time.<br /><br />How did you juggle your last-minute preparations?&nbsp; Were you able to maintain your sanity, or did you have to sacrifice anything along the way?<br /><br /><br />Catch up on the tale!<br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/01/31/equinox-love-new-beginnings/">Equinox Love: New Beginnings</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/02/03/equinox-love-through-our-friends-eyes/">Equinox Love: Through Our Friends’ Eyes</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/25/wedding-tears/">Equinox Love: Reticence</a><br /><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2010/05/26/portland-wedding/">Equinox Love: The Tipping Point</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2462145659110192319?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-33050969285079308942010-05-25T09:29:00.003-04:002010-05-25T12:13:03.208-04:00Incidentally, while I was getting ready to leave Chile for our month in the states of wedding bliss, I was also in the middle of reading Malcolm Gladwell's <i>The Tipping Point</i>.&nbsp; This is a fascinating book, very light-hearted yet genuine (perfect for the week before the wedding!).&nbsp; Mr. Gladwell posits that there is a "moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point" in which little things that previously seemed insignificant prove to make a big difference (as states the byline).&nbsp; <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/73/Thetippingpoint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/73/Thetippingpoint.jpg" width="213" /><br />source: wiki</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mr. Gladwell's first example has to do with the curious rise in popularity of hush puppies (holy cow are they popular in Chile).&nbsp; As I was sitting in the La Serena airport, packed and ready to board my plane to weddingland, it became evident that I, too, was approaching a tipping point in our voyage.<br /><br />Our flight was canceled.<br /><br />CANCELED.<br /><br />The plane that was supposed to take me and my loverboy (that's Mr. Bear Cub ;) ) to Santiago, to catch a 9pm flight to Dallas, to catch an 8am flight to Portland, had, upon landing at my airport in La Serena, sucked a bird into one of its engines.&nbsp; My early afternoon flight was permanently grounded, and most passengers were being ticketed for a connecting flight the following day.<br /><br />Sad Bear Cub. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/S_tEbEG_oVI/AAAAAAAAH2o/rr1m4RM__QQ/s1600/recap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/S_tEbEG_oVI/AAAAAAAAH2o/rr1m4RM__QQ/s400/recap1.jpg" width="400" /></a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">stuck at the airport with my irony</div><br />For most travelers, this is an unwelcome inconvenience.&nbsp; To a bride a week before her wedding, this is <b>catastrophe</b>.&nbsp; We had carefully planned to arrive on Friday a week before the wedding.&nbsp; This would leave us with a very finite amount of time in which to move mountains.&nbsp; As it was, every single day before the wedding was already chock full of tasks - arriving a day late would derail my sanity and make it nearly impossible to finish important things like baking the wedding cake.<br /><br />No joke - we were packed tight:<br />Friday (arrive midday, tired)<br />-- final dress alterations (hadn't worn let alone seen my dress for a full year)<br />-- 5 mile training run (remember that marathon we'd been prepping for?)<br />-- Mail my engagement ring to the wedding ring maker for final adjustments (he lives on the east coast!) <br />Saturday<br />-- 15 mile training run<br />-- visit flower farm, make final arrangements for u-pick flowers<br />-- pick up lavender bushels<br />-- get mason jars<br />-- organize decoration supplies to go to Camp Westwind<br />Sunday<br />-- visit Westwind (2 hour drive away), meet with camp director and head chef<br />Monday<br />-- 6 mile training run<br />-- get a makeup trial, buy some makeup<br />-- get a dang haircut already<br />-- buy some lingerie!<br />-- meet and rehearse with our band <br />-- buy plants from a nursery for special extra part to ceremony<br />(My family flew into Portland around this time.&nbsp; As lovely as they are, this starts to add other important duties to the list, such as spending precious time with them ;) ).<br />Tuesday<br />-- 8 mile training run<br />-- get the wine (across town)<br />-- arrange for the beer (kegs) to be picked up<br />-- kill fires<br />-- eat sushi (this one's important)<br />-- FAMILY MEETS FOR THE FIRST TIME!!<br />Wednesday<br />-- 5 mile training run <br />-- bake wedding cakes with my maid of honor, sister, and mother all day (get supplies in advance)<br />Thursday<br />-- must have been busy, because it's a total BLANK<br />-- something resembling a bachelorette/bachelor party in the evening<br />Friday<br />-- Drive to Westwind!<br />Saturday<br />-- Prep for the wedding!<br />-- (12 mile run.&nbsp; can you believe the insanity?)<br />Sunday<br />-- Wedding!!!<br />Monday<br />-- get the heck outa dodge.<br /><br />... I was a bit stressed.&nbsp; Mr. Bear Cub suggested we try to calm down in the airport by practicing our wedding dance.&nbsp; When we told one of the gate agents that we were traveling to get married, the skies parted (less birds for air strikes), and they did <i>everything in their power</i> to help us get to the states by the following morning.&nbsp; There was a late flight that evening, set to arrive in Santiago at 8:50pm.&nbsp; Our original flight was set to leave Santiago at 9pm.&nbsp; They told us we could take this late flight, and chance making our connection.<br /><br />We answered with an emphatic "<i>SI!!</i>"<br /><br />They checked our bags all the way to Portland (normally you have to re-check your bags upon arrival to the states - this would also be a tight connection), and arranged for a gate agent to escort us to our connection.<br /><br />We <i>just</i> made it.&nbsp; They had put us in the first row of the plane, and as soon as the door to the plane was opened, a gate agent whisked us through all sorts of back hallways in the Santiago airport to our connecting gate.&nbsp; We were literally running across the airport, movie-like, giddy smiles at our grand fortune plastered across our faces.<br /><br />And we made our connection.<br /><br />We were routed a little differently - through Miami - but we arrived in Portland only 6 hours late.<br /><br />Blissful in our good fortune (I even convinced the rental car company to rent us a Prius for the price of a Chevy Aveo!&nbsp; Wedding card score!), we regrouped to tackle the mountain of wedding tasks for the following week.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3305096928507930894?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-19677246521430938362010-05-24T23:28:00.001-04:002010-05-24T23:33:03.908-04:00Hmm...&nbsp; over three months since my last post.&nbsp; I haven't really been on my blogging game, have I?&nbsp; I've wanted so dearly to share with you my wedding.&nbsp; I've composed entire recap posts in my head - the good, the quirky, the unmatched love.&nbsp; But every time I spin the story in my mind's eye, I find myself saddened by the handful of ways in which my wedding embodied anything <i>but</i> love.&nbsp; The painful memories burn in spite of the overwhelming adoration.<br /><br />But I have to be real.&nbsp; I could gloss over our wedding with just the pictures, but then where would the soul be?&nbsp; Even the best wedding pictures can only <i>aspire</i> to capture the ecstatic and schizophrenic thoughts coursing through the minds of the bride and groom on the day of their wedding.<br /><br />To wit:&nbsp; I cried on the morning of our wedding day.&nbsp; Not because I was overcome by the sight of my gown.&nbsp; Not because my groom sent me words of love.&nbsp; I cried on the morning of our wedding day because the previously misplaced decorative lighting had just been found.&nbsp; LIGHTING.&nbsp; I had wanted to create a perfect mood for our wedding dinner, but in its place I had fostered a sour mood over misplaced light bulbs.&nbsp; I cried because I was so immensely grateful that someone came to my rescue, that someone understood my need for... light bulbs.<br /><br />I am very embarrassed that I let myself care so much about something so insignificant.&nbsp; Or rather, I wish I could reconcile within myself a personal battle.&nbsp; I am a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highly_sensitive_person">highly sensitive person</a>, and throughout my life I have attempted to please everyone before myself.&nbsp; For my wedding, I wanted (just once) for the people around me to show me they were trying to understand me and my wishes and intents as I have attempted to do for them in the past.<br /><br />This is difficult territory to tread.&nbsp; On one side of the battlefront, I wish I had had help and emotional support in certain instances from specific people.&nbsp; On the other, I feel ashamed for even thinking these ungrateful thoughts.&nbsp; We already had <i>so much</i> help in building our wedding day - it wouldn't have come to fruition without the hard work of our friends and family.<br /><br />And yet, there's a strangely sour tone to my memory of our wedding.&nbsp; I could have handled things better, taken over more tasks myself (could I?), I could have been more magnanimous in the face of my social anxiety (maybe?), ... I could have taken more deep breaths. <br /><br />When it comes down to it, your wedding is the embodiment of your life and all the characters in it (even some you didn't know were in it!).&nbsp; You can try to rebuild old bridges among family members, and you can try to fully embrace your growing family of friends.&nbsp; You must, however, take these few days in your life in stride.&nbsp; They are only a few steps (however large) in the journey that is your joined life with your husband.&nbsp; Own these days for all they are, the good and the bad, but don't let them decide ad infinitum your life's path - this you have the power to continuously sculpt, with your new partner by your side.<br /><br />My point in all this is that I've been reticent to post about our wedding.&nbsp; I would be lying to myself, and I'd be lying to you if I said that <i>everything</i> went swimmingly.&nbsp; Everything didn't go swimmingly, mostly because I was stretched immeasurably thin.<br /><br />Despite this reticence, our wedding was irreplaceable - I deeply cherish my memories.&nbsp; The lows, however infrequent yet painful upon hindsight, cast the highs in euphoric relief.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-1967724652143093836?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-24427068855020645362010-02-02T23:15:00.006-03:002010-02-02T23:33:31.735-03:00I haven't really told you much at all about our photographers thus far.&nbsp; That's a shame - they're first friends, second fabulous photographers.<br /><br />Mr. Bear Cub and I asked my friends from college to photograph our wedding.&nbsp; I know this doesn't work for everyone (they aren't exactly "Uncle Bob" with a new DSLR &amp; kit lens), but for us it worked out just right.<br /><br />In college (at <a href="http://www.usc.edu/">USC</a>) I was a member of the climbing club.&nbsp; Los Angeles is a great place for rock climbing!&nbsp; There's Point Dume (on the beach!), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malibu_Creek_State_Park">Malibu Creek State Park</a> (Planet of the Apes, anyone?), Echo Cliffs, &amp; so many more awesome places it'd be silly for me to list them all.&nbsp; Long story short, I had a blast with my fellow climbers!&nbsp; One of my friends in the climbing club, <a href="http://www.susanica.com/">Susánica Tam</a>, was getting serious about photojournalism - she took her camera everywhere!&nbsp; Susánica especially liked to capture action shots of us climbing in ridiculously gorgeous places, like <a href="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/23370111.jpg">Owens River Gorge</a> and Joshua Tree.&nbsp; After graduation, she became a sports photographer, especially for rock climbing.<br /><br />Did I tell you I nearly completed a double major in French in college?&nbsp; (It boiled down to a semester studying astronomy in Chile or a semester studying in France!)&nbsp; I got to know <a href="http://www.jjmoorephoto.com/">Jonathan Moore</a> in several of my upper-division French classes (he was also in the climbing club with me &amp; Susánica).&nbsp; By the time we graduated, I knew he was actively pursuing a career in sports photography.<br /><br />When Mr. Bear Cub and I started planning our wedding, I began to see how beautiful wedding photography could be.&nbsp; It's kind of redic - you're basically paying a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER to make you into a model and paparazzi-shoot the entire day.&nbsp; Um... heck yes I want to be a model.&nbsp; Who doesn't?&nbsp; Make me perty!<br /><br />But ho-lee cow professional wedding photography is expensy!&nbsp; The Bear Cubs' salmon stock isn't all that bountiful - Mr. BC said we didn't need professional photography.&nbsp; He said we could do fine with just our friends' pics.<br /><br />haha!&nbsp; srsly??<br /><br />Ok, deal Mr. Party Pooper.&nbsp; I'll ask our friends to shoot our wedding. ;)<br /><br />Luckily, when I asked Susánica if she would be interested in photographing our wedding, she told me she was transitioning from sports photography to wedding photography, and she'd love to shoot our wedding!&nbsp; And when she suggested Jonathan come along as a second shooter, I knew we'd made the right choice.&nbsp; Both Jonathan and Susánica are very talented sports photographers &amp; photojournalists - it was obvious that their style of shooting would translate well to wedding photography!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.susanicatam.com/">Susánica Tam</a> and <a href="http://www.jonathanmoorephoto.com/index.php">Jonathan Moore</a> are both working very hard to grow their wedding photography businesses - hopefully you'll see through their photos the talent and hard work I saw when I asked them to shoot our wedding.<br /><br />A few months before our wedding, a little dessert named <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/cherrypie">Mrs. Cherry Pie</a> asked if she could come to my wedding with her husband Mr. Cherry Pie.&nbsp; Mrs. Cherry Pie was totally one bee blogger I followed religiously - I was thrilled to have her come to our wedding!&nbsp; Plus, she's the genius behind <a href="http://persimmonimages.com/">Persimmon Images</a> wedding photography.&nbsp; I knew she was bringing her camera, but I didn't realize she was going to take so many wonderful pictures!&nbsp; Plus (even though I was super busy!) I had a great time getting to know her more - she's very natural behind a camera, and makes you feel like your best friend in 2 seconds!<br /><br />I wanted to take the time to tell all of you about our photographers a little more, because they were so much more than photographers.&nbsp; They were our friends first, and awesome photographers second.&nbsp; I never felt uncomfortable in front of the lens, because I was already comfortable with the dude (or dudette!) behind the lens.&nbsp; We cracked jokes, shared stories, commiserated together about crazy last-minute wedding crap, and they took care of me. <br /><br />And, they took some pretty bad-ass pics of our wedding.<br /><br />How did you choose your wedding photographer?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2442706885502064536?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-2151658197396424672010-01-30T19:30:00.000-03:002010-01-30T19:30:51.875-03:00Hi!&nbsp; Let me introduce myself.&nbsp; My name is Mrs. Bear Cub, and once upon a time, I blogged (relatively) consistently for this super-rad wedding site called Weddingbee.<br /><br />No me recuerdes??&nbsp; :)<br /><br />It's ok, I'll catch you up!&nbsp; I <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/18/hello-im-miss-bear-cub/">live in Chile</a> (Ms. Poodle's home country!) with Mr. Bear Cub.&nbsp; We <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/19/how-to-meet-and-woo-a-bear-cub/">met in New Mexico</a>, got <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/21/the-engagement-moon-part-1/">engaged in Thailand</a>, and decided to marry in <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/28/the-best-places-to-kiss-in-the-northwest/">Mr. Bear Cub's home state of Oregon</a>, at a <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/16/virtual-venue-visits/">summer camp</a>.&nbsp; I had some <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/18/will-you-be-my-bridesmaid-again/">crazy</a> <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/08/theres-a-bird-in-my-food/">DIY</a> <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/08/a-book-to-hold-our-promises/">plans</a> <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/04/operation-wedding-cakes/">along</a> <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/31/chugging-the-crazy-juice/">the way</a>.&nbsp; And an even crazier plan to <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/27/mrbrcub-msbrcub/">run a marathon</a> with Mr. Bear Cub a week after our wedding!<br /><br />How did it all pan out?&nbsp; It was crazy, wild, emotional, torrentuous, healing, but most importantly, perfect in every way for <i>us</i>.&nbsp; And although our wedding day was certainly and undeniably one of the happiest moments of my life, I'm very glad it's over.&nbsp; It's just a day, and now we get to cherish our memories, while building our future together.<br /><br />Before I jump into the recaps, I have a little slideshow to show you that one of our wedding photographers made for us.&nbsp; I almost (<i>almost</i>) don't need any other token from our wedding; this selection of images completely encompasses the feeling of our wedding weekend - community.<br /><br />When I think about the events that happened over the weekend of our wedding, the thing that makes me cry tears of happiness (every time!) is thinking about the incredible effort and support provided by our guests.&nbsp; Our guests were much much more than <i>guests</i>.&nbsp; As our friends, our family, our <i>loved ones</i>, they made up a community of love surrounding our wedding.<br /><br />Every time I see a picture of our friends and family helping us create our wedding day, I cry tears of happiness.&nbsp; I can safely say that <i>every single</i> person in our wedding community truly made our wedding day <i>happen</i>.&nbsp; They helped create the event, just as they helped create us through all their previous years of support and love.<br /><br /><br /><object height="360" width="600"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9090544&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=59a5d1&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9090544&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=59a5d1&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="600" height="360"></embed></object><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jonathanmoorephoto.com/index.php">Jonathan Moore Photography</a></div><br />I can't wait to share with you how everyone helped make our wedding day happen.&nbsp; Hopefully I can make you feel like you were there with me, too.&nbsp; I sure wish you could have been. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-215165819739642467?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-28468521959580588042010-01-29T00:11:00.000-03:002010-01-29T00:11:11.008-03:00Man I'm rusty at blogging!&nbsp; hoo-boy.&nbsp;<br /><br />Everything since the wed-wed has just been crazy, in a very dull sort of way.&nbsp; None of it really seemed all that interesting to me, so why would it be interesting for the internets, right?&nbsp; Plus I know none of you are really interested in what happened <i>after</i> the wedding ;) - you want to know what happened AT the wedding.<br /><br />I'll get there! I promi.&nbsp; I need to sort through some things first.&nbsp; Pictures, obviously, but thoughts most importantly.&nbsp; Up until this point, I've been blogging about my ideal of a life in the states.&nbsp; Realistically, I need to get my head out of the clouds.&nbsp; I live in Chile, I work in Chile, and I'll be in Chile for the next year and a half (or so...).&nbsp; As much as I may (or may NOT!!!) like this, it's my life right now.&nbsp; And for the past few months, whenever I think about our wedding, or moving back to the states, it feels like I'm just trying to escape reality.&nbsp; And that's not healthy.<br /><br />So, if you'll bear with me, I'll get these rusty gears oiled soon enough.&nbsp; I'll blog about our wedding (which was absolute bliss, btw), I'll transition to blogging about who knows what (tbd obv), and, of course, there will be beautiful pictures.<br /><br />Always, beautiful pictures.<br /><br />(except in this post.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2846852195958058804?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-47890019462244134672009-10-20T12:17:00.003-03:002009-10-20T12:31:40.654-03:00One month ago, today (eek, sorry for the delay!), Mr. Bear Cub and I stood on a cliff overlooking the ocean, surrounded by our loving family and friends, and solidified our love in marriage.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/St3V3JD8R4I/AAAAAAAAHzc/uvl_tZum8JM/s1600-h/wed1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/St3V3JD8R4I/AAAAAAAAHzc/uvl_tZum8JM/s400/wed1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394703071961696130" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/St3V3nRZMzI/AAAAAAAAHzk/4rKEJHcrhg4/s1600-h/wed2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/St3V3nRZMzI/AAAAAAAAHzk/4rKEJHcrhg4/s400/wed2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394703080071181106" border="0" /></a>photo credit: <a href="http://www.susanicatam.com/c/susanica">Susánica Tam Photography</a><br /></div><br />It was wonderful, beautiful, and (honestly!) everything I had ever wished it to be.<br /><br />I only have a few teaser photos from our <a href="http://www.susanicatam.com/c/susanica">amazing</a> <a href="http://www.jonathanmoorephoto.com/">photographers</a> (and a fab <a href="http://persimmonimages.com/">guest photographer</a>!), but I can't wait to relive our amazing wedding weekend with you once I get the rest of our photos!<br /><br /><br />Much love and baby bear kisses,<br /><br />Mrs. Bear Cub<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-4789001946224413467?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-45818131004102402852009-09-09T22:33:00.011-04:002009-09-09T23:15:47.154-04:00By the time you're reading this, I'll probably be on a plane... TO WEDDING LAND!!! :-D<br /><br />So as I leave my adoptive country for my month-o-bliss, I'd like to give special thanks to my friends in La Serena - the ones Mr. Bear Cub and I live with (in a fishbowl of expats!), the ones we work with (in the same fishbowl..), and the ones who care about us enough to through us a surprise wedding shower!!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sqhncs-u9BI/AAAAAAAAHxE/5ynNnKxA1Pk/s1600-h/shower1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sqhncs-u9BI/AAAAAAAAHxE/5ynNnKxA1Pk/s400/shower1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379663497702339602" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Reelie?? I can haz party??</span></span><br /><br /></div>Our neighbors in expat-ville had invited us over to their home a few weekends ago ostensibly for "fried chicken". You don't get fried chicken in Chile. We were biting. Especially since we had planned to run 17 miles before hand! <span style="font-style: italic;">Anything</span> fried tastes HEAVENLY after 17 miles on asphalt!<br /><br />So we popped down to their home with party-food offering in hand, and this is what we saw:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhoqTqTO7I/AAAAAAAAHxM/Yu3PVo1odSQ/s1600-h/shower1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhoqTqTO7I/AAAAAAAAHxM/Yu3PVo1odSQ/s400/shower1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379664830935546802" border="0" /></a>Needless to say, I was quite shocked! And very happy :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sqho_FaIAkI/AAAAAAAAHxU/fcal_mzkTLg/s1600-h/shower2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sqho_FaIAkI/AAAAAAAAHxU/fcal_mzkTLg/s400/shower2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379665187886858818" border="0" /></a>I couldn't believe our sweet friends here threw a party all for us! I'm not the easiest person to surprise! Mr. Bear Cub claims we must have been COMPLETELY oblivious to the plans the entire time. I've never been so thankful for good friends and my own spacey-ness. :)<br /><br />There wasn't, in fact, fried chicken! But there were freshly-BBQ'd ribs! :-D<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrVNcqNjI/AAAAAAAAHyE/Zx8UEFgxUbE/s1600-h/shower8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrVNcqNjI/AAAAAAAAHyE/Zx8UEFgxUbE/s400/shower8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379667767025350194" border="0" /></a>They're really that good. Plus they inspire sweet-n-smokey high-fives!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrM7MUxpI/AAAAAAAAHxc/YLb1xHpJwcg/s1600-h/shower3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrM7MUxpI/AAAAAAAAHxc/YLb1xHpJwcg/s400/shower3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379667624686044818" border="0" /></a>Astronomers are a friendly bunch!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrOF1fdVI/AAAAAAAAHx0/Nz_rHmxGygU/s1600-h/shower6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrOF1fdVI/AAAAAAAAHx0/Nz_rHmxGygU/s400/shower6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379667644722935122" border="0" /></a>Err... I mean.. We're a rather goofy bunch! ;)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrNpiDncI/AAAAAAAAHxs/NMor_6OcExQ/s1600-h/shower5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrNpiDncI/AAAAAAAAHxs/NMor_6OcExQ/s400/shower5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379667637125225922" border="0" /></a>But altogether, astronomers got your back when you need it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhsHLXuovI/AAAAAAAAHyM/OwmOxMn0QwQ/s1600-h/shower9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 387px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhsHLXuovI/AAAAAAAAHyM/OwmOxMn0QwQ/s400/shower9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379668625461256946" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks, M!!</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrNZfuIVI/AAAAAAAAHxk/BTTR25-uT5k/s1600-h/shower4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqhrNZfuIVI/AAAAAAAAHxk/BTTR25-uT5k/s400/shower4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379667632820461906" border="0" /></a><br />Mr. Bear Cub and I were super happy and relaxed all afternoon - finally a party we didn't have to plan! :) It was so nice to bask in the warmth of friends &amp; camaraderie and celebrate! for once! <br /><br />Let the celebration begin!<br /><br />Was your "bridal" shower more of a "wedding" shower/celebration? Were you as completely shocked and elated as Mr. BC and I were??<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-4581813100410240285?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-54527500023474384942009-09-08T17:23:00.003-04:002009-09-08T17:56:19.747-04:00Hi Hive!<br /><br />Meet Miss Bear Cub: <del>Professional</del> Amateur Meteorologist!<br /><br />The forecast for the Pacific Northwest US over the next few weeks is:<br /><br />...<br /><br />I don't know. :)<br /><br />But I <span style="font-weight: bold;">do</span> have a few tricks up my sleeve! Enter the <del>Four</del> Three Horsemen of precipitation and cold fronts:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.accuweather.com"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Accuweather</span></a><br />As the name suggests, this must be the "accurate" weather forecast! I've been checking accuweather for their long-range (15 day!) predictions.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqbN_fHKRtI/AAAAAAAAHws/41VznkYE1Ho/s1600-h/accuweather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 369px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqbN_fHKRtI/AAAAAAAAHws/41VznkYE1Ho/s400/accuweather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379213295507621586" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.accuweather.com">accuweather</a></div>So far, so good - sunny and clear! For coastal Oregon, this is a near miracle. But the forecast could change tomorrow!<br /><br />That's why there's...<br /><a href="http://www.weather.com"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Weather.com</span></a><br />C'mon, you know you use this one. It's in the name. Even my dad uses this one. Standard, normal, not-too-daring in their predictions, yet just-enough of a sneak peak into next week!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqbOAbGpLmI/AAAAAAAAHw8/JIq0LLachKI/s1600-h/weather.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqbOAbGpLmI/AAAAAAAAHw8/JIq0LLachKI/s400/weather.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379213311611580002" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.weather.com">weather.com</a></div>But meh... I wanna know about my wedding weekend now! Me! Me! Me! No! No! No! ... No Rain!<br /><br />And sheesh weather.com - mostly sunny? Partly cloudy? Sounds like someone needs to grow a pair!<br /><br />And finally, there's ol' reliable...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.noaa.gov/">NOAA</a><br />This is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They know their poop. They're also really really conservative with their estimates. (7-day forecast? how passé)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqbN_m8NtyI/AAAAAAAAHw0/Pu7lxLjTwGA/s1600-h/noaa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 393px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqbN_m8NtyI/AAAAAAAAHw0/Pu7lxLjTwGA/s400/noaa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379213297609193250" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.noaa.gov/">noaa</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is good when you want accuracy (in your face accuweather!), but not-so-hot when you're a bride to be wishing to predict the cold fronts for oh, I don't know ... ROMANCE AND MARRIAGE! <span style="font-style: italic;">Gawh</span>, NOAA! <br /></div><br />Let's get real - no one can accurately predict the weather more than about 3-5 days out. That's why every day now I'm checking these three sites - one for <a href="http://www.noaa.gov">reliability</a>, one <a href="http://www.weather.com">control group</a>, and one to <a href="http://www.accuweather.com">toy with my mood</a>.<br /><br />Have you gained a new hobby in forecasting the weather, <span style="font-style: italic;">conveniently</span> near your wedding venue? What's your favorite hocus-pocus precipitation predictor?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5452750002347438494?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-71607477542108883412009-09-07T19:56:00.000-04:002009-09-07T19:56:00.978-04:00Bear Cubs are a bit shy - this little Bear Cub doesn't know the first thing about lingerie!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://7art-screensavers.com/screenshots/bears/brown-bear-cub-on-the-tree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 536px; height: 402px;" src="http://7art-screensavers.com/screenshots/bears/brown-bear-cub-on-the-tree.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://7art-screensavers.com/bears.shtml">source</a></div><br />It doesn't help that certain <span style="font-style: italic;">other</span> Bear Cubs <span style="font-style: italic;">also</span> don't know a thing about lingerie - a Ms Bear Cub, in particular, needs to find "sexay" bum-cover-uppers STAT!<br /><br />Luckily, in this forest of Oregon called "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stumptown">Stumptown</a>" (the trees became stumps? <a href="http://www.tiggerland.co.uk/images/pooh%20honey_gif.gif">Oh bother</a>. At least there's good <a href="http://www.stumptowncoffee.com/"><del>coffee</del></a> honey.) there seems to be a preponderance of cutesy lingerie stores!<br /><a href="http://www.ohbabylingerieshops.com/"><br />Oh Baby</a> has gotten great reviews on <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/oh-baby-portland">yelp</a>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL_M5L_x8I/AAAAAAAAHwU/OJ_Nd6bj9Qo/s1600-h/ohbaby.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 109px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL_M5L_x8I/AAAAAAAAHwU/OJ_Nd6bj9Qo/s400/ohbaby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378141502008444866" border="0" /></a>Plus it's located within walking distance of another <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/lille-boutique-portland">yelp crowd-pleaser</a>, <a href="http://www.lilleboutique.com/">Lille Boutique</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqMAlL3kK_I/AAAAAAAAHwc/5STuPEXbZGI/s1600-h/lille1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqMAlL3kK_I/AAAAAAAAHwc/5STuPEXbZGI/s400/lille1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378143018851511282" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqMAlV0XedI/AAAAAAAAHwk/9FnCJlyNdYw/s1600-h/lille2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqMAlV0XedI/AAAAAAAAHwk/9FnCJlyNdYw/s400/lille2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378143021522450898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20onblur=%22try%20%7Bparent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully%28%29;%7D%20catch%28e%29%20%7B%7D%22%20href=%22http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqMAlV0XedI/AAAAAAAAHwk/9FnCJlyNdYw/s1600-h/lille2.jpg%22%3E%3Cimg%20style=%22margin:%200px%20auto%2010px;%20display:%20block;%20text-align:%20center;%20cursor:%20pointer;%20width:%20400px;%20height:%20399px;%22%20src=%22http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqMAlV0XedI/AAAAAAAAHwk/9FnCJlyNdYw/s400/lille2.jpg%22%20alt=%22%22%20id=%22BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378143021522450898%22%20border=%220%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E">source</a></div><br /><a href="http://www.ae.com/aerie/browse/category.jsp?catId=cat1780020">Aerie</a> by American Eagle is quite cute, too - and definitely nicer on the wallet! The thing that's confusing this little Bear Cub so much is that her mister is really more of a sports bra kind of guy Bear Cub.<br /><br />Patagonia definitely has some cute sports bras:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/32103_131.fpx?wid=360&amp;hei=360&amp;ftr=8&amp;effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&amp;cvt=jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/32103_131.fpx?wid=360&amp;hei=360&amp;ftr=8&amp;effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&amp;cvt=jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/32405_122.fpx?wid=360&amp;hei=360&amp;ftr=8&amp;effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&amp;cvt=jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="http://www.patagonia.com/tsimages/32405_122.fpx?wid=360&amp;hei=360&amp;ftr=8&amp;effect=dropshadow,0x000000,10,8,120,8&amp;cvt=jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/shop/body-womens?k=6v-1E">source</a></div><br />But $35 for a sports bra? And $20 for undies? Hmmm... it's all so confusing! (Plus that cute green is all sold out in the undies! Pooh.)<br /><br />Do you ladies know of some relatively inexpensive unmentionables of the sporty variety? <br /><br />While I'm in Portland next week (NEXT WEEK!!!! :) ), I'll try to hit up these two local lingerie shops! The only thing I don't know is if I should go alone or not. Do you think it's better to go lingerie shopping with a gal pal, or solo?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-7160747754210888341?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-72474893269886304362009-09-06T19:29:00.001-04:002009-09-06T19:29:00.579-04:00Remember <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/08/theres-a-bird-in-my-food/">way back when</a>? When I had lofty plans for re-creating <a href="http://www.laurenalane.com/toppers.html">Lauren Alane</a>'s cutie-patootie felted birds cake topper?<br /><br />Consider this project DONE suckah!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL1Y0LwsaI/AAAAAAAAHv8/Pdla5vP25LE/s1600-h/Photo+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL1Y0LwsaI/AAAAAAAAHv8/Pdla5vP25LE/s400/Photo+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378130711707431330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">please forgive the crappy photography! I just discovered photobooth :) - and no tengo tiempo!</span></span><br /></div><br />It took me a couple of tries, but I finally finished a pair of birdies I was happy with!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL1YSbH9mI/AAAAAAAAHv0/Xl5LFZuGHd4/s1600-h/Photo+9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL1YSbH9mI/AAAAAAAAHv0/Xl5LFZuGHd4/s400/Photo+9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378130702645065314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL30tPphhI/AAAAAAAAHwE/8yhTQTnRUhQ/s1600-h/Photo+10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL30tPphhI/AAAAAAAAHwE/8yhTQTnRUhQ/s400/Photo+10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378133389904283154" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL31PinZBI/AAAAAAAAHwM/H3YLQdZxUek/s1600-h/Photo+11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqL31PinZBI/AAAAAAAAHwM/H3YLQdZxUek/s400/Photo+11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378133399110640658" border="0" /></a><br />Mr. Bear Cub is obviously the taller red birdie! He always wears red, plus he's a ginger ;) (I love me some red hair - can't wait for the cute ginger babies one day!). My little birdie is actually a very light lavender color! Ha! I totally <3 <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/10/leclairage-de-couleur/">the lavender</a>.<br /><br />Special thanks to Miss Poodle for supplying me with the correct wire for their legs! :) No hablo the spanish well enough to find the right crafting knick-knacks in my town. ;)<br /><br />I've still got enough time to dress up the bridal birdie a bit! What do you think, should I go for a little hair flower? Maybe an über-tiny, über-cute bow in her "hair"?<br /><br />How did you put your cake topper on your cake? I was thinking of just sticking the wire legs into the buttercream! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-7247489326988630436?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-55908280936894732032009-09-05T17:18:00.005-04:002009-09-05T17:37:20.745-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Wow, that was stupid.<br /><br />Mr. Bear Cub and I were out on our weekly super-long Saturday marathon training run (you don't want to know how many miles), and Mr. Sunshine (not to be confused with Mr. Sunbeam!) decided to peak his little head out of the clouds.<br /><br />Ladies, I have two weeks until my wedding. I now look like a raccoon.<br /><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLWDTtF4AI/AAAAAAAAHvk/1n8-1gPmtp8/s1600-h/Photo+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLWDTtF4AI/AAAAAAAAHvk/1n8-1gPmtp8/s400/Photo+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378096257351147522" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ALWAYS</span><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WEAR</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">SUNBLOCK</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLV8L638MI/AAAAAAAAHvc/Tfl7l1Dn2Jc/s1600-h/Photo+4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLV8L638MI/AAAAAAAAHvc/Tfl7l1Dn2Jc/s400/Photo+4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378096135002386626" border="0" /></a><br />TWO WEEKS. <span style="font-size:180%;">TWO WEEKS</span>!!!! I don't particularly want to be sporting the 'coon eyes on my wedding day!!!