Backing Up a Bit… My Engagement

chris and i were dating for about 3 ½ years before he popped the question. it happened this past january 16^th out here in colorado.

as the story goes…

chris casually tricked me into taking the day off to go snowshoeing in the mountains. so that morning we packed the car with some gear and the dog, stopped for soy lattes and bagels and headed up to find snow. you see… it was about 70 degrees in denver and the mild winter did not produce much snow… so we had a drive a little farther up to find it. after some detours, which included getting stuck in the snow and having to get pushed out by some friendly mountain men, we found a greats secluded spot right by "burning bear" campground in the mount evans wilderness.

we started out hiking in our snowshoes under a bright blue sky. the sun was shining and we were huffin it up the mountain. it was great. about an hour in we stopped to take some pictures and that was when i turned around to find chris down on one knee. he asked me to marry him and of course, i said yes.

it was an amazing day of love and celebration and pure happiness. we toasted with a drink at lunch in morrison, co after our long and eventful hike.

a few days later i got to pick out the most lovely ring i have ever seen.

New FREE E-Zine

utterly engaged is a new free online magazine that all you brides-to-be out there will be in love with. the site just launched and it looks lovely! check it out here: utterly engaged.

the first issue is up now and it promises some great diy, budget friendy and inspiring ideas. enjoy.

Stir Stick Crazy

what is cuter in a drink than a little friendly stir stick? these are a great personal touch in a wedding cocktail or any cocktail for that matter.

i do wedding drink sticks from this etsy artist.

my favorites from miss pickles press. love the sip and repeat message. these would be great in any color scheme.

lollipop stir sticks from brides.com. i bet you could have these made at a local candy shop!

found these on a cool wedding blog.

etsy.com is where i found these personalized stir sticks.

these are very elegant and pretty and would nicely at a refined country party inside a raspberry lemonade.

Happy Holiday Weekend!

deliciousness from martha's festive 4th berry desserts gallery. have a great independence day!

Flower Girls

you know the way it goes… the music starts and the little flower girls come walking down the aisle, tossing petals and looking adorable… and everyone say “awwwwwe, how cute.” classic.

i am lucky to have the cutest and smartest little niece who will be 3 years old at my wedding.she has agreed to be a flower girl, along with chris’ 2 little adorable nieces. the three of them will most likely cause the affect mentioned above.

there are a lot of cute little dresses to choose from. i am thinking something airy and mountain-chic.

j.crew.

shappy apple.

etsy.

nordstrom.

nordstrom.

i really hate when people put little girls in mini wedding dresses with frills and lace and ruffles and all that crap. please don’t do that. they want to run around and dance and play. something simpler is my idea of a flower girl dress. love the ones above.

4th of July

the 4^th of july is one of the great summer holidays. think outside the box… maybe something other than burgers, potato salad and jello. here are some (not over the top red, white and blue) entertaining ideas for the holiday weekend.

these pillows are a little patriotic without going all out stars and stripes.

this looks divine and will help cool guests off on a hot summer afternoon. raspberry ice cream cake from Martha.

here is a grilling idea for an appetizer or side.

this drink looks really refreshing and is a great shade of azul.

cute serving dishes from pottery barn.

i love having a big tub with ice for beers, sodas and water… grab and go.

this table runner is great for outdoor table.

A Modern Tabletop

i am a big fan of modern accents in homes... mixed some antiques or classic pieces with modern touches. sometimes investing in some great modern art or a piece of mod furniture is out of reach. but using modern table decor and entertaining pieces is a nice way to bring in some new ideas without breaking the bank. a great resource for modern stuff is design within reach.

these items are affordable, colorful and fun.

amazon.com sells these popink plates. this design is called plant food. great earthy, but modern colors.

what salad wouldn't want to be tossed with these striped cuties from plum party?

long stem beauties are embroidered on this modern able runner from wrapables.

another item from wrapables... polka dot bowls!

cb2 sells these stainless steel snack bowls, perfect for sweet and spicy nuts or spanish olives.

hand blown glass and a modern shape makes these glasses great for cocktails and vino. also from cb2.

modern morocco from cb2.