A happy marriage

A few days away from my wedding, and I found this article on labeling theory and marriage: Are you working away at a hard marriage?

The key part: "If MARRIAGE has an identity of being difficult, that is what it tends to be, simply because that is how we already see it."

 Paul Newmann & Joanne Woodward, also married in January, via Snippet and Ink

So the secret to a happy marriage may be: view your marriage as happy. And it will be. 

A worthwhile experiment either way.

Happy Weekend!

It's been a funny week. Packed, but not busy. I've been spending a lot of time thinking about beautiful things: what the light in our engagement photos might look like, the sky limit of our wedding decor, beautiful things to put on my body, and what my future work may hold. Amazingly, the dishes still get done even if you're thinking of sparkles and silk while you do them.

 via Making Magique

And speaking of inspiration, Lizzie has inspired me to start brainstorming design ideas for my (small business) website. What's inspiring you this weekend?

Here are a few links to jump start your happy thoughts:

Hilarious customer service (via Anna)

I have a soft spot for pre-engaged pep talks

A quote every freelancer should memorize

Something blue

Something new (and oh-so-sparkly)

Layers of awesome: Horseback fishing

A one-stem bouquet: Hydrangeas are so pretty and simple

A fabulous home office

I love this simple aisle decor (from this post on SMP)

By the way, we booked our wedding venue! It's so fun to imagine it now I know what the space looks like.

Have a good one, darlings

xo

Be brave

One thing I cherish about reading blogs is that other peoples' loveliness is contagious. I wrote a 101 in 1001 list thanks to Emily, learned to cook vegan thanks to Angela, and have busted out of my jeans-and-tshirt rut thanks to Tanesha.

I am short and have curves that won't quit, so I often get stuck in basics that are boring but fit.* When I saw Tanesha in this cobalt blue maxi dress, I realized that I needed to get out of my own way. Last week I bought a beautiful white maxi dress on sale at Banana Republic and I've basically been living in it. I feel so glamorous, comfortable and sexy in it that I have been lingering over cocktails in the late summer sunlight all week. All because of a simple little Tumblr post.

Just goes to show how a little boldness can echo across the internet and really change how people live. Be bold friends! You never know who's reading.

*No more rhyming and I mean it

I spy with my little eye

Regardez! A bathing beauty in a life jacket, sunning herself on the sea.

That's right, in a life jacket. Did you miss it? Look again:

 

Yes, that waist-hugging (and dare I say flattering) belt is actually a BandeauBelt, an innovative take on the old-fashioned bulky personal floatation device, submitted to a redesign competition by Vancouver's own Dana Ramler and Kathleen Westerhout. 

As a former lifeguard, I and kind of obsessed with water safety. And a PFD you can look like a pinup in? That's an all-round win. 

via lululemon lab

File this under: "Duh"

Vintage floral brooch as boutonnière. Seriously, why haven't I seen this before?

 Genius.

Bonus points for raiding grandma's collection for borrowed imperfection rather than hitting the thrift store for the "perfect" vintage piece. Less stuff more life, people! There are bike rides to be had!

via 100 Layer Cake photos by One Love

Favorite favors ever

Homemade cookies. CD sleeves. Stickers.

via Creative Inspiration

Give the leftovers to the food bank. Be done with it.