Foiled!

On Saturday evening, eSuitor and I went out for a seafood dinner at Gladstone's in Malibu. The portions are ginormous, so a doggy bag is practically obligatory. The cool thing is that when they pack up your leftovers, they wrap it up in a foil sculpture.

My fish 'n' chips were wrapped up as a whale, complete with spouting water!!!

The Restaurant Meme

J at "Thinking About" tagged me to do this meme. This will be a fun exercise for me, because I have definitely lived in LA long enough to eat at some terrific restaurants!

Here are the rules:

1. Add a direct link to your post below the name of the person who tagged you. Include the state and country you’re in.
Nicole (Sydney, Australia)

velverse (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

LB (San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy)

Selba (Jakarta, Indonesia)

Olivia (London, England)

ML (Utah, USA)

J (California, USA)

Starshine (California, USA)

2. List out your top 5 favorite places to eat at your location (locally). Some of these are really nice, special occassion type place. Others are good date places. While others are inexpensive staples.

Cafe Flore - My favorite little restaurant in Beverly Hills. When I first moved to Los Angeles, my mom, sister, and I discovered this fabulous restaurant. It is owned and run by French staff. I would describe the food at Franco-Californian. Every dish I've ever tried there has been delicious. The prices are reasonable, and the ambience is quaint and tres French! I really like the lentil soup, the fresh fruit platter, the veggies julienne, and the raviolis. The artwork on the walls of the Eiffel Tower and the Moulin Rouge let you imagine, if only for a moment, that you are dining in Paris. Be sure to check out the ladies room when you go. It has the most adorable signs on the wall that read, "Ooo La La" and "It's all about moi"!

The Restaurant at The Getty Center - The Getty Center in Los Angeles has a cafe (cafeteria style) and a lovely gourmet restaurant. I'm talkin' about the restaurant. This place has special significance for me because eSuitor took me here on our fifth (yes, I counted) date. The Getty Center is a free-admission art museum and garden. Parking is $7. Upon arriving at the Getty, eSuitor informed me that he had made lunch reservations for us at the restaurant. I told him how thoughtful and generous that was of him, and his response was, "Tracy, it's part of the full Getty experience.... I'm not going to bring you to a place like this and then buy you a burger." Holy Yum!--both the food and the company. Succulent lamb on my plate and delectible eye candy sitting across from me. Mmm, mmm, MMM! Don't forget to make reservations!

A view of the Getty Center from the gardens.

La Vie En Rose - A lovely special occasion/romantic dinner restaurant in Brea (North Orange County). eSuitor took me here for my birthday dinner, which was also the night he became my hero. The food was incredible-I had a filet mignon with mashed potatoes and asparagas. The atmosphere romantic. An accordian player meandered through the restaurant. I really hope we can go back there one day under, ahem, less gassy cirmcumstances.

Oui, oui! Tres romantique!

IHOP - eSuitor and I have a weekend tradition of eating out for breakfast. I love it! My favorited dish is the Pancake Combo: Harvest Grain 'n' Nut pancakes, egg white scramble, and two strips of bacon. Yessiree!

Ole! - A rockin' tapas bar in Studio City. Candle lit atmosphere with lively music. Artwork of Spanish scenes. They really captured the essence of Spain here. The tapas are off the hook, and the sangria ain't bad either! This is a great place to have a lengthy conversation, as you linger through a lovely evening of good company and good food.

A mural of the running of the bulls hanging in "Ole!"

3. Tag 5 other people (preferably from other countries/states) and let them know they’ve been tagged.

Sharon in Texas

The Cachinnator, because I really want to read about the cuisine in Waco, TX.

Buttercup in New York City (when she returns from India)

Anyone else who is interested! I'm having a hard time thinking about which of my blog buddies have already done this one. :)

Thoughts from the very top o' the morning

Last night, I got together with a group of Texas friends that meets once every other week to discuss a book. I didn't read the chapter, but I was really in the mood be with people last night, so I went anyway. As it turns out, the hostess of the group was leaving to go out of town early this morning, so she was back in her bedroom packing during the group discussion. Since I didn't have anything to contribute to the discussion, I went back to her room and we had two hours of much-needed girl talk. My one major missing puzzle piece out here in LA is girl friends! So whenever I get the chance to connect with another woman and have a heart-to-heart, it is like water to my soul!

