TheWellSet's 2014 To Do List: Pickles, Abs, and Financial Literacy

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December 31, 2013!

Where-oh-where did the year go? It has been such a friggin blast. We did lotsa-stuff: Vegas-BVIs-Vegas-Vegas-Vegas-Austin-Hunt-Vegas-Maui-Dallas (#humblebrag much?)... What am I leaving out? Ah, home purchasing, puppy adopting, tree removal, friend making/bonding and fence building + our first tenant. It has been a great year although it has also been a tremendous blur, but like all people around the world rather than looking back we are supposed to be looking forward to the new year and all the promises it brings. Rather than going hyper cliche I am just going to call it a To Do List and mix in some items I hope to accomplish next year:

1. Gardening: Something that seems so simple is just so freaking hard. I have managed to kill about 40% off the plants we bought including the sod we laid down in the yard. I hope some day to have a yard man to help, but we just are not that fancy yet, SO, in the meantime I better freaking figure it out. My sister talked to me about hedges and... I've already forgotten... Other green stuff? Any who, I need to read a book stat.

2. Concert Going: I freaking love going to live music shows. However, the general malaise that sets in due to Houston traffic, commuting and crap weather keeps me home most nights (not to mention my full time j-o-b). In 2014 I want to go to more shows. No more excuses.

3. Pickle Making: I really love pickles and want to make homemade ones. This is probably the most attainable New Year's resolution. Baby steps, ya'll. 

4. Ebaying: I had a ton of success selling my gently used designer wares on eBay last month. Plus it was quite fun. Get ready for more content under that Shop button above. Here's to diversification! 

5. Exercising: No, I am not going for that stomach-abs situation (although that would be NICE). I am going for the continuation of the exercise program I put into place in preparation for my nuptials. I actually like it? Weird. 

6. Financial Literacy-ing: I have been working hard with my hubster to get our financials on lock. This has been a big spending year with all the wedding, home buying business, but I am resolved to increase our financial literacy if it kills me. I am about 50% finished with Rich Dad Poor Dad and plan to read the Incorporate and Get Rich book next. Don't laugh - this is important. Just check out the diagram from Rich Dad Poor Dad. Is your mind blown yet?

7. Blogging: 2013 was a great year for TheWellSet blog. The Reddit incident, the Warby Parker connection - it's like it just started to click. I am resolved, damnit, to post more frequently and commit to a editorial calendar and stick with it. I love when you tell me you love my blog. I want to keep this relationship going. Email me suggested topics or questions at aftonbaily(@)gmail.com. Seriously!

8. Consulting: 2013 was also a flagship year for my little consulting side gig, A Brand Strategy. With two satisfied clients and hopefully more to come I feel ready to share it with the rest of the world. Check out my company website here for a more detailed list of what I do. Essentially, I love helping small business get a handle on their PR/marketing strategy, training them, and then setting them free to do it on their own. It's a win-win for everyone. 

Christmas Gifts for Him: Thomas Pink, Hermes & Raybans Ya'll

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Christmas time is in full swing here in Houston, Texas even though it is going to be 60+ degrees (I don't hate that). Work is finally starting to slow down with everyone just about hitting their pre-holiday-need-a-break-burnout phase. The Notorious B-Rad-G and I are spending our first Christmas in Houston in our new house. No traveling for us. We will miss our families, but are so burned out on airports that a week of relaxing and -dare I say it- boredom sounds like a dream. We also got a PUPPY that will need lots of baby dog TLC (not to mention be let out every hour). That makes the Griffin house animals to humans count 2:1. 

We are pumped to wake up Christmas day and open presents, make a big breakfast and drink mimosas... I can't believe that is literally one week away. This year has flown by! Here's a sweet pic of our new girl, Patsy Cline (who needs to have kids when you can keep adopting animals? No, but really...):

Yes, those are my Merrells in the background. What? They are warm and comfortable.

Want one of these sweet puppies? We adopted ours via the LAB Rescue Network. A great non-profit based in Connecticut. 

