tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38984565859278967202024-03-14T04:03:47.318-04:00Bonte RueBonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.comBlogger336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-88649899384410451512016-11-02T10:35:00.001-04:002016-11-08T08:20:07.511-05:00When you lose someone you love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw27SH0PPcg/WBixvcb6eCI/AAAAAAAAJMU/_eYmuJ4Be2ocLF5GrxKLW0rmY0ILfO1rwCEw/s1600/IMG_8794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kw27SH0PPcg/WBixvcb6eCI/AAAAAAAAJMU/_eYmuJ4Be2ocLF5GrxKLW0rmY0ILfO1rwCEw/s640/IMG_8794.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
I sat on the exam table, a thousand thoughts swirling through my head, her words not really registering.<br />
<br />
<i>What are you saying?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There's really no heartbeat?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Can you check again?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>That can't be right. I've been SO sick. For weeks and weeks AND weeks. I'm so close to 12 weeks, so close to coming out of the zombie-exhaustion + nausea stage. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How could there be no heartbeat?!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Moments before, we were excitedly talking about baby no 2, scheduled to arrive at the end of April. We'd been waiting and anticipating this day for the last month. We were so excited to finally see this little baby and hear his heartbeat. We talked about Margot being a big sister, how we didn't want to find out the sex of the baby this time, wondering if their labors would be the same or different, and how we all hoped I wouldn't have to push again for 3 hours.<br />
<br />
As we wrapped up this part of the appointment, the midwife said, "Lets get to the fun part and look at your baby." I was 11 weeks + 1 day pregnant. I laid back on the table feeling excited and a little nervous. She squirted warm goop onto my stomach and began rolling the sonogram wand around in circles. She was having trouble seeing enough of the baby to get a good measurement. The same thing happened when I was pregnant with Margot. They said it was due to my backward-tilted uterus. Baby was probably hiding again. <i>Or so I thought.</i><br />
<br />
She decided to do a transvaginal ultrasound to see if she could get the images she needed that way. After what seemed like an eternity of her looking at the monitor and not saying much, I got the feeling that something was wrong. My husband squeezed my hand and our faces searched the screen for a good sign. We were finally able to see our sweet little baby and the midwife got her measurements. At this point, we didn't know that she wasn't seeing a heartbeat or that we were supposed to be seeing tiny hands and feet moving, because who can really see much on those fuzzy screens anyways. She commented that baby was only measuring 10 weeks, not 11 weeks + 1 day. We must have calculated my due date wrong. <i>Or so I thought. </i><br />
<br />
"We should be seeing more movement from the baby at this stage of the pregnancy," she said. Baby looked small, kind of curled up in a little ball. She said the heartbeat is usually a very visible flicker on the chest and she wasn't seeing that either. She slipped out of the room to get another midwife to take a look. Lee whispered a quick prayer when it was just the two of us.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Lord, let there be a heartbeat. Please let them find a heartbeat. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>Another midwife came in to take a look. She said the same thing, which still wasn't registering in my head. I kept thinking, so <i>what are you saying to us?</i> And then it hit me. <i>My baby's heart had stopped</i>. I stared blankly at the screen, not wanting to believe what they were telling me. The midwife called the doctor affiliated with the birth center to see if we could come in for a second ultrasound. They told her the ultrasound tech was in that day and to have us come right over. My midwife grabbed my hands, looked right at my face and said, "It's not looking good." She hugged me and said, "I'm so sorry. I want them to double check across the street, but it doesn't appear that baby has a heartbeat anymore. It looks like it happened sometime within the last few days."<br />
<br />
They left the room. My husband put his arm around me and pulled my body to his chest. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks. <i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How was this happening to us? This wasn't the news I was expecting to hear today, to hear ever. I didn't want to believe it.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I was scheduled to have a D&C two days later, but got a call from the surgery center telling me all surgeries had been canceled due to the impending Hurricane Matthew storm, and that we'd have to reschedule. Lee was leaving on a 2 week work trip to Asia the following Wednesday (one week later), so we didn't exactly have a lot of time to reschedule. After a quick consult with the doctor the following morning, we loaded our stuff into the car, and with the rest of Charleston evacuated for the approaching storm. We headed to NC to spend the weekend with my in-laws.<br />
<br />
The next week was the hardest week of my life. Carrying a baby I knew we'd lost for an entire week felt like torture. I was heartbroken, anxious, nervous, sad, in denial. I wanted the baby out. I wanted to still be pregnant. I wanted my baby back, alive. I knew when we got pregnant again, it would never be <i>this</i> baby and I wanted to have THIS baby. I was full of so many emotions but felt numb at the same time. I was experiencing a missed miscarriage. Our baby's heart had stopped sometime in the 10th week but my body hadn't recognized it yet. It was still releasing pregnancy hormones and I still felt pregnant. Supposedly it can take weeks for your body to recognize a pregnancy loss, and at this point, I felt angry at my body that it hadn't yet. I was still taking my anti-nausea medicine (the only way I'd been able to function the last 2 months) and STILL felt nauseous. That night I cried myself to sleep on my husband's chest feeling so sick I thought I would throw up and so sad that it was for no reason. I had no cramping, no bleeding, no sign that anything was wrong at all. I still couldn't believe this was happening. I have never cried so much in my life as I cried that week.<br />
<br />
The emotions seemed to come in waves. They still do. The night before my surgery was very hard and full of so many tears (more like sobs). After an extremely difficult week of wanting the whole thing to be over with, I suddenly wanted to freeze time. It felt so final. That night we were saying goodbye to this sweet little baby that had breezed through our lives for a brief 3 months. I remember thinking <i>this is the last night I will carry him until Heaven</i>. Even though we weren't planning to find out the sex of the baby, I wanted to know so badly then. My heart ached to hold him and knowing I wouldn't be able to just crushed me. We sat on the couch together, crying and talking and crying some more. I cried and cried until I finally fell asleep.<br />
<br />
The thing about hard things is we never think they'll happen to us. Or at least we hope they won't happen to us. I never thought miscarriage would be a part of my story. I never imagined losing a baby I loved so much before I got the chance to meet and know and hold that baby. My mom had 8 kids and never had one. My two older sisters have 5 and 3 kids and neither have had one. I thought it would be the same for me.<br />
<i><br /></i>I realized that day how little control we have over our lives. As much as we think we do, we don't. Life is fragile, a very precious gift. Our days are numbered and we don't get to know that number. Our babies days are numbered, and we don't get to know that number either. One minute there's a heartbeat and the next it is gone. Just like that.<br />
<br />
Grieving is a process, or so I'm learning, and I'm still walking through it. The past month has been very sad (hard, unexpected), but I've also experienced an incredible love and comfort like never before. I know God is still good and kind and faithful. And I know Him now personally as the Comforter, my Comforter. I've always heard about that aspect of Him, but now I know it in a very real way. I know that even in the midst of hard things, painful things, He doesn't leave us alone. I've been undone by that realization this last month. He's been present and loved me through people being present and loving me. Cards sent, meals dropped off, gifts in the mail, flowers delivered, free babysitting, my sister and mom coming to visit so I wasn't physically alone while Lee was gone. Each and every act of kindness has made me feel so loved and a little less alone. It makes me cry to think about.<br />
<br />
Loss is such a weird thing to experience. I've had grandparents and friends pass away, but I've never experienced a loss so personal, from my own body, a part of me. I've been surprised a lot the last month. I am surprised at the deep, deep love I have for this tiny baby even though we've never met. I love him a lot. I loved him before he was even growing inside of me. I waited and prayed and anticipated this pregnancy, for some reason worried we wouldn't be able to get pregnant (even though we had no trouble the first time), relieved when we did a couple months later, but never in a million years expecting the loss to come.<br />
<br />
I am surprised at how real the loss has felt. In my head, miscarrying was different than losing a child, spouse, parent, or grandparent. The baby wasn't born yet, and I guess in my head, it didn't really count as much. I imagined it was sad, but probably not that sad. And miscarriage IS a different kind of loss, a different kind of sadness. But now I realize that the size of the baby doesn't make the loss any less painful or real. It's very real and very personal. No one else will feel the loss in the same way, which is why walking through miscarriage can feel so isolating and lonely.<br />
<br />
I am surprised at how hard it's been to be around people since experiencing this loss. How do I begin answer the "How are you doing?" question I get asked so often. I feel good some days, great some days, and really sad some days. And sometimes I feel all three in the same day. It seems so emotionally draining to try explain what I've been through (although I feel less and less like this the more time that passes) to people who may not even understand.<br />
<br />
I am surprised that I think about our baby all the time (like my mind is consumed with thoughts of this baby). Wondering who he was, what his personality would've been like, what he would've looked like, etc. I think I'll always think about him. He's part of Lee, part of me, a part of our family, and we can't wait to meet him one day.<br />
<br />
I am surprised at how many people share similar stories of loss and heartbreak. Statistically, 15-20% of women will experience a miscarriage, which is approximately 1 in 6 women. Now I was one of those women, and as I shared our news, friends started opening up to me about their own miscarriages. It felt like every time I turned around I was hearing someone else's story of loss. I suddenly had this intense desire to read and know as many of these stories as possible. I spent numerous nights scouring the web, reading blogs and articles, and talking to friends. Something about it made me feel less alone in my grief. It made this process feel more normal. These people had experienced the same thing I was going through. They had found healing and were able to move on in their own time and in their own way. Their words though sad, were also helpful and hopeful. I felt like I had suddenly joined a secret club within the motherhood club.<br />
<br />
A few weekend's ago, I was at a women's event at our church when a friend pulled me aside, gave me a big hug, and asked me how I was doing. Up until then, I thought I was doing pretty good. But suddenly, I burst into tears. I felt fragile and tender, quick to cry, deeply feeling so many emotions. On the surface, I felt ok. Physically, I was finally starting to feel ok. But deep down, I was sad. She said a few things that night about grief and miscarriage (having experienced her own) that were so freeing and comforting to hear:<br />
<br />
<i>You're not alone.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There's not right or wrong way to grieve. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There's no 'normal' way to feel. Whatever you're feeling is okay.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There's no timeline for grieving. </i><i>Take as long as you need. For real! There's no hurry. It's not a race.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>It's ok if you want to cry. It's ok if you want to hangout and be normal. It's okay to do both!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And some people may not understand and that's ok too. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I got in my car and couldn't stop crying.<br />
<i><br /></i>
The hardest part after the initial loss is the continued loss I experience as I keep on living. I'm grieving the baby we lost, but I'm also grieving the loss of all we expected life to look like in this season. It's hard when you anticipate your future looking a certain way, and suddenly all those changes you thought were going to take place are gone, and all is back to normal. It's the the 'would have been' moments that seem to pop up unexpectedly and often. <i>I would have been 15 weeks pregnant this week. I would have been pregnant at Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. We would have gone on a baby-moon in January. I would have been pregnant with my friends and we would have had babies close together. We would have welcomed home our 2nd baby in the spring. Margot and this baby would have been 2 years and a few months a part. </i>Every time someone posts a pregnancy announcement or baby bump photo, my heart aches just a little bit because I no longer am. That is the hard part now. The moving on with life, even though it's different than we imagined it would be at the present. I am constantly having to adjust my perspective.<br />
<br />
I am so (so, so, so) grateful for our Margot James. Every time I feel sad, or my heart aches, or I miss this baby we lost, I scoop up our joyful, spunky, dolly of a girl, and hold her tight. She's such a gift and joy to us, and a daily reminder of His faithfulness.<br />
<i><br /></i>
I never would have chosen to go through this, but am grateful none-the-less to have carried this life for the 3 months I did. It's changed me forever. We love you baby. You're a part of us and we will miss you every single day until we meet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*I say <i>he</i> as I write this, although we didn't know the sex of our baby. We both felt like it was a boy when we found out we were pregnant, so saying <i>he</i> just seems right.<br />
<br />
<br />Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-9544215414620496342015-03-06T11:08:00.000-05:002015-03-06T11:09:15.631-05:00Margot JamesA month ago on an early Friday morning, February 6th to be exact, our lives changed forever. But let me back up a little bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWS8SQYaiBg/VO_DvwYKQEI/AAAAAAAAI8o/oIwytKe3zw8/s1600/1H3A0004-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWS8SQYaiBg/VO_DvwYKQEI/AAAAAAAAI8o/oIwytKe3zw8/s1600/1H3A0004-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2qXA9xTJA4/VPjuIomzqDI/AAAAAAAAI-8/QQGa8YrvB98/s1600/1H3A0064-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2qXA9xTJA4/VPjuIomzqDI/AAAAAAAAI-8/QQGa8YrvB98/s1600/1H3A0064-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u3dl1_MbAsQ/VPjuBl68jVI/AAAAAAAAI-0/0Wy6OhWBchI/s1600/1H3A0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u3dl1_MbAsQ/VPjuBl68jVI/AAAAAAAAI-0/0Wy6OhWBchI/s1600/1H3A0031.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qISQPLOwdM0/VPjt9YPAABI/AAAAAAAAI-s/oACkATuZvtc/s1600/1H3A0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qISQPLOwdM0/VPjt9YPAABI/AAAAAAAAI-s/oACkATuZvtc/s1600/1H3A0019.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DbjD7WA7kA/VPidxCbhfFI/AAAAAAAAI9k/YpBiKiWkkig/s1600/1H3A0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DbjD7WA7kA/VPidxCbhfFI/AAAAAAAAI9k/YpBiKiWkkig/s1600/1H3A0008.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmznByH5H0s/VO_Dxd6CZsI/AAAAAAAAI7M/w7_8hUSWmDc/s1600/231A1576-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmznByH5H0s/VO_Dxd6CZsI/AAAAAAAAI7M/w7_8hUSWmDc/s1600/231A1576-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SscJggO4txY/VPidx9scOtI/AAAAAAAAI90/q4fc5L50wT4/s1600/1H3A0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SscJggO4txY/VPidx9scOtI/AAAAAAAAI90/q4fc5L50wT4/s1600/1H3A0028.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0U5XQ2d5G0/VO_Dvp4hENI/AAAAAAAAI8o/AMZqMXgJfiw/s1600/231A1546-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G0U5XQ2d5G0/VO_Dvp4hENI/AAAAAAAAI8o/AMZqMXgJfiw/s1600/231A1546-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znozEX0gtX4/VPiduGRYHRI/AAAAAAAAI9E/ADxonk2PRwU/s1600/000062240002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znozEX0gtX4/VPiduGRYHRI/AAAAAAAAI9E/ADxonk2PRwU/s1600/000062240002.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPySaMrwYkc/VPiduH5wY0I/AAAAAAAAI9I/ECHvQGJxtzU/s1600/000062240009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPySaMrwYkc/VPiduH5wY0I/AAAAAAAAI9I/ECHvQGJxtzU/s1600/000062240009.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8yrgnlJ2_Q/VO_Dwv5e2kI/AAAAAAAAI7A/rrpoHickwBQ/s1600/231A1558-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8yrgnlJ2_Q/VO_Dwv5e2kI/AAAAAAAAI7A/rrpoHickwBQ/s1600/231A1558-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