After the group finished their discussion of the book, several people stayed to watch American Idol and LOST on TiVO. I have to say that I was rather sad that Sanjaya was voted off Idol. He won me over with his quirky personality. I became so intrigued each week at his wonderful ablility to be himself. His voice may not have been the best one on the show (although it was still a good voice), but I couldn't resist his reinvented hairdos each week. Or his smile. Proof that accepting and being yourself is a powerful gift to the world. I much prefer an underdog with quirks to a polished "cool" with no depth to one's personality. His tears at the end of the show were beautiful.

Needless to say, I got home late last night, and fell into my comfy bed. I love my memory foam pillow! I awoke this morning with that wonderful feeling of restedness and continued to lay there for another half hour, drifting in and out of consciousness--and thinking that the wonderful sense of rest that I felt in my bed is the same way I feel in my relationship with eSuitor. Thank You, Lord, for the precious gifts You give! Thank You, also, for the rest and peace I find in You.

Have a great day, y'all!

I do apologise, Mr. Knightly. It's that I'm already spoken for!

Emma is possibly one of the most loyal characters of Austen, always wanting better for those around her and doing all she possibly can to make it happen. Her motives sometimes get in the way of her good intentions and her own opinions can end up ruling her actions, but she has a good heart. She loves to be social and is welcoming to most, unless they are too silly to tolerate. While she sometimes changes her behavior to make others feel comfortable, she knows who she is and is always bettering herself.

Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!! created with QuizFarm.com

Pondering Weighty Issues

Have you guys been seeing Dove's newest ads? It's their "Campaign for Real Beauty", and it features models that look like real people. If you'd like to meet the six women chosen to be the new models for the campaign, click here. I first saw the six of them in a magazine ad, posing in their bras and panties--some with full figures--all with tummies, thighs, arms and legs of normal proportions. Immediately, I breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, one company in this media-saturated world is putting images of beautiful women out into the market place that are at least reasonable!

This video--a part of their campaign--brought tears to my eyes. Probably because something about it resonated with something deep inside of me.

I want to give Dove a standing ovation for this fantastic campaign. I hope they will continue advertising in this life-affirming way, and that other companies will follow in their footsteps.

I am a curvy woman. I am now, and I always will be. I have wide hips. I have cellulite. I wear a 36C bra. I have red hair and fair skin and more freckles than I can count. I feel beautiful just the way that I am. I may weigh more or less in the future than I do right now, and it really doesn't matter much to me. I want to be a healthy person who lives a healthy lifestyle.

Do I struggle with self-image issues? Sure I do. And I realized when I breathed that sigh of relief how much the media influences our cultural ideal (and my own) of what beauty is.

The truth is that beautiful women exist in all ages, sizes, shapes and colors. And our true beauty eminates from deep within.

What does beauty mean to you? When do you feel the most beautiful?

Because Sunburn and Honeymoons Don't Mix Well

eSuitor and I are going to Hawaii for our honeymoon, which means that this slice of wonder bread will be out in the sunshine! I'm a fair-skinned redhead. So that means that I will need some heavy-duty sunscreen. I'm wondering what you recommend in a waterproof sunblock (I prefer at least an SPF 50). Also, do you know of a good waterproof sunblock for faces that doesn't burn your eyes?

Halfway There!

Guess what, y'all? I'm halfway to my weightloss goal! Yep, I've lost 7.5 lbs! Operation String Bikini is well underway. I've already bought two bikinis for my honeymoon! I found my favorite one at Target--it's an itsy bitsy teeny weeny turquoise polka dot bikini! And it has a cute little ruffle on it.

I've found that The South Beach Diet is working for me. I also joined Curves, which has been a good exercise solution for me.

I have about two months and a few weeks to work on the second half of my goal. I'll keep you posted!

Engagement Pictures!

Jen Disney took these engagement photos of us a couple weekends ago in Laguna Beach. It was a fun location because it reminded us a lot of La Jolla, where eSuitor proposed to me. The photo in the header was the last pose of the day. Right after she snapped it, a chilly Pacific wave got me! I just wanted to share some of my favorites with you. :)

This is the obligatory "display the ring" pic.

This one was taken in front of the door of a church.

I love this photo because it looks like we could be walking down a street in Spain.

eSuitor calls this one the "kiss and giggle".

Sunset.

Happy Easter!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~John 3:16

My church held our Easter service at the Hollywood Bowl today. It was fun to be there with eSuitor. Last year, we went there together, as well, and it was the day after he asked me to officially be his girlfriend (and kissed me for the first time!). We were talking about how this day last year felt so full of promise--like we were setting out on an adventure that felt like it would lead to something important. It was cool to be at the same place one year later. We remarked that it feels like we've grown so much together over the last year. At the same time, we are still in a "starting off" place that feels full of promise. Just in a different way. Now we are embarking on a new life-adventure together!