<br /><br />...although, I am quite a sexy raccoon!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLWD-Sjn0I/AAAAAAAAHvs/u6Tf9e7MpfI/s1600-h/Photo+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLWD-Sjn0I/AAAAAAAAHvs/u6Tf9e7MpfI/s400/Photo+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378096268782575426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">(sexy raccoon)</span><br /></div><br />Seriously, these are about the worst burn lines one could hope for. If I was wearing sunny-g's, you'd think I would have thought to wear sunblock, eh?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLV7THEMZI/AAAAAAAAHvM/EiEiuoNjPnA/s1600-h/Photo+6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLV7THEMZI/AAAAAAAAHvM/EiEiuoNjPnA/s400/Photo+6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378096119752700306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">comes with complimentary neck-burn!</span><br /></div><br />It gets worse:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLV7JGLt_I/AAAAAAAAHvE/nGntJp0jozc/s1600-h/Photo+7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SqLV7JGLt_I/AAAAAAAAHvE/nGntJp0jozc/s400/Photo+7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378096117064644594" border="0" /></a>Halfway through the run, I rolled up my sleeves a bit. Ruh-roh! Bear Cub has sleeve lines! Sad Bear Cub. :(<br /><br />I'm no stranger to burns - normally I wear SPF 50+!! The last time I got a bad burn (worse than this), the burn line lasted for about 5 <span style="font-weight: bold;">months</span>. <br /><br />My wedding is in 2 <span style="font-weight: bold;">weeks</span>. <br /><br />In the meantime, I'm slathering on the aloe, drinking lots of water, and taking some ibuprofen! <br /><br />How long do you think it will take before the burn fades to my normal lovely pale skin?? What's your fool-proof method to reducing/minimizing burn and tan lines?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5590828093689473203?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-68311108230140276942009-08-27T15:00:00.009-04:002009-08-29T21:15:24.706-04:00<div>Our invites were sent out almost a full month ago, but I only got to see them in real life for the first time a little over a week ago!  While I was in California for my <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/13/a-past-life/">MOH's wedding</a>, I had my mom mail me my own copy of our wedding invite.  Ladies, it's a wonderful thing to hold your wedding invitation in your hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had dreamed up the idea for our invitations almost 6 months ago!  I knew I wanted the prevailing theme to be fields of lavender and poppies (you could say I have <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/10/leclairage-de-couleur/">a thing for France</a>), I wanted real pressed lavender, I wanted <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/09/im-drooling-on-our-plantable-paper/">seed paper</a>, and I wanted it to all be bound up nice &amp; sweet in a little book.</div><div><br /></div><div>Because I was a bit... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">particular</span> in what I wanted, I knew the process was going to take a little bit of time, especially long-distance from Chile.  Truthfully, making the invitations myself had been one of the things I desperately wanted to do.  I wanted to press the flowers myself, I wanted to learn how to screen-print, and I wanted to try my hand at design.  At some point I came to the realization that wouldn't be possible from South America - I couldn't get the supplies in time, I didn't have the equipment (or the resources) to learn new skills, and both US and Chilean customs are a little iffy on importing biological products.</div><div><br /></div><div>With all this on my mind, I turned to a designer in Eugene, OR who's still fairly new in the invitation making &amp; letterpress business.  Since I would no longer be supporting<a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/29/hand-made-artisan-invitations-in-a-world-without-etsy/"> local artists in Chile</a> with my invite project, I wanted to support artists local to the Portland/Eugene area.  Kristin Walker of <a href="http://twinravenspress.blogspot.com/">Twin Ravens Press</a> was very accommodating to both my budget, design wishes, and eco-conscious wishes.  I wasn't very familiar with contracting the design and printing of invitations for a wedding (who is, before they get engaged??), and there are a lot of things I wish someone had told me about the process beforehand.  I'll give you guys a list of the tips &amp; tricks I learned along the way in a future post, including the steps in the design of the invite!</div><div><br /></div><div>We had Kristin letterpress a single lavender sprig with our return address on the flap of our <a href="http://www.wastenotpaper.com/">Waste-Not</a> cream envelopes.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spm8CqUiAOI/AAAAAAAAHuE/f4iSKWMdNEI/s1600-h/invite16.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spm8CqUiAOI/AAAAAAAAHuE/f4iSKWMdNEI/s400/invite16.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375534384149561570" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">When you open the envelope you see that someone's sent you a whole BOOK of an invitation! :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbcso2YpkI/AAAAAAAAHso/RrUzZb1sUnU/s1600-h/invite17.jpg"><img style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbcso2YpkI/AAAAAAAAHso/RrUzZb1sUnU/s400/invite17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374725864751146562" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbctCG9I_I/AAAAAAAAHsw/e27aLkTd2i4/s1600-h/invite15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbctCG9I_I/AAAAAAAAHsw/e27aLkTd2i4/s400/invite15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374725871531533298" border="0" /></a><div><div>The book is bound in hand-made Nepalese <a href="http://www.wholesalesupplies.biz/oftheearth/Wholesale/wholesale_invitation_wraps.html">Lotka</a> paper - 100% tree-free and it feels almost like leather!  Kristin found a local supplier of lavender for the pressed flower on the front of the book.<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb6y8_ObI/AAAAAAAAHsY/4puEKmlUMGc/s1600-h/invite1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb6y8_ObI/AAAAAAAAHsY/4puEKmlUMGc/s400/invite1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374725008469735858" border="0" /></a>The first page of our book features a poem we wrote together specifically for our wedding...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb6Q3uQxI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/w1gzWTuaYQg/s1600-h/invite2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb6Q3uQxI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/w1gzWTuaYQg/s400/invite2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724999320847122" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; "><blockquote> Our ideal of love is sitting together in a meadow,<br />the last rays of daylight fading beyond the horizon<br />as we look into each others eyes<br /> -- and feel in one moment --<br />the soft breeze of the summer wind<br /> -- and the next --<br />the first prick of the coming autumn,<br />causing us to nestle together for a little extra warmth.</blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; "> We wanted this poem to help our guests to feel the emotion in the changing of the seasons with our nuptials - since our wedding will be 2 days before the equinox, the astronomical equality and changing of the seasons are going to play a significant role in our ceremony.</span><br /></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb6O6vi7I/AAAAAAAAHsI/WMsYVtDDI6E/s1600-h/invite3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb6O6vi7I/AAAAAAAAHsI/WMsYVtDDI6E/s400/invite3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724998796643250" border="0" /></a>The poem is immediately followed by the formal invitation:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb59DfEWI/AAAAAAAAHsA/QmNwSVLdSMA/s1600-h/invite4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb59DfEWI/AAAAAAAAHsA/QmNwSVLdSMA/s400/invite4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724994001473890" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb5UW-cMI/AAAAAAAAHr4/OWN42012e7Q/s1600-h/invite5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbb5UW-cMI/AAAAAAAAHr4/OWN42012e7Q/s400/invite5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724983077368002" border="0" /></a>I had Kristin blind-emboss some lavender sprigs to give the design a more three-dimensional feel - as if you're looking close up at some lavender and poppies, but there's more lavender in the distance. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbtSOShcI/AAAAAAAAHrw/AuKuwcRtT8E/s1600-h/invite6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbtSOShcI/AAAAAAAAHrw/AuKuwcRtT8E/s400/invite6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724776345634242" border="0" /></a>The next three pages of our invitation are three individual maps - one of Camp Westwind, one of northwest Oregon, and one of Portland.  Luckily, Mr. Bear Cub loved the idea of having a map made for our wedding!  <a href="http://www.crystalkluge.com/">Crystal Kluge</a> designed all three maps, and made the calligraphy for the poem and our names on the main invite.  Crystal's maps and calligraphy are among the most unique I've seen in my 15 (!!) months of being an engaged woman.  Originally we weren't interested in calligraphy at all (it seemed a bit too froofy for us), but we (I) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">adored</span> her quirky cute penmanship.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbsxHupnI/AAAAAAAAHro/UT-ItNONfMM/s1600-h/invite7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbsxHupnI/AAAAAAAAHro/UT-ItNONfMM/s400/invite7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724767459747442" border="0" /></a>Plus her maps are exquisite.  When she sent us the mock-up for this map, we originally had our wedding date as "09.20.2009".  Then I noticed that if we arranged it the European (and South American... basically non-US) way, it would appear as "20.09.2009"!  I thought that was just so cool. :)  What an easy way to remember our anniversary!  Our maps truly deserve a post of their own; we're having Crystal watercolor a set of the maps that we'll frame for our home.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbsepKmZI/AAAAAAAAHrg/XehxeKBcwuc/s1600-h/invite8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbsepKmZI/AAAAAAAAHrg/XehxeKBcwuc/s400/invite8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724762499717522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbsEsQRII/AAAAAAAAHrY/ez-TvwjAUuc/s1600-h/invite9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbsEsQRII/AAAAAAAAHrY/ez-TvwjAUuc/s400/invite9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724755533350018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbrtPBimI/AAAAAAAAHrQ/Cfe8H-reAIw/s1600-h/invite10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbrtPBimI/AAAAAAAAHrQ/Cfe8H-reAIw/s400/invite10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724749236734562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbbe3g7V-I/AAAAAAAAHrI/CqWBgSVFjK8/s1600-h/invite11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Spbbe3g7V-I/AAAAAAAAHrI/CqWBgSVFjK8/s400/invite11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724528657881058" border="0" /></a>The final page of our book-invite is a sweet request to RSVP via our webpage.  We live in Chile, my parents live in Oklahoma, and even though Mr. Bear Cub's dad lives in Portland, we didn't want to deal with the stress of lost RSVPs long distance.  AND we get to cut down on extraneous paper and envelopes and stamps and such! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbeXaT27I/AAAAAAAAHrA/uNWNlR4lEc8/s1600-h/invite10half.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbeXaT27I/AAAAAAAAHrA/uNWNlR4lEc8/s400/invite10half.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724520040192946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbeGhjvfI/AAAAAAAAHq4/UNWbdvGyQ68/s1600-h/invite12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbeGhjvfI/AAAAAAAAHq4/UNWbdvGyQ68/s400/invite12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724515507191282" border="0" /></a>Mr. Bear Cub's favorite part of our entire invitation can best be described as the "hallmark crown on the back".  You know how all Hallmark cards have that little crown on the back of them?  Mr. BC wanted to include his favorite fictional character, a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">viking-ninja</span>, on the back of our invitation.  I'm sure most of our guests didn't see this, but that's ok - little dude is pretty stealthy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbdtCV4UI/AAAAAAAAHqw/R7ZiaTZs-Ck/s1600-h/invite13.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbdtCV4UI/AAAAAAAAHqw/R7ZiaTZs-Ck/s400/invite13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724508665372994" border="0" /></a>What's a viking-ninja, you ask?  Well... I can't really tell you!  Mr. BC has plans for our little viking-ninja friend in the future, so I can't spill the beans too much.  All I can tell you is that it's a little viking boy who found himself in Japan, and was befriended by ninjas...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbdWz3myI/AAAAAAAAHqo/eZQaA-5vqlk/s1600-h/invite14.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpbbdWz3myI/AAAAAAAAHqo/eZQaA-5vqlk/s400/invite14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374724502699088674" border="0" /></a>Even though the process of making the invites took a lot longer than I thought it would, I'm really very pleased with them.  The day Kristin sent me pictures of the finished product, I burst into tears.  I had had a pretty rough day at work, I was really stressed about the wedding coming together, and there I had in front of me our finished invitations - something had finally come to fruition, and it was just what I had been envisioning.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Bear Cub was also admittedly skeptical about having our invitations made - originally he wanted to just send emails to everyone.  While this would definitely be the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">most</span> economical and ecological option, I really wanted to have a solid invitation to our wedding, I wanted something I could hold in my hands.  My mom framed my parent's wedding invitation; I remember looking at it as a kid, and thinking that she must have been so happy to send her invites to her family and friends for her wedding day.  </div><div><br /></div><div>I now understand that feeling, and I can't wait to show my children our framed invitation one day.<br /><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-6831110823014027694?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-75784984388114927932009-08-26T12:07:00.005-04:002009-08-26T12:54:47.054-04:00Um... I'm the worst decision-maker ever. I still don't know what necklace I'm going to wear with my wedding dress!<br /><br />Remember my <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/02/a-dress-from-my-dreams-part-3/">wedding dress</a>? Good.<br /><br />I know this is <span style="font-style: italic;">obviously</span> the most important part of the wedding, and why am I not spending more of my time on silly things like venue insurance and lighting, but you ladies like jewelry &amp; style, right? Can't go wrong with the hive! :)<br /><br />Here's the dish: I have a rather particular look I'm going for. Call it grandma-boho-chic, flapper-tastic, or waterfalls of pearls dripping from my nape. Call it whatever you want, but it looks kind of like this:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oncewed.com/wp-content/gallery/sarah-adam/senter017.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 321px; height: 485px;" src="http://www.oncewed.com/wp-content/gallery/sarah-adam/senter017.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>photo credit: <a href="http://www.ashleygarmonphoto.com/">Ashley Garmon</a>, via<a href="http://www.oncewed.com/414/real-weddings/elegant/adam-sarah/?currentPage=2"> OnceWed</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://julieharrisblog.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/20070929_brianna_and_daniel_0020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 285px;" src="http://julieharrisblog.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/20070929_brianna_and_daniel_0020.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://julieharrisblog.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/20070929_brianna_and_daniel_0002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 426px; height: 284px;" src="http://julieharrisblog.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/20070929_brianna_and_daniel_0002.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>photo credit:<a href="http://www.julieharrisphotography.com/blog/2007/10/brianna-and-daniel/"> Julie Harris</a>, via <a href="http://amountainbride.blogspot.com/">A.Mountain.Bride</a><br /></div><br />More like the bride in the first pic, I love it when the pearls drape past one's balcony. It adds beautiful length to your torso - especially for Shorty McShortcakes like me!<br /><br />Also very important is the neckline of the dress I'll be wearing. I love how the bride in the second &amp; third pics layered her necklaces - it makes her look so carefree and rich with life! - but my dress isn't strapless. It definitely has "<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdr29FvEhgI/AAAAAAAAFi8/_PbB-4f8Aes/s1600-h/front.JPG">straps</a>", not unlike the bride in the 1st pic (no peaksy, Mr. Bear Cub!!).<br /><br />So here's my deal - I love the look of long, layered pearls, but I just don't know which gosh darn necklace to get! I've been poring over etsy for the past few days, and it's just getting worse.<br /><br />I bought these necklaces a few months ago:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.54775278.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 336px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.54775278.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=14805821">source</a></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3347331982_e7710521e9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3347331982_e7710521e9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3347317380_acef416cd0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3347317380_acef416cd0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I love both of these necklaces - especially the non-white aspect - but I think the second necklace doesn't really come down past my balcony far enough (and it clasps behind the neck, it's not one super-huge necklace doubled up). BTW that dress I'm modeling the 2nd necklace with is NOT my wedding dress - just an example. But remember that <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdr29FvEhgI/AAAAAAAAFi8/_PbB-4f8Aes/s1600-h/front.JPG">my dress</a> isn't strapless!! We must <span style="font-weight: bold;">lengthen</span> the torso, and draw attention to my balcony! ;)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpVmDOQ_yxI/AAAAAAAAHqg/nawZj0bXAMg/s1600-h/necklaces.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 390px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SpVmDOQ_yxI/AAAAAAAAHqg/nawZj0bXAMg/s400/necklaces.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374313935891581714" border="0" /></a>all photos from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">etsy.com</a><br /></div><br />I think the style I'm going for is called "lariat" - the necklace on the bottom right is most like what I'm looking for, but I'm not sure it'll ship in time (from asia!). I'd prefer real pearls, if possible, but this necklace has caught my eye:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.75821823.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 573px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.75821823.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26568969">source</a></div><br />... Layered, perhaps, with the two necklaces I already have. Maybe pearls strung on a long piece of ribbon would work...<br /><br />If I'm to wear anything around my neck, my frame needs length. Then again, I could just forgo a necklace altogether...<br /><br />Which of these necklaces would you pair with my wedding dress? Do you have any other necklace suggestions for me? How would you best achieve that grandma's pearls/boho-chic look?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-7578498438811492793?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-82923941668963695202009-08-21T11:44:00.003-04:002009-08-21T13:24:16.406-04:00I'm not really a daddy's girl. When I need advice about life, I turn to my mother - she has truly been my rock growing up. To be painfully honest, I don't even really have much of a relationship with my dad. I love him, and he loves me, but we're two very different people, and we know it. Thankfully, the relationship that we <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span> have is good - we respect each other, and when we do talk, we speak fondly to each other, and try to catch up on the other's life in any little way we can.<br /><br />While I'm (sadly) not very close with my dad, I do wish to dance with him at my wedding. I try not to rock the boat too much with him, or be too demanding, so I told him I would dance with him to any song he wants (the proverbial apple has already <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/26/rye-bread-with-margarine/">fallen far enough</a> from the tree).<br /><br />I would have loved to have a song that was special to my dad and myself, like <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/17/goin-home-to-caledonia/">Mr. Bear Cub and his mother</a>. I didn't really think it would be possible - we're so different, my dad and I.<br /><br />Last night, he sent me this song. I nearly cried.<br /><br /><object height="25" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/i_lyx1SB86Q&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/i_lyx1SB86Q&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="25" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />Turn Around, sung by The Kingston Trio<br /><br />Where are you going, my little one, little one?<br />Where are you going, my baby, my own?<br />Turn around and you're two.<br />Turn around and you're four.<br />Turn around and you're a young girl going out of the door.<br /><br />Turn around. Turn around.<br />Turn around and you're a young girl going out of the door.<br /><br />Where are you going, my little one, little one?<br />Little dirndls and petticoats, where have you gone?<br />Turn around and you're tiny.<br />Turn around and you're grown.<br />Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own.<br /><br />Turn around. Turn around.<br />Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own.<br /><br />...Are your eyes still dry? Good, cause mine aren't!<br /><br />Despite our differences, when I was a little girl, I <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span> my daddy's little girl. I loved him very dearly - just as a little girl loves her father. Our dynamic has since changed quite a bit, but one of my fondest memories of my father is of when I was a little girl growing up in a small town outside of Los Angeles. We would fly kites together very often, and one day the kite I was flying blew into some brush deep behind our home. I was so upset - I couldn't fly my kite anymore with my dad! So I asked him to go and get it for me... and he said he would get it, for the price of a hug. I paid up, and we happily continued flying our kites together.<br /><br />I know my dad loves me, even if he doesn't know quite how to express it now. He loves me as the little girl I once was to him, and I'll happily fill those shoes again for him on my wedding day.<br /><br />Now as I'm trying to get this song for our reception, it's proving hard to find! I was able to find the above link on youtube, but this version - by The Kingston Trio - isn't available for download on iTunes nor Amazon. Could you help me find an .mp3 of this song? I don't mind paying the $1 download - I just can't find it anywhere.<br /><br />What are you dancing to with your father, and how does it reflect your changing relationship with him?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-8292394166896369520?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-1878937005130072012009-08-21T10:55:00.005-04:002009-08-21T11:41:57.837-04:00Mr. Bear Cub was the easy one to outfit. Typically, when someone's a groom, I guess what they do is send measurements to Men's Wearhouse for a tuxedo, and then pick it up a few days before the wedding, right? Well... Mr. BC isn't going to wear a tux, so having his dudes wear tuxes would be a little odd. ;)<br /><br />If you <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/16/groomstyle-dudestyle-part-1/">recall</a> what Mr. BC is going to wear, I think the groomsdudes would look nice in lighter brown sport coats like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So629oeAY1I/AAAAAAAAHpo/2YkekzkLWTU/s1600-h/dudestyle3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So629oeAY1I/AAAAAAAAHpo/2YkekzkLWTU/s400/dudestyle3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372432575451128658" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So62-o0rJhI/AAAAAAAAHp4/jYdpuVFyLN8/s1600-h/dudestyle5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 340px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So62-o0rJhI/AAAAAAAAHp4/jYdpuVFyLN8/s400/dudestyle5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372432592726074898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So62-AxJNZI/AAAAAAAAHpw/92pcfWvleo0/s1600-h/dudestyle4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 340px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So62-AxJNZI/AAAAAAAAHpw/92pcfWvleo0/s400/dudestyle4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372432581973849490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">source for above 3 photos: <a href="http://www.vallentynephotography.com/">Vallentyne Photography</a></span><br /></div><br />Not too light, and not too dark. That's what we're going for here. Oh, and "british khaki" slacks for a little accent. We've tossed around the idea of having the dudes wear vests, but Mr. BC isn't going to wear a vest, so it would probably look strange together!<br /><br />Outfitting groomsdudes (from a bride's perspective) is a bit more challenging than asking your brideschicas to buy a dress. Girls like to shop. Girls like dresses. Boys don't like to shop. Boys don't particularly like to spend money when it's not necessary. I know I'm making some pretty big generalizations here, and they're not entirely true. However, for most guys, they could care less what they wear to the wedding, even as a groomsdude. My mission is to make it <span style="font-weight: bold;">easy for them</span>, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">as cheap as possible</span> for them.<br /><br />Since a tux rental is usually around $100, and most bridesmaids spend between $100 and $150 on their dress, we're trying to keep the groomsmen attire to between $100 and $150. Where's a cheap place to get a sport coat? Any department store. Conveniently, a few department stores are located nation-wide! We have groomsmen in all parts of the US, and even Canada - Vancouver, San Francisco (soon to be Geneva!), DC, Oregon, Denver (soon to be Austria!), and Oklahoma. My wonderful mother recently went to JCPenney to check out some sport coats, and informed me that they have locations in most US cities.<br /><br />I'd really prefer to keep the cost as low as possible, but it's a little hard, given that a man's attire is 4-piece, as opposed to a woman's 1-piece (slacks, shirt, coat, tie vs just the dress!). The coat is definitely the most expensive part.<br /><br />My favorite is the "<a href="http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=53006&amp;CatID=53048&amp;GrpTyp=SIZ&amp;ItemID=16c1652&amp;attrtype=&amp;attrvalue=&amp;CMID=external%7C53012&amp;Fltr=&amp;Srt=&amp;QL=F&amp;IND=4&amp;cmVirtualCat=&amp;CmCatId=external%7C53012%7C53048">Stafford Essential Capewool Sportcoat</a>", but at $100-$110 for the jacket alone, I'm a little concerned it will be cost-prohibitive.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So64cSt0bkI/AAAAAAAAHqI/C0yBMW4kaHU/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 381px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So64cSt0bkI/AAAAAAAAHqI/C0yBMW4kaHU/s400/Picture+11.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372434201699446338" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=53006&amp;CatID=53048&amp;GrpTyp=SIZ&amp;ItemID=16c1652&amp;attrtype=&amp;attrvalue=&amp;CMID=external%7C53012&amp;Fltr=&amp;Srt=&amp;QL=F&amp;IND=4&amp;cmVirtualCat=&amp;CmCatId=external%7C53012%7C53048">source</a></div><br />Then there's the "<a href="http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=53006&amp;CatID=53048&amp;GrpTyp=SIZ&amp;ItemID=16c15a4&amp;attrtype=&amp;attrvalue=&amp;CMID=external%7C53012&amp;Fltr=&amp;Srt=&amp;QL=F&amp;IND=2&amp;cmVirtualCat=&amp;CmCatId=external%7C53012%7C53048">Stafford Essentials Year-Round Sportcoat</a>". At $20 cheaper than the wool coat, this may make the difference! Cheaper, yes, but the color isn't exactly as rich as the first coat...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So64dT3PfmI/AAAAAAAAHqY/QTCl6CKM23A/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 380px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So64dT3PfmI/AAAAAAAAHqY/QTCl6CKM23A/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372434219187273314" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=53006&amp;CatID=53048&amp;GrpTyp=SIZ&amp;ItemID=16c15a4&amp;attrtype=&amp;attrvalue=&amp;CMID=external%7C53012&amp;Fltr=&amp;Srt=&amp;QL=F&amp;IND=2&amp;cmVirtualCat=&amp;CmCatId=external%7C53012%7C53048">source</a></div><br />Then we need a good, inexpensive pair of slacks. Dockers work. We'll probably tell our groomsdudes to use whatever pair of nice khaki slacks they already own - no use in reinventing the wheel, right? Besides, if the slacks don't match perfectly, it won't really matter - the bridesmaids are already <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/07/letting-the-maids-dress-themselves/">mis-matchy</a>; I'm not going to lose sleep over different shades of khaki.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So64b0J_0BI/AAAAAAAAHqA/l-fBISR9mf4/s1600-h/Picture+25.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 386px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So64b0J_0BI/AAAAAAAAHqA/l-fBISR9mf4/s400/Picture+25.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372434193496133650" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?DeptID=53006&amp;CatID=53009&amp;GrpTyp=SIZ&amp;ItemID=166db6b&amp;attrtype=ITY&amp;attrvalue=flat+front+pants&amp;CMID=53006%7C53009&amp;Fltr=ITY%3aEquals%3aflat+front+pants&amp;Srt=&amp;QL=T&amp;IND=1&amp;cmVirtualCat=shopbyitemtype&amp;CmCatId=53006%7C53009%7Cshopbyitemtype">source</a></div><br />Of course, you need a good tie! We're going to buy the ties for the groomsdudes to try to help them out as much as we can. <a href="http://www.saveonties.com/">Saveonties.com</a> has a whole slew of ties - most cheaper than $15 each! <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So64cxwaqtI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/6Oohu61Xu24/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/So64cxwaqtI/AAAAAAAAHqQ/6Oohu61Xu24/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372434210031839954" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.saveonties.com/">source</a></div><br />We've also told the groomsdudes to get a crisp, plain white button-down dress shirt. No fuss!<br /><br />Which sportcoat do you like best for Mr. Bear Cub's groomsmen? How are you trying to keep costs down for your bridal party? Do you have another suggestion for Mr. BC's groomsmen attire I haven't thought of?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-187893700513007201?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-54133534434266502772009-08-18T17:46:00.003-04:002009-08-19T10:54:26.605-04:00Over the past few weeks, I've gained a new skill. Marketing reps should be quite proud of me; I now have plenty experience with <span style="font-weight: bold;">cold calling</span> friends, family, and strangers about our wedding.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SosivEvMtaI/AAAAAAAAHpg/OIfmgR4P2lk/s1600-h/coldcall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SosivEvMtaI/AAAAAAAAHpg/OIfmgR4P2lk/s400/coldcall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371425172690351522" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.salescareertraining.com/outboundprospectingsalestechnique.html">source</a></div><br />Our invites were sent out a few weeks ago, and the RSVP date was this past weekend (I promise I'll share the details on our invites soon!). Out of the 175 people we invited, only 25 have actually RSVP'd, be it yes or no. The calling game has begun, and it's not fun.<br /><br />At first it wasn't so bad - I called a few of our family and friends I was pretty sure were planning on coming. As suspected, they were just a little late with their "yes" RSVP. It's been wonderful hearing people say things like "I wouldn't miss your wedding for the world!", "Of course we're coming!", and "Viking-ninjas couldn't stop me!". Now we've gotten to the doldrums of the delinquency list. Now we're calling the maybes, and the most-likely-nos. And it's no fun.<br /><br />The worst part is the "maybes" who are worried about coming to our wedding because it's at a campgrounds. The first thing I've heard from a lot of people is "we'll be staying at a motel in the neighboring city", and then "I have to catch a plane at 7am the day after the wedding", and after that the always popular "do we really have to bring sleeping bags?".<br /><br />*sigh*<br /><br />Yes. You really need to bring a sleeping bag. Don't worry, <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/16/virtual-venue-visits/">you'll be fine</a>. The cabins are a little rustic, but they <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> heated. I understand that all the airlines smoked some crack a few years ago and decided to charge for checked luggage, but if you really don't want to pay $25 for an extra bag, we can arrange for you to rent a sleeping bag when you get to town (hopefully I can fit this into my already ballooning list of errands to run during my ONLY WEEK IN THE STATES).<br /><br />It's really not advisable to stay at a motel in a neighboring city. While you mean well, it will only cause you more strife. Remember, our venue isn't exactly <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/30/a-quirky-venue-for-a-quirky-couple/">NORMAL</a>. It's surrounded entirely by Nature Conservancy land, and the main access is via once-daily ferry. It is physically possible to drive to the camp, but only a handful of cars are allowed at the camp grounds. Since it's in a forest, the idea is to preserve it, not pollute it. READ: there's a reason we're recommending everyone sleep at the camp. It's easy. Driving to a "neighboring" motel is most definitely <span style="font-weight: bold;">not</span>.<br /><br />Unfortunately, even those who are definitely coming to our wedding are having issues dealing with the <span style="font-style: italic;">uniqueness</span> of our venue. Almost every phone call I make to our family and friends includes me<span style="font-weight: bold;"> selling the idea</span> of our wedding. Here I am, living in another country, finalizing the plans for my wedding, and I'm left reassuring our guests that yes there are bathrooms (communal), and yes the food will be healthy, and no you probably shouldn't try to get a hotel in the neighboring town. Oh, and by the way, YES it will be a wonderfully fun and amazing weekend! I find myself telling our guests not to worry about the circumstances of our wedding <span style="font-style: italic;">so much</span>, and it's really getting me down.<br /><br />Why should I have to sell the idea of our wedding so much? At this point, I really feel like the best wedding gift anyone could give us is <span style="font-weight: bold;">REALLY</span> just their presence. I know that's what a lot of people say - "your presence at our wedding is the only gift we need!" - but seriously. It would be such a wonderful gift for our guests to chill out &amp; go with the flow.<br /><br />I understand that a lot of people think the idea of a wedding is to include as many family members as possible. By that notion, I should have planned my wedding to be at a country club or some other place that's easily accessible. That may be suitable for some people, but it just isn't for Mr. Bear Cub and myself. It's just not us. We wouldn't feel comfortable - it wouldn't feel as sacred or special unless we had done it <span style="font-style: italic;">our</span> way. And <span style="font-style: italic;">our</span> way is how we always feel comfortable - in nature, playing fun games (like frisbee!), and camping, singing, laughing, hugging. I know this means that not everyone can make it to our wedding - we understood that when we signed the contract at our venue. A wedding means something different to everyone, but I believe that above all else, it should be a <span style="font-weight: bold;">community effort</span>. For a short while, everyone puts aside their issues and worries, and works to make the wedding a success. Everyone together, and everyone with a positive attitude.<br /><br />I have a pretty freakin positive attitude when it comes to our wedding, but recently it feels like it's being stretched too thin.<br /><br />Have you had to sell the idea of your wedding to your guests? If you've had a few guests that have been nervous about attending your wedding for whatever reason, how have you eased their nerves? And how have you kept a positive attitude, while being beaten down by the nay-sayers?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5413353443426650277?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-9685518294745086812009-08-14T12:02:00.011-04:002009-08-14T15:56:05.871-04:00Mr. Bear Cub isn't exactly a tuxedo kind of man. And that's OK - I love him for it! I want him to be comfortable on his wedding day; I want him to take pride in what he wears. You know, just so long as it's nice. ;) He usually wears whatever he grabs first out of his drawer (of crumpled t-shirts), and usually the clothes that fill the drawer were bought by either his mom (several years ago) or me (now). He just can't be bothered with shopping for himself, unless it involves <a href="http://www.goretex.com/">gore-tex</a> or <a href="http://www.nrsweb.com/tech_talk/event_fabric_rocks.asp">e-vent</a> material, <a href="https://www.smartwool.com/">high-performance wool</a>, or anything found for a steal at an <a href="http://www.rei.com/">REI</a> <a href="http://www.twolia.com/blogs/the-perpetual-tourist/2008/03/31/stock-up-on-gear-at-rei-scratch-and-dent-sales/">scratch-and-dent</a> sale. That's Mr. Bear Cub's style, and I love him! That makes it a lot easier for me to find his wedding day attire. ;) He's a practical guy - being able to wear these clothes after the big day is important.