I've Moved to Bella Lights...

I've moved over to a new blog called Bella Lights...

Come and follow me there because I've missed you lovely!

Change Post from The Simply Luxurious Life

I am so lucky to have Shannon from The Simply Luxurious Life guest post again. I've always had to remind myself that change is a blessing and this post is a wonderful example in pictures of how I'm feeling. We're driving a U-haul from San Francisco to Los Angeles today send positives thoughts...will post soon.

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The Charm of Change

Life, our lives, are not stagnant. We are perpetually moving forward, although if we are absentmindedly sitting behind the wheel, we may not be going in a direction that is the best course for the lives of our dreams. The reality and the blessing is that change happens and it is a good thing, but it has to do with how we approach it.

Immediately I know some of you may be shaking your head, but look at it this way, as much as we want to convince ourselves that we are in control of our lives, we really only have control over our actions and reactions. The reality is that we create our reality based on what we believe, what we have experienced and how we think.

Images: (1) teenangel (2) Martha (3) We Heart It

If nothing else, the realization that change will happen should be a reminder to us every day to soak up the goodness, be appreciative, live in the moment, not hold back and live as though tomorrow we will not have the same opportunity. Use the knowledge of change occurring on a regular basis to propel you to achieve your dreams, your goals, your deep-down-desires today – don’t put it off any longer. Allow this acceptance of change to be your great motivator. If not now, when?

Lastly, I would like to extend a tip of the hat to Laura for inviting me to contribute to her blog while she herself is undergoing a bit of an exciting change. Thank you again Laura, it is a true pleasure to be here.

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Thank you sweetie for this lovely post! So tell me would you consider yourself someone that is good with change?

Retro picnic foodie dreams

Fancy, schmancy with retro picnic dreams is always the way to go. Can you feel the smile stretch onto your face lovelies? Being able to stop during the summer, get family and friends together to eat finger foods in the park makes me look forward to vacation. So come along with me on our blog retro picnic dreams day and don't forget to bring the music...

We start off with changing our picnic to a pale yellow, I mean who said that we always had to have red checkered cloths in the park?

Can you help me tie this adorable retro apron from Boojiboo on Etsy? Even the name Boojiboo is so much fun to say!

The next decision is one of the most important to make...who to invite and lay around on the picnic blanket with? And what if I need help fanning my hair out like this? Who to ask...hmmm who to ask?

In my fantasy picnic invite one of course would go to the incredible Audrey Hepburn. I mean look she's already all ready dressed for our fashion picnic.

Please bring some S'mores and the blog One Lovely Day has this simple Sweets I Heart:S'mores recipe.

For a more vintage look maybe I can make a quick costume change into this vintage apron. To add some color I can add some red flats or turquoise necklace.

Oh our retro picnic was so much fun today. Did I forget to mention that all picnic men will need to wear a non-baseball hat? A girl can dream can't she? So I'm off to find all things pale yellow, grab some aprons, a picnic basket, picture of Audrey Hepburn and make pitcher of lemonade. What can you bring sweetie?

Free sponsorship for blog makeover

How many things in this world can you get for free? Well, I've been starting to do a little blog makeover, do you like it sweetie? And I reconnected with my need to support all lovely things. On the left hand side of my blog I'd like to advertise your creations and help get the word out, for free.

So free sponsorship does exist?

I have a love for fashion, food, jewelry, photography, dance, travel and handmade vintage.

Email me with your interest sweetie at shhh.under.the.sheets@gmail.com.

I can't wait to learn more about what your creating and adding your blog banners. Shout it from the rooftops...free sponsorship and advertising on Under the Sheets-shhh.

Coffee talk: Why do I blog?

Time for some coffee talk...it's been one of those weeks where my life twisted and turned. And sweetie I'd love for you to send some positive vibes over my way. It took me a couple of days to realize that sitting down and writing can help. But when did this blog turn into a security blanket for me? Under the Sheets~shhh is there in times of good and ready to catch me if I fall.