A Monologue for a Southern Manicurist

I had so much fun playing this character in The Chronicles of Hernia that I want to keep working on material for her, so I thought I'd write her a monologue.

Hey sweetie. You want 'em round or square? Square? Good choice. Edith Mae was in here earlier today, and bless her heart, she insists on rounded nails. Square are so much more attractive. Mmm. Hmm.

So, how's Ray? (waits for response.) He did? What a sweetheart! You know, not every man takes care of his woman that way. Just last week, Cindy, bless her heart, told me that she caught her man cheatin'. Well, of course, I told her I'd keep in it the strictest confidence. I'm just telling you because I know you're discreet.

I told Jim Bob that if he ever even thinks about cheatin' on me that I will drop kick him so far, he won't know what city he's in when he lands on his boney bottom. Of course, Jim Bob would never cheat. I don't think. I mean there was that one time I found Emma Lou's majorette boots under our bed, but Jim Bob swore up and down that she left them at the stadium after the game and he was just holdin' onto them until he saw her next. I trusted him because what's a marriage without trust, right? That's why I didn't even bat an eye when I found lipstick on the collar of his shirt last Saturday when he came home after the Kiwanis club potluck. He said that Odelle Bisby got a little cheeky during the meet 'n' greet, so I didn't press him on it further. Bless her heart, old Odelle's vision is so bad, she probably thought Jim Bob was her late husband. Then there was that time two Christmases ago when he came home smellin' like Chanel Number 5. He told me I shouldn't ask questions around Christmastime, that he just got attacked by the perfume ladies at the mall. Well, who am I to ask a gift-horse questions when 'tis the season and all. Right? Bless his heart, his sniffer don't work too good because I got a bottle of Charlie in my stocking, but it's the thought that counts right? Mmm. Hmm.

What color sweetie? Plum? Nice choice. Yesterday Louise was in and she chose the most awful shade of fuchsia. I wanted to tell her that no one has chosen that shade since 1986, but she was so enthusiastic about her choice, bless her heart, that there was no stopping that train wreck. With each nail that I painted, the more she "oo"ed and "aah"ed. I was cringing on the inside, but my mama told me that if you can't say somethin' nice, take a bit of good advice and don't say anything at all. So I just smiled and pretended that I was painting Madonna's nails for her "Holiday" video. What else could I do? Class is an important character trait to possess, and I like to think that I got it.

Iggy and Jet

In an effort to get my creative juices flowing, I decided to write a short story for today's post:

My name is Iggy. Stop laughing. I mean it. My parents thought it would be a good idea to give their baby girl a good Catholic grown-up name. So Mary Ignatius is on my birth certificate. I guess that after my mother's post partum endorphins wore off, she realized what she had done and tried with all her might to make a cute baby girl name out of it. So Iggy I am.

Some of the great gems I heard growing up were "Look! It's Icky Iggy" or "Ha-ha! Iggy is married to Ziggy!" Because we all no that nothing is as insulting as hearing that you are married to an adorable comic strip character.

But, whatev. I grew up and built some good character along the way, and now I've grown into my name and have even come to embrace it. I am, after all, the only Iggy I've ever known. And when people shorten it to "Ig" as a term of endearment, I nearly pee myself with glee. "Ig" is just plain cute.

You may be wondering what a girl named Iggy does for a living. I work at Macy's behind the MAC counter. Yep, I'm one of the freaks you see wearing all black with black hair and a fuschia streak in it. I love black eyeliner. And don't even get me started on the wonders of black nail polish.

I live with my husband, Jet. Bless his heart--his parents thought it might be fun to name him after their favorite space-age cartoon family. Jetson Riker are his first and middle names. (They were Trekkies, too.) Lucky for him, "Jet" is an incredibly cool knickname, and it is just as masculine as he is.

Jet and I met two Halloweens ago. He was bound and determined to win his office costume party. He thought it would be funny to go as a hangover. No, you did not misunderstand me. He wanted to dress up as a hangover for Halloween. One of his co-workers told him that if he really wanted to wow everyone, he should get his makeup professionally done. So in he walks and asks me to make him look like a hangover. We made small talk as I gave him dark circles under his eyes. We laughed as I drew a zig-zag down his forhead to represent his splitting headache. But things really started to heat up when I was attaching prosthetic pieces of throw-up to his face with spirit gum: He told me I had nice hands.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!

