wedding hair!

So, it's been a while since I've posted here, but I just wanted to share some photos of wedding hair that I've been toying with, and see if anyone had feedback. Just think of these as more of an "inspiration board" than actual looks I'd like to copy exactly- since my hair is thick, wavy, and layered and I'm not blonde, tan, or Sienna Miller. My best friend Debbie will be helping me with hair and make-up, which is a giant relief because my hair listens to her.
First off, I really like the idea of some braids:


Also, I love a little a-symmetrical action:



And lastly, I like this simple, loose chignon:


Maybe we can get wild and try to do all three!
Tell what you think, girls...

Bond Girl Style

Right now I'm re-watching "From Russia with Love," the first James Bond movie I ever watched. I remember it very well, because even though I was quite young, I was inspired by the style of the leading lady, Tatiana Romanova- and even James Bond himself. Observe:

In fact, I was/am so enamored of the young James Bond/Sean Connery, I totally refuse to acknowledge that he's the same person as that old guy mocked on Celebrity Wheel of Fortunes SNL parodies.
Although I mostly watch old James Bond movies for the clothes, I also love the quirky gadgets from M., the sexy opening credits, the exotic locations, and the corny sexual innuendo.
Here are some of my favorite Bond girls:

take it easy

I recently quit my full time job in favor of a new type of lifestyle- one that involved much less stress and whining, etc...
My first week off was a whirlwind, I had a plan for every day and was just as grateful for the weekend as I have been every week since I was 13 (and started my first job).
This week is much calmer.
I made cornbread for breakfast.
I started a milkglass collection.
And I made myself a workspace*:

This is the rhythm I was hoping for.

*my sister Katie made me that sweet tissue paper garland.

resolve

Yes, I'm late, but resolutions can be made anytime, right?
This year, in the midst of many changes, I'd really like to:

1. Purge my apartment (amazing what 4 years of thrifting can do to a place!)

2. Use my sewing machine, and try sewing my own clothing (no excuse now that I have a dress form that is my size!)

I love these simple jumpers and pinafores from necessityisthemother.

3. This is embarrassing and I don't think I'll actually do it, but: learn to swim. I'm super scared of deep water, not gonna lie.

4. Grow more of my food.


5. Learn to take better photos (mostly for my etsy store).

things I'd like to do but won't feel bad about not accomplishing:
make homemade cheese, wine, or liquor.
begin to learn another language.
get my motorcycle license- because you need one to drive a vespa!
learn to re-wire old appliances.
write a book for my nephews.

Update: I've seen a lot of cooking resolutions in the blogosphere, and I thought it'd be fun to keep track of some dishes I'd like to attempt as well. I am not terribly experienced with cooking meat, so I bought myself a meat thermometer and a pork tenderloin and that's where I'll start!
Dishes to master in 2010:
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Mussels
Short Ribs
London Broil
Fresh Pasta
Gnocchi
Whole Roasted Chicken (I can't believe I never made this!)
Italian Wedding Soup
Grilled Calamari
Savory Crepes

twentyten!

It is kind of late (for me) but I just wanted to do a quick post and crow about my amazing boyfriend, (actually fiance!) who gave me a stunning piece of jewelry, and a perfect dress form for Christmas.

Jackson is fond of the dress form as well.
As excited as I am to start making plans for our wedding and our future, I'm also just really enjoying being engaged and spending time with Josh. We had a really great Christmas vacation and I constantly feel lucky (well, actually blessed) to be so happy and full of love.
Sappy, Abigail! Haha. I guess I've always considered my blog a semi-public diary in a way (I don't have enough readers to feel inhibited!), and I know I'll enjoy re-reading this post in the future.

wrapped and ready

to go!
I sold my first item since I re-launched my etsy store, and here is it, all wrapped up for Christmas:

I'm so excited to get back into the etsy business!

mighty flattered

Even though she's probably mentioning something from everyone's "Mighty Life" lists, I'm still tickled that Maggie mentioned something from mine.