Wine Design

I've been putting off doing a post on all of the beautifully designed wine labels I've come across recently, but after seeing a photo of the The Amazing Food Wine Company's Wine That Loves™ line in this month's InStyle, I had to move this topic to priority #1 status. I love the highly graphic and simply colored packaging for this product, deftly designed by the firm Lippincott Mercer.The idea is pretty genius: an easy way to help buyers pair their wine with whatever it is they're eating (for example, wine that loves pizza, wine that loves grilled salmon, etc.) I like the challenge of testing different varietals against the various recipes I make and educating myself about wine, so while I'll definitely give these guys a try (I'm a sucker for a pretty bottle!), I'll be interested to see if the idea behind the bottle is fad or fabulous.

Another delightfully designed wine I recently had the chance to try was Mano A Mano. Another graphic looking label with a striking orange color that reflects the flavorful punch of this wine. I also love the eye-catching typography on the label. This Tempranillo from the area of La Mancha, is a deliciously simple red wine with a very fruity flavor and just a hint of smoke. It went perfect with the barbecue ribs I was having. Thanks to my very tasteful best friend Nicolle, who introduced me to me to this inexpensive (easily under $15 in most areas) and yummy wine.

Last up Polka Dot Riesling. I'm a Riesling lover, especially when paired with thai or indian food...anything spicy really. The husband picked this one out for me to try one Friday night. The cobalt blue bottle says it all: bright, cool, and refreshing. A great summer wine. Again, the label design is simple, but uses color nicely and I think the font is perfectly paired with the product.

So why not enjoy a glass of wine, while enjoying some sweet label design...two great tastes that go great together!

Shopping at Swank with Becky OH!

Custom note cards, originally uploaded by Becky OH.

Back, and ready for another vacation.

Thankfully, for us stateside ladies Labor Day is here. Nothing like coming back from vacation, working for a day or two and then settling right into a long weekend. I am so ready for Fall to begin. Cozy clothes, brisk mornings, my two little ones headed for preschool three mornings a week (9 whole extra hours to myself!!!). It's totally going to rock. And while I'm sure I'll spend a good chunk of those 9 hours right here at the computer desk, I still feel the need to get ye olde wardrobe back up to speed. Which means...SHOPPING.

I'm going to kick my own personal fall fashion fest off with a little girls' shopping trip this weekend. Jen of She Takes The Cake, did some sluething and found a Becky OH! trunk show in our area. Becky's unique and fashionable bags are little symphonies of color and pattern. I also have a great appreciation for the shapes and forms she uses in her designs. Thanks to the internet I've known about Becky's work for a while, but I'm looking forward to checking out these goodies in person.

Enjoy these last few days of summer everyone! Of course I realize it will still be very warm, even where I live, into much of September. But I can't help but think of breaking out my boots, shawls, and smartwool knee socks. These are the BEST socks ever and they come in super sweet damask, herringbone, and stripey styles. HAve a great weekend and I'll be back Tuesday with regular posts and lots and lots of design ponderings. After all, it is EVERYWHERE.

Sounds in the Studio: August Day Song, Bebel Gilberto

When I'm in full-on design or production mode I like to listen to music. Oh, how I love you and your smart playlists itunes! I am a longtime fan of bossa nova music and I'd love to travel to Brazil someday, kick back with a capirinhia on a balcony somewhere and watch the sun set with corcovado in the distance (can you tell I'm on vacation?). My first love when it comes to samba is the music of Astrud Gilberto. Who doesn't love the sultry sounds of Summer Samba: So Nice, and of course Girl from Impanema? I actually had the pleasure of seeing Astrud in concert years ago in the city I'm writing this post from, Chicago.

But these days, when I reach for some beach music to brighted a dreary day, I go for the more modern Brazilian sounds of Bebel Gilberto. August Day Song is my favorite and I had to mention it before August fades away. Every once in a while, on a snowy winter day, I'll bring a little summer to my work day. I just slather on a little Hawaiian Tropic sunblock (just for the beachy scent), mix up some minty iced tea, pop on this song, and let those bright and sunny designs flow...