The Monday a few days prior, I went into the birth center for a checkup since I was now 40 weeks + 3 days pregnant. They checked me saying baby was indeed coming and everything was getting ready for her arrival. I woke up Tuesday morning and told Lee I just didn't feel good. It was the first day I had felt like this. Bad. Icky. Just not normal. I tried to go about my day as I normally would.<br />
<br />
Now that the unpacking was done, taxes sent off to our accountant, and the last of my to-do list checked off, it was time to get some meals made and into the freezer for after baby's arrival. Grocery shopping, chopping and prepping kept me busy most the afternoon. It was about 7:30 pm that things got exciting. I started having 'real' contractions, at least I hoped they were. They definitely felt different than the Braxton Hicks I'd been having for weeks now. They were coming every 4-7 minutes apart. We ate dinner, cleaned up, watched a show or two, all the while I kept having these contractions. I kept thinking, is this it? Are these the real deal? I would say something like that to Lee periodically, to which he'd reply, "yah, hmm...I donno babe." Around 11 we started getting ready for bed. They were about five minutes apart at this point. I told Lee that this might be it. Baby might finally be coming. I suggested we gather our things just in case. I text my doula to inform her of what was happening. She said it could be labor, but just to try rest if possible. Sleep. Take a bath. I didn't know how anyone could possibly sleep at a time like this, but I took her bath advice. I ran a bath, trying to stay calm, while Lee put together our birth playlist. Haha, yes, Lee doesn't plan ahead as much as I do.<br />
<br />
We had purchased an exercise/birth ball a week or so prior per request of my chiropractor and midwives, but it had lost some air and needed to be blown up again. Lee decided it was a good time to blow it up, but then the pump broke. So here I am, contractions every five minutes apart, in the bath, while Lee's heading off to Walmart at 2am to get another pump and put gas in the car, just in case. It makes me chuckle to think back on. A good while later he rushes back in with two replacement birth balls/pumps, just in case one of them didn't work. I was still in the same state. By about 4am, we were both exhausted from the anticipation and waiting, me from hours of contractions. We decide to try lay down and rest a bit. I think the contractions stopped around 6am, at which time we both fell asleep for a couple hours. We woke up disappointed, me especially so. I thought that was it. It made me nervous for what the real thing was going to be like because those were intense, so close together, and felt real to me. I was a little bit crushed and a lot exhausted.<br />
<br />
Lee went into work late that Wednesday morning and I stayed in my pj's and tried to rest. I finished up a few more freezer meals to keep my mind off things. She was bound to come, eventually. At least that's what everyone kept telling me.<br />
<br />
8pm rolled around and we were back in the same boat. Contractions had started up again, but tonight they were ten times more intense. So intense, that there was no question in my mind that this was the real deal. Baby was coming. But they were only coming 4-6 times an hour. It was nice to have more breathing time between them, but man, when one hit, I would grab Lee's hand and squeeze like my life depended on it. This went on. All night long. I text my doula again, and she said to let her know when they got closer together. We waited. I groaned and squeezed his hand, but they never got any closer. I was really exhausted by this point. They tapered off by early morning and again we slept. I awoke still having contractions, but only 2 or 3 an hour. I text my doula again and she said this could be prodromal labor, which is labor that starts and stops, sometimes for days on end.<br />
<br />
Suddenly my life felt like the terrible movie Groundhog Day, and I was stuck in this long labor time loop. I couldn't bare the thought of going through this one more night without her actually coming. I was tired physically and emotionally. I was anxious to get to our midwife apt that afternoon. We were scheduled to do a non-stress test and check fluid levels for the baby. Lee picked me up after lunch and we decided to load up our bags just in case.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oadP2gvBe-E/VO_DxzD9_7I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/m6AwE_mSWv0/s1600/231A1585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oadP2gvBe-E/VO_DxzD9_7I/AAAAAAAAI7Q/m6AwE_mSWv0/s1600/231A1585.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90F655cMvPg/VO_DyBWw87I/AAAAAAAAI7Y/45OO7yD5Znc/s1600/231A1586-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-90F655cMvPg/VO_DyBWw87I/AAAAAAAAI7Y/45OO7yD5Znc/s1600/231A1586-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We headed off to what we thought would be a normal check up. I prayed for good news and that all those hours of contractions were indeed productive. When the midwife walked into the exam room and asked me how I was, I burst into tears. Not good. She's not coming. And these contractions won't stop, or progress. I blubbered on for a bit and she was so sweet and understanding, reassuring me that baby girl was indeed going to come, probably within days. That wasn't what I wanted to hear. Baby was active and sounded great on the non-stress test, and there was plenty of fluid surrounding her. She then checked my cervix and shockingly told us that I was 6cm dilated, 100% effaced, and that baby was coming within hours, for sure by tonight. We both looked at each other completely shocked at the news. I was so relieved. All those hours of contractions had been working. My body was preparing for baby and knowing I was already over halfway there was the best news ever.<br />
<br />
The midwife said my body looked like it was in active labor, but my uterus wasn't contracting like it was in active labor. She said it must be resting from all the hard work it had been doing the last 20+ hours. She told us to go grab some lunch, get a quick adjustment at the chiropractor (which was a couple blocks away), and go home for a nap (since we only lived ten minutes away) until contractions picked up. We got the chiro adjustment and lunch parts done, but by that time contractions were coming every six minutes. I called her back and said we were coming in now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhoiwSLNtZI/VO_DqxobjkI/AAAAAAAAI50/UlDGhKif9FY/s1600/1H3A0099-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MhoiwSLNtZI/VO_DqxobjkI/AAAAAAAAI50/UlDGhKif9FY/s1600/1H3A0099-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGKhqC87nlU/VPidyg2qr6I/AAAAAAAAI98/_JlnAE1aYSQ/s1600/1H3A0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGKhqC87nlU/VPidyg2qr6I/AAAAAAAAI98/_JlnAE1aYSQ/s1600/1H3A0118.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWQGWtwXVn8/VPidtbLWIwI/AAAAAAAAI88/8M5_WWx5Y0w/s1600/000007060013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWQGWtwXVn8/VPidtbLWIwI/AAAAAAAAI88/8M5_WWx5Y0w/s1600/000007060013.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
We arrived a couple hours after leaving the appointment, and by then I was dilated to 8cm. We got settled into our room at the birth center and I got into the birthing tub. My husband started our relaxing labor playlist and lit my favorite candle. Our little room felt so homey, peaceful and relaxing. I spent the next 4 hours laboring in the water, working and breathing through contractions. I felt my water break shortly after I got into the tub which excited me.<br />
<br />
Time passed more quickly than I imagined four hours taking. It's like I was there but not at the same time. Lee and my doula took turns passing me water and gatorade, and I sipped frequently. I was focused in on my breathing, breathing through the contractions as they came, each one more intense than the last. Each time one came, I squeezed Lee's hand until it was through. The warm water felt good but my low back was feeling so much pressure. The nurse came and checked baby's heart rate frequently, and every time I heard it, it made me want to meet her that much more. Three or so hours in, I was feeling tired and like things should be progressing more quickly than they were. The midwife came in and said she wanted to do a membrane sweet to make sure nothing was blocking baby from coming. They helped me out of the tub and onto the bed. This is where it got really intense.<br />
<br />
The next three hours were full of the hardest work I've ever done in my life. Three hours of pushing with all the energy I could muster. I don't think I could have done it without the amazing team around me. My husband was my best cheerleader, right next to my face, whispering encouragement through every single contraction and push. My doula was on my other side, putting cool wash clothes on my forehead, cheering me on as well. The nurse and midwife were amazing at helping me know how to push, but I honestly felt like she was never going to come out.<br />
<br />
Midnight came and went and still no baby. As each contraction came and went, I felt like the last bit of energy and will to push drained out of me. I was worried I wouldn't have any left to finish. I knew I had to push this baby out and soon, or I was gonna give up. I gave those last few pushes my very all, and will never forget them all cheering, saying she's coming, she's coming, she's coming! I remember my midwife saying reach your hands down and grab her. I did and pulled my perfectly fresh, new daughter onto my chest and then breathed the biggest sigh of relief. She's here! She's perfect! Lee and I kept looking at each other and then at her in awe. Our daughter was finally in our arms. I will never forget that moment. It was 12:28 am on that unforgettable Friday morning. I instantly felt the sweetest relief sweep over my exhausted, sweaty body. I did it. I had just birthed a little life into the world. It was the hardest, most amazing and rewarding thing I've ever done. I'm still in awe of the whole process and that I actually did it. It's like my whole life as a woman I doubted that I could really do it, deliver a baby naturally, and here I had gone and done just that. I was so proud and so happy that it was over.<br />
<br />
We spent the next four hours laying on the bed, soaking up this little life and our first quiet moments as a family of three. At about 5am that morning, we loaded up a car and headed back to our new home and new life.<br />
<br />
Miss Margot James, you've already stretched us more than we've ever been stretched, but we love you more than we ever thought possible. We are so amazed and grateful we get to be your parents baby girl.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r6uvFoOgzHk/VO_DsbCgMbI/AAAAAAAAI6M/TUx6yb5bqKk/s1600/1H3A0132-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r6uvFoOgzHk/VO_DsbCgMbI/AAAAAAAAI6M/TUx6yb5bqKk/s1600/1H3A0132-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVp4Y3ckrtw/VO_DskeAN-I/AAAAAAAAI6A/bmndgpPpErc/s1600/1H3A0141-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lVp4Y3ckrtw/VO_DskeAN-I/AAAAAAAAI6A/bmndgpPpErc/s1600/1H3A0141-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IMLgYUEPew8/VO_Dus5rpoI/AAAAAAAAI8o/q1vKzoa3PKo/s1600/1H3A0204-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IMLgYUEPew8/VO_Dus5rpoI/AAAAAAAAI8o/q1vKzoa3PKo/s1600/1H3A0204-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNdO7_4xdjU/VPidwoTKzDI/AAAAAAAAI9c/HN_Gaqs9tNs/s1600/000062270013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oNdO7_4xdjU/VPidwoTKzDI/AAAAAAAAI9c/HN_Gaqs9tNs/s1600/000062270013.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyVNnbPPzR4/VO_DzrKX0KI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/sHbfERqvGuU/s1600/231A1616-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyVNnbPPzR4/VO_DzrKX0KI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/sHbfERqvGuU/s1600/231A1616-Edit-2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xyRFMkd5Hs/VO_D03FTnfI/AAAAAAAAI78/i1jbsgwifgw/s1600/231A1638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xyRFMkd5Hs/VO_D03FTnfI/AAAAAAAAI78/i1jbsgwifgw/s1600/231A1638.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8DSp2JHhek/VO_D1ixrZ7I/AAAAAAAAI8M/hZOZtq2MT1g/s1600/231A1649-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A8DSp2JHhek/VO_D1ixrZ7I/AAAAAAAAI8M/hZOZtq2MT1g/s1600/231A1649-Edit.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezE5UODjMpQ/VPidvMOarcI/AAAAAAAAI9U/rHF9MalUSXQ/s1600/000062270008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ezE5UODjMpQ/VPidvMOarcI/AAAAAAAAI9U/rHF9MalUSXQ/s1600/000062270008.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKzGNHBdFFo/VPid0Pt5rEI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/lS2s6r4hBqA/s1600/231A1633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKzGNHBdFFo/VPid0Pt5rEI/AAAAAAAAI-Y/lS2s6r4hBqA/s1600/231A1633.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_C-iT0BTrk/VO_Dudo-c2I/AAAAAAAAI8o/rlQ7vjVLUrE/s1600/1H3A0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_C-iT0BTrk/VO_Dudo-c2I/AAAAAAAAI8o/rlQ7vjVLUrE/s1600/1H3A0192.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-JK3PxcORQ/VO_Dt3qhAGI/AAAAAAAAI6U/ooS404ZT_L0/s1600/1H3A0184-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-JK3PxcORQ/VO_Dt3qhAGI/AAAAAAAAI6U/ooS404ZT_L0/s1600/1H3A0184-Edit.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
*All photos compliments of <a href="http://www.revivalphotography.com/">Revival Photography</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-40775561388269086932015-01-12T18:28:00.002-05:002015-01-13T08:42:10.204-05:0018 daysThe final count down has begun. 18 days is what my little baby bump app is telling me. 18 days until our girl could arrive. Although, it could be sooner. Any day really, or another month yet. Not knowing is the hardest part.<br />
<br />
We moved into our house 3 weeks ago last Friday, I'm 37.5 weeks pregnant, my back has currently decided to go out, making it excruciatingly painful to walk, sit or lay down, and these are the some of the questions/comments I get on a daily basis.<br />
<br />
Any day now, huh? You hiding a basketball in there? How's the house? Do you feel settled? Do you need help unpacking? Is the nursery set up? Do you have all your baby stuff? How do you feel? How is baby? To which I reply. . .Um. . .ok, no, I think???<br />
<br />
We're getting there is more like it. Slowly but surely. It definitely feels more like slowly to me. Most days I question if we'll ever feel settled or like this new house is our home. I wonder if I'll ever stop sweeping up dust, or if the construction workers will ever be finished, or if the appliances are ever going to arrive so we can stop eating our meals solely from a microwave and toaster oven. Because honestly, canned soup and sandwiches get kind of old after 3, going on 4 weeks. I keep telling myself that soon we will have blinds and curtains hung up in the house, that there will be towel hooks and toilet paper holders installed, that rugs will be purchased and pictures hung, to make the echoey rooms feel more homey. But all in good time. When my baby app pops up asking me if I've packed my hospital bag yet, I just want to throw my phone and go hide and cry in my room. No, I haven't packed my hospital bag yet. I haven't even set up the nursery yet. The crib is built, stroller and carseat set up, but that's about it. The washed baby clothes and accessories are still in boxes waiting to be put away. And we're still awaiting the arrival of the the rest of the nursery furniture so we can finish. The dresser/changing table finally arrived last week, and I was looking forward to setting it up all week, only to find out they sent 2 box 2's instead of box 1 and 2. I tried not to have too big of a meltdown. Try being the key word. Not sure if I succeeded or not, you'll have to ask my husband;)<br />
<br />
Life just feels like a whole lot of waiting and a whole lot expensive. Buying and renovating a house and having a baby within the same few months is expensive with a capital E. And I mean it. Life is this big long list of things waiting to be purchased, waiting to be finished, or waiting to arrive. And most days I feel like I'm failing at waiting, at being patient, at not getting upset or mad or crying about one or all of these things.<br />
<br />
And then there's the people who tell you it doesn't really matter if the nursery is set up or if all the pictures are hung before baby comes. She won't even know anyways. And those are the people I especially want to punch in the face. Yes, yes, it may be true and spoken with the best of intentions, but that's the last thing an expecting mama wants to hear when she's been waiting 9.5 months to nest and get settled. Just take it from me;)<br />
<br />
But. . .<br />
<br />
There's good news too. Great news actually! At our 30 week apt, my midwife said baby who was head down had flipped head up, much to our disappointment. So, I spent the last 4 weeks trying not to worry, while doing every type of head stand and exercise I could find, chiropractic adjustments and praying. Lots of a lots of praying. At our 36 week last week the doc said baby was indeed head down, had dropped, and was in the perfect position. We are beyond relieved and so so thankful.<br />
<br />
There are also sweet friends who bring take out and their new, adorably chubby baby over on Friday night to eat dinner with you and see the new house, and your online-turned real life friend who texts and says she wants to bring over a home cooked meal for you as well. And other friends from across the country who text or email that they've been thinking of you and are praying for you. And friends who offer you the use of their washer and dryer AGAIN because yours still hasn't come yet. And all those things make me want to sit down and sob (ok, maybe I've done just that), because I'm so blessed to have such a beautiful life, crazy and stressful and disorganized as it feels. Most days are a struggle to keep the right perspective. The teeter-tottering feelings that our life is a dirty mess and we're swimming in a size too big; to we know such wonderfully loving people who care about us AND we have a God who sees us right where we are and knows exactly what we need. An encouraging text, a meal, a hug, or a prayer. And it may not be all those things I think it I need. . . like a Pinterest perfect nursery, blinds hung up, or toilet paper holders installed.<br />
