MarryMe.

The show last Thursday went alright. Already, my eighteen piece collection was following a great, new designer who had thirty pieces. Because of this, I was nervous that although it was my favorite collection I've done as far as fabrics and inspiration go, that it would seem super short in the audience's minds. To make an impression I had saved my favorite two dresses for last and somehow there was a miscommunication backstage and all of my models rushed out for their final walk before the last two girls were able to. Needless to say, I'm not sure the guests actually took notice of my last two favorite dresses. And if they did, they were unsure as to why they were now in the finale and hadn't walked out yet on their own.

Unable to do much about this, I rolled with the punches and walked out with my little girl, Stella. After walking up and down the runway I was on my way back and noticed Brian standing in the center of the main stage. Initially I thought how handsome he looked and that he was so cute to hop on stage and take Stella from me. I gave him a quick kiss and went to hand him our daughter... but he wouldn't take her. So, I handed her to him again. And he was sort of brushed her off back to me. This was when I started to get a little confused. "Brian, what are you doing?" I asked. Then he started to get down on his knee and in return I started to loose my breath and shake uncontrollably. His eyes were a little glassy when he looked back up at me this time and I knew now what was going on. So, as most of you now know- we're ENGAGED!

The next day my friend texted me to ask how it feels as an engaged woman. I know for some it might feel different, but- Brian and I already have a daughter together and we live together... so we sort of jumped the gun in that aspect, but life throws you curve balls and you have to adjust. I feel the same, but even more in love with the direction my life is heading. I am so happy with the man I have to call my future husband and my beautiful little family that I couldn't imagine my life any other way than it is now.

Also, Project Runway wrote me an email saying that they would like to see me enter the casting for season 9! I'm not a huge TV buff but I've seen the show a few times and I'm blown away that they would even be interested in me. Needless to say, I'm going to take the plunge and fill out the 25 page application form. If I don't make it, there's always next year. If I do and I'm the first one kicked off- everyone in America will know about Richard & Bancroft, a big improvement from a few people in Jacksonville, Florida. Winning.

ToughAsNails

How do you think the ladies at the nail salon will react when I show up with this picture?

I might need someone to knit me this incredible dress.

Fifth Avenue Frolic

Listen up all of your Jacksonville fashionistas- tonight at 7:00pm Saks 5th Avenue at the St. Augustine Outlets is hosting an event for Jacksonville Fashion Week. A $10.00 entry at the door gets you shopping discounts, a sneak preview of the designer's collections, music, swag bags, etc. Definitely flipping the switch on a normal Jacksonville Friday night, which is all the more reason to make the drive out.

This is the longest I've been away from little Stella and my heart is already beginning race a little bit. I know she's in good hands with her dad and Grammy and I need to be taking advantage of the events that are planned in the upcoming weeks to market Richard & Bancroft's Spring/Summer collection.

I'm going to try and get some waves going in my hair for tonight's occasion... I can't wait for beach weather. Only a few more weeks! It's honestly one of my favorite feelings to keep the salty ocean water in my hair and on my skin the entire rest of the day. xo

FoodForThought

I'm still semi-bitter that I missed out on this over the knee boot and sock trend that was going on all Winter. I figured it would have been a death sentence traipsing around in these while I had a 20 lb bowling ball resting in my stomach... although I'm sure I would have earned quite a few interesting looks from the public. Next Winter I'm wearing them every day until my feet can't handle it anymore.

Now it's time to focus on Spring/Summer. Working on my mexican themed collection definitely has me yearning for an exotic vacation to go sun bathe and pick up some new accessories. Until then a girl will have to settle for Goodwill and antiques shopping for some one of a kind items. Speaking of antiques... yesterday Stella and I strolled into one of the shops in downtown Fernandina Beach and picked up an old deviled egg plate. Meet my new earring organizer...

StellaSeed

It's a girl! Meet Stella Rivi. How cute is she?

"Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials." I ran across this quote and it perfectly describes what I've been feeling for the past month a half since Stella has arrived in our lives. Normal activities such as brushing my teeth, sitting down to eat, going for a jog, or sleeping...(did I mention sleeping?) are now a struggle. When you do have free time you're prisoner to questions of when she'll wake up or when she needs to nurse next. It's funny to look back at my first few days with her. I was so careful and meticulous handling her. A barely wet diaper was immediately changed. A small cry and she was instantly picked up and cuddled until she was calmed back down to sleep.... as a mother you learn quickly that you can't continue in this manner or you will lose your independence, and soon after that... your mind.

Eventually you have to find a balance in making time for yourself, your boyfriend or husband, your friends, and your kids. I'm trying to learn that and wrap my mind around it- which these days is usually kicking on five or six hours of sleep.

Stella will continue to take up my energy and sleep for a long time, but I am looking forward to watching her grow and be a large part of her life. I now watch kids talking back to their moms in public and cringe. I want to yell. "Do you know how many hours of sleep she lost? How many hours she kept walking with you in the middle of the night even though her back ached and her arm was asleep? Do you know that you spit up all over her new shirt when she tried to gather up some energy and put herself together for a rare date with your dad?"

But, it's a cycle. We all start out as babies with mothers that sacrifice and want only the best for you. Whether or not we live up to those expectations and make them proud is our own story. I don't think we ever really understand that until we're a parent ourselves. I didn't.

I now realize I made some stupid decisions, which I will be telling Stella about so she doesn't do the same. I realize I was in relationships that I was disrespected in, and I pray she never experiences the same. I am so proud to call Brian my boyfriend and her father. I am so glad that she can look to him and know how women should be treated.

As far as this R&B Spring/Summer Collection of 2011 goes... it's going. I would be lying if I didn't say it has been really tough. But, I also feel it is going to be one of my best. I am having so much fun with the mexican theme. The bright ethnic prints are so brilliant and fun. Hope to see you at the show!

Thursday March 24th

7pm @ The Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach

www.JaxFashionWeek.com for tickets :)

SweetBreakfastFix

I woke up this morning craving cinnamon rolls, but after much dismay I realized the average recipe takes close to two hours to make. This is unfortunate for someone who is starving. Pillsbury really struck gold in creating virtually instant cinnamon rolls in a nice little pack with their sugary icing....

I did learn that yeast recipes are much quicker- only about 45 minutes... which was still too long for my craving to wait but I'm holding this recipe in the vault for next time.

Cinnamon Rolls

INGREDIENTS
1 cup warm milk
2 eggs
1/3 cup butter, softened
4 1/2 cups bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder

1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp water (eliminate if you’re opening a new package of brown sugar)
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, softened

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Mix the first six ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, mixing thoroughly until the dough forms a large ball. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, water and cinnamon.

Divide the dough into ten pieces, and roll each one into a 2″ by 10″ rectangle. Spread the dough with the cinnamon mixture. Roll each strip into a tightly formed roll. Place rolls in a 9×13 inch baking pan, allowing some room for the rolls to expand. Bake the rolls until just starting to turn golden, about 15 minutes. While rolls are baking, beat together cream cheese, 1/4 cup butter, and confectioners sugar. Spread frosting on the rolls before serving.

Makes 10 cinnamon rolls.