MY CANADA DAY WITH WILL AND KATE

My standing companion Tony Ianiro took this photo at the War Memorial the day earlier

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What we had all been waiting for

A woman named Alison I met...very sweet and fun to be around

When I discovered that the Duke and Duchess of Canada had decided to come to my hometown for the beginning of their Canadian visit, I had to go. Thursday night we arrived in Ottawa to stay at my in-law's home. They are the sweetest dears and know of my healthy obsession and were so obliged to let us stay (she is also the sweetest for allowing me for coming late to a family organized reunion to indulge - so Thank you!).

After watching some news coverage I had spontaneously decided that I was going to leave my hubby with the girls and head out to sleep over night. That plan was quickly busted when I decided that I could not leave my hubby with the girls because he is my true prince and he already drove my sorry butt in for this craziness. Almost immediately I fell asleep, dreaming of course of the Duke and .... slept in!

Woken up by the sounds of birds outside of the window I glanced at the clock and realized it was 7 am. I had to bolt to score a spot. I raced to the washroom, brushed my teeth, put on my makeup and microwaved a half drunk Starbuck's coffee and ran...babies crying for me and Daddy half asleep.

I sped walked to the Hill (and when I say speed walk it is actually more of a jog...you should definitely see me in action). When I arrived I headed straight to the major enclosed area. But one look around and it was obvious that I was never going to see Will and Kate from where I was. So I left to find more barricaded areas across from the Centennial flame where several of us were booted.

I happened to meet a really nice RCMP who told us an ideal spot and I proceeded to grab hold of the barricade and maintain position. I became friends with several people there for undoubtedly the same reason as I and we just stood in the blazing sun for 4 and a half hours. I was running on coffee and completely dehydrated. Heat exhaustion was definitely a concern. Luckily a policeman forgot one of his bottles of water on the road and I picked it up when he was not looking, or else I would have to be taken out by stretcher.

Finally the moment came, we heard the clippity-clop of the horses and then the grand entrance of the Duke and Duchess. My group immediately pushed against the fence and we were on the verge of tears. They passed and I am sure Will stared into my eyes. But here are some photos from the historical day and one of my faves...

A LETTER FROM THE DUKE

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Well kind of...

Last week I did something out of my comfort zone but good intention was there. A local radio station announced that they would reward $100,000 CAD to the person (s) who could deliver the Duke and Duchess to their station for a 20 minute interview legally (I guess meaning they had to come of their own free will). Most people could definitely use that money, me being no exception. But rather than convince them to come and help a mama out, I suggested that if they did the interview I would give them all the money to donate to the charity of their choice.

I spent an hour crafting the letter and placed it on my fanciest of papiers and sent it in the mail.

WELL....I GOT A RESPONSE - by ROYAL AIR MAIL to be exact!

And although I can't go into the details due to confidentiality, the Press Office did in fact read the letter, responded with sweetness and sincerity and regretfully declined the offer.

KATE'S WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER REVEALED: MARCHESA

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Two weeks lovelies! The moment I have been waiting for my whole life (maybe Kate feels the same) has finally arrived.

First up, the WEDDING DESIGNER pick. Although it has yet to be revealed, I have my own ideas. Firstly, I believe that the designer will be British. Reason being that this is a Royal British event and a chance to showcase British talent. That thus leaves four strong designers in the running: Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, John Galliano for House of Dior, and Marchesa. Stella McCartney, while stunning, is a bit too understated for my liking. Alexander McQueen is polar opposite of Stella and I feel that the circumstances surrounding his death will leave a bad taste in most people's mouths. Galliano recently was fired from Dior for racist remarks. Thus, MARCHESA!!!

It was only recently that I discovered the name of this designer whom I have adored for several years. I had picked up an OK Magazine that for some reason was in the children's area of our small library. There was an entire spread on the designer, Georgina Chapman, modeling her clothes.

If you have not heard of Marchesa, you have seen her clothes!!!

She has dressed Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. She is most famous, however, for dressing Sandra Bullock for the 2010 Academy Awards for which she took home the Best Actress Oscar, and Nicole Richie when marrying her partner, Joel Madden, in December 2010.

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Her pieces are whimsical, delicate, intricate, unique and show-stoppers - all the necessary ingredients for a bride walking done the aisle to bestill her soon-to-be husband's beating heart.

Funny thing: Today I just happened to be searching one of my fave bridal sites, the Wedding Chicks, and they posted on their homepage the new Marchesa Wedding Line for 2011. Coincidence? I think not.