Why do I blog?

I've been asked this question many times when I proudly talk about my little blog. At what point did I feel the need to share all of my thoughts with the world? My blanket includes every comment that I get, every picture I take and every thought for a post.

When times are busy I love to ask you to guest post and when times are slow I have somewhere to turn to be creative and free.

It seems when I 'm on a road something happens and I have to change my way. I seem to always land on my feet and can see later on see why the road has changed by a move or change of job. What advice would you give someone to keep their chin held up high ?

The twenty question link back contest

I love getting to know my blogging friends better. So I'm reaching out to you with twenty questions that I hope you will answer on your blog. Post these questions and your answers on your blog, link back to Under the Sheets-shhh and comment back to me when you’re done. I promise to link to your post. And bonus points if you become a follower...take it away sweetie.
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1) Dressing up or casual?
I'd have to pick dressing up over casual.

2) Most original Halloween costume?
You can’t beat being the sassy green M&M!

3) What would your talent be if you were participating in a beauty pageant?
Interpretative dance.

4) What do the words retro boutique design mean to you?
Red, creative, pinup girl and unique.

5) What do you see as your greatest achievement?
Surviving in this crazy mixed up world.

6) What household chore pacifies you?
Emptying the dishwasher.

7) Favorite type of weather?
Either Spring or Fall weather.

8) Do you sleep with the sheets tucked in or out?
I like the sheets tucked in.

9) Do you have freckles?
All over my nose.

10) Favorite kind of sandwich?
Simply turkey sandwich.

11) Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?
I wish I could.

12) What’s your name spelt backwards?
Arual and I kinda like it.

13) What message is on your voicemail machine?
You’ve reached Laura. I can’t talk to you, but you can talk to me!

14) What was the name of your first pet?
Munchkin (he was 80 pounds)

15) Do you believe in karma?
Yes, I do.

16) Do you believe in luck?
Absolutely.

17) Do you have a nickname?
Lala.

18) Are you a shopping addict?
The say admitting it is the first step to acceptance.

19) Favorite superhero?
Wonder Woman. I’d love to borrow her invisible jet!

20) Chocolate or vanilla?
Chocolate.
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Ok now its your turn to enter the twenty question link back contest and I am looking forward to reading your answers. Go on, I know you can do it. All the cool kids are...

Hostess with the mostess 4th of July

Happy July 4th sweetie! If you're out of ideas to be the hostess with the mostess please use some of these pictures for inspiration. At this years holiday party, it's time to have more than hot dogs and corn. And why not look fabulous while hosting away? Red, white and blue baby!

We usually spend our 4th of July on our apartment roof which overlooks San Francisco's bay and financial district. How much do you want to put this apron on and start entertaining?



I love this picture of red, white and blue retro desserts. All you need is some flowers and fruit. Please hold as I go and steal a strawberry...

Outfits are key to making it look like hosting is a breeze. Check out these great red, white and blue shoe options.


I saw this creative 4th of July hostess with the mostess real parties post on this lovely blog.

I promise to wear this outfit today while frolicking on the beach. Won't you join me?


Oh and this vintage suitcase has my name written all over it. I would keep it safe in my room and fill it with blankets and sweaters. What a lovely piece!



Happy 4th of July to you and to yours and I hope you have a wonderful holiday. What are your plans for this weekend? And are a fireworks or sparkler gal?

Be In Style blog review

I was recently contacted by the lovely fashion blog Be In Style to see if I'd like them to review my blog. What a lovely compliment sweetie! And then I was flattered by their review of how I see things in my little corner of the world, San Francisco. Be In Style is all things fashion, deals, trends and some gossip, but it's all class and lovely things.

Review
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Laura, the blogger for Under the Sheets~shhh, lives in charming San Francisco, California. She blogs about everything from Grace Kelly’s wedding dress (over thirty seamstresses worked on her incredible gown!) to outfits for 80’s-style workouts. One of her most recent posts is about a trip to Tuscany and Rome. She makes these romantic Italian places seem like the one and only place any fashion-lover would want to live!...When you get a chance head over and check out the review.
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Let me know what you think sweetie!

