Swiftly Wed

I'm getting our wedding blog up and (a little bit) functional.  Take a peek. 

Bra Donation?

***Heads up,  I'm talking about bras and boobs in this.  It may not be the post for you.***

I didn't think I was going to learn about domestic violence today, but because the weather was nice, and Dan took a nap, I found out about a program that I think is wonderful.

What happened today was I got fed up with my bras.  People (women) don't really talk about bras, unless it's the Victoria's Secret fashion show or it's near valentine's day.  But event then, it's more about the event then the bras themselves.  And because of this, a lot of women don't know how a bra should fit.  I know I don't.

In the March 2012 Good Housekeeping, there is an article about bra fit, and what to look for.  Since having Harper, I've been paying more attention to my breasts then I ever have before: pumping, leaking, feeding.  Every 3-4 hours, I have to do something with them or get something from them.  According to Good Housekeeping, none of my bras fit "correctly" (and who argues with Good Housekeeping?)  And honestly, before now, I haven't really cared if they did.

I have hated bra shopping.  A lot of that came from me hating my body.  A lot of it came from the expense of a good bra.  Give me a good deal over good fit any day!   ...until now.  After pulling and tugging and draining and comforting, I made the decision to stop being a cheap skate, and get a good bra, damnit!

I went to Soma today.  I liked their site, and their focus on good fit.  Plus, they are in an open air mall - much preferred over the actual mall.  It was sunny today, and I wanted to get Harper out of the house, so while Dan took a nap, I went and bought light bulb, coffee, and some new bras. 

A good 45 minutes at the store and I got set up right.  Turns out I was wearing the wrong size (not really a surprise).   I had to try on a few to get to that point, which leads me to the domestic violence part of my post...

Soma is having a bra donation drive now through the 26th.  They are pairing up with National Network to End Domestic Violence. 

When many women choose to leave an abusive relationship, often they choose suddenly, and leave with only the clothes they are wearing.  They then, often times, rely on shelters for clothing.  Bras are one of the least donated pieces of clothing.  And as I pointed out, they are also expensive.

  While I was in the dressing room, I over heard one of the sales women talking about the donation program, and how their store will reach 700 bras for donation.  And this is just one store!

Well, maybe this is all TMI on my part, but look beyond that.  I think this program is great.  This is the 4th year Soma has been doing it and I hope it continues.  If giving a bra will help encourage a woman to leave a harmful situation, then I'm in.  I am fortunate in my relationship to not need this, but there are thousands of women who aren't.  Two snaps for Soma for bringing awareness to domestic violence, and for doing something to help the women who are brave and leave their abusive partners.

Christmas!

One dream job...

This makes me want to move to Australia!

It would be wonderful to work in a small letter press studio!   Being a part of countless weddings, announcements, and holidays would be such a creative and rewarding operation.  I've been following this particular blog for sometime, and trust me when I tell you they make beautiful things. 

Now I just need to start my own business with my own lovely things...

New Art!

For the past two years, I've been going to ISU's sales.  They have all been great fun, feeling like a mix between visiting an art gallery and thrift shopping.  Students from the print classes sell their pieces at the end of the semester, and in the past I've been very happy with the pieces I've added to my walls.  (Here is my post from last year...)

This year, I invited Dan to go along.  It was colder this year, and it was a new challenge taking Harper (I decided to strap her on and walk her in as I'm not a big fan of carrying her in her car seat if I don't have to).  Dan and I found some pieces we both liked and at some point we will get them framed (along with "The Truce" by Jay Ryan that will go up in Harper's room).

The Truce

An unexpected addition to our walls was a piece that was from the print sale, on display in the silent auction.  Dan got the phone call that his bid won, and today we went by and picked it up.  Dan and I are both fans of Greek mythology, and the work itself is quite appealing (to us at least!).

Golden Apples of the Hesperides

Hercules is now watching over us from behind the sofa.  It's called "Golden Apples of the Hesper ides" by Rudy Pozzatti.  It a bit surreal to have won it, but we are happy (I'm sorry my photo doesn't do it better service...)!

My spread out family

 Happy holidays!  There were actual snow flakes falling in town yesterday (for about two minutes)!  Snow always makes me think of my ski-loving sister, who is currently snow-less while teaching abroad.  I have been thinking of my family an awful lot, what with Christmas coming and the non-stop talk of presents and shared meals on the television. 

I'm one of those people that likes a good deal of clutter around.  Piles of things don't bother me (organized piles that is), especially when it comes to pictures - the more the merrier!  I'm sure there are plenty of ways to make the pictures look better, but today when I was putting Harper down for her nap (before her elevensies meal...that's for all you LOTR fans) it was great to look up and see my family starring right back at me.

I spend most of my days at home in the living room/kitchen.  My bookshelves are piled with photos on top.  I made a special note to get some updated pictures a few months ago, and it was a great choice: my niece and nephew picking out pumpkins, my sister and brother-in-law with their photo booth costumes, my brother and new sister-in-law from their travels abroad, and my new family courtesy of my wonderful Dan. 

The combination of my siblings spread about the globe, and my avoidance to make phone calls, I find a lot of comfort in these pictures.  I know they are no substitute for quality time, but nothing is.  I don't know how your refrigerator looks, but mine looks like this...

...and it makes me happy every time I open it!  I hope you all have happy reminders of the people you love and who love you.  It's a squishy, sappy, thing, but sometimes it's good to have squishy, sappy things.  


This last photo is for my sister.  On her last visit she gave me the blue eye hanging on the key hook. It's is thought to give protection, or ward off evil...or some such mojo.  I like it because I get to think of her every time I leave the house!

Getting some wedding stuff done

It has been a while since I've devoted any real time to thinking about wedding plans, but with the date now within the 6 month mark, I've gotten a bit of motivation to start up again.  I have an appointment with a florist in two weeks, I think I've found a reasonable option for my bridesmaids to look at, and I have a better idea of what I want for the actual day.  I think that's good! 

 

I have also found a few dresses, (that I won't be wearing), and just had to share.  Aren't they pretty?