Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The Best Party of My Life.


I believe that there is true meaning in numbers. Call it superstitious, call it crazy, but there are numbers and dates in my life that have significant meaning and always will. August 31 is a date that I hold dear. August 31, 2001 was the day that I got engaged, August 31, 2002 was the day that I got married, August 31, 2005 was the day that I lost my mother, and August 31, 2007 was the day that I found out that I was pregnant with Anna. Despite what you may think, albeit bittersweet- today is a happy day for me.

Today is my eighth wedding anniversary. We never really make a big deal of our anniversary. We don't do gifts, we don't even do dinner without the girls. Each year for our anniversary we sit as a family and watch our wedding DVD to relive what both Mike and I agree was the best party we've ever been to. Maybe it's because it was all about us-- the only time in our lives that all of our friends and family would unite together for us (while we are alive.) I remember feeling overwhelmed as I entered the church thinking that never again in my lifetime will I have this group of people together in one room. Maybe it's the nostalgia of the arduous planning that by Neets and I to make sure every last detail was taken care of. We had so much fun.. all the while giving my father more and more grey hair. Or maybe it's because it was the beginning of us. If we only knew then what we know now. There are so many reasons that I cherish this day..... Whatever the reasons may be- Happy Anniversary to us!

The Salmons est. August 31, 2002


I actually have this picture hanging in our bedroom. I just love it. Not what you would expect from a wedding portrait.

This is my favorite picture of our wedding. I keep it on the desk in my office. If you look in the top right hand corner, you can see Neets watching over us to make sure everything was just perfect.

Let's get this party started!!!!!

Our wedding song: Can't Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

For all of you brides out there who had something go wrong on your wedding day.... My flowers were supposed to be hot pink and orange, and they showed up in peach and mauve. I thought I was going to die because flowers are my thing. I have the best friends and family in the world. My godfather ran to various DC flower marts to find any hot pink roses he could get his hands on and my bridesmaids reworked the bouquets. Looking back, I still get angry about those bouquets, but we didn't let it ruin our day.

Invitation was sent wrapped in vellum with a gold organza ribbon. Tablecloths matched the bridesmaids dresses perfectly. Can you tell what my favorite color is? Thank God for my patient husband who still talks about his Big Fat Pink Wedding.

High arrangement flanked by a menu and a picture of the Mr. and Mrs. on each table for guests to sign.

Low arrangement... Still hating those peach and mauve flowers......

Mom.

My Nanny. She was 81 when we got married. She'll be 90 this February and is still just as feisty.

This was a picture taken by a guest. I wish I had one before any cards were taken. Mom and I found these invitations that matched the Adirondack chairs out front of the club perfectly.. So we had them printed as place cards and arranged in wheat grass. Still love these.

My best friend.

Mike and my girls.


This is the only picture that I have of my two Mothers. It was taken at my bridal luncheon the day before our wedding. While I wish with all of my heart that Neets was here, I am so grateful to have inherited my mother-in-law. She's amazing.


Thanks for taking a walk down memory lane with me. And to my amazing husband- thanks for eight wonderful years. Here's to 80 more. I love you.




Thanks to Carrie over at Half Baked Blog for featuring Lou's Yo Gabba Gabba Party today. Check out The Cake Blog for some fantastic party inspiration!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Take Another Looksie: Boden

Last year I made my first Boden purchase, and loved it. That being said, when the catalog arrives at my home, I find tons of adorable items for the girls, but find much of the women's clothes a little too kitschy for my liking. Well, this fall Boden is bringing their "A" game. There are so may pieces that I would like to add to my wardrobe. Check out these adorable items that made it onto Kiki's List:

1. Soho Jacket- $168 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE.
2. Corsage Flats- $128
5. Audrey Dress- $98 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE.
7. Circle Applique Dress- $148 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE.
9. Greenwich Reefer Jacket- $218 ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE.
11. Boucle Cardigan- $118
14. Sixties Skirt- $58

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Priceless.

Concert Tickets- $200
Dinner- $30
Brobee Backpack-$30
Light Sticks-$20
Yo Key Chains-$20
Tour Tee Shirts-$60
The look on their faces.... Priceless.

Last night we took our #1 fan to the long awaited Yo Gabba Gabba Live Concert. What a fun family night. Now, I am a sucker to watching my girls experience new things. I actually cried because of the sheer joy on their faces at Disney on Ice. Back to Yo- the girls loved it and we all danced the night away. Sadly enough, all of the parents knew the songs better than the kids. Yooooooooooooo Gabba Gabba!!!!!!!!!

