The Way We Do Things

I tend to get domestic right before bedtime. My parents can attest to this. 11 PM rolls around and suddenly I'm in the mood to do the dishes I was complaining about doing at 7. Sadly, for me, I didn't always have the freedom to do the dishes whenever I felt like it, I had to do them when my parents felt like it was time for me to do them...Which was usually at the "normal" time called "right after supper". ;)

All that to explain why at 11:30 PM I'm emptying the dishwasher that has held clean dishes in it since last night. And why I'll probably be washing the other dishes still in the sink after I post this blog. And why the pile of Aedan's toys and the blanket lying on the couch in my peripheral vision is driving me nuts even as I type.

For the record, I do not have OCD. I have been accused of this since being caught in college sorting my M&Ms by color before eating them. But I am not OCD. If I was, I would always sort my M&Ms and I would probably always eat them in the same color order, neither of which I do consistently, though I do like to eat the warm colors before the greens and blues.

I do however have "methods". Especially in my kitchen. Ok, perhaps only in my kitchen. ... No, pretty much all over the house. The toothpaste has a "spot". My hairbrush has a "spot". The washcloths are usually all folded so that the fold faces out when they're put away. I think it looks neater. When I clean up Aedan's toys, the tall ones go in back and the short ones are lined up in front. The blanket on the ocuch goes on a certain way and the pillow goes in a certain corner, "just so".

And the dishwasher is loaded and unloaded according to the best method for getting as much in it as absolutely possible. And, I will confess, if someone other than myself tries to do me a favor by filling the dishwasher or putting dishes away in the cabinets--thank you by the way, I appreciate the gesture--I always re-do it. I confess. I always do.

And I was planning on telling you more about this, but Aedan has just decided to start crying and by the time that's taken care of, it will be past midnight and I will no longer have time to write a blog about how I organize my kitchen cabinets.

So goodnight. :)

The Fashion Code

THE FASHION CODE

Would you wear jeans to your senior prom? A sweatshirt to your graduation? Of course not! Whether you’re punk or glam, a tom-boy or a princess, it’s important to know the etiquette of what to wear, and what not to wear, when you attend a special event. Different events have different dress “codes”. Know the code, and you will always know what to wear.

Why Are There Rules? Etiquette tells us what is appropriate and what is not. Dress etiquette has four major codes, formal, semi-formal, informal, and casual. These labels can be used in the invitation itself or hinted at through the event location and time of day. For example, a wedding held in the evening in a cathedral or country club would be formal and an afternoon wedding held outdoors would be casual.

Why Does it Matter? Special occasions wouldn’t be as special if the guests didn’t make an extra effort to look nice. Imagine you’re having a birthday party. You bought a new dress for the occasion, you painted your nails a complimentary shade, and you’re wearing a cute pair of wedge sandals to show them off. When your guests arrive in the same jeans they wore to school that morning, how do you feel? Taking a bit more time in your appearance shows respect for the host and lets them know you take the event seriously. After all, they took the time to invite you.

Formal Attire Preferred. Formal events are the rarest and the easiest to identify. Look for the clue on the invitation; often it will have “Black Tie”, “White Tie”, or “Formal Attire Preferred” written at the bottom. Evening weddings in formal venues, military or political functions, and high school proms are examples of formal events. When choosing what to wear, take your cue from the actresses who walk the red carpet at the Oscars. Floor length gowns, dressy heels, a small purse, and carefully styled hair are musts. If you are wearing a sleeveless or strapless dress and want a more glamorous look, wear long white gloves. Just remember to take them off before you eat!

Semi-Formal Events. “Semi” is a Latin prefix meaning “half”, so semi-formal events are ones that are still very dressy, but tuxedos and evening dresses are considered overdressed. Typically if an event does not include a request for formal attire or casual dress, then it is semi-formal. Another clue comes from the alternative name for semi-formal, “After Five”. If the event is held in the evening and it is not formal, you should wear semi-formal attire. Some examples of semi-formal events include weddings, holiday parties, school dances, and funerals. The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is a perfect example of a semi-formal event. The guests wore knee-length or longer dresses, skirts, or dress suits paired with nice shoes (heels not required), and many wore hats or fascinators which are delicate, slightly frivolous headpieces (usually made of flowers or feathers) attached to a thin headband. A small purse is also appropriate for carrying small items like lipstick and your keys. If you don’t like to wear dresses, a pant suit or dressy slacks and a blouse are proper alternatives.

