Weekend plans?

(via Someecards)

What are you doing this weekend? Boy and I are heading to my sister's for some much needed R&R and of course, wedding planning. My dear sister Meg will be leading the charge as we try to knock this event out in three months. More updates on that later, but in the meantime . . .

D.C. Design

In my flip-boarding last night (that's a verb, right?), I stumbled on a photo slideshow of a local D.C. apartment on Apartment Therapy. Residence of Refinery 29's editor, Holly Thomas, the space's design is spot on. I absolutely love the fusion of rustic and modern; eclectic and minimalist; and I applaud anyone who can make good use of white walls.

Guys in Suits

Please excuse me for a minute . . .

Usually, I swoon over Philip when he's wearing a simple white tee or a big, cozy sweater with jeans and his laced-up boots, but a friend passed this Tumblr along to me today. Oh my heavens. These men in suits are too much to handle; you know what I'm saying ladies. Now, I'm anxiously awaiting boy's threads on the big day.

Snapshots

Oh dear, August 20th was my last post. Shame on me. The last two weeks have been a haze of wedding planning, birthday celebrations, and a Many Hopes planning retreat in the City. So, some snapshots as of late  will have to do . . .

A lifetime of friendship

The birthday weekend is over, and it's dreary here in D.C. today. My college girlfriends, Katie and Chelsea are in town, and we had a busy weekend of catching up, wedding planning and birthday celebrating. Over dinner last night, I realized that Kate and I have been friends for nine years. Nine years- that's insane! Time does fly by. From dorm acquaintances to best friends, we've been housemates four times, lived in Virginia and Massachusetts together, traveled on many trips, and as it seems, we've changed our hairstyles for each of those life stages. 

Well, looky there . . .

(photo via)

Did you know tomorrow is August 17? It's a grand day. My birthday.

Just ask boy and my mom, I love birthdays. I mean, LOVE. For me it's a day of celebrating with friends, spoiling myself with some good eats, and taking time to reflect on the past year. I really don't mind the gifts either. 

For my birthday wishlist, this is what I have in mind . . .

The setting

Well, I am still trying to make this wedding happen this fall, possibly November. I can do it, right? Luckily, I have reinforcements coming in this weekend. Two of my very good college girlfriends are joining me on Saturday for a ridiculous amount of venue visits. Since a few places are wineries, I plan on entertaining the ladies with wine sipping. As I'm sure you have noticed, I really want a rustic, ethereal and natural setting for the big day, and I think a farm or vineyard is just the ticket! Light strands, wild flowers, exposed wooden beams with open fields and mountainscape in the background . . .

Auntie's Traditions

(Eli at about 18 months and Auntie still reveling her low to mid twenties) 

In my market perusing the other day I came across the cutest pop-up stand with cuddly, sweet baby clothes, toys, and blankets. Don't worry, I don't have the baby bug! I do, however, have two adorable nephews that melt my heart and pull at my purse strings. I'm heading to see them soon, and at four months old, I'll probably just shower Oakes in Auntie kisses, but Eli is another story. I cannot greet the three year old,  empty handed. So, I grabbed this oh-so-cute elephant tote by Mirasa designs.

J. Crew Lookbook

Oh J. Crew, just stop it.

On forgiveness

Oh to be back at the lake again, where my most pressing decision was red or white wine? What a week it has been, and I know the next five weeks will be just as demanding with  the approaching  two weddings, family visits, friend's complicated lives that beckon me to listen and encourage, Many Hopes retreat extravaganza, work projects and oh, trying to plan my own wedding, if possible.

To the Lake Photos (4)

To the Lake Photos (3)

The flowers

 

This week is quite a whirlwind as I launch back into my projects at work, start planning for Many Hope's annual fall fundraiser, and potentially plan a wedding sooner rather than later. What have I gotten myself into? 

To the Lake Photos (2)

Before heading to Lake Winnipesaukee, Philip and I spent some time in Boston. Between residing in Virginia and Washington D.C., I spent some time living in Boston, and I adored it. It was an achy two years of questioning my next career move and pointless romantic incidents, but the time was surely filled with fond memories and friendships. 

To the Lake Photos (1)

Oh dear, I have been so quiet these last several days. I had hoped to blog some while at the lake, but the reading, the basking in the sun, the numerous familial meals and the lovely times of conversations kept me away from finding a computer screen. And I have to tell you, I really loved it. I sure did miss blogging, but the disconnect from this world of updates, statuses, feeds and tweets was nice and necessary for a moment.