I do not have nice hands. They are the feature I have always loathed the most about myself. I can't grow my nails out worth a darn. My fingers are chubby. The only thing they have going for them is MAC's "Nocturnelle" Nail Lacquer. I told him that I didn't care much for my fingers. But he insisted that they were the cutest he'd ever seen and that they had a gentle touch. All he had to do at that point was ask me if I wanted to be the mother of his children, and I would have said "YES!".

Thankfully, he just slipped me his card with a generous tip, and went on his way. "Jetson Riker Jones, CPA". An accountant? How could an accountant have been that charming? I decided to take a risk and call him. We went out that weekend and we've been together ever since. We're totally wrong for each other--a real mismatch by the world's standards. No one gets it but us. But we're happy. Really happy.

We're expecting our first baby in May. A little girl. We're naming her Leia Ruth. A little bit sci-fi and a little bit Catholic. I think our parents will be proud.

Did you watch The Bachelor last night?

A new season of The Bachelor started last night. While the show itself makes me cringe, Lincee's fabulous blog The Bachelor Recaps is always good for a laugh!

Lincee started writing recaps of each episode of The Bachelor during its third season and would send them via e-mail to a handful of her closest friends and family. They thought the recaps were so funny that they would forward them to their friends. Last year, when Lincee had 1000 people on her e-mail list requesting her hilarious recaps, she decided to start a blog. Her blog has totally taken off, and is read by tens of thousands of fans every week.

Check it out!

Groom's Day

Today was so much fun because finally, eSuitor got to experience the rush of wedding planning and decision-making that I've been feeling during the past several weeks and even months. We did some groom stuff today.

First, we went to Men's Warehouse and picked out his tuxedo and the groomsmen's tuxedos that they'll be renting for the wedding. My Dad wants to wear a tux also. I can't wait to see eSuitor and my Dad in tuxes. I've never seen either one in a tux before!!!

Next, we went back to the jeweler where he bought my engagement ring, and he got to pick out his wedding band. It is really cool. It has a classic look with a modern edge. It's white gold and real chunky and masculine. It looks great on his hand. He was initially thinking that he'd get a ring with a brushed finish, but he ended up choosing one with a shiny finish. I really like it, and told him to let that ring shine as bright as can be, so all the ladies can see it and know that my man is spoken for!

eSuitor said that when he tried the ring on, he had an "oh-my-gosh-i'm-really-getting-married!" moment. I was glad he got to experience that feeling of excitement. So much of the wedding planning is all about the bride, but the groom is an essential ingredient, too, after all. So it's only fair that he get to have some of the fun, right?!

Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

eSuitor and I took an eight week preparation-for-marriage course at his church called Love for a Lifetime. One of the recommended reading books that came with our tuition was one called Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts. I just finished reading it, and despite the slightly depressing title and one paragraph that rubbed me the wrong way, I would have to give the book two big thumbs up.

This book is written by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, a husband-wife team with a background in marriage and family therapy. For the most part, it is helpful information for improving relationships and making your marriage great. It is hard to give a synopsis of a book like this, so I thought I'd leave you with my favorite concept shared in the book along with some quotes.

The concept: think of love as a triangle.

"The biological side of the triangle is passion, the spine-tingling sensation that moves us toward romance.... The emotional side of love's triangle is intimacy. Love without
intimacy is only a hormonal illusion. One cannot desire another person over the long haul without really knowing that person.... The cognitive and willful side of the love triangle is commitment. Commitment looks toward a future that cannot be seen and promises to be there--until death."

"Passion, intimacy and commitment are the hot, warm, and cold ingredients in love's recipe. And these ingredients vary, because the levels of intimacy, passion, and commitment change from time to time and from person to person. You can visualize the fluidity of love by considering how the love triangle changes in size and shape as the three components of love increase and decrease. The triangle's area represents the amount of love. Large amounts of intimacy, passion, and commitment yield a large triangle. The larger the triangle, the more love."

The book goes on to explain what emerges in a relationship when the triangle becomes disporportionate in the length of its sides. The overall idea, though, is that to keep love balanced, all three sides of the triangle deserve equal attention.I hope I can show eSuitor a balanced and generous kind of love during our lifetime together. He sure deserves lots of it!

Dear Me...

I got the idea for this post from J who first saw it at Miscellanous Mum. The idea is that you write a letter from your present self to yourself in the past. I like J's letter so much, I thought, I'd give it a try, too.




