File This Under "Holy, Cow!": Liebster Blogging Award

So, yesterday I received a tweet letting me know that my friend Sun Torke had nominated me for a Liebster Blogging Award!  This award is meant for blogs that you love, that mean something to you.  This award is also intended for rising star blogs with a smaller readership.  Yay, Goldiblog! Nominees must answer 11 questions about themselves, add 11 facts about themselves, create 11 new questions and nominate 11 new blogs.  Then you link up with the person that nominated you.  Easy peasy!

 My friend Sun, as you know, writes for Eat. Host. Run. Style.  You'll remember her for the great post she did here!  Sun's post remains one of the most read on this blog! This is one of my favorite fitness blogs to read.  She makes fitness fun and accessible.  I never feel like I'm doing something wrong or like I should be ashamed of myself for not doing more, faster.  Or better.  Just a really great read.  Superb recipes, too!

Here goes!

Sun's questions for me, are:

1. Why did you decide to start blogging?  I love parties and event design.  This blog started as a way for me to exchange ideas with people all over the world.  I really wanted this space to be an honest chronicle of my journey as an owner of a creatively based business as well as a testament to all the amazing things that inspire us. 
2. How did you decide on your blog's name? This blog began as a wedding blog, but began to evolve as my business model evolved.  As Goldiluxe Events became busier, I wanted it to reflect my vision for my company.  I can look at it and be instantly reminded of what I'm aiming to do.
3. What are your top five favorite foods? Miso soup, spaghetti squash, pancakes, rainier cherries, and spinach fritata.
4. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I would love the ability to stop time.
5. What's the best gift you ever received? When I was in my very early 20s and moving into my first house with my best friend at the time, my grandma gave me a vacuum.  It made me feel so grown up, like my family finally saw me as a capable, responsible adult.  I was so happy, I burst into tears.
   
   
6. Are there any current style trends that make you cringe? Yes.  Leggings as pants, rompers, and those headbands clearly inspired by Native American headdresses.  Cultural appropriation just isn't cute.
7. Why do you workout and what's your current routine? I love working out because it focuses and clears my mind, relieves my stress and makes me feel strong.  I love being kind to myself.
8. Who is your role model? My Mom and Dad. They have done and given everything to give me every opportunity I could ever want.  I also look up to anyone who lives their life boldly, without fear and without regret.
9. What accomplishment are you most proud of? Graduating college. I learned so much in and out of the classroom.
10. If you could participate in any Olympic sport, which would you pick? Figure skating.  Definitely.  Sparkly outfits, big hair, dancing....it's like they created a sport just for me.
11. Where would you like to travel next? Colorado next spring and Japan for my birthday.
 

Now, for my 11 fun facts:

--> I read the Hunger Games trilogy in one weekend.  All three books.  One weekend.  It was awesome. 

--> I am obsessed with my Japanese photo sharing app, Pick.  I heard about it from a bloggy friend and it's been a great way to help me learn Japanese.  

See how cute it makes your pictures?! Couldn't you just choke on the whimsy?

--> I'm teaching myself Japanese.  It's super hard, but really rewarding.

--> I have a really visceral reaction to fonts.  I can't stand Comic Sans, Papyrus, Vivaldi or any font that looks like "kid" handwriting...I shudder to think.

--> With the exception of Law & Order: Los Angeles, I have not met a cop show I don't like.

--> I love to make up words.  So far my favorite is "romantiplans"

--> I would rather not eat or drink during an outing if it means I don't have to use a public restroom.

--> I want to have All The Antiques.

See?  I would have all of the everything if I could.  Also, more cuteness from Pick.

--> I love brunch.

--> I dislike Bloody Marys and I hate when they are listed as "Bloodies" on menus.

--> The meaner someone is to me; the nicer I am to them.  I like to see how mad they get when they can't get a reaction from me.

My 11 questions:
1.  What do you think is your best personality trait?
2.  When was the last time you laughed so hard your sides hurt?
3.  If you could live in any city in the world, which one would you choose and why? 
4.  What is your least favorite color combination?
5.  What is your favorite way to celebrate an accomplishment?
6.  How do you use social media to enhance your blogging life?
7.  Would you rather host a dinner party or contribute to one at someone else's home?
8.  What is your favorite recipe?
9.  If you could appear on any reality show, which would you choose?
10. What is the one thing in your beauty routine you could not live without?
11.  What is your favorite teen movie?

My nominations are:

Allison C Beilke: Illustrator, Artist

AC!

Lauren Bonk

Cream City Green

I'm afraid I can't quite make eleven.  All the smaller blogs I read have already been nominated.  I'll have to scour my blog roll, I know there are so many great bloggers out there!

A big, huge thanks to Sun for the nom.  I'm so grateful!

 

Luxe Life: Country Wedding in the City

Hello there!
I am finally back and posting away!  I figured that once I posted a list of upcoming posts, I'd be motivated to step it up and get back on track...I was not.  Boo hiss on me.

But!  As promised, I give you the highlights from Country Wedding!

I wanted to start with the card box.  We made it out of an antique cosmetics case, previously owned by the bride's grandma.  I loved it.  We had to weight it a bit and rig it to stay open, but it worked perfectly.  It was one of my favorite touches!

