Five Weeks of Pumpkin!

Today is the first day of October and the countdown to Halloween has begun.  To countdown the weeks til Halloween, and the upcoming Holiday Season (I will go into more detail about Holiday Season in a future post) I have decided to try a new pumpkin recipe each Sunday for the entire month of October.  I'm not exactly sure which five recipes I will try but what I do know is that I'll need a lot of Libby's pumpkin mix!

Last November Libby's had a canned pumpkin shortage due to bad weather and a depleted back stock; I don't want to take any chances I will be left pumpkin-less so I'm heading to grocery store to get some pumpkin and the ingredients in Pumpkin Crunch, the Mister's favorite pumpkin dessert.

I'm in L-O-V-E!

This morning I was kinda bummed because as soon as I got to the office I realized that I forgot my mobile at home.  I figured the Mister would still be home so I called him hoping he might be able to drop it off...

:: Ring, Ring, RING
Mister: Hello.
Me:  Hi, Honey! ... Sorry, did I wake you?
Mister: Nope, I woke up early.  What's goin' on?
Me: Well, I think I left my cell at home.  Do you think you could drop it off for me? Please?
Mister:  Oh, sorry! I already left the house.
Me: (sad face) Oh, okay.
Mister: But guess what I did this morning?!
Me:  Humm... I don't know.
Mister: I vacuumed the house for you!  (To be honest I'm not too sure what he said after this point... I was in LOVE!)

It's little moments like this that make me fall in love all over again.  I mean, really, how lucky am I? I have a wonderful fiance who loves me - and vacuums for me before 8 o'clock in the morning?!

I know a lot of people would think this is silly but, I know better, it's love.

He's so FURRY!

How cute is this doggie?  :)

It's a HAPPY day!

{@ LJ's 1st birthday}

Happy Wedding Anniversary to Sister and her mister, B!

{@ Fish Bank in Tokyo}

And a very Happy Birthday to one of my besties, "Pea!"

Chasing away the Monday blues

Monday's can be a little rough for me because it's often difficult to get back into the groove of things after a couple days of (much needed) rest and relaxation.  Today, like most other Mondays was busy and unpredictable. But now that Monday is pretty much over, there are only four more days til the next weekend.  So until the next weekend rolls around I will think of the fun afternoon I had with Charlie, the dog, and the Mister at Kualoa Beach.

Charlie* loves the beach

Fetching a coconut husk. 

Go, Charlie, Go!

Me & the Mister

*Charlie has an injured foot and has been in a (removable) cast for the last few weeks.  She is extremely happy any opportunity she can be cast-free and move around comfortably.  

Blue Angels

The Mister and I had a wonderful weekend!  We went to the Kaneohe Bay Air Show at the Marine Corps Air Station to see the the Navy's Blue Angels!

The six Blue Angels pilots fly the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet and display actual arial techniques used in combat but choreographed to showcase their intricate maneuvers. 

The Blue Angels in Delta Formation, smoke on!

At speeds of close to 400 mph the planes can be less than 20 inches apart. 

The Delta Breakout

FREE Bridal Magazine!

My first FREE issue issue of "Bridal Guide" came in the mail today!  I signed up for a FREE 2-year subscription back in August after reading a post by the Krazy Coupon Lady.  To be honest, despite the short blurb on thekrazycouponlady.com  I was a little bit skeptical that "the most read bridal magazine" that retails for $5.99 an issue would show up in my mailbox, after all, I didn't answer a survey or enter my credit card information.  So as you may imagine, I was kinda really shocked when it was delivered!  Whatta way to start the weekend! Whoo hoo!

Floral Inspiration

{via}

After perusing through the archives of Style Me Pretty I came across a beautiful wedding bouquet that is exactly what I want to have for my wedding next year (with the exception that we want white flowers).  Some people have expressed their concern that the combination of peonies, roses, and orchids is "interesting" and "different" so I am happy and relieved to know that this combination of flowers actually does look good perfect together!

{via}

First Day of Fall

{a drive with the mister}

Today might be the first official day of Fall, but it sure doesn't look like it!

Date Night at Mexico

DATE NIGHT!  The mister and I have different work schedules so it can be difficult for us to see each other and hang out during the week.  Luckily tonight was one of those nights that we were able to meet up and have a dinner/lunch date in Mexico! Well actually we went to Mexico, a local favorite Mexican eatery.  

The chips and salsa were just as delish as always, a little on the spicy side, but just the way I like it. The mister ordered one of their special burritos and since I couldn't decide burrito or enchilada, I got a combo.  

My combo was good but for some reason my burrio had a little less filling than usual and the meat was a tad bland. The mister said his food was good but nothing spectacular.  

We were both a little disappointed that the food wasn't as good as we remember it - usually we rave about the food and plan our next trip to Mexico.  Oh well, the food at dinner may have only been okay but the company and having and hour with the mister was wonderful!

Rue Magazine!

{Created by Crystal of Plush Palate and Anne of The City Sage}

Oh good goodness! This weekend I came across Rue Magazine and all I can say is, "A-mazing!" Rue is an online magazine that debuted its premiere issue just a couple days ago on September 16.  Rue is the brainchild of blogger, Crystal Gentilello, and features a number of other shelter and style bloggers.  Personally, I love the way Rue's editors have complemented the featured chic interiors with splashes of fashion, lifestyle, and entertaining inspiration.  Another great feature: there are links on many of the items that direct you to the item for purchase or additional inspiration.  

Oprah + Vera Wang = super happy brides!

