Job description

*Image via Type Theory

If this was part of your job description would you accept the position? I love working with teenagers, it brightens my day and yet they can be like these alien creatures sometimes. Maybe I didn't have enough drama during my teenage years, maybe I didn't rebel enough to understand it all, maybe I'm old.

Spring treat

*Image via sfgrilbybay

There are two distinct markers for me that indicate the arrival of spring. When I see my first crocus blossoms pushing through the ground I know spring is on the way. When I eat my first sweet tender strawberries my suspicions are confirmed. We had strawberries, whipped cream and angel food cake for a refreshing dessert last night. I wouldn't have minded a repeat for breakfast. Now, if it would only warm up a bit and quit threatening to snow again!

Focused

*Image by Our Labor of Love

I love reading wedding blogs that are affirming and grounded. I created this blog as a way to keep track of all of my daily inspiration and to be better about small daily inspirational writings. Beautiful things abound on the internet and throughout my life. I spent the weekend with girlfriends playing and on Sunday we printed wedding stationary. I am so excited to stuff envelopes! Reminders that planning a wedding should make you feel good and not stressed keep me focused on how fun and exciting this process should be. Also, how my wedding is not in competition with any other wedding in existence and should not be. Team practical is a team I want to be a part of.

Familiar

*Image by Cheryl Jones

This is the first image available from our engagement session this past Friday. I feel self-conscious looking at pictures of myself, but I think it turned out nicely. I would like to have seen the photo shoot from Odin's perspective, or from the standpoint of a passer by. We were supposed to look serious in this picture, but it was hard because the dog was so wiggly.

Who cares?

*Image via Snippet & Ink

Why people go on and on about table centerpieces is beyond me. How many people will judge an event by the centerpiece? Hopefully not many of them will be at my wedding. At first I thought that the folding chairs at my venue were kind of ugly, but they are chairs! I am doing my best to avoid brainwashing by wedding magazines and realize that simplicity is beautiful and that the only person who might really care is me. If I can let it go, there will be so much more time in my life to read and play with my dog. Flowers are beautiful by themselves, they only need a container. That combination sound awesome to me: pretty flowers in a container. Done.

Feelings

*Image via Kate Spade

Sometimes, a little validation is all we need. I like hearing compliments. Knowing that I do a good job or that I made someone feel better can make my day. I wanted to pass on that positive vibe, something that teaching makes easier.

Sandals

*Image via Nordstrom and snippet & ink

The more I think about it, the more I know that flat shoes are my best option for a pain-free unforgettable wedding day. The last thing I want is to be sore or to trip. I'm comfortable in flats. Having seen some wonderful options I'm looking to the internet for more inspiration. Changing into a dress won't change who I really am, not even for a day. I can be a fancier version of myself in flat shoes too.

Soft

*Image via .v

Doesn't this look like fun? This reminds me of dress-up when I was little. I have days when I still feel like I'm playing dress-up today. When I started wearing fancier earrings, I felt like I was playing dress-up. Wearing fancy dresses sometimes feels like dress-up. When my shoes have heels, or I'm wearing sequins it is so opposite from my sneakers and jeans personality. This is the kind of energy I want to project on my wedding day: excited, giddy, joyful.

Lipstick

*Image via abc & fffound by way of Design Crush

I'm not a huge fan of lipstick on a regular basis, but it does help me feel dressed-up and fancy. I'm also a fan of glossy lips. I like the idea of a straw photo, especially because we're having the fun bottled Cokes at our reception (Trevor wouldn't have it any other way - Coke is his vice). I think that lipstick paired with a fancy straw and glass bottle, would make a lovely photo. I can also imagine a silhouette of a soda fountain couple, two straws and a coke bottle.

Spring grey

*Image via fffound by way of Design Crush

When I first decided that I didn't want look-alike attendants at my wedding, I was excited by the idea. All winter, the grey dresses were really dark and dramatic-looking. I wasn't too into the idea of charcoal because I saw it being a really formal look. I was also trying to be as hands-off with the dresses as I could. I love the new spring dresses, how fun, light, and happy they look. I don't think I ever considered grey as a happy spring color.

The color is...

