"I don't know how to say this but, you two are, eh, tres chic!" - Air France Flight Attendant to my husband and I on our Honeymoon flight to Italy.

Do you remember a time when people actually dressed up to go out, especially when traveling?  In the days of yoga pants in public and pajamas on the airplane, I feel we're missing out on the experience previous generations had and the excitement of travel.  It seems now (to some) it is so casual they just roll out of bed and onto the tarmac with out a thought as to what they look like.  

How did we get this way?  

If you are over the age of ten, I'd say pajama's to the airport is not appropriate! It doesn't take much time to pick out a simple outfit and run a comb through your hair, and when you do take that extra step, you will be rewarded.  You will notice strangers (and airport security) are a lot more friendly AND you may even relish in the chance of an upgraded flight, free drinks, and many friendly smiles. 

I will admit, I used to be a member of the mile high pajama club.  I'd wear baggy sweatpants and a sweatshirt, had unkempt hair, and usually was cramming last minute items into my backpack creating a much to heavy, unorganized mess that I was then stuck with for the rest of the day.  As I've gotten older I've changed, and realized just the simple act of planning ahead and dressing up to travel, tends to leave me more relaxed, appreciated, and I have an overall more enjoyable time. It also makes traveling feel special and exciting.  If it were just as routine as sleeping...what is the fun in that?

For me, traveling comfortable and in style means a simple dress, (made of a comfortable cotton or stretch fabric) and a light sweater (usually because of air conditioning).  I wear ballet type flats that not only look cute but are practical (can be taken off easily and I can run if needed). I always bring a slightly larger purse than normal (one that can carry my all important travel essentials, like toiletries, ipad, sketchbooks, snacks, etc) and one small rolling carryon that fits at least two changes of clothes.  My purse/bag fits on top of my rolling luggage so that way one arm is always free and I don't look like a loaded up camel.  Also, I usually carry a mini cross-body purse inside my larger purse so when I get to my destination I am not lugging around an extra large purse everywhere. 

On long flights, at least one change of clothes is essential to getting off the plane feeling refreshed, but also handy when you get wine spilled in your lap mid flight (yes this just happened to me and thank goodness I packed an extra dress in my carryon avoiding what could have been an uncomfortable, grape-smelling disaster for the rest of my flight).  Depending on how large your purse is, you could even pack a wrap dress in there and not bring a rolling luggage. But generally, a carryon with all the essentials incase something did happen to your checked bags is a good bet.  Always be prepared.  Always.  You really never know what could happen, who you are going to meet, and the best way to make your trip stress free and relaxing (as vacations should be) is to be prepared.

Here is an example of my go to travel outfit and accessories:
(Click on the images to see my Polyvore site with product descriptions)

Now hop on a big bird and fly!

I am a lady | adarose

In my last post I revealed that one of our big goals this year was to buy a house.  Every since I was a little girl I've always been very domestic.  When I played with dolls I focused on their living situations more than any other part, (second was their fashion).  This early obsession with living space is probably what led me to majoring in Architecture in college.  So, needless to say, I've been dreaming of my "perfect house" for a long time.

But one mistake I made when I was young, was thinking that I had to wait until I had that dream house to live how I wanted.  For example, I've always loved the idea of baking and cooking and secretly wanted a retro kitchen to experiment in.  Perhaps I watched too many episodes of "I Love Lucy" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show" growing up, but I was fascinated with all of Lucy and Laura’s various tools and containers.  As I got older and eventually had an apartment of my own with my husband, I went out and bought "temporary" kitchen stuff –not the cool retro items or gadgets I had really wanted. For some reason I thought I needed to wait for that "dream kitchen" to fill it with all my dream things. Plus I thought all those things would be too expensive.

Then finally, not too long ago I realized there really was no reason to wait.  I knew I couldn’t have ALL the things I wanted right away, (like that $$$ retro green mixer) BUT I could have some of the little things.  So, slowly but surely I’ve been adding to my dream kitchen collection and actively using these items in my current kitchen. 

How did I acquire all these fun things?  I did not go out and have a shopping spree buying them all in one day, but instead collected them over time, shopping all over the place (literally from Washington State to Wisconsin) and not settling for just anything, but the right thing.

My husband and I like to antique shop, and one of our favorite things to do on the weekends is go out hunting for old treasures.  Sometimes we find extra special items and it can be hard because we can't afford to buy them yet (Like an awesome mint condition Eames lounge chair from the 1960's…) but it's fun to go around and dream together.  Each time we go I give myself a little budget even if it's only $5 or $10.  If I find the perfect item for that price – I buy it!  If I don’t, I go home empty handed, and I’ve learned that that is OK.  Eventually you will find what you are looking for.  In fact, just this weekend I found a set of retro containers with wooden lids to hold my baking supplies.  I’ve been searching for something like this for months, and the best part - they were on sale and under my budget for the day!