First look at wedding pictures

In the almost two year tradition of writing this blog, I've never once shown a picture of Honey. Mostly for privacy etc. Now this becomes a problem when you have wonderful wedding pictures to share...so please trust that I actually got married to another person. Thank you!

This first picture was taken at our Jewish ceremony just after Honey and I were pronounced as husband and wife and we started to walk down the aisle together. I loved my bouquet and all of the flowers. * Flowers done by Laura Miller Designs.

This is a sliver of Honey and I at our Hindu wedding ceremony. The colors and flowers are something I will never forget. Plus the smell of jasmine will always remind me of our wedding day as they were flowing in my hair.

Our cake was so lovely, classic and tasty. The colors of champagne complimented the deep red of the roses. It was a darker venue so the cake was also surrounded by candles. Yummy! * Cake created by Carolyn Wong.

And this is another peak of our lovely bridal party on the stairs just before the wedding. We had such a wonderful time filled with love and happiness. So get ready sweeties...over the next weeks I'd like to write about my wedding as well as Italy experiences. If you could do your wedding all over again what would you change anything?

Calling all love stories: Emerald Dandy

There's always been something really lovely about mister Emerald Dandy and I am proud to say he has become one of my blogging friends. If you haven't seen his Seattle blog then please check it out soon. He has such a wonderful and fresh way of seeing the world. And he wanted to share with you his love story. Take it away ED...

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It all begins when I had first moved into my building nearly 2 years ago. I was busy unloading my car of my boxes and hiking them up the stairs, when I was startled by a man and his dog. The dog gave a little bark which set off my nerves, but the man himself was truly stunning. I was excited to move into my apartment, knowing that there was at least "one" attractive gentleman in the building.

Without too much work I was able to see that this man lived in our courtyard (which I had to walk past everyday to reach my apartment), with another man... most likely his boyfriend. It didn't stop me from always trying to catch a glimpse of this gorgeous man; I always hoped he'd see me, but I never seemed lucky enough. After about 6 months I switched to a different apartment in the building, so my daily hunt ended.

I didn't think too much of it, until I discovered that one of my close friends was moving into HIS apartment. Apparently, he had broken up with his boyfriend, and the boyfriend had moved back to Texas. He no longer needed that apartment, so he moved into something smaller within the building. I had no idea where he had moved, but liked the idea that he was still here (AND single!)

After a night out with friends and talking about boys, I was dared to somehow strike up a conversation with my apartment-crush. Since I hadn't seen him in awhile and hadn't a clue where he lived, I tried something borderline stalker-ish. I scribbled a quick note on a napkin which said "Hey, I think you're cute. Would love to hang out with you some time. Xoxo, your secret admirer." and left it on his car parked in the garage. I'm not sure what I was thinking, as this was a large complex and trying to figure out who his secret admirer would have been similar to finding a needle in a haystack.

Since my note was general, I attempted by writing another. This time I left my name, apartment, and phone number. I couldn't believe I went through with this, but I figured what the hell?! Within a few days I received a text from him, and before you know it we were chatting.

For two weeks we were texting back and forth so I finally said "So are we ever going to actually meet, or continue to play this game?" and he responded by setting a date. Simple and easy, a BBQ date up on the roof. I was a little nervous, but was excited to meet him. I didn't actually think I stood a chance with him, but was stoked to see what would happen.

The evening of our "date" was perfect timing for me. I had just ended a disastrous friendship/relationship so I was excited for some type of distraction. I'll never forget when Chace and I actually met. I opened the door to the rooftop, and there he was. The look on his face was priceless... it was as if I stopped him dead in his tracks.

The first date was slightly awkward, as first dates tend to be. I quickly discovered why he had initially reacted the way he had. Turns out I wasn't the only one that was doing some "stalking."

