Screamin' Deals, Kleinfeld Brides, and NYC

The Pond, in Central Park

Ah.... springtime in New York. Daffodils blooming, Central Park bustling...

Daffodils peek through the filthy remnants of winter.

But, there's no time to dilly dally.

Cheerful beds of Crocus greeted us along our Central Park stroll.

We're 6 months out from Ms. Peanut's (aka daughter L's) wedding day and we've already exceeded our unlimited budget.

That's a joke.

In fact, that's the running joke around these parts since every aspect of the wedding IS on a super tight budget.

No such thing as privacy in Central Park. I crashed this photo shoot. :)

But, I have frequent flier miles. AND a Priceline account. Plus (this is always surprising to people) I practically lived in New York in my younger years. And, while I find certain aspects of NYC hugely intimidating... shopping for a bargain is not one of them.

You'll find the prettiest things in the dirtiest places.

It's fun strolling along Canal Street while thieves lean in close to me and whisper words like "Channel... Dolce.." indicating designer brands are tucked in a truck in the back alley.

We did not go into the alleys. Nor did we buy any hot merchandise (much to my chagrin.)

However! I did score a stunning ~ and quite possibly not illegal ~ handbag for $38 bucks. In one of those Canal Street shops that aren't much bigger than your closet. Would have cost me $200 back home.

Way more fun than I thought it would be.

And! We said Yes to the Dress.

Have you seen that t.v. reality series by the same name? I haven't watched the show but we made an appointment there, more out of curiosity than great expectations of finding a fabulous gown.

It's called Kleinfeld's Bridal and it was every bit as cliche as you could imagine. Complete with bored cameramen, lounging in the lobby. And, mean ass Jersey girls. Oops! I mean brides to be, sending us death glares while waiting for their on-camera moments.

I'll take the solid gold apartment, please. Provided you let me garden on the roof.

It was so over the top. Felt like a huge waste of time to me... Right up until Ms. Peanut tried on what we knew instantly was The Dress. Picture perfect in every way (we're talkin' oodles and oodles of lace.)

And, now hear this! It was half the price of the dress we'd sort of liked, back in boring old Salt Lake City.

Last bastion of civility. The Boathouse Restaurant in Central Park.

I suppose you're wondering why I'm spoiling my daughter rotten flitting here and there looking for the perfect gown. Well, that's an easy one to answer. I didn't grow up in the kind of family where anyone did anything nice for me. Ever. And, so, when I became a Mom, I decided to change all that.

* 'Peanut' was my daughter's nickname when she was a little girl. I still use it, now and then, just to piss her off make her roll her eyes. :))