Im on my photographer's wedding blog!!

All the rest can be viewed here Kristin Spencer Photography blog. Also all my vendors are listed. Enjoy!!!

Etsy Store ~ QueenBeeBaubles

Check it out when you can! QueenBeeBaubles

Blogging Vacation ~

I haven't blogged in so long ~ sorry! I have so much to blog about over the coming months so check back soon for France Photos, Chef Walter Cooking Class Recipes & Photos, More Wedding Pictures, etc.

Cooking Class ~ Tonight!

So, my girlfriend Rebecca and I are going to take cooking classes at Chef Walter Potenza's Restaurant in Providence. I am really ecstatic about it. I absolutely LOVE to cook and Im hoping to get some amazing recipes and techniques from him.

These happen every Tuesday right thru until the Spring. Each class has a different theme and tonight is Tuscan Cooking! http://www.chefwalter.com/WP-Cooking_School.htm I'll be blogging about the evenings on here every Wednesday so check back for recipes and pictures!!

Post Wedding Comments~

You have no idea how many people come up to me and ask me "What are you going to do now that the wedding is over?" and "What are you going to do with all that extra time since your not planning a wedding?". Well here's my answer: Clean!

There's so many things I neglected when I was planning a wedding and using my spare bedroom as a storage unit for all things wedding related and now I finally get the chance to do them. First and foremost I need to clean that spare bedroom it still has ribbon, peacock feathers, programs and other things all over the place. Ill be so relieved to get that done.

And you know all the little things that slowly creep up to becoming a disgraceful mess: the junk drawer (that you organized last year and vowed to keep it tidy), the shoe closet (where is the other shoe?), the pile of clothes mess(that instead of picking up -you just moved to a heap in the closet so no one would see them), the laundry basket (full of stuff but you have no idea what because its been in there so long you've actually changed sizes) ~ You know the stuff!! Well that's the stuff Im actually excited to accomplish over the next couple of weeks! I'd love my spare bedroom to second as a craftroom for me like the one above!

Don't get me wrong. Just because my wedding was 6 weeks ago I havent left it completely distant in my mind. Im still waiting for my wedding pictures and my wedding video! Hopefully, I can relive the wedding again next week ~ in between lining up shoes :)

My New OBSESSION....Longchamp Bags

When I was in Paris, EVERYONE was carrying a Longchamp bag. You've probably seen the "Le Pliage" line directly above this type. It a foldable travel bag. They come in all different sizes. People were using them as pocketbooks, overnight bags, baby bags, cosmetic bags. Its classic and stylish at the same time. Think of it as the "Coach" of France.

So I had to get my hands on one of these. I purchased the one at the very top of this post. Durable and functional yet chic and sassy! I now want a couple of the "Le Pliage" style for overnight travel, etc. I'll have to get Mr. Blondie to grab for me for Christmas!

Had I known they were much higher priced in the US I would have bought 10 of the "Le Pliage" style for all my friends. This style was 60 Euros in Paris or $84 US. When I got back here I saw they went for $140 US or so. I'll have to plan another trip back JUST for the Longchamp bags!

Grilled Stuffed Jalapenos = YUM

Mr Blondie and I are loving Williams Sonoma's recipe for stuffed grilled jalapenos. You deseed the jalapenos and then stuff with a mixture of sharp cheddar cheese, fresh corn, scallions, and salt and pepper. Place on grill under low heat for 45 minutes. This is VERY important. If you cook any faster or on a higher temp it will not take the "heat" out of them and they will be SPICY. The low temp and time take that away! Definitely a great summer treat!

Maybe Baby?

After 10 years of being on birth control and finally married, Ive decided to go off the pill. Am I ready for a baby right this second? no. I'd like 6-12 months down time, "me time", "couple time" after the wedding to just chill with my new husband. But, I also know too many women with infertility issues that have been trying to get pregnant and can't. So we're just saying we'll see what happens.
I was told by a couple of people that I need to prepare myself by reading some pre-baby books. So, I took the plunge and bought: Taking Charge of Your Fertility & What to Expect Before Your Expecting. I bet these will make for some interesting reading. :)

Blondie is MARRIED!!!

Here are some sneak peeks from my photographers blog (Kristin Spencer)

Jewelry Making

I LOVE to make jewelry. Its become my obsession. I would never create a piece I wouldnt wear myself so I think thats the first step to being a "good" jewelry designer. Ive seen a lot of people that do it just to do it. There are a lot of examples of this on etsy while there is also a lot of great jewelry designers on etsy. LOL. So I've been toying around with making my bridesmaid jewelry and here are some examples. Remember they are wearing black on black long dresses and the main colors other than that are lime and teal.

Final Florals!

With a lot of careful consideration ~ I decided to make these the final colors! Its easier to execute and beautiful!

Guess who is the Nationwide Knottie Bride of the Week?

Lil ole me! Im flattered!

Bridesmaid Jewelry

Remember the ALL black on black long dresses the girls ordered? Now its time to add a pop of color! But I cant decide between an etsy- made creation or the classic turquoise chunky bead necklace. Here are the components of the etsy design: What do you think? Classic or Funky?

Wedding Colors~

So I know for sure some thing~
1. I definitely am having white table linens with black runners and chivari chairs

2. I love my peacock feathers, black ostrich feathers & crystals

3. My primary colors will remain teal and lime green

But after looking at all my inspiration boards again ~ Im starting to like different accent colors versus the floral boards I posted below. Give me your thoughts....

Best Facial EVER!

Had a great facial with Diane at Agape Spa in Lincoln, RI! Highly Recommended!