Still Hot? Stay Cool.

I love me some beauty products, but nothing sounds worse than loading on makeup on a hot summer day. Thankfully, I've gathered a treasure trove of refreshing bath and beauty products over the years. I figured while it's still pretty warm out, it might be fun to beat the heat with one or two of these cooling ideas.

Purology HydrateCondition: Hands down the BEST conditioner I've ever used. Period. It's expensive, one of my few splurges, but I've got some seriously color treated hair and Purology's products have astounded me with their antifade and color retention properties. This conditioner smells so deliciously minty and gives my scalp an invigorating wake up call with each use. Rinse with cool water for an extra treat.

CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Tints: Last winter I did an article for mommyscompany.com where I mentioned the shine and sheer color of this gloss. The bonus—peppermint oil used in the formula actually freshens your breath and imparts a pleasant cooling sensation. Lip balm never looked (or smelled) so good! If you're not such a mint fan, you can try one of their refreshing soda fountain or citrus flavors. Of course there's always the original Mentha Lip Shine for ladies that want the same moisture and breath-freshening features without the tint.

Fragrance + Fridge = Heaven: Years ago, on a hot summer day I got a tip from a Bath & Body Works clerk that I still use today. Take your favorite body spray and stash it in the fridge for the summer. Whenever you need that quick, pick-me-up it's chilled and ready to go. My all time favorite spritzer for this purpose was Bath & Body Works Cool Citrus Basil. It was discontinued in stores, but looks like it's back online as part of a Signature Classics Collection (happy dance!). Not too feminine, and leaves behind the nicest low-notes, especially for such a reasonably priced product. Anyone got an indie B&B spray they like? I'd be interested in trying some new ones and am always up for spreading the indie love.

Kiss My Face Moisture Shave in Cool Mint: Yet another obsessively natural KMF product that I wouldn't want to go without. While it does come in other scents, I love the tingly sensation of Cool Mint best. A little goes a very long way, and I love the pump dispenser. No nasty propellants or rust stains in my bath anymore! Best of all this formula is kind to sensitive skin and offers superior smoothness unlike any other shave gel or cream I've tried. I know, I sound like a saleswoman for these guys but I just honest to goodness love how their products work for me time and time again (and all while being earth-friendly).

Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray: Years ago I received a sample from a friend who was working a fashion show. I on the other hand worked in book publishing. Wonderful, but not as exciting. Ever work in front of a computer for hours at a time in an overly warm office? I'd do OK for most of the day, but about an hour after lunch I could feel sleep setting in. Enter my trusty bottle of Evian Brumisateur Facial Spray and some instant refreshment. Some people use it to set makeup or for moisturizing purposes as well. If you do jump over to the Evian site you must check out the Christian Lacroix "Prêt-à-Porter" 2008 Limited Edition Evian bottle...now that's designer water! I've also used Burt's Bees Complexion Mist over the years (the lavender scented one was effective), but they seemed to have discontinued the majority of their offerings in that department.

So next time you feel hot, or feel like you're looking not-so-hot thanks to some steamy weather, enjoy a cool rinse, swipe a refreshing tint, or grab a chilly spritz. You'll be glad you did.

Off the Rails

Sorry I've been out of touch for a few days! I've been finishing up some large projects and getting ready to take (gasp!) a break from the office. I guess I shouldn't say I've been "off the rails" as that implies some damage or abnormality, but I wanted to choose a phrase that went nicely with this 1930 poster design I found at enjoyart.com, of the Storm King New York Central Lines by Walter L. Greene. I could honestly look at vintage travel posters all day long! It's pretty easy for me to sit and daydream about the adventures I'd have in some exotic or scenic locale. What's great about vintage posters like this one is that it inspires you to not only ponder the location, but also the time period as well. This one got me thinking about a line from an Ani DiFranco song "I dream of touring like duke ellington, in my own railroad car. I dream of waiting on the tall blonde wooden benches in a grand station aglow with grace..." I can almost see myself there with a cute pencil skirt, gloves and a hat of course. Maybe wearing something like this.

