Sneak Peaks and Updates

Well, Im back to work today! And I have to say that these last few weeks off have been some of the busiest times of my life! Here’s just a quick recap as to what’s been going on in my life. And also, just a little preview of something I’m working on.

I’m making a banner for the wedding. And I’ve already put about 12 hours into it, and I’m feeling like it’s going to need another 48!! I’m making the whole thing out of fabric and vintage lace that was my great-grandmothers. So it has a lot of sentimental value to me. It’s taken me so long because for the most part, I’ve sewn everything. I’m only using minimal adhesive, and I am not using any paper. That way it will last a lifetime. I plan on using lots of pearls too. So, we shall see how it turns out. Give me a couple more weeks for the official unveiling!

Also on this summer break I went to sea world for the first time in years! It is such a great place to have in San Diego, and I often take it for granted. I saw the baby Shamu while I was there. He was so adorable and I was so tempted to take him home with me. If only I had a whale sized pool in my backyard, I could re-enact Free Willie!!

I’ve gone to the beach a few times to escape the heat, but sadly, nothing will ever compare to the clear blue waters in the Bahamas.

Lastly, I just got home last night from a bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs for my friend Amaya! I have never been to one of those before and let’s just say I experienced some things that I never want to experience again. Haha! It was a great weekend and we all got really tan lounging out by the pool.

I gotta get going, but I hope everyone has a fabulous week!

Xoxo mandy

I Got IT!!!!

Well I have been MIA this last week because I have been on the ultimate dream vacation with my honey. And guess what!? He popped the question!!

We left Sunday night on a red eye flight to Miami, and Monday morning we boarded the Carnival ship The Victory. We had a room on the eighth floor and we even had a balcony! I had just finished my makeup, curling my hair, and putting on my dress for our first dinner on the ship. David was standing outside on the balcony and he told me, “come outside here when you’re done baby, it’s so beautiful out here”

To which I responded, “No way! I just finished my hair and it’s going to get all frizzy and windblown!”

Then he told me, “Just COME OUT HERE!!!”

“Okay, okay! Gosh!” :)

I went outside and he told me how he knew right away that I was the girl he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and how much he loved me. He then got down on one knee and pulled out the most beautiful ring ever. The exact ring that I had picked out 2 months ago when we went "browsing" for rings. Of course I said YES!! I was thrilled. I have been floating on cloud nine all week long.

The rest of our trip we snorkeled at Grand Turk, Swam on a private beach at Half Moon Cay, and rode the water slides at the Atlantis water park in Nassau. We finished off our trip by spending 2 more days in Miami. It was absolutely perfect and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I am beyond ecstatic and I can’t wait to see what the rest of this summer has in store.

xoxo
mandy

Vintage Summer

Now... the weather here in Texas is off and on, hot and cold, but that hasn't stopped me from thinking about summer time. With only two more weeks of school - OHHHH MYYY GOSHHHH!! (mini-panic-attack) - It feels as summer is just around the corner.
 At night, I dream of sunshine, being tan, and of beaches. (Although there is a chance that this will be the first summer in a long time that there will be no beach for me, probably more like lakes and rivers or something more... Texan.)
Summer has me thinking of all kinds of beachy vintage and crafty inspirations like vintage swimsuits, floppy hats, mermaids, shells, coral, anchors etc.

I think I'll share some of my summertime inspirations...

Swimsuits. I love looking at vintage pictures of ladies swimwear... I think it would have been so lovely to live during the 40's and 50's just for the abundance of glamorous modest style swimwear. Everyone looked classy! I would love to see more ladies and young women wearing once pieces instead of strings connected to inches of material. because unfortunately, everyone has probably seen something at the beach or a public pool that you just can't un-see, no matter how much you wish you could.... Anyway, vintage one piece suits are just amazing, flattering, classy, sexy AND making a comeback! 

  (see more pics at this cute blog>>here<<)

My love for these suits have lead me to splurge a bit on modern one-piece suits that have that vintage inspired look....

Both of these Suits are from Carmen Marc Valvo... I first purchased the black one in 2010 from Victoria's Secret. It has been a staple suit ever since. I've worn it to the beach, hot tub, pool party, etc  and it still looks brand new (so don't be afraid to splurge on quality!). I love the suit because I am self conscious about my stomach and I would much rather hide it under layers of ruched material. They say every girl needs that little black dress, well... the same is true for a classy vintage inspired swimsuit! I just recently purchased the pink suit (for 1/2 the original price on ebay) because.... two is better than one and I highly doubt I will wear a bikini ever again. I cant wait to throw on a floppy hat and get out on the lake, river, or hopefully the beach.

Mermaids. Who cares if they aren't real. They are just beautiful.... here are some crafty things I have been inspired to create with mermaids. 2 book covers and a brooch.

 

And for those of us who have pretended to be mermaids at one time or another...Coolest. Job. Ever. I wish I would have known that I could've grow up to be one and get paid for it!

So whats your summer inspiration?

-Ashley-