<br />
Every day, these are the things that remind me I'm being stretched. Stretched to be flexible. Stretched to go with the flow. Deep down knowing we'd really be ok if baby arrived tomorrow, wether or not all the million things on our to-do list were checked off or not. And daily I'm reminded that life doesn't have to be perfect to be ok, or even good. It can be dusty, half finished, feel a little too big and slightly uncomfortable. . . and sometimes a moment comes when you realize what really matters is having people that care, love you, email, call, bring you food or coffee, plan a last pre-baby girl's night out/baby shower for you this weekend, and offer to come help mop and sweep your floors because you can't. Those are the things that really matter in the end.<br />
<br />
I'm due in 2.5 weeks and praying feverishly she won't come a single day early, although I think I may feel differently in 2 more week. Time will tell. I'm also praying we get a few more things checked off our never ending to-do list, hoping the rocking chair and dresser arrive in time so we can set up the nursery a little bit more, and maybe a few more lights and appliances arrive to make life feel a little more comfortable. I also pray my back calms down and allows me a few more good nights of sleep before baby gets here. But alas, if not. . . this too shall pass.<br />
<br />
In the middle of breastfeeding classes, chiropractor and doctors appointments, building closet systems and cribs, trying to successfully install a carseat, tracking all the missing appliances and fixtures to make sure everything's still going to arrive eventually, we're squeezing in all the last minute dates we can. Coffee, lunch, dinner. . . trying to breath, and smile, and understand where each other are coming from day to day. It's easier said than done. But we have 2ish weeks left with just us two, and by golly we're gonna make the most of it, crazy or calm.<br />
<br />
Hopefully the next time you're here you'll be reading about our cute baby girl.<br />
<br />
-J<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MttxZGEsTo/VLRTnuxvJeI/AAAAAAAAI3c/oM7gIfC2Z98/s1600/35weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1MttxZGEsTo/VLRTnuxvJeI/AAAAAAAAI3c/oM7gIfC2Z98/s1600/35weeks.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
35 weeks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdjH-4VeyCw/VLRTnS-cx3I/AAAAAAAAI3g/ltYNnnVrOQo/s1600/36weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KdjH-4VeyCw/VLRTnS-cx3I/AAAAAAAAI3g/ltYNnnVrOQo/s1600/36weeks.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
36 weeksBonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-23183418140769283662014-12-23T10:28:00.002-05:002014-12-23T10:28:06.950-05:00PeaceI'm sitting here sipping the most delicious espresso with homemade molasses/ginger syrup at the neighborhood coffee shop I've become a regular at in just 3 short days, listening to Nat King Cole sing Christmas songs, and I can't help but whisper thanks for the life I've been given. Christmas is just 2 days away, we've finally moved into our long awaited, prayed for, dreamed about house (unfinished as it is), and I'm a healthy 34.5 weeks pregnant with our darling firstborn girl who we get to meet in just 37 some days. Life is indeed full and I'm reminded constantly of His goodness when I stop long enough to pay attention. It's everywhere.<br />
<br />
To say the past year has been hard would be the understatement of the century, but to say it's been good would be an understatement too. We are so incredibly blessed. This year has brought about more change than any I've known in my life.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>We packed up and moved our life and business to Charleston, South Carolina for Lee's job 6 months ago, right around the same time we found out we were expecting our first baby girl! Talk about a major life change! 95% our belongings went into a storage facility in Charleston, and with only our summer clothes, dog and business, we moved into a furnished apartment where we spent the summer exploring our new city, eating at dozens of the most amazing restaurants, and frequenting the beach whenever we so desired. </li>
<li>We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary in August with a 10 day vacation driving up California's Hwy 1. We spent 3 days driving the breathtaking coast in a convertible, something I highly recommend you add to your bucket list if it's not already on there. Then we spent 3 days touring Napa and Sonoma's beautiful wine country, and ended the trip with a gorgeous 3 day weekend in San Francisco. </li>
<li>After looking at 30+ houses the last year and a half, we were beyond thrilled to purchase our first home just 2 months ago! Not only did we find a home with everything on our wish list, but we got it well under budget which allowed us the means to do a complete renovation, leaving us with far more than we could have ever afforded other wise. </li>
<li>Lee's had a busy year of travel. He's been on a dozen or so work trips, including 2 two week Asia trips and his first visit to Honduras. </li>
<li>We've moved 3 times in 6 months. Yes, I said 3 times. All during one pregnancy. Talk about exhausting. This is something I hope to never relive again. </li>
<li>We lived in temporary apartments in Charleston for 4 months while we were still house hunting and moved back to NC after we bought our house due to the complete renovation happening. My in-laws were so gracious to open their hearts and home to us, our dog, our stuff AND my business studio the last month and a half. We moved back to Charleston into our not-quite-completely-renovated home just 5 days ago. We are itching for the construction workers to finish up so we can clean, unpack, and this extremely pregnant girl can NEST and set up baby's nursery already;) I've only been waiting 8.5 months.</li>
<li>Our business, Tuck & Bonté, received it's largest wholesale order to date with our biggest wholesale customer, Anthropologie. With barely a 3 week lead time from order to ship date, we received the order just 10 days before we were scheduled to move back to NC and Lee was preparing for his Asia trip. By God's grace, and the help of 3 friends (our first employees!), we were able to get it done and shipped in the midst of a move, with hardly a glitch. Talk about miraculous! This was our first order placed for stores and web, which is HUGE and a dream come true for me. I'm still pinching myself that God's been so gracious to our little, growing business. </li>
<li>I've been blessed with an overall healthy pregnancy and a very active baby girl. Her physical growing and stretching me has been a constant reminder to me of all that God's been growing and stretching in my heart this year. We can't wait to meet and love this little person that's become such a part of our family already the last 8 months. And to think this is just the beginning of our life changing forever. . .</li>
<li>We've found the most incredible community of friends here in our new city in such a short time. For that I am eternally grateful. I've had my fair share of moves and it's always taken a couple years to feel like I have "people/friends". So to have found this in just a few short months is a treasure I don't take for granted.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I chuckle looking back over the last 12 months. God has a sense of humor. He really does. We typically start the year off with a fast, spending a few concentrated weeks praying and seeking the Lord for the coming year. I like to ask the Lord for a word for that year. What does He have in store for me, for Lee, and our life? After 3 weeks or so, I got my word.<br />
<br />
Expansion:<br />
the act of becoming larger or more extensive<br />
a thing formed by the enlargement, broadening, or development of something<br />
to stretch out<br />
growth<br />
increase<br />
swelling, elongating, thickening, multiplication.<br />
<br />
2014 was to be the year of expansion, and boy was He right. In every single way. We've been stretched literally, physically, financially, spiritually, geographically, and relationally; and grown in our trust, faith, patience, and any other way you can think of, I'm sure of it. Growth and expansion sound so exciting, and they are. . . but I never realized how uncomfortable it is to be stretched. Growing pains, taking on a new shape, being enlarged; it hurts. I've been brought to the end of myself over and over again, and experienced a total dependency on God I've never had before. It's been messy and wonderful. I've cried more tears and been more desperate and needy than ever before. That is uncomfortable for me. I'm the type that likes to have it 'all together', always have a plan, always be in control. And that has been shattered to pieces this year, for which I'm glad. If there's one thing I've learned this year it's BE FLEXIBLE, and it will make all the change, growth, and 'life not going like you planned' a whole lot easier. I think this year was a crash course lesson for parenting;)<br />
<br />
If there is another thing I've learned it's this. He is my peace. Not my circumstances or everything going just right. He himself is PEACE, and I can have Peace in the midst of life's biggest storms. I love this:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"There is a part of the sea known as the cushion of the sea. It lies beneath the surface that is agitated by storms and churned by the waves and wind. It is so deep that it is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When the ocean floor in these deep places is dredged of the remaining plant or animal life, it reveals evidence of having remained completely undisturbed for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The peace of God is an eternal calm like the cushion of the sea. It lies so deeply within the human heart that no external difficulty, or disturbance can reach it. And anyone who enters in the the presence of God becomes a partaker of that undisturbed and undisturb-able calm. " -Arthur Tappan Pierson</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
No matter what this year has brought you, I hope this Christmas you can experience this eternal calm, Peace Himself. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzo6Rhlx0LI/VJmHuejrV6I/AAAAAAAAI20/eLXsu01_snQ/s1600/photo%2B3%2B(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fzo6Rhlx0LI/VJmHuejrV6I/AAAAAAAAI20/eLXsu01_snQ/s1600/photo%2B3%2B(5).JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOuNuDdBfqg/VJmHx2EBKDI/AAAAAAAAI28/HLseNaobQpo/s1600/photo%2B4%2B(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOuNuDdBfqg/VJmHx2EBKDI/AAAAAAAAI28/HLseNaobQpo/s1600/photo%2B4%2B(3).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49uCfd3_tgQ/VJmHz01W53I/AAAAAAAAI3E/cYk_f3EGDAw/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-49uCfd3_tgQ/VJmHz01W53I/AAAAAAAAI3E/cYk_f3EGDAw/s1600/photo%2B5.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXxOTj9AcIA/VJmH1VjiMmI/AAAAAAAAI3M/AuaUvrMhIaI/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXxOTj9AcIA/VJmH1VjiMmI/AAAAAAAAI3M/AuaUvrMhIaI/s1600/photo%2B2%2B(7).JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-3464550874513025872014-10-27T11:34:00.003-04:002014-10-27T11:57:25.903-04:00Good things come to those who wait.Yes, yes they do! Really. But the saying should really go, "Good things come to those who trust the Lord and wait."<br />
<br />
After 17 months of searching, 2 weeks ago tomorrow, we finally bought a house. Closed, signed, official as official can be. {Insert all the happiest dances, cheers and tears here!} Tuesday, October 14th, 2014, I will always remember you fondly.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Rewind 2 months:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We had just returned from our lovely, relaxing 10 day <a href="http://bonterue.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-ok-to-be-needy.html">California vacation</a>. Right before our trip, we had seen a listing for a house that really interested us. Unfortunately, our realtor was on vacation the entire week before we left and unable to show it. My husband was also traveling the 3 days before our trip. We called the realtor's office to see if any other realtor could show it before Lee left out of town. No, no one was available because it was the weekend. We tried every way we could think of to see this house before we left for nearly 2 weeks, but to no avail. Frustrated, we gave it to the Lord. If this wasn't the house, so be it. If it was, he could save it for us 2 weeks, right? Well you have to understand something here. Spring and summer are not good times to buy in Charleston, or so we learned. We would literally send our realtor 5-10 listings at a time, and by the time we scheduled to see them, half or more would be sold. Literally. Houses were selling like hot cakes, and if you didn't jump the second one came on the market (like within a day), you were slap out of luck. That's a hard situation to find yourself in when you don't yet live in the city. So, the thought of this house being available 2 weeks later seemed slim to none.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We decided to go on vacation and leave all our house hunting worries behind. We didn't think about, talk about, or look at ANY house listings the whole vacation. Nearly miraculous, as it had been our sole focus all the months prior. We arrive back home Sunday night, and received an email from our realtor Monday morning. Good news! The house we were interested was not only still available, but the sellers had dropped the price $20k! What the what?!? We couldn't believe our eyes. We set up an appointment to go see it that day, and knew immediately upon walking in that<i> this was the one. </i>After looking a dozens and dozens and dozens of houses over the past year, we were beginning to wonder if we'd ever feel, say or know that. But we finally <i>knew</i> that we had found our house. It was everything on our checklist. A 1950's ranch style house that hadn't been renovated since it was built. And it was exactly that, down to the last detail: the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a studio space, a fireplace, open living room + dining room floor plan, hard wood floors throughout, and an untouched kitchen and bathrooms we could renovate to our liking. It was a miracle! We seriously kept saying, we need to find a 50's grandma house that hasn't been updated yet so we can put our own touches on it. And guess what. . . the previous owners are the sweetest 91 and 93 year old couple that have no children and finally moved into assisted living. Our house was there all that time, it just wasn't ready for us yet. Sometimes God's promises just take a little time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We put an offer in the next day, and after a little negotiating, had an accepted offer a few days later. We got the house quite a bit under our budget which allowed us to get a home renovation loan to finance all the work that needed to be done. Now we were just praying we could get enough money to do all the things that needed done: new roof, new HVAC, total electrical rewire, update plumbing, gut and renovate kitchen and both bathrooms, paint entire house, and refinish hardwood floors. Closing was scheduled the last day of September. At this point it felt like we breathed a huge sigh of relief, all the while taking another deep breath for a whole lot more waiting. But. . . we would most definitely be bringing this baby home to a house. Our house. Our very first house. That was about the best news we could imagine.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then life got a bit more crazy. The following 8 weeks were a hilarious combination of house guests <i>every </i>weekend, meetings with contractors, gathering an ungodly amount of paperwork (buying a house is SO. MUCH. WORK.), interviewing doulas, choosing appliances, cabinets, countertops, tile, sinks, faucets, shower doors, wood floor finishes, paint colors and roof shingle colors all within our budget, birthing classes, regular work, life and travel, AND trying to figure out a place to live while all the renovations are under way. Whew, I'm tired just typing that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That brings us to two Tuesdays ago. The blessed day we finally closed on our first home. Yes, our closing was delayed twice. Yes, the Lord miraculously provided through an early inheritance gift from my grandparents most the money we needed for our downpayment. Yes, it was a lot of waiting, praying, crying and trusting. Yes, the closing costs ended up being $1500 more than we thought. Yes, the whole process has been bigger than us, more expensive that we could afford, and stretched us to the breaking point. But the good news is we serve a big God. He has big plans for me, for you. He likes to be involved in our lives, and I've realized that sadly, the only way that usually happens is when things are too big or too hard for us to do on our own. It allows Him the chance to step in and be who He is. The big, all powerful, all knowing, all providing God!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our tentative move in date is mid-December. At least we're crossing our fingers for that. We'd love to spend Christmas in our new house, and have a couple weeks to get unpacked and set up for baby girl's arrival the end of January. But, we shall see. If this whole process has taught me anything (and it has, a whole lot actually), it's this: Our ways are not God's ways. Our timing is not His timing. This life of being a follower of Jesus requires radical faith and radical trust. And a lot of times, it's waiting and trusting without knowing the outcome. That's scary, exciting, and nerve wracking all rolled into one, depending on the day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next 2 months don't look a whole lot slower than the last few. In 10 days, we're packing up (again) and moving back to NC to live with our gracious in-laws until the house is finished. My husband leaves for his second 2 week Asia work trip the day after. I have 2 baby showers to look forward to while he's gone. Yay! We leave 5 days after he gets back to spend a week in WA with my family for Thanksgiving. Another big yay! And then hopefully, a couple weeks later, we'll be heading back to Charleston to get moved into our brand new home just in time for Christmas. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In other news, I'm 26w4d pregnant and baby girl is healthy, growing and quite the kicking machine. I'm feeling great and sleeping great too, thankfully. We're just soaking up every last drop of life as we know it, craziness and all. But we're getting more and more excited to meet and hold our girl. 95 days and counting;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SxahX9lpFE/VEWE3YAwWYI/AAAAAAAAI1g/QU9UVQnroPg/s1600/25weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SxahX9lpFE/VEWE3YAwWYI/AAAAAAAAI1g/QU9UVQnroPg/s1600/25weeks.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
