{ sox season is here ... }

Boston Red Sox season is here to stay, and that little gem makes this New England fan very happy. I can't wait for all of those fun things that couple so nicely with baseball ... Grilling on the deck while listening to announcers screaming on the radio about another walk off, spilling my drink when I get excited about a very bad call, arguing with my Yankees fan friends (remind me why I still hang out with them?), and feeling my heart swell with pride every time I hear Sweet Caroline or Tessie come on the radio ...

Know what the best part about this season is? I have tickets this time.

* images

photographer love: Jono Winnel

I love this photography by Jono Winnel, an awesome photographer from Canberra, Australia. It's so quiet and still, but still with such depth and feeling. I would love a few of these framed in a grouping on a big tall wall ...

* via

{ irish blessing for an irish holiday }

May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours, wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons bring the best to you and yours!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

{ bridal shower fun, pt. 1 }

Back on March 5th, my Mom and I, with the help of many wonderful wonderful people, threw my sister one kick-butt bridal shower. We thought it'd be fitting to have a pretty and fun shower for such a beautiful piece of of our lives (yes, Sister, that's you!). Here's a few snapshots of the pretty little spread we put together.

We had tons of fun at the party, putting it together, and even had a few laughs breaking it all down. I love how blessed we were to have such good helping hands that were so willing to offer their kind words and hard work for such a fun afternoon. All in all, I think it was a fun day, and our gorgeous bride was happy, so it was (in my professional opinion) a success!

new theme, new feel

So, I'm trying out a new theme for a new feel to my blog ... so I apologize for any random email updates, new post updates, etc. Time to brush back up on my HTML code! There will be some serious quirks around here for a little while. 
In the meantime, I was browsing through the ridiculous amount of saved images I have from the blogosphere, and check these puppies out ...

I really like this color palette for a spring feeling. With our random 45 degree days around here {soaring temps, right?} I've been starting to get spring fever big time! I will be moving soon, and instead of looking at how much of a pain in the arse it's going to be, which it will be, I'm trying to looking past the boxes, packing, search and rescue of lost items to the near future where I'll be redecorating my new home. {I'm totally going to eventually enlisting Mom and Sister for that if they'll partake}. But, these stripes, the metallics, leather, cools mixed with warms and the whole clean but rich feel makes me pretty happy. 


So, the blog has a new theme and a new address {mcgowandesign.blogspot.com}.
Similarly {and hopefully} I'll have a new theme and a new address soon too!

{ words of wisdom: Coco Chanel }

Recent circumstances in my life have made me feel the struggle

to remain ladylike and gracious. After being told I'm a 

not-so-nice person by my landlord (I'm now searching for a 

new place to live) and continuing my search for a full-time

job with benefits, I'm starting to feel the frustration adding up.

Sometimes I need a little reminder to have some class ... 

and one of my favorite Coco Chanel quotes does just that.

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be classy."

Thanks, Coco. I needed that on my Monday morning!

* image: Chanel archives, original sketch