Buying gifts for Brad is not too difficult and I know he is reading this so I will not go into what I got him exactly, but let's just say it is awesome and will totally surprise him. My family's love language is gifts so I have had to communicate with Brad my almost ridiculous expectations about what Christmas morn will bring. The list above is what  we  I asked my family to get for Brad. It is basically a compilation of things he needs and other things he needs. For example, this man cannot keep a pair of sunglasses around to save his life. Here's to hoping he makes it through January with this latest pair.

Quick shout out to my girl, Kate Doherty (KKG 2004), who is chasing the dream and going after her music career. Check out her EP with her band Stickers. Great voice. So ethereal. 

Agressive Christmas Carol Gold with Amy Poehler & Some Other Funny Guy

Everything that is good and right with Christmas comedy is taking place in this skit. Poor baby Arrow... No carols for his 'bullshit' name. "Hi, I'm the Flash!" Hilarious.

Musical Musings & Something to Ponder: Case-o-the-Wednesdays Motivation

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The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I read the most amazing article "The Psychology of Success". The main gist is that success is a choice, a mindset, kind of like happiness:  

Being successful requires us to wake up and be present in our own lives, aligning ourselves our greatest destiny and mapping out the way. We must consciously select a path that facilitates the awakening of our awareness, both individually and collectively. 

Everything in life is interconnected. As we evolve, our relationships, work and lives blossom. And, conversely, as we are impacted by our relationships and our work, we evolve.

Basically, ignorance is not bliss. Awareness is. True dat.

TheWellSet Christmas List 2013: Prada, Tod's, Eddie Borgo - OH MY!

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Happy belated Tgiving, everyone! We have had splendid November in the Baily-Griffin home. And by splendid I mean going 1 million miles per hour with everything in the world going on. Before we get into life updates, Christmas time is upon us and I get to ask for stuff I want and stuff I can only dream of receiving. What do you say Santa? Celine? We used the online Christmas list site Checked Twice to tell our family what we would like. We will see if it works.

Here's what is new with me...

Work: 1+ month into the new j-o-b! Hence there has been not a peep on this blog since Warby Parker asked me to cover their F/W 2013 eyewear collection. Yes, you read that correctly! They contacted me and said "Can you review this? We love your blog." So, I did and then like any overcommitted blogger promptly went dark. Well played strategy? Not in the slightest. But, I had to stop blogging for my sanity since in my new job I worked 100 hours in my first 9 days (yes, I worked the weekend). Let's just say I am not a doctor or and attorney for a reason. I am a WIMP! I do love the new job. Education reform is legit. Plus, I have set some respectable work-life boundaries and I am much happier with the hours. Put one down in the grown up column!

Home: The wooden fence is up and we have furniture in the front room! Here are some snaps of the very much work in progress. Brad and I worked all day in the yard on Sunday because when you have a new fence it is like getting a new purse and needing a new wallet... You need landscaping to match that beautiful fence! We listened to this album while we worked the day away:

Travel: We had an awesome visit to Austin for about 27 hours for Reilly and Bennett's wedding. It was so gorgeous and great to see all of Midland, Texas crammed into the Mezzanine of the Driscoll Hotel. We then flew to Tulsa for the Baily family tradition of the Thanksgiving meal. Only this year my 87 year old Grammy threw in the towel and left the catering up to the Amish. That's right, the Amish are everywhere - even Oklahoma. The food was great and the weather went from frigid to bearable the week we were there.

What are you doing for New Years? We just bought our tickets to this and you should too!

Get 'em here: http://fphnye.com

PS. You may have noticed my addition of a SHOP button on my nav bar (look at you, so observant!), well, I have decided to clean out my closet and you can check out some of my slightly worn, very loved wears on Ebay here.

Musical Musings: What's on Repeat Now - Passenger

The lyrics in the British folk rock band, Passenger's song "Let Her Go" really resonate with me. Why is it always the case that you do not know what you had until it's gone? The grass is always greener they say. Generally, I guess this statement is true, but I also believe it is some sort of weird brain-mind trick. For example, I can actively talk myself out of feeling this way because I know that you only remember the good parts, never the bad. Why? Because the human brain is a weird-amazing thing.

Can we just discuss the sweet, authentic sound of his voice? When it comes on the radio, I sing along even though I make a horrible, croak of a sound. 

"...And you let her go..." Such a jam!

Loving This Now: Tom Dixon Mirror Ball, Striped Flats, Meg Biram & More!

