The Best of Big D

Each year, D Magazine votes for The Best of Big D. This is a list of the favorite restaurants, shops, bars, etc. in Dallas. The people of Dallas vote for their favorites, and those with the highest amount of votes win the Best of Big D award and proudly display it in their business. It's quite an honor. I'm excited to see that the best home decor shop IMO in Dallas won! The shop is Vintage Living by Lisa Luby Ryan. Her entire store is done in neutrals with a French touch to it. Every time I go in there, I consider refusing to ever leave. The place is amazing and absolutely deserves this award. Here is a glimpse into the store:

D Magazine Online

Don't you just want to curl up in that bed and read a good book? That lush bedding is calling my name. 

Vintage Living

Gorgeous, right? My only complaint is that the store has very limited business hours. You either have to make an appointment or be a stay at home wife to make it there during business hours. If I could just convince Lisa to extend her business hours back, maybe I could make it back in there some time, and hopefully soon!

What I'm Wishing For...

It's been a little over a year since I bought and moved into my first house. I love the house, but am ready to make it look like I didn't just move in add some personal touches. There are a few specific pieces I would LOVE to own and put in the house. I just have to convince my soon-to-be husband he loves them too. :)

1. First, I would love a bed. Everyone should have a bed, right? The master bedroom really doesn't need a whole lot, but a bed would make a big difference. Restoration Hardware has a few beds I would love to own. It's probably a good thing that I can't pick just one. That way, my man can have the final say. It will eventually be his bed too. Here are my favorites:

St. James Bed Without Footboard in Antiqued Natural 

Chesterfield Upholstered Sleigh Bed via Houzz

Keyhole Arch bed 

Adler Tufted Platform Bed

2. I would love to replace the Target clearance bar stools in the kitchen. I have been wanting these bar stools for a year. D hates them, but I am not giving up. Hopefully, he will someday see the beauty in them. I even told him he can pick the color. :)

Madeleine Bar Stool

They can also be found at Ballard Designs:

Constance Bar Stool

3. The chandeliers need updating. I would love this one for the breakfast nook...

Mariestad 6 Light Chandelier

...or I would also take this in the 12 Light version and replace the outdated chandelier in the dining room.

For now, I will just keep dreaming about them.

**UPDATE: Thanks to Shades of Light and Kevin & Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage, I have to add another wish to my list!

The Wooden Wine Barrel from Shades of Light 

I love the rope detailing Kevin & Layla added to theirs:

See their post about it here. (Or if you just want to follow their sweet blog and/or look at beautiful pictures of their cottage style home.)

The Bachelor

I usually write recaps on each episode of The Bachelor/Bachelorette, but I have been too busy with the wedding planning to do this. I was excited to watch Sean Lowe's season. First, I liked that he was from Dallas and I would recognize the places he went on the show. Second of all, he seems to so desperately want to find his future wife. It's almost heartbreaking. I was excited for his season.

However, as I have watched the first three episodes of this season, I am already a little bored with it. (Sorry, Sean). The girls aren't any different than any other season. There isn't a particular girl that I am rooting for. He seems to have connected with almost every girl there. (Well, other than three at this point. I think there are three girls he hasn't even spoken to.) He seems to already be in love with all the other girls. I can't just imagine the rest of the episode will be filled with ugly crying since the girls seem to be so led on attached. He seems to be like any other hormone-crazed guy.

So, since I am already ready for the next season, I am going to post my three top picks for the next season (assuming they pick a Bachelorette from Sean's season). These are the three girls I think stand a chance to be the next Bachelorette:

Lesley M.

She is the level-headed, girl next door. (She seems a lot more fun than her job). Only problem is, she seems to not be much of a risk-taker. Her moves and decisions seem to be a little calculated. She doesn't seem to be the hopeless romantic this show requires. She may be the type to not pick anyone in the end. However, I think in the right environment, this girl is probably a lot of fun.

Selma

This girl is a Lebanese/Iraqi version of Ashley Green. They could almost be twins. She seems to be fun and of course guys would like her. Also, I like that she is not the typical white girl they always cast.

**UPDATE: After watching more of The Bachelor, I quickly realized Selma cannot be chosen as the next Bachelorette because she will not kiss on TV. This, of course, takes her out of the running.

AshLee 

This girl lived a hard childhood until she was adopted by her current family at the age of six. She seems to have a pretty positive outlook on life and to be thankful, rather than bitter or resentful, for her past. People seem to love anyone with a good story, so I think she was make a great candidate. (Plus, she is pretty. Guys would probably fight over her).