Informal versus Casual: What’s the Difference? There is a lot of confusion about these two fashion codes since they both have several subcategories, which is why they are the hardest events to dress for. Most fashion experts agree that informal is similar to semi-formal, though a little less fancy. A good rule of thumb is to make your decision based on the event. If it is a wedding, go informal with a dress, suit, or a skirt and blouse. If it’s an evening event (not a wedding), wear your “Little Black Dress” (LBD) with a light wrap. If the special event is held during the day, on the beach, or in a barn, just to name a few, go for casual. The casual dress code can also be called “dressy casual” or “business casual” which means a blouse or nice sweater, dressy pants or skirt, and a cute pair of wedge sandals or ballet flats. A nice pair of jeans, preferably dark wash, may be worn if paired with a dressy top and shoes. However, never wear jeans to a wedding or a funeral as it is seen as disrespectful.

What About my Style? If dresses and skirts just aren’t your thing, or you’re concerned about looking like everyone else, use color to make a statement. Show your individuality with patterns, colors, and accessories. Add jewelry—either an eye-catching necklace with smaller earrings or a dazzling pair of earrings and a bare neck. If you like to go wild with eye shadow, choose a palette that compliments your eye color but doesn’t match your dress. The same rule applies to nail polish. Choose a shade that compliments your dress color or matches an accent color (a secondary color in your dress or a metallic gold or silver). A classic French manicure is always a good choice when you don’t know what color to use. Finish your look with a natural lip color. If you prefer a bold red or pink lip, choose natural eye shades that won’t compete for attention. Top off your look with a unique hat or fascinator and a small bag or clutch in a wild print or metallic fabric. The only rule with accessories is to be sure they finish your look, not compete with each other, and that they are appropriate for the party venue.

What Not to Wear. Tee shirts, shorts, tennis shoes, and flip flops are not appropriate for the majority of special events, with the exception of some birthday parties and outdoor barbeques. It’s usually considered better to show up in a summery dress and sandals than to arrive in shorts and a tank top. When in doubt ask your host or hostess, or bring a change of clothes in a beach bag or large purse. For most semi-formal and informal parties, a little black dress (LBD) is considered appropriate combined with some colorful accessories, but choose a dress in a seasonal color or fun print when attending a wedding. Wearing black to a wedding, unless you’re a bridesmaid, is still considered a sign of disapproval. Avoid all white outfits as well since it’s seen as disrespectful of the bride. Even though flower girls, and now bridesmaids thanks to the Middleton sisters, can wear white, their dresses have been chosen by the bride and yours has not.

Be Fabulous! As the song says, “you’re never fully dressed without a smile!” Choose clothes and colors you love and that look good on you. People will notice! Pair your outfits with accessories that are tasteful, yet also fun and that show off your personality. Know the code and you will always be fabulous!

The Royal Wedding, Part 4

6:56 AM

1156: Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, Pippa Middleton and Mr and Mrs Middleton follow the couple into the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor for the signings.

1158: Sarah Bell BBC News, in central London With impeccable timing, the sun has come out in central London. :)

The choir is singing. I'm going to make breakfast and say good morning to my husband. :)

7:01 Whew! Just in time! The parents return to their seats...

1159: The future queen's dress has been praised as "elegant and chic" by German couturier Karl Lagerfeld. He told French TV: "It's very pretty, and relatively classic, but that goes with the decor, with a little touch of the 1950s."

The clergy exit...

Fanfare!

1204: A further fanfare sounds, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk down the aisle.

A curtsy to the Queen...

1205: The London Chamber Orchestra is playing Crown Imperial as the couple, holding hands, bow to the Queen.

The Queen, Catherine's mom, and Camilla look marvelous and can't stop smiling. :)

1212: As the newlyweds get into their carriage, the BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, outside the abbey, notes that despite predictions, the rain has held off in London.

Waiting as guests leave. Breakfast time!

The Royal Wedding, Part 3

6:24 AM: Catherine's brother James gives the Scripture reading from Romans 1. Excellent reading and wonderful Scripture choice.

6:26: I'm going to miss some while I go get Aedan...

6:28: Ok, choir is singing again. I just love the song choice...Have I mentioned that?

1128: The choir now sing an anthem by John Rutter has been especially composed for this service.

Oh and have I also mentioned Aedan slept from 7:30-10, then 11:30 PM till 6:20 AM?! Yay Aedan!!!

1134: Professional lipreader Tina Lannin tells the Press Association that Prince William cracked a joke to his future father-in-law at the altar, telling him: "We were supposed to have just a small family affair."

6:32: The message

1134: Richard Chartres, Lord Bishop of London, is now giving an address. He says many people are feaful of the prospects for the world. But this is a joyful day, it is good that people in every continent are able to share. This day is a day of hope, he says.

With the exceptions of my wedding and my sister's, this is one of my favorite wedding messages. There are some fabulous lines.

6:40 Singing again.

6:44: The Lord's Prayer and other prayers from different denominations.

The prayers seem a lot shorter than Charles and Diana's wedding...Though maybe they're just doing it differently.

1147: The Dean of Westminster reads a blessing for them, followed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
1148: Jerusalem, by William Blake, is now sung.