 

Next up, we have a couple shots of the centerpieces.  As I said before, we collected LOTS of Mason Jars.  My goal was to have so many jars that we could use them as vases and candle holders. I couldn't find table card holders that were visually pleasing as well as right for the type of centerpiece, so I made them.  I chose a mid gauge wire and The Hubbs helped me coil one end...well, maybe I should make a tutorial for you...they were super easy and looked amazing! I also wanted to point out our little animal friends. I wanted to create the feeling of being in someone's home, sort of "housewife chic", if you will.  I know that we were flirting with kitsch here, but for this event it totally worked, our couple loved it! 

Moss letters.  So cute, I can't stand it. These were sooo fun to make.  I wouldn't recommend starting them at 2am, but what else is there to do when one can't sleep?  We tied them with yarn in the wedding colors and affixed them to the front doors of the venue.  Next time, I think I'd make them slightly larger.  They'd pop a little more, I think.

 

The autograph tree.  This just melts my heart each time I look at it.  Allison did such a great job!  Behind it are framed picture of the parents.  This was something the couple wanted to include, what a sweet touch!  I love the idea of honoring those that went before.  I wish you could see the pictures up close.  So.  stinking.  cute.  And my 'punny' little chalkboard.  I LOVED making these chalkboards!  I had so much fun challenging myself to make each one unique.  This one is maybe my favorite.  More chalkboard pictures to come.

Ah, the pie table!  This turned out really well.  I'm still in lurve with our supah cute banner! We've discussed it before, but I really wanted you to see it in action.  You can also get a good look at the stands I made.  I am so proud of them!

The venue had this adorable little patio area and as soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to turn it into a lounge area.  We had so many ideas, tiki torches, bistro lights, candles...it was a really hard space to edit.  But in the end, we opted for a sweet little lounge feel with flower arrangements, oodles of warm candle light and custom pillows.  I'll admit, the pillows were a bit of a eleventh hour kind of thing, but they were really fun to make.  They just look so cute!

There you have it, folks!  Country Wedding in a nutshell!  This was such a touching event and we are so grateful to be part of it.  If you want more, you should pop over to our Facebook page and check out our Country Wedding Album.

Designer Love: Rosa Clara

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the Rosa Clará Spring 2012 Collection ($$$$).  This Spanish designer is known world over for her breathtaking pieces. I'm a big fan of the details in this collection-you'll notice lots of clean lines, big beautiful skirts, and simple, understated necklines.  Ooh, also, pay attention to the fab lace bridal tops (another Rosa Clara signature)  Without further ado…

 Ah.  Number 119-Alcantara.  I am dying for that fab train.  Again, with the wispy skirt, I know but just look at it.  A dropped waist to die for.  All pulled together with that lovely jeweled sash.  You know, I'd also really like the sash to be in a color...

Ok, so this is #160-Arkansas.  No joke.  I love this little dress so much.  I really appreciate the nod to the prairie skirt style.  I just think it is so sweet and simple...it really is like a breath of spring.

And, finally, #211.  Adorno.  Wow.  I love this dress.  The back is killing me and so is that ultra fab lace jacket.  For me, this has a really vintage sensibility.  It looks a lot like something Grace Kelley might have worn.  Just a perfect 10 in my book.  Le sigh...

There you have it, y'all.  My favorite looks from the Spring 2012 collection.  The great thing is: I haven't even scratched the surface.  So, get on over to the website and get ready to swoon!  And for you local gals, I'm sorry to say no one in the Metro area carries Rosa Clara, but it's just a hop across state lines to the following CHI area locations:   

Le Salon
Chicago - 120 E. Delaware
60611 Illinois, Illinois
847 416 4483

Eva's Bridal of Oaklawn 
5269 W. 95th St 
 Oaklawn, Illinois 60453
708 422 5599

photo credit: wedding inspirasi dot com

Designer Love: White by Vera Wang Spring 2012

Bridal giant Vera Wang continues to provide her extraordinary designs to brides everywhere with the White by Vera Wang line, exclusively for David’s Bridal.  This groundbreaking line features bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, accessories and shoes.   This season’s brides will find nine new gowns, priced between $500-1500.  And let me tell you, all the classic Vera Wang elements are there.  

The bridesmaid dresses are really pretty stunning.  Again, you can expect all the things that make the Vera Wang Bridal brand great: updated silhouettes, contemporary cocktails dresses and chic variations on the theme.  The best part?  No gown is priced above $200.

The White by Vera Wang Shoe Collection features chic options for spring and summer.  Expect to see bow details, sling back open toed heels and rich, delicious fabrics.  Shoes are available in sizes 5-12 (half sizes 5.5-9.5).  All shoes priced under $100.

From the XO, Vera Wang Newsletter:

                        “It gives me great pride to be able to bring my designs to more women through White by Vera Wang. The collaboration with David’s Bridal is the perfect marriage of our abilities, both from a business and creative perspective.”

Here area few of my favorite pieces from the new line:

 Oooh!  I'm loving this dress from the 'maids line.  I am such a sucker for that amaaahzing fabric detail on the skirt.

 My two favorite gowns of the line.  Look at the lines on that floor length, would 'ya?!  Brilliant.  The more of these chic, short bridal gowns the more I'm loving them for Spring.  Can you imagine that little number in a tranquil garden setting...or a luscious gallery wedding?  Love!

A little shoe representation!  I'm really a fan of the bow detail on those strappy black heels.  They're a total steal for $88.  Oh, and sparklies!!  I love sparklies! 



Also new for this season, the number of stores carrying the line has increased to 250.  I'd check to see if your local branch is one of the 250...