Daydreaming aside. I've been eyeing this print up for a while and wanting it for my home. Being from the Hudson River valley, Storm King Mountain is a familiar sight. During the times when I commuted from Poughkeepsie to Grand Central Station on a regular basis, I had the fortune to soak up the landscape originally labeled 'The Water Level Route' by New York Central Lines. Sure the "upwards of sixty luxurious passenger trains a day...that coddled patrons in leather and mahogany, offering fine meal service in well-appointed dining coaches and restful sleep in hushed Pullmans" has changed into the Metro-North Commuter Rail or Amtrak, but in many areas the river landscape still retains the charm it had back in the 1930's.

There's a few new sights added to the line as well. These days the Storm King Arts Center sits beneath the mountain's gaze. Gorgeous in any season, this outdoor museum celebrates nature almost as much as it does sculpture. But as their website notes it's really about the relationship between the two, which is also what I've found most captivating on my visits. I live a few hours away now, so I think this poster would be a nice reminder of home (and some excellent fodder for additional daydreaming). I'll be out of town the middle of next week into the week after, but I promise to have a few posts to share while I'm away. Gotta love blogger's advanced scheduling feature!

Hit the Deck! Design samples on display at the Cooper-Hewitt

Photo from cooperhewitt.org
Sample plate, Chantilly, France, ca. 1920s Glazed earthenware
Museum purchase from Charles E. Sampson Memorial Fund, 5/5/03

One of the things I miss most about living in Manhattan (and Chicago and Providence as well), is convenient proximity to a huge amount of art and design. One of my favorite New York museums is the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. If you are ever looking for inspiration this is a great place to visit. Currently they are hosting an exhibition called Multiple Choice: From Sample to Product which looks completely fascinating! The exhibit looks at sampling media from the Cooper-Hewitt collection and Smithsonian Institution Libraries. From Pantone books, to earthenware plates transfer-printed in rainbow colors, this collection highlights the many beautiful and different ways manufacturers marketed available design options throughout history. The exhibit also connects samples to the final products they inevitably become.

Multiple Choice: From Sample to Product is only running until September 1st of this year. So if I've piqued your interest and it's possible, get there now. Although I do have to say, quite a bit of info and inspiration can be gained just by looking at the exhibit's website. I do have one question for all you designers, decorators, planners, and artists out there. Have you ever done anything creative or inspirational with an old sample deck, be it one for color, pattern, wall coverings, or paper finish? Do tell!

Must-see Mondays: Jen's Cake-tacular Grand Finale!

Last Wednesday I blogged about assisting my friend, and collaborator over at Sweet Talk Boutique, Jen Comfort with an incredible She Takes The Cake project. When I say assisting, I actually mean that I stood around gawking and providing a few laughs while painting fondant. These beautiful cakes were for a New York City Movie-themed wedding. There were 16 (count 'em!) centerpiece cakes each depicting a different movie. The name of each movie provided the name for that table. I'd tell you more about the actual wedding cake, but I'd rather send you over to Jen's blog to hear the scoop direct from the sugar artist herself. Jen's amazing project is finished and you can read about it, and check out pictures HERE. Enjoy fans of weddings and just wild creativity in general! Beautiful work Jen!

What's in Your Widgets?

Yesterday's post conveniently gleaned from my Typographica widget, reminded me that there are lots of things I love about my mac and computing in general (yeah, I just used the word "computing," So '87!). Widgets, those lovely little apps that keep me tuned in, make life a little bit easier (or offer the illusion of convenience), and add a pinch of fun to my desktop or home page are certainly one of those internet perks I enjoy. The widgets I use (or as google calls them, gadgets) are either part of my mac dashboard or my google home page. I like to let a widget hang a while in either of these locations to see if I use it or not, or how useful it is. Honestly a few wonderful sounding widgets have let me down (I'm looking at you Sing that iTune!, but perhaps I'll give you another try with your newly updated parser.) And a few I was feeling "eh" about have shown themselves to be very helpful. For example, the epicurious widget has served my hungry family well. I'm thinking this Delivery Status widget sounds fabulous, but again the proof is in the pudding. I'll let you know how it goes.

