Yay! I finally finished!... oh and Happy

almost six months of marriage and all that jazz! 

You see, Husband and I were married on August 29th... and, well, since February rides the short bus we don't have a 29th day to celebrate on... so today it is!

(along with extending the P's pupiversary, because we totally can, since she's the princess)
--smooches to Peanut--

However, we (or the Husband) isn't a big Anniversary celebrator and says only annual years of marriage count (or at least that was his excuse for not having to buy flowers throughout the years we dated... silly non-romantic-allergic-to-going-to-the-florist-or-nearest-convenience-store husband)

(...I'm not bitter about it though)

(... oh, sounds like I am... hmmm??)

(well, you know...)


Anyway, what's more exciting (to me) and appropriate considering today's date, is that I finally finished putting together our Wedding Album!  Six months out isn't too bad either in my opinion.  I know people who were married close to 5 years ago and are still waiting for their photographer to get it together.  Maybe that's why we decided to take matters into our own hands and make one ourselves.

We never opted for a album when signing a contract with our photog.  At the time we couldn't decide on a Traditional Album or the new modern Coffee Table Style Album... or how many pics we wanted to include, how many pages, etc etc - since you know we hadn't been married yet or seen our pictures to make that decision.

Deciding to go with making our own was nice because we weren't limited to the number of pictures we could use and if we wanted to include some totally awesome non-professional photographs taken by friends or family that we love we could... and DID!


After using Picaboo downloadable photobook software to make mini albums for my bridesmaids (with pics of us throughout our friendship - which was a total riot to make) and for albums for my parents, I was pleased enough with both finished products that I knew I wanted to use it again for our own.  I also preferred the layout options and book quality and styles to other sites.

The album hadn't even been on our minds, until I got a reminder email that Picaboo was giving 25% Off any album over $100 through the month of February with code FEB25P (which was early last week).  So a long week of sorting through 1250 professional photos and maybe close to 500 non-pro, creating a layout with a cohesive flow, and getting the husband to approve... we finally ordered the book.

Here are a few (okay, a lot) screen shots of the book layout. 


Happy Six Month (not really an anniversary) Anniversary Husband!

 Did you DIY your own album? leave it to a professional?  album, what album?

Penny's 1st Pup-iversary!

Last year on Saturday, February 28th we brought home the 'baby of babies' -which by the way is her newest nickname... 

We had been looking to add to our little family and give Baxter a baby sister.  After months of receiving the cold shoulder from numerous rescues and shelters, we finally figured if we wanted another dog we would have to get a puppy. Then this little Princess stole our hearts...

Now, before you bash us, please understand we take Pet Rescue and Adoption seriously and are avided supporters AGAINST puppy mills and the inhumane treatment of ALL animals.  We faced a lot of difficulty of even being considered by multiple rescues (local and not so local) since we live in a townhome without a fenced yard.   Which I can understand is a concern, but when you look at the rest of our pet owner stats it's a little ridiculous.  Our dogs are walked 3x daily (and when I say walked, I mean walked anywhere from 1-2.5miles a day - not just a 'let outside to relieve themselves' walked... I see you neighbor, taking your dog to the mailbox... that's NOT A WALK!), they are never outside off leash -except for at the local dog park (which is completely fenced in), and our house is not a closet... nor a studio apartment, but a fairly spacious 2000sq ft 3story home -those stairs are exercise for me!... Anywho, not trying to win a contest here, but I suppose trying to avoid your potential breeder buying judgement.   Choices surrounding owning and raising dogs, like children, are personal decisions and you have make them based on what works for you, different strokes for different folks.


Ok, off my rant... Although I realize tomorrow is actually the little P's Pup-iversary there is something else to be celebrated then, so we will aww and giggle at her funny eared cuteness today...

Without further ado, here is our little nut throughout the year...

If you are currently thinking about adding a pet to your family, please consider adoption from a local shelter or rescue. If you prefer going the breeder or 'pure bred'  route please check your breeders references to make sure they reputable.  And lastly, goes without saying, never accept a pet from a breeder who will not show you your puppy's parents or current living conditions.

**Also if you'd like to learn more about the horror of puppy mills or what you can do to stop them, please visit the Main Line Animal Rescue website** 

Master Makeover: Finishing Details

Alright, here is the last installment of the Master Bedroom Makeover Series (that was never meant to become a series)... Catch up with Parts --1--, --2--, and --3--.

