A10CalGal

Thanks...I haven't decided if I'm 100% happy w/the pillows...but I can always put covers on them.

Very nice dress. I think the style looks great on you.

Yes!! Thanks for the reminder. Hubby & I love this show.

Good job you two! She is gorgeous. Congrats!

Hey gals. So in addition to recieving my awesome Mid Summer gift from Jessica yesterday, I also had a visit from the Fed Ex guy in the am - he came bearing my new living room rug. Here are a few pics on the evolution of the living room. Next move: deal with the mantle. Need to choose some great pics to hang there. I also want to find a great light fixture to hang...

Stage 1: new couch & coffee table

Stage 2: paint

Stage 3: throw pillows & rug

better angle:

I came home from a day at the lake yesterday to a BOX from my secret elf!! My husband was like "what did you order now?" LOL! What a fun selection of awesomeness. The box smelled so lovely by the way. Jessica is my elf (Jessicalovesbrian). She went way above & beyond. Thank you so much Jess!!

Here's the view of the entire lot:

Lovely fuzzy socks that I cannot wait to wear (need it to cool down first), 2 pair of dangly earings, a set of wine themed coasters, 2 candles w/holders - one gardenia (I think this is what the whole box smelled lik!) and one orang mango scented. Also a lovely set of note cards with envelopes and a travelsize lotion. It's totally like Christmas in July!

Thank you so much Jessica

More pics:

Congrats Abbie! I'm glad you had such a wonderful time.

Ummm...where are the teaser pics Abbie??

I'm glad I found this thread...I've been thinking about Abbie all week. I texted her earlier to say "happy BFD wedding day". She was at a salon not far from where I work getting beautified....

HAVE A GREAT DAY ABBIE!!!

This is a great lesson in why you and FI need to be on the same page about things before discussing them with others! I think it's completely ok to set your limits when it comes to who you invite to your wedding. For me it was important that only our most important people in life were at our wedding...we didn't do any courtesy invites, but we were both clear about that from the start. It kinda sounds like this whole thing came out of the gate before you two were clear, hence you haven't communicated a clear plan of action to "outsiders" aka FMIL.

With the state of the current situation, I would def invite the twin. There is no guarantee she will be there, but you've made the gesture & calmed some nerves.

I love the ornate ribbon contrast against the clean invite. The only thing I might consider changing is the font.

That dress is really great on you! And kudos for getting the forbidden bridal store pics. Those bridal consultants can be so bitchy about that!

Oh cool!! I saw your thread title about that...clearly I thought that was sufficient information. Thought wrong! Have fun!!

That is bunk Rachel! Do they pay you her salary on top of yours? That would make sense, right?

Good golly Ms. Abbie! Great job! I can't believe this...serious count down mode here. I'm super excited for you

Jeez! Can I just say - I loved my 3 day weekend! It's the first time in months that I have not done anything work related for one entire day, much less 3. I left my laptop in the trunk of my car until yesterday afternoon.

Today is filled with people feeling a lot like me, and people that aren't here because they were smart & made a 3 day weekend into a 5 dayer. So pretty much I am relaxed and completely disenchanted with the prospect of work right now.

So, wanna see what I'm thinking about instead? I purchased this rug on overstock.com yesterday:

I'm going to put it in our living room to add a layer of texture.

Rug goes under the coffee table/couch. I purchased some beautiful large tropical plants for the house yesterday, so that will add some interest as well.

So now I am searching for lighting. I'm thinking of a chandelier or pendant to replace the lame ceiling light over the coffee table. I've found some fun stuff at lampusa.com

Anyway...am I the only one being so rebellious today??

30! I can't imagine what my life would be like if I married the first guy that proposed way back in the late teens/early 20's....shudder!!!

OK, I knew I was last...but I find it hilarious that the Fafa home page shows 1st, 2nd, 3rd & DEAD LAST!! Hahaha...

Dang you are such a beauty!! You look fab in every single "non-pro" pic. I can't wait to see the pro pics! Seriously girl - you look amazingly beautiful, happy & glowing! Congrats.

The dreaded wrath of Drea is what drove me to this thread today! I don't feel too horrible that I haven't gotten my gift mailed out yet, but only because I haven't received one yet!!

My hectic pace is finally slowing down, and Monday is the day! I am getting my secret summer girl's package in the mail, I swear!

Yay! Fun gifts so far girls. I need to get my arse in gear. I have a reminder on my calendar to do this next week after my crazy software implementation happens.

Happy Summer ladies!!