25 weeks<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC_2xeAgoqo/VE5lSuoR3ZI/AAAAAAAAI10/VrSmZqNy2L8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FC_2xeAgoqo/VE5lSuoR3ZI/AAAAAAAAI10/VrSmZqNy2L8/s1600/photo.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
26 weeks</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-65963776493523086562014-10-09T12:03:00.000-04:002014-10-09T12:10:02.301-04:00It's OK to be needy.<div style="text-align: center;">
It's OK to be needy. Yes...yes, you. I'm talking to you too. This is something I've had to tell myself every day the past 6 months. When all I want is to have it all together, to feel good at this busy, crazy, day-to-day life. . . I remind myself of what I don't really <i>want</i> to hear but what I so <i>need</i> to hear. It's OK to be needy. To not have it together <i>ALL</i> the time. To mess up or simply be messy. Because I know someone, and you might too. . . who loves to meet us in our messes, and needy-ness, and all those times we fail at having it 'all together'. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
A blur. That's what life feels like right now. An overwhelming, exciting, exhausting blur. Every time I blink, I feel like another week's gone by. Literally. Some days go more slowly, and I feel like I'm able to stop, breath it in, and enjoy it. Others fly by, filled with meetings, and longer to-do lists than I know how to do. One day at a time. . . or so they say (whoever <i>they</i> are).<br />
<br />
I'm 23wks and 6 days pregnant (but who's counting) and completely amazed we're just a few short weeks away from the 3rd trimester. It makes me a little nervous about the amount of stuff that needs to be done and purchased (everything!) in just 16 short weeks. I have faith that somehow, by January 30th, we'll be settled in a more permanent housing situation, unpacked, with the basic baby essentials purchased and set up. How this is going to happen I'm not sure, but I remain hopeful.<br />
<br />
It's been 15 weeks since we moved to this beautiful new city of ours. I'm falling in love with it a little bit more every day. The past weeks have been filled with traveling and visits from family and friends, along with a million other normal life things. I think we had an 8 week stretch of playing the hostess <i>every</i> <i>single weekend</i>. As fun as it was, we were so thankful for the past 2 weekends of just us. We're trying to soak up as much of that as we can these last few months. Just us. It's weird to think they'll be a third little family member soon. I partly feel like she's already with us, especially with her constant kicks to remind me she's there. She's growing bigger and stronger every day. We both are. . . at least the bigger part;)<br />
<br />
In August, we enjoyed a lovely 10 day vacation, baby-moon, anniversary trip celebrating our 5 years together. We have never taken a vacation that long, <i>ever</i>, since being married. We usually spend our vacation days visiting my family in WA, and don't have many days left for us to do anything. This year, especially with baby's soon arrival, we wanted to change that.<br />
<br />
We've dreamed about driving California's Hwy 1 coast for some time and decided why not now?! We flew into LA, stayed the night with dear friends, and picked up our Mustang convertible the following morning. We spent 3 days driving up the coast, stopping in the most quaint, cute beach towns imaginable. Driving those twisting, curving roads, with the top down, hair flipping in the wind beside my best friend was truly priceless. Our favorite part of the trip by far. And those views! We had to stop every 5 minutes for a better look. Literally!<br />
<br />
After that, we were off to Napa and Sonoma Valley for 3 days of wine tasting. We stayed in the sweetest little modern B&B in the middle of no-where Sonoma Valley, complete with a breakfast chef, couples massages, and the coziest little fire pit. It was so peaceful that we never wanted to leave. Julie, the front desk employee, like us so much she gifted us a bottle of champagne for our anniversary. We're saving it for the next special occasion I'm allowed to taste it;)<br />
<br />
We finished off our trip in San Francisco. We had gorgeous blue skies and sunshine for our final weekend. We visited the old island prison Alcatraz, and it was one of our favorite parts of being there. We boy did we walk. We saw the Painted Ladies, Haight Ashbury, The Coit Tower, Golden Gate Bridge, of course, and ate our way through the charming and hill-y city.<br />
<br />
_______________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
If there's one thing I've learned in this major transition season, it's this: My great need for Him <i>every single day</i>; and His great faithfulness to meet me, <i>every single day</i>.<br />
<br />
"Relying on God has to begin again every day, as if nothing has yet been done." C. S. Lewis<br />
<br />
I can't get this quote out of my head. It's how He made life. How He made us. To need Him every day. To come eat of the bread of life and to come drink the living water <i>every single day</i>. Not just once a week at church. But daily. He's our daily bread. It's His name, it's who He is.<br />
<br />
I've never been more away of my needy-ness. It's painful and beautiful. And the amazing thing is He'll meet you exactly where you are, in that needy, messy, desperate place. He's there waiting, if we'll just come.<br />
<br />
The next few months are full of a lot more crazy exciting things, so I'll try write again soon to keep you up-to-date.<br />
<br />
Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pJoMKkZEiAA/VDawwGQa9kI/AAAAAAAAIy0/V9j-kPK7tJg/s1600/IMG_7593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pJoMKkZEiAA/VDawwGQa9kI/AAAAAAAAIy0/V9j-kPK7tJg/s1600/IMG_7593.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ2w0V4Y8-c/VDawwls2gTI/AAAAAAAAIy4/yP0Cu9ThMQs/s1600/IMG_7689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ2w0V4Y8-c/VDawwls2gTI/AAAAAAAAIy4/yP0Cu9ThMQs/s1600/IMG_7689.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0T_ztWDRjE/VDaww-HLolI/AAAAAAAAIzA/3mgihvazefM/s1600/IMG_7774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B0T_ztWDRjE/VDaww-HLolI/AAAAAAAAIzA/3mgihvazefM/s1600/IMG_7774.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8dNOZTqEkU/VDawxm4e0CI/AAAAAAAAIz4/PJI7nGse_uQ/s1600/IMG_7776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P8dNOZTqEkU/VDawxm4e0CI/AAAAAAAAIz4/PJI7nGse_uQ/s1600/IMG_7776.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNfTxMZdpxA/VDawx2qLnCI/AAAAAAAAIzE/zU91NHD0F1k/s1600/IMG_7779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNfTxMZdpxA/VDawx2qLnCI/AAAAAAAAIzE/zU91NHD0F1k/s1600/IMG_7779.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OiFxlDM6jfA/VDawyxqdc2I/AAAAAAAAIzM/378g64rzKyE/s1600/IMG_7781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OiFxlDM6jfA/VDawyxqdc2I/AAAAAAAAIzM/378g64rzKyE/s1600/IMG_7781.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYPLi48Zr4U/VDawzuYNJfI/AAAAAAAAIzQ/50ENJ76AOkQ/s1600/IMG_7814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WYPLi48Zr4U/VDawzuYNJfI/AAAAAAAAIzQ/50ENJ76AOkQ/s1600/IMG_7814.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wqqhiypalo/VDaw0dEQBEI/AAAAAAAAIzY/KEYrtoHoP68/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wqqhiypalo/VDaw0dEQBEI/AAAAAAAAIzY/KEYrtoHoP68/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uswvEBDwcXc/VDaw09gBGSI/AAAAAAAAIzg/6t9lkqWr5l4/s1600/IMG_7817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uswvEBDwcXc/VDaw09gBGSI/AAAAAAAAIzg/6t9lkqWr5l4/s1600/IMG_7817.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxvPXUOc4tI/VDaw2zpvG9I/AAAAAAAAIzw/BJI7Mj2PKrQ/s1600/IMG_7929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxvPXUOc4tI/VDaw2zpvG9I/AAAAAAAAIzw/BJI7Mj2PKrQ/s1600/IMG_7929.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aZIB8Iruhw/VDaw5OTwG3I/AAAAAAAAI0I/DOMrBsKfpGI/s1600/IMG_7981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2aZIB8Iruhw/VDaw5OTwG3I/AAAAAAAAI0I/DOMrBsKfpGI/s1600/IMG_7981.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-do2Q0QjH5eQ/VDaw5anjxcI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/Tia1aJCJwbA/s1600/IMG_8141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-do2Q0QjH5eQ/VDaw5anjxcI/AAAAAAAAI0Q/Tia1aJCJwbA/s1600/IMG_8141.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KSG6Bl8l3g/VDaw4iRLR3I/AAAAAAAAI0E/C9fgo4OAS7s/s1600/IMG_8145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4KSG6Bl8l3g/VDaw4iRLR3I/AAAAAAAAI0E/C9fgo4OAS7s/s1600/IMG_8145.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuXV-mjeVhM/VDaw5lmzONI/AAAAAAAAI0M/RuY4dAaWtUc/s1600/IMG_8182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuXV-mjeVhM/VDaw5lmzONI/AAAAAAAAI0M/RuY4dAaWtUc/s1600/IMG_8182.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwh7Uz64h6I/VDaw6KIZryI/AAAAAAAAI0U/svf2EODYvgU/s1600/IMG_8235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwh7Uz64h6I/VDaw6KIZryI/AAAAAAAAI0U/svf2EODYvgU/s1600/IMG_8235.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-35176366820892849142014-08-02T09:31:00.001-04:002014-08-02T09:31:49.911-04:00When everything is NEW<div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">"Like faith and hope, trust cannot be self-generated. I cannot simply will myself to trust. What outrageous irony: the one thing I am responsible for throughout my life I cannot generate. The one thing I need to do I cannot do. But such is the meaning of radical dependence. What does lie within my power is paying attention to the faithfulness of Jesus. That's what I am asked to do: pay attention to Jesus throughout my journey, remembering his kindness. (Ps 103:2)." - Ruthless Trust</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Change: to become different, undergo alteration. To undergo transformation or transition. To go from one phase to another, as the seasons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yep, that about sums up our life the past 3 months. (A brief recap for those who care to know more:)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Early-May: We finally have a move date, after 1.5 years of visiting our soon to be home Charleston and house hunting without success. This was a very big deal.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mid-May: Still no house in sight, and at this point it felt like we had seen them all. We decided to take the 3 month temporary housing deal Lee's work offered. We thought it might be easier to find a house actually living in the city. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Late-May: We find out we're expecting our first little baby and it's the best, most surreal moment we've ever experienced. We're thrilled but also extremely overwhelmed with literally every single area of our life changing. We also find out our move date has been moved up an entire week. Yikes!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Early-June: Lee travels to Asia for 2 weeks on work, and I fly to WA to see my family while he's gone.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mid-June: I arrive back from WA with 10 days left until our move date. Lee follows 4 days later, giving us 1 week left in our beloved little 3rd Avenue apartment.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Late-June: We sorted through our stuff and put everything we would need the next 3 months in our dining room, and left the rest to the packers. I have never been so thankful for anything as I was for those movers/packers. They were lifesavers for this exhausted and overwhelmed expecting mama.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
June 26th: We arrive at our new 'temporary home'. All our belongings were dropped off in a storage facility and we arrived with just our summer clothes, my 10 beloved house plants, and our pantry. It's nice, simple, this new place we call home. We've never seen it before this moment. It probably didn't help that we arrived at 12:30am. . . or maybe that was a good thing, for it looked nothing like the photos we saw of beautiful hardwood floors, 12 ft vaulted ceilings, 2 beautifully furnished bedrooms. The next 10 days are sort of a blur. Me, unpacking, exhausted, emotional. . . with headaches. These awful hormonal headaches had started and wouldn't stop. All day, all night, wake up with one, go to bed with one. I think by day 4 all I could do was lay on the couch while this vice grip squeezed the back of my head. My sweet husband rubbed my shoulders/neck every night during that stretch, and I will love him for it forever. Lee was adjusting to his new office and had a couple super busy work weeks right off the bat. Even Wally was exhausted, emotionally spent. If he wasn't hiding out from all the moving boxes I was unpacking, he was sleeping. He still thinks those boxes are monsters out to get him.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Change is a funny thing. When life is familiar, when you are comfortable, change sounds wonderful. Exciting. You welcome it, even hurry it. And then suddenly it's upon you. Newness. Transition. Everything different, uncomfortable, uncontrollable. And suddenly, it doesn't seem so wonderful. You feel more like going back to how things were a few weeks ago. You desperately try to find any bit of comfort that you can, any bit of home. This is especially hard to do when all our your 'home' and belongings are boxed away in storage. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think it was at this point that I realized how terrible I was at trusting. I used to think I was good at trusting, and maybe I was at a point. Life is comfortable. You feel in control. And you THINK you're trusting. But it isn't until everything you know is gone that you really find out where your trust lies. It's usually in myself. I'm a planner. I like to be in charge. Have a plan. Map out EVERY single detail. It's actually quite annoying (just ask my husband). But I've learned a whole lot these past 5 weeks.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's what I've discovered: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1.) I hate not being in control. Like really hate it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2.) I'm an emotional roller coaster when I don't have a 10 month plan for my life mapped out and in writing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3.) Pregnancy is overwhelming, and makes you crazy. At least it feels like that some days. Ok, most days. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4.) I cannot do this trusting thing on my own. I told my husband this the other night: I have never been more overwhelmed in every area of my life than I am right now. And I have never needed Jesus more, everyday, every moment, than I do right now. It's a painfully wonderful thing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5.) God loves when we need him, when we're fully dependent. When we don't have a plan, and a back up plan for when that plan falls through. He loves being our plan. Even if we don't get to know all the details. It's ok. It doesn't mean His plan isn't good. His plan is ALWAYS good, even if it leaves you nervously wringing your hands together because it sure feels like he's running a bit behind schedule to you. I mean, God. . . we have 60 days before we have to be out of this apartment, and STILL have no house. <i>Not worried?</i> We have a baby due in January, have to be out of this apartment in 2 months, which is only 4 months before baby comes, and STILL have no house. <i>Aren't you a little bit worried now?</i> All our our stuff in in storage, and we haven't even started buying stuff for baby, let alone, renovating, painting, unpacking or setting up a new house. <i>Still? Not even a tiny bit worried?</i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yet another thing I've learned. He doesn't worry. Ever. He's never stressed out by our circumstances, no matter how daunting or impossible or worrisome they are to us. He is big and all of our big problems are small to him. Not small as in not important. The littlest thing that is a big deal to us, is a big deal to Him because he loves us. And He is a God of the details! But small, as in, He's already taken care of them. He knows the details of our life, and He doesn't miss a thing. Ever. Not one tiny detail. And all I have to do is pay attention to His faithfulness. When trusting is too hard, all I am asked to do is remember his kindness throughout my journey.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've made it to my 2nd trimester and love having my energy back. I'm feeling more normal so-to-speak than I have in weeks. Life feels a little less scary and new now, and we've even made some friends. Every day I wake up, I ask God to give me His perspective. He is providing for us daily. We have shelter, food, jobs, and friends today, and I can say quite confidently, he will provide for ALL our needs tomorrow. My job is to "not worry about tomorrow" while I rest in his faithfulness today (y<i>es, that's easier said than done</i>).