<br /><br />At first I imagined him in a dark brown suit for the wedding, but then I saw this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT39IUI7I/AAAAAAAAHoA/EOhyaLQV2_k/s1600-h/groomstyle1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT39IUI7I/AAAAAAAAHoA/EOhyaLQV2_k/s400/groomstyle1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369860720220709810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT4Uf2K6I/AAAAAAAAHoI/H8BLEQL44Is/s1600-h/dudestyle2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT4Uf2K6I/AAAAAAAAHoI/H8BLEQL44Is/s400/dudestyle2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369860726493424546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">above two photos from <a href="http://www.vallentynephotography.com/">Vallentyne Photography</a></span><br /></div><br />Perfect! Dark brown velvet/corduroy sportcoat plus british khaki slacks fit the bill! Last September, before Mr. BC &amp; I moved to Chile, we hit up a J.Crew in Portland to see how they could help us out. It being fall, the corduroy jackets were in season! I can totally picture Mr. Bear Cub using his corduroy jacket to teach in when he's a professor at a university some day. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWURUnO2_I/AAAAAAAAHoo/IO32cF9IBSI/s1600-h/ryanjacket1.jpg"> </a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT43ykhkI/AAAAAAAAHoY/U2--bwM_Im0/s1600-h/groomstyle2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 393px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT43ykhkI/AAAAAAAAHoY/U2--bwM_Im0/s400/groomstyle2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369860735967200834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT5TwhezI/AAAAAAAAHog/lvH-yIrsvjQ/s1600-h/groomstyle3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 390px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT5TwhezI/AAAAAAAAHog/lvH-yIrsvjQ/s400/groomstyle3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369860743474805554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">above two images from <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/">Jcrew</a></span><br /></div><br />But since this is more of a formal affair, the darker chocolate brown is the way to go with the jacket! We got him the <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/MensBrowse/Men_Shop_By_Category/sportcoatsandvests/sportcoats/PRDOVR%7E96333/96333.jsp">washed corduroy sportcoat</a> in "stout", a crisp white button-down shirt, and Mr. BC picked out the tie himself!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT43ykhkI/AAAAAAAAHoY/U2--bwM_Im0/s1600-h/groomstyle2.jpg"> </a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWURUnO2_I/AAAAAAAAHoo/IO32cF9IBSI/s1600-h/ryanjacket1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWURUnO2_I/AAAAAAAAHoo/IO32cF9IBSI/s400/ryanjacket1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369861156021132274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUR-fYUOI/AAAAAAAAHow/oXXv239ITj0/s1600-h/ryanjacket2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUR-fYUOI/AAAAAAAAHow/oXXv239ITj0/s400/ryanjacket2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369861167262486754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The "ensemble" - waiting safely for us in Portland!</span><br /></div> <br />We only recently found the rest of his outfit - the slacks. I prefer to catch the sales on Jcrew whenever possible, and these slick slacks were on sale for $70!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUR-fYUOI/AAAAAAAAHow/oXXv239ITj0/s1600-h/ryanjacket2.jpg"><br /> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUS0eKueI/AAAAAAAAHpA/zrBd-xkcWs8/s1600-h/ryanslacks2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUS0eKueI/AAAAAAAAHpA/zrBd-xkcWs8/s400/ryanslacks2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369861181752916450" border="0" /></a> <div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUSdMeCQI/AAAAAAAAHo4/IUds56zMrWI/s1600-h/ryanslacks1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUSdMeCQI/AAAAAAAAHo4/IUds56zMrWI/s400/ryanslacks1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369861175504668930" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUTCdfTmI/AAAAAAAAHpI/ZqTHhh9NbK4/s1600-h/ryanslacks3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 398px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWUTCdfTmI/AAAAAAAAHpI/ZqTHhh9NbK4/s400/ryanslacks3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369861185508167266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">above 3 images from <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/">Jcrew</a></span><br /></div><br />While Mr. Bear Cub claims to not know anything about fashion, he must have good intuition - he absolutely loves a good pair of linen slacks. He likes to call them his "weekend pants" because of how comfortable they are! The <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Browse/MensBrowse/Men_Special_Sizes/tall/suits/PRDOVR%7E91031/99101411193/ENE%7E1+2+3+22+4294967294+20%7E%7E%7E20+16+4294967275%7E90%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E%7E/91031.jsp">Irish-linen suit pant</a> from Jcrew is quite a bit nicer than his normal "weekend pants"; they'll be up-graded to conference- and weekend-lounging-status after the wedding.<br /><br />As for the kicks, at first I had no idea what Mr. Bear Cub should wear. I have enough trouble finding my <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/16/shoes-omg-shoes/">own shoes</a>, let alone his! I certainly don't know anything about "wing tips" or whatever they're called. All I knew is that I wanted his socks to show. I love a good socks 'n peep-toe <a href="http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/greenstripes.jpg">peep show</a>, wedding style! Plus Mr. BC really really likes socks. A lot. Sooner or later I'll need to complete his look with the snazziest of snazzy socks. He wanted to wear bircken-socks (birckenstocks with socks), but I put the kibosh on that. ;) Besides, he needs to be comfortable dancing in these shoes!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/97565265_59dd762cdc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/25/97565265_59dd762cdc.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charliebay/97565265/">grad students have all the fun</a></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">So I hit up my other <a href="http://www.rei.com">old faithful</a> (besides the usual Jcrew), and found these stylin' sneaks!<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWWo5nebPI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/lcoSMcRHElU/s1600-h/ryanshoes.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWWo5nebPI/AAAAAAAAHpQ/lcoSMcRHElU/s400/ryanshoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369863760114511090" border="0" /></a>source: <a href="http://www.patagonia.com">Patagonia</a>, via <a href="http://www.rei.com">REI</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Perfect for the outdoorsy guy who just so happens to look sharp! Patagonia has some great footwear for men that don't always frequent Wall Street, but still want to get some dual-use out of their "nice shoes". As soon as he put them on, Mr. BC didn't want to take them off! These will probably turn into "weekend shoes". ;)<br /></div></div><br />Now we have a bigger challenge: grooms-dudes &amp; dudes-of-honor style.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT4uXyRVI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/fkOTb-W_ueY/s1600-h/dudestyle3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoWT4uXyRVI/AAAAAAAAHoQ/fkOTb-W_ueY/s400/dudestyle3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369860733438936402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">source: <a href="http://www.vallentynephotography.com/">Vallentyne Photography</a></span><br /></div><br />Did you go against the tuxedo grain? Where did you get your groom's wedding day attire from? How do you think Mr. BC's attire is shaping up? :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-968551829474508681?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-84406364527723269272009-08-12T16:18:00.004-04:002009-08-12T18:01:45.655-04:00One of the things Mr. Bear Cub absolutely wanted at our wedding was a live band. Mr. BC plays guitar, has <a href="http://www.annacoogan.com/">many</a> <a href="http://www.wesweddell.com/">friends</a> that have been signed to labels, and always loved going to the <a href="http://www.nwfolklife.org/">Northwest Folklife festival</a> while in college at UW. For him, our event wouldn't be the same without a live band, namely a great folk band.<br /><br />I really don't know how you're "supposed" to find a band for a wedding. The odds of finding the right band, at the right price, in the right place seem ridiculously stacked against you. But somehow we found a band that fit us just right. We started looking several months ago on the MySpace music page for bands that fit into the criteria of "americana", "bluegrass", and "folk". Hopefully with a bit of an Irish flair, and specifically with a mandolin (we'd love to have <a href="http://www.nickelcreek.com/">Nickel Creek</a> play our wedding, but that's just not going to happen). After several weeks of listening to bands in the Portland area, we discovered a lot of great new artists to listen to at home - but no band to sign for our wedding. We emailed a handful of bands, but few of them wanted to make the drive to the Oregon coast for a Sunday wedding. Boo. :( If you're in the Eugene area, go check out <a href="http://www.myspace.com/greenmountainbluegrassband">this</a> band - I wish we could have booked them!<br /><br />We were looking for a band similar to <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/04/09/montana-bluegrass/">Mrs. Cherry Pie</a>'s and <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/27/what-do-you-get-when-you-cross-weddings-and-music-festivals/">Miss Cowboy Boots</a> - folksy, bluegrass, chill, and altogether awesome.<br /><br />Then I followed Mrs. Joey's sage advice - I listed an ad on craigslist for a band. Miraculously, I got an email (from a real band!). I've never been so sure about listing ads on craigslist, nor how well they work, but apparently they do! Amazingly, the band that emailed was <span style="font-style: italic;">just</span> what we were looking for - mandolin, folksy, irishy, upbeat, and *gasp* they also randomly specialize in latin music! Since we've been making our home in South America, we decided it would be fun to learn some salsa moves for the wedding! Luckily our band will be hip to that jive. ;)<br /><br />For our wedding, Mr. Bear Cub and I booked the talented <a href="http://www.terracoustic.com/Home.html">Terracoustic</a> band from Portland. They feature a mandolin, a six-string fiddle, and an upright bass. You can check out their myspace page <a href="http://www.myspace.com/terracoustic">here</a>, along with band member pages <a href="http://www.myspace.com/joshuafeinberg">here</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/timconnellmusic">here</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoMyH1iPe9I/AAAAAAAAHn4/EFlO6z8v--U/s1600-h/terracoustic.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 451px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoMyH1iPe9I/AAAAAAAAHn4/EFlO6z8v--U/s400/terracoustic.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369190290966936530" border="0" /></a><a href="http://danielstark.blogspot.com/2009/04/terracoustic-portland-or.html">source:</a> <a href="http://www.danielstarkphotography.com/">Daniel Stark Photography</a><br /></div><br />Mr. BC also wants jam-sessions to be a prominent part of our wedding weekend. He has envisioned friends bringing their instruments, laughing and playing together by the camp fire. We've invited our band to stay with us at the camp for the entire weekend, and especially to jam with us! (I might even break out my flute ;) )<br /><br />Terracoustic will be playing our reception at the camp lodge, and we've asked them to learn two songs for us. The first one we will dance to, and the second will be a surprise for everyone, including you. ;)<br /><br />I've shared with the hive our indecision with regards to our "first dance" song. I really wanted to dance to <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/09/i-want-to-be-somebody-loved/">Somebody Loved</a> by The Weepies, but in the end, I realized that it wouldn't be the best song for a male voice to cover. Our song was staring us in the face, and we didn't even realize it until day 1 of our dance lessons. Mr. Bear Cub started playing a song by Nickel Creek, and it just fit.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/arTtGq-E8Xo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/arTtGq-E8Xo&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br />(<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng5-VUDcjJ8">this video</a> is much better, but can only be viewed on youtube)<br /><br />The song is called "When You Come Back Down" - it's definitely not the SAPPY love song that "Somebody Loved" is, but it holds special significance to us (plus it will be easier for our band to cover!). When Mr. BC and I had just started dating (3 years ago!), he sent me this song, and told me that when it came on his ipod while on a long bike ride, it reminded him of me, and it made him think fondly of me. I've since then grown to love Nickel Creek (and Mr. BC!), and I think the meaning of the song fits us. We both think it's important to let each other chase our dreams, but we want to be there for the other if need (or want) be. Mr. BC always tells me how proud he is of me for chasing my dreams; he'll support me in my wishes, and I in his.<br /><br />If you're having a band play your reception, how did you find it? What are some other good bands you've found along the way? Are you keeping anything about your reception entertainment a secret from your guests?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-8440636452772326927?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-65874934682021488342009-08-12T12:15:00.005-04:002009-08-12T14:35:35.743-04:00Hi Hive!<br /><br />Remember me? Lil' Miss Bear Cub? I feel awful for being so MIA recently. It's amazing how much gets piled on your plate at one and a half months out!<br /><br />The primary reason I've been gone for so long is because this past weekend I went to my best friend's wedding. I didn't date my best friend (à la <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Best_Friend%27s_Wedding" target="_blank">Julia Roberts</a>), but I did date her husband's brother for 3.5 years. My best friend - my own MOH "E" - got engaged while I was still dating him! I think they've been together for a cumulative of 11 years now. Some of the best things come with time. The bride &amp; groom - E+E - had one of the most amazing weddings I've ever seen. I didn't take any pictures myself, but I didn't need to. Everyone else in attendance was a photographer there! I plan to post a recap on her wedding when I can get my hands on some pics. ;)<br /><br />You want to know what it's like to go to a wedding at your ex-boyfriend's parents home?<br /><br />It's awkward. Very, very awkward.<br /><br />Planning a wedding doesn't usually include thinking of exes, let alone seeing them a month before your wedding. Mine does. I've known since before I met Mr. Bear Cub that I would be going to my MOH E's wedding, that it would be at my ex's parents' home, and that he would be there. As it just so happens, with his new(ish) girlfriend, too.<br /><br />This was all sorts of awkward, but I love MOH E, so I tried to make the best of it. Her wedding was amazing, so it didn't end up mattering that much. But here's the thing - this wasn't just any ex. We were together for almost 4 years. I thought we were going to get married. I used to <span style="font-style: italic;">live</span> at his parents' house with him, take dinner with the family every night, and visit the grandparents on holidays. Really, I was part of the family. I baked and knit with his mom, I went surfing with his brother, and I am best friends with his other brother's (now) wife. Needless to say, I was pretty certain we would actually be calling each other sister-in-law one day!<br /><br />Then some things happened, we grew apart emotionally, and I made the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/19/how-to-meet-and-woo-a-bear-cub/">biggest decision</a> of my life. I moved to New Mexico for grad school, and he decided not to move with me. I hadn't wanted to meet anyone in NM. I had wanted to finish a masters degree in 2 years, and move back to California. But I met someone, and now I want to spend the rest of my life with that little bear. He's so much better for me in every way, and I can't <span style="font-weight: bold;">wait</span> to marry him in a month.<br /><br />My ex and I haven't exactly been on the best terms. We're civil, when need be. Which I think is interesting, based on how we split. We didn't fight, neither of us really dumped the other. We realized our lives were going in different directions. For a while I tried to be friendly with my ex, but it hasn't seemed to stick at all. He keeps pushing me away, and then he does something to show that he cares just a teensy bit, and that he wants me to be happy. Aren't exes such a weird thing? I don't know if he or his gf know that I blog for WB, so I'll try to keep this as light-hearted as possible. I did meet his girlfriend at my MOH's wedding, and if she's reading, I'd like her to know that I think she's great for my ex. I think she's sweet, helpful, and I'm very glad their together (I'm too shy and non-confrontational to say so in person!).<br /><br />I have a philosophical beef with "exes", in an abstract way. I know Harry told Sally that men can never be friends with women - they will only ever want to sleep with them - but is this really true? Can't you replace that "love" feeling you once had for someone with a "sibling" feeling? I wish very deeply that I could have a friend/brother relationship with my ex. He's a very interesting person, and I like to keep interesting people in my life. I don't want to be with him romantically. I could see hanging out with him like one hangs out with a brother. Or maybe sending him a book once in a while that I think he'll like, to let him know I still think he's cool (but I think Mr. Bear Cub is cooler ;) ). I know it's a fact of life, but why is it so hard to maintain a friendship with an ex, especially when the breakup isn't bad?<br /><br />When I visited his parents' home for the wedding, his mom welcomed me with open arms. She was so happy to see me! And his grandmother was excited and happy to learn I was engaged! I had a wonderful time catching up with his family, but he ignored me completely. I guess it was easier for him to continue telling himself that I don't exist.<br /><br />Mr. Bear Cub has been a dream about my wishes to be friends with my ex. He's been very understanding, and supportive - I'm very lucky to have a partner that cares this much for me.<br /><br />Am I strange to think that people can move on completely, and evolve their relationship to a true friendship? Does this ever actually happen? In your realization that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with your fiancé (or husband), how have you made peace with the exes in your past life?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-6587493468202148834?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-38305725167764360102009-08-12T11:17:00.005-04:002009-08-12T11:56:49.355-04:00Hi Hive!<br /><br />Remember me? Lil' Miss Bear Cub? I feel awful for being so MIA recently. It's amazing how much gets piled on your plate at one and a half months out!<br /><br />The primary reason I've been gone for so long is because this past weekend, I went to my best friend's wedding. I didn't date my best friend (à la <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Best_Friend%27s_Wedding">Julia Roberts</a>), but I did date her husband's brother for 3.5 years. My best friend - my own MOH "E" - got engaged while I was still dating him! I think they've been together for a cumulative of 11 years now. Some of the best things come with time. The bride &amp; groom - E+E - had one of the most amazing weddings I've ever seen. I didn't take any pictures myself, but I didn't need to. Everyone else in attendance was a photographer there! I plan to post a recap on her wedding when I can get my hands on some pics. ;)<br /><br />For the time being, I'll give you a sneak peak into their wedding website.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoLfkw2WVdI/AAAAAAAAHnY/1bpkBWEonYM/s1600-h/e%2Be.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoLfkw2WVdI/AAAAAAAAHnY/1bpkBWEonYM/s400/e%2Be.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369099528460195282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">my browser was doing funny things - "Español" has the same font as "English normally ;)</span><br /></div><br />The front page to their wedsite (that the groom designed from scratch) featured a hand-drawn image of E+E. I love how it really <span style="font-style: italic;">looks</span> like <span style="font-style: italic;">them</span>, and it looks like a heart. :) Several members of the bride's family were coming to the California nuptials from South America, so they directed their guests to both an English and a Spanish version of their site.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoLepu4oRcI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/VzPNb3vqmeM/s1600-h/e%2Be_wedsite.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 536px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SoLepu4oRcI/AAAAAAAAHnQ/VzPNb3vqmeM/s400/e%2Be_wedsite.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369098514320606658" border="0" /></a>(click to enlarge)<br /></div><br />The groom's a pretty good artist, so in addition to drawing their "monogram" (really, the heart picture of their faces together), he scanned in pieces of paper to look like the moon, clouds, and a rolling hillside. The best part of their wedsite was that the little pieces of "paper" MOVED. The clouds moved past the moon, and the hills slowly rolled, just as the countryside changes as you hike through it. Their wedding was at the groom's parents' home between Half Moon Bay and Redwood City in the Bay Area. It's really quite beautiful there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://home.pacbell.net/hillmann/CyclingCalifornia/Peninsula/AlpineRd/AlpineRd6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 336px;" src="http://home.pacbell.net/hillmann/CyclingCalifornia/Peninsula/AlpineRd/AlpineRd6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://home.pacbell.net/hillmann/CyclingCalifornia/TopRides.html">a good place for cycling, too!</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />E+E were very practical with their wedding plans. Their beautiful wedsite directed people to exactly what they <span style="font-style: italic;">needed</span> to know - the "who what when where how" of a wedding. Sweet &amp; simple, and I think it worked fantastically. Plus their RSVP was on their wedsite, so that meant no extra fumbling with RSVP cards. E+E uploaded a picture of each person that RSVP'd yes to their page "who's coming". This was a great way to place a picture with the face of other guests!<br /><br />My MOH E and her husband did not have professional photography, so I hope to get some pics to share with you soon! I feel very excited to showcase their wedding, because, while they don't necessarily balk at the Wedding Industry, they certainly tried to make their wedding completely their own. They had their wedding at home. There was dancing for those who wanted to dance. The brother of the groom used his fire-engine bar. There was a pig roast. There was home-made honey wine (brewed a year in advance!). There was standing room only at the ceremony. The brother of the bride officiated (with a book on how to survive ZOMBIE attacks!). There was no assigned seating at the reception, the mother of the groom baked the 5-TIER layered cake, and my dear E+E were happier than I've ever seen them. It was truly the embodiment of their lives together, their families, their friends, and their happiness, and I can't wait to share it with you.<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3830572516776436010?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-9017781491971291002009-07-30T19:27:00.003-04:002009-07-30T20:13:29.702-04:00I saw this earlier, and thought WOW<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SnItI6o6iwI/AAAAAAAAHmw/RRJqjpPrqak/s1600-h/figplum.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SnItI6o6iwI/AAAAAAAAHmw/RRJqjpPrqak/s400/figplum.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364399737354750722" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.figandplum.com/">source</a></div><br />BEAUTIFUL!<br /><br />Maybe it just looks like a bunch of yarn to you, but to me, that looks like soft, supple, delectably cozy wedding-wear to me! So I did what any bride drunk off the crazy juice does. I spent time thinking about it.<br /><br />Bad idea. I like it. It's pretty. Here, this might help you visualize -<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.interweavestore.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/images/products/EP0009.jpg&amp;lr=t&amp;bw=240&amp;w=240&amp;bh=320&amp;h=320"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.interweavestore.com/store/i/is.aspx?path=/images/products/EP0009.jpg&amp;lr=t&amp;bw=240&amp;w=240&amp;bh=320&amp;h=320" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/store/p/1026-Viennese-Shrug.aspx">source</a></div><br />Yup. Still cute. Still like it. Crap. Well... I'm going to be cold on the September evening, aren't I? I'll need some sort of... SHRUG or WRAP, won't I? Of course I will. Don't be silly, little Bear Cub.<br /><br />I couldn't stop with just one pattern. Oh NOOO... I had to check out my usual free-pattern fix - <a href="http://www.knitty.com/">Knitty</a>. And OF COURSE there are some pretties on there I started drooling over...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/images/seascapeBEAUTY.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 452px;" src="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/images/seascapeBEAUTY.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>"<a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer08/PATTseascape.html">Seascape</a>"</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/images/muirBIG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 550px; height: 413px;" src="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/images/muirBIG.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTmuir.html">"Muir"</a><br /></div><br />and then I fell into the rabbit hole of lace. Ohhh I love lace. Lace so prettyyyy.... (remember, I'm still boozed up on the crazy juice.)<br /><br />I have the yarn. I guess you know by now I'm a knitter. I used to knit a lot. With knitting, comes yarn hoarding. I have a LOT of yarn. So much beautiful yarn, begging to be donned as a wedding day arm-warmer.<br /><br />In particular, I have about 7 shades of this yarn:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.birdsnyarn.com/ProdImages/Silky_Wool_24.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 334px;" src="http://www.birdsnyarn.com/ProdImages/Silky_Wool_24.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.birdsnyarn.com/scripts/prodview.asp?idproduct=2366">source</a></div><br />No joke. I have 7 shades, and 10 skeins (balls) of each color. 70% merino wool &amp; 30% silk? Yes, please! It feels so good, I just want to rub it on my cheeks. Mmm... yarn..<br /><br />RIGHT. WEDDINGS. Gotta sober up here a bit.<br /><br />This looks wedding-y to me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.streetsandyos.com/archives/Rowan38_river.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.streetsandyos.com/archives/Rowan38_river.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.streetsandyos.com/archives/2005/08/">"River" by Rowan</a><br /></div><br />I started knitting this particular pattern a few years ago, but that's a lot of lace, and I ended up not having the time.<br /><br />Hmm... this is sounding like a wacko idea. Knit a lace shawl/scarf/shrug, with less than 2 months before the wedding? Am I crazy?<br /><br />Knitters in the hive - how much effort/time do you think it would be to knit a lace wrap thing? Is it worth it?<br />All you lovely buzzing members of the hive - are these shrugs/wraps really beautiful, or am I off my rocker? Should I save my time, or invest in a beautiful hand-knit wrap?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-901778149197129100?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-50429310858255314052009-07-30T15:46:00.006-04:002009-07-30T16:06:28.707-04:00What do a baby bear...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SnH53DycwaI/AAAAAAAAHmY/6iiqP_W_nI0/s1600-h/bearcub.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 76px; height: 80px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SnH53DycwaI/AAAAAAAAHmY/6iiqP_W_nI0/s400/bearcub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364343355479998882" border="0" /></a>... and a cutie-patootie poodle have in common?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SnH53MShaSI/AAAAAAAAHmg/hb9UiaCdI0w/s1600-h/poodle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 60px; height: 80px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SnH53MShaSI/AAAAAAAAHmg/hb9UiaCdI0w/s400/poodle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364343357762005282" border="0" /></a>se hablan español, they love weddings, and they want to spend Saturday evening with YOU!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SnH6WRVrLZI/AAAAAAAAHmo/klmDjkFhDZU/s1600-h/bee-tv.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 75px; height: 72px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SnH6WRVrLZI/AAAAAAAAHmo/klmDjkFhDZU/s400/bee-tv.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364343891693350290" border="0" /></a>Miss Poodle is coming to visit me this weekend, and we'd love to meet you on <a href="http://weddingbee.com/tv">BeeTV</a> this Saturday evening and talk about all things wedding! We'll be celebrating in true Chilean fashion with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pisco_Sour">Pisco Sours</a> - <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=cachai">cachai</a>??<br /><br />Don't forget to stop by and visit us on <a href="http://weddingbee.com/tv">BeeTV</a> this Saturday evening at 6:00pm EST.<br /><br />Besos!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5042931085825531405?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-65377120075675565182009-07-26T19:22:00.005-04:002009-07-26T20:11:51.136-04:00Sometimes I think I'm crazy. What was I thinking when I decided it'd be "great" to sign up for a <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/19/did-she-just-say-marathon/">marathon</a>? <span style="font-style: italic;">While planning a wedding??</span><br /><br />Oh right. I wanted to look like this.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/2007/08/gouch3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 358px;" src="http://blog.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/2007/08/gouch3.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kara_Goucher">Kara Goucher:</a> <a href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/trackandfield/2007/08/kara_goucher_wins_bronze_in_wo.html">H-O-T</a></div><br />Last weekend our long run was 14 miles. Let me tell you, that's a lot of running. So. Much. Running. Every day - running. Get home from work - running. Plan some wedding on Saturday? Running. It really feels like I'm planning two marathons. Or running two weddings. I can't remember.<br /><br />The good news, though, is that we're still chugging away! The 14 miles didn't kill me, and Mr. Bear Cub is the sweetest coach ever. I wouldn't be able to run like this if it weren't for him. He keeps me motivated and he's always positive when we run. No sour sports here! I know it's corny, but I love how my running partner is such a fantastic life partner. :)<br /><br />We've got a little over 2 months before the "big day" (after our Big Day), and it's time to start thinking about what we'll wear on that <span style="font-style: italic;">other</span> big day! Since we're running the marathon (together! no personal records this time) right after we get back from our honeymoon, I thought it only appropriate we dress the part of the newlyweds.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SmzsIXukttI/AAAAAAAAHkA/XmqBLNsVSKE/s1600-h/primal_ritzredss.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 389px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SmzsIXukttI/AAAAAAAAHkA/XmqBLNsVSKE/s400/primal_ritzredss.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362920884843886290" border="0" /></a><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/SALE-Primal-Wear-RITZ-TUXEDO-cycling-jersey-S-M-L-XL-2X_W0QQitemZ380135276715QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090706?IMSfp=TL090706129007r34389">source</a></div><br />As dorky as it may sound, we thought it would be ridiculously cute to dress up like a bride &amp; groom for the marathon! We have to be smart about this, though. You can't wear cotton when you run. You will chafe, and your nipples might bleed (seriously). For long runs, it's best to wear sweat-wicking fabric. I <a href="http://www.smartwool.com/">personally</a> <a href="http://www.ibexwear.com/">love</a> <a href="http://www.icebreaker.com/">wool</a>, but polyester (Nike's "dry-fit", for example) works perfectly fine. The problem is, they don't really make much in the way of "bridal" running clothes. ;)<br /><br />After a little searching, I found a cycling jersey (above) that's a tuxedo! Perfect! A little buy-it-now action, ebay style, &amp; Mr. Bear Cub is in like <a href="http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/198700.html">Flynn</a>. Our bib "names" are a check - we'll officially be MR &amp; MSBRCUB by then. We've even been practicing a kiss at the "finish line" of every run! I don't really know what I should wear, though! Should I wear a little mini-veil on top of my ponytail? Should I don some crazy tutu-esque white dress? Or should I be SANE and realistic about my first marathon, and wear what will be most comfortable? Sometimes the safest option for long runs is to wear something you know you'll be comfortable in.<br /><br />What do you think would be a good "bridal" running outfit? We'd love for the crowds at the race to know we're recently married! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-6537712007567556518?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-33106031227952349572009-07-16T13:35:00.003-04:002009-07-16T15:17:54.888-04:00There's one picture I left out of the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/16/virtual-venue-visits/">virtual venue visit</a> the other day. Although I won't experience it until the wedding weekend, I'm 100% confident the food at <a href="http://www.westwind.org">Westwind</a> will be delicious.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1322/1454593931_c18226e55a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1322/1454593931_c18226e55a.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/catlaine/1454593931/in/set-72157602191409480/">source</a></div><br />Mmmmm.... Three types of heirloom tomatoes with fresh (buffalo, I hope?) mozzarella make quite the delectable <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insalata_Caprese">Caprese Salad</a>!<br /><br />The best part (which I've <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/06/our-french-campfood/">mentioned before</a>) is that <span style="font-weight: bold;">everyone</span> I've spoken to says the food is incredibly good! A year ago we tossed around the idea of having <a href="http://www.wildwoodrestaurant.com/">Wildwood</a> cater (they're orgasm-in-your-mouth good), but the logistics and the cost would have been a nightmare. All the former brides &amp; guests at Westwind I've talked with were self-described "foodies" (gourmet food is kind of a thing in <a href="http://www.portlandfoodanddrink.com/">Portland</a>), so I feel completely secure in our decision to have the camp cater our wedding.<br /><br />The thing that's perhaps the most unique about having the camp do the catering is that they will make (almost) anything we ask them, provided we give them recipes and general instructions. We have the power to create all the menus - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - for all <span style="font-weight: bold;">three</span> days that we'll be staying there.<br /><br />I just so happen to love food - and I'm a little neurotic about food parings - so I'll fill you in on parts of our weekend, and wedding, menus as things get finalized.<br /><br />The first menu item I wanted to play with was <span style="font-style: italic;">soup</span>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I love soup</span>. It's all warm and cozy in your mouth, and then hugs your tummy like a favorite old teddy bear! Soup always makes me smile - I could eat it for dinner every single night.<br /><br />For the wedding dinner, I wanted a soup that would start the meal by reminding our guests of the changing of the seasons (in keeping with our "<a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/15/whats-the-deal-with-a-date/">equinox</a>" theme). Originally I thought of using my personal recipe for butternut squash soup, but a friend suggested a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/dining/031mrex.html">Pear and Zucchini</a> soup recipe by <a href="http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/">Mark Bittman</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sl9nxgvWtBI/AAAAAAAAHjY/zjPvrUVAIOo/s1600-h/soup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sl9nxgvWtBI/AAAAAAAAHjY/zjPvrUVAIOo/s400/soup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359116181893985298" border="0" /></a>Photo by me<br /></div><br />Luckily, it's delicious! It couldn't be more fitting, too - the article Bittman wrote to accompany this soup is titled "<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/dining/03mini.html">A Marriage Made at the End of Summer</a>". You can read the whole article, but the most important part is when he says,<br /><blockquote>I love it for a number of reasons: the confluence of definitive end of summer and fall in full swing; the combination of two subtle but recognizable flavors; the creamy texture that comes without cream; and the ease with which you can throw together something that you’ve probably never thought of before.</blockquote>We made this for dinner the other night, and we decided it's exactly what we want - simple, substantial, and warm in my happy belly.<br /><br />How much liberty did you have in deciding on your wedding menu? What's your favorite soup?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3310603122795234957?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-32771147114542293102009-07-15T13:11:00.003-04:002009-07-15T17:19:06.248-04:00As I <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/14/spinning-my-wheels/">touched on</a> the other day, a large majority of my wedding plans feel to be theoretical right now. Ninety percent of my planning gets done via emails, and I won't see the final product until a week (!!!) before the wedding day. <br /><br />Immediately after moving to Chile in October 2008, I started to get withdrawal anxiety over my beautiful wedding venue. How would I know if I still loved it just as much a year from booking it? Would I forget what it looked like when I was there?<br /><br />Like a good little bridal blogger, I set out to find pictures of <a href="http://www.westwind.org">Westwind</a>. Specifically, I wanted to find pictures of past weddings at Westwind. Technically I'm supposed to do a visit with our venue at about 2 months before the wedding, but that's not realistic. I'll do an in-person visit as soon as I get in town - a week before the wedding.