6:51 Trumpet fanfare

"God Save the Queen"

6:53 The family goes up to leave for the signing of the register.

1154: The couple and witnesses move to a side chapel for the signing of the wedding registers. Three registers must be signed - two for the abbey and one royal register.

Some beautiful shots of the cathedral as the choir sings.

Time for breakfast!

To be continued in Part 4...

The Royal Wedding, Part 2

5:46 AM: The Queen and Prince Philip leave Buckingham Palace!

The Queen looks radiant in a lovely yellow dress and hat. Philip is dashing as always in a red uniform.

Trumpet fanfare for the Queen.

5:51 Everyone stands for the processional of Charles, Camilla, followed by the Queen and Prince Philip.


5:52 AM:
1052: We can now see Kate inside the car. Her hair is down, she's wearing a veil, and we can see her dress has long lace sleeves.

YES!!!!!!!

1053: Miss Middleton is now waving at the crowds - just caught a glimpse of a tiara under her veil.

1050: Marie Claire UK tweets: Kate Middleton has left the Goring and her hair is DOWN. Repeat, the Middleton mane is flowing free #royalwedding

Attendants arrive....ADORABLE! Love the dresses!

Pippa looks amazing!

Clinton Kelly says Kate's neckline is "stunning"...SO EXCITED!!!!!

Here she comes!!!!

The crowds are going crazy.

AH, LOVE the dress! Shorter veil, but long train! :)

103: She is now walking into the abbey on her father's arm. The dress has a long full skirt, the top is a fitted bodice with long French Chantilly lace sleeves. The tiara has been loaned to Kate by the Queen. The train is 2.17m long.
1101: Miss Middleton gets out of the car and we get a full view of the dress - which we now know was designed by Sarah Burton.
6:02 AM Show time!

William looks so happy. I love the processional, a coronation theme called "I Was Glad".

1112: Kate has lifted her veil. The Guardian newspaper reported that Prince William said "you look beautiful" when she arrived at his side.

6:10 AM "Come, O Thou Great Jehovah". I love this song, it's so elegant and the words are so powerful.

I love the formality. :)

No mistakes in the vows. ;)

1117: Catherine, taking Prince William by his right hand, says after the Archbishop: I, Catherine Elizabeth, take thee, William Arthur Philip Louis, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.

Still don't quite understand why William doesn't want to wear a wedding ring. :(

1118: The Archbishop blesses the ring: Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that he who gives it and she who shall wear it may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favour, and live together in love until their lives' end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

6:21 AM: Singing again. Sun is rising here and Aedan is just beginning to make noises again. I don't think I'll miss much if I have to go get him now. Thank you my darling son for sleeping through the most important parts!!! :)

All my copy/pastes have been from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13132410

The Royal Wedding, Part 1

4:30 AM Woke up, made a pot of tea in my pretty china, and turned on my computer.

The Queen announced she has bestowed William the Dukedom of Cambridge. (Yes!) William and Catherine, will now be known as HRH William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. Pleased as punch as this was my favorite of the available titles! :)

The British Monarchy
The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince William of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus. Prince William thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Miss Catherine Middleton on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge

4:45 PM Wedding preparations and watching guests arrive at Westminster Abbey.

Oh there's Elton John! Wearing a light yellow waistcoat and purple tie with his morning suit.

Seeing some beautiful hats and fascinators.

Whoa! I don't know who that lady is, but that is an intense purple and lime ensemble!

Loooove that pink one! Pretty!

Beckham looks smashing, but Victoria looks like she's wearing a gray sack. :(

4:54 AM: "0953: Just to keep you up to speed on the timetable. We're expecting William and Harry at the abbey by 1015 BST. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are due at 1042 and the Queen and Prince Philip at 1045"

4:58 AM: Seeing a lot of gray, aqua, and pink on the ladies.

5:01 AM: It's like the Oscars watching these ladies walk up the carpet. Everything from Oh cute, Very nice, or Oh my gosh she DIDN'T!

Oh honey, that is SO not a good color on you!

There are live trees inside the knave. Gives it a elegantly fun look.

5:03: British PM and his wife, David and Samantha Cameron, arrive. She's wearing a short-sleeved fitted jade green dress, with jeweled hair clip instead of a hat, and he's wearing a blue tie. Very nice.

5:07 Aedan hasn't made a peep since 11:30. This is very peculiar.

Oh, Greensleeves is playing!

There is some white, black, and red outfits too. Interesting.

The prelude music is lovely. The strings are beautiful.

5:15 AM: William & Harry leave Clarence House dressed in their military uniforms. (Yay!)