I use my google home page widgets most frequently (what does that say about the time I spend on the net?). I even have a second home page tab expressly for wedding related widgets. My favorite google gadgets are Be Twittered, The Onion, Flickr, and Gmail. I love the convenience of opening up a single page and seeing new twitters from those I'm following, recent entries to my gmail inbox, newly uploaded photos from my flickr contacts, and of course hilarious Onion headlines like "Soundgarden Inadvertently Reunites At Area Cinnabon."

I'll admit it, I always swear I'm going to take greater advantage of the apple dashboard, but I never do. It takes a long time to load and I'm only patient enough to wait for the most useful of widget apps. Those would be The Weather, The Calculator and my all-time, hands-down, most frequently used...The Dictionary/Thesaurus Combo (love it!). I'm pretty sure those may all come with the operating system. Still, the dashboard looks pretty and I am always on the hunt for new toys, especially those of the freeware variety. So do tell readers...what are your favorite widgets? I need something to keep me occupied while I save up money for an iphone.

Dangerous Curves

After reading an interesting review of Doyald Young's book Dangerous Curves over at Typographica, I'm thinking it's got to go on my reading list (or should that be...my design eye-candy list?!). Of course it's a little on the pricey side and I've got about 15 books about parenting my (spirited, persistent, insert other adjective here...) child gathering dust on my night stand, but I'd like to get to it down the road. I spent almost my entire sophomore fall semester in design school hand-drawing roman type. Think Trajan's Column, or the modern day all-caps version of this beauty by Young himself which has a little more finesse than my version (no pun intended). A dastardly assignment that I secretly sort of enjoyed, my endless attempts at drawing the perfect roman "O" left me deeply intrigued by the creative process of designing fonts, drawing letter forms (be it on computer or by hand), and the improvement and editing that goes into such an endeavor. It sounds like Young's thoughts on that last note are very informative. So many books...so little time!

Wedding Wednesdays: Caker In Training!

One of the many things I love about my job is the opportunity it has afforded me to meet (be it virtually or actually) other creatives like myself in the stationery and wedding industries. I'm sure I've blathered on about this in the past but I count myself especially fortunate to have met Jen Comfort, the butter and sugar to my pen and paper over at sweettalkboutique.com. Besides being a great inspiration and a dear friend, Jen is also owner and sugar artist at She Takes The Cake, and right now she has got an EPIC project going on for a very special, movie-loving, bride and groom!

Jen is in the process of creating SIXTEEN centerpiece cakes each with film canister cakes and on top of each a pastillage film reel with filmstrip matching the movie poster on a pastillage plaque that will be positioned on each reel. I KNOW, right? It's going to be AWESOME. So awesome, that I had to go see Jen at work for myself. I also delivered her some dinner and $20 worth of cotton candy which may or may not make it into the final cut (a little film humor there...). We'll see. For those who have not experienced driving with a huge (very clean) hefty bag full of 20 or so bags of cotton candy riding shotgun, I need to let you know that it smelled very yummy. I love my job (and my baker friend, who of course sent me home with cupcakes).

During my visit, Jen was working on the actual wedding cake. Yes, there is an incredible pièce de résistance to go along with all those amazing centerpieces. I don't know how much I am at liberty to give away and Jen is chronicling the progress of her amazing work over at her blog, so for the real scoop you'll have to check it out. What I can say is that I think it is going to ROCK. While there, I got to assist in adding and painting fondant, doing some measuring and also some general standing around and gaping with awe at what Jen does. I also snapped a picture of her putting a portion of the cake together. We laughed and had a great time and I hope I was a slight bit of help. I learned a lot about a different aspect of weddings and I saw first-hand something I already knew...that Jen puts true love and passion into every single one of her designs and every last morsel of delicious cake. I can't wait to see the finished product girl!

Thinkin' Christmas

Our Family Christmas Card 2007, originally uploaded by Bride Design.