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{all of these + more are located on my Pinterest here}

Today I started my new job as a project manager at Safal Partners working mainly on the federal grant with the  Department of Education supporting the National Charter School Resource Center. It is a complete 180 degree shift from where I was working. From the for profit life of an in-house marketing/biz dev director at Laura U Interior Design to a full time consultant... My head is spinning, but I am grateful. Let me tell you why I love the nonprofit sector: the collaborative nature that is a part of people that work in education reform is unmatched by any sector I have ever worked in. The championing of each person in their space for one another is SO REFRESHING. I am so glad to be back. 

The shift was extremely sudden. I got the call the Monday one week after we returned from our Maui honeymoon and they made me an offer immediately, over the phone, without even meeting me. It was insane! That being said, what was meant to be would be. After only two days of negotiation and personal reflection I accepted the offer and my last day at Laura U was last Thursday. I spent Friday working for Safal and on our home (check Instagram for pictures @aftonybailygriffin) - more to come on our house - and spent the weekend catching up with friends.  

I am exhausted writing this, but in the best way possible. Life is good. I want to leave you with my favorite song that got me through all of the housework, on repeat, mixed with Burn by Ellie Golding, of course:


P.S. Number 3 above is a pin from interior designer Meg Biram. She is super talented and her blog is chock full (weird saying, right? what does chock mean anyways?) of excellent home good selections.

Fashion Fix: What to Buy NOW - Fall/Winter 2013 Must Haves

Top Three: 3.1 Philip Lim Boots, H&M Paris Show Leather Vest (sold out online, got mine on eBay here), XL Oversized Hair on Hide Clutch

VEST: I stumbled across that H&M vest in the September Vogue (yes, I am just now reading that - things have been nuts!) and instantly ripped out the page it was on. Living in Houston plus being aggressively hot natured, vests are my jam when it comes to winter time layering. So, when I found out that it was sold out online I did what any smart girl does and turned to eBay for one to be Fedex'd direct from Budapest. Thank you, internet! 

BOOTS: Those over the knee boots are so fabulous. That cognac leather has my name all over it. That behind the knee strap is the best! Maybe some day... 

CLUTCH: I had lunch with a mentor/friend today and she was carrying this fabulous leopard, hair on hide clutch. I nearly choked on my salad when she said it was from Etsy! So, immediately I got online and ordered myself one. It looks just like the Claire Vivier one only for a fraction of the cost.  

BONUS BUY: Zara Marbled Crop Top - Do you have the body to rock this? Then please do! I love this look and wish that if I was a perfect figured lady. I would totally wear this. Love how Zara styled it with the high wasted, tea length skirt. Not too much skin. Perfect.

How to Style Selections: Zara Angora Striped Sweater, Paige High Wasted Black Jeans

Sweater: Believe it or not, angora sweaters AND turtlenecks are in (See the Stella McCartney show, if you do not believe me). I have not bought in just yet (it's nearly 80 degrees outside here today), but who knows? Maybe someday. Plus, what kind of fashion blogger would I be if I did not keep you in the know? Answer: A crap one. 

Jeans: Black jeans do not need an intro, they are just a staple for me and hopefully for you too. The high wasted makes them flattering and they are perfect for putting under boots and tunics.  

Butters the cat

The Latest

We were home and last weekend was glorious! We unpacked and organized wedding gifts, wrote 34 thank you notes, mowed the lawn, weeded, went to church, went to Rev... And then some. The weather was so crisp and Butters, the mere cat, was really enjoying the view from our second floor, open window. He's the best. 

Very spooky!

We also decorated our house for Halloween. It was so fun! I think we might actually have trick-or-treaters this year! Fingers crossed because I bought five 12 pound bags of candies. Whoopsies. Happy Halloween!

BONUS TRACK: For your drive home with the windows down. Just do it. 

Tegan and Sara - Closer (Official Music Video) from Tegan and Sara on Vimeo.

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Friday Funny Haha: New P'Trique, Brides Throwing Cats + Miley Cyrus

"Do you like my neck purse?" I am dying. 

I am so glad that P'trique is back with some new web content. His portrayal of the fashion obsessed is spot on. It is a kind of embarrassing foil for what I sound like when I talk about designer things. Only more bearded. 