What I have now may not be my "dream kitchen" but with all my little retro finds, it is so much more enjoyable and "me" than if I were just to have the standard inexpensive items that didn't have any personality. 

Now each day cooking in my little kitchen is fun and I'm not always dreaming of a new sparkly kitchen cause the one I have has become my own!

If you make it your own (and it doesn’t have to be your kitchen) - whether it be with your favorite color towels or retro containers, it is a lot more enjoyable and adds to making your life just that much happier each day, and some days that can make all the difference.

I am a lady | adarose

I can't believe it is a New Year already!

In the past six months I got married, went on an amazing Honeymoon to Italy with my new husband (both of our first times in Europe), moved ACROSS THE COUNTRY, found a new job (actually two). So we have been pretty busy, but loving every minute of it.  

To kick off 2014 I'd like to share my New Years goals.  (I was told if you publicly announce them you are more likely to stick to them)  So here goes:

1. EAT BETTER
For my husband and I specifically this came from our honeymoon in Italy.  When we were there (Sorrento and Amalfi Coast), we had some of the best food we had ever eaten.  We had to know their secret, so we asked the chefs. Their answer: "Eeeeehh we're Italian!..."

Just kidding!  Their real answer was: "Fresh ingredients!" (fresh olive oil, fresh fish, fresh pasta, etc.)

So for 2014 we've decided to eat more like Italians, use fresh ingredients and really enjoy our food.  To start, this past weekend we went out and bought some potted herbs (mint and parsley) and have been using these in our food as much as possible. We also got an awesome cook book (Phaidon The Silver Spoon) and each week I pick one or two recipes to try. Eventually I hope to be cooking like this all the time, but baby steps for now.

2. EXERCISE MORE
I will admit, I have not been doing the best job staying physically active since we've moved so I'd like to change that. Especially since I'm turning 30 this year.  I'd like to begin this new decade looking and feeling my best.  Over the past few years I discovered that I love latin dance, so I decided to join a gym specifically for the latin dance workout classes (Zumba, etc.).  I found that if I am doing something I enjoy, I wont put it off or find excuses not to do it.  I encourage everyone to think of exercise that way. Find something you love then like NIKE says, just do it!  

3.  BE MORE ORGANIZED
This is difficult.  Not only do I have to be organized myself but I have to work with another person (my husband) and his own way of organizing.  Our new place is a bit smaller than the last, so keeping things tidy and organized is very important.  Also both my husband and I each have our own home business so keeping all that paperwork along with our personal things organized is a challenge.  I find Pinterest is great for tips and ideas for creative storage solutions.  (If you don't have a Pinterest account, I highly recommend it.) 

Also, I still keep an old fashioned (paper) planner.  I write EVERYTHING down in this and make it a habit to check it every morning and night.  Sure my iPhone has a  calendar and reminders in it (which I do use sometimes), but I use my phone for so many things, I just need a break - plus I like to doodle and planners are great for doodling...

4. BE A SINGLE DIGIT HANDICAP (Golf)
I've been playing golf since I was, well, old enough to walk.  So not being a single digit handicap after so many years is just laziness on my part. My husband has even taken up the game so now I really have no excuse. My favorite number is 8 so I've decided I'd like to be an 8 handicap. 

Now if I only had some new clubs...(Birthday hint).

Well, that is all for now.  I think five goals should be achievable in a year.  I'll provide an update on it in December and see how I did, but until then; HAPPY NEW YEAR!  More posts to come soon!

I am a lady | adarose

The day finally came - I got married!!!

It was truly the happiest day of my life, celebrating such a milestone with our loved ones and family. Even though the planning process was a bit stressful, it all came together and I can't thank everyone enough who helped along the way.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a few things I learned along the way that might help you or someone you know when planning for the big day:

1) Budget...Budget...Budget 
This is very serious and the first thing you should narrow down.  
Before doing anything, know who is paying for what, how, and when.  

You can have a wedding for any amount of money - but all decisions made need to be made with the budget in mind. As difficult as it is, this means you really should not go out shopping for $5,000 dresses when your total wedding budget is only $6,000. (Yes I watched my fair share of "Say Yes To The Dress") It will break your heart when you find your dream dress and then cannot afford the rest of the wedding.  Speaking of dresses - it is a good idea to ask the dress shops you are considering visiting about their price range before heading inside.  This will save you a lot of tears.  

I was fortunate enough to know of a dress shop where the entire collection (minus a few select designer pieces) was within my price range. So when the time came to try them on and I found "the one" I was pleasantly surprised to find it was UNDER my dress budget!  This then OK'd me to splurge on my Valentino red shoes... :)

2) I highly recommend a planner.  
This is different from a Day of Coordinator (which is also an absolute must).  We did not hire a planner and the entire time I truly wish I did.  Fortunately one of my bridesmaids who had recently gotten married stepped in and acted as a planner (reminding me of the things I needed to do, constantly checking on me to make sure I did them, etc). Seriously if she had not done that we would not have had the wedding we had.  There are so many things to coordinate and even with all the event planning experience my husband and I had, it is different when it is YOUR wedding.  There is such emotion, excitement, and expectations - you really need an outside person to help you keep on a steady path, not go over your budget, etc.