It's August so I don't even have the "Christmas in July" excuse, but for some reason the holidays have been on my mind! I even picked up a few Christmas gifts today while shopping for supplies (gotta grab it while it's on sale!). As a completely custom stationery business, I do holiday cards but I don't have to deal with drop dates and advance orders from retailers. Still, I'd eventually love to produce more greeting cards and come up with a holiday line since it is my absolute favorite time of year.

Again, there's no real reason for me to think about Thanksgiving or Christmas now except for the fact that I love to enjoy the actual holidays themselves (when they're happening) so advance organization is key. One weapon in my arsenal: organized christmas.com. I certainly don't take advantage of all this site has to offer, but I do love their Christmas Countdown printable calendar and checklists. I'm sure it's a little over the top, but honestly it's helped me feel less stressed at holiday time. This were my personal cards last year. Gotta love the October photo shoot I did with my girls when the Hanna Andersson stripey Christmas jammies arrived in the mail. Sometimes that's all it takes to catch the Christmas spirit!

Must-See Mondays: Mad Men

Alright, so I'm new to Mad Men on AMC but I am already in love. The clothes, the style, the times (1960's New York), the somewhat soapy yet cinematic vibe. This show was made for me. The success of Mad Men definitely lies in the details. The show's creator Matthew Weiner obviously cares a great deal about production design and has researched everything from what sort of drinks should be poured at the office or how a 60's psychiatrist would treat his patient, to what shade of lipstick the ladies should be wearing and the exact look (and girth!) of a Xerox 914. I personally loved how the premiere episode of season two featured Jacqueline Kennedy's 1962 Valentine's Day tour of the newly-restored White House and used it to link various story lines together. But I must admit design nerd did kick in when copywriter Peggy presents an ad mockup to creative director Don Draper using the typeface Zapfino designed by Hermann Zapf in 1998. Quell 'horror! Still, I'll overlook that little blunder (aaah the blinders one wears in a new romance), but my eyes are now very peeled and looking for some authentic 1960's advertising design. C'mon Mad Men, show me what you've got!

Consider me inspired!

I'm headed out of town today and I won't be back until Monday, but I did want to leave you guys with a post while I was gone. I'm sure almost everyone who reads this blog has heard of and is more likely also a reader of Helly Becker's fabulous blog decor8. Not too long ago I was reading a really thoughtful and neat post by Stephanie over at Design Healing, where she talked about her contributions to decor8's Inspire Me Giveaway. I was so inspired I decided to clean studio myself and send a few contributions from Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique. The stash included fabric, papers, cards and envelopes, embellishements, notions, ribbons and more. It was a joy to compile this little package and also quite fun to see some of my lace trim and peacock feathers show up in pictures on the (newly redesigned I might add) decor8 blog. After 1,060 comments/entries (can I just say WOW) the winners were recently announced. I was so thrilled to have Bride Design and Sweet Talk Boutique listed as a contributor, beside so many other AMAZING artists and businesses (Of course I was not surprised to see a few of you guys on that list too!). This was a great lesson to me on the VERY contagious nature of inspiration! Have a great weekend guys!

Down from the shelf, "Creativity for Graphic Designers"

When I'm feeling creatively spent or (I hate to admit it) a little blocked, I often turn to "Creativity for Graphic Designers" by Mark Oldach. It's not much of a picture book, which I like since most other design books are. Instead Oldach focuses on getting the most out of the creative process and more importantly the client/designer relationship. One trick of his that I quickly added to my routine while working in the corporate world was to have a "decompression" session with yourself after the initial client interview. Unloading all of the many ideas that stem from the energized back and forthing of a client meeting, while you are still energized, can be really helpful! To this day I struggle a bit when working from notes and find myself wishing I had made time to flesh ideas out further right after meeting with clients or collaborating designers. Oldach also has great tips for stretching your creative muscles, setting up all important boundaries with clients, and more...

Sweet Deal!