<br /><br />Till then, I've been lucky to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=westwind%20wedding&amp;w=all">find</a> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/nanceadventures/RobAlisonSWedding?authkey=0pMyXuSVQEY#">several</a> <a href="http://www.leiboh.com/lewis/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=CampPopowitzatWestwind-WeddingDay&amp;page=1">different</a> <a href="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/banquets/susanwedding.html">weddings</a> that have taken place at Westwind. Thanks to the power of pictures, I'm just as enamored with our venue as ever. It feels like a little bite of reality to see my venue all dolled up for weddings.<br /><br />Would you like the virtual tour of Westwind, on a wedding day?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2404788525_696121fa91.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2094/2404788525_696121fa91.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/himay/2404788525/">source</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The visit begins with short trip across the <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/projects/restoration/salmonriver/index.shtml">salmon river estuary</a> on a barge.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/03Barge/images/01bargecoming1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 314px;" src="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/03Barge/images/01bargecoming1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/03Barge/index.html">source</a></div><br />Then after a short walk into the forest, you reach your little ewok cabin, and settle in.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.leiboh.com/lewis/albums/CampPopowitzatWestwind-WeddingDay/res924286290.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.leiboh.com/lewis/albums/CampPopowitzatWestwind-WeddingDay/res924286290.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The cabins have full heating and lights, but they <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> camp cabins. This isn't luxury camping, but look out your cabin window, and it will be worth roughing it a bit. Looking at these pictures has made me realize it's a little silly to think I'll be able to rent twin-sized sheets and blankets for 80-100 beds. It's not practical to be worrying myself with things like that. Our guests (most of them) are adults, and they can tuck themselves in at night, especially if we give them fore-warning to bring a blanket/sleeping bag.<br /><br />See what I mean? Sleeping bags are really the way to go. (Unless some guests want to sleep on the beach - we're a-okay with that!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.leiboh.com/lewis/albums/CampPopowitzatWestwind-WeddingDay/res988470806.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.leiboh.com/lewis/albums/CampPopowitzatWestwind-WeddingDay/res988470806.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.leiboh.com/lewis/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=CampPopowitzatWestwind-WeddingDay&amp;id=res924286290">source</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />If you can get past the rough exterior, you'll see the natural beauty to this place. Wildflowers (and lavender!) in milkjugs, dining outside at twilight, the crisp, fresh autumn air - it's all here.<br /><br /></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/1455404878_519568f2de.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1370/1455404878_519568f2de.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/catlaine/1455404878/">source</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Several couples have gotten married on the beach at Westwind. Driftwood makes a beautiful "altar" for a laid-back, sincere ceremony like this.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1105/1455525106_8d0d5a62c5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1105/1455525106_8d0d5a62c5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/catlaine/1455525106/">source</a><br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The main lodge is like the heart of the camp. There's a spacious balcony -<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/50311299_4230ccc5f4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/50311299_4230ccc5f4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thecampk/50311299/">source</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">- and a grand hall on the inside (complete with river rock fireplace, just out of the picture on the left). Pictures like this one help me to visualize how things can <span style="font-style: italic;">actually</span> be set up for the reception. We won't be using foldable chairs for seating - my personal taste is to use the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/30/dress-me-up-4/">wood benches</a>. Also, I can get a better idea of how everything can look together, all set up. Maybe floor-length linens <span style="font-style: italic;">would</span> look better? I definitely have plans (thanks to this picture) to arrange the tables in long rows.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/19Reception/images/tablesBefore.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 315px;" src="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/19Reception/images/tablesBefore.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/19Reception/index.html">source</a><br /><br /></div>Not everyone has decorated Westwind the same way. I contacted one of the former brides of Westwind to ask her about her planning experience with them. She told me that a few years ago they didn't have any plates, bowl, stemware, or silverware to offer with their catering. So, she and her (now) husband bought a whole bunch of mismatched dinnerware, and donated it to Westwind, with the intent that future couples could use them for their wedding. Thanks, Valerie! :)<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2369197638_bcf9a4eb5f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2369197638_bcf9a4eb5f.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/himay/2369197638/">source</a></div><br />It's easy to understand why many couples decided to have their ceremony on the beach. It's an easy walk from the main lodge (less than 5 minutes), and the view is still gorgeous. See how happy they look? Even without down comforters and fancy hotel rooms. (I have to keep telling myself this - I'm a people pleaser to the point that I become unhappy. I need to let go of some things, and trust that our guests will be happy, regardless of how luxurious the sleeping arrangements are.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_iR6oVnOuk2k/RmYHciOYCkI/AAAAAAAADAk/mdnkiswTcvY/s720/DSC_7007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 569px; height: 286px;" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_iR6oVnOuk2k/RmYHciOYCkI/AAAAAAAADAk/mdnkiswTcvY/s720/DSC_7007.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/nanceadventures/RobAlisonSWedding?authkey=0pMyXuSVQEY#">source</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This picture has me hoping we can visit Westwind with our families for many years to come. When we visited our venue <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/28/the-best-places-to-kiss-in-the-northwest/">last September</a>, preparations for a wedding were well under way! This is the photo of where they held their ceremony. Everyone in attendance that day seemed overwhelmingly calm and happy - honestly, I think that's what sold me on this venue.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/14WeddingAfter/images/03lodgeafter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/14WeddingAfter/images/03lodgeafter.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.cs.cornell.edu/gries/smWedding/14WeddingAfter/index.html">source</a><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Even though it would be enormously easier to have our ceremony on the beach or near the main lodge, I can't let go of the view from <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SciK2VQH5_I/AAAAAAAAFZA/q2LoeGjtHls/s1600-h/Picture+2.png">High Meadow</a>. The one childhood dream for my wedding that I'm holding on to firmly is a ceremony on a meadow cliff on the ocean.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_iR6oVnOuk2k/RmYK0SOYDfI/AAAAAAAADH8/K2wSxSydR9I/s576/DSC_7106.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 576px; height: 381px;" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_iR6oVnOuk2k/RmYK0SOYDfI/AAAAAAAADH8/K2wSxSydR9I/s576/DSC_7106.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/nanceadventures/RobAlisonSWedding?authkey=0pMyXuSVQEY#">source</a></div></div><br />And Westwind has that. And it's so beautiful. <br /><br />Looking at these pictures really helps me to keep the faith that our wedding day is going to come to fruition (really!), and even though I <span style="font-style: italic;">am</span> stressing about the lack of tactile progress, we booked this venue because just being there makes me happy.<br /><br />Did you look for pictures of past weddings at your venue? What has helped you to build a practical vision of your wedding day?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3277114711454229310?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-12958142310530435692009-07-14T10:01:00.004-04:002009-07-14T10:36:28.682-04:00This is not the easiest post for me to write. It means I need to be honest to you about myself - honest about my faults. <br /><br />With less than two months before Mr. Bear Cub and I are back in Portland, I feel like I <span style="font-weight: bold;">don't know what to do</span>. Oh yes, I know there are tasks that need to be taken care of - check up on the finalization of the invites, write our ceremony, learn our dance, pick some more key songs, do something substantial about the <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/30/dress-me-up-4/">tables</a>, pin down the menu... It just doesn't feel like I'm getting anywhere with anything. As much as I try to fight it, I have one incredibly awful quality to my character. I crumble under stress.<br /><br />It's worse when the list of to-dos is longer. I physically can't function with the thought of an insurmountable task list. And if I don't know how to do some of the things on the list? (um, hello, <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/30/dress-me-up-4/">white vs ivory</a>??) My motor skills begin to shut down. The only way I've found to "reboot" from this mess is to take a nap. Everything's always better when you have a new day to attack things, right? I'm well aware that this is not a productive way to deal with my stress. It's just a band-aid, and it's not helping me take care of wedding tasks.<br /><br />The killer in this vicious cycle is I don't actually know what I <span style="font-style: italic;">can</span> cross off the list at this point. The upshot to my counter-productive stress management is that when I break <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inertia">inertia</a> - when I force myself to finish things on my to-do list - I turn into a steamroller of productivity. <br /><br />So, believe me, I would <span style="font-weight: bold;">love</span> to screw inertia right now. Unfortunately, it feels like all my wedding plans are still theoretical. Even if I "decide" on something for the wedding, it's just an email drop in the bucket. All my "plans" feel like a nebulous cloud of dancing wedding-plum fairies. Mean wedding-plum fairies that are spitting stale fondant turds at me. Maybe this is a result of planning (what actually is) a destination wedding?<br /><br />All of this theoretical planning is making the wedding planning process very tedious, and very unfun. I feel like I'm spinning my wheels here! Ninety percent of my wedding tasks involve sending emails, so I never see the fruit of my labor. And without actually seeing any progress, without the wedding plans being <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> and tactile, it feels like items on our to-do list are never going to disappear. That's my largest source of stress right now, and I don't like it. My afternoon "reboot" nap is a daily temptation.<br /><br />Am I crazy to plan my US wedding from South America? Sometimes I daydream about putting the wedding off for a few years, and hosting it at our future home in Oregon. (A wedding at home! <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/07/13/its-time/">How wonderful</a>! :) )<br /><br />How are you dealing with the stress of planning your wedding? Was the planning process still fun a few months before the wedding? Destination brides, what's your technique for finishing your wedding tasks? What should I be doing at 2 months??<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-1295814231053043569?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-4405638929121151982009-07-09T12:12:00.005-04:002009-07-09T12:21:41.122-04:00Hi Hive!<br /><br />Tomorrow night at 7:30pm EST, I'll be broadcasting on BeeTV! With a glass of Chilean wine in hand, and maybe an <a href="http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empanada">empanada</a> in my belly, I'll be ready to chat the night away! :) Mr. Bear Cub will be gone on his adventurous bachelor "party" - keep me company! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SlYX34ieZfI/AAAAAAAAHiA/i-IMk8FyW08/s1600-h/bee-tv.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 82px; height: 79px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SlYX34ieZfI/AAAAAAAAHiA/i-IMk8FyW08/s400/bee-tv.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356495055641011698" border="0" /></a>Spend your Friday night with me on <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/tv/">BeeTV</a> at 7:30pm EST! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-440563892912115198?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-44004621901756779342009-07-08T11:22:00.004-04:002009-07-08T14:26:41.648-04:00Mr. Bear Cub and I have been busying ourselves with quite a lot of wedding tasks recently - one of which is dance lessons! We're making some head-way on our fancy footwork, but I'll save the details for another post. Right now, our lovely dance instructor is helping us choreograph our first dance. You need a song to be able to choreograph, so we've been pondering the "first dance" song pretty heavily!<br /><br />Last weekend when while Mr. Cubbie and I were on a <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-11937-0,00.html">10-mile run</a> (<a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/19/did-she-just-say-marathon/">marathon training</a> full steam ahead!), one of my favorite songs played in my ipod.<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F7aspceTxvY&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F7aspceTxvY&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />The song, <a href="http://www.lyricsdir.com/the-weepies-somebody-loved-lyrics.html">Somebody Loved</a>, is by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theweepies">The Weepies</a>. Even though their name is a bit of a downer, they play some of the happiest, up-beat music ever! Great running music! This song is one of their slower ones, but I think it's so beautiful. If you have a minute, you should read the lyrics along with the song (linked <a href="http://www.lyricsdir.com/the-weepies-somebody-loved-lyrics.html">here</a>).<br /><br />The thing we're grappling with however, is how do you dance to a song like this? It's beautiful, the lyrics describe us, but the tune is a little hard to actually choreograph. Our dance instructor started us with a whole bunch of lyrical moves, but <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> is not us. We don't really feel comfortable dancing for show, but we definitely want to do a much more technical dance than the 8th-grade sway.<br /><br />Maybe we need to change our song to a more up-tempo one.<br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zacA8oqM6qQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zacA8oqM6qQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/weepies/takeitfromme.html">Take It From Me</a> is very sweet, and a little more up-tempo...<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1Gp1r2vGi18&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1Gp1r2vGi18&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />and <a href="http://www.lyricsdir.com/the-weepies-jolene-lyrics.html">Jolene</a> sounds like it could be very fun to dance to! I don't know if the lyrics are very fitting for a "first dance" though.<br /><br />The other end of the stick is that we have our band! I'm really excited to have them play our wedding - they're a local oregon folk/bluegrass band, with a bit of an irish sentiment to their style. We've asked them to play our first song, but this raises another issue - they don't have a female singer. Normally not a biggie (I like guys singing voices all the same), but "Somebody Loved" is sung by a girl. Seeing as how the major melody for the song is in her voice, I don't know how well it will translate into a cover by 3 guys, a mandolin, bass, and violin. Their style is a bit more "Jolene", if you know what I mean.<br /><br />Should we keep looking for a first dance song? Mr. Bear Cub and I both love folk music - <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hem">Hem</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/raylamontagne">Ray LaMontagne</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/nickelcreek">Nickel Creek</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/markkozelek">Mark Kozelek</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lauraveirs">Laura Veirs</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/joshritter">Josh Ritter</a>, Joan Baez, Iron &amp; Wine, Dick Gaughan, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/damienrice">Damien Rice</a>, <a href="http://cdbaby.com/cd/charliecutten">Charlie Cutten</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/billybragg">Billie Bragg</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bethorton">Beth Orton</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thebegoodtanyas">The Be Good Tanyas</a>, ... Actually, we like a lot of music.<br /><br />Or should we stay with our song, and try to learn some dance moves that won't leave us feeling like awkward 13-yr-olds? Do you know of a good dance style that would go with our song? Do you have an even better suggestion for a song?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-4400462190175677934?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-26646973145701120102009-07-02T10:06:00.003-04:002009-07-02T11:55:40.823-04:00While my plans for <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/30/dress-me-up-4/">dressing up</a> the dinner tables are slowly coming together (thanks to you guys! :) ), I have a solid idea of how I want to decorate the top of the tables. Like <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/01/30/all-mason-jars-are-not-created-equal/">a</a><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/01/30/all-mason-jars-are-not-created-equal/"> lot</a> <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/05/02/it-looks-like-im-canning/">of</a> <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/09/16/homemade-centerpieces-wedding/">you</a>, I swoon over aqua-blue mason jars.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://twobrides.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/wa103187_fa07_emerald_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 281px;" src="http://twobrides.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/wa103187_fa07_emerald_l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/">source</a> via <a href="http://twobrides.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/mason-jars/">twobrides</a><br /><br /></div>Since <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/28/the-best-places-to-kiss-in-the-northwest/">my venue</a> doesn't allow <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/30/a-quirky-venue-for-a-quirky-couple/">open flames</a>, I plan on filling my mason jars with <a href="http://100layercake.com/blog/archives/1228">pretty vegetables and flowers</a>. I'd love to have that glow-y effect of the flickering candlelight behind aqua glass, but it's just not in the cards. I need the aqua jars, though. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Need</span> them.<br /><br />Seeing as how I'm a <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/18/hello-im-miss-bear-cub/">whole hemisphere</a> away from my venue (and my family), I can't exactly troll through antique stores and goodwill at my leisure. (and collecting 40+ quart size mason jars locally and bringing them with me on the plane is rather impractical.) So, I did what any tech-savvy bride (on a budget) did - I started looking on my <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/02/a-dress-from-my-dreams-part-3/">favorite site</a>, eBay, I scowered the classifieds here on the 'bee, and I looked in the Portland craigslist (my super awesome future step-MIL (FSMIL) has been the best with <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/11/how-do-you-plan-from-another-country/">helping me locally</a>!).<br /><br />The result? Aqua mason jars are <span style="font-weight: bold;">expensive</span>. Like, <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> expensive. Unless you find them wholesale somewhere, you should expect to pay around $5 - $8 each, after shipping. I don't buy that, though. I'm of the mindset that the value of an object is set by the buyer. I think these things should cost around $1.50 - $2 each, after shipping. Call me stingy, but it's just old glass.<br /><br />I must have been right, because I found my preciouses for $1.50 each on craigslist, and in Portland. The seller has a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> of canning equipment. I told him I wanted to buy around 50 quart-sized aqua mason jars, and he said he had more than enough!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.blissd.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mason-jar-candles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.blissd.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/mason-jar-candles.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/glassandplastic/sets/72157606130550118/">source</a> via <a href="http://www.blissd.com/blog/?p=1102">Bliss'd</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />This was great! Fantastic! I'd get my deal, and it'd be local!<br /><br />But then the seller "educated" me on a few legalities of mason jars. He asked me if I was planning on using these for a wedding (let's call it a "family reunion", shall we?). He told me that if I planned on putting candles in the jars, he absolutely wouldn't sell them to me. And if I was planning on drinking from the jars (I wanted to also buy around 80 normal jars to use as glasses), he also wouldn't sell them to me. Um. WEIRD.<br /><br />They don't make mason jars like they used to. Apparently there's a high probability that your beautiful antique blue mason jar will EXPLODE if you put a candle in it! The guy selling the jars said he was sued recently because a jar exploded at a wedding, injuring a guest! Also, he informed me that it's illegal (at least in the state of Oregon) to sell canning jars for the purpose of drinking beverages. He recommended I buy these "drinking" mason jars from a supermarket - these organizations are too large to prosecute feasibly.<br /><br />As much as I'd love to have beautiful mood setters like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://crowdsourceweddingdress.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/mason-jar-candles.jpg?w=200&amp;h=194"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 194px;" src="http://crowdsourceweddingdress.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/mason-jar-candles.jpg?w=200&amp;h=194" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.theknot.com/">source</a><br /></div><br />...I don't want my guests to risk injury! If you're planning on using mason jars for candle holders, be careful! I recommend using newer jars (but don't quote me on this - I'm not the expert!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qxkIPkY6SjA/STAW_ml4bmI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/SzIo-HmdJao/s400/mason+jars+and+tealights.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qxkIPkY6SjA/STAW_ml4bmI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/SzIo-HmdJao/s400/mason+jars+and+tealights.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.nistorphoto.com/">source</a> via <a href="http://jenadevents.blogspot.com/2008/11/favourite-diys.html">JenaD Events</a><br /></div><br />This seller also helpfully informed me that certain types of flower food can dissolve the old aqua glass. I told him I was planning on using the jars for flower vases (this, apparently, was acceptable to him).<br /><br />I thought I had all my ducks in a row (no candles! no drinking from the jars! no flower food!), so I asked my awesome FSMIL to coordinate locally with the seller. Turns out, he's a complete kook. He yelled at her on the phone, proclaiming about how these aqua-blue mason jars are special, antique... they weren't meant to be used at weddings! And he wasn't going to sell them! And how dare she suggest that! Did she know that they could EXPLODE at any minute?? (aqua-blue floral grenades!)<br /><br />So- whatever. We washed our hands of this potential bargain; the red flags were definitely going off. But I'm still looking for aqua-blue quart sized mason jars. :(<br /><br />I really don't know where to look now. Do you know of someone who wants to sell their aqua-blue quart-sized mason jars to me? :) Or do you know of someplace to find them for relatively cheap?<br /><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2664697314570112010?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-77497417778421405252009-06-30T14:20:00.000-04:002009-06-30T14:43:58.741-04:00You know how when you spend a lot of time with one person, you kind of create your own language? Mr. Bear Cub and I spend <span style="font-weight: bold;">a lot</span> of time together. We live together, we walk to work together, our offices are next door to each other, we shop for food together, go to spanish class together, run together, eat (almost) every meal together... you get the picture. We're what happens when you move someplace new (and very different) together - you spend buttloads of time with just that person.<br /><br />For us, it works out pretty well. We're both kind of freaks.<br /><br />Remember <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/06/19/putting-the-america-in-south-america-part-1/">this</a> picture?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRgffLSjhI/AAAAAAAAFyY/YT0d1cWu-8s/s400/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRgffLSjhI/AAAAAAAAFyY/YT0d1cWu-8s/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Yup. Let's just say we're really lucky we found each other.<br /><br />It should come as no surprise to you then that our save-the-dates are any less "unique". Way back in February (when I had my head on straight and thought it was a good idea to get the STDs in the mail fast!), I cooked this little guy up in <a href="http://www.picnik.com/">picnik</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sko_p2CburI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/NtbHbRwJQCE/s1600-h/std_5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sko_p2CburI/AAAAAAAAHgQ/NtbHbRwJQCE/s400/std_5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353161095196162738" border="0" /></a><br />This picture was from our trip to <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/21/the-engagement-moon-part-1/">Thailand</a> - we took it the day we got <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/25/the-engagement-moon-part-3/">engaged</a>! Unfortunately, I just couldn't get over how shiny my butt was:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkpA9eyEkBI/AAAAAAAAHgY/7tiEwlRjlh4/s1600-h/ruhroh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 253px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkpA9eyEkBI/AAAAAAAAHgY/7tiEwlRjlh4/s400/ruhroh.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353162532062531602" border="0" /></a><br />So I sat on the STDs for a little while (no pun intended ;) ).<br /><br />Then we met <a href="http://www.kylehepp.com/">Kyle Hepp</a>, and suddenly we had awesome pics from which to make a better STD! And so I now present you with our (very belated) save the date postcard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkpYFe_ztdI/AAAAAAAAHhA/qZbPYSVo8xg/s1600-h/std-back2wb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkpYFe_ztdI/AAAAAAAAHhA/qZbPYSVo8xg/s400/std-back2wb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353187958326539730" border="0" /></a><br />We went for something straight-forward for the reverse of the card (with info on our awesome FREE wedding website). For the front of the card, I decided our guests should probably get a sneak peak of who we really are:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkpEK1X32LI/AAAAAAAAHgo/bXIlYxA7qxw/s1600-h/std2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; height: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkpEK1X32LI/AAAAAAAAHgo/bXIlYxA7qxw/s400/std2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353166059999844530" border="0" /></a><br />Mr. Bear Cub - eyes unmistakeably closed in the photo, per normal. <br />Miss Bear Cub - a giggling mess staring at my goofy guy.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and swizzle sticks. We have a feeling only 1% of our guests will understand what "swizzle sticks" means. "Swizzle sticks" means "cool" just as "fiddle sticks" means "bummer". Pretty obvious, no? I thought so. Swizz!<br /><br />Our children are going to have an interesting array of vocabulary when they enter grade school.<br /><br />Are you introducing your guests to some of you &amp; your fiancé's quirks before the wedding? Do <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> say swizzle sticks? It's pretty much the swizziest thing ever! ;)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-7749741777842140525?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-87610197249874141242009-06-30T10:35:00.007-04:002009-06-30T16:29:51.473-04:00<span style="font-style: italic;">Hi!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm a table! Just your regular 8 by 3 foot wood </span><span style="font-style: italic;">table with wood benches. Normally cute little kiddies put their tushies on my benches and joke and giggle while they eat on me. But </span><span style="font-style: italic;">sometimes... sometimes I get to go wild! Ladies who can't stop smiling dress me up in new cloths and crown me with beautifully fragrant flowers. I wonder what I'll wear for the next happy sappy lady!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sincerely,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Miss Bear Cub's wedding table</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkokvOp5loI/AAAAAAAAHfo/H7fX3IpKX9c/s1600-h/table1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkokvOp5loI/AAAAAAAAHfo/H7fX3IpKX9c/s1600/table1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353131500889544322" border="0" /></a><br />Hive, I need you help. I've got some big design shoes to fill, and some important tables I can't disappoint. I'm stuck on how to dress up the tables for our reception!<br /><br />There are 18 tables with 32 benches. They're rectangular - 8 by 3 foot - and wooden. The benches look pretty awesome on their own; they look natural and rustic (not painted white on top). I'm worried, however, that the table itself needs a little sumthin-sumthin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkomnkPGOiI/AAAAAAAAHfw/zJGDtJrCNZc/s1600-h/table2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkomnkPGOiI/AAAAAAAAHfw/zJGDtJrCNZc/s1600/table2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353133568267008546" border="0" /></a><br />I know I signed myself up for a summer camp wedding, but I just can't get over how... <span style="font-style: italic;">practical</span> these tables look. Don't they look like the perfect thing to use in an arts &amp; crafts room?? The benches are beautiful - they look like they were split from a tree! But the roughly painted white top to the tables is just killing me. I'm almost set on how I want the tables to look, but I'm torn between getting linens or not.<br /><br />Have you heard of <a href="http://sunday-suppers.blogspot.com/">Sunday Suppers blog</a>? Their tablescapes (along with their dinners!) are absolutely delicious:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E-CCcc87AqY/SfnSfnnVJDI/AAAAAAAAACk/LysfiNQrljg/s800/ss_005.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E-CCcc87AqY/SfnSfnnVJDI/AAAAAAAAACk/LysfiNQrljg/s800/ss_005.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E-CCcc87AqY/SfnMXb3uQzI/AAAAAAAAACU/KOJhOQ9sJkI/s800/ss_002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E-CCcc87AqY/SfnMXb3uQzI/AAAAAAAAACU/KOJhOQ9sJkI/s800/ss_002.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://sunday-suppers.blogspot.com/">source</a></div><br />This is the type of reception decor that inspires me - that of a homey dinner party. No airs to put on, just <del>good</del> fantastic food, and great friends.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkosfY8OuVI/AAAAAAAAHf4/F39BfQpRBTo/s1600-h/Picture+16.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkosfY8OuVI/AAAAAAAAHf4/F39BfQpRBTo/s1600/Picture+16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353140024865896786" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/05/18/real-wedding-alissa-and-ryan-iv/">source</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Burlap table runners are a must, too. I love how it gives the setting more texture and an organic feel. (Plus it would be pretty sweet to take a walk in a field of lavender after our wedding. What a fairytale to stroll in a field of lavender as magical as <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/05/18/real-wedding-alissa-and-ryan-iv/">that</a> one!)<br /><br />Unfortunately, the tables I have to work with aren't as presentable as the beautifully rustic ones above. That dang unfinished white surface just mungs everything up. Granted, I haven't seen these tables in person. For all I know, they could be fabulous. In the picture, though, they don't look so fab. And I'd rather plan for the worst, expecting the best.<br /><br />So another option is to buy or rent tablecloths:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkowznRsmiI/AAAAAAAAHgI/pEJVme-EoQ4/s1600-h/Picture+21.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkowznRsmiI/AAAAAAAAHgI/pEJVme-EoQ4/s1600/Picture+21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353144770357926434" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkowzWvinVI/AAAAAAAAHgA/XwLuC88tgM8/s1600-h/Picture+20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkowzWvinVI/AAAAAAAAHgA/XwLuC88tgM8/s1600/Picture+20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353144765919698258" border="0" /></a><a href="http://100layercake.com/blog/archives/1228">source</a></div><br />That opens a whole new can of worms. Should I get white or ivory? Knee- or floor-length? Buy or rent? Should I wait until I know how many people are coming until I decide how many tables I'll outfit? Maybe I won't even need to buy/rent 18 tablecloths!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oncewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/w25.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx;" src="http://www.oncewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/w25.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.oncewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/w24.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: nnnpx;" src="http://www.oncewed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/w24.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.oncewed.com/11819/real-weddings-blog/real-weddings/ros-blake-iv/">source</a></div><br />Also, maybe I'm crazy and I won't even need tablecloths! Maybe the tables will look FINE with just burlap tablerunners. They look <span style="font-weight: bold;">so</span> beautiful sans cloth in the other tablescapes!<br /><br />As for the centerpieces, I think we'll keep it simple, but I'll go into that more later. But there will be mason jars full of flowers/veggies. That <a href="http://100layercake.com/blog/archives/1228">last tablescape</a> has convinced me!<br /><br />So, hive, what do you think is the best way to dress up these tables in a rustic, homey way? Keep in mind I'm planning all of this from out of the country, so it's really quite hard to coordinate most things. If you have a source for cheap burlap table runners or table linens, I'm dying to hear it!<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-8761019724987414124?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-5019385574656358552009-06-26T13:10:00.000-04:002009-06-26T13:11:17.444-04:00Mr. Bear Cub and I both have a deep appreciation for poetry. When we were getting to know each other three years ago, he chose to learn more about me by looking in my bookcase. I had recently acquired a book of love poems by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Neruda">Pablo Neruda</a>. Amidst our tiny circle of friends in graduate school, Mr. Bear Cub was surprised to find another person who even knew of Neruda!<br /><br />I'm sure many of you already know of this poet - his words are commonly found in wedding ceremonies these days - but for those who don't, allow me to briefly introduce you to one of the most famous and beloved writers of Chile.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.poetryconnection.net/images/Pablo_Neruda.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 271px;" src="http://www.poetryconnection.net/images/Pablo_Neruda.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poetryconnection.net/poets/Pablo_Neruda/sort_poems_by_comments">source</a></div><br />Pablo Neruda was born in 1904 in a small town a few hundred kilometers south of Santiago. His name is actually a pen-name inspired by the Czech poet <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Neruda">J</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jan_Neruda">an Neruda</a>, mostly because his father wanted him to follow a more "practical" profession. This later became his legal name when he started publishing his works.<br /><br />Neruda studied French in college at the <a href="http://www.uchile.cl/">Universidad de </a><a href="http://www.uchile.cl/">Chile</a> (one of the most prestigious universities in the country), and began his career as a writer and poet with his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Twenty-Love-Poems-Song-Despair/dp/0143039962/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1246033346&amp;sr=8-1">Twenty Poems of Love and a Song of Despair</a>. Most of the poems in this book are highly erotic, but several find their way into wedding ceremonies!<br /><br />He later became a diplomat to many countries including France, Spain, and several Indonesian countries (where he met his first wife). While in Spain, he witnessed the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War. This time in his life marked the beginning of his political activism. Among many things, he became a close ally with Salvador Allende (the first democratically elected socialist head of state - 1970).<br /><br />In late 1973, Neruda's health was failing from cancer. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Pinochet">Augusto Pinochet</a> led a military coup, immediately instating himself as a dictator (this lasted for several decades). A few weeks after the coup, Neruda died of heart failure. The entire country of Chile mourned his death - the massive amounts of people taking to the streets for his funeral is seen as the first protest against the new regime (and the <span style="font-weight: bold;">last</span> for 20 years).