Dear 1985 Me,

You are just 10 years old. The awkward phase is just around the corner, so I think you could use a little encouragement.

Already, the "in crowd" is forming. There is a group of girls who stand around on the playground and talk about who-knows-what during recess. Already, they are giving up their precious childhood right to play. I know it hurt your feelings when you approached their exclusive circle and they told you, in so many words, to go away. It makes me teary for you still. I assure you, however, that you aren't missing out on a thing in that silly circle. Monkey bars, swing sets, and see-saws are infinitely more fun, and you won't be a kid forever. So run free, little me! Those girls weren't your friends then, and I'm no longer in touch with a single one of them! When you walk into your ten year high school reunion seventeen years from now, you will feel fabulous because you learned to embrace yourself, and the playing field will feel incredibly even (or even slanted slightly in your favor) with respect to the "in crowd".

Now, about dreams. You and I both know that already you are a passionate person. When the auditions for Old McDonald's Follies happen next week, follow that instinct to audition for the lead. You will play Mrs. McDonald. It will awaken something in you that won't die for the rest of your life. It's called a dream. God placed it in your heart long before you will ever find out it is there. Some won't understand it. Some will admire you for it. Some will not accecpt you for it. And others will encourage you. Whatever you do, don't expect the rest of the world to offer you affirmation in this area. Just believe in yourself and go for it. One day, in 2006, a gorgeous man will fall in love with you, and embrace the artist inside of you. In fact, he'll want you just the way you are. You have no idea now how much that will mean to you, but trust me, it means a lot, and his love will be a healing balm to your sweet soul. You will love him with all your heart, and 2074 Me has a feeling that you will have a wonderful life together.

Speaking of love, this may be a bit of a topsy turvy road for you. In fact, you will learn a lesson or two from the school of hard knocks. Just learn what you have to learn, and keep your eyes on the Lord. He will guide you through some tough times, and even rescue you when you need it most. My best piece of advice about relationships would be to trust your instincts. If someone seems like bad news, he is. Period. Don't even question yourself for a second.

What I said a second ago about keeping your eyes on the Lord...that might sound a little strange right now. This summer though, you will go to a new summer camp, and the most life-changing thing will happen! You will become a Christian and begin a new life with Jesus. He will forgive you for all of your sins: past, present, and future. And all that guilt you've been feeling will be taken care of. You will be set free, and Jesus will be your best friend for life. Your mom already knows Him, and the rest of your family will know Him, too. Life will be full of ups and downs, but Jesus will never ever leave you.

Little me, be gentle with yourself. Be you. Enjoy each step of this wondeful journey! May God bless you!

Sending you a big hug,

2007 Me

The Price

If you find yourself in Los Angeles this weekend, and you're looking for something fun to do, why not come see me on the big screen?! The short film I shot last month for the 168 Film Project will be screened this weekend at the 168 Film Festival. My film, The Price, will be shown Saturday morning as part of "Screening #1" from 9am - 10:10am at The Alex Theater in Glendale. Ticket info can be found here.

Have a great weekend, everybody!

Sweet Thirteen

Thirteen Things that are Sweet to Me

1. No Sugar Added Fudgesicles. Mmmmmmmmmmm.
2. Doing that hand clapping thing with my friends as a little girl to a cadenced song. You remember..."Bo-bo-skee-wotten-totten."
3. Soft kisses.
4. Confidences shared and confidences kept.
5. Self respect.
6. Praying together.
7. Lullabies. Especially made up ones.
8. Freshly fallen snow.
9. Innocent questions.
10. Cotton candy
11. Little ones' hands and feet.
12. Hearing the words "I love you."
13. Having someone to say them to.

Sorrowful, Yet Full of Joy

Yesterday, eSuitor and I were planning to start taking intermediate swing dance lessons. (We took the beginning classes together in the fall). As we drove to class last night, I began to get teary-eyed. When we arrived and parked the car, eSuitor asked me what was the matter, and the flood gates opened. He wrapped his arms around me as I began to process what I was feeling. It came down to a general sense of overload. The realization that I only have three and a half months to accomplish a whole lot before our wedding has officially hit me. My mom and I certainly took care of the major tasks while I was in Texas, but I still have quite a few details that add up to a lot that I need to take care of now that I'm back. On top of that, I am feeling my own pressure to use my new-found unemployed status to be proactive about pursuing acting opportunities. And what I realize every now and again is that I am just plain sad about my Dad's health.