My favorite videos of P'trique's: Part One, Part Two.

Brides Throwing Cats is pretty much my favorite new Tumblr site. I love cats and by no means endorse the throwing of them, but by replacing the flowers with the cat it makes for some seriously funny shots. The aggressive women in the crowd are definitely my favorite choice. Also, some of their outfit selections as well. See more here. 

PS. I am pretty sure this is the same venue my friend got married at in Austin earlier this year. It was gorgeous!

this is how her stylist actually dresses

Some of you may think that I have lost my mind, but I am really into the two Miley singles that are out right now and am actually toying with downloading the entire album. After watching Miley: the Movement on MTV (yes, I will admit it) I admire her... Her tenacity. This entire thing was a ploy and we took it: hook, line, sinker. From a sheer branding/marketing perspective, I have to say bravo, girl. You played us so hard. 

Before I ever saw the documentary (more like well glossed propaganda piece, but whatever, props none the less) I ran across this article by her stylist on Nymag.com - Ratchet is Dead: Inside the Mind of a Miley Cyrus Stylist.

Via StyleLikeU

Some big changes are coming my way in the next week. Yes, even bigger changes than the wedding and the purchase of a house... My friend, Carolyn, said it best last night, "I thought you had already done all of the most stressful things a person can do in a year - now  you've added more!" Like the image, I am constantly in beta. Always striving, trying, wanting more. It's just who I am.

I will be able to go into more detail about what is going on next week. It it all good, thankfully. In the meantime please send one out to the Universe for me to transition through this smoothly. Thanks, frands.

Musical Musings: Zedd ft. Hayley Williams

This songs on repeat in my brain and in my Rev class (Live in Houston? Like to sweat? Run, don't walk to Define for a Rev class - Houston's Soul Cycle). 

I love the visuals in the video too. Pretty arresting. 

Funny Haha: Happy Friday!

Oh, Instagram! I am so guilty of the cat, cat, cat, nails, nails, nails. I also add a dash of airport, airport, airport, Brad, Brad, Brad. I'll try to spice it up more.

What to Wear This Friday Night: TX OU Edition

Despite just returning from Hawaii on Sunday, Brad and I are booked on the 6pm SWA direct flight for Dallas for his first and my 15th (holy cow!) TX-OU weekend. For those of you unfamiliar with this spectacular event let me show you the ropes. UT and OU play every fall at the Cottonbowl in Dallas on what is considered neutral ground. The event is called the Red River Shoot Out because that is what separates us from the Okies on the north Texas border. Plus the river runs red with the defeated's blood, jk, that is just what they tell the kiddos. The Cottonbowl sits in the middle of the annual Texas State Fair, so you get two amazing things: college football & the fair!!!

Anywho, it is one big party weekend in Dallas and my entire paternal family attends. My dad played football at OU and raised us as Sooners, but the first chance Brooke, my older sister, and I got we went straight down to Austin to the University of Texas. And thus, a family rivalry was born. Fueled by Fletcher's Corn Dogs, beers in wax cups, fried Oreo's, and a solid mid-day drunk. Can't wait to initiate the Notorious B-Rad-G! Kick off is at 11 am at TX is supposed to get killed. Thank God for a solid State Fair to make it all alright.

A fan of either school? Read these two letters sent from the UT university newspaper, the Daily Texan, to the OU Oklahoma Daily. The trash talk is truly hilarious. 

• TX to OU
• OU to TX

The tradition is kicked off with a fancy dinner the Friday before. Above is what I am planning on wearing. But, I need your help: trendy monochromatic purse that matches (intentionally, of course) or the classic quilted Chanel (this is Dallas, after all)?   

Where to Buy: Karl Lagerfeld Blouse, T by Alexander Wang Skirt, Zara Earrings, Hermes Scarf, Zara Boots, Zara Purse, Chanel Purse 

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Musical Musings: Avett Brothers and Lissie + American Horror Story!