<br /><br />Among all things political, Neruda was a lover of women (but this is obvious from his poetry ;) ). With his third wife, he built three eclectic homes - one in Santiago, one in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valparaiso">Valparaíso</a>, and one in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_de_Isla_Negra">Isla Negra</a>.<br /><br />This past weekend Mr. Bear Cub and I visited his home in Santiago. He named it "<a href="http://www.fundacionneruda.org/ing/home_chascona_ingles.html">La Chascona</a>", and built it in honor of his lover, Matilde Urrutia.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.beastlyadventure.com/Chile/beastlyadventure_chile7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 426px;" src="http://www.beastlyadventure.com/Chile/beastlyadventure_chile7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.beastlyadventure.com/Chile/chile_photos.htm">source</a></div><br />This house is very unique - he was inspired to build it in the famous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrio_Bellavista">Barrio Bellavista</a> (the indie/artist neighborhood) because he heard a trickle of water! He later wrote a poem about how the water around his new home flowed like words to him.<br /><br />My favorite part of his house was in the master bedroom. On the mantle sat two small figurines - a bride and a groom, attached with a ribbon at the neck. Even Matilde and Pablo cherished the cake topper from their wedding! :)<br /><br />He also had a bar that only he was allowed behind:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkT9Gx_HB8I/AAAAAAAAF4c/7MGlsj-bkZ4/s1600-h/chascona-bar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SkT9Gx_HB8I/AAAAAAAAF4c/7MGlsj-bkZ4/s400/chascona-bar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351680550162073538" border="0" /></a><a href="http://swiftywriting.blogspot.com/2007/08/swifty-in-chile-part-5-visiting-pablo.html">source</a></div><br />We couldn't get over how much Mr. Bear Cub's dad is like Neruda!! We've been thinking recently about what readings to include in our ceremony, and who should read them. Naturally, we want to include a Neruda poem in our ceremony. We will probably ask FIL Bear Cub to read this poem. He's a man who loves reading (and writing) poetry, is enamored with latin culture, and would certainly man his own eclectic bar if given the opportunity!<br /><br />Even better - FIL Bear Cub <span style="font-style: italic;">loooooves</span> to wax the philosophical <span style="font-weight: bold;">only in spanish</span> after he's had a choice wine. We'll likely ask him to read the Neruda poem in spanish, while another person recites the english version.<br /><br />We're totally digging this nod to our Chilean home, but we don't know which Neruda poem we should include in our ceremony! There are so many wonderful Neruda poems, we don't know where to start!<br /><br />So, hive, what's your favorite Neruda poem about love? Do you know of any Neruda poems that would be fitting for a wedding ceremony?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-501938557465635855?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-35563000183952765932009-06-24T10:26:00.002-04:002009-06-24T11:29:03.589-04:00I've been thinking a lot recently about "The Wedding". Not the marriage - we're firm of mind and heart that we want to spend our lives together. I'm talking about the party.<br /><br />I'm talking about the 100+ guest list, the menu that takes months to perfect, and all the little details that (don't kid yourself) no one really notices. Except you. (And, of course, if it matters to you, then that's what's really important!)<br /><br />I've been thinking a lot recently about <span style="font-style: italic;">why</span> we, as a society, feel the urge to proclaim our marriage as solidified with a (oftentimes opulent) party, with as many people we've met in presence. At times, it feels like "The Wedding" is more of an expectation of society than a wish.<br /><br />At about two and a half months to go - and a lot still on my plate - I've been mulling over a few "what ifs". What if we decided to elope? Would that really be "so bad"? We'd still have an intimate ceremony, we'd still end up married, and we'd still have cake (there will always be cake!).<br /><br />Our extended family might be a little upset. But honestly - I think they'd get over it. I come from a huge extended family that's scattered all over the US. I rarely see them anymore! I'm very happy to live my life with my future husband. Even though my family is huge, I've always felt the emotional barrier that comes with physical distance. Leading my life with Mr. Bearcub is one of the realest expressions of "family" I've ever felt.<br /><br />When we began forming ideas for aspects of our wedding last year, I told Mr. Bearcub that I wanted a small wedding. I wanted no more than 50 people. total. (Remember, there are over 70 people in my family, alone!) I wanted most of our guests to be our friends, and I wanted for everyone that was present to <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> want to be there. It makes me personally sad when people show up to a wedding only because they thought they "had" to. I wanted none of that nonsense.<br /><br />The reality of families, though, is that if you chose to publicly announce your marriage to a small circle of people, the larger circle of people has to be included.<br /><br />The reality of society, I think, is that contributing members to society wish for the big changes in their lives to be publicly recognized. In a crazy, very human way, it makes the rite of passage more tangible.<br /><br />For those who choose to elope, choose courthouse weddings, small gatherings, and the like - believe me when I say that your wedding is no less important than those who invite 1000 people to their wedding. Your wedding is equally important, and equally special.<br /><br />I'm only commenting on the apparent societal impetus to present one's marriage with a large party. I recognize that, while this seems crazy to me personally, I feel like a party with a ceremony and dinner and dancing and all my friends and close family would make us <span style="font-style: italic;">more</span> married. That which is already affirmed in our hearts would be reflected in the minds of our peers.<br /><br />I'm <del>slightly</del> very overwhelmed at the amount of planning that still needs to be done. We could elope, and we would be happy. But really, we want to have our wedding. With all the details and friends and family and (of course) cake.<br /><br />What's your perspective on the societal "expectation" to throw a large party for your wedding?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3556300018395276593?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-47369375650419187102009-06-17T10:14:00.001-04:002009-06-17T10:16:00.028-04:00omg it's been a full MONTH since I last posted! <br />I'm almost caught up at <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/bearcub">weddingbee</a>, so the new posts are on their way! :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-4736937565041918710?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-20212337493121753222009-05-11T20:50:00.005-04:002009-05-11T21:26:06.725-04:00After our <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/05/putting-america-in-south-america-part-1.html">full day</a> enjoying the architecture and beach in La Serena, we jetted on over to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coquimbo">Coquimbo</a> with our photographer <a href="http://www.kyleheppphotography.com">Kyle Hepp</a>. Coquimbo is the neighboring port town to La Serena. At the edge of Coquimbo is an <a href="http://www.spanishcourses.info/cities4/serena-coquimbo-chile-77-photos-EN.htm?PN=6">old fort</a> that looks like ramparts of a castle - a very romantic location for an evening photo-shoot!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjIs6kyR1I/AAAAAAAAF1Y/ECxagpG83Ug/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 438px; height: 287px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjIs6kyR1I/AAAAAAAAF1Y/ECxagpG83Ug/s400/Picture+21.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334734432583698258" border="0" /></a>There's a café at the fort, and in the summer there's live jazz in the evenings outdoors!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjIsfhSsyI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/teBlWQ-lyOM/s1600-h/Picture+17.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 286px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjIsfhSsyI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/teBlWQ-lyOM/s400/Picture+17.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334734425321288482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjIsMq7l2I/AAAAAAAAF1I/ksbKN40AjsY/s1600-h/Picture+16.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 429px; height: 283px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjIsMq7l2I/AAAAAAAAF1I/ksbKN40AjsY/s400/Picture+16.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334734420261443426" border="0" /></a>The best part of the fort is the view of La Serena. Coquimbo juts out to form a bay with La Serena - you can see the entire city in lights at night.<br /><br />Since our photographer flew up (down?) to visit us from Santiago, we had her the next morning, too! We really wanted to capture a bit of our life around the recinto, our astronomer-gringo home away from home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjIWjPkXWI/AAAAAAAAF1A/knRD5p-p798/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 280px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjIWjPkXWI/AAAAAAAAF1A/knRD5p-p798/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334734048363568482" border="0" /></a>Plus we needed an excuse to get cute shots of our dog Beau ;).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjItWcIfwI/AAAAAAAAF1g/3hzvcxW0QFg/s1600-h/Picture+22.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 502px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjItWcIfwI/AAAAAAAAF1g/3hzvcxW0QFg/s400/Picture+22.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334734440063598338" border="0" /></a>We're a family! This is the pathway I walk down to get to work (above). The entire community (25 homes on a hill) is lavishly gardened. We're actually <span style="font-style: italic;">required</span> to employ a gardener for our own house!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjItbvj5cI/AAAAAAAAF1o/9ld3N8hXdnU/s1600-h/Picture+23.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 504px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjItbvj5cI/AAAAAAAAF1o/9ld3N8hXdnU/s400/Picture+23.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334734441487263170" border="0" /></a>With our dog trainer, we've been teaching Beau some pretty sweet tricks. This is "high-five". First he sits on his hind legs ("high"), then he gives us "five"! Later we're going to teach him how to walk ("zombie" - what else would you call that crazy saunter dogs do?).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjI9VE7FdI/AAAAAAAAF1w/xZ2KjoO0P6k/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 283px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjI9VE7FdI/AAAAAAAAF1w/xZ2KjoO0P6k/s400/Picture+24.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334734714575721938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjI9vwlkvI/AAAAAAAAF14/5QLB1D2yq9Y/s1600-h/Picture+25.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 352px; height: 529px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgjI9vwlkvI/AAAAAAAAF14/5QLB1D2yq9Y/s400/Picture+25.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334734721738183410" border="0" /></a>Even though I know it's a bit out of the ordinary, I'm so glad we had our photographer Kyle stay the night with us! It's a rare thing to meet United-Statesians that aren't in astronomy here. Now we have a friend to stay with when we go to Santiago! Plus we were able to finagle four different locations for our photo shoot ;)<br /><br />How did you choose your location for your engagement photos? Did you find yourself becoming friends with any of your vendors?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2021233749312175322?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-62897494303551495862009-05-08T15:10:00.004-04:002009-06-17T18:38:07.592-04:00Our engagement pictures are in!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kylehepp.com">Kyle</a> was really awesome to work with. There was a whole slew of locations I wanted to shoot at in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Serena,_Chile">La Serena</a>, and she entertained all of them! Even though we're getting married in the states, we thought it appropriate to document part of our lives in South America.<br /><br />Let's take a tour of our little town in Chile, shall we?<br /><br />We started our paparazzi craziness in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_de_Armas">Plaza de Armas</a> - downtown old La Serena. This is where we take our spanish lessons, and it's got a great colonial feel to it, complete with beautiful gardens and old Spanish architecture.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg3wYnP-I/AAAAAAAAFzI/1bBxV6V-jGc/s1600-h/Picture+20.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 572px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg3wYnP-I/AAAAAAAAFzI/1bBxV6V-jGc/s400/Picture+20.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494369710718946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfye922QI/AAAAAAAAFyA/JTPcMfZn1J8/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 579px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfye922QI/AAAAAAAAFyA/JTPcMfZn1J8/s400/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493179624118530" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This one is my favorite!!</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg4Gk0J1I/AAAAAAAAFzQ/K2lFxIPp0zM/s1600-h/Picture+26.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 253px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg4Gk0J1I/AAAAAAAAFzQ/K2lFxIPp0zM/s400/Picture+26.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494375667476306" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg4nhAGdI/AAAAAAAAFzY/U_sySzdQK_s/s1600-h/Picture+27.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 573px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg4nhAGdI/AAAAAAAAFzY/U_sySzdQK_s/s400/Picture+27.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494384509852114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">bling-bling. 'ello?</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRggSbMUXI/AAAAAAAAFy4/HYjv0VZUv4g/s1600-h/Picture+18.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRggSbMUXI/AAAAAAAAFy4/HYjv0VZUv4g/s400/Picture+18.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493966531481970" border="0" /></a><br />We both really liked the Wes Andersen feel to this pic! (above)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg3RuBE1I/AAAAAAAAFzA/AmRHgY_E4Fw/s1600-h/Picture+19.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 402px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg3RuBE1I/AAAAAAAAFzA/AmRHgY_E4Fw/s400/Picture+19.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494361478992722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfzZUvpOI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/tBWulohlOQM/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfzZUvpOI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/tBWulohlOQM/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493195289371874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfzHfEBsI/AAAAAAAAFyI/ohMhtKOyCe0/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 401px; height: 602px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfzHfEBsI/AAAAAAAAFyI/ohMhtKOyCe0/s400/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493190500812482" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg5GPHJHI/AAAAAAAAFzg/MGWaFtVisN0/s1600-h/Picture+28.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 272px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRg5GPHJHI/AAAAAAAAFzg/MGWaFtVisN0/s400/Picture+28.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494392756315250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfx8V2DzI/AAAAAAAAFx4/tIhOp1YkwII/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 407px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfx8V2DzI/AAAAAAAAFx4/tIhOp1YkwII/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493170329489202" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfxVxsblI/AAAAAAAAFxw/YQsjRXR49XM/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 302px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRfxVxsblI/AAAAAAAAFxw/YQsjRXR49XM/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493159977315922" border="0" /></a>When we were done making out gringo-style in the Plaza, we headed to the beach for some foggy coastal action. Remember that whole northern hemisphere / southern hemisphere thing? It may be June for you guys, but it's effectively DECEMBER here! ("Juncember") That means no sunny, summery beach views, but it does make for some awesome cloudy, romantic vistas!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhSpqjmLI/AAAAAAAAFzo/eOLaI1ZVdzU/s1600-h/Picture+29.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 421px; height: 633px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhSpqjmLI/AAAAAAAAFzo/eOLaI1ZVdzU/s400/Picture+29.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494831763396786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhS8QHzuI/AAAAAAAAFzw/W5LO9D0edPk/s1600-h/Picture+30.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 419px; height: 278px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhS8QHzuI/AAAAAAAAFzw/W5LO9D0edPk/s400/Picture+30.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494836752797410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRgf476n6I/AAAAAAAAFyo/5MjK8-IrAX0/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 419px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRgf476n6I/AAAAAAAAFyo/5MjK8-IrAX0/s400/Picture+12.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493959689412514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRgffLSjhI/AAAAAAAAFyY/YT0d1cWu-8s/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 139px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRgffLSjhI/AAAAAAAAFyY/YT0d1cWu-8s/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493952774573586" border="0" /></a>We both really like to do jump spins!!! It's such a blast! We tried to coordinate our efforts ;)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhTuhh_xI/AAAAAAAAF0I/HtYQP5kQf9Y/s1600-h/Picture+33.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 426px; height: 282px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhTuhh_xI/AAAAAAAAF0I/HtYQP5kQf9Y/s400/Picture+33.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494850247589650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhTWwzUmI/AAAAAAAAF0A/WFQD-QF2Cgg/s1600-h/Picture+32.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 241px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhTWwzUmI/AAAAAAAAF0A/WFQD-QF2Cgg/s400/Picture+32.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494843869188706" border="0" /></a>Mr. Cubbie's just too good at jump spins ;)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRgfguG1BI/AAAAAAAAFyg/cHJPWfptrbQ/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 445px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRgfguG1BI/AAAAAAAAFyg/cHJPWfptrbQ/s400/Picture+11.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493953189041170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhTHbEboI/AAAAAAAAFz4/T545htldB1M/s1600-h/Picture+31.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 323px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRhTHbEboI/AAAAAAAAFz4/T545htldB1M/s400/Picture+31.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333494839751503490" border="0" /></a>I <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/just-another-american-engagement-shoot.html">mentioned earlier</a> that I had planned on including props in the shoot - I grabbed a bouquet of dried flowers last minute to play with on the beach. Kyle was really open to any ideas I had. I told her I wanted to get a picture of the flowers mid-air (while we look all normal and lovey-dovey), and she worked her hardest to make it happen! I love how that shot looks romantic, and completely random at the same time! :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRggNWRhRI/AAAAAAAAFyw/bPKJaABOiGo/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SgRggNWRhRI/AAAAAAAAFyw/bPKJaABOiGo/s400/Picture+14.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333493965168674066" border="0" /></a><br />After our day in old spain and on the beach, we finished our photo shoot at an awesome old fort that looks like a castle! That's coming up next! ;)<br /><br />Was your photographer open to your input on pictures? How did you express yourself through your engagement pics? Which of our e-pics is your favorite? ;)<br /><br />**all pictures are from <a href="http://www.kyleheppphotography.com/">Kyle Hepp Photography</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-6289749430355149586?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-25193861397279565302009-05-03T21:27:00.011-04:002009-05-05T12:28:24.468-04:00Three years ago, I flew back to California from Chile. This is actually the 2nd time I've lived in Chile! There's an awesome 3-month summer science research program for undergraduates at the observatories in Chile, and I took advantage of this before I finished my bachelors.<br /><br />When I came home, I didn't yet know Mr. Bear Cub. In fact, I was living with my (now ex) boyfriend. We both knew it was going to end soon, though. A month after I was back in the states, he drove with me (and all my crap) to help me move in to my new life in New Mexico. This was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. I was with this guy for nearly 4 years of my life, and even though I had loved him, I knew we wouldn't make it as a couple (friends, maybe, but we'll see on that).<br /><br />Anyways, in July of 2006 I uprooted myself and moved to New Mexico to start a new chapter in my life. I started grad school, I was single, and I was making friends on <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> terms.<br /><br />While I was settling into my office one day, a little Bear Cub popped out of a box to greet me!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5HauX851I/AAAAAAAAFww/8TDcVFIdD8c/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5HauX851I/AAAAAAAAFww/8TDcVFIdD8c/s400/Picture+14.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331777533303908178" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">NMSU, July 2006</span></span><br /><br /></div>His name was Mr. Bear Cub, and he was the friendliest little bear I'd met in a long while. I was pretty lonely after my move, and he became a great friend. I found out that he had just gotten back from seeing friends in the Bay Area - he had been vacationing in the town that I had just moved from!<br /><br />Mr. Bear Cub is the kind of guy who will be your friend first, if that's what you need. This was probably the main reason we were able to get to know each other so well so fast. I really didn't want to date anyone in New Mexico; I didn't think I would find anyone well suited to my quirks there.<br /><br />He told me later that he had had a crush on me from the moment he met me! (can you believe it?? an actual crush! I thought that was so adorable ;) ) Even though he liked me romantically, he didn't want to jeopardize our relationship as friends, so for a month we spent time getting to know one another. We watched movies no one else wanted to watch, we hiked the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_Mountains">Organ Mountains</a>, we talked about how the west coast is like totally awesome and radical (we both missed the rain a ton), and we finished many a delicious pint at the local brewery, <a href="http://www.highdesertbrewingco.com/">High Desert</a> (we both agreed the hoppier, the better).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5QVTakThI/AAAAAAAAFw4/FxazgxO4SBQ/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5QVTakThI/AAAAAAAAFw4/FxazgxO4SBQ/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331787335772425746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Las Cruces, NM, August 2006</span></span><br /></div><br />Then we decided we should go on a camping trip before school started in late August. I'll save the details for a later post, but I will say this - our first kiss was like FIREWORKS. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before!<br /><br />From there on out things moved pretty quickly. Before we knew it, we were flying to his home in Portland, Oregon to celebrate Christmas!<br /><br />This trip really sealed the deal. I met his family, and life with him really felt like home. Isn't that a great feeling - when life with your fiancé/husband feels like <span style="font-style: italic;">home</span>?<br /><br />All our days since have just been steps towards building a life together.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5QWJXIflI/AAAAAAAAFxA/D5RrcQuucZo/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5QWJXIflI/AAAAAAAAFxA/D5RrcQuucZo/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331787350253534802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cannon Beach, December 2006</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5QWlOuM7I/AAAAAAAAFxI/z4vEt6-IOdw/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5QWlOuM7I/AAAAAAAAFxI/z4vEt6-IOdw/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331787357734450098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Chinese Gardens, Portland, OR, December 2006</span></span><br /></div><br />A month after we got back from Christmas break, we moved in together. We rented a cute little house outside of town, and made it our home for a year and a half until we moved away from New Mexico.<br /><br /><div><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 295px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SciF46Y8TuI/AAAAAAAAFY4/DDG9o3l3_Qw/s320/Picture+6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316646572903911138" border="0" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Mesilla, NM, September 2008</span><br /></span></div><br />Have you ever made a drastic change in your life, only to discover something wonderful come from it? In your years of dating, did you ever have to get up the courage to end a stagnant (but comfortable) relationship? How long did it take you before you "knew" your significant other was the one you would love for the rest of your life? Were you friends with your future husband before things "got physical"?<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2519386139727956530?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-62736895853144153582009-05-01T23:14:00.012-04:002009-05-04T00:14:08.561-04:00Hi there! :)<br /><br />I'm so excited to bee here with you! I'm Miss Bear Cub, but you can call me Miss Cubbie. I'm no good at introductions - I prefer to jump ahead to being friends! :)<br /><br />I'll give you a bit of background on me, though. ;) I'm originally from a small town in southern California, but I moved around a bit before I graduated high school in Dallas. I got my undergraduate degree in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Southern California (Fight On!), and I completed my masters degree in Astronomy at New Mexico State University in southern NM.<br /><br />While in grad school, I met my future husband - future Cubbie Hubbie! Mr. Bear Cub is originally from Portland, Oregon, but he went to high school in Belgium. We learned fast that we both <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> to travel, we love rain (really!), and gardening, and NPR, and hiking and camping and generally being as goofy and silly as can be!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu8prpx9NI/AAAAAAAAFv8/taN-1TfxNc4/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu8prpx9NI/AAAAAAAAFv8/taN-1TfxNc4/s400/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331062008201737426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cannon Beach, OR Dec 2006</span></span><br /></div><br />I chose to be Miss Bear Cub because the Mr. and I usually have our hands stuck in a jar of <del>honey</del> candy! We love love love baked goodies and sugery goodness in most forms. We also love salmon (it's my <span style="font-style: italic;">fave</span> sushi), and we're smitten with the Pacific Northwest! (Mr. Bear Cub went to UW!)<br /><br />We're currently in the thick of planning our September coastal summercamp wedding in Oregon! I'm a die-hard DIY-er, and we're both eco-geeks at heart, so we're trying to craft the wedding as much from scratch/sustainable sources as possible! We're firm believers in doing something because <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> want to do it, not because someone told you that you had to do it.<br /><br />I also love to bake. A lot. Luckily, I love to run, too! I'm actually going to bake my wedding cake from scratch, and Sister Bear Cub, Momma Bear, and FSIL Bear Cub are going to help me get it <span style="font-style: italic;">juuust</span> right.<br /><br />I was so excited I was chosen to bee here with you, that I baked all of you a loaf of sourdough bread!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu8OquH4II/AAAAAAAAFv0/nRLL606QwrI/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 202px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu8OquH4II/AAAAAAAAFv0/nRLL606QwrI/s400/Picture+11.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331061544095047810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This is really from my kitchen, from today. Fresh bread is so tasty!</span></span><br /></div><br />There's just one little snafu in our wedding planning process. We live in La Serena, Chile, and we're not coming back to the states until a week before we say our vows!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu63RAJc8I/AAAAAAAAFvs/5A2a6rC7aXI/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 355px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu63RAJc8I/AAAAAAAAFvs/5A2a6rC7aXI/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331060042542707650" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">from <a href="http://www.mapsorama.com/political-map-of-americas/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/11/content_390625.htm">here</a></span><br /></div><br />After getting our graduate degrees, we were offered jobs at the <a href="http://www.noao.edu/">US-owned observatories</a> in the Southern Hemisphere. We live and work in an "astronomer compound" - a small community where english is the primary language, and our neighbors are from Brazil, Germany, Canada, Australia, and many more countries! We both love this unique experience (y también poder practicar nuestro español!), but it's definitely making the wedding planning <span style="font-style: italic;">interesting</span>.<br /><br />One of the coolest things about being an astronomer in Chile is that we can visit (and observe on) all sorts of crazy telescopes on the southern continent! A few months ago we visited the <a href="http://www.eso.org/public/">European Southern Observatory's</a> telescopes at <a href="http://www.eso.org/sci/facilities/paranal/">Paranal</a>. This observatory (an array of four 8.2 meter telescopes!) sits high in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atacama_Desert">Atacama Desert</a> - the location for the most recent <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_22">James Bond movie</a>!<br /><br />The observers' sleeping quarters were blown up in the movie, so of course we had to simulate movie magic!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu9-HYdyqI/AAAAAAAAFwE/Mwh_ydb4DAE/s1600-h/ryboom.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu9-HYdyqI/AAAAAAAAFwE/Mwh_ydb4DAE/s400/ryboom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331063458754316962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mr. Bear Cub in a very convincing dash from the blast!</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu9-yhD2tI/AAAAAAAAFwU/qHLHv1oXmLM/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu9-yhD2tI/AAAAAAAAFwU/qHLHv1oXmLM/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331063470333090514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Look! Telescopes in the background!</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu9-fAggfI/AAAAAAAAFwM/ECfKBSrigtI/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 175px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu9-fAggfI/AAAAAAAAFwM/ECfKBSrigtI/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331063465096282610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">That's more like it. (screenshot from the movie, credit </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.bond007quantumofsolace.com/">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">)</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu9_gyJ9YI/AAAAAAAAFwc/sKI-pgZLT-Y/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sfu9_gyJ9YI/AAAAAAAAFwc/sKI-pgZLT-Y/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331063482752824706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Paranal, March 2009</span></span><br /><br /></div>It was really awesome being able to visit this observatory in one of the most barren places in the world...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfvAChXDixI/AAAAAAAAFwk/ieO2i85zfuo/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfvAChXDixI/AAAAAAAAFwk/ieO2i85zfuo/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331065733470456594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pumalin Park, Patagonia, December 2008</span></span><br /><br /></div>...But we Bear Cubs rather prefer southern Chile. It reminds us of home in the Pacific Northwest. Even with all of the excitement in South America (including the addition to our little family of a kitten named Georgina and a golden retriever named Beauregard), we can't wait to move to back to Portland in a few years, and settle our crazy selves down a bit! (Not too much ;) )<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5rSk62ANI/AAAAAAAAFxo/5NH5SBHjlrU/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sf5rSk62ANI/AAAAAAAAFxo/5NH5SBHjlrU/s400/Picture+12.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331816975745548498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Beau, December 2008</span></span><br /></div><br />There's a little over 4 months before our wedding, and I've got so much to share with you! Weddingbee has been such a source of insight and support for me ever since [before] I got engaged last May. I can't wait to let you in on our secrets to having the awesomest, most laid-back and crazy-cool summer camp wedding ever!<br /><br />Bear hugs for everyone!<br /><br />-Miss Cubbie :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-6273689585314415358?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-56310126016525843622009-04-29T08:35:00.002-04:002009-05-05T17:11:56.544-04:00I'm not as obsessed with shoes as <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCF3ywukQYA">Kelly</a> is, but I'm definitely <span style="font-style: italic;">particular</span>. Most strappy heels don't really appeal to me, and 90% of the time you'll find me on the streets in some mod ballet flats.<br /><br />When I bought my dress last year, I had a month to buy my wedding shoes for my fitting (I had to finish my alterations before the move!). That meant I had to get some shoes, and I had to get them fast. Luckily <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/">jcrew</a> is always there to help a sistah out. Even luckier - her ugly stepchild <a href="http://shop.ebay.com/jcrew?_from=R40&amp;_trksid=m38&amp;_nkw=jcrew&amp;_naf=1">ebay</a> is always willing to cut you a black market shoe deal!<br /><br />I'm short (a whopping 5'2"), and the Mr. is nearly 6', so I definitely needed a shoe with a heel. The jcrew Hadley d'Orsays were simple and effective - just what I needed! And at a steal on ebay (even less than this <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/J-CREW-JCREW-HADLEY-IVORY-DORSAY-BRIDAL-HEELS-SHOE-7-5_W0QQitemZ110380370079QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Women_s_Shoes?hash=item110380370079&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">listing</a>!), I considered my shoe case closed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfZrzY1ThBI/AAAAAAAAFuM/MzyOJtOUEj0/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfZrzY1ThBI/AAAAAAAAFuM/MzyOJtOUEj0/s400/Picture+14.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329565739623089170" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ebay.com/">source</a></div><br />A girl is never "done" with buying shoes. No. It just doesn't happen. When I got the heels in the mail, they were great. They were fine. They hurt. I'm a little granola, if you haven't picked up on it yet. Heels are beautiful, but I just <span style="font-weight: bold;">don't</span> know how to walk in them!<br /><br />I do, however, know how to dance in them! ;) I took some salsa lessons a few years ago, and Mr. Cubbie thought it would be awesome to do salsa as our first dance! You <span style="font-style: italic;">need</span> heels to dance salsa - you're on the balls of your feet 100% of the time. I'm actually more likely to trip while dancing if I wear flats!<br /><br />Then again, we are getting married on dirt. Heels and dirt are the biggest frenemies at a wedding! I could wear heel stoppers, like <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/04/09/red-hot-wedding-day-shoes/">Miss Lab</a>, but I could also trip while I walk down the aisle. (For some reason I'm only coordinated when I concentrate <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> hard. Go fig.)<br /><br />I settled for buying a cute pair of <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/J-Crew-Lucia-Brown-Suede-Womens-Ballet-Flats-Shoes-7_W0QQitemZ290293007909QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Women_s_Shoes?hash=item290293007909&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">brown suede flats</a> (thanks again, 'crew!). I had my dress hemmed for the heel height, but right now I'm planning to wear flats down the aisle.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfZrzZT_liI/AAAAAAAAFuU/ZAwhGV9bObA/s1600-h/Picture+13.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 296px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfZrzZT_liI/AAAAAAAAFuU/ZAwhGV9bObA/s400/Picture+13.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329565739751806498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ebay.com/">source</a></div><br />And then I saw <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-198-J-CREW-Flora-collection-sling-back-flats-11_W0QQitemZ260397823453QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Women_s_Shoes?hash=item260397823453&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50">these</a>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfZrzjsSFnI/AAAAAAAAFuc/IZAtvBA_Hjo/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfZrzjsSFnI/AAAAAAAAFuc/IZAtvBA_Hjo/s400/Picture+12.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329565742538036850" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/">source</a><br /></div><br />Jeez lil' miss 'crew - why you gotta keep tormenting me with all your stylin' stems??<br /><br />Since my dress looks like <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/dress-from-my-dreams-part-3.html">this</a>, I thought the little flowers would look oh-so-dainty peeking from underneath the fabric. But at $125 (even on eBay!), I don't know if I should chance this buy.