Since I got so many great comments about my post on Kiss My Face's 3Way Color, i just wanted to follow up with a few comments from KMF Product Developer Heather, just in case anyone missed them. This delicious makeup comes in 4 shades and can be used to accent the eyes, to give your cheeks a bit of sheer color or on the lips. If you're looking for more "all over" coverage, check out KMF Tinted Moisturizers (in 6 tints).

Personally, I've got a load of products that I love from this company, especially their Obsessively Organic Skin Care line. As I've said before I've been familiar with (and a fan of) KMF products since I was a high schooler, since the company is based right next to my own little hometown New Paltz, New York (see picture above for a taste of the local scenery). I'm headed back for a visit at the end of the week and of course I'll be taking my little tube of 3Way Color with me. Most importantly, Heather also included a discount code for Design is Everywhere readers! Get 25 % discount on online purchases when you use the code KMFBLOG3 before August 7. So get your shop on guys!

Must-See Mondays: Any Movie with credits by Saul Bass

I once got to hear Saul Bass speak and share his process and thoughts on designing film titles. It was a huge highlight for me as a designer. For those that know Bass' work, the Star Wars vs. Saul Bass video I've embedded here will give you a good chuckle. Obviously it's not by Saul himself, but like any good spoof it's soooo spot on. And it's based a bit on the graphic style of Bass' work for Anatomy of a Murder.

Perhaps you've seen Bass' work in a Hitchcock movie? Psycho (1960) and North By Northwest both have title sequences that make me swoon. Two other Bass classics are the titles for Around the World in 80 Days and It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, where Bass channels his inner cartoonist as well as his brilliant design sense. The title sequence and the end credits for West Side Story are based on simple (but visually different) design concepts that let the music truly do the talking. Next time I need an infusion of creativity, I'm going to make a note to watch these two portions of this film (which of course is one of my all-time favorites!). If you need more evidence check out Grand Prix. I was blown away when Mr. Bass showed it on a large screen at the seminar I attended. The visuals certainly spoke for themselves, but as a design student I hung on every word this guy said. I mean where else could I hear the story of creating the titles for Cape Fear (Bass did titles for both the original and the remake), which included a picture of some highway signage from the North Carolina DOT, and a litter pan filled with water. Isn't the creative mind a beautiful thing?

If I've really got you interested, check out this site which urges you to "Forget the film, watch the titles." Enjoy!

Color on the Run!

I'm a fashion fanatic, but honestly there are times when jeans and a tee are all I can muster. I love color, but can't always get it together to apply makeup before my day has to begin. Enter Kiss My Face's 3-Way Color for lips, cheeks and eyes. Whether you are a bride-to-be, a working or a stay at home mom, a busy college student or just a low-maintainance kind of girl, this little tube of sheer natural color is the one makeup tool you won't want to leave home without.

It's no secret that I love KMF face products, but it was my newly formed gym habit that finally convinced me of this particular product's charms. After my post-workout shower I no longer look clean yet extremely over-taxed and exhausted. "Ruby" is my color of choice, and with just a few swipes and some blending...my eyes are brighter, my cheeks glow and my lips look naturally flushed. Simple AND pretty. I love it when a plan comes together!

3-Way Color is scented with truly yummy natural fruit flavors (pink grapefruit, pomegranate, raspberry and white grape for example!) and is formulated with olive and mango butter. It's gentle on skin (I can attest to that. My skin is highly ornery!) and I love that it comes equipped with an all natural sunscreen (Titanium Dioxide) as well. I was surprised that this color works as well on my eyes as it does my lips and cheeks, but it's versatility makes it just right for creating custom looks. It doesn't always last long on my eyes, but that's easily remedied with primer and I'm not looking for long-term here. I just want to get me and my preschoolers from the gym to the house as quickly and happily as possible. And if we can do it with me not looking like death warmed over...even better! Kisses to everyone over in gorgeous Gardiner at Kiss My Face!

Crafty Style: Textile Fetish

I would be a sad designer, business owner, crafter, mom and friend, had I never found the creations of Jennifer Ramos of Textile Fetish. I am in luuuurve with my stylish, sushi-themed crafty work apron. Perfect for working in the studio (or around the house), it's sturdy pockets easily hold scissors, a crop-a-dile, bone folders, pens, your phone or ipod, and more. Plus, it makes me feel extra skinny when I wear it, which is a nice bonus. I don't do many craft shows, but I'd think this would be a must-have for those that do. My best friend Nicolle liked mine so much, she got one of her own for cooking!