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here's to embracing change, trusting just a little bit more today than I did yesterday, and paying attention to His faithfulness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Replace what you don't know about your future </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>with what you do know about God.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"My child, you can trust the man who died for you. If you cannot trust him,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>when whom can you trust?" -Streams in the Desert</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WirQbkHG_jk/U9zjbz1cTVI/AAAAAAAAIX0/ulKuk6HI4Gk/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WirQbkHG_jk/U9zjbz1cTVI/AAAAAAAAIX0/ulKuk6HI4Gk/s1600/photo+1+(1).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CD9BHn5RFhE/U9zjcGCad7I/AAAAAAAAIX4/yP4pfk0F7tc/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CD9BHn5RFhE/U9zjcGCad7I/AAAAAAAAIX4/yP4pfk0F7tc/s1600/photo+1+(2).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5B6EhxYKkDY/U9zjh_MbMmI/AAAAAAAAIY4/Wfxgq9RQiCU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5B6EhxYKkDY/U9zjh_MbMmI/AAAAAAAAIY4/Wfxgq9RQiCU/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZxWy1ypN60/U9zjbzoDYFI/AAAAAAAAIX8/EKeHPOGJ84A/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZxWy1ypN60/U9zjbzoDYFI/AAAAAAAAIX8/EKeHPOGJ84A/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8cEHYL1AJC4/U9zjdBCpkRI/AAAAAAAAIYI/TYpViLb3tEY/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8cEHYL1AJC4/U9zjdBCpkRI/AAAAAAAAIYI/TYpViLb3tEY/s1600/photo+2+(1).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u25FNi6O9lE/U9zjd-jA9NI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/x0S_dYj3y4Y/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u25FNi6O9lE/U9zjd-jA9NI/AAAAAAAAIYQ/x0S_dYj3y4Y/s1600/photo+2+(2).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0tGMi1GMMY/U9zkxIfOEiI/AAAAAAAAIZY/og0Th-qFe_0/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E0tGMi1GMMY/U9zkxIfOEiI/AAAAAAAAIZY/og0Th-qFe_0/s1600/photo+2+(3).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKcv_PilDEo/U9zkv4F6yxI/AAAAAAAAIZI/Z1NiOCHATRk/s1600/photo+3+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKcv_PilDEo/U9zkv4F6yxI/AAAAAAAAIZI/Z1NiOCHATRk/s1600/photo+3+(3).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrbBTiiWaa0/U9zkwahr1sI/AAAAAAAAIZM/LQvOYGniL88/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrbBTiiWaa0/U9zkwahr1sI/AAAAAAAAIZM/LQvOYGniL88/s1600/photo+4+(1).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOhQrUmrA1E/U9zk1vZSyMI/AAAAAAAAIZg/JBnOgDYvCLo/s1600/photo+1+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fOhQrUmrA1E/U9zk1vZSyMI/AAAAAAAAIZg/JBnOgDYvCLo/s1600/photo+1+(3).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOdlYIxKs14/U9zjgjgvrKI/AAAAAAAAIYk/2Vd9iQggb0Y/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOdlYIxKs14/U9zjgjgvrKI/AAAAAAAAIYk/2Vd9iQggb0Y/s1600/photo+3+(2).JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-77614882305174805882013-09-09T09:22:00.001-04:002013-09-09T09:22:13.031-04:00NYFWIt's NYFW and I'm dying to be there. What else is new.<br />
<br />
One day. . . I'll not only go to fashion week, but show my very own collection. I'll dream about that for a little while longer.<br />
<br />
Here's a look at my Monday inspiration. I hope it brightens your day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E4C48mFfcA/Ui3LIQMKc5I/AAAAAAAAIR8/d8pJhADgJqM/s1600/BW1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E4C48mFfcA/Ui3LIQMKc5I/AAAAAAAAIR8/d8pJhADgJqM/s640/BW1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDe0KF7APxI/Ui3LIJRoz1I/AAAAAAAAIR0/7Zqzwqeao3g/s1600/BW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDe0KF7APxI/Ui3LIJRoz1I/AAAAAAAAIR0/7Zqzwqeao3g/s640/BW2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ciao!<br />
Bonté<br />
<br />
<a href="http://pinterest.com/bonterue/pins/">Source</a>Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-61897289242255121212013-09-03T14:11:00.000-04:002013-09-03T14:12:50.862-04:00Tuck & Bonté turns 2!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IgLi4X_s-jw/UfATyYkQHlI/AAAAAAAAII8/NLQh_5Nyys8/s1600/IMG_3124-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IgLi4X_s-jw/UfATyYkQHlI/AAAAAAAAII8/NLQh_5Nyys8/s640/IMG_3124-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqCDG_Rx9Y4/UfAT17_QidI/AAAAAAAAIJE/z_wDD-rI5S4/s1600/IMG_3159-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GqCDG_Rx9Y4/UfAT17_QidI/AAAAAAAAIJE/z_wDD-rI5S4/s640/IMG_3159-Edit-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Two years ago this month, I made (or should say 'we made'), one of the scariest and most exciting decisions of our lives. I quit my day job to pursue our dream, Tuck & Bonté. I didn't really have 'a plan'. I didn't even have anything figured out. I just knew it was what I had to do. I was fed up with my job. I was tired of being exhausted and drained every single day doing something I was less than crazy about, when I could be doing something I loved. So, after much thinking and much praying, we decided to take the leap of faith. Surely we could live off of one salary until I got things up and running. . . haha! It all sounds so easy now. Let's just say it's easier said than done. It's easier to dream dreams than actually do dreams. But doing them is what's it's all about. We did it, and are still doing it, and I'll never regret it.<br />
<br />
Last year was one of the hardest years of my life. No joke. Looking back now, I see all that happened and how necessary it was to get us where we are today. But then, I wasn't seeing anything. Most days I felt crazy. Stuck. Especially when the doubts and questions started rolling in. . .<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What are you doing? Why would you quit your job? You're not making any money. You don't even have a plan. Why are you making party decor? You really want to make clothing. You're probably never gonna make clothing. You never even used what you went to school for. You are never going to be successful. It's too hard. It's really just too hard. Just quite now, why don't you. </i><br />
<br />
All of those doubts, those fears, and those thoughts were so real. They were daily battles I had to fight, and still do some days. Starting a business is not for the faint of heart, BUT, it's not impossible. You have to have focus. You have to be passionate <i>every single day</i> about your vision. You have to take action to make that vision a reality. It's a lot of hard work. It's late hours and working on the weekends. There's a lot of plowing and planting that happens in the early stages, but it's so exciting to watch something you care so much about grow. There's nothing more life giving than to see your dream start out as a tiny baby idea, and to watch it grow, and grow, and mature.<br />
<br />
That was last year for us. We didn't really make any money, or not very much. We didn't have a ton of sales. We didn't have many exciting opportunities or product features. We just kept creating new products, putting to life our little party ideas. We kept developing new products, planning photo shoots, and putting every bit of ourself into <i>everything</i> we made. As the saying goes, 'we kept on keeping on'.<br />
<br />
That brings us to today. After 2 years, Tuck and Bonté is still in the baby stages. Our end goal is not to create party decor for weddings and events, but it's a start, and now it's our story. After so much hard work last year with not a lot of fruit to show for it, this year was a much needed encouragement. This year was different. It's like we finally started to see some fruit from all of our labor. We started to get products in magazines and featured on big blogs, the shop finally began getting consistent sales, and we had the amazing opportunity to start wholesaling with Anthropologie and The Knot. All that sounds like pure craziness when thinking back to last year, but it was just what we needed to keep on going. I know we'll have other hard seasons of change and growth for the business, but hopefully it will be followed by some of these good, fruitful seasons to always keep us moving forward.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite things to do is read books about designers and successful business men. I love learning about the triumphs and failures that brought them to the present. Every successful person or idea started somewhere. That should encourage someone. It does me. It means that no one just woke up one day to a booming, successful business. They woke up and worked hard every single day.<br />
<br />
It inspires me to know that Ralph Lauren started out making ties. That's it. He made ties, that he eventually got into one store, and then another, and then another, until it grew into the huge business it is today. It's inspiring to know that Howard Schultz of Starbucks had a crazy dream to sell espresso on-the-go. People told him that NO ONE would pay $3 dollars for a cup of coffee. He was turned down so many times, but he never gave up. He never stopped believing in his idea, until eventually, other people started believing in it as well. What would life be like without his idea? What would we all do without our Starbucks? It's a crazy thought for sure. It makes me ask the question. . .<i>What would the world do without your idea? My idea?</i><br />
<br />
Anyways, sorry I got a bit long winded there. I guess I'm just completely overwhelmed by our journey and how blessed we are today. We are so excited about where we're at, but we are even more excited about what the future holds. We hope to start incorporating fashion and furniture accessories into the brand sometime in the near future. We'll definitely keep you all posted. Thank you so much for all the support, encouraging words, and most of all, for believing in us. We wouldn't be here without you.<br />
<br />
Cheers to 2!<br />
Tuck and Bonté<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white;">"The elevator to success is out of order. You'll have to use the stairs. One step at a time." -Unknown</i><br />
<div class="p1">
<i style="background-color: white;"><br /></i></div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-71333794488274559242013-08-26T12:00:00.001-04:002013-08-26T12:00:49.584-04:00Four Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fh631o6FH_0/UguSbf7rniI/AAAAAAAAIQI/O0cWlEsQLCY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fh631o6FH_0/UguSbf7rniI/AAAAAAAAIQI/O0cWlEsQLCY/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEiZT1xfFjE/UguSbfFfm9I/AAAAAAAAIP4/VSgi1c0Bdz8/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEiZT1xfFjE/UguSbfFfm9I/AAAAAAAAIP4/VSgi1c0Bdz8/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NoLoK333rw/UguSbUk1qSI/AAAAAAAAIP8/HcUOg6FY7n4/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NoLoK333rw/UguSbUk1qSI/AAAAAAAAIP8/HcUOg6FY7n4/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iuz2WqCZbNU/UguSb0-0oII/AAAAAAAAIQE/TAdcXPsCYE0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iuz2WqCZbNU/UguSb0-0oII/AAAAAAAAIQE/TAdcXPsCYE0/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Four years ago (August 16th), I married the best man I know and have never looked back. He's my better half, my best friend, and my inspiration. I'm so thankful to have been blessed with such a man. Lee Andrew Watson, I'm so glad you're mine forever. Thanks for loving me well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
xoxo</div>
<br />Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-18131818871958094192013-08-13T15:31:00.004-04:002013-08-13T15:31:46.390-04:00Thom Browne ResortI fell in love with this resort collection the minute I laid eyes on it. Especially the second look. I love all the textures, patterns and colors mixed together. It makes me VERY excited for fall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQeSqrTAVgI/UgqJMA2pT2I/AAAAAAAAIPA/QLZEewGkjTQ/s1600/Thom_Browne_004_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MQeSqrTAVgI/UgqJMA2pT2I/AAAAAAAAIPA/QLZEewGkjTQ/s640/Thom_Browne_004_1366.450x675.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0eS_aDL9Kg/UgqJMFDWUaI/AAAAAAAAIO4/3jJfIkYrBOU/s1600/Thom_Browne_005_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0eS_aDL9Kg/UgqJMFDWUaI/AAAAAAAAIO4/3jJfIkYrBOU/s640/Thom_Browne_005_1366.450x675.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOu8YUT70k4/UgqJMB-bJWI/AAAAAAAAIO8/Yyk-04cnrbg/s1600/Thom_Browne_006_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WOu8YUT70k4/UgqJMB-bJWI/AAAAAAAAIO8/Yyk-04cnrbg/s640/Thom_Browne_006_1366.450x675.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T50vd282rys/UgqJMmINAYI/AAAAAAAAIPU/LSpPUvtQ9Pw/s1600/Thom_Browne_007_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T50vd282rys/UgqJMmINAYI/AAAAAAAAIPU/LSpPUvtQ9Pw/s640/Thom_Browne_007_1366.450x675.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nw_QREO56c/UgqJMyWtGvI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/VOdstbr7b_A/s1600/Thom_Browne_008_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nw_QREO56c/UgqJMyWtGvI/AAAAAAAAIPQ/VOdstbr7b_A/s640/Thom_Browne_008_1366.450x675.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONuSmVW_rS8/UgqJMyRrGxI/AAAAAAAAIPY/3lGUyXT3mFU/s1600/Thom_Browne_012_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ONuSmVW_rS8/UgqJMyRrGxI/AAAAAAAAIPY/3lGUyXT3mFU/s640/Thom_Browne_012_1366.450x675.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWjgfX_DDFc/UgqJNbCZNAI/AAAAAAAAIPg/WHXZDn4bs9o/s1600/Thom_Browne_014_1366.450x675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWjgfX_DDFc/UgqJNbCZNAI/AAAAAAAAIPg/WHXZDn4bs9o/s640/Thom_Browne_014_1366.450x675.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
Are you tired of hot summer days, or are you one of those 'endless summer days' types? I'm one hundred percent a fall girl, through and through. I love layers, jackets, scarves and boots. The only problem with this is I keep moving to warmer and warmer climates. I came from the PNW with lots of snowy winters, to a much milder NC with chilly winters, but nothing like the weather back home. And now, onto an even warmer SC. I'm not sure what to expect, but I'm thinking I might just have to get rid of all my warm sweaters and coats. The thought of that makes me so sad, I don't want to think about it.<br />
<br />
Anyways, hope you enjoy! oh, and can someone please get me some of the striped tights? I'm kind of in love.<br />
<br />
Bonté<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/2014RST-TBROWNE">source</a><br />
<br />
<br />Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-82970868553232609622013-07-29T11:04:00.004-04:002013-07-29T11:04:58.082-04:00Charleston Trip II<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-no7N55aahHU/UfAl_qMMg_I/AAAAAAAAILw/bf-CiUfvac0/s1600/IMG_9537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-no7N55aahHU/UfAl_qMMg_I/AAAAAAAAILw/bf-CiUfvac0/s640/IMG_9537.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvI9eNSM7j8/UfAl_eNmeBI/AAAAAAAAILs/qgWhDY-pSPk/s1600/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nvI9eNSM7j8/UfAl_eNmeBI/AAAAAAAAILs/qgWhDY-pSPk/s640/IMG_9533.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMsFd1Z04hc/UfAmAGVMFRI/AAAAAAAAIMA/kKnWLr-rFYM/s1600/IMG_9549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMsFd1Z04hc/UfAmAGVMFRI/AAAAAAAAIMA/kKnWLr-rFYM/s640/IMG_9549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCsO05_qAY8/UfAmAb_D0EI/AAAAAAAAIMI/DjDlYqFLIaM/s1600/IMG_9557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCsO05_qAY8/UfAmAb_D0EI/AAAAAAAAIMI/DjDlYqFLIaM/s640/IMG_9557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoBvKig4sRw/UfAmA3segKI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/z2JgN88y39k/s1600/IMG_9562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uoBvKig4sRw/UfAmA3segKI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/z2JgN88y39k/s640/IMG_9562.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z33DiksfNfo/UfAmEK3NJpI/AAAAAAAAINA/ANb-vOt-6Hs/s1600/IMG_9632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z33DiksfNfo/UfAmEK3NJpI/AAAAAAAAINA/ANb-vOt-6Hs/s640/IMG_9632.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FupJW-KZ6k0/UfAmBWrw5sI/AAAAAAAAIMc/OmoQBwVccyw/s1600/IMG_9615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FupJW-KZ6k0/UfAmBWrw5sI/AAAAAAAAIMc/OmoQBwVccyw/s640/IMG_9615.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHayfC46MvM/UfAmCbbsueI/AAAAAAAAIMk/aV0LmHcSU7c/s1600/IMG_9581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHayfC46MvM/UfAmCbbsueI/AAAAAAAAIMk/aV0LmHcSU7c/s640/IMG_9581.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7x7G_BPtAVk/UfAmEk1oyvI/AAAAAAAAINM/uny7iht6rSg/s1600/IMG_9633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7x7G_BPtAVk/UfAmEk1oyvI/AAAAAAAAINM/uny7iht6rSg/s640/IMG_9633.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5N96hEfnXBs/UfAmDnRiqoI/AAAAAAAAIMw/S4Dh7sCB0rI/s1600/IMG_9623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5N96hEfnXBs/UfAmDnRiqoI/AAAAAAAAIMw/S4Dh7sCB0rI/s640/IMG_9623.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOSCYuW0vUY/UfAmE9g7bhI/AAAAAAAAINQ/qmgNtpDuw6U/s1600/IMG_9634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOSCYuW0vUY/UfAmE9g7bhI/AAAAAAAAINQ/qmgNtpDuw6U/s640/IMG_9634.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSQp94lLsic/UfAmDRn2SII/AAAAAAAAIMs/0fY6nfMAnlY/s1600/IMG_9628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSQp94lLsic/UfAmDRn2SII/AAAAAAAAIMs/0fY6nfMAnlY/s640/IMG_9628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Charleston to me means sand in my toes, waves, the ocean, and food. Lots of good food. I think every trip is starting to feel a little more like home, even though we don't live there yet. At least we're getting used to the idea. I know we're falling a little more in love with it each time though. It's stollen our hearts, and we couldn't be more thrilled.