5:18: Amidst tons of cheers, bells, and flag waving, William and Harry arrive. Harry is in a black military uniform and William is wearing red with a blue sash-thing. His uniform reminds me of the one Prince Albert wore when he married Victoria. <3

Harry looks tired. Will looks rested and happy. :)

"Prince William has chosen to wear the uniform of Colonel of the Irish Guards on his Wedding Day. Prince William, who is commissioned in all three Armed Services, and who has served actively with the Army (The Household Cavalry Regiment) and with the Royal Air Force (Search and Rescue Force), chose to wear the uniform of his senior honorary appointment in the Army.
Prince Harry will wear the uniform of a Captain of the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals)."

5:28 Carole Middleton and her son James have just left the Goring.

5:30 AM: 30 minutes till show time! (approximately 20 minutes till the first dress glimpse!)

5:31 AM: Carole and James Middleton arrive looking very nice, Carole in a light blue --almost gray-looking--dress and matching hat.

5:35 AM Military processionals.

5:38 Andrew, Duke of York, and his daughters, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, leave the Palace.

Choir assembles and walks up the aisle.

Bells are constantly ringing now.

The Duke and Duchess of Kent, etc. arrive

Ok, girls. Odd hats. Very odd.

5:42: William's uncles Edward and Andrew have arrived with their families. Princess Anne is also here.

5:43 AM: Prince Charles and Camilla arrive.

Waiting on the Queen now, then Kate's dress!!!

I do's and don'ts for wedding guests

A great article from www.post-gazette.com. I believe it was posted in March 2007, but nothing has changed. ;)

Monday, March 12, 2007
By Lesley Kennedy, Scripps Howard News Service

Take this pledge on the road to better guest-dom

I, (your name here), take responsibility to respond to wedding invitations promptly and to refrain from bringing uninvited guests.

I promise to abstain from wearing white or something too sexy or something too casual, like (gasp!) shorts, and will dress appropriately for the occasion.

I pledge to give a thoughtful toast that is not degrading or embarrassing, but respectful and heartfelt.

I will give you a gift you can use and will appreciate in a timely manner.

Above all, I vow to be a gracious wedding guest, through sickness and in health, from this day forward, as long as I stay on wedding invitation lists.

To stave off unseemly embarrassments, fashion faux pas or other etiquette mishaps, we offer these vows to help renew your position as the perfect wedding guest:

Invitation etiquette:
Those invitations are sent out for a reason: The paying party needs to know how many people will be attending. Some general tips from the wedding experts at www.theknot.com:

RSVP is short for, "Repondez, s'il vous plait," which means, simply, "Please respond." That means you should respond either way, whether you're able to make it or not. If the couple has included a response card or postcard with the invitation, it's easy: Just send the card back, saying you will or will not attend. "Regrets" or "Regrets Only" means that only guests who can't make it need to respond.

Respond as soon as you get the invitation. The couple needs a final head count no later than two weeks before the wedding. And let the hosts know if you must cancel at the last minute; don't just not show up.

Don't assume you can invite a date (unless it says "and Guest") and/or bring along your children or other family members whose names are not explicitly included on the invitation.

Toast tips:
What's a wedding without a touching toast or two? Some do's and don'ts from Peggy Post's Wedding Etiquette:

The best man gives the first toast. It's perfectly fine for his to be the only one offered. Often, both fathers offer welcome toasts to each other's families and guests. The maid or matron of honor and other members of the bridal party may propose toasts, and the groom may toast his bride and new parents-in-law. We say the bride should toast her husband and new parents-in-law as well.

Everyone should rise for the toasts to the newlyweds except the bride and groom, who remain seated. If a toast is directed to the bride only, the groom rises; if it is directed to their parents, both the bride and groom rise. They do not drink a toast to themselves.

Wedding toasts are best prepared ahead of time, as you may be more nervous or emotional than you might expect. Keep what you say short and to the point -- the spotlight should be on the bride and groom. Comments should be in keeping with the occasion. This is not the time for long stories and humorous anecdotes. Those are more appropriate at the rehearsal dinner.

What to wear:
Dressing for a summer wedding can be tricky, especially if it's held outdoors. You don't want to melt, but you don't want to look too casual, either.

Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, in their book "What Not to Wear for Every Occasion," suggest the following for women:

For day: a floaty summer dress that flatters the body shape, along with a hat that picks out the palest color in the dress (not the darkest) and a key accessory, such as a large cuff bracelet or signature clutch. Shoes can be sexy, but should give enough support to walk on grass. You don't want to get stuck in the mud.

For evening: A sexy dress to dance in, along with a slinky cardigan and fab evening bag. If you opt for a shorter dress, look for detailing, such as sequin details, to make it still seem formal.

And on the oft-asked question of whether wearing white is OK at a wedding? Just don't go there. There are plenty of other options, and there's no need to compete with the bride.

As for the guys, when in doubt, wear a suit. If the invitation says black tie, dress in a tuxedo. But if it doesn't specify the type of attire, says www.askmen.com, base your decision on the time of day.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07071/758448-355.stm#ixzz1KgaAW03b