While Chace was living in the courtyard, he remembered seeing this cute guy walk by, and hoped to get his attention, but ended up unsuccessful. One night while he was out walking his dog he glanced up at his building and noticed this guy wearing nothing but a towel; he had just discovered where the boy lived and was intrigued. While he was in his apartment he was always hoping to catch a glimpse of the boy walking past the courtyard, and while he was walking his dog he hoped to see him in his apartment. Suddenly, the boy had moved away, and he had figured his fantasy was over.

Boy was he wrong, because he was having a BBQ with that same boy! The date went well and we've been together ever since!

Calling all love stories: 2,776 Miles

Thank you Brandi for guest posting today and I am proud to call you a blogging friend. I love your pictures, honesty and pictures on your blog. And I also love getting your comments and feedback. We are ready for you to share your bliss with us. Take it away Brandi!
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Hi everyone! I’m Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary and I’m so honored to be guest posting for Laura while she’s off on her honeymoon. I thought I’d tell you all a little about my love story.

My boyfriend M and I met in Astrophysics class. (Yes, we are that geeky.) He was working on his Masters in teaching; I was finishing up a second Bachelors degree.

I never expected to fall in love. At that point in my life, I had begun to believe that “being in love” with someone was something I’d only know in movies and books. I thought it was one giant mass hallucination. M proved me so wrong.

We’re currently in a long distance relationship: he’s on the East Coast, I’m on the West Coast. There’s 2,776 miles between us. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Last August, we drove that distance together, and I discovered not only America but how much he had changed me. I learned that even though what you do in your life is important, who you do it with means so very much.

What lessons has love taught you?

{first image from the is found photography, second image from flickr user avec fleur, third image via weheartit}

Calling all love stories: Undomestic Chica

Wow my first guest post! Hi, I’m Lindsay from Undomestic Chica. I love Love Stories. Since Laura’s on her way to getting married, I think it’s only fitting I tell you my love story.
-You mean our story. I’m the Boyfriend, Lindsay calls me B at Undomestic Chica, and this is our story.

I had been in a two year relationship that was…unhealthy to say the least. After I finally got out of that situation, I wanted nothing to do with guys. At 25, I had pretty much been in some sort of relationship since I was 20, and had been in a semi-serious (although completely wrong) relationship since I was 22. I was deliriously happy: I had just been hired at the radio station, I worked two other jobs, I had just met a really good girlfriend and was going out all the time, after dealing with guy’s crap for so long I wanted nothing to do with them.

And then came B. The first time we talked was at our Race for the Cure event in June. I was still an intern, he was a talent, my boss introduced us and that was that.
-That’s when I gave you my sweatshirt.

Yes it was. See, I was cold and he was leaving so he lent me use his sweatshirt. I noticed he was attractive but that was it, there were no I’m going to spend the rest of my life with you moments. I learned B didn’t actually work for my station, but one of our sister stations so I never expected to see him again; I only worked weekends.
- Ah but you did see me again because you had the sunglasses I left in the pocket. You still owe me a pair of sunglasses. Sucka!

By September I had not only gone from an intern to being hired part time at the radio station, but less than 3 months later I was promoted to the part-time office position. I was basically my bosses’ assistant. B had come to talk to somebody who sat on the other side of the doorway from me (she ended up being Roomate, but wasn’t yet) and we exchanged a few words. I remember noticing his sense of style. He was wearing a (Washington State) Cougar jersey and his shoes matched! That matters you know.
-I did? I don’t remember that. But the whole reason I was even going over to talk to Roomate was because I had noticed this cute, new girl that was suddenly there more often.

On Halloween I was dressed in this cute, hot, little bunny outfit when I ran into B and some of his friends at a club I used to promote. I may have been boldened by the drinks I had so without really knowing it was him, I tapped him on the arm and gave him a big hug when he turned around. Then I was a little embarrassed and rushed upstairs to VIP.
-Yeah, ‘cause you were in a cute bunny outfit with a plush ball in the back. I wanted to go up and squeeze it. It made me think of playboy. I talked about you to all my friends. I was telling them, “Oh my gosh, that’s the girl who works at the station!” I was totally bragging about you. You were always so quiet at the station, I never expected you to be so outgoing.