<br /><br />How many times did you second-guess yourself on shoes? Do you have any shoe recommendations for a short, clumsy, dancing fashion junkie?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5631012601652584362?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-52479882036947188412009-04-28T08:25:00.006-04:002009-06-17T18:49:36.054-04:00Yes - <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/working-off-cake.html">I did</a>! Twenty-six-point-two-miles of wedded bliss!<br /><br />Mr. Cubbie and I thought this would be a good goal for our getting-in-shape-for-the-wedding pipe dream. As of today, there are 16 weeks until the Portland Marathon. Mr. Bear Cub is from Portland, and has always wanted to run the Portland Marathon. Unfortunately, two years ago while he was training for it, his stepdad died in a plane crash (while on a rescue mission!). This happened about a month before the race - he would have had to be running 40+ miles a week to adequately maintain his training (and not risk injury!). He went to the funeral, and pulled out of the race. A month after, we ran the Rio Grande half marathon together.<br /><br />Running is something that's truly brought us together as a couple. You need to trust your running buddy - both to help you and to challenge you. I started out not being able to run even a mile... and then 7 months later I was running 13.1 of them.<br /><br />Running in Portland is even better.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/images/dsc01156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 573px;" src="http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/images/dsc01156.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.city-data.com/forum/general-u-s/174672-what-your-citys-flagship-park.html">Forest Park, Portland</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There's rain, trails, cool air, and a positive running culture. The <a href="http://www.portlandmarathon.org/">Portland Marathon</a> is known for being the most walker-friendly marathon!<br /><br />There's also <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Park_%28Portland%29">Forest Park</a>. It's one of the largest urban forest reserves in the US. While the Portland Marathon doesn't go through the park, you <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> run a marathon on trails to work if you wanted! Mr. Cubbie and I <span style="font-style: italic;">always</span> make time to run together in Forest Park when we're visiting family in Portland.<br /><br />Granted, I'm definitely not in shape to run a marathon. That halvsie I did? Two <span style="font-weight: bold;">years</span> ago. I still consider myself a runner, but moving to another country (and finishing my masters degree) last year really ate up my time.<br /><br />If you have a good attitude though, running a marathon with 3 months of training is <span style="font-weight: bold;">completely</span> doable. My favorite resource for running advice is <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/">Runners World</a>. We get the magazine, but the website is hundy-percent free!<br /><br />Running is an awesome way to get in shape for your wedding. Don't be intimidated - anyone can do it! Runners World has a great <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0,7123,s6-238-244-259-0,00.html">first 5k</a> training plan. If you're interested in the sport of running to get in shape for <span style="font-style: italic;">the dress</span>, you should check out their <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/images/cma/beginner5k_table.jpg">advice</a> (walking is totally acceptable!).<br /><br />I've got a different beast ahead of me - the marathon. Luckily Runners World is a well of knowledge for first-time <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/subtopic/0,7123,s6-238-244-255-0,00.html">marathoners</a>. Their most accessible <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-11937-0,00.html">training plan</a> takes 16 weeks. I've got 16 weeks - this is perfect! They also have great <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-11939-0,00.html">training advice</a> to keep you from being injured. The last thing I want is for my new husband or myself to get <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-255-12968-0,00.html">seriously injured</a> after only two weeks of being married!<br /><br />Besides looking better in my wedding dress, I'm looking forward to sharing such a special event with my new husband (it will be his first marathon, too!). We'll be racing for each other, and cheering one another along the entire way.<br /><br />What are you doing to get in shape for the dress? Do you work out with your fiancé? Are you training for a marathon (or another race) this year, too? Do you have any advice for a first-time marathon runner?<br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5247988203694718841?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-32765798333966358442009-04-27T12:16:00.003-04:002009-05-05T17:09:01.125-04:00When we got <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/03/then-engagement-moon-part-1.html">engaged last May</a>, I couldn't <span style="font-weight: bold;">wait</span> to tell everyone! Even though Mr. Cubbie and I were in Thailand, we immediately hopped on a computer at our <a href="http://amari.com/baankrating/khaolak/">tiki-hut</a> to spread the good news. Two of my future bridesmaids (FB?) were on gchat - I told them right away I wanted them to be my bridesmaids! The rest of my girls I asked over the phone when we were back in the country.<br /><br />There's a million and one ways to ask your friends to be your bridesmaids. No one way is better than the other. Personally, if I have a fab secret, I can't keep it! I'm bursting with happiness! Asking my girls while I still had that "just slipped the ring on" glow was 100% me.<br /><br />And then I saw all those other wonderful ways to ask "will you be my bridesmaid?", and I <span style="font-style: italic;">of course</span> I wanted to do that, too! I decided this would be a great way to<br /><ol><li>RE-ask them (it's been almost a year since we got engaged!)</li><li>give them more up-to-date info about the wedding</li><li>pass around b-maid contact info</li><li>make them feel special</li><li><span style="font-size:78%;">have an excuse to craft - tee hee! :)</span></li></ol>The only problem is that now I live in Chile, and as we <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-hands-are-tied.html">already know</a>, there's not a whole lot in the way of crafting supplies here. No goccos, no papersource, no nothing that you lucky lucky brides in the states get to play with. You know what I did? I went to the grocery store. Ironically, in the <span style="font-style: italic;">grocery store</span>, they carry [a minimal supply of] felt, [random colors of] cardstock, and [probably lead-laden] acrylic paints. I had never really painted before, but I was on the verge of considering <span style="font-style: italic;">markers</span>, so I figured what the heck? Might as well try.<br /><br />When I was looking for supplies, I told my super-cute mamacita spanish teacher that I was having trouble finding pretty paper to work with in La Serena - she whipped out a packet of purple artisan paper made from seaweed! It's not enough to make into 80 invitations, but it <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> enough to embellish cute letters to my girls! I also found in my closet some old (papersource brand!!) matching white paper and envelopes - I was set to craft to my heart's delight!<br /><br />If you're interested in making cards for your girls based mostly on the junk you can find in the grocery store, you've just hit the crafting jackpot!<br /><br />I bought blue cardstock (it was either that or hot pink), white felt, and acrylic paints in green, red, purple, yellow, white, and black. The old papersource letter paper was already sized to fit into its envelope, so I borrowed a guillotine-paper-cutter from work to cut the cardstock.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg6dhMkQI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/aMVrYkT8Cmk/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg6dhMkQI/AAAAAAAAFtQ/aMVrYkT8Cmk/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328638972837794050" border="0" /></a><br />My idea was to paint a background of a lavender field with 6 sets of poppy buds (for each 6 of my bridesmaids!). Then, to give the card a little more texture, I affixed the lavender-colored seaweed paper to the front as a base for a little felt hand-cut wedding dress.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhUaXrgjI/AAAAAAAAFtY/D8iQMelXDrI/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhUaXrgjI/AAAAAAAAFtY/D8iQMelXDrI/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328639418669171250" border="0" /></a><br />I first made one card completely to make sure I was happy with the result. I mixed my colors until they matched a picture of lavender, and then I painted the soft green lavender stems, then the flecs of lavender buds, then the bright poppies, and finally some touch-ups. The work wasn't so bad for six cards, but I don't think I could survive <span style="font-style: italic;">hand</span> painting 80 wedding invitations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhU4srfyI/AAAAAAAAFtg/v0WSSdaVUo4/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 138px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhU4srfyI/AAAAAAAAFtg/v0WSSdaVUo4/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328639426810314530" border="0" /></a><br />All of my bridesmaids are scattered across the states. I really had to give them a lot of information in a little letter - long distance coordination is crazy! I gave them the dates of the wedding, the wedding location (if they didn't already know), dates to be in town (for fun BM outings!), the color palette, a BM coordination website, email addresses for the other BMs, and <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/letting-maids-dress-themselves.html">attire suggestions</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg5vnWo7I/AAAAAAAAFsw/UyiOjF6v-2A/s1600-h/beemine4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 377px; height: 251px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg5vnWo7I/AAAAAAAAFsw/UyiOjF6v-2A/s400/beemine4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328638960515589042" border="0" /></a><br />I secured into the envelope some paint chips from our palette to help them get an idea of how the mixy-matchy BM dresses will work together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhhvAsc4I/AAAAAAAAFuA/9nOhfBhxFIo/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 347px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhhvAsc4I/AAAAAAAAFuA/9nOhfBhxFIo/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328639647548208002" border="0" /></a><br />I wanted the pretty frayed edge to be the most obvious, so I put the glue on the front side of the letter:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhVkNInWI/AAAAAAAAFto/41gBVFsApTM/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 363px; height: 241px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhVkNInWI/AAAAAAAAFto/41gBVFsApTM/s400/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328639438489165154" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhWqlKY0I/AAAAAAAAFt4/xZvwCVRNvus/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 359px; height: 237px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhWqlKY0I/AAAAAAAAFt4/xZvwCVRNvus/s400/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328639457380426562" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhWVhcg6I/AAAAAAAAFtw/j0MTk9kIp94/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 446px; height: 295px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMhWVhcg6I/AAAAAAAAFtw/j0MTk9kIp94/s400/Picture+6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328639451727692706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg521KNII/AAAAAAAAFtA/63j7YBYCKas/s1600-h/beemine9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 445px; height: 292px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg521KNII/AAAAAAAAFtA/63j7YBYCKas/s400/beemine9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328638962452542594" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg5woNeMI/AAAAAAAAFs4/PGejscU9CBw/s1600-h/beemine8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 413px; height: 620px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg5woNeMI/AAAAAAAAFs4/PGejscU9CBw/s400/beemine8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328638960787617986" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg6AEBMzI/AAAAAAAAFtI/D9CDZqUzBk8/s1600-h/beemine11.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 470px; height: 310px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfMg6AEBMzI/AAAAAAAAFtI/D9CDZqUzBk8/s400/beemine11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328638964930786098" border="0" /></a><br />I miss my friends in the states a <span style="font-style: italic;">whole</span> lot - I'm happy for the opportunity to make them feel special, and I can't wait to see them in September!<br /><br />How are you coordinating your bridesmaids before the wedding? Did you ask your BM over the phone? via gchat? with a cute little card? Are you crafting wedding paraphernalia with run-of-the-mill supplies and leftovers?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3276579833396635844?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-41555900336970807792009-04-24T11:50:00.000-04:002009-04-24T11:54:44.336-04:00<a href="http://www.nps.gov/whsa/">White sands</a> is one of those places you almost can't believe exists on earth...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tringa.org/scenic_pictures/White_Sands_Sunset_01-18-2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 472px; height: 313px;" src="http://www.tringa.org/scenic_pictures/White_Sands_Sunset_01-18-2008.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.tringa.org/favorites_other.html">source</a></div><br />Wouldn't this be a <span style="font-style: italic;">fantastic</span> place to say your vows? There's even a <a href="http://www.nps.gov/whsa/historyculture/pavla-blanca.htm">legend</a> of a bride who walks the dunes at night in her flowing white dress, searching for her love.<br /><br />I think the most beautiful wedding at White Sands would be at sunset on a full moon night - the sun sets in the west, as the moon rises in the east. So romantic!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-4155590033697080779?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-15914962178362491652009-04-23T10:40:00.001-04:002009-05-05T17:07:27.163-04:00You might be thinking, "omg - wtf Miss Bear Cub... a TUESDAY wedding?? are you MAD??"<br /><br />Well, I'm not mad, but I'm definitely conflicted.<br /><br />I've let you in on the <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/03/then-engagement-moon-part-1.html">little secret</a> that Mr. Cubbie and I are full-time astronomers. That's the reason why we're in Chile - we do research funded by the <a href="http://www.nsf.gov/">National Science Foundation</a> on objects that can only be studied from the southern hemisphere.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfCAQh-LB3I/AAAAAAAAFso/z6zLmyDe2hA/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 324px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfCAQh-LB3I/AAAAAAAAFso/z6zLmyDe2hA/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327899380664698738" border="0" /></a><a href="http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Astronomy/Observational_Astronomy"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">little dude can't see everything - only what's above his horizon!</span></span><br /></a></div><br />When we were picking our wedding date, we had a choice between mid March and mid September (summer camps are chock-full-o-kids in the summer!). September in Oregon is way more likely to be sunny than March, so that was easy. Within September, we were able to choose our wedding date - we wanted the weekend of the autumnal equinox.<br /><br />Really quickly, remember our <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/quirky-venue-for-quirky-couple.html">venue</a>? Since we live a hemisphere away from our family and friends, we wanted to spend the entire [long] weekend with them - three full days of fun at a summer camp! For this reason, our wedding is really more of a <span style="font-style: italic;">domestic destination</span> wedding. The idea isn't for people to be able to drive in for the afternoon - it's to spend several days together.<br /><br />The autumnal equinox, however, lands on a Tuesday (sept 22) this year. Did you know it's a different date every year? It oscillates between September 21, 22, 23, and sometimes 24! Seeing as how our wedding "date" - the equinox - changes every year anyways, we figured it wouldn't be a big deal if <span style="font-style: italic;">this year</span> it was the 21 instead of the "real" equinox on the 22. Some years it'll be on the 21!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://beirut.indymedia.org/images/2005/03/2377.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 558px; height: 418px;" src="http://beirut.indymedia.org/images/2005/03/2377.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://beirut.indymedia.org/ar/2005/03/2378.shtml">Imagine you're looking at this from above. </a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://astro.wsu.edu/worthey/astro/html/lec-celestial-sph.html">This is another good resource if you're interested.</a></span><br /></div><br />September 21 is a Monday. This isn't as bad as a Tuesday, but it's still a Monday - a 3-day weekend ending on Monday. For some reason it seem like people are generally more willing to take a Friday off from work than a Monday, even though the hours lost is the same.<br /><br />While you're silently gawking at how I'm forcing my 80-so-odd guests to miss work for my Monday nuptials, hear me out a bit. The symbolism of an equinox wedding is, to me, <span style="font-style: italic;">awesome</span>.<br /><ul><li>The "equinox" means equality - the hemispheres of the Earth have equal daylight for that one day. Equality in our marriage is very important. The two halves of this marriage will always be equal.</li><li>While it's autumnal equinox in Oregon, it will be vernal (spring) equinox in Chile - we're traveling from the vernal equinox to the autumnal equinox! Not only is our wedding day going to have symbolic equality (of spirit), it's also going to have literal equality (of uniting the southern hemisphere with the northern!).</li><li>We're freaking astronomers! Why <span style="font-style: italic;">wouldn't</span> we include something astronomical in our nuptials??</li></ul>We were all set to send out our save-the-dates as September 21, when I panicked. <span style="font-style: italic;">What if, out of 150 invited, only 20 show up??</span> What if everyone hates me for insisting on having a Monday wedding? I couldn't bare the thought of traveling all the way from South America, to be surrounded by a whopping 5% of my friends and family on my wedding day. I tend to take things rather personally, and this lack of support on such an important occasion would devastate me.<br /><br />I called our site coordinator, and changed our date to September 20 - Sunday. We felt that could be a decent compromise - it's still the weekend, and almost the equinox.<br /><br />I understand having your wedding on any day that's NOT Saturday is rather controversial. But given the significance of our equinox wedding date, would you really be so upset to go to a domestic destination wedding on a Sunday? Can we still call our wedding an "equinox" wedding even though it's the weekend before the actual equinox? Have you had any positive experiences with non-saturday weddings?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-1591496217836249165?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-32734239822513295372009-04-23T10:02:00.001-04:002009-05-05T17:06:12.956-04:00With an average gestation period of eight months, couples have a lot of time to think about their wedding date - a lot of time to sear it into their minds. That date (that number on a calendar) will forever signify their promise of love. It's not surprising, then, when brides try to find the "best" date to save.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfB8Ds8rNLI/AAAAAAAAFsg/OHrhih_8m38/s1600-h/SaveTheDate.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SfB8Ds8rNLI/AAAAAAAAFsg/OHrhih_8m38/s400/SaveTheDate.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5327894762226398386" border="0" /></a><a href="http://davidira.com/">source</a></div><br />My personal favorite I've seen recently is 10-10-10 (October 10, 2010). 101010 is binary for 42, and if you're familiar with the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, you'll know that 42 is the answer. The answer to what? In this case, the answer to love - any couple who gets married on 10-10-10 can rightly claim that their wedding date was the answer to love.<br /><br />For other couples it might be something more mathematically simple - the anniversary of a grandparents' wedding, a first date, a first kiss; that sort of thing. At some point, we (as brides) kind of have to let go of the power of choosing a date. The church might be booked on that date for the next 3 years! The perfect reception hall might already be booked when you already have the perfect church date!<br /><br />Then you're not so much choosing your date, as your <span style="font-style: italic;">date</span> chooses <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span>. That perfect venue is available only one weekend this year? And it's in February? We'll take it! This is often what a lot of couple have to deal with when choosing a wedding date. We certainly determined our date based on the availability of the space!<br /><br />Even if our wedding date doesn't coincide with an ancestral anniversary, it is still <span style="font-style: italic;">meaningful</span>.<br /><br />Our wedding date <span>does</span> coincide with a <span style="font-style: italic;">celestial</span> anniversary - an anniversary of equality. Unfortunately, that day is a Tuesday this year.<br /><br />Is your wedding date imbued with special significance? How did you choose your wedding date - did it choose you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3273423982251329537?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-24479438750823917272009-04-22T14:19:00.001-04:002009-05-05T17:05:52.111-04:00Last night I had one of my first wedding-themed dreams.<br /><br />We were running late, or we were rushed - I can't remember, only that everyone was sat really quickly. The weather was <i>gorgeous</i>, and everyone was sitting in chivari chairs on the high meadow at westwind (the grassy meadow that overlooks the coastline). I was running late, I had no makeup on, and my hair was just down - normal, straight, flat. The ceremony was starting in a few minutes, so I grabbed a strip of extra lace fabric, and tied my hair in a loose low side ponytail with a lacy bow (I've actually been eyeing my mom's vintage lace scarf! I don't think she'd actually let me use it, though... it's <span style="font-style: italic;">sooo</span> pretty). I was wearing my insanely stunning gown, but I was barefoot and late. So I ran the mile from our cabin to the ceremony site. Barefoot. In my designer gown and lace bow.<br /><br />Everyone was waiting there for me, and although only 20 or so (out of 150!) had made it, they all looked so happy to see me. I caught my breath - and I caught the most beautiful smile from my fiancé, waiting for me at the other end of the aisle. I grabbed some wildflowers from the earth, and, holding them haphazardly at my side, I walked down the aisle to marry my best friend. We had forgotten the rings, but we didn't care - we said our vows, and we married anyways.<br /><br />My first wedding dream was riddled with hang-ups and problems, but the thing I remember most of the dream wedding day is how <span style="font-style: italic;">happy</span> I was. I didn't care that I was barefoot, or that my hair wasn't fancy, or that we didn't have our rings. I was calm and contented to be surrounded by the love of my family and friends, and my new husband.<br /><br />Amidst the dreaded wedding-day nightmares, have you had any positive wedding dreams?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2447943875082391727?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-72500114249609164882009-04-21T10:26:00.001-04:002009-05-05T17:05:25.538-04:00Probably one of the most difficult things to learn in a marriage is teamwork. There's no milk left in the fridge? He picks it up on the way home. The dog needs to go to the vet ASAP, but he's stuck in meetings? Maybe you can drive the dog there, while he agrees to pick the kids up from school later. This give-and-take cooperative isn't always easy; most of the tasks we need to learn to share end up changing daily!<br /><br />When Mr. Bear Cub and I moved in together, we tried to tackle this aspect of our relationship with a gameplan. The easiest thing to pin down is house chores - they're always there, constantly needing to be done. again. and again. We decided that if there was <span style="font-style: italic;">one</span> chore that either of us <span style="font-style: italic;">detested</span>, and the other was more ambivalent towards, that person could be off the hook. That's to say, if you can't stand doing any one particular chore around the house, your partner loves you so much that they'll always do that chore for you.<br /><br />Obviously this works best (most visibly) with big chores, things that always stack up. I <span style="font-style: italic;">hate</span> doing dishes. I hate it. My skin is left really dry and my nails really brittle. I cook the most often, so it's really tiring to have to wash dishes after hours of cooking. He, on the other hand, <span style="font-style: italic;">hates</span> doing laundry. He's not really familiar with separating lights and darks, and only knows one setting on the washer. Solution: I do <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> of the laundry, and he does <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> of the dishes. Always!<br /><br />Before you start thinking that I got the better end of the stick here, it's not all black and white. I don't mind putting dishes away, but he sees a mountain of clean dishes as a reason to not clean more (there's no room to put more dishes in the drying rack). No problem, I put the dishes away after he cleans them!<br /><br />Obviously there are innumerable more things that we help each other out with daily - this is just one example of the simplest way we've found to share our responsibilities.<br /><br />How are you learning to be a team with your fiancé? Is he responsible for some specific chores, and you others?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-7250011424960916488?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-79348777483965101672009-04-20T11:36:00.001-04:002009-05-05T17:04:52.158-04:00Yeah, soo.... Fatty McChunkbutt's been talking a lot about shoving cake down her gullet. Mm-mmm I love cake! And chocolate chip cookies. And brownies. (This isn't going so great, eh?)<br /><br />Seriously though, I think it's important to have a healthy body (and cookies). You might be surprised to learn that I'm a bit bi-polar when it comes to exercise. Sleep in till noon? Sign me up! Run 4 miles after eating chile rellenos? Yep! (feel the burn...)<br /><br />I like to keep my exercising habits interesting. If it's boring, I won't do it. If it's not working my entire body at the same time, I get distracted. In high school I was on the dance team and in gymnastics and on a cheerleading team. I could eat 8 cookies in one sitting if I wanted to! (and I did...) I liked the dance team and cheerleading for the benefits of a group workout, and gymnastics because of the full-body plyometrics. In college my caloric-genocide of choice was rock climbing - ladies, this gives you <span style="font-style: italic;">ripped</span> arms.<br /><br />Then in grad school I met Mr. Cubbie. Mr. Bear Cub loves to run! I hated to run! Even though I participated in a whole slew of fully cardio-intensive sports before, I had never been able to tolerate running. I was convinced I had exercise-induced asthma. When I started grad school in 2006, I had never even run a <span style="font-style: italic;">mile</span>.<br /><br />Mr. Bear Cub is an extremely patient and encouraging man. He wanted to be able to share his love of running with me, so he helped me start this sport by being my personal running coach. We slowly worked up from a half mile, to my<span style="font-weight: bold;"> first whole mile</span>, then 2 miles, 3 miles, and then it got to the point where I was running on my own after school without him. It's not so hard to get into running with flat dirt trails like this -<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SevsykZcNTI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/emFon2nx-4c/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SevsykZcNTI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/emFon2nx-4c/s400/Picture+15.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326611337803740466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://rideforawareness2007.blogspot.com/2007/04/day-10-las-cruces-nm-to-el-paso-tx.html">Mesilla has a network of trails along canals between pecan orchards!</a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SevsyC3AnPI/AAAAAAAAFsI/IPJGuG5Y1uc/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SevsyC3AnPI/AAAAAAAAFsI/IPJGuG5Y1uc/s400/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326611328800955634" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorlo/2390371349/">The Rio Grande - not so grande after all!</a></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sevsyyp2whI/AAAAAAAAFsY/NCoYuNdosM4/s1600-h/Picture+16.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sevsyyp2whI/AAAAAAAAFsY/NCoYuNdosM4/s400/Picture+16.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326611341630685714" border="0" /></a><a href="http://sargaza.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ok this isn't a dirt trail - but it's right outside the Astronomy Department at NMSU!</span></span></a><br /></div><br />He started training me to run in March of 2007, and by November 2007 I finished my first half marathon!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sevsx2GVb-I/AAAAAAAAFsA/UCe4gZYiel4/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sevsx2GVb-I/AAAAAAAAFsA/UCe4gZYiel4/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326611325375573986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">raaarrr!!... meow!</span></span><br /><br /></div>omg that thing hurt! I now know what it feels like when grandmas say their hips hurt. Holy hell that thing hurt. But holy hell was it worth it!<br /><br />For a while there I could call myself an "avid runner" - I ran about 15 miles a week, mostly just to de-stress (grad school gives you a lot of reasons to stress). When we moved to Chile, all of that changed. Chile has a huge wild dog problem.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.marvistavet.com/assets/images/rabid_dog.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.marvistavet.com/assets/images/rabid_dog.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_rabies.html">source</a></span></div><br />Ok, maybe the dogs don't all look like rabid blood-suckers. They look like that to me when I'm running! A pack of dogs chased my friend's <span style="font-style: italic;">car</span> last week!<br /><br />I've got another unfortunate deterrent, too - machismo. Chileans aren't so used to seeing women run solo (and I hate catcalls, especially if I can't understand them).<br /><br />Mr. Cubbie still loves to run with me, though. He also really wants to get in better shape for the wedding. For him, the best motivator is having a goal. If we've got a goal, even the most rabid macho cat-caller can't stand in our way!<br /><br />We thought for a while about what kind of exercise goal we could do together, stick to, and get a fulfilling workout from. Then we remembered that the <a href="http://www.portlandmarathon.org/">Portland Marathon</a> is usually in early October. It turns out that this race is the <span style="font-style: italic;">weekend we get back</span> from our mini-moon. The timing is amazing! The training situation isn't so amazing. The best thing about running in southern New Mexico was that I could step out of my door and be on a trail. Here, I have to drive 15-20 minutes to get to a gym or otherwise.<br /><br />The safest place to run near to where I live is the <a href="http://www.laserenagolf.cl/">golf course</a> - a gated community with miles of grass and <span style="font-style: italic;">no dogs</span>. This is a good 20 minute drive from my house, so I usually only get out there once a week. Otherwise, I'm doing the Jillian Michaels Shred workouts 4-5 times a week, and I just started a pilates class.<br /><br />Does anyone have any advice for training for a marathon with minimal access to safe running? How are you getting in shape for your wedding? Do you have a workout goal with your fiancé?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-7934877748396510167?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-2964344497977132592009-04-19T18:17:00.002-04:002009-05-05T17:03:30.377-04:00<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>What do you do when you have a good two cups of leftover italian meringue icing?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM8s0nOZI/AAAAAAAAFqk/j3J5GiEXZG0/s1600-h/Picture+13.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM8s0nOZI/AAAAAAAAFqk/j3J5GiEXZG0/s400/Picture+13.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325520796329130386" border="0" /></a><br />Aaand leftover lemon poppyseed custard?<br /><br /><br />...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You make macarons!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM8Ik9HLI/AAAAAAAAFqc/SNAEh3u9fpE/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM8Ik9HLI/AAAAAAAAFqc/SNAEh3u9fpE/s400/Picture+14.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325520786599779506" border="0" /></a><br />These definitely weren't Ladurée clones, but they sure tasted good! YAY for leftovers!<br /><br />What's your favorite flavor combination for macarons?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-296434449797713259?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-59475420471212242852009-04-19T14:37:00.001-04:002009-05-05T17:02:03.722-04:00When I say I "invented" my own wedding cake recipe, that may have been a bit of an <span style="font-style: italic;">embellishment</span>. Realistically, I <span style="font-style: italic;">edited</span> a few key recipes I found online. Editing recipes can get a little hairy, though. You should be prepared to bake <span style="font-style: italic;">lots</span> of cakes, or just scrap some cakes altogether (cake baking is the most volatile form of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoichiometry">stoichiometry</a> I know!). I was looking for something pretty specific, so when I didn't find it as I imagined, I made it that way.<br /><br />The specific things I was looking for in my main wedding cake were:<br /><ul><li>light, airy, and <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> fluffy almond-flavored cake</li><li>thick lemon curd filling (it needs to hold its shape so that when sliced it doesn't run)</li><li>light and airy frosting that tastes more like <span style="font-style: italic;">icing</span> (sugary, but not fondant) than frosting (thick, like butter)<br /></li></ul>Our main cake is going to be - get this - three layers of almond chiffon cake with lemon poppyseed curd filling, and <span style="font-style: italic;">lavender</span> infused italian meringue icing. We have a lavender and poppies cake! :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNwlzQmfI/AAAAAAAAFrs/xXM3cJI1W7Q/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 260px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNwlzQmfI/AAAAAAAAFrs/xXM3cJI1W7Q/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325521687797602802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">sticking to simple decorations is best for me.</span></span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />The Cake:</span><br /><br />My absolute favorite cake in the world is angelfood cake. I definitely have a love affair with chocolate, but nothing beats a cake that tastes like a sugary cloud (plus, my mom would always bake me an angelfood cake for my birthday as a kid :) ). Angelfood as a layered wedding cake doesn't really work. I found out, however, that <span style="font-style: italic;">chiffon</span> cake is the next step down in fluffiness from angelfood - and it holds up great in layered cakes!<br /><br />I found <a href="http://www.recipelink.com/clippings/Desserts/3297.html">two</a> <a href="http://bakingbits.com/Recipes/cake/almond_chiffon.shtml">recipes</a> online that were almost want I wanted, so I combined them, optimizing for fluffiness (more levener) and richness (more milk in the place of water). The trial cake I baked was about 6.5 inches in diameter, yielding 3 layers of a pretty good thickness. For the final cake, I'm going to increase the recipe.<br /><br /><u>Almond Chiffon Cake</u><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Ingredients:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">2.25 C sifted cake flour (use 2C of flour - once sifted it will be about 2.25 C)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1.25 C granulated white sugar + 0.25 C confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 C egg whites (from about 5 eggs)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">0.5 C vegetable oil</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">zest of 1 lemon</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">100grams almonds (a heaping 0.5 C)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 t cream of tartar</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 T baking powder</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">5 egg yolks</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">0.25 C water + 0.5 C whole milk</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">2 t almond extract</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Preparation:<br />Pre-heat your oven to about 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your cake tins by putting parchment paper in them - <span style="font-weight: bold;">do not</span> grease your tins, or the cake will fall.<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Bowl 1 -- With a food processor, pulverize together the 1.25 C sugar and the almonds. With a hand mixer, beat together the sugar-almond mixture and yolks. Beat in the veggie oil and zest, then the almond extract, then the water and milk. Add in the baking powder, and incorporate the flour in thirds. Cream everything together completely.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Bowl 2 -- With a really good hand mixer or <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/i-wish-i-could-put-this-on-my-registry.html">stand mixer</a>, beat the egg whites. What's the best way to beat egg whites? Start on a low speed until the whites are foamy/frothy, then add the cream of tartar and crank it up to the highest speed! When the whites hold stiff peaks, slowly add the 0.25 C confectioner's sugar, continuing to beat the eggs whites on a moderately high speed.