I posted earlier in the week about my fabulous Wedding Bouquet Painting by Betty at Curly Art and that I was still waiting for the perfect sized picture ledges.  Well, a quick swing though Ikea and I'm ready for my update!

I was almost afraid of putting two shelves on the same wall as the window.  I thought it might look too smooshed and crowded, but I went with my gut and, personally, I think it turned out awesome...

There are only 27" between the curtain panel and the corner of the wall.  I was having a tough time finding a shelf that was bigger than 12", but smaller than 24".  Enter those great Swedes, and their funny non standard measurements, and I have two picture ledges that are 21 5/8" wide.  woohoo for Metric - Perfection!

Ikea Ribba Picture Ledges - $9.99 each

I placed my bouquet painting on the top shelf with a white "lace" imprinted vase (a cheapie score that came in a pair from TJ Maxx)...

On the bottom shelf, I got sentimental with two frames - also picked up on a budget from Ikea.  I used a picture of my original bouquet, a lovie-dovie-huggie wedding pic, and plain white frame with the lyrics from our First Dance, "Yellow" by Coldplay (acoustic version).

I also placed the wedding dress lace and pearls that were wrapped around my bouquet in a narrow cylinder vase (purchased from Pottery Barn circa 2007).... I told you it was a sentimental shelf ...

Ikea Ribba Frames - Double 4x6 Silver $5.99 &  5x7 White $2.99

The green fake floral stem was added for a touch of color...

I was inspired (once again) by Young House Love and their Love Letters post from this past Friday.  They highlighted a print you can purchase from Earl and Pearl (pictured below) and then went on their creative way of how you could make your own.... which is EXACTLY what I did. 

Like the Earl and Pearl print, I used a typewriter font (courier), printed the lyrics on white paper (from the good ol' work printer) and framed in a white frame. 

So there is the back corner of the room (...and lucky for me that's my side of the bed and I sleep facing the pretty pics and flowers... sweet lovie dreams are now a MUST!)...

Here are the rest of the room's 'finishing touches'....

The TV is surrounded by the other lace-esque printed vase, a shabby chic frame, and my parent's Limited Edition "High Society" Lladro figurine which has been passed down to me (squeee)!

 

On the dresser...

And the OBrien and Schridde Fleur frame is finally "complete".

That's right... the creepy child pic is gone!

Aside from maybe a crisp white throw pillow on the bed, I think were done here.

... and on to the Living Room we go!

The Queen of Hearts

This should come as no surprise... not only do I avoid hot pink like the mall on Black Friday, I'm not a fan of hearts (especially in fine jewelry, like this)...

Heart Link Bracelet - Tiffany $225

Blechhh...


However, where I can make an exception for light dusty pinks, I can make an exception for hearts on Valentine's Day....

Here are some Valentine's inspired non-clothing finds that I'm.... hearting.... today, and today only (maybe)


... and I said non-clothing, which means accessories still totally count!

DSquared 2 Leather Heart Belt - FarFetch $125

LOVE Celebration Personalized Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Couples Necklace with Initials and Date (wheew mouthful!) - Etsy Seller "BragAboutIt" $30

  

Tory Burch LOVE Scarf - Tory Burch $195

Cupid 11x14" Print - Etsy Seller ClaudiaKayPhoto $35

25 PlaceCards Neutral Metallics with Hearts - Etsy Seller The Paper Addict $13

Wire Heart Hooks - Pottery Barn Teen $10

Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars Chalk Hearts - Zappos $50

Peggy Karr Heart Shaped Serving Plate - Cooking.com $47.95 

Je T'aime Set of 6 Bubble Magnets - Etsy Seller PaperPumpkin $7

Marc by Marc Jacobs Electro Pop Cosmetic Case - MyTeresa.com $88.40

And lastly, See's Candy.... mmm mmm. 

Red Traditional Heart with Dark Chocolates - See's Candy $20

Because I live on the East Coast See's is a like a delicacy, even with all the Boardwalk fudge shops, nothing takes me back to my childhood like opening a jumbo box of truffles and jumbo box of caramel and chocolate lolli's from my West Coast relatives every Christmas morning. 

Soo umm, hey West Coast readers, you all look so beautiful today... wanna send some chocolately goodness my way?!

Happy Valentine's Day Lovers!!!