Great, now I remind you of a Playboy Bunny.-And that’s hot.

Anyway, that Monday, I was embarrassed when I walked around the corner and B was telling Roomate about running into me. I was embarrassed anyone from work had seen me in something so short.
-That’s when I started asking Roomate about your status…..and not because you were wearing something short J.

Every November, my station produced this huge, free concert. B emceed while one of our DJs spun in between the artists. Again, I remembered his sense of style, he was wearing the same thing he was wearing when I ran into him at the club: an argyle vest over a white dress shirt, white hat and white shoes. See, even though I’m always in heels, I have quite the Nike sneaker collection. I notice people’s shoes. I notice people’s style. I always match right down to my shoes and I notice when guys do too. It’s all about the attention to detail and the little things.
-Matching Jordans! I specifically bought those shoes for that night

“That night, I remember telling my co-worker, “Is it weird that I kind of think B is cute?” She shook her head no and said it wasn’t weird at all. B left before the headliner (Nelly) to help host the after party at one of the club nights the station does. He was talking to Roomate (before she became Roomate) when I accidentally interrupted to tell her something. He asked if I was going to the club. No, and as much as I want to see Nelly I also want to go to the club and drool over you….. I didn’t tell him this of course.

Shortly after, I started reading some book, I can tell you what it was about but not the title. I read so much the titles blur together eventually. It was about a women who lives in an old house; her employee is a guy living in the apartment over the garage who finds a baby on the doorstep and hides it from the woman and everyone else in the town. He struggles trying to hide the baby but still trying to take care of it at the same time. Anyway, the woman did not end up with the love of her life whose name was B. A sign? Quite possibly.

I remember one day when I needed to get into our auxiliary studio to record a commercial, B was in there. I opened the door, “Will you let me know when you’re done, I need to record a spot.” He made such intense eye contact and listened so intently. He fluttered his eyelashes and told me he would….and I got nervous.

-See, you didn’t seem nervous at all. You seemed normal to me. And I thought, Wow she talks! You were always so quiet. And always walked around staring at the floor.

I felt myself getting hot and kind of shaky as I turned around to walk back to my desk. He knows! He’ll think you’re a stupid, silly little girl. And I do look at the floor when I walk, remember how I’m always in heels? I gotta make sure I don’t trip on anything or step in anything gross. Remember that one time at dinner when my heel got stuck in the slats of the floor?
-Oh yeah! Haha. Even the people at the table next to us laughed.

Back to the story. B was stopping to say hello to Roomate pretty often. I never really listened to what they talked about, and tried not to give away that I was interested when I came to a conclusion: Roomate and B were or had been hooking up. Stay tuned for part 2 on Wednesday June 16th . And stop over to my blog and say “Hello sometime.”

A Glamorous Love Story: Simply Luxurious

When I discovered Simply Luxurious, my mouth dropped at her eye for pictures. It's rare to find a blogger that can translate their glamorous taste into every post. I enjoy seeing her creativity in pictures on her lovely blog. So I was thrilled when she agreed to guest post on Under the Sheets~shhh while I finishing the wedding plans... Take it away SL.
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As Laura is off creating memories that will be a part of her love story for years to come, I’d like to share another love story. A story of pursuit, passion, devotion and partnership. Every story has its own unique beginning, every couple will remember it in their own way, because it is theirs and nobody else’s. The funny thing is we can never really plan how our love story will progress and turn out; all we can do is put forth our heart, our trust and work as a team. This is my idea of a perfect love story.

. . .to be pursued, to be sought after and wanted . . .

. . . making the decision, giving into our passions and following our hearts, consequences be damned . . .

. . . allowing both paths to intertwine, letting the adventure begin . . .

. . . a partner to lean on, a partner to share life with, a very special love.