The Golden Globes

Normally I don't pay that much attention to awards shows, or even celebs for that matter. However, I was very impressed with the trends this year. Everyone looked so elegant. I saw more beautiful gowns than ever before. Here are the women I thought were best dressed this year.


Katherine McPhee  

I love this because it is simple, elegant, and sexy. You really can't go wrong with black. In any other color, this dress probably would not be on my favorites list. I love that she kept the shoes, accessories, and hair simple. Instead of noticing all the accessories, you notice how great her body is. She really did a great job with this look.

 
Julie Bowen

I'm not sure everyone would agree that this is one of the Best Dressed, but I love this look. The material of this dress is gorgeous! The color is beautiful and looks great on her. The flowy, silky material looks very Roman goddess. I like that she kept her hair up and simple, doesn't have a necklace, but has statement earrings that look great with her dress. She also kept it simple, but very elegant, and definitely not boring.


Amy Adams

I have never thought of Amy Adams as a style icon before, but now I'm thinking this girl knows her stuff- or at least her stylist does. I love the soft, pale color of this dress. The dress by itself is gorgeous, but it seems to  appear as if it is made for her. Her coloring matches this dress perfectly without her getting lost in it. I love her vintage side swept hair. It really looks classy. Her eyes really "pop" in this look. Maybe because the look is very monotone, it makes the color of her eyes really stand out. Plus, I am a sucker for any dress with tulle.


Kerry Washington

I love this look. She looks so beautiful. I love the sheer fabric of this dress. It makes the dress sexy without trying too hard. I love the soft palette of the dress, and the beadwork really dresses it up without being over the top. She kept the accessories simple. Her hair has a gorgeous, natural-looking ombre highlights to it. I love the bangs. This look really shows off her beautiful skin, hair, and eyes.


Jessica Alba

Wow. I think the creeper with the shades really sums up everyone's reaction to this look. She is absolutely gorgeous and this dress is perfect for her. I love the side swept curls. I think this is really a timeless look. Not everyone can pull off this dress. She makes it look like it was made for her. My only complaint is that orange fur purse.


Isla Fisher

While this is not the best picture of her, this dress is stunning. I love the soft palette of this. The dress doesn't need any jewelry to add to it; it stands on its own. I love the side swept curls. The only thing missing is her smile.

(One of) My Best Friend's Wedding

Remember that movie? Gotta love Julia.


                               Kit & Kaboodle

When writing this post, I couldn't help but think of that title. In October, I had the honor of being a bridesmaid of one of my college roommate's wedding. The wedding was adorable. The bride made, planned, and designed all the decorations herself (with a little help from her parents). She is basically Martha Stewart, but younger and without all the legal problems. ;)

Here are a few pictures that show off her creativity and craftiness.



She made the lace "bunting flags," welcome flag, and chalkboard sign. She also made these Kraft paper and burlap programs, complete with their wedding logo.







She is great at lettering too! The bold T's are for Texas Tech.



She made these burlap wreaths featuring cotton and Anthropologie letters.



Instead of petals, her flower girl sprinkled these paper hearts down the aisle.



Her wedding sign in table- all in chalkboards, ribbon, cotton, and wood.



She wrote this quote too. I find it impossible to write pretty in chalk, but she is a pro.



An old mattress frame turned picture holder. (Aren't they such a cute couple?!)






The wedding was in October. Cute little pumpkins lined the walkway to the chapel. The bride made those cute burlap flags.



Here are the pumpkins leading the way.



She designed this invitation suite



and put fun stamps on every envelope.



Cotton and burlap lined the aisles. Aren't these so cute and simple?



She also made these wedding streamers to wave after they said "I Do."



Here is an individual shot.





She made these centerpieces with tea lights, branches, glass jars, and galvanized hearts.



Her dad made those crates to give the centerpieces height. :)



She also made this chalkboard tray for their champagne toast.



Monogrammed burlap signs for their chairs.







Fun sunglasses, maracas, and tambourines were provided for guests and kids at the reception as well as glow sticks :)



and you gotta have a photo booth!










Toffee for the wedding guests complete with their wedding logo.



Cookies made by the Mother of the Bride



Cake table



Textured cakes decorated with cotton






These are the cookies she sent all the BM's. They were delicious. :)



She also made each of us these shirts. She tie-dyed and screen printed them herself. You can see more about this here.



Didn't she do an amazing job?!?! (Great job, Dell!)