Last weekend you may remember that my friend Carrie and I hit the road and headed South to Kentucky. The goal: girl time. Visiting my sister Erica. A dress fitting for the Regency Ball gowns Erica was sewing for us. Snuggles with Erica’s cats. Plenty of laughing.
Carrie came armed for our 6 hour drive with: 1 package Fig Newtons; one giganto-bag Doritos; 1 package Snickers bars; 1 bag wasabi peas. She doesn’t like wasabi peas, so I was responsible for consuming the whole bag–half on the way down, half on the way up. That’s 1000 calories in just wasabi peas, folks. I may or may not have developed a small sore on my tongue from sucking on the wasabi peas and the Doritos on the way home. I’m not confirming either way.
The scale at Erica’s house had frightening news for me, but via further squats and push-ups as my coffeemaker gets heated up, I hope to get back on good terms with it. Anyway, I don’t even own a scale, so don’t really have to worry about it . . . until the next time I’m visiting someone with one of those evil and fascinating devices.
Ah, the South. To this Northern girl, it holds a fascinating peace. A bewildering silence. People are friendly and talkative, and speak all twangy-like.
The expression ‘thundering silence’ was suddenly deeply meaningful.
I love the city–but it takes a toll that you may not notice until you leave. I could almost swear that my heart rate slowed down while we were in Kentucky.
As soon as we arrived, we had to check out Carrie’s dress-in-progress.
The fabric is a beautiful light green that complements Carrie’s hair, skin, and eyes perfectly, with an elegant gold trim.
Erica, I can’t tell you how grateful we are that you were willing to make us these gorgeous gowns.
I dub her ‘Nimblefingers the Great.’
Thank you for all your hard work, Nimblefingers!
We will feel like queens in these dresses.
Soon it was time for Carrie to try on the final product.
We couldn’t contain our excitement when we saw how lovely she looked.
I just love the gathers at the back and the scooping neckline. And the trim peaking out of the sleeves–oh my.
Craaarrrgggh! Has there ever been such a gorgeous dress?
Nimblefingers looks pensive, doesn’t she? Don’t doubt your skill, my son.
And I think this lace crown looks fab, girlfriend.
As a reward for our hard work (ehem–Erica’s hard work), as soon as the last stitch was in place we watched Bridget Jones and snacked on coconut milk smoothies and popcorn sprinkled with nutritional yeast. The yeast tastes like cheese powder, and it’s healthy for you! Something about aminoacids.
Carrie put up very graciously with Erica’s and my sisterly capers. We can pretend to be normal human beings for about 2 minutes and 5 seconds . . .
. . . and that’s about as long as it lasts, folks.
But back to ball business! Tonight it is supremely important that I get my beauty sleep.
Because tomorrow, Saturday, is the Regency Ball itself.
We’ll be spending tonight in Indiana with my husband’s parents so that Carrie and I can get up bright and early Saturday morning to fuss with our hair, tie each other’s ribbons, primp, and all those other things we girls do.
White gloves have been located for all parties. Shoes have been purchased. We will drape shawls about our shoulders. And we will dance. And eat. And dance.
I have to say I’m a little nervous about learning these Regency dances. If I miss a step will I turn into a pumpkin?
Full report next week!
Thanks for visitng my blog. Looks like you girls are having a fabulous time! Enjoy the Regency Ball! Can’t wait to read all about it!
Sounds like a ton of fun. Can’t wait to see your dress!
I can’t wait to hear about the ball. I am also curious- how does one gain access to a regency ball in Indiana? For me, that is the real question.
Our friends Carrie and Eric were friends with the people who started the ball, and they went last year. Carrie talked us into going with them this year, and it was as simple as buying tickets for it (I think we paid $30/ticket or something–that includes a meal).
i like the sound of the car treats, all my faves. i can’t believe your sister made that dress. i wish i knew how to sew. it seems like something so foreign to me. have fun at the ball 🙂
Such a beautiful dress!!!!! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep! I’ve been wearing it around the house, it just makes me feel so lovely. 🙂 I’m so grateful to the seamstress who made it all happen. GREAT JOB, ERICA! Woooohoooo! Regency Ball, you won’t know what hit you!
yayy!!! you look incredibly gorgeous in it, carrie. have a great great time!
awww have fun! your sister is so talented!
I see you have saved pics of your own dress for the official post on the ball! Very wise, keep us anticipating. 🙂
Sounds like you had a great trip! What part of Kentucky did you go to?
We went to Fort Knox, where my sister’s husband is stationed. She lives in this adorable white house and there were tulips blooming by the stairs that went up to the front door.
Sounds like fun! Can’t wait to see pictures of you and your hubby all dressed up!
Sounds like it was a fun trip! I love road trips – mainly because of the snacks 🙂
Sounds like you are going to have loads of fun at the ball!
WOW!!! What a truly amazing and talented seamstress!!!! Can’t wait to see all the photos. Have a GREAT time!!!
Wow that truly is a gorgeous dress! I also (weirdly) love the bricks behind you girls in those pictures 🙂 Thanks for sharing those pictures and have a wonderful time at the dance.
Ahhh I am so excited to hear all about this! You guys are going to look like princesses, I just know it!
Your sister makes awesome gown! What a lovely road trip 🙂
Thats an absolutely gorgeous green!
Oh my gosh that looks like such a fun trip!!
I just did a roadtrip with my pup to Helena/Great Falls Montana to visit friends and see PW for her book signing. Only thing is that I live in Seattle… I’m still recovering haha.
But I completely understand where you are coming from, because I feel the same way – and my stress level is directly proportionate to the distance I am away from the city. I never wanted to come home again. Except I the fiancee was at home, and I kinda missed him. 🙂
OH – and that dress is beautiful, I’m a total goner for “sage’y” dusty greens. Stunning.
~Megan
I can’t wait to hear about this ball thingy. Hope you can take pictures while you’re there!
Pictures were taken, and a post is on its way! It’s me and Photoshop tonight, baby. =)
That’s so nice that you went to see your sister. She is so talented. I have a brand new sewing machine in my closet that i’ve never turned on. But I might have to now! Thanks for a lovely post.
Lovely photos! I love your “sister” photos. So much fun!
I have to agree with you about Kentucky…something there is just a little…sleepier? lighter? slower? It is in the air, and the friendly people, and the big hills…. 🙂