Twenty seven.

Today is my twenty seventh birthday - holy cow! Significant in a few ways.... in less than a year I'll be 27 and marrying my best friend (who will also be 27). My mom was 27 when she had me (oh lord!). And 27 just kinda seems like a cool number, yanno?

As I've gotten older (lol) I've realized that its good not to have expectations. 21 wasn't great. 25 wasn't outstanding, either. But last year and this year I didn't have any expectations. Friday night we celebrated with my family at a little Italian restaurant. Saturday night we celebrated with a few friends at a bar. Last night the fiance and I had dinner together. And that's just what I need, really. No need for a huge party or spending tons of money.

Sometimes I also get really reflective and a bit sad. 6 years ago today was the last time that I spent time with my grandpa before he had his stroke and became ill. I miss him so much - it's days like today (and on holidays) that the pain sometimes still seems so raw - almost like it happened yesterday. I know that he wouldn't want me to be sad - but I do miss him a lot.

Since this week is so crazy with work (not only for me but for fiance as well) we celebrated last night at the Four Seasons downtown. On Sundays and Mondays they do this dinner deal - a gourmet burger and wine/beer/cocktail pairing for 20. I indulged in the duck fat kobe burger, a chimay red, and a cocktail. We also had a smore ice cream sandwich for dessert. Perfect in every way.

I apologize for the lack of images today but I just wanted to write.

Anthro/banana haul

Boy, I swear once I get a taste of something I have to have more. Oh Anthro and Banana sales, you got me good this time.

Roundup from the past few days (And I think my bank account officially hates me...). Also, major apologies on the crappyness of these photos. My room really isn't that dark. Bah.

Lockstitch tee - thanks future mom in law! Currently have this on with dark blue jcrew jeans since we're supposed to get some heat today in the city. Still available online and also in another color.

Lace capped top - thanks mom! White with beige colored lace. Purchased this at the Anthro in Palo Alto and can't wait to wear this out. Not available online, try stores. Would be more than happy to give you SKU numbers.

Whirligig dress - I purchased this for a huge upscale work event next week (that happens to occur on my birthday). When my future sis in law saw this and tried it on I decided it would be my bridesmaid dresses! My sister will wear the fuchia (as pictured above) and my other two girls will wear the dress in lilac. Downtown SF had plenty in the fuchia as well as the orange and navy yesterday.

Banana republic Alex ruffle top - saw this and had to have it. Instore they were doing an extra percent off so check stores for a better price. Love this - can't wait to pair it with jeans and a blazer!

Banana republic double V neck tee - try stores. Saw this in a few other colors as well. I think it came to under 10!

Aaaaand that's it (for now!). Anyone have any good hauls lately? Again, I apologize for the bad quality of the photos - I'll have to mess with my iphone more later on.

Have a great day!

Mini Anthro Haul

Oh anthro, you've done it again. Bah!

I was at the Burlingame anthro store this past weekend and it was love at first sight with the Sunrise Shirt Dress. I immediately thought it would be a perfect dress to wear for my rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. I picked it up in white (fitting, yes?) and figured I could jazz it up with a colorful necklace and pumps. What's really great is the added lining in the dress so I don't have to worry about my undergarments being completely see through to the rest of the world. I know this dress also comes in a moss green and black. Or if you're lucky enough you may find some left online here.

I've been searching for a maxi dress for what seems like ages. I mean really. Everything was either too plain, too clingy for my curvy liking, or too thin. In marched Anthro's Fluid Form maxi dress in a gorgeous blue and I was smitten. The fabric is thick and so incredibly soft. I kinda want to roll myself up in this dress and take a nap. And what's even better is that the top has a tube top lining up front before it ties into a halter. Fantastic! Perfect for the beach (and its going in my bag for Vegas, and Hawaii.. and Hawaii again..) this is also a great length for me. It's not currently available online but I do know Burlingame had a few others left - and the dress just got marked down to 39.95 (thanks Mom!).

And I did get one more thing but I can't seem to find a photo of it at the moment. It's the most dainty, precious porcelain jewelry holder. It's a gorgeous teal with petals  that open to hold earrings and rings. It's currently stationed on my bedside table to hold my engagement ring at the end of the day. Totally loving this, especially with the bright color it brings to my bedside.

I'm also thinking that I may need to start revamping some of my wardrobe. I feel like I'm running out of professional bottom options and I reach for the same things every week. I'd love to add some variety so any input is always helpful!

