May
16
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Beyond the Flavor: Almond Pavé Cake.
I’m at it again. There’s a new blog post up at Beyond the Flavor, and it’s all about my love for Jenny Peterson’s Almond Pavé Cake at Paradox Pastry. This decadent confection has become something I must have every time I visit. Meaning, even if I end up getting something else while there, I’ll buy […]
May
16
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Autumn is 2!
Our baby girl turned two today. She’s been home just over three months, and we’re so excited to celebrate her birthday together as a family.
We sang “Happy Birthday” to her in Mandarin this morning. And, her sweet brother has been showering her with birthday hugs and kisses all day long.
Just a simple celebration planned for tonight. A simple meal, and a few gluten-free goodies that I picked up from Paradox Pastry earlier today.
Thinking of Autumn’s birth parents today and praying for them–they are probably thinking of this darling girl.
English words she speaks:
- All done
- Diaper change
- Up
- Mama
- Daddy / Dada
- Bye Bye
- Hi
- Bath
- See this
- Look here
Mandarin words:
- Ge ge (big brother)
- Mama
- Xie xie (thanks)
ASL words:
- Please
- More
- Eat
- Drink
- All Done
- Poop
- Potty
- Diaper change
But, most of the time she’s just giggling or laughing.
When she first came home, she was pretty content with just sitting and hanging out. Not too long after, she was pretty comfortable cruising and crawling everywhere. Now, I can almost certainly find her digging through my bag or in book shelves where she ought not be. I often hear her singing contentedly–including her “diaper change” song. Yes, she has a song.
Autumn loves to emulate her big brother. Like him, she’s taken to drawing (two fisted) and coloring. She also loves to pour through books. Her favorite times (other than meal times and snack times) are after bath snuggles.
She’s outgrown so many clothes already (this is a GREAT problem!). I haven’t weighed her in 3 weeks, but back then, she’d gained 3 pounds since we brought her home. Yes! Her hair is growing longer, and soon enough, we’ll be able to add hair bows. Woo hoo!
I pray she continues to grow and thrive. She’s such a joy and delight in our lives, and I can barely remember what life was like before she became part of it.
I hope, before she turns 3, she’ll be able to meet her other cousins, grand parents, and great grandparents. So far, those folks have only seen photos and a few Skype sessions.
The happiest of birthdays to Autumn YuChen!
May
16
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ceremony ideas, melaine elizabeth, painted pictures, Wedding invitations, wedding painting
post by Jessica Bullard
Wedding Ceremony Painting & Illustration
I just love one of the wedding trends that I have seen lately…having a painter at your wedding ceremony to create a ‘live painting’ of that special moment when you become husband and wife! It may not always be an option (especially if you’re already married!) so when I came across some beautiful work by a local illustrator this week, I couldn’t help but think that creating an illustration of one of your weddings photos would be an amazing substitute! Enjoy these illustrations by the very talented Melanie Elizabeth! Are you planning to commission a painting of your bridal portraits or wedding day? We’d love to hear about your plans in the comments!
www.paintedpictures.org
www.paintedpictures.org
www.paintedpictures.org
www.paintedpictures.org
www.paintedpictures.org
The post Wedding Ceremony Painting & Illustration appeared first on Charlottesville Wedding Blog.
May
15
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charlottesville wedding, pats floral designs, resources, southern blooms by pat's floral designs, wedding planning
post by Jeannine Smith for Southern Blooms
Three Ways to Having a Wedding During Cicada Season
Do you remember the last time the cicadas from Brood II graced us with their presence in huge numbers? They came, they sang, they mated, and they scurried away pretty quickly. For the month or so that they come out of the ground, they join countless outdoor events as surprise guests. Some of this summer’s brides started worrying about how they’d deal with cicadas on their wedding day months ago. Now that the critters have been spotted west of Charlottesville, we thought we’d suggest a few ways to adjust your plans this summer.
Southern Blooms by Pat’s Floral Designs
1. Seek out wide, open spaces
Cicadas tend to congregate with their friends in trees. So while you might be tempted to seat your guests under a canopy of trees so they are shaded from the summer sun, it might be best to seek out wide, open spaces during the height of cicada season.
Image by Jen Fariello Photography
2. Call in the tentsIf your heart is set on being outdoors on your big day, a tent might be a way to help stop too many members of that fabulous Brood II from dropping into the party. Consider renting a sound system just in case the cicadas decide to serenade you while you say your vows!
Image by Jen Fariello Photography
3. Move Inside
Ultimately, it might be best to move your ceremony and reception inside. If you envisioned being surrounded by nature, reach out to your floral designers to see how they can help.
Image by Holland Photo Arts
Are you getting married this summer? Have the Brood II cicadas been on your mind? Has the potential presence on your big day changed your plans?
The post Three Ways to Having a Wedding During Cicada Season appeared first on Charlottesville Wedding Blog.
May
15
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anniversary, b&w, black and white, culpeper, film, Love, medium format, navy, rolleiflex, string lights
post by Tammy Keefer
John and Julie: Fifty Years
Happy anniversary John and Julie!
