Malachite for Millionaires, and The Rest of Us

Yesterday, while fully distracted from my work and wedding obligations, I discovered the most perfect malachite jewelry box from Asprey that I've seen...

(via Ebay)

...then I saw the price.

Ready for it? $4,000.00.

That's some John Thain-level spending up in here.

Not a gazillionaire? Me neither, let's form a club where we lust after rich people's things and throw rocks at their Maybachs (oooh, unintentional rhyme). You cool with that?

Got $75 instead to spend? I present to you a less expensive alternative:

(via The Evolution Store)

Haven't gotten enough malachite goodness?
Be sure to check out Danika's faux-so-good malachite lamp DIY.
It's genius.

Anything That Can Go Wrong...

 ...will go wrong. 

I'm specifically referring to the mysterious leak that required our landlord to rip up all the flooring in our den. This view, and the pervasive smell of wet basement, greeted me after work last night.  

Oh, and here's all our stuff, now taking up residence in our kitchen.

(needless to say, the contents of that Yuengling case didn't last long) 

Yet, despite the poor timing of this, I am grateful because this happened while we were home and not away on our honeymoon. And really, I have to keep it in perspective that, while I'm experiencing some inconvenience, it's nothing like those Americans dealing with the extensive flooding.

Adam, always the kidder, said to me, "Well, if you wanted to rearrange everything, here's your chance!"

Thanks, dear.

Honeymoon in Greece

I can't believe it's been nearly a week since I've posted. I feel like such a negligent blogger.  My little break is somewhat justified because I'm still totally, completely, utterly overwhelmed by this little garden-themed wedding of mine.

But enough of all that. How about some honeymoon details? 

 As you smarty-pants readers probably already guessed, Adam and I heading to Greece for our honeymoon just after our wedding (countdown to wedding: 12 days)!

Sure, I could spend time planning a wonderful two-week getaway with the help of travel guru Rick Steves, or instead I could rely on my copy of M. Sasek's This is Greece.

Flipping through Sasek's book got me very excited for our trip. Since I can't sneak you all into my suitcase, check out some of the places we'll be seeing in just a few short weeks.

We're starting off in Athens, and then spending the bulk of our time traveling around the Greek isles! 

How Jackie O., right?

Naturally, one of our earliest stops will be to the Parthenon.

I cannot wait to sail around the Greek islands, especially Mykonos and Santorini and soak up the sights and sounds of the Mediterranean.

As this illustration suggests, the wonders of the ancient Greek civilization will prove to be awe-inspiring for us I'm sure.

Lots and lots of pictures will be taken and shared. Have you traveled to Greece? If so, is there anything that we simply "can't miss"?!

Speaking of, I've missed you all. 

Thank you for your sweet emails. 

I'll be back in full-effect post-wedding.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

You are so much more than a mother to me; you are a friend, a role model, an inspiration.

The world is a better place because you are in it.

Happy Birthday, Mom! 

All The Pretty Peonies

One year ago yesterday, I became engaged and began mentally collecting inspiration for my wedding (which, by the way, is only 19 days away!).

Certain decisions were very easy to make. Number 1: my flowers. I knew very quickly that I'd carry a lush bouquet of full, fragrant peonies. I've loved them since I was a child. I always enjoyed watching the ants crawl curiously over each peony bud in my mom's garden, where they'd serve to open each bloom as nature intended.

This bouquet from Martha Stewart provided a lot of inspiration as my florist and I developed the "floral story" for my wedding.

 (via Martha Stewart)

Still need more peonies this morning? Check this gorgeous flower out:

(via hip hip gin gin)

(via Southern Accents)

(via Apartment Therapy)

(via Once Wed)

(via Design*Sponge)

I cannot wait until my wedding day to be surrounded by such beautiful flowers.

What flowers did you choose to be front-and-center on your "big day"?

TGIF, 4/29/11 Edition

Hallelujah, it's Friday! 

This has been a long, long week and I'm looking forward to this weekend because we're heading to Connecticut to spend time with my parents.

Thank you for sticking with me this week--it's been really tough. I'll be back on Monday revived and refreshed.

Signing off until Monday, friends!

Can I Hide Out in Bed?

(via House Beautiful)

Readers, this week at work has been crazy and I've only come up for air long enough to dream about staying in a bed like this all day and forgetting all of my professional obligations.

de Gournay wallpaper and D. Porthault linens? 

Much better than Microsoft Outlook and expense memos, if you ask me.