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lee was supposed to work from there a few days 2 weeks ago. Well, his meetings got all switched up, so he ended up going the entire week. We hate being apart that long, so I decided that if I got all my work done, I'd go too. I did, and ended up <a href="http://bonterue.blogspot.com/2013/07/charleston-trip-i.html">driving down with my Dad and little brother</a> the day after him. It was actually very relaxing for me. Sometimes I feel like I don't know how to relax anymore, especially when I'm not with Lee. I feel like half of me is missing. I don't have that kindred spirit to share everything with, and for a togetherness person, that's sad. It was good though. I'm learning how to actually let down and relax. I went to lunch by myself (which I never do. I think it was actually the first time!), I went to coffee alone and sat for hours, and I went to the beach alone! I was really alone there. I showed up at 8:30 and it was practically all mine. It was so peaceful to just sit and listen to the repetitive, constant wash of the waves on the shore. I read a little, sun bathed a lot, and took another solo-lunch break at a fun little spot a couple blocks inland. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After my <a href="http://bonterue.blogspot.com/2013/07/charleston-trip-i.html">Dad and brother</a> left, we decided to have a little date night. We spotted the cutest, tiniest, most romantic looking Italian Restaurant (Pane e Vino) during our first visit at the beginning of the year . We saw it when we were leaving town and said we'd go next time. Well, next time came and went, and we still hadn't gone. We said for SURE we would go this time. Well, we almost talked ourselves out of it, and I'm so glad we didn't! It was like a date night in Italy. Seriously! A big thunderstorm had just passed through, and I was so hoping it wouldn't come back so we could grab a spot on the patio. We got lucky because it was covered, and completely lit by twinkle lights. There was beautiful jazzy music playing, and we were one of the only couples there. We aren't normally crazy about Italian places, but now I think we're sold. This was so authentic. . .All homemade pastas and sauces, delicious bread and olive oil appetizer. . . A tall bottle of sparkling water on the table. I love when people pay attention to details. I had spinach ravioli with an asparagus proscuitto cream sauce. It was to die for. It's all I can think about. I want to go back and order that exact, same thing! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, it was a great break week. I felt refreshed and ready to get back to work upon our return. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers to the ocean, homemade pasta, sandy sun-kissed faces, sunset beach walks, and the rest it brings our souls!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bonté</div>
<br />Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-27069248605502957042013-07-24T15:33:00.000-04:002013-07-24T15:33:55.837-04:00Charleston Trip I My little brother, whose not so little anymore, and Dad came to visit us for 2 days last week. They were coming to visit Luke, our other brother, in Charlotte, and be at the live album recording he was drumming for that weekend. They popped in to see us as well. Lee ended up being out of town the whole week because of work meetings, so we went to him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1WrZD8Bi3E/UfAkt6A1pRI/AAAAAAAAIKc/Bqgdb0_lCes/s1600/IMG_9462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o1WrZD8Bi3E/UfAkt6A1pRI/AAAAAAAAIKc/Bqgdb0_lCes/s640/IMG_9462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFhAzVK7mKE/UfAkwuIRd4I/AAAAAAAAIK8/YqbBHKzdIgE/s1600/IMG_9467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lFhAzVK7mKE/UfAkwuIRd4I/AAAAAAAAIK8/YqbBHKzdIgE/s640/IMG_9467.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo6-mdYfq8k/UfAkuTkY_kI/AAAAAAAAIKk/0UO7p4aiMMY/s1600/IMG_9477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo6-mdYfq8k/UfAkuTkY_kI/AAAAAAAAIKk/0UO7p4aiMMY/s640/IMG_9477.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AaCZnwPkgM/UfAkvjJKcNI/AAAAAAAAIKs/jtPe8toTPCQ/s1600/IMG_9484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AaCZnwPkgM/UfAkvjJKcNI/AAAAAAAAIKs/jtPe8toTPCQ/s640/IMG_9484.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDcgKIGPluU/UfAkvpr-H_I/AAAAAAAAIKw/Y0-u_4ereZE/s1600/IMG_9496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDcgKIGPluU/UfAkvpr-H_I/AAAAAAAAIKw/Y0-u_4ereZE/s640/IMG_9496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGV2fZ0r5xA/UfAkxeHF45I/AAAAAAAAILI/1RphkIhqCAc/s1600/IMG_9521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GGV2fZ0r5xA/UfAkxeHF45I/AAAAAAAAILI/1RphkIhqCAc/s640/IMG_9521.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C0kN8A3MbYU/UfAkxbOOdZI/AAAAAAAAILE/OX-o51eqkhM/s1600/IMG_9522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C0kN8A3MbYU/UfAkxbOOdZI/AAAAAAAAILE/OX-o51eqkhM/s640/IMG_9522.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f023bBtxsgc/UfAkx3NXtUI/AAAAAAAAILQ/JJGmuVMr_b8/s1600/IMG_9523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f023bBtxsgc/UfAkx3NXtUI/AAAAAAAAILQ/JJGmuVMr_b8/s640/IMG_9523.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHBCn4icMO8/UfAkyeYNydI/AAAAAAAAILc/5e27gP4IegI/s1600/IMG_9531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHBCn4icMO8/UfAkyeYNydI/AAAAAAAAILc/5e27gP4IegI/s640/IMG_9531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was glad to have driving company, and got to show them around our soon to be home city that afternoon. It was hot, and humid, and these two NW-ers definitely weren't used to it. We went to one of our favorite little restaurants right by the beach for dinner, and ended up having to eat outside. The sun was starting to go down, so the heat let up a bit, which we were all very grateful for. Afterwards, we walked to the beach and looked at the beautiful houses surrounding it. We ended the night with some fro-yo. It was pretty darn great. Short and sweet.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to be on vacation with the rest of my family! August, you couldn't come sooner.<br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
BontéBonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-68638084768554641472013-07-15T09:37:00.000-04:002013-07-15T12:02:52.368-04:00Tuck & Bonté || Art Deco It's a roaring party over at the shop. We are so happy to launch our new line of Art Deco <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/tuckandbonte?section_id=13735974">Tuck & Bonté</a> party products. We hope you'll go check them out and tell your friends too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMevE3qbomU/Ud7riMdv7BI/AAAAAAAAIHE/a2cOCmeAmzk/s1600/IMG_0397+(2)-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMevE3qbomU/Ud7riMdv7BI/AAAAAAAAIHE/a2cOCmeAmzk/s640/IMG_0397+(2)-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gMBFPjl2O0/Ud7rwY_OOOI/AAAAAAAAIHM/3X_e-2UsQJc/s1600/IMG_0466-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gMBFPjl2O0/Ud7rwY_OOOI/AAAAAAAAIHM/3X_e-2UsQJc/s640/IMG_0466-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ht1rUWC2znE/Ud7r9A92HHI/AAAAAAAAIHU/vdLd3dehJDA/s1600/IMG_0541-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ht1rUWC2znE/Ud7r9A92HHI/AAAAAAAAIHU/vdLd3dehJDA/s640/IMG_0541-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm5yWZhMJuw/Ud7sMbug-JI/AAAAAAAAIHc/uM6Iye5ycX4/s1600/IMG_0559-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm5yWZhMJuw/Ud7sMbug-JI/AAAAAAAAIHc/uM6Iye5ycX4/s640/IMG_0559-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOCpONMDfTs/Ud7sRiQfc5I/AAAAAAAAIHk/4NNBXvyRgoA/s1600/IMG_1260-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xOCpONMDfTs/Ud7sRiQfc5I/AAAAAAAAIHk/4NNBXvyRgoA/s640/IMG_1260-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-5etX2ws6k/Ud7sxDS0iTI/AAAAAAAAIH8/mXRIac8YCAA/s1600/IMG_0574-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-5etX2ws6k/Ud7sxDS0iTI/AAAAAAAAIH8/mXRIac8YCAA/s640/IMG_0574-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1vseFedsI_8/Ud7sXGglUII/AAAAAAAAIH0/Kk3VOI9byXs/s1600/IMG_1280-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1vseFedsI_8/Ud7sXGglUII/AAAAAAAAIH0/Kk3VOI9byXs/s640/IMG_1280-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, follow us on Instagram (@tuckandbonte) to get coupon codes, sale news, and to keep up with the fun stuff we're doing!<br />
<br />
Cheers!<br />
Bonté<br />
<br />
All Photos by <a href="http://www.revivalphotography.com/">Revival Photography</a>Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-22964400757870241892013-07-11T13:21:00.000-04:002013-07-11T13:21:15.168-04:00Sometimes I'm just too busy living life, working, traveling and enjoying the 'now' to worry about blogging it all. Although, I was surprised when I got on here and saw that's it's been over a month since I've posted anything. Sorry, readers, if I even have any readers left. If you are still here, we have some major catching up to do.<br />
<br />
This year has been a whirlwind, in the best kind of way. So many changes and new opportunities that I never anticipating 2013 bringing. They have been welcomed with open arms though.<br />
<br />
The business has really exploded and I find myself working more than I ever have in my entire life. Even with all the exhausting late nights, I have never been more satisfied with my work. I have also never been so stretched. It's coming up on my 2nd anniversary of quitting my job to pursue our business full time. It's amazing to look back and see where our journey has taken us, and what a crazy adventure ride it's been. I feel more blessed than ever. (more on this soon)<br />
<br />
We're going on 2+ months since Lee transitioned to his new job. This came completely out of the blue, and was one of those 'too good to be true' opportunities. So of course, we took it. Along with taking the job came agreeing to relocate, which will take place in the next 6mos-1year. The company is based out of Charleston, SC, and we are just a little bit exited to be moving there. Never have we both so quickly fallen in love with and felt so at home in a city as we do there. The hard part is living fully 'here' until the move.<br />
<br />
Here's a few photos from our most recent trip. We even started house hunting and neighborhood shopping! Praying for the perfect house at the right time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DVBCgbIAs4/Ud7mZQ0jNaI/AAAAAAAAIDc/ifO788xCWTY/s1600/IMG_9004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DVBCgbIAs4/Ud7mZQ0jNaI/AAAAAAAAIDc/ifO788xCWTY/s640/IMG_9004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zcl63sNpLP0/Ud7mcK9aonI/AAAAAAAAIEM/tT55nSKA-wc/s1600/IMG_9139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zcl63sNpLP0/Ud7mcK9aonI/AAAAAAAAIEM/tT55nSKA-wc/s640/IMG_9139.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeDGSh4-zsA/Ud7mcWmTD3I/AAAAAAAAIEU/OgE-xe-USiA/s1600/IMG_9141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeDGSh4-zsA/Ud7mcWmTD3I/AAAAAAAAIEU/OgE-xe-USiA/s640/IMG_9141.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_Fgya1sNq4/Ud7mdVup4LI/AAAAAAAAIEk/mSHRHkAHYdw/s1600/IMG_9146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L_Fgya1sNq4/Ud7mdVup4LI/AAAAAAAAIEk/mSHRHkAHYdw/s640/IMG_9146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe-XzT2ZV9M/Ud7mdjCvf0I/AAAAAAAAIEs/-AA2k_KRpTw/s1600/IMG_9149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xe-XzT2ZV9M/Ud7mdjCvf0I/AAAAAAAAIEs/-AA2k_KRpTw/s640/IMG_9149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8wWhBc-lJU/Ud7meOa55wI/AAAAAAAAIE0/hnlpSFw7r8c/s1600/IMG_9151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8wWhBc-lJU/Ud7meOa55wI/AAAAAAAAIE0/hnlpSFw7r8c/s640/IMG_9151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VsJRBzjoGCo/Ud7melu_KOI/AAAAAAAAIFE/0OPytEVUgh8/s1600/IMG_9186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VsJRBzjoGCo/Ud7melu_KOI/AAAAAAAAIFE/0OPytEVUgh8/s640/IMG_9186.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmuVhyjPGVw/Ud7mfCVE9PI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/-O9hqSEni4g/s1600/IMG_9194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WmuVhyjPGVw/Ud7mfCVE9PI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/-O9hqSEni4g/s640/IMG_9194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udJpYMHlNMY/Ud7mftYUF0I/AAAAAAAAIFk/SrxQAr0d17k/s1600/IMG_9196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udJpYMHlNMY/Ud7mftYUF0I/AAAAAAAAIFk/SrxQAr0d17k/s640/IMG_9196.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YfgBS8Ytsps/Ud7mf0Q70xI/AAAAAAAAIFc/D1y5ug52G-U/s1600/IMG_9197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YfgBS8Ytsps/Ud7mf0Q70xI/AAAAAAAAIFc/D1y5ug52G-U/s640/IMG_9197.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPPSjrDNH0s/Ud7mgXjnbkI/AAAAAAAAIFs/-DwbKaEksb0/s1600/IMG_9199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NPPSjrDNH0s/Ud7mgXjnbkI/AAAAAAAAIFs/-DwbKaEksb0/s640/IMG_9199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZgKF_Z3tfY/Ud7mhI9l2vI/AAAAAAAAIF4/EjhZg-Wp0B0/s1600/IMG_9210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FZgKF_Z3tfY/Ud7mhI9l2vI/AAAAAAAAIF4/EjhZg-Wp0B0/s640/IMG_9210.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvHgG5GeiCo/Ud7mh4KGrhI/AAAAAAAAIGE/EV0I2bg_nNU/s1600/IMG_9216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cvHgG5GeiCo/Ud7mh4KGrhI/AAAAAAAAIGE/EV0I2bg_nNU/s640/IMG_9216.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6wKjs2nPWc/Ud7pXJwv57I/AAAAAAAAIG0/6FzMfp_vnJg/s1600/afterlight.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6wKjs2nPWc/Ud7pXJwv57I/AAAAAAAAIG0/6FzMfp_vnJg/s640/afterlight.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHen3R6q6hM/Ud7mh4lMr6I/AAAAAAAAIGA/jJNzNLQ4kdw/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHen3R6q6hM/Ud7mh4lMr6I/AAAAAAAAIGA/jJNzNLQ4kdw/s640/IMG_9219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm also head over heels in love with the palm trees and Spanish moss. I never thought I'd live somewhere with palm trees, but now I can't wait! I'll try frequent this place more often in the near future.<br />
<br />
BontéBonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-14147554635876323392013-06-03T11:00:00.003-04:002013-06-03T11:00:51.443-04:00Style Love: Linda Rodin Monday's style love is brought to you by fashion stylist, <a href="http://oliolusso.com/">Linda Rodin</a>. I mean, c'mon! I don't think you can get any cuter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mG8qL-4o4NY/Uayt1kb6VLI/AAAAAAAAIBU/JPKRkMThZ-0/s1600/LRodin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mG8qL-4o4NY/Uayt1kb6VLI/AAAAAAAAIBU/JPKRkMThZ-0/s640/LRodin1.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2EoTBooBxs/UayuCqYvuyI/AAAAAAAAIBc/WmINFHDDYf0/s1600/L_Rodin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2EoTBooBxs/UayuCqYvuyI/AAAAAAAAIBc/WmINFHDDYf0/s1600/L_Rodin2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-It3zSP9M0/UayuZMDiDYI/AAAAAAAAIBk/PmOfsFb8qTU/s1600/L_Rodin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-It3zSP9M0/UayuZMDiDYI/AAAAAAAAIBk/PmOfsFb8qTU/s640/L_Rodin3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1jdDUC_Jh4/UayutWbLFMI/AAAAAAAAIBs/wPSW6eNWh_w/s1600/L_rodin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1jdDUC_Jh4/UayutWbLFMI/AAAAAAAAIBs/wPSW6eNWh_w/s640/L_rodin4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I want to be like her when I grow up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
See ya,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bonté</div>
<br />
<a href="http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/karen-walker-x-advanced-style.html">1</a>/<a href="http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/sweaters-tops/womens-white-shirt-00100000093203/page3.html">2</a>/<a href="http://www.refinery29.com/denim-day-style-legend-linda-rodin">3</a>/<a href="http://www.refinery29.com/denim-day-style-legend-linda-rodin">4</a>Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-17340504992156181632013-05-30T09:14:00.002-04:002013-05-30T09:17:35.381-04:00AnthropologieWe have some very exciting news to share. It seems like its been forever coming, which is why we are so thrilled to be able to finally announce it. As of last week, <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/">Anthropologie</a> launched a <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/category/office+d%E9cor+%26+stationery/home-office.jsp">party shop</a> on their website! If that isn't exciting enough, we are honored to be a part of their new product launch. They are carrying select <a href="http://www.tuckandbonte.com/">Tuck & Bonté</a> party goods! Hooray!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SD17_QUzb44/UadO5kfn1tI/AAAAAAAAH_k/9BLptwjT5mY/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-24+at+8.12.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SD17_QUzb44/UadO5kfn1tI/AAAAAAAAH_k/9BLptwjT5mY/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-24+at+8.12.04+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is truly a dream come true for me. I've wanted to sell 'something' at Anthropoglogie since I can remember. I always thought that 'something' would be clothing, and who knows, maybe one day it will be yet. I also always thought it would be years and years before this could ever possibly happen (<i>ya know,</i> <i>like when I'm much older and more mature)</i>. I guess life doesn't always happen like we plan, and a big thank goodness for that. Little did I know that when we started our Etsy shop 3 years ago, we would get this kind of BIG opportunity. I am <i>so</i> thankful and still <i>so</i> amazed! I keep wanting to pinch myself to wake up, as if it's not real. It is really real though. . . and I think you should all go celebrate with us by paying a visit to the 'party shop' and purchasing a few goodies! Please share with you friends, fans, family, or anyone you know who is planning a party. Birthday party, baby shower, wedding shower, wedding, graduation, it doesn't matter the kind. There are all sorts of fun goodies to choose from, so go take a peek.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbbQ3tBSzL8/UadPOxIu72I/AAAAAAAAH_s/McftOMsPN4Y/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-24+at+4.57.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fbbQ3tBSzL8/UadPOxIu72I/AAAAAAAAH_s/McftOMsPN4Y/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-24+at+4.57.16+PM.png" width="442" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnYcHNDgJys/UadPSmG7yxI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Ua7KbfTLxyU/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-24+at+4.57.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jnYcHNDgJys/UadPSmG7yxI/AAAAAAAAH_4/Ua7KbfTLxyU/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-24+at+4.57.55+PM.png" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eC1A-x6dgQc/UadPVsMJ_XI/AAAAAAAAIBE/wzO3Pn6SLIo/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-05-24+at+4.59.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eC1A-x6dgQc/UadPVsMJ_XI/AAAAAAAAIBE/wzO3Pn6SLIo/s640/Screen+shot+2013-05-24+at+4.59.01+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This has been a long, stretching, overwhelming, amazing experience. It's amazing how much growth can come from stepping out into a 'dream come true'. It's scary, and sometimes you may even feel too overwhelmed, like you can't do it. I did. . . just a few times. But the cool thing about following your dreams is you become more of who you really are in the process. I feel so accomplished and proud, but mostly so thankful. The Lord is just so awesome, and really does give you the desires of your heart when you follow him.<br />