We met Bella and Gigi for some burgers and fries beforehand.

Spent $100 after five minutes of entering the concert.

Hilarious.

Mommy and DJ Lance Lou.

Loving it.


E's kitten-like dance.

So Yummy! So Yummy!

Time to say good bye.

Check out this family's adorable shirts.



Biz was awesome. I think the Dads were more excited than the kids... "Oh Baaby Youuuuuu!"

Friday, August 27, 2010

Ode To Geodes.







Geodes are at the top of my accessory list for both jewelry and my home for this Fall. I adore the cocktail rings from Mayastar in Wednesday's post. I just love the natural beauty of these crystal formations. In case you were wondering, a geode is a a hollow rock or nodule with the cavity usually lined with crystals. These geological rock formations occur in sedimentary and certain volcanic rocks.

Geodes were popular in the 80's. I remember we had a few in our home (I wish I still had them.) Lead by jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald, these little rocks are making a big comeback. I even spotted a few at Home Goods last week (above.) Some have a big fat price tag, some are much more palatable. Whatever your budget, add a little bit of rock to your wardrobe this fall with statement pieces like these. Check out the geodes that made it onto Kiki's List.

What a Celebration.



Thousands of people gathered last night to celebrate Declan and Cole's first birthday. I had a sick Lou on my hands so we decided to stay away from the general public and had our own private party. You can check out the celebrations around the world here. Quite amazing, the mark that this little boy has made on the world.


Can you please check out this amazing card that my sweet E made for Declan at school yesterday? We stopped by the cemetery after dinner and left it for him. He is actually buried only steps from Mom, so it is quite nice to be able to visit both of them. It is so quiet and beautiful there... Sherri and Stan, we are so happy that you were able to enjoy the day. Hopefully Cole ate some cake for Declan too!

Thanks again to all of you for your support of the Carmicals. Stay tuned for more fundraisers to help this family down the long road ahead.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Happy Birthday Declan and Cole.




For those of you who don't know of the Carmical family, today is their twin boys' first birthday. Sadly, Declan did not live to see his first birthday. Please join us to honor Declan by releasing blue and gold balloons at 6:00 pm EST tonight. Out of respect for our environment, please ONLY use latex balloons for the release. Latex is made of a biodegradable substance, but mylar is not. Happy Birthday Declan and Cole!

Saving The Planet, One Piece of Furniture at a Time: LOFT.



LOFT Home Decor was created in 2005 by husband and wife team Offir and Kelly Schwartz. The company opened it's first store in downtown Austin, and now has a second location at the Domain, a shopping mecca of upscale shops and restaurants. When I stumbled upon the store at the Domain, I was immediately smitten. This suprisingly large space offers eco-friendly furnishings for your home like gorgeous reclaimed wood tables, organic textiles and only carry items from socially responsible labels with green business practices. Offir is a fixture in the store, working with customers on textures, fabrics and finishes. What drew me in was the lure of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, but LOFT has this and so much more.

You want the best part? Many of their items are on sale now. All Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on Facebook will receive free shipping up to $100 through Sunday. To receive these discounts, please call the store to place your order. (512)377.6857.

Here's what made it onto Kiki's List:

1. Fahri Clove Pillow- $200 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
2. Gold Leaf End Table- $875 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.) ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE
3.Finley Dining Bench- $1710 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
4.Ipanena Dining Chair- Arm, $699, side $599 (Plus 10% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.) ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE
5. Donut Table Lamp- $379 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.) ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE
6. Riley Dresser- $1995(Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.) ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE
7. Tin Links Pillow- $100 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
8. Marison Dining Table- (Plus 10% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.) ***KIKI'S LIST FAVORITE
9. Stone Soup Rug- $348 for an 8 x 10 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
10.Union Jack End Table- $995 (Plus 10% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
11. Waldo Polished Nickel Floor Lamp-$1095 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
12. Stonyhurst End Table- $995 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
13. Hughes Master Chest- $2370 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
14. Jet Lumbar Pillow- $137.50 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)
15. Celina Grand Bed Combo- $3750 (Plus 20% off. Plus free shipping up to $100 for Kiki's List Followers who "Like" LOFT on FB through Sunday.)

Thanks again Offir. I can't wait to come back!