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">When the egg whites are fully stiff, pour bowl 1 into bowl 2 (carefully!). I recommend doing this in parts - add about a third of bowl 1, fold, add another third, fold, etc. Be careful to not pop the egg whites you worked so hard to create! A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Silicone-Mixer-Spatula-Black/dp/B00005KI73/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&amp;s=kitchen&amp;qid=1240157272&amp;sr=1-14">spatula</a> (not a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Calphalon-FN04-Nylon-Slotted-Turner/dp/B000IVAJ7K/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&amp;s=kitchen&amp;qid=1240157244&amp;sr=1-12">slotted turner</a>) is your best friend here - scoop and fold, scoop and fold.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Divide the batter into the three 6.5" cake tins, and cook for about 25-30 minutes. The cake is ready when it's slightly golden brown on top, and a wooden toothpick stuck in the middle of the cake comes out clean. Let cool a bit, then remove from the tins to finish cooling. If this cake is being prepared in advance, let the cake cool <span style="font-style: italic;">completely</span>, and then wrap it several times with saran wrap and put it in the freezer.<br /><br />Note - if you don't have cake flour (because they only have two types of flour in Chile - with or without baking powder), you can make it really easily. Put 2 tablespoons of corn starch or potato starch in a cup measure, and fill the rest of it up with all-purpose flour. Sift this several times, and now you have a cup of cake flour!<br /></span></blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />The Filling:</span><br /><br />I used Alton Brown's <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/lemon-curd-recipe/index.html">recipe</a> for the lemon curd, and added poppyseeds. The easiest way to learn a recipe is to watch someone else make it, so I recommend <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsgx6NeHlWk&amp;feature=related">watching Alton</a> make his lemon curd yourself (start the video at 4:32).<br /><br /><u>Lemon Poppyseed Curd</u><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Ingredients:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">zest of 4 lemons</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">juice of 2 lemons (about 1/3 C)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 stick unsalted butter (0.5 C)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">5 egg yolks</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 C granulated white sugar</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">about 1 T poppyseeds (more, if desired)<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Preparation:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Add together the yolks, zest, lemon juice, and sugar in a metal bowl, and whisk well for about 4 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Put your bowl over a pot of boiling/simmering water, and continue to whisk! This will take about 10 minutes. When it's done, the custard should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (this is a cooking term called "napé"). I wanted my custard to be on the thicker side, so I whisked it in my make-shift double boiler for more like 15 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Whisk in the butter, a couple of tablespoons at a time, until completely smooth.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Add poppyseeds!</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Note - This holds up extremely well in the fridge. If you want to save on prep time, make this in advance.<br /></span></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNjrn0UwI/AAAAAAAAFrc/GAonvDnadSI/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNjrn0UwI/AAAAAAAAFrc/GAonvDnadSI/s400/Picture+6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325521466021925634" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Warning</span>: if you want your lemon curd filling to stay put, think about adding some <a href="http://baking.about.com/cs/hintsandtips/ht/stabilizewhip.htm">stabilizer</a> (like corn starch or gelatin). When I cut into my first trial cake, it turned into a lemony Niagara Falls.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />The Frosting:</span><br /><br />Originally I tried making the frosting as an italian meringue <span style="font-style: italic;">buttercream</span> frosting, but the only butter you can buy in Chile comes <span style="font-style: italic;">con</span> sal - they don't even sell it without salt! (Chileans love salt.... and sugar. Ask any South American about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manjar">manjar</a> - they'll start drooling!) Anyways, the meringue buttercream frosting did <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> hold up well in the fridge. It turned into cement. So just don't add any butter to the meringue - add more powdered sugar - and you've got meringue icing. This is very similar to "<a href="http://www.joyofbaking.com/RoyalIcing.html">royal icing</a>" (another common wedding cake icing), but my version turns the egg whites into an italian meringue first.<br /><br />The basic recipe I used for the frosting was from a youtube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxWmiHRTMz8">instructional video</a> by <a href="http://www.cakelove.com/">CakeLove</a> owner Warren Brown. He makes italian meringue so easy (and easy to <span style="font-style: italic;">look at</span> - I don't know which looks tastier - Hottie McCakeBaker Brown or the buttercream!).<br /><br /><u>Lavender-infused Italian Meringue Icing</u><br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Ingredients:<br />You'll need a candy thermometer for this!<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">2T cooking-grade dried lavender buds</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">0.25 C boiling water</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">1 C granulated white sugar + 0.25 C confectioner's sugar<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">(approx) 1 C confectioner's sugar</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">whites from 5 large eggs</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">food dye, if desired (enhances lavender look)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">(approx) 0.25 t vanilla extract<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Preparation:<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Make a "tea" with the lavender buds - steep the boiling water and lavender for about 10 minutes.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Put the lavender tea (with buds) and the granulated sugar in a small saucepan on medium-high heat. When the candy thermometer reads 245 degrees Fahrenheit, it's ready to be added to the stiffened egg whites.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">While the candy water is heating up, start beating the egg whites in a metal bowl. Make them frothy on a low setting, then beat the crap out of them on high! When the eggs form stiff peaks, slowly add the 0.25 C confectioner's sugar and beat for another minute or so.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">When the candy water reaches 245 degrees F, pour this directly into the egg whites bowl, while continuing to mix! You should beat the meringue on a medium-high speed, completely incorporating the hot candy water. The metal bowl should feel hot to the touch - you're cooking the egg whites!</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Continue to beat until the bowl cools off completely.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Still beating (now on medium-low speed), slowly add the 1-ish C of confectioner's sugar. Honestly, I don't know the best amount of sugar to add here. A cup to a cup &amp; a half should do it, though.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Beat in the vanilla extract and the food coloring!</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Note - Reserve some of the icing (pre food coloring) for the "cement" of the cake. Take about half a cup of the icing, and beat it with about half a cup (to a cup?) of butter. You'll know your buttercream cement is done when it has the consistency of whipped butter. The Warren Brown video is a great resource for this.<br /></span></blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Construction:</span><br /><br />In general, if you want to keep your filling <span style="font-style: italic;">between</span> the cake layers, it's a good idea to pipe a border of frosting around each layer. This is the buttercream cement you made from before.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNjI2oJJI/AAAAAAAAFrU/Bq1oALF1g-0/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNjI2oJJI/AAAAAAAAFrU/Bq1oALF1g-0/s400/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325521456688800914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I just used a plastic bag with a corner cut off for piping</span></span><br /><br /></div>Then dollop on some yummy lemon curd. (Think of the buttercream as a sugar fortress!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNitHmthI/AAAAAAAAFrM/etsNClZ36bw/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNitHmthI/AAAAAAAAFrM/etsNClZ36bw/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325521449243817490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I could invite Hansel and Gretel to a dinner party at this castle!</span></span><br /></div><br />And <span style="font-style: italic;">caaarefully</span> place the next layer on top of the last.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNhsoKv9I/AAAAAAAAFrE/swYrbYT4SKY/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNhsoKv9I/AAAAAAAAFrE/swYrbYT4SKY/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325521431932092370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">This is serious work, this cake-making stuff!</span></span><br /><br /></div>Now put a first layer of frosting on the cake. If you have leftover buttercream, that's a good first layer. If not, the royal icing works fine here, too. This acts as cement to keep the crumbs out of the final product.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM9x-7U-I/AAAAAAAAFq8/yY8kSyzxKzE/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM9x-7U-I/AAAAAAAAFq8/yY8kSyzxKzE/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325520814894437346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">OM NOM NOM</span></span><br /><br /></div>Sometimes the toughest of fortresses can't keep out the sugar fairies. My first cake trial sprung a leak:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM9VBosoI/AAAAAAAAFq0/KS4w9GVXBD8/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM9VBosoI/AAAAAAAAFq0/KS4w9GVXBD8/s400/Picture+11.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325520807121171074" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ruh-roh!</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNkkn4upI/AAAAAAAAFrk/uBnhcONyDCI/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegNkkn4upI/AAAAAAAAFrk/uBnhcONyDCI/s400/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325521481323035282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">delicious falling cake</span></span><br /></div><br />Bummer, but oh well. I still served half of that cake to my co-workers! My first trial cake was made with the italian buttercream frosting - everyone agreed the cake was delish, but the frosting was like chewing on butter. Funny, I had a roommate in college that liked eating straight butter (margarine, actually). She said it tasted like cake batter. (huh...)<br /><br />So my first cake trial was good, but had a few issues - the butter frosting, and the runny curd. I had half a cake left, and no desire to shove straight butter in my mouth (I prefer my butter with accoutrements). I did what few cake bakers ever dare to do. I took apart the three layers and re-filled it and re-iced it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM8xr9UYI/AAAAAAAAFqs/NxOMHRLO5Qc/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SegM8xr9UYI/AAAAAAAAFqs/NxOMHRLO5Qc/s400/Picture+12.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325520797635006850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I've got the <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Do-the-%22Blue-Steel%22-Pose-from-Zoolander">blue-steel</a> blues</span></span><br /><br /></div>The lemon curd was almost there - all I did was add some corn starch. I made a whole new batch of meringue icing, from the above recipe (with <span style="font-weight: bold;">lots</span> of leftover icing).<br /><br />Overall, this cake was a success! Everyone I gave a slice to said it was <span style="font-style: italic;">definitely</span> wedding-cake caliber taste-wise. There are still a couple of kinks I need to work out:<br /><ol><li>The cake falls a little bit in the middle. Maybe I need to cook it longer, at a lower temperature?</li><li>What's a good diameter for a single-tier, triple-layer wedding cake? I still need to adapt the recipe for a larger (than 6.5") cake.</li></ol>Was your wedding cake everything you thought it would be? What do you think is a good diameter for a single-tiered main wedding cake? Which do you like more, in general - italian meringue icing, buttercream, or fondant?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5947542047121224285?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-38602414869184855222009-04-17T13:00:00.001-04:002009-05-05T16:59:51.040-04:00A wedding cake is, generally speaking, a pretty big undertaking. Unless you want to make something like this, you're going to have to think outside the box a little.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sekcyt0TaRI/AAAAAAAAFr0/NIzOmVujfvM/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 295px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sekcyt0TaRI/AAAAAAAAFr0/NIzOmVujfvM/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325819691960330514" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.junkfoodnews.net/worldrecords.htm">this cake definitely surpasses the box</a></span><br /></div><br />What's most important to you - the presentation? the decorations? the flavor? the height? the color? Unless you're a professional baker (or you've got a lot of time on your hands and are willing to take a cake decorating class), you may have to prioritize what you want in a wedding cake, <span style="font-style: italic;">especially</span> if you plan on making it yourself.<br /><br />I already told you that I'm making (with my sister) three "normal" sized cakes to serve as a wedding cake buffet. I decided early on that I don't really care so much about the decorations; simple is sophisticated, and I want the flavor to speak louder than the fondant. Just to remind you, this is what I consider a beautifully decorated wedding cake:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SefqkkXBcBI/AAAAAAAAFqE/dVUe-03IAHs/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 368px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SefqkkXBcBI/AAAAAAAAFqE/dVUe-03IAHs/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325482998345330706" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.oncewed.com/">source</a></div><br />I do, however, want one of my wedding cakes to be what I consider a "stereotypical wedding cake" - light as air, fluffy as marshmallows, and trend-settingly elegant in flavor palette. This will be our "main" wedding cake, the one we slice into and feed to each other (and the one with little birdies on top!).<br /><br />This was (believe it or not) the hardest cake for which to pin down a recipe. After looking in several places, I first tried the <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/">smittenkitchen</a>-recommended <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/07/project-wedding-cake-the-cake-is-baked/">Vanilla Buttermilk cake</a>. The author of this awesome cooking blog made an amazing wedding cake from this recipe, so I figured it could work great for me!<br /><br />I baked this trial cake with my parisienne ex-pat friend for our Obama-rama election party.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SefuJirWwrI/AAAAAAAAFqM/00BywBiTqI0/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SefuJirWwrI/AAAAAAAAFqM/00BywBiTqI0/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325486932083786418" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">There's a reason I don't want to decorate my wedding cake.</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SefuKSSGHQI/AAAAAAAAFqU/mo6zCNlD9Mo/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SefuKSSGHQI/AAAAAAAAFqU/mo6zCNlD9Mo/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325486944862739714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Great friends, obama-rama parties, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5im0Ssyyus">Charlie the Unicorn</a>. That's how I roll.</span></span><br /></div><br />The cake was everything it was supposed to be - moist, rich, and yummy. But it wasn't quite right. (besides my suck-tastic decorating skillz.)<br /><br />I decided I'd have to invent my own wedding cake recipe.<br /><br />How did you decide on the flavors for your wedding cake? What's the most important thing to you when deciding on a wedding cake - the presentation? the decorations? the flavor? the height? the color? other?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3860241486918485522?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-27738040804024057482009-04-16T14:48:00.001-04:002009-05-05T16:59:24.075-04:00There's no denying it - a summer camp isn't exactly a "normal" wedding venue. I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> our venue (we did pick it! ;) ), but it does come with its quirks.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.westwind.org/">Camp Westwind</a> is situated on the southern shore of the Salmon River estuary in northwest Oregon. It's completely surrounded by land preserved by <a href="http://www.nature.org/">The Nature Conservancy</a>, and the camp itself strives to live in symbiosis with the land. It's less a "summer camp" these days (it was formerly owned by the YWCA) and more a wilderness education camp.<br /><br />The primary goal of Camp Westwind (besides environmental education) is to conserve the ecosystem it's in. As such, they <span style="font-style: italic;">don't allow many cars to drive directly to the site</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaOAL7896I/AAAAAAAAFpE/YB6hb7XOdBQ/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaOAL7896I/AAAAAAAAFpE/YB6hb7XOdBQ/s400/Picture+14.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325099743267583906" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.westwind.org/">source</a><br /><br /></div>We can have about one to two cars for our entire wedding group (all 80ish of us). The majority of our guests will have to park on the north shore of the estuary in a sanctioned parking lot and cross the river in a <span style="font-weight: bold;">barge</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaOA1zb4LI/AAAAAAAAFpk/TWv7wfCLKm8/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaOA1zb4LI/AAAAAAAAFpk/TWv7wfCLKm8/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325099754506150066" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.westwind.org/">source</a><br /><br /></div>Since this is an estuary, this means that the banks of the river are very sandy. The barges can only cross at high tide. That's one crossing per day, two at the very most! Our wedding is going to be three nights - our friends and family will <del>be trapped</del> have the pleasure of our company for a full weekend!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaOAtRI6TI/AAAAAAAAFpc/Zh92FUOiWc0/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaOAtRI6TI/AAAAAAAAFpc/Zh92FUOiWc0/s400/Picture+11.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325099752214817074" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.westwind.org/">source</a><br /><br /></div>The campgrounds are large enough for our guests to explore a little bit and relax during the two days before our wedding. That's the idea, actually - we want our wedding weekend to feel more like a reunion of friends and a new-union of family.<br /><br />Another "quirk" is the sleeping arrangements. Most of our guests will be sleeping in cabins like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaOAS51WsI/AAAAAAAAFpM/Qdbyo99CJPk/s1600-h/Picture+13.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 358px; height: 249px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaOAS51WsI/AAAAAAAAFpM/Qdbyo99CJPk/s400/Picture+13.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325099745137744578" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.westwind.org/">source</a><br /><br /></div>Where, on the inside, it looks like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sed_oKNnPUI/AAAAAAAAFps/txtksNtBrEU/s1600-h/Picture+12+10-07-58.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 246px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sed_oKNnPUI/AAAAAAAAFps/txtksNtBrEU/s400/Picture+12+10-07-58.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325365412301847874" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.westwind.org/">source</a><br /><br /></div>Two words - bunk. beds. I'm cool with it, most of my friends will be cool with it, all of Mr. Bear Cub's friends will be cool with it, and most of his family will be cool with it. We like roughing it! We're all friends and family - there's no airs to be putting on, here!<br /><br />I'm not so sure some of <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> family members (and a few of his) are cool with it, though. Luckily, there are a couple cabins that are a little more... technologically advanced. These cabins are fully-heated, though - they're not <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> rustic. We are trying to encourage all of our guests to stay at the camp with us. Due to the idiosyncrasies with crossing the river, staying at a hotel (over 40 minutes away, at closest!) would be difficult. Plus, we wouldn't get to see those guests as much over the course of the weekend - we want to see our loved ones!<br /><br />There's another little <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">teeny</span></span> thing about the cabins - they don't come equipped with bed linens. This is a summer camp! Usually people <span style="font-style: italic;">bring</span> their sleeping bag and pillow.<br /><br />My mom, the most organized person in the world (this is a compliment!), is a little concerned about the logistics of getting everyone sleeping linens. The vast majority of our guests (including ourselves!) are traveling a long ways to get to our wedding - the worry is they won't have room in their luggage for a <del>sleeping bag</del> sheets and a blanket and a small pillow. We're looking into renting bed linens from a hotel, but I don't know how well that's going to pan out.<br /><br />The next "quirk" directly affects wedding decor - the campgrounds don't allow any open flames. We can have a bonfire in the firepit ('mallow-roasting after party!! chubby bunny battle royale!!), and a "unity candle" if we want, but no candles anywhere else.<br /><br />This is a real bummer, because Mr. Bear Cub and I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> to eat by candlelight. It sets such an awesome mood for dining. Unfortunately, I can't have centerpieces like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.memeticians.com/2008/01/15/candlelit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 520px; height: 465px;" src="http://www.memeticians.com/2008/01/15/candlelit.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.memeticians.com/2008/01/the-ubiquitous-box-of-flickering-light.php">source</a></div><br />There <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span>, however, a super-sweet <span style="font-weight: bold;">fireplace</span> in the lodge. We can't have candles on the table, but we <span style="font-style: italic;">can</span> have a roaring fire in the hearth! In the end, I know this is for the best. September is fire season, and I wouldn't want to be responsible for starting a forest fire at my venue!<br /><br />The last little quirk is that they don't allow any pets. Again, I totally understand this - they're trying to maintain the ecosystem, and dogs just love to chew on and dig up "ecosystem". This is a <span style="font-style: italic;">super</span> bummer. We got our dog, Beauregard (bo-<span style="font-style: italic;">tard</span>) when we moved to Chile. He's our little boy, and he's the only one we'd want as our ring-retriever!<br /><br />He's already pretty good at retrieving the beers!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeeHR7LEzoI/AAAAAAAAFp8/tuvYpJoBdT8/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeeHR7LEzoI/AAAAAAAAFp8/tuvYpJoBdT8/s400/photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325373826400571010" border="0" /></a><br />Did your venue come with any "quirks"? How are you making your venue work for you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2773804080402405748?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-56283917844706625782009-04-15T21:20:00.001-04:002009-05-05T16:57:25.500-04:00Even though there are a few <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-hands-are-tied.html">road blocks</a> to getting the invitations made, I definitely have an idea of how I want them to turn out.<br /><br />Actually, I have a <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> strong idea of how I want them to look - is that normal? I feel like if I were in the states, I could start on this project ASAP; the vision's all there!<br /><br />Since my hands <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> tied in this DIY venture, we're thinking pretty seriously about having them made in the states. We've been talking with some vendors, but I'll hold off on the details until things are finalized!<br /><br />On to the paper porn!<br /><br />If I could make my own DIY invites, first I'd take a local class in letterpressing so I could do that myself also! Then I'd order a whole bunch of plantable paper from <a href="http://www.porridgepapers.com/">porridgepapers</a> - their seed paper is actually thick enough to hold a letterpress design!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://plantableseedpaper.com/images/wedding1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 320px;" src="http://plantableseedpaper.com/images/wedding1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.porridgepapers.com/">source</a></div><br />Imagine you're a guest at my wedding. You open the envelope to this beautiful little booklet:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.invitesite.com/include/Products/Images/IMG/COCOKIT_IMG_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 351px;" src="http://www.invitesite.com/include/Products/Images/IMG/COCOKIT_IMG_1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.invitesite.com/">Imagine a lavender flower instead of this flower</a></span><br /></div><br />The booklet is made of <a href="http://www.custompaper.com/lotka_paper.html">Lotka paper</a> (Nepalese artisan paper), and there's a rustic little flap that's sealed shut with a pressed lavender bud.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.invitesite.com/include/Products/Images/IMG/COCOKIT_IMG_2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 217px;" src="http://www.invitesite.com/include/Products/Images/IMG/COCOKIT_IMG_2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.invitesite.com/">source</a></div><br />Then you open the booklet to find the invitation inside - one page of maps (on the left) and one of the actual invitation on the right. Sewing all those booklets together might be a bit much, though, so maybe I'd affix them to the booklet like Mrs. Cherry Pie's tri-fold:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeZ_-xgfZdI/AAAAAAAAFo0/xaNCHZQdW4o/s1600-h/IMG_6337.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeZ_-xgfZdI/AAAAAAAAFo0/xaNCHZQdW4o/s400/IMG_6337.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325084325830419922" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.twinravenspress.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">imagine things on opposite pages</span></span><br /></a></div><br />Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's look at the main event - the formal <span style="font-style: italic;">invite</span>. It's kind of a mix between this, with the red poppies and lavender intertwined -<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaBMeI2SII/AAAAAAAAFo8/OS6KOJn4DbE/s1600-h/IMG_6298.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeaBMeI2SII/AAAAAAAAFo8/OS6KOJn4DbE/s400/IMG_6298.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325085660660779138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.twinravenspress.com/">Mrs. Cherry Pie's invites, via TwinRavensPress</a></span><br /><br /></div>... and this, with maybe a real poppy pressed into the invitation...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.57135440.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.57135440.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6156651">source</a></div><br />...and the sketches of the flowers are reminiscent of <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-i-love-and-cannot-have.html">vintage scientific botanical sketches</a>.<br /><br />The map on the other page would be made by <a href="http://www.crystalkluge.com/">Crystal Kluge</a>. She makes - hands down - the most beautiful wedding maps I've ever seen.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.crystalkluge.com/images/map/map_05_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 368px;" src="http://www.crystalkluge.com/images/map/map_05_l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.crystalkluge.com/maps.html">source</a></div><br />Luckily for me, Mr. Bear Cub <span style="font-style: italic;">loves</span> maps - this is one splurge <span style="font-style: italic;">he</span> wants! The map would be of northwest Oregon, with maybe a zoom-in on <a href="http://www.westwind.org/">Camp Westwind</a>. The zoom-in would include different locations at the camp - the main lodge, the wedding meadow, the ultimate frisbee field... important stuff. :)<br /><br />Crystal also has the most unique handwriting I've seen.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.crystalkluge.com/images/stationery/sta_10_l.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 466px; height: 343px;" src="http://www.crystalkluge.com/images/stationery/sta_10_l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.crystalkluge.com/stationery.html">source</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I wish I could just buy her handwriting as a font. I've never really been smitten with calligraphy, but this style is just so <span style="font-style: italic;">unique</span>! In my dreams her calligraphy would be plastered all over these invitations.<br /><br />The directions page would also include our wedding website, with a suggestion to RSVP via the site - less paper, less cost overall, and better for the environment!<br /><br />What do your dream invitations look like? Did you have a solid idea for your invites from the get-go, or did it take a little while to hash things out? Where did you get your invitation inspiration from?<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5628391784470662578?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-88770279834230953592009-04-14T11:59:00.001-04:002009-05-05T16:56:34.953-04:00I never thought I wanted anything more than a few sprigs of lavender to top my wedding cake until I saw this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS1EEiYrvI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/S6k2ziFE4Z4/s1600-h/AmandaTopper.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 483px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS1EEiYrvI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/S6k2ziFE4Z4/s400/AmandaTopper.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324579741000838898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.laurenalane.blogspot.com/">source</a></div><br />The little birdies that <a href="http://www.laurenalane.com/toppers.html">Lauren Alane</a> makes are so cute! I didn't exactly have a "I <span style="font-style: italic;">need</span> to have it" sort of reaction, but the wheels did start a-turnin'. The thing is, I'm not exactly <span style="font-style: italic;">cheap</span>, I just get this crazy idea in my head every once in a (frequent) while that when I see something artsy I like, I can re-create it. There are plenty of instructions on the net, right?<br /><br />These bird cake-toppers are a perfect example of my ... "initiative". There are several other people who make specifically wool-felted birds, also - great fodder for examples!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS4eEQxsJI/AAAAAAAAFnY/YGa7qUcfEIg/s1600-h/rainsend.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 338px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS4eEQxsJI/AAAAAAAAFnY/YGa7qUcfEIg/s400/rainsend.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324583486138462354" border="0" /></a><a href="http://rainsend.blogspot.com/">source</a></div><br />When I first started looking in to the "how-to" of wool felted birds, I thought this was a <span style="font-style: italic;">knitting</span> technique. I'm a pretty seasoned knitter, so I knew that felting (in the knitting sense) meant that you knit your creature loosely with big wool yarn, then throw it in the washer and dryer. The result is a "felted" material (the wool stitches shrink and bind together in the wash!).<br /><br />I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to <span style="font-style: italic;">knit</span> a bird - at least not a bird that would come out of the wash looking as pretty as the birds in the above pictures!<br /><br />Then I stumbled on the answer - these were <span style="font-style: italic;">needle</span> felted birds. Even easier! I hopped on over to my local knitting store to get my supplies for test bird. All you need is roving (loose wool), a needle felting pad, and needles.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS69b5jYvI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/n_xlSNy3-I4/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS69b5jYvI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/n_xlSNy3-I4/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324586224082707186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">roving, felting pad, and needles (bottom right)</span></span><br /></div><br />The basic idea is to roll the roving into a ball, and start stabbing it with the needle. (this doubles as a great wedding stress reliever.)<br /><br />Once you get going with the stabbing, you can start shaping your creature kind of like clay. I made wings and a beak for my test bird, but no tail yet. This was my first birdie trial, so I'll post full instructions later when I make the real cake-topper birds.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6lqk4xHI/AAAAAAAAFoA/lmLFhzNW_n0/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6lqk4xHI/AAAAAAAAFoA/lmLFhzNW_n0/s400/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324585815705699442" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6kjFrymI/AAAAAAAAFno/4R2KS2jtH-U/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6kjFrymI/AAAAAAAAFno/4R2KS2jtH-U/s400/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324585796515908194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ignore the huge cranium - this was my first felting!</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6j7nhHEI/AAAAAAAAFng/YIPycyeaSuk/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6j7nhHEI/AAAAAAAAFng/YIPycyeaSuk/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324585785920396354" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6k6y-TdI/AAAAAAAAFnw/_Ff17RFVPK8/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6k6y-TdI/AAAAAAAAFnw/_Ff17RFVPK8/s400/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324585802879880658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">little birdie taking flight!</span></span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6lIkE7zI/AAAAAAAAFn4/6oSG9qYKtyU/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeS6lIkE7zI/AAAAAAAAFn4/6oSG9qYKtyU/s400/Picture+6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324585806575497010" border="0" /></a><br />Be careful for cats when making your cake topper - I hear they like to eat birds!<br /><br />After the wedding, I plan on sticking some extra wire into the backs of the bride &amp; groom birds to make them into Christmas ornaments.<br /><br />Where did you find inspiration for your cake topper? Are you planning to make your topper, or buy it? If you've ever needle felted before, do you have any advice for making the finished product look cleaner?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-8877027983423095359?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-22983119181977726212009-04-13T10:17:00.001-04:002009-05-05T16:55:58.843-04:00There comes a time in wedding planning when you morph into semi-professional writer. No, I'm not talking not wedding blogging - I'm talking about writing your vows! These <span style="font-style: italic;">are</span> your <span style="font-style: italic;">vows</span>, so the caliber of writing is generally a bit above 7-th grade english class.<br /><br />The vows are kind of like the crux of the whole ceremony - <span style="font-style: italic;">everyone's</span> dying to hear them, especially your fiancé(e)! I've always thought it a shame when a groom pulls out a folded piece of notebook paper to recite his vows. I have to admit, though - it is quite heart-felt to think of your fiancé slaving away over his words of promise, number 2 nibbled to pieces, whittled to the eraser, and stuck behind his ear!<br /><br />Still, everything else in the wedding is planned in detail - shouldn't the presentation of your vows be equally beautiful?<br /><br />Plus there's the rest of the ceremony - will our officiant read from memory? from a 3-ring binder? from a folder?<br /><br />Ever since I saw this picture (below), I knew it would be the perfect volume to contain our vows and the words (that we're going to write!) from our ceremony.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.50571195.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.50571195.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19027249">source</a></div><br />The only issue is the sticker price - it's <span style="font-style: italic;">well worth</span> the $80 tag, but a bit steep for me.<br /><br />Recently, the seller of these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5097711">awesome books</a> was featured in an Etsy behind-the-scenes video:<br /><br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GUiMBWUpHxI&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GUiMBWUpHxI&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x3a3a3a&amp;color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />While I certainly don't claim to be as talented as Margaux Kent from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5097711">theblackspotbooks</a>, I think binding a simple book for our ceremony is totally doable!<br /><br />I've seen at least one other <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/lovebug/">Bee</a> display their vows/ceremony words in a hand-made book:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.weddingbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/20/z14197606.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://www.weddingbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/20/z14197606.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/2008/04/21/hits-and-mrs/">source</a></div><br />Unfortunately, <a href="http://www.weddingbee.com/author/lovebug/">Mrs. Lovebug</a> never blogged about making her ceremony book :( (hey lovebug! more recap posts! ... a year later! :) ).