Favorite Things

Since there's not much to do other than sit inside today, I thought I'd post a few of my favorite things of late.

1. Yankee Candles. My favorite scents of the moment are Clean Cotton and Pomegranate Cider. It doesn't really make sense, but the smell just makes me smile. I don't get it, but I like it.

2. Fiber One Bread. First of all, it's one of the few breads I've found WITHOUT High Fructose Corn Syrup. I used to always eat "lite" bread which tasted like cardboard - and was less substantial then a cracker. Fiber One Bread has 100 calories per slice, but it is so filling and thick and delicious, it is well worth it. I put a thin layer of peanut butter on two pieces, have a protein shake with soy milk, and it's a perfect breakfast that keeps me full until noon.

3. This weather. Well, not today's weather (silly Irene), but it's been cooling down as the fall is getting closer. People at work complain that "the summer is over", but I think the fall is quite beautiful as well. The winter is another story ;)

4. Free weekends. I was pretty bummed on Friday that we decided not to head down to New York, but a weekend of "nothing" has been wonderfully relaxing. I woke up super early yesterday and today, probably because I was in bed at about 9 at night.

5. The Body Shop. It's a small store in the mall and I don't get there often, but when I do, the service is always impeccable and the employees are always incredibly helpful. It's a bit pricey, but it's cruelty free and has some amazing scents (Satsuma...heaven!) Check it out if you can. Yesterday I bought a grapefruit "flavored" lip gloss and it is to die for!

Hope everyone is safe and with the ones they love.

xoxo

Damn you (Hurricane) Irene!

Nick and I were supposed to head to New York this weekend, for one last nice summer visit before the fall sets in. Well, unfortunately mother nature had other plans! There are flood warnings and high wind warning in effect due to Hurricane Irene, so we decided it was safer to not make the trip down. They also evacuated sections of New Jersey & New York, and may end up evacuating my brother's town as well. I am really upset, because I've been looking forward to this visit for awhile. I'm looking on the bright side though - now I have a weekend with absolutely NOTHING to do! It just so strange and something I'm not used to at all. Nick is going fishing today and I think I'm going to shop a little and maybe get to the grocery store right when it opens, as I'm sure it'll be filled with crazy worried people today. We plan on visiting NY next weekend so I'll just start looking forward to that. :)

If you're in an area where the storm might hit, please be safe and be careful!

xoxo

Crystal

Brooke & John's Wedding

Although I am relieved that Brooke & John's wedding is over, I'm also a bit sad! The planning was a long but really fun process, so I guess now I just need to find something else to plan.

The last few days have been amazing, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. Brooke had a few mini meltdowns, but nothing like I expected. She has a big extended (and slightly crazy ;) family, but for the most part they were on their best behavior and everything went smoothly. Her sisters K'leigh & Ashley were also amazing with helping me out when things got hectic. They are 18 and 15, so it was alot of responsibility for them, but they did a great job.

Here are some pics from the rehearsal and of us getting ready the day of:

Me doing what I do best - telling people what to do

Nick and I at Uno's in Natick for the rehearsal dinner - the service and food were great!

John put together a slide show of him and Brooke, and friends, through the years (they've known each other since they were 13 and 15). It was very sweet and beautifully done.

Brooke's hair - Dellaria Salon in the Natick mall. While they did amazing hair the day of the wedding, the owner was a bit difficult to work with throughout the process and we would not recommend them to anyone.

Brooking getting her make up done

In front: Brooke & her sister Autumn. In the back, from left to right - Ashley, me, K'leigh, and the AMAZING Abby. Abby works at the Dior counter at Lord & Taylor in the Natick Mall. She was the sweetest, most wonderful girl and she did all of our make up in just a few hours. We did not have to pay her, but I told all of the girls to contact the store to let them know how great she was. I don't really wear Dior make up, but if I ever needed anything I would make the long trip to Natick just for Abby.

The dress! It is silk satin so it was super shiny and super fitted. Perfect for tiny little Brookie!

Brooke's bouquet- her Uncle did them for her and they came out amazing!

Walking down the aisle with Dad

Nick's very proud of this photo he took

The Mr. & Mrs!

After the ceremony we headed to Morses Pond in Wellesley to take some photos. I took a few photos here with my iPhone. My camera (I didn't use my SLR) didn't take the greatest photos and I actually think the ones on the iPhone are some of my favorites.

Walking towards the pond

That's John's hand on the left

Just stunning

And finally - on to the reception! The reception was held at The Henderson House in Weston, MA. Brooke had a great experience there. The location actually used to be a private home. It is quite big with a nice outdoor area. The food was delicious and the service was great. I had the vegetarian option which was gnocchi in a cream sauce - yum! The cake was also beautiful and delicious - they had red velvet (my favorite!) and white cake as well.

Nick and I at the reception

Me and the Speech

John's Dad, who was also the best man. He got emotional in the beginning of the speech and it was so very sweet. His Dad is originally from Trinidad and has a great accent. Some of his family came all the way from Trinidad to be there for Brooke & John's wedding which I thought was pretty amazing.

Brooke & John's first dance - they danced to Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - I hope I'm spelling that right. It was beautiful.

Brooke & her Dad

John and his mom Denise. They danced to "I Just Called to Say I Love You" by Stevie Wonder - They danced around the floor and it was hilarious - it was very upbeat and so cute. Denise was on the dance floor the whole night and I bet she had the most amazing time!

Brooke got him pretty good :)

An impromptu foot rub

Nick's standard dance move

Congratulations to Brooke & John, I know you will have the most amazing time in Hawaii and I can't wait to hear all about it!

xoxo