OOTW - Fall's A Comin'

A few recent Ross finds have sparked this little burst of OOTD blog attention.

1. Dress - Ross, Flats - Target

2. Cardi - Target, Top - JCPenney, Pants - Gap Modern Boot Trouser, Flats - Payless

3. Dress - Old Navy, Cardi - Old Navy, Flats - Target

4. Dress - Ross, Flats - Target

I know I shouldn't wish summer away, but I'm getting excited to see what retailers are offering for fall 2011. I haven't seen too much in stock yet, so I'm hoping they're waiting a few more weeks to come out with their good stuff. I need to stock up on my cardis, more cute 'career' tops, and more shoes. I'll be a little lost with my fall/winter default of dress/leggings/boots, so I'm going to need to think far ahead. 

"Perfect Chemistry" Bridal Shower

My friend and her fiance are both chemists and met at work; therefore the stars aligned in the right order to use "Perfect Chemistry" as the bridal shower theme. We carried forth her wedding colors but then added in several chemistry touches. 

• The banners "Amanda & Jason" and "Perfect Chemistry" but done as periodic table letters. No, I don't think "Ec" is an element. :) The numbers we used are her birthdate, his birthdate, engagement date, and wedding date.
• Test tube favors filled with Nerds. 
• Custom H20 water bottles
• High school chemistry book for guests to write messages to the bride & groom. I'll rip them out and scan them into a photo book I'm designing of her parties. 
• Trivia game on how well you know the couple called "The Elements of Jason & Amanda"
• Periodic table bridal shower bingo
• Erlenmeyer flasks as vases

Later that night we went out for dinner and drinks and dancing. The tiara the bride-to-be is wearing as something our group is passing down from girl to girl.

Their wedding is just a little over a month away, and I'm excited to double up as both Matron of Honor and (semi) day of coordinator.

Shower dress - Old Navy; Bachelorette party dress - Cynthia Rowley (TJ Maxx) 

30, Flirty and Thriving

In the months leading up to my 30th birthday, I ran through a million emotions. Most of them negative. I firmly believed that my life was practically over; once you turn 30, you may as well have one foot in the grove, right? Adios, youth. It’s been real.

Thirty seemed so terrifying because in my mind and heart I feel like a child. At least once a day something happens that leads me to ask myself, “Who let me be a grown up? Have a house? A career? A husband? I’m not ready! Wasn’t it yesterday I was filling my days with school, Girl Scouts, and marathon telephone conversations with girlfriends?”

But 30 came and went. It was all pretty underwhelming. Other than that daunting number flashing into my brain like a neon sign, nothing else seemed to change. 

But it did.

Women in their 40s reassured me that their 30s were the best decade. Now I know what that means -- and I’m only two months in.

With 30 comes a sense of security and confidence. Up until this point I was always unsure, never quite knowing how to act, how to respond, how to complete daily life tasks. I’ve let fear and anxiety dictate my path in life.

I was involved in a car accident last week, in a strange city four states away from my husband. I was the one to act quickly and with a cool head. I assessed the situation, soothed my hysterical sister-in-law, made sure my shell-shocked mother-in-law and nephew were physically okay, reassured my brother-in-law via phone that we were all in one piece. I went through an action plan with the cops and medics to arrange our transportation back home. In retelling the story to my friend, it hit me that 20 year old Amy, even 25 year old Amy, would have crumbled into a crying mess. At what point did I turn into … an adult who knew what to do?

There’s been some inner bravery and confidence running through me that I never knew existed. I walk with a purpose. I stare problems in the eye. My critical, analytical skills have increased. I can expertly deal with anyone who crosses my path, no matter how difficult they may be. I know my flaws (both internal and external), but I chose to embrace or correct, not dwell in it like I did in my youth.

If this is a side effect of aging, then sign me up. If I can be this awesome at 30, I can’t wait until 40. (Okay, maybe 35.) 

And to my dear friend Colette, who turned the big 2-8 today, chin up. It just gets better from here. 

M Family

My SIL asked if I would mind doing a mini session for her friend's children while I was in Mass. It had been awhile since she had new photos of her three children, and since my nephew was having a bit of a cranky moment during our session, the change was welcome! Kids are a lot easier (in some ways) to shoot than distractable babies. Plus these children's blue eyes were just amazing.

Boston Recap

Thursday night my MIL and I drove to Massachusetts to visit with my SIL and nephew. Outside of a stretch of awfulness, it was a good time. There was seriously nothing better than getting to snuggle my 7 month old lovebug for three days! Of course, my camera got a workout trying to capture some baby smiles.

I also got to hang out with my friend Sara and meet her husband. They took me to a great little place outside the city with this amazingly absurd selection of different beer and awesome appetizers. I ever got to walk around the outside of Fenway Park just as the Yanks/Sox game was letting out.

But that awfulness I mentioned earlier? That came in the form of a car accident leaving Boston's north end Saturday afternoon. Long story short, we're all okay outside of some minor bruises and soreness and completely shaken nerves. It's definitely not something I care to repeat ever in my life.

At any rate, I'm really happy to be home (crazy, stressful life as it is).