At the National Stationery Show I got a bunch of compliments on my Textile Fetish sock monkey card holder and I can't wait to stuff a few stockings this year with these adorably green coffee cup sleeves. I'm no knitter, but my friend Cynthia is and once I saw Jennifer's knitting needle and dpn/crochet hook rolls, I knew I had to get one for her (In the skull bandana pattern of course!).

But my favorite Textile Fetish offerings by far are Jennifer's children's clothing. I mean, just look at the Mod Jumper...could there BE anything cuter?! I love the added touch of the vintage buttons. And I know I need to get a couple tiered skirts for my girls who love to twirl. Recently, we took a family trip over to the Farmer's Market in Ithaca and everyone we met gushed about the gorgeous pants set from Textile Fetish, not unlike the one shown here, that my daughter was wearing.

It is such a joy to dress yourself or those you love in handmade garments. I'm sure that joy is doubled when you actually made the garment yourself. But while I may have my own textile fetish, my sewing skills don't quite see the action they used to. Textile Fetish's offerings are beautifully crafted with high quality fabrics, in the coolest of patterns. I really enjoy Jennifer's fabric pairings and feel she sincerely considers the end-user in her designs. Her kids clothing is roomy for lots of active play, but fits well (a good fit can be tough to come by in Toddler sizes). So whether you are an artist, a best friend, a kid, or a coffee cup....you might benefit from knowing about Jennifer's wares. As I said before...I'm glad I found Textile Fetish!

Wedding Wednesdays: MOB vs. MOFG

I love weddings, but these days I'm usually just a vendor. But when my youngest sister got hitched last summer, I had the distinct pleasure of being both a Matron of Honor and Mother of a Flower Girl. Mercifully, I was allowed to split these duties with my other sister. I had an incredible time and it's a night I won't soon forget! I'll also say that being Mother of a Flower Girl wasn't exactly easy. Especially the part where I had to chase a two year old at top speed in full make-up and hair, while sporting a slightly tight bridesmaid's dress and heels, on concrete no less. A truly joyous occasion, my daughters and niece definitely got into the spirit. They taught me that while most all mothers approach a wedding day and their daughters' involvement in it with love and care, that approach varies a bit depending on whether your daughter is the bride or the flower girl. For example,

Mother of the Bride: Watches lovingly as her daughter and husband dance the father daughter dance.
Mother of the Flower Girl: Looks on in horror as her daughters and husband do the dance of "Try and stay still, don't bang on the glass! Here, you need some goldfish? NOOO! Not on your dress!!!!..." in the church's crying room during the ceremony.

Mother of the Bride: Acts as hostess and thanks guests for coming
Mother of the Flower Girl: Tries not to act shocked when she thanks guests for complimenting her child on their good behavior (Uum, were we watching the same child?!)

Mother of the Bride: Helps daughter pick out her dress and attends fittings
Mother of the Flower Girl: Helps daughter into her dress, usually with a struggle, and attends to any stains or damage (Got baby wipes?)

Mother of the Bride: Holds back tears of joy as her daughter says "I do"
Mother of the Flower Girl: Holds back a smile as her daughter asks the priest "Is that your friend Jesus?" at the rehearsal (True story).

That's just a smattering of responsibilites. Believe me, I'm not saying Mothers of the Bride have it easy. My Mom spilled champagne on her dress before we even left the house. But she did handle it with grace—a trait that most mothers of toddlers have to just learn to live without until their kids are at least 6 right?

Graceful or not, children often bring a unique charm and enthusiasm to their part in a wedding. And I don't think my sister, the bride, would have had it any other way. Having my children involved in such a meaningful event, also reminded me why I love weddings so much...celebrating a couple's love and the merging and growth of two families. Any fun flower girl/ring bearer stories out there? Do tell...