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The Avett Brothers will debut their newest album "Magpie and the Dandelion" on October 15, but lucky you! You can stream it live here courtesy of NPR's First Listen. I stumbled upon this band way back in 2009 at ACL. My friends and I had staked out a primo place in front of one of the main stages for the art punk trio the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If you have never been privy to a marathon spot stake out at a music festival then let me break it down for you: someone must stay at the space ALL DAY. It's not so bad, but it takes a little strategy meeting with everyone. The Avett Brother's played at that magical point in the day where the heat breaks and the sun goes down (this was back when ACL was in early September and the temp + humidity was roaring). Their intimate, catchy lyrics stole my heart. They resonate with me still to this day. Check them out!

Live Stream Their New Album Here.

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Lissie is one of my favorite female artists of the last few years. Thank you Jordan Jeffus for the musical intro! Her cover of Pursuit of Happiness is epic, you need to hear this. Any who, she just released her new album, Back to Forever, on September 10th and I will be downloading it promptly. This guitar playing songstress is real life rock and roll.

Hear Lissie's New Single on Her New Album "Shameless" Here. 

This is totally debuting tonight! SO EXCITED!!!! 
{Don't watch this if you scare easily, Kate Thompson}

The Wedding Chronicles: "Bridal Portraits"

The most talented photographer in Houston, Julie Soefer, shot my bridal portraits the weekend before my wedding at the Hotel Derek. Thanks to her great relationship with the folks there we were able to salvage a planned outdoor, rainy day shoot by moving it indoors at this posh hotel. There are about a million more images that I am totally obsessed with. Click here to view them all.  

The incredibly talented Victoria Callaway did my make up and hair and truly made me feel like a princess-alebrity for the day. One more thing, the lovely Hotel Derek people said we could shoot there if they could have the rights to all the images. So, keep your eyes peeled for my face on their wedding page soon. Can you imagine? I love it.

The Wedding Chronicles: Epilogue "Epic Wedded Bliss"

It began last Wednesday, we wrestled a wedding dress through security and onto the plane...

We heard no less than 4 languages at the Las Vegas courthouse marriage Bureau, plus some really excellent fashion choices including pajama-chic and wtf-wear. Marriage apparently is not so serious here. It is for us. We swear!

We day partied large cabana style Friday... 20+ bottles of Veuve were consumed. No small feat. 

The Crunk City Council united and an angel got it's wings.

My older sister made the most amazing rehearsal dinner video ever complete with How Harry Met Sally and Princess Bride clips. Did I mention it was amazing?

Our first picture as husband and wife (thanks, Kathy!). We both cried the majority of the ceremony. 

The escort cards and luggage tag party favors were a hit!

As was the sea bass and filet dinner pairing. This was hashtagged #yumyuminmytumtum.

We cut the most beautiful cake ever. It was more difficult than we thought. That thing was a marvel!

Brad was initiated into the Crunk City Council and his official name is... Censored.

There was a bridal portrait processional through the casino (thanks, Noble!) and the pictures were loved (thank you, Julie Soefer!)

We then completely jumped the shark and late nighted in the casino club, Lily Pad. Nothing quite like being a bride in da club.

The next day we contemplated the magic that is Las Vegas and counted our blessings for such a fantastic wedding weekend, wonderful friends and family.

Now we are off to Maui (yes, this is our third and final selection of honeymoon locations: Santa Fe, Miami Beach, MAUI - sorry for the confusion) See you soon Houston, but not too soon! Follow all the action via my Instagram @aftonybalogna and make sure to recap all 99+ images via the insta hashtag #braftonvegas.

Had enough hash tagging? Make sure to watch this video by J. Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon here. 

The Wedding Chronicles: ACT SIX "Pack Attack: Cocktail Party &Rehearsal Dinner Outfits"

Pack Attack really appealed to me for this wedding post because it is a play on panic attack (I am also up to my eyeballs in items to be packed). All my close friends know that off and on through my life I have struggled with panic attacks and as this big, big day approaches I am feeling some anxiety pangs. However, as it gets closer I am getting more relaxed. I am at that point where if it has not happened then it will not happen. And that is OK. There is only so much one person can do. It's kind of like studying for a big test. You prep and prep and prep and if you do not have it the night before then it's too late to cram. This is my proverbial night before the test and I am ready to start relaxing and enjoying... the test? Maybe that's the wrong analogy. 