{Clockwise: Ivanka Trump, SJP on SATC2,
Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson}

When I hear “Vera Wang” I think of fabulous wedding dresses! Celebrity clients such as Jessica Simpson, Ivanka Trump, and Jennifer Lopez turned to Vera Wang for their bridal gowns. Vera Wang’s wedding creations can start at $2,000 and can cost in excess of $15,000.  Unfortunately, for many brides, due to the hefty price tag attached to these amazing dresses, the reality of a Vera Wang dress is contained within the pages of their bridal magazines rather than their special moment down the aisle.

 Today on the Oprah Winfrey Show a group of fifty unsuspecting brides were absolutely shocked when they were gifted wedding dresses (among other things) by Oprah and Vera Wang! On the show Vera Wang also announced that she designed a more affordable line of wedding dresses (approx. $600-$1400) that will be available at David’s Bridal in February 2011!!

Donne's Decision

On behalf of Donne: Thank you to the ladies who visited the sites and blogs of the two photographers and cast your vote.  

The votes are in and they were unanimous for Kari! 

After a good night's sleep, hearing what everyone had to say, and a quick chat with her mister Donne made her decision: 

Kari will be the photographer at her wedding next July.  

BTW Kari is the photographer Donne originally booked... :)

Mighty Python

It's been a long week at work with people out on vacation and an office move on the horizon.  In the next 43 days we have to pack up our office, upgrade an entire computer system, prepare the new office, learn a new phone system and conduct business as usual! Crazy! The constant office craziness has left me in desperate need of therapy... RETAIL THERAPY!  

I figured, since I will be schlepping tons of boxes and going between the two spaces I might have to put my pumps on the shelf (for just a bit), and find something practical, but definitely chic. 

I went strait from work to the mall and picked... the Kate Spade "Dina!" Dina isn't your average loafer! The leather upper features python inspired texture with a metallic sheen and chain detail over the vamp. The rubber soles make it non-skid and best of all, Dina is uber comfortable - perfect for work and play!!!

1.   2. 

3.   4. 

5.   6.  

1.  Tory Burch Snake Print Reva Ballerina Flat - Grey Snake - $235 - toryburch.com

2.  Jimmy Choo Western Star-Studded Flats - $495 - saksfifthavenue.com

3.  GUESS Women's Equate Ballet Flat - $76 - endless.com

4.  Steve Madden Kobbe - $74 $60 - lorisshoes.com

5.  Kate Spade Women's Dina Slip-On - $230 $164 - endless.com

6.  DKNY Women's Alexandria K1004033 Ballerina Flat -$185 $143 - endless.com

Photographer 911

“Help!” I got a frantic email from one of my best friends, whom I call Donne.   She booked the photographer for her July 2011 wedding last month but after continuing to look at the profiles and portfolios of wedding photographers all of a sudden she got buyer’s remorse.  And I got a frantic phone call. 

Kari Kochar

Donne: Oh goodness! Do you think I can get the deposit back from my photographer?

Me:  What?! Why!

Donne: Well I was looking at a blog and I think I found a better photographer…

Me: Hold on… Have you had a change of heart toward [your original photographer], or is [the new photographer] that much better?

Donne: I don’t know… [new photographer] just has some great images and captures some great moments...

Me: I’m still confused: what makes [this new photographer] so fabulous? Do you like her enough to possibly lose your deposit?

Donne: Well… can you look at their portfolios? I NEED your opinion!

Me: Okay, hang on. 

Sarah K. Chen

After going through the websites and blogs with Donne she still wasn’t sure so I sent out an emergency email to my friends and family:

LADIES! 
A friend of mine needs help making a final decision selecting her wedding photographer.  Her top two choices are Kari Kochar and Sarah K. Chen.  Please look at their websites and blogs and cast your vote.  – I will let you know whom she chooses!  Thanks, ladies!  XO

I have gotten responses from some of the ladies and I'm awaiting just for a couple more.  Which photographer do you like? Kari or Sarah? 

Stay tuned to see which photographer Donne and her mister choose... 

Birthday Scones!

I love birthdays! Birthday presents, birthday cakes, birthday decorations... the whole bit!  Sunday was (future) Mom-in-Law's birthday but we were not able to celebrate with her because she and (future) Dad-in-Law were in Las Vegas!! -the perfect place for a person who loves to gamble and play the slots!

Her birthday weekend wrapped up on Monday and their flight was scheduled to arrive back in HNL at some crazy hour of the morning.
-First of all, although I tend to always take the red-eye into LA it's always frustrating to arrive tired and dehydrated, and too early to find decent sustenance.  I couldn't leave the birthday girl tired, dehydrated and hungry after a fabulous weekend in Vegas, so like a good (future) Daughter-in-Law, I decided to have breakfast waiting and ready to greet her when she got home.  Only one problem: what to make for breakfast? -Thank you to the mister who reminded me that she LOVES scones... so scones it was.

I found the perfect Tyler Florence recipe for Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Glaze! The recipe was very easy to follow and quick to bake approximately 30 minutes total.  To bring out the taste of the blueberries I added the zest of one lemon (a lesson I learned from Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa) to the mix before adding the blueberries.  The scones were delish! 

Once the scones were cooled and iced, we stacked them and topped our birthday scone creation with a birthday candle.  I hope she enjoyed the scones!!! 

Hello!

I love my fiancé! I love being engaged! The mister and I have been engaged for almost a year and have 435 days (thanks, theknot.com) til our wedding.  As a good bride-to-be, I’ve introduced myself to wedding blogs such as Style Me Pretty and more recently, I have begun to get acquainted with the blogs of other brides-to-be as well as newlyweds. These blogs have given me so many ideas and a ton of inspiration.  Slowly my inspiration has expanded from invitations and flower arrangements to creating my own blog.  I’m excited (and let’s be honest, a little bit nervous) to share/document my wedding plans and well, my adventures and as a wife-in-training.  Here I go, and here begins my blog.