401-333-9199

3 Wake Robin Rd

Lincoln, RI

Wedding Floral Board

Yes I clipped out all these pics from bridal mags! yes I spent a lot of time gluing them on to a backboard! yes I am a dork and know it! yes I am a little OCD about my flowers! yes I think my florist might shoot me!

Interesting Idea...

Instead of having the best man or the ring bearer be responsible for the rings you wear each others ring tied to your hand (idea found on tickled pink's blog). What do you think?

If I could afford this, It would be mine!

I would love to wear this on my wedding day - it would match my gown so well. Its from the new Jennifer Behr collection.

***encrusted crystals on silk chiffonshown in crystal/ivory chiffondelicate woven crystals hand-stitched to silk chiffon. this shockingly gorgeous headwrap is designed so that the chiffon edges fray with wear. about 1 1/4" wide. Hair up or down, elastic at back ensures a comfortable fit all night long. * if you are wearing your hair up your stylist should be able to conceal the elastic at the back by pulling your hair over it. this piece is fantastic for bridal. worn by Nicole Richie Fall 2008 and a favorite of the press.$595

Funny Quote

So my colleague and good friend Dex says to me "I wish I had an f'n squirt gun right now because I'd squirt you right in the middle of the face". How do you not laugh at such a ten-year old child type of comment? I even annoy him sometimes ;) LOL.

Floral Inspiration 2

Click to see larger images.

Floral Inspiration ~ Peacock~Jewel Tones

Castle Hill in Newport, RI

On Sunday, Mr. Blondie and I had a late lunch at Castle Hill. While the meal and service was SENSATIONAL, the atmosphere was terrible. WHY you ask? How can this beautiful seaside Inn have a terrible atmosphere? Because of this incredibly RUDE and CRUDE couple that got seated on the side of us. This couple I will call Trash F (for female) and Trash M (for male). They felt NO NEED to keep their bickering to themselves.

M to F: All the jewelry you have on, is it from David?

F to M: Well when you are husband and wife it's kind of like you are both paying for it, so rightfully its mine.

M to F: No it's f'n David's jewelry and I dont think you should wear it. I would buy you an f'n 1000.00 bracelet if you didnt wear all of his s**t.

F to M: Its not a big deal please dont make it a big deal.

M to F: Its a big deal if I make it a big deal. You are such a bit** I cant believe how much of a HO-ARE you are.

At this point the womans head is hung in shame and it looks as if this happens on a daily basis.

M to F: You are a C*** and Ive wasted two years of my life with you. You are trash. Im done with you.

The woman STILL doesnt stand up for herself.

And they have NO regard for anyone seated around them.

This continues on and on and on (for over 20 minutes) until the point that I just cant take it anymore and instead of giving them a piece of Blondie's mind I walk over to the hostess and ask if I can change seats so I could enjoy my lunch. She already knew of the heated situation so she moved us very gracefully.

Here's my piece of advice for TRASH SQUARED~

1. Dont got to a very expensive restaurant if you are in the beginning stages of a full on blowout.

2. If you are in a blowout, consider the people around you and don't make a scene.

3. Kindly pay your bill and leave your bickering to your vehicles, homes, etc.

4. Frankly, if you are going to get mad at a woman for wearing jewelry she's acquired thru the years you are crazy.

5. If you can't handle the fact she was married before and jealousy has gotten the best of you don't date her. Enough said.

Here is my piece of advice for F TRASH~

1. No matter what has happened in your life, please have enough RESPECT for yourself to get out of that relationship.

2. As an outsider, I wanted to get up and punch this guy in the face or throw food at him, don't sit there and take it.

3. Its OBVIOUS that this is both a verbally and physically abusive relationship to any outsider, be embarassed enough to get help.

4. FINALLY you are worth more than that ugly piece of trash will ever be. Let him know by leaving him.

I had anxiety the whole time I was sitting on the side of this couple. I couldnt understand what made this guy feel as if he could treat a woman this way. I also couldnt understand why this woman just hung her head in shame and didnt stand up for herself? It was just a whole sad mess and I wish that woman well. I just hope I dont end up reading about her in the obits.

Valentine's Day Secret Success!

Mr. Blondie didnt have any idea where we were going! We headed out to Newport, RI to stay at the Viking Hotel. There was an amazing "Winter Getaway" deal that was impossible to pass up~ came with free parking and free breakfast! We spent some time at One Bellevue Restaurant having cocktails and headed over to 22 Bowen's Restaurant for a great filet mignon with shallot mashed potatos (YUM)! On Sunday, I surprised Mr. Blondie with a couples sweedish massage at the hotel's Spa Terre. He described it as the "best massage he's ever had in his life" YAY! Mr. Blondie also surprised me with a GORGEOUS bracelet I have been eyeing at Providence Diamond Company. I LOVE IT!!! Ill save that for another post!

Happy Valentine's Day

I just realized this is my last Valentine's Day as a single woman! I've got a great surprise for Mr. Blondie. All he knows is that I'm taking him away for the evening tomorrow. I hope he's very excited. I will post all about this surprise on Monday! Happy Valentine's Day! Cheers!

Custom Cocktail Napkins

I wanted to do customizable cocktail napkins ~ just thinking of unique things to put on them. We have three family songs we'll be doing:

Mr. Blondie & I's song: Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban
Mother -Daughter song: In my Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride
Father - Daughter song: I Loved her First by Heartland

I thought I could put the most important lyric from these songs on the cocktail napkin. OR would people just be confused and think "What the heck does this mean?" Thoughts?