<br /><br />I've done a little research into this crazy book-making thing, and this is what you need:<br /><ol><li>an awl or needle to punch holes into the pages</li><li>heavy thread (linen thread is best)</li><li>thickish paper (cotton would be <span style="font-weight: bold;">great</span> for this project)</li><li>thicker paper (like cardstock) for the cover - I'm going to make a soft-bound book, hopefully like the ones from theblackspotbooks!</li><li>PVA glue (basically, glue that will hold for a long time) - in the esty video above, she uses neutral pH glue</li><li>a bone folder</li><li>linen tape<br /></li><li>a rotary-blade guillotine (unless you want to rip the pages for a more unfinished look, like with theblackspotbooks).</li><li>ruler or straight edge<br /></li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">optional</span> - fabric for lining the inside of the covers</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">optional</span> - leather for the cover</li></ol>I found a great <a href="http://www.indiana.edu/%7Elibpres/manual/treatments/cbind/front.html">tutorial</a> for basic book-binding and a great resource for <a href="http://www.hewit.com/acatalog/index.html">supplies</a> online - I think this is going to be a great project! I'm going back to the states for work in late June, so I'll either get the supplies I need then, or have them mailed to me (ouch $$...) sooner. I'm thinking it could be awesome to leave a couple of pages for our wedding invitations and maybe some pictures - who knows, it may turn into our wedding memorabilia book!<br /><br />How are you going to present the vows and words from your ceremony? Do you have any advice for a first-time book-binder, long-time crafter? What would you fill the rest of your pages with?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2298311918197772621?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-49074785621883443722009-04-11T16:30:00.001-04:002009-05-05T16:55:11.226-04:00I want a kitchenaid like little kids want to stick their fingers in the wedding cake!<div><br /></div><div>Doesn't it seem like everyone has a kitchenaid on their registry these days? I really need one, too! I baked brioche and sourdough bread from scratch this weekend, all using <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">my hands</span>. Kneading is tuff stuff!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes I wonder, though, if my kitchen gadget fiending type-casts me as uber-white. We're under pretty hefty pressure, apparently, to <a href="http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/02/05/54-kitchen-gadgets/">like cooking</a>!</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.weddingbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/standmi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.weddingbee.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/standmi.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/02/05/54-kitchen-gadgets/">source</a><br /></div></div><br />White people like a lot of stuff, and you can check out the rest of the list <a href="http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/full-list-of-stuff-white-people-like/">here</a> - what a great way to get to know another whitey, like me! (I like that it's a list. As a whitey myself, this helps. We like lists.)<br /><blockquote>... In order for them to truly enter into whitedom, they need to own the holy grail of white kitchens - the kitchen aid stand mixer (above). They will match this mixer to their kitchen’s color scheme and it will make up the focal point. And much like many religious artifacts, it will remain untouched for months and even years, sitting on the counter to be admired as a testament to their lifestyle. (from <a href="http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/02/05/54-kitchen-gadgets/">this guy</a>)<br /></blockquote>I don't know where this strong urge is coming from - to want this paddle-tongued steel throne! I know I want it in slate though. It'll probably match my other new kitchen gadgets.<br /><br />*note - I really <span style="font-weight: bold;">really</span> do want a kitchenaid stand mixer! <span style="font-style: italic;">sooooo</span> bad!<br /><br />What color kitchenaid are you putting on your registry? How do you plan to worship your kitchenaid?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-4907478562188344372?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-24709868505697492132009-04-10T22:45:00.002-04:002009-05-05T16:54:43.562-04:00<span style="font-size:100%;">This is the mantra of Mr. Cubbie's sister, bridesmaid T. It's so true! Say it with me, now:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Happy wife, happy life!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Doesn't that just make you smile? :)<br /><br />Mr. Cubbie [thankfully] likes to follow this saying. He truly does love to make me happy - even when it means I ask him to read the <a href="http://offbeatbride.com/">Offbeat Bride</a> book.<br /><br />*note - being caught reading a book about brides is not considered "cool" by most guys!<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeANCmK7LnI/AAAAAAAAFms/NmCINcfj4Yo/s1600-h/obb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SeANCmK7LnI/AAAAAAAAFms/NmCINcfj4Yo/s400/obb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323269097809194610" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Offbeat-Bride-Taffeta-Free-Alternatives-Independent/dp/1580051804">source</a><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />For those brides out there who are perfectly fine with their taffeta-filled weddings, I think that's fantastic! This book isn't so much about filling your wedding with quirky details, and nixing the favors, it's about </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >empowerment</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> over creating the wedding </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >you</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> dream of. And it's hilarious, to boot!<br /><br />There's just so many things some guys don't get when it comes to weddings. Our most recent thing is invitations. I want pretty, letterpressed plantable paper invitations that will turn into a keepsake framed in our home. He wants to send out emails. Sometimes it's hard to feel like you have to </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >justify</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> things in your wedding that you </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >know</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> aren't actually crucial. (would people still come to our wedding if we sent emails? Probably yes. Is letterpress awesome? Drool.)<br /><br />We've been planning our wedding since May 2008. In those twelve (!!!) months, I've thrown a lot of ideas his way, most of which didn't even register. Example - there's an <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-places-to-kiss-in-north-west.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">awesome</span> meadow</a> at Westwind overlooking the ocean. Even if we can't do our ceremony there (it's about a mile hike!), we could still do a sunset toast for those who can make the trek. Mr. Cubbie didn't quite "get" the idea of having a second ceremonial-type thing.<br /><br />When he went to <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/03/two-weeks.html">Switzerland</a> a few weeks ago, I sent him packed with the Offbeat Bride book. He read the whole thing while away, and now he can't stop talking about how hilarious it is! </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >And</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> he approached me the other day to tell me he thinks we should have a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">ring-warming ceremony</span> and a sunset toast (the author talks about hers in her book). I laughed! And then he said, "You already suggested this .... didn't you?"</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />He's a changed man! Now that wedding planning isn't so alien to him, he's coming to me with all sorts of ideas for the planning! Wedding planning is now </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >approachable</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> for him, and that means he's involved a lot more. And that makes his future wife very happy. And his life all the more happy.<br /><br />What do you think of the mantra "Happy wife, happy life"? How have you successfully gotten you fiancé involved in the planning process? Is he coming to you with ideas, or has it been a bit of a struggle?</span><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-2470986850569749213?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-58857474757710175732009-04-10T18:02:00.001-04:002009-05-05T16:52:04.720-04:00I feel kinda funny telling my friends what they should wear. Who am I to tell them to buy a $150(ish) dress they <span style="font-style: italic;">might</span> (probably not) wear again? If my bridesmaids want to all wear the same dress, same color, that's fine by me, but I want them to be comfortable in what they wear to my wedding.<br /><br />A comfortable bridesmaid is a happy bridesmaid, and a happy bridesmaid is a happy bride! (I know, how self-serving of me.)<br /><br />Luckily, mismatched bridesmaids dresses are becoming a popular way to inject originality into your wedding day!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://manolobrides.com/images/2007/04/unmatched1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 508px; height: 340px;" src="http://manolobrides.com/images/2007/04/unmatched1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.bride.net/2009/bridesmaids-mismatched-marvelous/">source</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />This first pic (above) is one of my favorites - everyone's in a shade of green or blue, and some of them are wearing patterned dresses! It's all about the effect on the whole. If you stick to just one color, that color might become overpowering. A spectrum of one or two colors, when put together, results in a wonderfully rich palette! Plus, I love how this means that you &amp; the 'maids will look the best when you're together as a group!<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_khxwvnm2EKk/SNfW2Sc8JFI/AAAAAAAAAI8/SU7qW43kgO8/s320/rachel_bilson_500x375.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_khxwvnm2EKk/SNfW2Sc8JFI/AAAAAAAAAI8/SU7qW43kgO8/s320/rachel_bilson_500x375.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://thatluxurylife.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html">source</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> how these different shades of olive green look together (above)! I guess when you have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel_Bilson">Rachel Bilson</a> as your MOH, the fashion's a no-brainer!<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i18.tinypic.com/2qcq9vl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 297px;" src="http://i18.tinypic.com/2qcq9vl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://sapphyreswedding.blogspot.com/2008/12/mismatch-bridesmaids.html">source</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_oVc5BrS5k-I/SH09wBb1hzI/AAAAAAAAAoY/3pk3H9fnPEU/s400/nonmatching.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_oVc5BrS5k-I/SH09wBb1hzI/AAAAAAAAAoY/3pk3H9fnPEU/s400/nonmatching.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://dingmoonment.blogspot.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://offbeatbride.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/coordinated-bridesmaid-dresses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://offbeatbride.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/coordinated-bridesmaid-dresses.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.gwynethcolleen.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wemetinabar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/snippet-and-ink.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://wemetinabar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/snippet-and-ink.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://snippetandink.blogspot.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wemetinabar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/mwa102418_spr07_bmaids_xl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 450px;" src="http://wemetinabar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/mwa102418_spr07_bmaids_xl.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://wemetinabar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/maids_same-colorish_mattmorgan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://wemetinabar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/maids_same-colorish_mattmorgan.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://matthew-morgan.blogspot.com/">source</a></div><br />Of course, there are a few guidelines you should follow to make sure your "mixed" dresses also "match".<br /><ol><li>Have your bridesmaids wear the same length dress. Whether it's short, long, tea-length - whatever - the length of the dress dictates the formality.</li><li>Don't stray too far from a simple color palette. I basically have two colors in my palette - rustic red poppy and faded lavender. Since we're getting married outdoors, espresso is a natural option for a "base" color. I'm telling my girls that they should try to find a dress that's in the spectrum between these three warm colors. *Bonus! Send your girls paint chips from the hardware store! This makes the color-selection a no-brainer.</li><li>You <span style="font-weight: bold;">don't</span> need to match necklines. This will come as a relief to your bustier gal-pals!</li><li>You <span style="font-weight: bold;">don't</span> need to match fabric type.</li><li>It's <span style="font-weight: bold;">ok</span> to mix florals with solids with patterns. In the end, it will look purposefully unmatchy-matchy!</li><li>Though not necessary, matching shoes can bring the entire ensemble together! I'm not asking my 'maids to do this, though.</li></ol>I'm giving my bridesmaids [near] complete freedom to choose a dress. I am, however, providing them with a suggestion for what I think is a pretty dress, but I'm stressing that they don't have to buy it. If they end up wearing a dress they already own, more power to them! Whatever makes them happy makes me happy.<br /><br />Then again, for all I know, they might all show up matching in the same exact dress :).<br /><br />How do you feel about letting your bridesmaids choose their own dress? Do you have any more suggestions to make unmatched dresses look more matchy?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-5885747475771017573?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-47379164013349477032009-04-09T17:18:00.001-04:002009-05-05T13:03:48.071-04:00One of the best things about our summer camp venue is that the staff is so easy to work with!<div><br /></div><div>They have their own kitchen and staff of chefs, and they'll cater our wedding, if we want (we're not even required to use their catering!). You might think, "um.. Camp food? For a wedding? Really?"<br /><br />Really! The weekend we toured Westwind, there were a whole bunch of <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/03/best-places-to-kiss-in-north-west.html">weddingers</a> bopping around the place in preparation for the nuptials to take place that day. Once a couple of them learned that we were there scouting for our own wedding, they got super psyched to endorse the food at <a href="http://www.westwind.org/">Westwind</a>!<br /><br />You have to remember, this is the Pacific Northwest (especially Portland area). People are really serious about their gourmet food here. Portland is quickly becoming an "it" city for foodies! With restaurants like <a href="http://www.wildwoodrestaurant.com/">Wildwood</a>, <a href="http://www.torobravopdx.com/">Toro Bravo</a>, <a href="http://www.tmbistro.com/">Tabla</a>, <a href="http://www.andinarestaurant.com/">Andina</a>, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/bijou-cafe-portland">Bijou Café</a>, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">so many more</span>, it's no wonder! Seriously - whenever Mr. Bear Cub and I are in town, we have to make a list of all the restaurants we want to fit into our schedule!</div><div><br /></div><div>So with rave reviews from the local weddingers of that weekend, we decided it could be a great idea to have Westwind cater our wedding. The best part? We have the freedom to design the meal to be <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">completely</span> original.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mr. Cubbie and I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">love</span> to cook together, and we're always inspired by new foods we try on trips. When we were in France two years ago, we went to this adorable little restaurant in Lille (northern France) called <a href="http://www.lapetitevoute.com/">La Petite Voute</a>. My <a href="http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000865carbonnade_beef_and_beer_stew.php">carbonnade</a> was pretty good (beef stewed in beer with pearl onions and fries), but Mr. Cubbie's Lapin à la Flamande was <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">earth shaking</span>. Bunnies are so tasty!</div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.lapetitevoute.com/photos/img02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 283px;" src="http://www.lapetitevoute.com/photos/img02.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.lapetitevoute.com/">source</a></div><br /></div><div>Lapin à la Flamande is basically rabbit braised in red wine and a little beer with prunes, shallots, a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouquet_garni">bouquet garni</a>, Belgian endive, and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">cinnamon</span></span>. Believe me, this tastes <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">fantastic</span>.</div><div><br />We thought it would be a fun idea to fill our menu with our own recipes and a few special dishes that remind us of our experiences together. To make things even more special, I thought, "Hey! Why not try to get the rabbit recipe <span style="font-style: italic;">from</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">La Petite Voute</span>??"<br /><br />I sent them this email several weeks ago (you can laugh at my french if you want :) ):<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Salut, Je suis étasunienne - il y a deux ans, j'ai rendu visite à votre restaurant avec mon copain (qui est maintenant mon fiancé!). On a absolument adoré votre restaurant! Surtout, le «Lapin à la Flamande». On l'a aimé à tel point qu'on voudrait faire ce plat à notre mariage en Septembre. Est-il possible que le chef cuisinier serait disposé à accorder une volonté d'une jeune mariée pour son mariage? C'est à dire: de lui donner cette recette pour qu'elle puisse la cuisiner pour le jour de son mariage? Merci beaucoup! On espère de rendre visite à votre restaurant encore une fois un jour! bisoux!</span></blockquote>The cliff-notes is that I asked if the chef would be willing to grant a young fiancée a wish for her wedding day - the recipe to his Lapin à la Flamande!<br /><br />Unfortunately, they haven't gotten back yet. I'm thinking maybe I should call the restaurant (skype), but I really don't think that's going to help much. I found <a href="http://www.aufeminin.com/fiche/cuisine/f13131-cuisiner-le-lapin.html">some</a> <a href="http://www.meilleurduchef.com/cgi/mdc/l/fr/recettes/lapin_flamande_ill.html">recipes</a> <a href="http://jojocuisine.over-blog.com/archive-02-2008.html">online</a>, and I'm pretty confident I remember the flavor palette, so we might try to re-create this dish at home!<br /><br />Have you tried to get a recipe from a restaurant, successfully? Do you have a special dish that you're going to try to recreate for your wedding guests? Do you have any advice for working with chefs on a customized wedding menu?<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-4737916401334947703?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-60443039380936525982009-04-09T10:35:00.001-04:002009-05-05T13:02:25.551-04:00I never thought I'd buy my dress so early in the game! Don't get me wrong, though - I was so happy I got <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span> I wanted in a wedding dress for well within my budget. The "problem", though, is that I never got closure with my first dress love.<br /><br />Isn't that so silly?! How can someone want closure with a dress? I swear I'm not crazy - I just <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> like nice fabric.<br /><br />The timing for my second-guessing couldn't have been better. My dress arrived in the mail at the end of June (no 6-month wait period! hurrah!), and Mr. Cubbie and I were headed up to Boulder for a <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/03/engagement-moon-part-2-edit-for-lousy.html">4th of July wedding</a> soon thereafter.<br /><br />You see, in Denver there existed not only a Monique Lhuillier salon (so I could see what the original Miranda and Scarlet gowns felt like), there was also a <span style="font-style: italic;">Priscilla of Boston</span> salon. I could finally try on the <a href="http://www.priscillaofboston.com/dress_detail.jsp?gid=1&amp;sfid=50531">POB 2902</a>!<br /><br />Even better was that the girlfriend of Mr. Cubbie's best man was coming to the wedding too. Even though we'd only spent a little time together, she was excited to go wedding dress shopping with me!<br /><br />Mr. Cubbie was a groomsman in our friends wedding, so our time in Boulder was, for the most part, not very abundant. I ended up having to cancel my appointment at Monique Lhuillier, but that didn't really matter - I already owned one of her gowns!<br /><br />Priscilla of Boston was <span style="font-style: italic;">definitely</span> happening, though. My new girlfriend and I drove down to Denver from Boulder in our <a href="http://carshare.org/">CarShare</a> wheels (actually cheaper than renting!), and when we pulled up to the salon, I couldn't believe I was finally getting the chance to try on my dress!<br /><br />I'm <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> glad I did. I'm also <span style="font-style: italic;">so</span> glad I had a girlfriend there with me! I put some other gowns by Melissa Sweet in the dressing room, but <span style="font-style: italic;">obviously</span> the POB 2902 was the first dress I tried on.<br /><br />My reaction?<br /><br />Well, let's put it this way: I didn't even take a picture. I was that unimpressed. There are just some dresses that look <span style="font-style: italic;">way</span> better on the model. It's such a weight off my shoulders to know (for sure) that this dress wasn't me.<br /><br />One other dress did peak my interest, though - the Melissa Sweet <a href="http://www.priscillaofboston.com/dress_detail.jsp?gid=1&amp;sfid=50615">Tilda</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sd4P9GG9PAI/AAAAAAAAFmk/EsPjPEvlvks/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sd4P9GG9PAI/AAAAAAAAFmk/EsPjPEvlvks/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322709351884733442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.priscillaofboston.com/dress_detail.jsp?gid=1&amp;sfid=50615">source</a></span><br /></div><br />Mr. Bear Cub doesn't want to see me in any wedding dress before the wedding, so if you're reading, Mr. Cubbie, stop right now!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Mr. Bear Cub - there're cookies in the kitchen! Wouldn't you rather eat a cookie?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />....<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />ok... coast's clear!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sd4P8nx3zTI/AAAAAAAAFmc/LRQyZoRdj9U/s1600-h/melissa+sweet+tibby.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sd4P8nx3zTI/AAAAAAAAFmc/LRQyZoRdj9U/s400/melissa+sweet+tibby.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322709343743233330" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">You can even see POB 2902 in the background.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I really wanted to love it, but just couldn't.</span></span><br /><br /></div>Turns out I <span style="font-style: italic;">loved</span> the Tilda. The pictures don't really do it justice. The lace on the bottom is cut so that when you walk, it swishes and sways so beautifully! The price tag, at $7000, wasn't so beautiful, though. The Tilda is a new design, so there aren't any used dresses for sale (that I'd found) yet. That's fine by me, though - I already owned a gorgeous designer lace dress!<br /><br />With this little trip to POB, I left feeling well-assured that my eBay steal was my dream wedding dress. No more second-guessing! I love my dress, and I haven't had dress envy since.<br /><br />Did you get to try on all the dress styles you wanted? If not, did you ever second-guess your decision? Did you still try on dresses after you bought your wedding dress? How many stores did you have to go to until you found your gown?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-6044303938093652598?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-34421687634971577272009-04-08T09:50:00.001-04:002009-05-05T12:59:43.612-04:00Did you know that South Americans <span style="font-weight: bold;">hate</span> it when people from the US call themselves Americans? They love saying "America's a continent, not a country, #$(&amp;@!!" I now find myself saying things like, "Hi! I'm United-States-ian!" You learn all sorts of interesting things about your home country when you move abroad.<br /><br />This isn't a post about living abroad, though, because Mr. Bear Cub and I are going to have a real <span style="font-style: italic;">American</span> engagement shoot! (in the sense we're used to thinking!)<br /><br />In the months leading up to our move, I poked around a bit on the net to see what possibilities lay in actually getting married <span style="font-style: italic;">in</span> Chile. This was really just a fleeting thought (my parents would be pissed if they had to fly down here for our wedding), but it led me to <a href="http://kyleheppphotography.com/">Kyle Hepp</a>, an american girl (United-States-ian ;) ) who married her Chilean sweetheart in Chile, lives in Santiago, and is now a professional wedding photographer.<br /><br />In addition to having some pretty hilarious insights into Chilean life on her <a href="http://ohquepasa.blogspot.com/">personal blog</a>, her <a href="http://kyleheppphotography.com/">professional work</a> reminds me of some of her favorite wedding photographers, like <a href="http://www.punambean.com/">Punam Bean</a> and <a href="http://www.elizabethmessina.com/">Elizabeth Messina</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdyxm0E1M-I/AAAAAAAAFjs/80zCADpE0VI/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 474px; height: 314px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdyxm0E1M-I/AAAAAAAAFjs/80zCADpE0VI/s400/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322324140017136610" border="0" /></a><a href="http://kyleheppphotography.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SdyxmZ2M1-I/AAAAAAAAFjk/icklg2eAJug/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 474px; height: 308px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SdyxmZ2M1-I/AAAAAAAAFjk/icklg2eAJug/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322324132976449506" border="0" /></a><a href="http://kyleheppphotography.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdyxlx8_TSI/AAAAAAAAFjc/IKoJa18GOYA/s1600-h/Picture+2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 308px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdyxlx8_TSI/AAAAAAAAFjc/IKoJa18GOYA/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322324122267503906" border="0" /></a><a href="http://kyleheppphotography.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SdyxlZ1bAuI/AAAAAAAAFjU/vdPZOI_irDs/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 478px; height: 353px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/SdyxlZ1bAuI/AAAAAAAAFjU/vdPZOI_irDs/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322324115793314530" border="0" /></a><a href="http://kyleheppphotography.com/">source</a></div><br />In preparation for our engagement shoot, I sent Kyle some examples of other engagement shoots that I liked.<br /><br />This photo-shoot of <a href="http://chrisandflora.blogspot.com/">Chris and Flora</a> is so <a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2009/01/19/chris-flora/#more-5745">sweet</a>! I love how it never has that "staged" feel to it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/flora3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 494px; height: 329px;" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/flora3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2009/01/19/chris-flora/#more-5745">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/flora4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 490px; height: 362px;" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/flora4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2009/01/19/chris-flora/#more-5745">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/flora6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 360px; height: 533px;" src="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/flora6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2009/01/19/chris-flora/#more-5745">source</a><br /></div><br />Then there's the biggie in awesomeness for engagement photography - <a href="http://www.maxwangerblog.com/">Max Wanger</a>. If you read <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/">Cup of Jo</a> (and you should), you've probably heard about him - he did their engagement shoot.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy71XhXjLI/AAAAAAAAFj0/EROGqtkcC8A/s1600-h/Picture+20.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 463px; height: 359px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy71XhXjLI/AAAAAAAAFj0/EROGqtkcC8A/s400/Picture+20.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322335385166515378" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.maxwanger.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy71q4pIXI/AAAAAAAAFj8/Why5ajNqC-Q/s1600-h/Picture+21.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 355px; height: 508px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy71q4pIXI/AAAAAAAAFj8/Why5ajNqC-Q/s400/Picture+21.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322335390364410226" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.maxwanger.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy71tGlcFI/AAAAAAAAFkE/CoH6fQNU0xg/s1600-h/Picture+22.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 470px; height: 351px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy71tGlcFI/AAAAAAAAFkE/CoH6fQNU0xg/s400/Picture+22.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322335390959759442" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.maxwanger.com/">source</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy8sKRMZMI/AAAAAAAAFkk/j8Un5Q0he5I/s1600-h/Picture+23.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 469px; height: 259px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy8sKRMZMI/AAAAAAAAFkk/j8Un5Q0he5I/s400/Picture+23.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322336326501819586" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.maxwanger.com/">source</a><br /></div><br />Max does a great job of including <span style="font-weight: bold;">props</span> in his engagement shoots. The result: quirky and fun! My kinda love!<br /><br />warning: you're about to witness a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> of awesome engagement photos! (all of the following photos are credited to <a href="http://www.maxwanger.com/">Max Wanger</a>.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy-E1u7n7I/AAAAAAAAFmU/5phCbcOce08/s1600-h/Picture+5.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 492px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy-E1u7n7I/AAAAAAAAFmU/5phCbcOce08/s400/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337849997762482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy-EgEaoHI/AAAAAAAAFmM/WyfOr-AJn6o/s1600-h/Picture+6.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 484px; height: 347px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy-EgEaoHI/AAAAAAAAFmM/WyfOr-AJn6o/s400/Picture+6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337844182294642" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy-EsJWLiI/AAAAAAAAFmE/UAqMo01tu48/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 472px; height: 309px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy-EsJWLiI/AAAAAAAAFmE/UAqMo01tu48/s400/Picture+7.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337847424200226" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy-ECvE3jI/AAAAAAAAFl8/lIIZVEtSnEg/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 525px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy-ECvE3jI/AAAAAAAAFl8/lIIZVEtSnEg/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337836308160050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9z2p5x0I/AAAAAAAAFl0/2NFRxRKDRgs/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 462px; height: 255px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9z2p5x0I/AAAAAAAAFl0/2NFRxRKDRgs/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337558187329346" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9zRmKl2I/AAAAAAAAFls/u4tE-9HrJu0/s1600-h/Picture+10.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 466px; height: 309px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9zRmKl2I/AAAAAAAAFls/u4tE-9HrJu0/s400/Picture+10.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337548239542114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9yyJKAqI/AAAAAAAAFlk/zmA6ymWKasw/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 473px; height: 312px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9yyJKAqI/AAAAAAAAFlk/zmA6ymWKasw/s400/Picture+11.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337539796370082" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9y8Jd9oI/AAAAAAAAFlc/s4ZpZPsD3tk/s1600-h/Picture+12.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 472px; height: 311px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9y8Jd9oI/AAAAAAAAFlc/s4ZpZPsD3tk/s400/Picture+12.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337542482032258" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9yh1UdZI/AAAAAAAAFlU/h3ZI891Tm_Q/s1600-h/Picture+13.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 480px; height: 329px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9yh1UdZI/AAAAAAAAFlU/h3ZI891Tm_Q/s400/Picture+13.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337535418201490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9Wtv6TmI/AAAAAAAAFlM/UX1YLohDEyY/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 483px; height: 353px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9Wtv6TmI/AAAAAAAAFlM/UX1YLohDEyY/s400/Picture+14.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337057580404322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9WuyFN3I/AAAAAAAAFlE/CYiNbYqD4XM/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 489px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9WuyFN3I/AAAAAAAAFlE/CYiNbYqD4XM/s400/Picture+15.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337057857943410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9WPW9lZI/AAAAAAAAFk8/v306yZRc048/s1600-h/Picture+16.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 385px; height: 583px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9WPW9lZI/AAAAAAAAFk8/v306yZRc048/s400/Picture+16.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337049422697874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9WIjzkuI/AAAAAAAAFk0/NKNzz3yPhig/s1600-h/Picture+17.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 485px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9WIjzkuI/AAAAAAAAFk0/NKNzz3yPhig/s400/Picture+17.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337047597519586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9V8MVOjI/AAAAAAAAFks/0iByK1hSdJk/s1600-h/Picture+18.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 491px; height: 326px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy9V8MVOjI/AAAAAAAAFks/0iByK1hSdJk/s400/Picture+18.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322337044277836338" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy8r5uqlDI/AAAAAAAAFkc/yA3x0eBtfuo/s1600-h/Picture+24.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 547px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy8r5uqlDI/AAAAAAAAFkc/yA3x0eBtfuo/s400/Picture+24.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322336322062029874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy8qq4ixJI/AAAAAAAAFkM/zIR4zPZc_vM/s1600-h/Picture+25.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 452px; height: 495px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_JS0psFZMEfM/Sdy8qq4ixJI/AAAAAAAAFkM/zIR4zPZc_vM/s400/Picture+25.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322336300897059986" border="0" /></a><br />When I showed Kyle the photos from Max, she got really excited! She said this kind of photo shoot is the most fun! While props (like big hats, chairs, scarves, goofy sunglasses, balloons, bubble blowers) might seem a little circus-like in real life, the effect in photos can come out looking really cool.<br /><br />Now I've got to find some awesome props to include for our engagement shoot! I'm so excited!<br /><br />What kind of props would you include in a quirky and fun engagement shoot like this? Did you send your photographer example photos that you liked for inspiration? What are your <span style="font-style: italic;">favorite</span> engagement photos?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9069528798612765187-3442168763497157727?l=lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ms Bear Cubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09983423504224711285noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9069528798612765187.post-27636178439648005642009-04-07T00:47:00.002-04:002009-05-05T12:56:42.618-04:00By this point in the game I was deep in the hunt - for steals &amp; deals, no less.<br /><br />Yes, I admit - I'm a designer junkie crammed into an Old Navy wallet. I desperately wanted a $5000 dress on a $1500(ish) budget. I must reference you to my <a href="http://lavenderandpoppies.blogspot.com/2009/04/dress-from-my-dreams-part-1.html">reasonings</a>, though - they're rock-solid (for this self-manipula-shopper, anyways).<br /><br />Realistically, though, the <span style="font-style: italic;">strongest</span> reason for letting myself look at designer gowns was this - I was certain I was going to buy a used dress. Why get a used dress I'd feel "ok" in, when a whole new world of dresses popped into my price bracket once I considered used? Buying your wedding dress used is a very significant way to make your wedding more "green". Think about it - if all women in the US eventually get married (I'm being generous here), if 70% of them buy a new dress (pretty reasonable, considering the likelihood they'll wear their mom's wedding dress), how many of these brides do you think sell their dress afterwards? Only as many as will buy - no more than 30% of all brides. That means that integrated over all women getting married in the US, at least 40% of them have their wedding dress in their closet! Or, worse yet, in the dump! What a travesty of accumulated "stuff".<br /><br />So I'm just "doing my civic duty" to recycle :). And I'll recycle my dress again after I'm married (and hopefully recycle