*Image via Simply Seductive, J.Crew, Design Crush & Kate Spade

I've been looking at many many yellow things, but the Campari colored dress, sent me back to pink and red. I think that it is an awesome, vibrant, attractive color. Now that I'm moving to a location that has perpetual warmth and summery weather, I'll have to invest in some fun summer pieces. I'm also looking for a unique top or dress for all of this wedding business. (Not that I think I'll actually buy anything - window shopping is so much fun!)

Waiting

*Image by Kat Heys via .v

I am currently imagining myself on the coast of a warm beach somewhere enjoying myself. Currently, it is raining. The steady Seattle drizzle is getting everyone excited for spring break. Hopefully I'll get work this year and will spend my break prepping my classroom. I can put up my surfing posters and transport my mind to another, warmer, coast.

It's possible

*Image by James Carson via We Met in a Bar

This bouquet looks simple enough, I could do something like this for my gals. Scheduling a trip to the Pike Place Market is in my new plans, my eye is on the lookout for seasonal flowers. With a simple plan like this in mind, bouquets could be easily assembled on the day of the wedding with little stress. Simplicity is key, so is trusting everyone who volunteers to help.

Clean

*Image via This Young House

I am currently looking for inspiration, not on the wedding front, on the house front. The idea of moving is looming in my mind. Instead of focusing on boxes, I want to focus on the outcome of the move. We're not going to bring everything we have, it would be too much to pack and drive across the country. I love the clean lines and incredible transformations in this house.

Fancy

*Image via Elizabeth Dye

If Elizabeth Dye wanted to be my friend, there is no way I could say no. For some reason I've got my mind set on wearing one awesome dress (still looking for inspiration) to showers, parties and the rehearsal. If I could have spent some more time in Portland, The English Dept. would have been on my list of sights to see.

Floral

*Image via Housemartin (the Ink & Peat blog)

I am in Portland this weekend for a wedding and am so excited when I see spots other Portland bloggers have talked about.  I discovered the Housemartin blog via Chelsea at {frolic} and saw the shop as we were driving back to our home base.  (I think I almost squealed).  I love flowers and plants in the home and I think I can talk Trevor into letting me swing into the shop before we head home today.  

Unpuged

*Image via Kate Spade

I have been unplugged all week, it feels good.  I can't wait for spring.

Good News!

*Image by bread + butter via Oh So Beautiful Paper

That is what I told myself and it came true. We're so happy to finally be able to plan our future. We can even go on a honeymoon now! Trevor and I will be spending the next four years in San Antonio. Everyone I know probably googled Texas in some form or another. I can't wait to actually visit this city and scope it out.

Luck

*Image via Nature Notebook

Part of me is glad that the scramble is scheduled to fall on St. Patrick's day this year. I'll take the luck of the Irish along with all of the cosmic good thoughts, karma and prayers coming our way. I'm not nervous, I can't be; one person with frazzled nerves is enough. My mood is hopeful, supporting and optimistic. I am reminded of all of the lazy days spent staring into the clover-patched lawn looking for four leaves. I haven't found one yet, maybe tomorrow is the day.

Eggs

*Image via Hip Hostess

We didn't match. Tomorrow we'll scramble. Keep those fingers and toes crossed. I'm doing my best to stay upbeat (that could be an unintentional egg pun too). I'm on the edge of my seat.

Pins

*Image by Heather Bailey

This week is going to be momentous and tense. Tomorrow we find out if Trevor matched for residency or not. We'll be overjoyed if he matches, but we're not holding our breath. The reality is that we'll most likely scramble on Tuesday and that is where the pincushion comes from. For those of you who don't know about the process here is the simple breakdown:

• Monday: 12 PM EST Applicants find out if they matched into a residency program.

• Tuesday - Scramble Day: 11:30 AM EST Programs find out if they have filled their positions.

• Tuesday: 12 PM EST Information about programs with openings are released. Applicants begin the literal 'scramble' to obtain a position.

• Thursday - Match Day: 1 PM EST Results are posted for everyone who matched.

This is exciting and tense. This week we'll learn where we'll spend the next four years of our lives. This week we can start making plans for our future. This week my fingers and toes will be crossed.

Flowers

*Image via Ruby Press

I love these blossoms. Ranunculus are beautiful flowers, I can't wait for my bright own bouquet.