What would be your ideal love story? I’d love to hear, and if you’re living your ideal and would like to share, I’d love to listen. Have a beautiful day! And a tremendous thank you to Laura for welcoming me to guest blog on Under the Sheets . . . shhh. It has been a pleasure.

Calling all love stories: Brides of Cinema

The lovely and talented Bride Chic was kind enough to guest post for us lovelies. Have you been to her blog? She founded the The Design Project of San Francisco, a networking organization of fashion professionals collaborating their skills and talents on projects. And she's been a wonderful supporter of Under the Sheets~shhh. Take it away Amy-Jo.
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Claudette Colbert as Ellie Andrews, Audrey Hepburn as Jo Stockton. No, they weren't real brides but the designers, writers and producers who created them certainly were. Hollywood designers and the actresses who wore their creations influenced the way we look at weddings and fashion today. All the gowns pictured here are works of art and stellar representatives of their times. What could be more 1930s than Robert Kalloch's creation for Claudette Colbert in It Happened One Night? The body-hugging bias cut was still a new, even radical concept in 1934, especially for a wedding gown. During this golden era, it was not Paris anymore as much as Hollywood that decreed fashion. This simple satin gown with florals surrounding the neckline could be found today in a few designer collections. The look has become timeless. Attached to the cap head piece you'll see miles of chiffon netting, a light and airy fabric the designer chose because in this story, Colbert needs to become the runaway bride once she decides Clark Gable is the one. As she runs, the veil, long as it is, lifts and floats beautifully off the ground to produce a kind of 'bride in flight' look.

sourceThe Givenchy on Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face has become a favorite for brides of every decade. When clients bring in inspiration photos so I can get an idea of what they want in a gown, this photo is pulled out often. And sometimes it is not the exact same dress a bride wants so much as 'the look' it evokes, the epitome of pure, flawless design.

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Above is one of the purest, most traditional wedding designs out there (the other is princess Grace's--also by a Hollywood designer, Helen Rose). I'm glad I finally found this image of Julie Andrews in Dorothy Jeakins shantung wedding gown. It's from one of the most beautiful movies ever made, The Sound of Music. Raised in an abbey by cloistered nuns, when Maria marries Captain Von Trapp she marches down the aisle alone. This really touched me when I first saw this movie as a kid. So much so that when my own day came to meet my intended and take my vows, I too walked alone and gave myself away.

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The gown Elizabeth Taylor is wearing was standard for its time. Post war, the world celebrated lifts on fabric restrictions by using vast amounts of it in skirts. Bridal gowns were the ultimate show-off the hourglass shape vehicle. The MGM release of Father of the Bride coincided with Taylor's own real, life nuptials with hotel heir, Nicky Hilton. Both her own and fictional wedding gown was designed by Helen Rose.

Below right is Carrie Bradshaw's Ivory silk taffeta confection. It's actually one of the finale pieces from Vivienne Westwood's 2007 "Wake Up Cave Girl" Collection. Hand picked by Sex in the City stylist, Patricia Field, personally, I was surprised Sara Jessica didn't rate a custom designed gown for her role in the film. I mean heck! Check out Audrey Hepburn. Didn't she have that one-of-a-kind-designed-to-fit-her-character Givenchy tulle wedding dress? The suit on the left would have been my choice . . . but . . .ultimately it was Carrie's as well.
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Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson in Bridal Wars, 2009

There are so many 'must see' movies for brides who want to gather ideas. Some are golden oldies, others like Sex in the City are still less than a year old. All are romantic, all are incredibly inspiring . . . . Most below are out on video or disc/DVD. Watch your favorite and listen to the commentary if there is one--you'll learn so much.

Here are some of my favorites--not necessarily the movie so much as the designs . . .It Happened One Night (1934)Father of the Bride (1950) Father of the Bride (remake 1991) Panama Hattie (1942) Design for Living (1933) The Sound of Music (1965) The Graduate (1967) Penelope (1966)Sex and the City (2008)