About Nancy: I'm Back

Dear Faithful Brown Baggers

I'm back.

For a few hours a day, I've been trying to write new posts. Though my thoughts aren't always coherent, I'm writing. I'm writing again.

Such that I am far from a true writer, coming up with something even remotely entertaining can be quite daunting. At first, the blank and empty white space is paralyzing. For just this short note, I think I've started it 3 times already. (Nurse Susan R, if you are out there, please help me.)

Randomly, people tell me that they know I am recovering through my facebook and twitter activity. Faceless readers whisper that they are reading my entries. But still, I'm rusty at this.

My awesome surgeon, Dr G. Gayre says my eye looks good though now he has discovered that I have a layer of new eye lashes growing on the underside of my left eye. OUCH. The tickling sensation makes me wink a lot a people(so if you see me winking at you, it's not because I'm flirting with you, aka Neil Hunt or Sean N. ) but nevertheless, I'm writing. I'm designing. I'm surviving. I'm moving forward.

During the two to three weeks of recovery, there were days in which I couldn't get out of bed(because I'm addicted to my pinterest). My body had adapted to sleeping and resting. The first few days back, I could hardly keep my eyes open. At night, the pain killers would send me strange dreams. If it weren't for all the emails piling up, I would not feel any connection to people and things.

In a way, email kept me informed.

Thankfully, my husband and my assistants kept my spirits up and motivated me to return.

Having a small business forced me to get going and get going fast.   I recall that 6 short days after surgery, I had to go pick up flowers in the morning. It was a double header weekend. Though I wasn't suppose to drive, reality hit. The business had to continue. Life happened.

Thank you to all for your kind words, prayers, and in general, good thoughts. This might sound corner, but I feel supported and never alone.

Never alone.

ps: Thank you to all the great nurses and doctors as Kaiser San Rafael, especially Dr Ryan Hutfless aka Dr Hotstuff, my anesthesiologist and 2011 groom-client.

Inspiration: An American Classic Board from Pink Blossom List

Dear Nancys' Brown Bag fans and followers

Many years ago, a good buddy of mine wanted to get back into the wedding industry so she asked me to partner with her on a blog.   We came up with the Pink Blossom List Blog.  Having never done a blog, we struggled to find that voice and ultimately, it was too hard to keep up so I took the reins.

We had wonderful Top 10 lists, guest writers, and all sort of fun things.  Pink Blossom List has grown but recognizing the ever changing business climate, I am sad to announce that it will be leaving us in early 2012.  Basically, we just can't keep up!

During the last year, the blog has been written by a great editor, Erin Mastopietro, who came to NLC Designs as an intern.

Erin has worked so hard to get Pink Blossom List where it is today through having more consistent posts and featuring fun ideas on food for parties.  Her inspiration boards have been entertaining and clever.  

Erin's goal was to have something unique that spoke to our wonderful Bay Area and that was different from all the DIY and vintage blogs.  And frankly, I think she has done a great job.  As the managing editor she focused on the day to day articles while I continued to serve as an advisor.

Since the Pink Blossom List was one of my side projects I've decided to honor Erin by featuring some of the past year's posts on Nancy's Brown Bag. 

Thank you Erin for your hardwork.

Happy 4th of July to our beloved Pink Blossom List readers! We decided to ring in the holiday with this darling American baseball themed inspiration board. What do you think?

Inspiration: All-American Classic Baseball

Colors: Cola Cola Red, Mustard yellow, Black and White

Textures: Baseballs and mits, Fireworks, Tickets as Invites or Place cards, Hotdogs, Cola, Vanilla Cupcakes, Vows on your home team's baseball field

Photo Credit: Wedding Aces, Wedding Paper Divas, Artisan Bread in Five, One Wed, Dawny Poo, Alice Pub, Trendsetting Wedding

Best Thing Ever: Tying the Knot

I have seen some wacko(truly crazy and bizarre) inventions in my life.  Sometimes what sounds great doesn't always work.  When I had first heard about a save the date card that opened up into a knot, I couldn't image what it could look like.

However, seeing is believing (Rubin, are you paying attention!)

Check out this Save the Date invention.  It is UNbelievable, so much so, that I'm making it my Best Thing Ever today.

Invitation concept by Christina Moralejo

Isn't this so cool.  If you've seen something equally as innovate, we want to know.
PS: Susan R, tell me what you think.

Poll Results - Ballroom to Modern

Poll results indicate that an Updated Ballroom Soiree is the style of real weddings that you want to see more of.  I couldn't agree with you more!!!!

Board courtesy of Pinterest , Photography by Sherman Chu. Flowers by NLC Designs

Others are looking for more Regal and Grand or Modern Concepts.

What surprised was that Western Hipster and Vintage were low on the must see list since so many blogs continue to feature these styles.  Given that rustic and vintage has been so trendy I think it's a great sign that indoor ballroom is making a comeback and I am searching the web for beautiful inspirations to share with you.

Press: Vogue Japan

Photography from Leslie and Jeff's wedding by Lisa Lefkowitz

Thrilled that some of the floral details from Leslie and Jeff's Refreshingly Beautiful wedding was featured in Vogue Japan.

If the images look familiar, it's because some of the details of Leslie and Jeff's wedding designed by my super talented buddy, Gloria Wong was already featured in Brides Magazine.

Lisa Lefkowitz who I admire so much worked her magic on these details and I am blushing just to have a few of the floral pieces in their wedding guide!!!

Aren't all the details so clever.