Simplicity

*Image by Lisa Lefkowitz via Junebug Weddings

My mom just called me from Michael's to ask about any vases I had in mind for centerpieces. She had two 50% discount coupons, so I let her buy two vases for the mantle at our reception hall. Flowers on the mantle will look nice. I honestly don't want to fuss with table decorations. We're serving rosemary bread with balsamic and olive oil for dipping and some olives on each table as appetizers, I thought that would be enough. Ideally, I would like to check thrift stores for shallow bowls for the oil and vinegar and thought it would be a good place for vases too. I guess that a 50% discount isn't too bad either. I am reminding myself to keep it simple. Simple should be easy. Simple is elegant.

3.14

*Image via Growing Hope

Today is one of my favorite days! This was also one of the preliminary dates I had with Trevor, baking pies for 3-14 or, known by geeks as Pi day. I have a bunch of frozen berries in my freezer, many of which I picked this summer. I'm baking pie today and smiling to myself about math.

She said it

*Image by Ray Fenwick via Pretty Pretty Paper

Today is a good day to be reminded of the reasons we marry. Sara's blog has been inspiring me for a while and she makes some wonderful observations and points today. We don't get married for the flowers, or for the pretty invitations. We get married because we want to spend our lives with one person and we want to publicly acknowledge and commemorate that relationship. The small details are exciting, they can be fun. After your wedding ceremony and reception will anyone remember those details? It helps to focus my perspective.

Good Idea

*Image via Kate Spade

It is Friday, why not? I got to sleep in today, reason enough for smiling. Have a great day!

Reading

*Image via Kate Spade

I am almost finished reading my latest novel and I'm looking for something else to occupy my time. I love finding a book that is difficult to put down, and I love passing on those same stories to friends and students. I'm looking for suggestions, but if it comes down to it I'll judge a book by its cover. Looks like it's time to head to the library!

Dress peek

*Image by Jasmine Star Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

This bride customized her dress, but from behind the metal taffeta is unmistakable. I love seeing how other women have chosen to wear and accessorize the dress, it changes every time I see someone wear it. I am lucky enough to be wearing a dress I bought from another happily married woman who is now a mother. I don't know her personally, but thanks to the internet I found my wedding dress for half price. I hope to make another bride as happy after I've had my turn.

Books

*Image via Good Stock

Books count as paper right? I just happened upon a fantastic site where you can create custom books, picture books really, but more. Some of my favorites were commemorating milestone birthdays, anniversaries, family trees and inside jokes. I know that most photographers offer custom album information, but some of the accordian books look like they'd make a perfect keepsake or gift. I'm thinking of my mom. Plus, I'm always on the lookout for a good DIY opportunity. The Kolo website has some great photo albums, and some great sale prices too.

Photos

*Image by Max Waggner via Green Wedding Shoes

We were supposed to have our engagement photos taken last weekend but opted to postpone them due to the unpredictable weather. It has been unusually cold here in Seattle and we've had much more snow this year, and this week, than ever. We decided to wait a week or two because we're scheduled to shoot outside and the ground was going to be either soggy or frozen. I want to know how these brides-to-be do it? How do all of the engagement photos I see look so fabulous. These are real people, but yet so cleverly arranged, so in love and so glamorous. I'm working on it, really. I'm going to go swim and then practice strutting my stuff.

Trendy

*Image via Neiman Marcus

Flowers and fancy shoes have both been big trends lately therefore, I'm guessing that flowers on fancy shoes can't be far behind. This shoe could cost potentially half as much or more than your wedding dress. This shoe could also be a DIY project for a budget and fashion savvy lady. Maybe my fabric flower experiments could include shoes too.

Oh Martha!

*Image via Martha Stewart

While I was looking for inspiration and helpful tips on making hair flowers/decorations I found this awesome photo gallery with instructions for making your very own paper and fabric flower embellishments. Of course Martha beat me to the punch. Because she's awesome and accomplished (and has minions that I don't) check out her posts for some guidance and inspiration while you anxiously await my tutorial post. I'm going to use some of Martha's tips to help give structure to my creations.

