My new favorite necklace

At this past weekend's North Beach festival in SF I was on the hunt for a necklace. Not just any... but an initial one. I had been scouring etsy and being the impatient person that I am figured if I found one I liked I'd buy it and not have to wait for shipping.

And low and behold, at the last place I looked I found it. I had been wanting something to remind me of my fiance that was small and dainty and that would match any outfit I happen to be wearing. So it was a no-brainer when I found Ofina's handstamped charm in sterling silver. I grabbed the D (for David) and put it on right away.

L shown in rose gold, from Ofina.net

And quite frankly, I'm in love. I'm even toying with the idea of getting the L for my own initial, but I kinda like the D on its own.

i kinda want them all...

There is one other necklace I'm eying - and thanks to Lucky magazine its 35% off! It's the gorgeous zen necklace from Sarah Chloe. So I guess I'll see what my paycheck looks like on Friday. I'm just not sure what color to get - I'm torn between the silver and the gold finish (and of course, my sister says rose gold... bah!). Use code lucky3 for 35% off any of their merchandise! (thanks lucky!)

In June shopping news, I haven't bought any clothes - not even a maxi dress - in the month of June. Unheard of! So that's why I may spring for the zen necklace.

Anyway - hope everyone is having a fantastic Wednesday!

(I am in no way affiliated with either jewlery store - just love their designs!)

State of my union

I swear, today feels like it could be a Friday the 13th but its really Thursday the 16th and time flies.

Just in an odd mood today so apologies if this post is everywhere and including nothing that I usually talk about.

Some things that I've learned lately:

• Your mom is usually right. So listen to her. My mom was the one who actually pulled what will be my wedding dress off the rack and asked me to try it on. Just because. And I did. And then we cried, and I put on a veil and really felt like a bride. And then I purchaesd it. So listen to your mom about these things. (Now I have to sit on my hands waiting for it to be made and it won't be ready until about December. Ugh, I hate waiting).
• Lap chinchillas are fun. Except for when they don't want to get off your lap and go back in their cages so I can go to bed. Sorry furkids but I'm not nocturnal like you. I do love spending more time with them and having Ollie sit on my lap holding my fingers, and Frankie jumping on and off my hands.
• Exercise is really good for you. I mean no, really. Even though you might be feeling lazy and tired pushing yourself to go to the gym will eventually pay off. I'm trying to get back into the habit of going at least 2, if not 3 times a week. I won't even tell you what size dress I had to order and I want to drop about 15 pounds and tone up before the wedding.
• Photobooths are the best thing ever. Especially when your friends are drunk and you aren't. I've decided that its something I really want to have at the wedding so there shall be a photobooth with props.  
• Free is good. Free events, going for walks, just sitting around talking and enjoying company is so much more better than blowing tons of money on events that you may or may not enjoy.

Anyway. Life has been good. We are still looking at wedding venues (eep) and will see our fifth this weekend. I'm really hoping we like it because the location is fantastic and we would come in under budget. I think I'm doing better with shopping (I haven't even bought any clothing items in the month of June - whoa.) and ever since this past Monday I haven't spent a dime. I'm getting closer to my next savings goal and then I guess its on to the next one - I'm not sure what it should be though. I mean, I know a dollar amount but...

Alrighty. Congrats to you if you've read this far. I'm sorry for the lack of photos but up until a few days ago our weather here has been really really ugly and cold.  Until later...

Everybody Everywear Lace!

Wow, I am slow today. But I've had a lot on my plate lately with work getting a bit more hectic and me really trying to kick wedding planning into gear. But I did take part in this months everybody everywear challenge!

Top: Gap Skirt: H&M

Pardon the craptastic shot but I'm making do with my iphone since fiance is still at work. And ew, my stomach. But, hopefully that will soon go away as I'm trying to get back into the gym routine and eat better. My goal is to drop 15 pounds so I'll look good for my wedding. And all the other ones that I have to go to in the next year and a half.

Anyway. Updates later. yeehaw.

updated.

I apologize for my absence of blog posts lately. Things around here have been insanely hectic between work with 7 new hires and a bunch of family stuff happening (another cousin engaged, my dad needs shoulder surgery, my uncle fell and broke his arm and also needs surgery) that blogging has kind of taken a back seat.

I'm happy to report that I'm still on my clothing ban. I did kinda break down and buy two skirts on my wish list - but everything I had purchased earlier in the month didn't fit when it arrived and I had to return it all. Boo. I'm actually thinking of doing something similar for June - but narrowing down what my cheat items will be. I've still been lusting after a maxi dress and a pair of shoes at urban, so perhaps those can be my two allotted items for the month of June.

Friday afternoon fiance, his mom, sister, and I are off to DC to meet up with the rest of his family for his grandpa's 80th birthday celebration. It will be fun - although I'm not so sure how I'm going to do with the weather (high in the upper 80's with thunderstorms - eesh!).

I also think I'm somewhat ready to make a lifestyle change - I really need to start eating better and exercising more. I'm thinking of looking into some zumba classes when we get back from DC and maybe doing a cleanse or something. I'd really like to get into better shape before the wedding and keep it up, ya know?

So that's whats going on in my little corner of the world.

I also started a tumblr account - I'm having fun with a little place to be random! unconventionalbride. tumblr.com

Color Brigade - Neapolitan stripes, black, cream, and gold

I'm seeing seeing stripes today.

I'm proud to present my outfit for nomination of the color brigade over at Kileen's blog Cute and Little. I'm also really thrilled to be sporting Anthropologie's Ardennes skirt... which I got on uber clearance for the fantastic price of 39.99. And this was even before I signed up for Kim's shop your closet may madness project. Woot woot! If you are feeling inspired to pair some colors together and get away from your normal shades (for me it seems to be greys, blues, and whites) then head on over to her blog for some color inspiration.

Top: Gap Cardigan: Banana Republic Skirt: Anthropologie Shoes: Nine West

Regardless of what the weatherman said about the forecast for today the sun is out and there doesn't appear to be a cloud in the sky. So take that, Mr. Weatherman.... even though I do have a spare pair of tights in my purse. Just in case. Cause you never know when that fog is going to roll in.

Everybody, everywear - Florals for May

In case you haven't heard of the monthly challenge over at Everybody, Everywear you should go check it out. This month's challenge was florals - as voted by everyone who decided to join up for it. It's my first challenge and I apologize for the bad photo below, but I'm rockin' my floral tank top blouse with navy slacks and a black sweater. I decided to go ahead and wear my red and navy tory burch revas to add a bit of color to the bottom.

What do you pair florals with?

Banned is the new spending spree.

Over at one of my favorite blogs Anthroholic, Kim has decided to put herself on a shopping ban and shop her closet for the rest of May. Needing a bit of a shopping reality check myself, I've decided to join in with her.

For the rest of May I'm not to spend any money on clothing, shoes, accessories, you get the idea. I did allow myself the skirts that I wanted from Anthro's giganic Tuesday sale but other than that... banned for the rest of the month!

If you'd like to join us... the more the merrier!