4600+ Miles Later

Still expanding my horizons...especially those west of the Mississippi...we hopped in the truck for a roadtrip that most sane people wouldn't consider. Then again, most people don't have families spread out across the entire country!

It was first to Indiana, then Minnesota, South Dakota for a night, through Yellowstone/Wyoming, and finally to meet up in Idaho! It was 3 new states for me, and a handful of memories for a lifetime. I can understand why this revisit to Yellowstone, on the anniversary of a family trip 20 years ago, brought so much excitement to the bunch.

The truck had a bit of elevation sickness near Cody, WY. There were a few minutes that we thought we were stranded, but she finally started again and despite some chugging for most of the rest of the trip, we were good to go. Apparently the quick elevation change confused the F150's oxygen sensor. As it turns out, elevation sickness must be contagious, because at Old Faithful, something suddenly came over me, too! - maybe it was just the toxic geyser fumes. haha.

It was so great to spend time with all 3 parts of our family!

Grand Tetons

Camped in the National Park here overnight, learning that tents are not, in fact, waterproof. When storms roar through mountains, thunder never stops...just echoes!

Grand Prismatic Spring

(This shot by Hubs, courtesy of a trail that was a great deal longer than 1/4 mile. Thanks for the sunburn on my sunburn, idiot tourist guy!)

The sweet Island Park, Idaho chalet, fit for all these Harrises!

Buck Elk

Old Faithful

Yellowstone's Lower Falls

Mt Rushmore

The Badlands - possibly the highlight of the trip.

Double Rainbow - look closely!

Tanaya's Sophisticated Mermaid

A detachable cocktail and full-length skirt provide two looks to this stunning, chic mermaid style created from meshing all of this bride-to-be's favorite design elements. Crisp fabrication and a vintage rhinestone detail make this one incredible look!

If you wear clothes, make clothes, or like me, please...

Please sign this petition.

This bill parades as a way to protect original designs from being stolen, which is a grand theory. However, in reality, it will take a creative industry and turn it into a legally delayed mess in which independent designers will be unable to afford to function.

If you buy affordable clothing, kiss that goodbye.
Are you a sewing hobbyist? Forget buying patterns.
Eight fashion seasons a year? Ha. We'll be too tied up making sure our designs won't accidentally look like something someone else did decades ago.

Nothing is new in fashion. Trends repeat. Inspiration cannot exist in a vacuum.

Please allow me to continue to dream about growing a successful Bridal and Swimwear brand. I don't know what else I would do with myself...

My new Celebrity Muse

I have always described my design aesthetic as elegance with edge...and who personifies that better than screen vixen Megan Fox!? I think she is everything that's great about Angelina Jolie but better. Her spread in June's Elle is just stunning. Just like that, she bumped Natalie Portman to a distant second.

Refer a Bride who orders her gown for $50 Visa Gift Card!

Hey friends and family - listen up! We here at Natalie Harris Design are incredibly excited to be taking our Custom Bridal design services to the next level with a new advertising campaign! HOWEVER...

Everyone knows that word of mouth is the best way to find a trusted professional. That is why we are offering a $50 Visa Gift Card to those of you who refer a bride who places her order for a custom wedding gown or bridal party (5 or more bridesmaids)! (For orders placed through Aug 31, 09.)

So please...recommend us to everyone your engaged friends and family!

Natalie Harris Design: We make dream dresses a reality.

Polyvore: The Poor Man's Photoshop

...but I decided to play with it, as I'm hopelessly torn between two ideas for revamping the "Duck" room, my studio/home office which still showcases the wall duckies from the previous owner. Anyway, one idea is an indigo for the walls, using white accents, and changing to a lucite ceiling fan. On the other hand, I'm toying with a non-offensive shade of chartreuse for the walls, then doing a palm-blade ceiling fan and natural accents. Help?! (I'll try to whip up an image of the green palette in a bit.)

http://www.polyvore.com/duck_room_peacock_indigo/set?id=8817362

(Belated) Birthday Recap

My thanks to Caty for this most entertaining card:

(Inside reads: "I got it on Ebay!")

Dear Hubs and I spent the day together field-trip style at the zoo. It was a beautiful day and a great time. Thumbs down to the zoo, who added a barrier between my Okapi friends and I. Eh, it was hot, so my stupid Okapi friend hid in the shade anyway. :( I did get a few images of cool, colorful animals to add to my ever-growing inspiration file! Please enjoy the following stupidity:

Hubs in an aquarium

"Special" Giraffe

We ended the night at Gianna's (an amazing Italian Ristorante in Tomball) with some friends. It was a fantastic day all around...

even despite that whole downward-slide-to-30 thing.