<br />
Three cheers for dreams coming true!<br />
Bonté<br />
<br />
<br />Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-4240711497820140282013-05-28T16:00:00.003-04:002013-05-28T16:00:49.827-04:003 day weekendWell, after this glorious Memorial Day Weekend, I found myself wishing every weekend was a 3 day weekend. It was just what we needed.<br />
<br />
First off, Wally got neutered Thursday. I had been dreading this for months. . .and was expecting the worst. It ended up going much better than expected. He was such a champ and is practically back to normal. PTL!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I also got to throw my lovely friend Alison, whose expecting twin girls in July, a baby shower this weekend. I wouldn't have been able to pull it off without the help of my MIL and many friends. It was really fun. I just hope she enjoyed it as much as we all did. Now I just can't wait to meet those precious girlies.<br />
<br />
The rest of the weekend was spent on the porch, eating, talking and laughing into the wee hours of the night. We got to go listen to a whole orchestra of jazz Sunday night in our tiny downtown square. It was perfect. We got to sleep in on a Monday. That's how every Monday's should start. I think I would have a much better week if I could start off well rested.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, the skies were blue and there was a lovely breeze blowing, so we decided to go to the mountains for a picnic. Wally joined us and was in heaven. We have a favorite spot that's full of trails, lots of runners, dog walkers, and a little pond. We laid our blanket down and didn't get up for a few hours. It was bliss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o07_HfJEpS0/UaULOD1bOZI/AAAAAAAAH90/dlxGnCIWzL4/s1600/IMG_8547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o07_HfJEpS0/UaULOD1bOZI/AAAAAAAAH90/dlxGnCIWzL4/s400/IMG_8547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tsZ04qV8OE/UaULOZ4KqAI/AAAAAAAAH98/grDnfVbfiI8/s1600/IMG_8642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1tsZ04qV8OE/UaULOZ4KqAI/AAAAAAAAH98/grDnfVbfiI8/s400/IMG_8642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjwTqjWQ6bU/UaULYsMkdxI/AAAAAAAAH-E/h5pPsUtJVC0/s1600/IMG_8583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjwTqjWQ6bU/UaULYsMkdxI/AAAAAAAAH-E/h5pPsUtJVC0/s400/IMG_8583.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Iuk1WNbK4/UaULZXmc9xI/AAAAAAAAH-M/IyQP6HJbjgM/s1600/IMG_8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b4Iuk1WNbK4/UaULZXmc9xI/AAAAAAAAH-M/IyQP6HJbjgM/s400/IMG_8596.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J96WXePjqWc/UaULdMnJ0DI/AAAAAAAAH-w/DDbABF4t4G8/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J96WXePjqWc/UaULdMnJ0DI/AAAAAAAAH-w/DDbABF4t4G8/s400/IMG_8641.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76bQUG1S5pY/UaULap_iWgI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/OQZIgoviaI0/s1600/IMG_8601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76bQUG1S5pY/UaULap_iWgI/AAAAAAAAH-Y/OQZIgoviaI0/s400/IMG_8601.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VieuEbPcLw/UaULdBjlw5I/AAAAAAAAH-s/V4pcxTKoIC0/s1600/IMG_8643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VieuEbPcLw/UaULdBjlw5I/AAAAAAAAH-s/V4pcxTKoIC0/s400/IMG_8643.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUH7hRAdT30/UaULaRc0TGI/AAAAAAAAH-U/1kR-vUk-b50/s1600/IMG_8633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FUH7hRAdT30/UaULaRc0TGI/AAAAAAAAH-U/1kR-vUk-b50/s400/IMG_8633.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GO5W0thgxUk/UaUMxWQzzZI/AAAAAAAAH_U/WyxAR2VzXxw/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GO5W0thgxUk/UaUMxWQzzZI/AAAAAAAAH_U/WyxAR2VzXxw/s400/IMG_8634.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHpC-Awecvc/UaULdyfRCuI/AAAAAAAAH-8/it-WZeYW1d8/s1600/IMG_8644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHpC-Awecvc/UaULdyfRCuI/AAAAAAAAH-8/it-WZeYW1d8/s400/IMG_8644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmnhnrPjsvk/UaULfG_54OI/AAAAAAAAH_E/hrPi_3blBW8/s1600/IMG_8645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmnhnrPjsvk/UaULfG_54OI/AAAAAAAAH_E/hrPi_3blBW8/s400/IMG_8645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QnIacbltnk/UaULa379m3I/AAAAAAAAH-g/aY7shmEFRD8/s1600/IMG_8639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QnIacbltnk/UaULa379m3I/AAAAAAAAH-g/aY7shmEFRD8/s400/IMG_8639.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm already looking forward to this weekend. I'm planning to plant my porch flowers and herbs. I've said that every week for the past month, but I'm serious this time. I don't think I can take it looking so bare another minute. I hope you all have a great week!<br />
<br />
Bye!<br />
BontéBonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-27093335699180352842013-05-22T10:01:00.003-04:002013-05-22T10:20:35.799-04:00What I Wore Wednesday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Welcome to What I Wore Wednesday {Week 56: Flowy Dresses}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Thanks for joining me again for this week's WIWW, sponsored by the ever lovely</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/" style="color: #b09237; text-decoration: none;">Sugarlips</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">. I'm a dress girl...<i>especially</i> in the summer time. I don't think there is anything cooler to wear than a flowy dress when it's hot outside. I'm especially fond of the one I'm wearing. I love the longer length and the sheer feather printed fabric. It's so romantic and dreamy, perfect for a summer date night. Wouldn't you say?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G54uXsOtZNI/UZw1oDtpefI/AAAAAAAAH8E/FtaDl8ik1Fw/s1600/IMG_4946-Edit-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G54uXsOtZNI/UZw1oDtpefI/AAAAAAAAH8E/FtaDl8ik1Fw/s640/IMG_4946-Edit-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Im-G-f0WE8/UZzT9W1862I/AAAAAAAAH9k/rGIsvJlO_xY/s1600/IMG_4954-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Im-G-f0WE8/UZzT9W1862I/AAAAAAAAH9k/rGIsvJlO_xY/s640/IMG_4954-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrmRgZwhGkg/UZw11FTTxzI/AAAAAAAAH8U/GlKAyRIAFVo/s1600/IMG_4957-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrmRgZwhGkg/UZw11FTTxzI/AAAAAAAAH8U/GlKAyRIAFVo/s640/IMG_4957-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLYw3svgk80/UZw1398V-fI/AAAAAAAAH8c/IzPqR_mk5Oo/s1600/IMG_4967-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLYw3svgk80/UZw1398V-fI/AAAAAAAAH8c/IzPqR_mk5Oo/s640/IMG_4967-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBekx3sITlE/UZw2AZB9a3I/AAAAAAAAH8k/ym8B_WQuldw/s1600/IMG_4978-Edit-3-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBekx3sITlE/UZw2AZB9a3I/AAAAAAAAH8k/ym8B_WQuldw/s640/IMG_4978-Edit-3-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKfh9fWiWOU/UZw2EtxemzI/AAAAAAAAH8s/Kz0z3uywB6Y/s1600/IMG_5001-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xKfh9fWiWOU/UZw2EtxemzI/AAAAAAAAH8s/Kz0z3uywB6Y/s640/IMG_5001-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Xy8Holp2Pg/UZw2FJHSQAI/AAAAAAAAH80/VuA91A6kK10/s1600/IMG_5020-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Xy8Holp2Pg/UZw2FJHSQAI/AAAAAAAAH80/VuA91A6kK10/s640/IMG_5020-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6UDtBA5CEA/UZw2MWl_RLI/AAAAAAAAH88/51uzGIgLD24/s1600/IMG_5030-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6UDtBA5CEA/UZw2MWl_RLI/AAAAAAAAH88/51uzGIgLD24/s640/IMG_5030-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8hjBL-ekSI/UZw2OQ9WHsI/AAAAAAAAH9E/RDmIdTvF44c/s1600/IMG_5034-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8hjBL-ekSI/UZw2OQ9WHsI/AAAAAAAAH9E/RDmIdTvF44c/s640/IMG_5034-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Hyoa0jBm4/UZw2dJzFtvI/AAAAAAAAH9M/r_4PHPUG3sE/s1600/IMG_5049-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9Hyoa0jBm4/UZw2dJzFtvI/AAAAAAAAH9M/r_4PHPUG3sE/s640/IMG_5049-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsezxHb5fSc/UZw2ibWiGAI/AAAAAAAAH9U/zfWC5OhrDDE/s1600/IMG_5051-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KsezxHb5fSc/UZw2ibWiGAI/AAAAAAAAH9U/zfWC5OhrDDE/s640/IMG_5051-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 24px;">Dress: <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/floating-among-feathers-dress.html">Floating Among the Feathers by Sugarlips</a> // Shoes: BCBG Girls // Hat: NYC // Lips: Diva by MAC // </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Chin Dipped Earrings: Gifted // Cream+Rose Gold Watch: Tokyo Bay // </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">A big thanks to <a href="http://www.revivalphotography.com/">Heather</a>, my talented photographer friend, for the photos. She's great! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you around here soon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Au Revoir!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Bonté</span>Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-37001169369208301532013-05-17T16:18:00.003-04:002013-05-17T16:19:23.983-04:00a very late update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I'm a little behind on the ol blog here. I got back from WA . . . how has it already been 2 weeks! My how time flies. My plan was to do a trip post with pictures and all the fun stuff I did with my family right after I got back. Well. . . obviously that didn't happen. Oh well, what difference does 2 weeks make anyhow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's my trip . . . in photos. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--M59yuPmv8A/UZaLGb9zCbI/AAAAAAAAH4I/s1k4Jy9ZQsk/s1600/IMG_7935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--M59yuPmv8A/UZaLGb9zCbI/AAAAAAAAH4I/s1k4Jy9ZQsk/s640/IMG_7935.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPpKkkoOHm8/UZaLF9nfhKI/AAAAAAAAH38/r1oDE8h5TXc/s1600/IMG_7939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IPpKkkoOHm8/UZaLF9nfhKI/AAAAAAAAH38/r1oDE8h5TXc/s640/IMG_7939.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was a beautiful day for flying.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZnUqM3w40I/UZaLGU6UoeI/AAAAAAAAH4A/orxN2-MBV0s/s1600/IMG_7945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VZnUqM3w40I/UZaLGU6UoeI/AAAAAAAAH4A/orxN2-MBV0s/s640/IMG_7945.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I always have to grab clam chowder when I'm in Seattle. It's the best!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXRsyTAsu98/UZaLG8a_OgI/AAAAAAAAH4c/kbYNBNtcIhk/s1600/IMG_7950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pXRsyTAsu98/UZaLG8a_OgI/AAAAAAAAH4c/kbYNBNtcIhk/s640/IMG_7950.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUyLKe2DR8c/UZaLG582aVI/AAAAAAAAH4U/ecuzjH_DLNM/s1600/IMG_7953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUyLKe2DR8c/UZaLG582aVI/AAAAAAAAH4U/ecuzjH_DLNM/s640/IMG_7953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4_1YysAIoo/UZaLHvBtEUI/AAAAAAAAH4k/P0oLB4DiWT0/s1600/IMG_7961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4_1YysAIoo/UZaLHvBtEUI/AAAAAAAAH4k/P0oLB4DiWT0/s640/IMG_7961.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's a sweet story that goes with this doll. My Mummu was given this doll when she was 5 years old. I've loved it ever since I was a little girl. She told me a long, long time ago that she would give her to me when she turned 100. I proceeded to ask her every visit afterwards if she was 100 yet? She would laugh and say, no, not yet! The doll is now 80 years old. Her name's Lulu and I'm honored to have her. I can't wait to pass her along to my grand-daughter one day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CZV0yYpPLQ/UZaLHuG9W_I/AAAAAAAAH4o/ZrjL5gBKfMQ/s1600/IMG_7967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CZV0yYpPLQ/UZaLHuG9W_I/AAAAAAAAH4o/ZrjL5gBKfMQ/s640/IMG_7967.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9VheWM8eAk/UZaLIUvVFnI/AAAAAAAAH40/_noVR2XsT6M/s1600/IMG_8002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9VheWM8eAk/UZaLIUvVFnI/AAAAAAAAH40/_noVR2XsT6M/s640/IMG_8002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Picnic with my sisters, niece, and nephews.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM_JUwFsW-0/UZaLKE3QgzI/AAAAAAAAH5E/0AJbH2PUszY/s1600/IMG_8027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM_JUwFsW-0/UZaLKE3QgzI/AAAAAAAAH5E/0AJbH2PUszY/s640/IMG_8027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Goofing around town with my baby sis and bro. They're pretty cute/cool/fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XXno6oQ9Hk/UZaLI9M2g1I/AAAAAAAAH48/HyjGdtf0d0w/s1600/IMG_8036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XXno6oQ9Hk/UZaLI9M2g1I/AAAAAAAAH48/HyjGdtf0d0w/s640/IMG_8036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Crepe Saturday. They were delish!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl8lEVrjoN8/UZaLJwJFkXI/AAAAAAAAH5I/YZp_UzX5lCA/s1600/IMG_8051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pl8lEVrjoN8/UZaLJwJFkXI/AAAAAAAAH5I/YZp_UzX5lCA/s640/IMG_8051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jhobes treated me to a Thai lunch date. He's the sweet, kindest, most honorable, generous, servant of a brother. Husband material, if ya know what I mean. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNEZlzkC__I/UZaLKfWAePI/AAAAAAAAH5Q/B5vvpwtvHwY/s1600/IMG_8059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNEZlzkC__I/UZaLKfWAePI/AAAAAAAAH5Q/B5vvpwtvHwY/s640/IMG_8059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A very belated birthday date with the beautiful Molls at our favorite spot, Casper Fry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_ZHTW3l3tw/UZaLLhQh5BI/AAAAAAAAH5g/2gdV_zHLIvc/s1600/IMG_8086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_ZHTW3l3tw/UZaLLhQh5BI/AAAAAAAAH5g/2gdV_zHLIvc/s640/IMG_8086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Couer Coffee date.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87bYlWmG3eo/UZaLMdDjR6I/AAAAAAAAH5s/Vo3cqvaRNng/s1600/IMG_8090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87bYlWmG3eo/UZaLMdDjR6I/AAAAAAAAH5s/Vo3cqvaRNng/s640/IMG_8090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-uHYUJvm9c/UZaLLqkL3XI/AAAAAAAAH5c/VaaEMvKHFK4/s1600/IMG_8113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-uHYUJvm9c/UZaLLqkL3XI/AAAAAAAAH5c/VaaEMvKHFK4/s640/IMG_8113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"Study Date" with Molls. We did manage to get a few things done. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHIdHsMYRkA/UZaLMkcYwfI/AAAAAAAAH5w/We9-Pe-eVKg/s1600/IMG_8125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHIdHsMYRkA/UZaLMkcYwfI/AAAAAAAAH5w/We9-Pe-eVKg/s640/IMG_8125.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My niece is adorable, and has mini vintage clogs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcb4aI741HM/UZaLN6Z5mqI/AAAAAAAAH6E/Tp6KMbqGy2w/s1600/IMG_8133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fcb4aI741HM/UZaLN6Z5mqI/AAAAAAAAH6E/Tp6KMbqGy2w/s640/IMG_8133.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We celebrated her completing 100 lessons in her school reading book by a family outing to Froyo. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8S-MqkIpOk/UZaLNZM2PPI/AAAAAAAAH58/-YAmBp-NpqM/s1600/IMG_8165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J8S-MqkIpOk/UZaLNZM2PPI/AAAAAAAAH58/-YAmBp-NpqM/s640/IMG_8165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My Dad is the best. He had just returned from a 2 week mission trip to the Ukraine, flew into MN, flew all the way to WA so he could see me 24 hours, and then got back on a plane to MN. It was so great to see him!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UsEzyf1DU8I/UZaLN3uetJI/AAAAAAAAH6A/9uK1AOcgRN0/s1600/IMG_8265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UsEzyf1DU8I/UZaLN3uetJI/AAAAAAAAH6A/9uK1AOcgRN0/s640/IMG_8265.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The beautiful Spokane Falls is perfect in the spring. I had forgotten.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hefd5Otx5GQ/UZaLOr_J3NI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/8FKxpvgMI9s/s1600/IMG_8266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hefd5Otx5GQ/UZaLOr_J3NI/AAAAAAAAH6Y/8FKxpvgMI9s/s640/IMG_8266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXIDIRQ-hm8/UZaLPAEV4PI/AAAAAAAAH6U/87gaCDF2PJo/s1600/IMG_8267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXIDIRQ-hm8/UZaLPAEV4PI/AAAAAAAAH6U/87gaCDF2PJo/s640/IMG_8267.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZAJVSsntkw/UZaLPX2N8ZI/AAAAAAAAH6g/36qlIowr-dI/s1600/IMG_8270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZAJVSsntkw/UZaLPX2N8ZI/AAAAAAAAH6g/36qlIowr-dI/s640/IMG_8270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The girls, back from their trip.</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7w8xC3JzDB4/UZaLSleg64I/AAAAAAAAH7M/IV8cxM-ebKI/s1600/IMG_8364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7w8xC3JzDB4/UZaLSleg64I/AAAAAAAAH7M/IV8cxM-ebKI/s640/IMG_8364.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dad with his 4 youngest girls. I love them all to pieces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jiFOmzYMSJU/UZaLRIe9GeI/AAAAAAAAH60/jkDap0lw5Ms/s1600/IMG_8271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jiFOmzYMSJU/UZaLRIe9GeI/AAAAAAAAH60/jkDap0lw5Ms/s640/IMG_8271.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Shoe love much?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHMeOphVgJ0/UZaLQopcl1I/AAAAAAAAH6s/H7v-FPuXfxs/s1600/IMG_8283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHMeOphVgJ0/UZaLQopcl1I/AAAAAAAAH6s/H7v-FPuXfxs/s640/IMG_8283.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Classic Ukki. 90 years old and still the hardest working man I know. Cute too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxE6AgPylas/UZaLRPUB2OI/AAAAAAAAH64/M2pECTsC9Sc/s1600/IMG_8300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PxE6AgPylas/UZaLRPUB2OI/AAAAAAAAH64/M2pECTsC9Sc/s640/IMG_8300.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My last coffee date with this girl for at least 8 months. She's getting ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. I'm gonna miss her laugh and joy in the mean time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktXkXWXKWxg/UZaLRzyPvaI/AAAAAAAAH7E/BMS_jOOEOns/s1600/IMG_8307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktXkXWXKWxg/UZaLRzyPvaI/AAAAAAAAH7E/BMS_jOOEOns/s640/IMG_8307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My home, for 15 years of my life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koPu8FiXkvw/UZaLSjFusfI/AAAAAAAAH7I/xdcsjoqEv_A/s1600/IMG_8365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-koPu8FiXkvw/UZaLSjFusfI/AAAAAAAAH7I/xdcsjoqEv_A/s640/IMG_8365.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sisters. There is really nothing better.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DX7rr_TUtKI/UZaLTDfnj1I/AAAAAAAAH7Y/2Akj6V_ZHZo/s1600/IMG_8370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DX7rr_TUtKI/UZaLTDfnj1I/AAAAAAAAH7Y/2Akj6V_ZHZo/s640/IMG_8370.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll be back soon, I promise. Happy Friday to you!<br />
