Bridesmaids

"Friends are the most important ingredients in this recipe of life."

                                ~ Abraham Lincoln

     I have been a bridesmaid a few times and it is always very exciting! Bridal showers, dress fittings, and the happy frenzy of the day itself when all of the preparation is complete and there is nothing left but the celebrating! I had fun searching for beautiful bridesmaid items and I have some VERY pretty things to show you from Etsy shops and Anthropologie's BHLDN as well as another drawing I did especially in honor of bridemaids from Jennelise Rose Bridal Couture! (To see my Bridal Couture Wedding Gowns go to my previous post titled Bridal Bliss.) I hope you enjoy perusing the photos and will visit the shops to see more lovely things!

1. Beauty Idea

2. River of Romansk

3. Vintage Opulence

4. Mary and Angelika

5. Powder Blue Bijoux

6. Ananwang

7. Romancing the Bling

8. Gardens of Whimsy

9. Bagatelles and Co

10. Creole Sha

11. Noaki

12. BHLDN

13. Sherri Weese Designs

14. BHLDN

15. Drawing by Jennelise

A Gift of Crystal

"Some thoughts always find us young, and keep us so.
Such a thought is the love of the universal and eternal beauty."
                               ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

      Whenever I choose a wedding present - unless there is a specific request- I like to give something unique and beautiful. More often than not I choose a piece of crystal that I know can be used as a display piece or saved in a cabinet waiting for that bunch of fresh flowers, a candle in the evening, or a pretty dessert. Crystal is so timeless and versatile. It always adds that extra sparkle to your decor or table setting. Here are some photos I have taken of the crystal in my house and all of the different ways that I love to use it!

Loving Jane

"There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart."
                          ~Jane Austen

   I went to a wedding this past weekend and besides enjoying the company of friends and the spreading of well-wishes it made me think about love and romance! One of my most favorite writers famous for her love stories is Jane Austen. I have loved her books and the adapted films since I was a little girl! In my final research paper at university I presented on the topic of the female identity and the struggle throughout history for women to find their voice and perspective through writing. Jane Austen was one of the authors that I spoke about for her portrayal of women in a very strict and enclosed society. I quoted critics who wrote about the attitude of Austen's characters being one of "grace under pressure" - facing the world and it's realities with poise and dignity. Her love stories embody this grace and have always captivated me. The photos for today include my copies of favorite Jane Austen novels and pictures from a few of the film and television adaptations that I love including the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. Also, some photos taken of an article from an old Victoria magazine that featured a gorgeous Jane Austen inspired photoshoot. The illustrations are borrowed from Emma Adaptations which includes, among other things, a gallery of illustrations from early editions of the novel 'Emma'. Last but not least to begin my little Jane Austen tribute the 2007 ITV trailer for the Jane Austen Season - BBC adapted the Jane Austen stories beautifully and I definitely advise you see them all if you haven't already!