Also, when it comes to the day of and after, the last thing you want to be thinking is: Did we pay the photographer?  Do the musicians know where and when to set up?  Who is picking up the flowers from the florist?.. etc.  A planner will have all that organized and ready to hand off to the day of coordinator - and sometimes they are either the same person or work for the same company.  Our day of coordinator was excellent and even calmed our nerves the day before with her detailed list and notes, ensuring we had nothing to think about on the day and that she would be there at every step to make sure it all happened just as we wanted.  

All you want to do, and should do, as bride & groom is enjoy your day, and your experience.

3) Have a vision  
Outline what parts are the most important to you all the way down to least important.  This will help you when making decisions.  For us, the most important part was the venue.  Being both designers and former students of architecture, my husband and I knew we had to get married in a beautiful and inspiring space - and we would not settle for less.  This is important to note because getting that space (we chose The Olympic Sculpture Park) was higher than our budget really allowed, so we cut back in other areas that were not as important to us to make up the difference.

Our overall vision, was classic, elegant, and modern, and every single decision we made from the venue, to the decor, to getaway car, was made with our vision (and budget) in mind.  

In the end it all came together magically and my new husband and I had the best day of our lives.  We made sure to just soak it in and enjoy the moment, because we knew it would be over pretty much as soon as it started.  

4) Some things are worth the cost
A great photographer and videographer will capture your day and give you memories that will last forever - so be sure to seek them out first and don't be afraid to pay a little more for their services than you might want. Believe me, it is well worth it.  We lucked out with our photographer. She was an absolute doll to work with, and made sure she got every shot - and the photos were spectacular (as you can see). Also our videographers put together an absolutely amazing set of clips that my husband and I still watch to this day and cry because of all the happy memories it brings back.

In the end, remember it is all about you and your love, so don't let anyone or anything get in your way.  It doesn't matter if it is a barefoot ceremony on the beach, or a tux and tails event, the most important part is the two of you saying 
"I do".

I am a lady | adarose

Our AWESOME Vendors:  ( I highly recommend all of them! )
Venue: Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park
Catering: TASTE Events
Decor & Flowers: Prop Gallery Events
Hair: Jonathan Levi Powell formerly Gene Juarez Salon
Make-up: Danielle Krane | Gene Juarez Salon
Dress & Veil: Essence of Australia from La Belle Reve
Shoes: Valentino from Nordstrom
Groom's Tux: Made-to-measure Golden Fleece by Brooks Brothers
Photographer: Tonie Christine Photography
Videographer: Anchored Memories
Music: Jason Parker Quartet
Rings: LT Denny

One of my favorite accessories is a pair of gloves.  
Contrary to popular belief, gloves are not just for winter to keep your hands warm, but they are especially important  for ladies to wear this time of year (flu season).  The simple act of wearing gloves can help to keep your hands germ fee as well as complete your polished lady-like look.

If you live in a four-season climate (as I do now), you will soon realize that your once "go to pair of cotton gloves" will not cut it in below freezing temperatures. This does not have to break the bank, as I will show you with examples below, but it is important to get the right gloves for the weather to protect your hands. 

Lucky ladies that live in Arizona or similar climates can get away with one or two types for all the seasons (but don’t let me stop you from buying more!).

My favorite go-to pair of winter gloves are grey like the ones pictures above.  Grey is great because it goes with your black OR brown accessories.  For a bit of fun and variety, try a deep red or emerald green color.

This is the best time of year for gloves because you have more flexibility.  You can go short or long and have different fabrics.  Again for the lucky Arizona ladies, a fall glove can be a good winter glove because it rarely gets below freezing.

My favorite fall glove is a short red wool/nylon/cashmere blend like the ones pictured above.  I also like to stick to autumn colors like burnt orange, coral, red, rose, and mustard yellow.  Any color you would see on a tree in fall is good in my book.

Because of the milder temperatures in the Summer and Spring, you can use a very light fabric. These gloves are really more for the keeping of germs away and lady like fashion so you can really have fun selecting gloves with cut-outs and cute details like button clasps on top that sturdy winter gloves just cannot accommodate. Color-wise I prefer saving the white gloves for fancy occasions (like Easter) and keep my everyday gloves as a pale pink, tan, light grey, light blue, mint green, or lilac.

A little bit of glove etiquette:
1) Gloves should only be worn outside
    ( Except for formal occasions like a wedding or ball )

2) Rotate wearing your gloves and be sure to wash them

3) Wear jewelry on the inside of the gloves - Bracelets are the exception
    ( For large rings - simply rotate the ring around your finger so that the jewels are 
    facing inward )

4) Do not eat, drink, smoke, play cards, or apply make up with your gloves on!

Now go out there and wear gloves!

I am a lady | adarose

I am a lady | adarose