A weekend filled with sunny days and mild nights is the perfect opportunity to tackle outdoor projects. Last weekend Jared and my dad decided to redo one of our backyard decks.

Phase 1: Demolition!

Break time! A quick pause from the hard work to race around the yard with Miles.

Phase 2: Rebuild!

(But only after a long trip to Home Depot so the gentlemen could purchase wood and then figure out how to fit the new boards into the Jeep to drive home.)

Jared was responsible for screwing the new boards onto the old deck frame. Even with some minor setbacks including a dead battery and running out of screws, he did a great job completing the project.

Miles served as the Construction Manager throughout the weekend’s yard work. Ever the watchful corgi, he made sure that Jared and my dad did their best to build a new deck for him.

What I Wore… Maxin’ and Relaxin’

• When: Monday, May 14th
• Where: Errands and chores around the house
• What: Black tank top (J. Crew outlet), grey maxi skirt (Target), black flip flops (Haviana), bangle bracelets (Alex and Ani), glasses (Warby Parker)

Warning: Cleaning the house in a flowy skirt may create a Cinderalla mindset. I found myself dancing and twirling more than usual as I tidied up my room.

Last minute outfit adjustments…

What I Wore… Because I Have an Orange Crush

• When: Sunday, May 13th
• Where: South End Buttery and SoWa Open Market for a blogger meetup and then Mother’s Day celebrations with my family
• What: Royal striped tank top (J. Crew), chambray button down (J. Crew outlet), neon orange shorts (J. Crew), grey purse (J. Crew), flip flops (Haviana), bangle bracelets (Alex and Ani)

I definitely have an orange crush. Neon is a fun trend so these bright orange shorts are sure to be a flashy staple in my summer wardrobe.

Three times each year, the town of Brimfield hosts a super sized antiques show. The Brimfield Antiques Show began in the 1950s and it is the largest and best known antiques show in the country. While it could easily take 2 days to explore the entire show, my mom and I only had two hours to hunt for treasures.

Our first Brimfield experience was a success! Mom and I left our house early so we would avoid the traffic and the crowds. There were so many tents and vendors that we were afraid we’d get lost in a maze of antiques. We browsed, bargained, and left with all the items we had been looking for. By the time we headed back home at 11:30 am, most parking lots were full and the traffic was backed over for several miles.

No matter what you’re looking for, yard-junk or precious vintage items, there’s a very good chance you’ll find it at Brimfield. We saw items of every size, shape, culture, color, and price point.

The Brimfield Antiques Show will be back from July 10-15. I’m already looking forward to my second trip. This time I’m hoping to take better photos of the thousands of vendors and their dusty, rusty wares. I was so in awe during my first visit that I kept forgetting to reach for my camera; these 12 photos were the only images I captured. While I was on a shopping mission for old forks during this Brimfield trip, I’ve yet to decide what my treasure I’ll be hunting for in July.

What I Wore… Sleeveless Blouse w/ a Crazy Ruffled Collar

• When: Friday, May 11th
• Where: Dinner with fiancé and my parents at Ichigo Ichie
• What: Red silk sleeveless blouse (J. Crew outlet), sheer striped sweater (Madewell), cropped toothpick jeans (J. Crew outlet), navy patent leather flats (Banana Republic), bangle bracelets (Alex and Ani)

Photo shoot was cut short because my right index finger was bleeding profusely. Wahhh, I always cause problems when I try to clip my own cuticles.

Because it’s Mother’s Day…

Because I couldn’t resist….

Because you’re awesome…

I Love You Mom!!!

On Thursday night, Tiffany & Co. asked a group of Boston bloggers to visit the Chestnut Hill Mall location. We were invited to the store to learn about the new Rubedo Metal Designs that are part of the Tiffany 1837 collection.

“In honor of its 175th anniversary, Tiffany & Co. unveils RUBEDO™ metal, a new jeweler’s metal. RUBEDO™ metal is the first such creation in Tiffany’s history and takes its place among the most beautiful metals in the world. In the medieval philosophy of alchemy, Rubedo was the title of the very highest achievement, when matter and spirit fused to create something of rare beauty.”

“This triumph is perfectly expressed in Tiffany’s new RUBEDO™ metal. Metallurgists experimented with different alloys over a long testing period until they achieved the desired color, radiant with the glow of “first light” that awakens a sense of wonder and ennobles the spirit. In addition, this unique alloy is lightweight yet strong, polishes to a smooth luster and is exceptionally flattering to the skin.” (source)

I love the copper/rosy glow of the Rubedo metal. It looks especially beautiful in the jewelry pieces that also feature shiny sterling silver.

Since I was already at Tiffany’s, I had to take some time to wander the store and admire the other items that can be wrapped in that pretty blue box.

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.

Like a moth to a flame, I’m drawn to anything that sparkles and shines. Jewelry from Tiffany & Co. is timeless and elegant, and always a constant presence on my Wish List.

Day 6: 25 minute run on the treadmill

Day 7: 25 minute run on the treadmill

Day 8: 50 pushups/50 crunches

Day 9: 50 pushups/50 crunches/50 squats

Day 10: 22 minute run on the treadmill

What I Wore… Because I was Attending StyleFixx

• When: Wednesday, May 9th
• Where: Appointment at Skin Health and then the StyleFixx event at the Cyclorama
• What: Abstract floral blouse (J. Crew outlet), pink denim (GAP), grey flats (Juicy Couture), grey jacket (J. Crew outlet)

My corgi stylist recommended that I wear a jacket just in case I got chilly.

Miles is a tough critic. I think this outfit met his approval.

My Rochester Bridal Shower was a such a great experience. Thirty five of our closest friends and family from New York, plus the brave few who drive from Massachusetts, gathered at Jared’s parents’ house to celebrate our August wedding.

The house was filled with sunflowers, dried lavender, photos of Jared and me, and love. So much love!

Jared was excited to experience the Bridal Shower. At our co-ed shower, my groom was thrown into the midst of the festivities. He happily sat and opened gifts, holding each one high above his head for the crowd to see.

My mom was happy to photograph her daughter and son-in-law to be. She captured some wonderful memories, and many of Jared’s silly expressions.

In true Rochester fashion, we feasted on delicious barbecue. I ate heaps of pulled pork, and even packed some leftovers in a small cooler so I could bring them back to Massachusetts. (Those with hearty appetites also ventured out for late night Garbage Plates!)

I hope our ear to ear grins show how very happy and grateful Jared and I were for the friends and family who showered us with gifts and wedding well wishes.

Happy Rochester Bridal Shower!