I got to visit with him while I was in Texas. Every time I see him is another gift from God. It is one more time to hug him and tell him that I love him. (I love you, Dad!) It was sobering, to say the least, when he told me that I need to prepare myself for the possibility that he may be feeling too bad to make it to my wedding in June. Of course, he wants to be there, but he doesn't know how he'll be doing at that time, and wants me to be prepared. I totally understand, and I am glad he was open with me about how he's doing.

As I verbalized all this to eSuitor last night, I just sobbed, which in a way was pretty cleansing. I have needed to grieve for my Dad's health situation for a while, but I have felt more shock or denial than sadness. Last night, though, the sadness came rushing to the surface.

Yesterday afternoon, my Dad called, and he sounded good. We talked about the wedding and whether he should wear a tuxedo or a suit. He said, "I am the father of the bride! I should wear a tux!". I loved that! So you can see that it is not all sadness. There is a mixture of emotions. Good days and bad days. A bizarre tension of living in the joy of my approaching marriage and the sorrow of my Dad having cancer. I continue to be amazed by his valiant fight. His inner fortitude is nothing short of inspiring.

This morning, I read from a devotional book called Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman (which I recommend to anyone going through a rough time). The scripture verse that it referenced was 2 Corinthians 6:10 "Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing." Or as The Message translates it, "immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy". I think that verse is an apt description of how the Christian life can be. It is not that we are to ignore the deep sorrow that is part of life. It is embracing that sorrow is indeed part of the journey. We can feel it deeply. Yet no matter how hard life gets, there is always a deep joy that fills us because of God's presence in our lives.

That was my family's experience three and a half years ago when my step-dad died of cancer. Deep grief accompanied by the comfort and joy of the Lord. And that is my experience now as my own Dad fights this awful disease.

Well, What d'ya Know?

Apparently, commitment, planning, and sticking to a diet really do work! During my two weeks at home, my mom and I did phase one of The South Beach Diet. I am pleased to say that during that time, I lost some weight!

I'd like to thank my mother, without whom I never would have stuck to this! It takes lots of prep work, and she certainly did most of it. She did so much menu planning and was my cheerleader the whole way!

I'd also like to give a shout-out to No Sugar Added Fudgesicles and Sugar Free Jello. You two totally rock! You kept my sweet tooth from having to check into an insane asylum.

Now that I'm back in LA, I plan to continue to do South Beach Diet (Phase 2). 4 pounds down, 11 pounds to go for Operation String Bikini. By the way, I bought a string bikini for my honeymoon! I have serious incentive, now!

With Rain and Veil and Puppy Dog Tails

Yesterday was SO MUCH FUN!

We hired a fantastic photographer for our wedding, and a bridal sitting is included in the package. So yesterday, I got to practice my bridal look! It was so much fun. In the morning, I went to the Prescriptives counter in the mall and had my makeup done by Jamie, who made me look fabulous (if I do say so myself)! I think I could do an entire post on Prescriptives...I would mostly talk about their "Virtually Fresh" foundation that gives you a subtle, fresh-faced glow (SPF 15). After that, I came home and did my own hair in an up 'do.

All day long, the skies were very overcast, and the weather forecast was threatening strong showers with thunder. We prayed that God would stave off the rain until after the photo shoot.

We drove over to a strip mall with an exterior designed to look like Venice with cool gardens, architecture and a gigantic Italian looking fountain. It may seem a little kitchy, but the photos they showed me of other bridal sittings shot there were gorgeous! I got into my dress there, and put on the veil. I wasn't sure that I even wanted a veil, but can I just say that I love the veil! It made me feel so bridey. :)

The photographer showed me the pics through his view-finder, and I think they'll be cool. I'll have the proofs in a week, but I don't think I'll be posting any pics of my wedding dress until after the wedding, what with eSuitor being a loyal reader and all. ;)

The photographer had just shot his last photo when I felt the first drop of rain. God totally answered our prayers! We hurried inside for me to change out of my dress. When we came back outside it was sprinkling and one hour later, it was pouring, and it's been raining off and on ever since. By the time we got home last night, there was a full-on thunder and lighting storm, which was delightful, since we don't get that kind of storm in Southern California.

My mom is watching my sister's dog while she is out of town this week, and Mom has a dog too. They are enjoying a lot of indoor time because of the rain. My sister's black lab is literally curled up on top of one of my feet as I type this post. It's cozy around here. :) Ahh....home.