Thursday Night Party: DVF Jumper, Zara Heels, Zara Necklace, Chanel Purse. 

Friday Rehearsal Dinner: Anthropologie Blouse, BCBG Maxi Skirt, Nude Gucci Heels (no longer available, similar here), Zara Earrings, Valentino Rockstud Clutch. 

5 more days! I am SO READY to get to Vegas and be with all my loved ones in one place. Let the fun begin!

XO.

The Wedding Chronicles: ACT FIVE "The Gringo Honeymoon Packing Guide"

Can't believe our wedding is just a week away and Maui is just after that!!!

1. In-flight Wear: Proenza Schouler Pants, Equipment Silk Blouse, Acne Loafers, Zara Scarf (big, soft and affordable - just how I like 'em! What?), Ray-ban aviators, Valentino Rockstud Trapeze Bag.
2. Beachwear: Norma Komali bather, J.Crew Straw Bag, Ara Matthews Sarong, ILLESTEVA sunglasses, Sensi Studio Lady Ibiza toquilla straw sunhat, Musa Metallic braided leather sandals
3. Island Hopping Threads: Ray-Ban Aviators, Nike Air Max tennis shoes, J.Crew Shorts, MIH Jeans Safari chambray shirt, Chloe Marcie Mini Shoulder Bag.
4. Fancy Dinner Date: Aurelie Bidermann Earrings, Charlotte Olympia Clutch, Michael Kors Wedges, Issa Silk Dress.
5. Additional Swimwear: Lemlem cover up and Beth Richards Faye mesh-paneled swimsuit.
6. Lingerie (duh, this is your honeymoon after all): L'Agent by Agent Provocateur's teal stretch-satin chemise.
7. MUST HAVES: Goody Bun Coils (easiest up-do ever!), Burt's Bees chap-stick with SPF, Moroccan Hair Oil (helps limit those island frizzies), SPF 70 Neutrogena sunscreen (have you seen how ginger-white Brad is?), iPad (music! books! Candy Crush!), Ear buds (baby proof that flight).  

You Won't Be Able to Unsee This: Zooey Davechappelle

Zooey Davechappelle via Reddit
Now try to unsee that!? Happy New Girl Season 3!

MGMT's newest song

It's dark and I like it. Plus Michael Williams kills, per the usual. I do think they could have put in a little work on the name of the song. NYmag.com writes:

...Michael K. Williams plays a plant-hunting witch doctor who dreams up a psychedelic drug that ends up giving the man a horrifying deformity. It's sad and beautiful and directed by Isaiah Seret (Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' "Kisses Over Babylon"), with cinematography by Bradford Young (Ain't Them Bodies Saints).

The Cut; photo by YoungJun Koo/I'M KOO
London Fashion Week has been a pleasure to watch from the digital sidelines. This image of Eva Chen's lower half is making me desperately crave cooler temperatures and fall appropriate textures and silhouettes  That fur bag! The leather skirt! the Leopard sweater! Those Alexander Wang heels! I think they are?

Real life traffic metrics, ya'll. 

So, last week on 9/12 to be exact, my blog was on the front page of Reddit. Not for any satorical observations on my part, but from an article I enjoyed enough to re-post from GQ that featured a rather compelling interview with Bill Murray. Some folks on Reddit were arguing about Bill Murray and the Kung Fu Hustle? It was over my head.

Imagine my surprise when I checked my stats and I suddenly have 100k viewers in ONE DAY. [side note: this little blog of mine had previously generated a total 55k pageviews to date since it's inception in 2009 - which mind you, I was proud of.] It was pretty surprising and interesting to see where these people went once they got here? They also commented a lot. Now you have to read the article, clearly. Read it here and feel free to comment. 


Contracts abound right before the wedding.

Interesting thing about planning the big day, there are endless contracts to proof. I have thankfully had a lot of practice red-lining my share of contracts, but this is different. It's emotionally charged and personal in a way that I had heard about, but did not expect. I was finalizing the my wedding floral contract and I actually teared up reading it. It's going to be so pretty! One week from today at almost this exact moment I will be wrestling my way onto a direct SWA flight to Vegas with my wedding dress in hand. I can't wait for  you to see how it all turned out. Hell, I cannot wait to see how it is going to turn out!