Cutch this

*Image by Jennifer Ladd via coco+kelley

I have some anxiety about sewing more complex patterns. Really, it has nothing to do with ability but regardless, I am anxious. While browsing the blogs I saw a clutch on coco+kelley and became inspired. Inspiration was twofold 1. a beautiful pattern 2. an empty wallet. I would like to add this to my list of wedding tasks to accomplish. With five attempts, I should perfect the task.

Stationary

*Image via Linda & Harriet

Aside from wedding blogs, the entire reason I began browsing the web during my planning was for letterpress stationary ideas. I am a paper junkie, and mostly buy cards to stash for either the perfect occasion, or to hold onto. Trevor and I just got wind that our first registry item has been checked off. Now I'm looking for thank you card ideas. I am pleased by the infinite designs and possibilities of the internet. I can't wait to write letters to the people I love.

Art

*Image via ReForm School

When I first discovered ReForm School it was due to the Keep Calm poster craze. I admit, the poster caught my eye and the sentiment was something I thought would bolster me. Last year, I hung the poster next to my classroom desk as a reminder to myself. It was a bonus if it worked on my students. This poster was a gift to Trevor on our first dating anniversary, and now it's like a bonus gift to myself. It sits framed and propped up on his dresser in our bedroom and is a nice, daily, gentle reminder (especially when we're stressed).

Attendant

*Image by Joe Mikos Photographers via Snippet and Ink

For some reason people have been asking me if we're including the dog in our wedding ceremony. This question has always seemed absurd to me until I saw this picture. I get the desire to include the beloved pet, but it didn't quite click, until I saw the bedecked bulldogs. No, I have not changed my mind. Having Odin in our engagement photos will be enough. I can see the other side more clearly now.

Revision

I wasn't completely satisfied with my previous hair flowers. They needed some more structure and a little more oomph. I'm working on it. Here is a preview of the materials I'm adding to my fabric flowers. Once I'm pleased with the results, I'll add another tutorial post.

Shouldn't have

*Image via J.Crew

I've been trying to avoid this purchase for the entire week. I finally caved and bought myself a new pair of brown shoes for spring/summer. I really shouldn't have, but my other favorite pair is showing wear. Plus, I couldn't resist the discount. Hopefully these shoes are awesome. I do have to get rid of an old pair now, trying to maintain a balance. It just may have to be that cute pair of Kate Spade heels I thought I would wear to my wedding.

Wiggle

It is the best feeling in the world to come home to such an enthusiastic audience. Odin has a tiny stubby tail that doesn't wag, so he compensates by wiggling his entire body. That, and the snorts of affection make my day. I couldn't be happier to be home with my snorty, wiggly bulldog.

Dishes

*Image via sfgirlbybay

I have to wash a sink full of dishes.  I am not excited about that.  When I finish my chores, I get to spend a crafty evening at home.  This is what I am looking forward to today.

Radio

*Image via kexp

Before I moved to Seattle, I always surfed local radio stations listening for something good, something that wasn't a commercial. Now, I am a lucky regular listener of my local nonprofit station kexp. For those of you out there across the world, you can stream live or listen to recorded performances or download podcasts. For those of you in Seattle, turn the dial to 90.3 and enjoy. They are currently in the middle of one of three yearly pledge drives, and my Catholic guilt is urging me to sign up. Take a few minutes and listen, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Head gear

*Images via ban.do

I am not brave enough to wear a giant flower on my head. I would love to be this brave, but I'm not a fashion risk-taker. I am however going to attempt something more simple. I am all about small and simple. As luck would have it Michael's currently has all of their silk flowers reduced by 50%. I purchased a few stems and the total came out to less than $7. Now, I aim to take these flowers apart and augment my first attempt at hair flowers. I'll blog the process and will post the results. I'm nervously excited and I can't wait to get home to start crafting. This part of wedding planning I like (and looking at shoes online).

Family

When we first started our required marriage prep our counselor asked us a simple, yet poignant question: why do you want to get married? Having to put my thoughts and feelings into words wasn't too easy. So many things seem obvious but can be taken for granted. I want to be acknowledged and I want to truly be part of Trevor's family. I want him to be part of my family. Together we want to become a family unit. This is an early morning snapshot of the beginnings of my family. Something simple.