Happy Wednesday!

And so the countdown begins...

With today being August 11 2011 that means that our wedding is officially a year away. I'm uber excited and can't wait to begin to think of personalized ways to add our own touches to our wedding.

When my fiance proposed on our roofdeck and once we popped champagne a little ruby throated hummingbird came buzzing by us. He hovered over us and perched nearby for a bit before continuing on his way. We've seen him since - just last week he flew up to our window and peered in as we had dinner. A friend of mine said I should do something to incorporate our little friend into our wedding - so I'm contemplating sealing our invitations with a hummingbird stamp. This guy just may foot the bill - available at Kritters in the mailbox.

I'm kinda torn on what to do about shoes. FH and I are relatively about the same height. And since I'm going to be coming down stairs I'm afraid of tripping and falling in front of 170+ people. So instead I'm considering these from Tom's. They're flat, they're sparkly, they're not gonna break the bank, and I can wear them again. Plus what's not stopping me from making them my own?

As for my something blue I have to say that I think I know what I'm gonna do ... blue nail polish! And in Tiffany blue, too! China Glaze's For Audrey would be the best color to paint my toes pretty in to count as my something blue before I walk down the aisle. Plus I could always add some glitter to make my toenails sparkly, too! Available at Amazon.com.

My something borrowed is taken care - I'll be wearing a pearl strand that my grandma was given to her by my grandpa on her wedding day. They're over 60 years old and I'm so honored to wear them on my day. I may have them restrung before the wedding (just because I'm paranoid).

My dress is my something new... no reveal shots just yet though!

I'm sorry my list is so sparse today - but I'd love to know what else were/are necessities for you on your wedding day!

Las Vegas

It's been over a year since the last time FH and I took a trip to Sin City. We were there last May for a wedding of a dear friend and while we've wanted to go back we haven't exactly had time (or real reason to).

Until today. Gilt groupe's offering of Virgin America round-trip flight packs made FH jump on it. So now we have 5 short haul round trip flights on VA good for the next year for the price of 680. Which just happens to include a weekend in September when my sister and her boyfriend will be going to Vegas. Which means... Vegas trip! I'm especially excited because the last time my sister and I were on a trip together was more than three years ago. I'm hoping for some relaxing in the sun and dancing at night (with a little blackjack mixed in between).

So I present to you my must-haves for Vegas:

1) Longchamp le pliage bag in large - the perfect travel bag (and you don't have to worry if it gets splashed by the pool) - at Nordies

2) A fun printed scarf to cover up chilly shoulders from air conditioning - found at H&M
3) A top with a little bit of sparkle for going out at night - via Gap
4) Comfortable flip flops for doing lots of walking - my broken-in Rainbow's fit the bill - at Nordies5) Flashy bright red nail polish - OPI's I'm not really a waitress - through Amazon
6) Covergirl lash blast mascara in black to make my lashes extra long and last through the heat- at Target

August

Hello August, when did you decide to slowly creep up on us?  Goodbye July, I hope we leave your nasty weather behind.

It's insane to think that at the end of this month I'll be 27. I feel old(ish). My mom was 27 when she had me - and I'll be 27 when I get married. I definitely can't see myself having a kid at 27... LOL.

Anyway... since its my birthday month I've decided to compile Laura's big ole birthday wishlist of some things that I'd love to have - and most of them I can't afford. But hey, window shopping doesn't hurt anyone!

I know I've mentioned them before but I still love the urban outfitters suede pump. Still lusting after these. And guess what - they're on sale! For 39! With that price tag I may have to use some of my birthday money and get a pair. I just don't know what color.... or two. ;)

A maxi skirt. And this one has stripes. In case you haven't noticed, I love stripes. This Anthro skirt is too cute - and I could pair it with tons of different solids, too! Lust!

And speaking of stripes, this is definitely on my birthday list. I can't help but love Jcrew's stripe-breaker sweater and I'd love it in either the blue or gold stripe. Come on, birthday!

And what birthday wouldn't be complete without jewelry? Still craving the zen necklace from Sarah Chloe - any color would suffice!

And of course, it wouldn't be a proper birthday lust list without one big out of control whammy wish - the Chanel caviar jumbo flap in black with silver hardware. Maybe for my 30th.. but there's something about this bag that oozes timeless classicness and I'd never ever get tired of carrying this bag.

Well that's my short birthday list - here's to hoping! And happy August!