<br />
Bonté<br />
<br />Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-88226131791775553802013-05-15T08:46:00.002-04:002013-05-15T08:46:46.318-04:00What I Wore WednesdayWelcome to What I Wore Wednesday {Week 55: Printed Pants}<br />
<br />
Thanks for joining me again for this week's WIWW, sponsored by the ever lovely <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/">Sugarlips</a>. They have been so good to me, and I am especially in love with the most recent pieces they've sent me. Be sure to go check out their ever changing chic summer wears on their <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/">site</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm sort of . . . I mean . . . REALLY in love with these printed pants. They are breezy and cool for warm weather, and super duper comfortable while still looking chic. They are fun to dress up with pumps and a blazer, but also go great with a t-shirt and flats for a more casual look. I think they are my new go to pant for spring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOl2_HLO14I/UZOB89W6VSI/AAAAAAAAH3M/s2rvqI7fU3k/s1600/IMG_4719-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOl2_HLO14I/UZOB89W6VSI/AAAAAAAAH3M/s2rvqI7fU3k/s640/IMG_4719-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTZKuSCjVq0/UZOB3B3kSII/AAAAAAAAH28/0SBauHJ5d7s/s1600/IMG_4710-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTZKuSCjVq0/UZOB3B3kSII/AAAAAAAAH28/0SBauHJ5d7s/s640/IMG_4710-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Zidgkv4g8/UZOB5xxWDbI/AAAAAAAAH3E/TJlpPjxpfiI/s1600/IMG_4713-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4Zidgkv4g8/UZOB5xxWDbI/AAAAAAAAH3E/TJlpPjxpfiI/s640/IMG_4713-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJQDoUWx6IQ/UZOCAQidf_I/AAAAAAAAH3U/5K7kVgKp-iI/s1600/IMG_4725-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJQDoUWx6IQ/UZOCAQidf_I/AAAAAAAAH3U/5K7kVgKp-iI/s640/IMG_4725-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K_S6H93DWQA/UZOCBXN5wgI/AAAAAAAAH3g/0AzdYqV_t3I/s1600/IMG_4731-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K_S6H93DWQA/UZOCBXN5wgI/AAAAAAAAH3g/0AzdYqV_t3I/s640/IMG_4731-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g83OCW3Fy5w/UZOCGrs9NRI/AAAAAAAAH3s/SHkEdrs0RE0/s1600/IMG_4733-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g83OCW3Fy5w/UZOCGrs9NRI/AAAAAAAAH3s/SHkEdrs0RE0/s640/IMG_4733-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-281zkwN_fps/UZOCBaRJJrI/AAAAAAAAH3c/cNbwuK5cq2Y/s1600/IMG_4730-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-281zkwN_fps/UZOCBaRJJrI/AAAAAAAAH3c/cNbwuK5cq2Y/s640/IMG_4730-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pants: <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/">Sugarlips</a> // Lace Top: F21 // Blazer: Gap // Peep Toe Pump: Chinese Laundry //</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A huge thanks to my talented friend <a href="http://www.revivalphotography.com/">Heather</a> for the stunning photos, as always. She gets better and better every shoot. Plus, we always have a blast together. I'm really thankful to have such a friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
See you all next week!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bonté</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-85139388657569860532013-05-08T09:00:00.004-04:002013-05-09T16:16:07.155-04:00What I Wore WednesdayWelcome to What I Wore Wednesday {Week 54: Peplum}<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyxdcTmO0n8/UYboHyOLpQI/AAAAAAAAH1I/f_1BpJ6iNdE/s1600/IMG_4901-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyxdcTmO0n8/UYboHyOLpQI/AAAAAAAAH1I/f_1BpJ6iNdE/s640/IMG_4901-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCirPPawQcc/UYboE8hv_bI/AAAAAAAAHz4/ZzqKplpb3oQ/s1600/IMG_4779-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCirPPawQcc/UYboE8hv_bI/AAAAAAAAHz4/ZzqKplpb3oQ/s640/IMG_4779-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9dGOADx1ag/UYboE5HA65I/AAAAAAAAHzw/WXnnEsX9RFo/s1600/IMG_4823-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P9dGOADx1ag/UYboE5HA65I/AAAAAAAAHzw/WXnnEsX9RFo/s640/IMG_4823-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTm1ptI8xcw/UYboFwiCNWI/AAAAAAAAH0M/Ja7wBkf5YAE/s1600/IMG_4835-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTm1ptI8xcw/UYboFwiCNWI/AAAAAAAAH0M/Ja7wBkf5YAE/s640/IMG_4835-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd9CGsRb73Q/UYboGi-Dx_I/AAAAAAAAH0k/XRjfA_5nplQ/s1600/IMG_4862-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd9CGsRb73Q/UYboGi-Dx_I/AAAAAAAAH0k/XRjfA_5nplQ/s640/IMG_4862-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soVHhQwGEmc/UYboG7IXPDI/AAAAAAAAH0o/xWW5U0nuYP4/s1600/IMG_4869-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soVHhQwGEmc/UYboG7IXPDI/AAAAAAAAH0o/xWW5U0nuYP4/s640/IMG_4869-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw7Wk_8VKns/UYboG7PmpWI/AAAAAAAAH0s/Jh4jItYfpr8/s1600/IMG_4871-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw7Wk_8VKns/UYboG7PmpWI/AAAAAAAAH0s/Jh4jItYfpr8/s640/IMG_4871-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JfWXOQJ-aM/UYboHTrQsBI/AAAAAAAAH04/0FvVny7rBK8/s1600/IMG_4872-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_JfWXOQJ-aM/UYboHTrQsBI/AAAAAAAAH04/0FvVny7rBK8/s640/IMG_4872-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzDqf6ick4o/UYboIGCGQsI/AAAAAAAAH1E/mrpUlrmZPNY/s1600/IMG_4904-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzDqf6ick4o/UYboIGCGQsI/AAAAAAAAH1E/mrpUlrmZPNY/s640/IMG_4904-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvBKb6JAj3U/UYboIf5JQQI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/1j24ITRdPIE/s1600/IMG_4908-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvBKb6JAj3U/UYboIf5JQQI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/1j24ITRdPIE/s640/IMG_4908-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Peplum Top: <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/">Sugarlips </a>// Jeans: J Brand (Anthropologie) // Shoes: Swedish Hasbeens // Watch: Tokyo Bay // Lips: Morange MAC </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A big thanks to my sponsor <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/">Sugarlips</a> for the adorable peplum top. I'm in love with this purple/blue color right now. Also, my friend <a href="http://www.revivalphotography.com/">Heather</a> took these lovely photos. She's amazing at what she does. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for stopping by friends,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bonté</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-80250295941336616722013-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:002013-04-24T08:00:16.379-04:00Sugarlips Series: Spring No. 4<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Welcome to What I Wore Wednesday {Week 53: Sugarlips Series Spring No. 4}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hello there, thanks for joining me for this week's WIWW post. It's spring and I have another lovely look for you this week.</div>
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqLe84WjiAM/UXR2bOm7u5I/AAAAAAAAHyo/ShfpBYu93Fs/s1600/IMG_8961-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sqLe84WjiAM/UXR2bOm7u5I/AAAAAAAAHyo/ShfpBYu93Fs/s640/IMG_8961-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUoTBurifa0/UXR2a3F0T4I/AAAAAAAAHyk/3ZhJgJqjCZo/s1600/IMG_8978-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MUoTBurifa0/UXR2a3F0T4I/AAAAAAAAHyk/3ZhJgJqjCZo/s640/IMG_8978-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WlzV_DCsuvU/UXR2dcMsJYI/AAAAAAAAHy0/DKIo1x2Rbxc/s1600/IMG_9013-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WlzV_DCsuvU/UXR2dcMsJYI/AAAAAAAAHy0/DKIo1x2Rbxc/s640/IMG_9013-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTqzVi5mmf0/UXR2ey1ZT-I/AAAAAAAAHy8/y2o4kGrg2Xw/s1600/IMG_9037-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTqzVi5mmf0/UXR2ey1ZT-I/AAAAAAAAHy8/y2o4kGrg2Xw/s640/IMG_9037-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NsJ9D9pewdA/UXR2jGrGkiI/AAAAAAAAHzE/Ioon_FjE9nI/s1600/IMG_9051-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NsJ9D9pewdA/UXR2jGrGkiI/AAAAAAAAHzE/Ioon_FjE9nI/s640/IMG_9051-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCk2yJY5joI/UXR2jYQHyxI/AAAAAAAAHzM/VecOaZNmjeo/s1600/IMG_9059-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCk2yJY5joI/UXR2jYQHyxI/AAAAAAAAHzM/VecOaZNmjeo/s640/IMG_9059-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKKDXOe-HGs/UXR2jUTIk4I/AAAAAAAAHzI/7PeX3_WCOtQ/s1600/IMG_9096-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKKDXOe-HGs/UXR2jUTIk4I/AAAAAAAAHzI/7PeX3_WCOtQ/s640/IMG_9096-Edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gl_nXiXz86Y/UXR2kinuxjI/AAAAAAAAHzc/iEyWU731MIs/s1600/IMG_9959-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gl_nXiXz86Y/UXR2kinuxjI/AAAAAAAAHzc/iEyWU731MIs/s640/IMG_9959-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dress: <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/">Sugarlips</a> // Snakeskin Belt: vintage // Chain Dipped Earrings: gift // Shoes: Gee WaWa via Free People </span></div>
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
A big thanks to my sponsor <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/" style="color: #b09237; text-decoration: none;">Sugarlips</a> for the lovely dress, as well as my <a href="http://www.revivalphotography.com/" style="color: #b09237; text-decoration: none;">photographer Heather</a> for the beautiful photos. Hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday! I'm en route to WA to visit my sweet family for the week. I'm very excited for a little vacation and R&R. I'll be back soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
Bonté</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-25019948968398929342013-04-17T09:53:00.001-04:002013-04-17T09:53:50.295-04:00Sugarlips Series: Spring No. 3<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;">Welcome to What I Wore Wednesday {Week 52: Sugarlips Series Spring No. 3}</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hello there, thanks for joining me for this week's WIWW post. It's spring and I have some lovely looks for you this month. I hope you'll join me to find some inspiration for warmer weather.</div>
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ekGsXGCYsk/UW6Dw1-FHhI/AAAAAAAAHx0/-7tAYt7rEB0/s1600/IMG_8736-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ekGsXGCYsk/UW6Dw1-FHhI/AAAAAAAAHx0/-7tAYt7rEB0/s640/IMG_8736-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KkHujink6Q/UW6Dw7E4OwI/AAAAAAAAHx4/LjjevQFIOtM/s1600/IMG_8755-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8KkHujink6Q/UW6Dw7E4OwI/AAAAAAAAHx4/LjjevQFIOtM/s640/IMG_8755-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrlaKK2zqZg/UW6Dv46H57I/AAAAAAAAHxs/AlUFenCUHO8/s1600/IMG_8795-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrlaKK2zqZg/UW6Dv46H57I/AAAAAAAAHxs/AlUFenCUHO8/s640/IMG_8795-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEoHulyhO2M/UW6Dxf5C5UI/AAAAAAAAHyA/wz65xmArA5U/s1600/IMG_8807-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xEoHulyhO2M/UW6Dxf5C5UI/AAAAAAAAHyA/wz65xmArA5U/s640/IMG_8807-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqz3gN3Ro58/UW6DyUJjSSI/AAAAAAAAHyM/4_hrDCvjFeI/s1600/IMG_8842-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqz3gN3Ro58/UW6DyUJjSSI/AAAAAAAAHyM/4_hrDCvjFeI/s640/IMG_8842-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGPa1o7RzSU/UW6Dy2qwM1I/AAAAAAAAHyU/Gi4X3YAGJlw/s1600/IMG_9946-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGPa1o7RzSU/UW6Dy2qwM1I/AAAAAAAAHyU/Gi4X3YAGJlw/s640/IMG_9946-Edit.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Top: <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/">Sugarlips</a> Novelty Collar Blouse// Chevron Pants: Old Navy // Boots: DV Jamison Bootie // Sailboat Necklace: Anthropologie // </div>
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #6a6f6c; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A big thanks to my sponsor <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/" style="color: #b09237; text-decoration: none;">Sugarlips</a> for the lovely blouse, as well as my <a href="http://www.revivalphotography.com/" style="color: #b09237; text-decoration: none;">photographer Heather</a> for the beautiful photos. Check back next week for another spring outfit post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bonté</div>
</div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3898456585927896720.post-44723291921087181012013-04-10T09:17:00.003-04:002013-04-10T09:17:41.611-04:00Sugarlips Series: Spring No.2Welcome to What I Wore Wednesday {Week 51: Sugarlips Series Spring No. 2}<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Hello there, thanks for joining me for this week's WIWW post. I have some lovely spring looks for you this month, so I hope you'll join me to find some inspiration for warmer weather.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDpPFDDl-0o/UVsymwaanUI/AAAAAAAAHvo/r4sMajL1O-A/s1600/IMG_8870-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QDpPFDDl-0o/UVsymwaanUI/AAAAAAAAHvo/r4sMajL1O-A/s640/IMG_8870-Edit-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttthaFem328/UVsyoO5Rn7I/AAAAAAAAHvw/rBH5nrzW14A/s1600/IMG_8876-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttthaFem328/UVsyoO5Rn7I/AAAAAAAAHvw/rBH5nrzW14A/s640/IMG_8876-Edit-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGrtt3b4sfs/UVsyoySab9I/AAAAAAAAHv4/wdg-TyQtSJI/s1600/IMG_8873-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gGrtt3b4sfs/UVsyoySab9I/AAAAAAAAHv4/wdg-TyQtSJI/s640/IMG_8873-Edit-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvQklty5XkM/UVsyo8Fuk1I/AAAAAAAAHv8/dzsyeZMm0Tk/s1600/IMG_8863-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvQklty5XkM/UVsyo8Fuk1I/AAAAAAAAHv8/dzsyeZMm0Tk/s640/IMG_8863-Edit-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSQZXmH16DI/UVsypxWcYkI/AAAAAAAAHwI/jq7osURVFt4/s1600/IMG_8889-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSQZXmH16DI/UVsypxWcYkI/AAAAAAAAHwI/jq7osURVFt4/s640/IMG_8889-Edit-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1i2C9N0bso/UVsyqqvlP_I/AAAAAAAAHwQ/_riXhFdjh8E/s1600/IMG_8911-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1i2C9N0bso/UVsyqqvlP_I/AAAAAAAAHwQ/_riXhFdjh8E/s640/IMG_8911-Edit-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTZpqlbZrxk/UVsyqgxOINI/AAAAAAAAHwU/FQ43gW_LfbU/s1600/IMG_8893-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTZpqlbZrxk/UVsyqgxOINI/AAAAAAAAHwU/FQ43gW_LfbU/s640/IMG_8893-Edit-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usfFs3RIoQk/UVsyvDU1JSI/AAAAAAAAHwg/fqB94lksjNw/s1600/IMG_8919-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usfFs3RIoQk/UVsyvDU1JSI/AAAAAAAAHwg/fqB94lksjNw/s640/IMG_8919-Edit-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PvnIgqZxq-w/UWMcH50cKYI/AAAAAAAAHxY/T9ANjicvD-8/s1600/IMG_8949-Edit-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PvnIgqZxq-w/UWMcH50cKYI/AAAAAAAAHxY/T9ANjicvD-8/s640/IMG_8949-Edit-2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/ruffle-polka-dot-dress.html">Sugarlips Ruffle Polka-Dot Dress</a> // Leo Cardi: Fringe and Fray // Blue and Gold Bauble Necklace: Macy's // Knee Highs: Gifted // Boots: Frye // Lips: Morange by MAC </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A big thanks to my sponsor <a href="http://www.sugarlips.com/">Sugarlips</a> for the lovely dress, as well as my <a href="http://www.revivalphotography.com/">photographer</a> for the beautiful photos. Check back next week for another spring outfit post.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheers,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bonté</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Bonte Ruehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16583360468608160078noreply@blogger.com2