Below are the elements of Kate's dress that I think will be include. The shoulders will be covered. This is a royal element as much as a practical element (Aprils in Britain are predictably chilly). There will be a lot of lace incorporated. The train will be long and delicate. Kate's back will be revealed partially. There will be a personal touch requested by Kate.

I am so keen for the dress revelation, however, I must wait, as the rest of the world. But when Kate and her bridesmaids emerge from their carriage and the official press release reveals the designer, I am confident in hearing "MARCHESA"!

xoxoxo

Good night my lovelies

ROYAL ENGAGEMENT: INSPIRATION BOARD

There are approximately 24 days left until the Royal Wedding and I need to start getting prepared. I have been searching on many wedding blogs but had yet to find the perfect inspiration until Style Me Pretty's post. You can view the entire set-up by Principal Planner, a Montreal Event planning company, here. I am simply in love with the elegance, royal blue and crown touches (pun intended). It is definitely worthy of a Royal Affair.

A DIARY OF A ROYAL ENGAGEMENT: WEDDING DAY GUEST ATTIRE

Angel in Blue

Cupcake Connoisseur Dress

Royal Introduction Dress

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WHICH DESIGN SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR THE ROYAL WEDDING?

Leave your comments below. Once I choose my design I will be posting accessory options.

DIARY OF A ROYAL ENGAGEMENT

photos by Mario Testino

On April 29th, cries and tears of joy and sadness will echo throughout the land for the hearts of millions of girls born in the year of 1982 will watch as their prince takes the hand of another. I specify this year for two reasons. Firstly, it is the year that Prince William was born and hence every other girl born in that year secretly believed that that fact alone would bring them closer to a connection and ultimately a proposal. I was one of these girls. Secondly, I believe that girls being born in subsequent years, particularly 1984, felt a closer connection to Harry and directed their attention to such.

I have always thought that I would be the one to grace the throne. My mother and father married in the same summer as Princess Diana and Charles and my mom's name happens to be Diana. I actually remember my mother speaking fondly of the princess, and kind of like she knew her personally. It was kind of cute. She felt a connection to her and in emanated. Most girls are told stupidly (for there are far too few princes to go around and telling a little girl that they can have lots of anything-they-want is just plain bad for the esteem and psyche) that they will be princesses and maybe deep down by creating this connection one could attain that. Hence, the royals were a hot topic in our house, as well as paraphernalia. (Yes...we had the plates with Charles and Di in their wedding garb).

My birth came in November of 1982. My mother wasted no time in grooming me for princess-dom. Drinking English tea, wearing pretty dresses, singing to my Princess Barbies and watching Coronation street became rituals. I thoroughly enjoyed them, I must say. Although I have since retired the sexist Barbie dolls and frilly dresses, I do love a good BBC drama and you can always find me sipping on a cup of White Earl Grey (a dash of almond milk and 2 teaspoons of raw sugar).

As I grew, William and I experienced the same childhood milestones. But where I dreamed of a boarding school attire and gala evenings, he was living it. College came. My head was in the books, as was his. But where I directed all of my attention to school and hopes of being in an Alexander McQueen gown, walking down the aisle at Westminster Abbey to become one with Will, he was directing his attention towards his Eton education, royal duties, humanitarian work, and new "love", Kate Middleton. I guess I had to settle for the look-a-like William done the street because that was a close as I was going to get.

"Love" seems to come and go for celebrities of his stature. Okay, she was beautiful, ravishing. Yes she radiated the same aura as did Will's lovely mother. But no one had ever heard her talk. Was Will embarrassed? If she opened her mouth would this annoying high pitched voice pierce our ears and image of him? That must be the answer. So we (all us princesses in the pretentious making) all waited for the eventual (there must be) end to their relationship.

Several break ups and make ups later, the Prince decided to stay permanently made up and asked Kate to be his Princess. I was a bit in shock. Their private lives are VERY PRIVATE. Although some saw it coming, no one knew when or how. But the announcement came. They were to be married. We don't have cable, so I waited patiently for a video of the two to surface.

As I sat their, watching the Royal Channel on youtube, I was mesmerized by just how perfect these two are for each other. Catherine was poised, perfection, a Diana in the making. Her royal blue Issa dress not only showcased her beautiful physique but it was so regal. The subtle loving gestures between Kate and Will made one feel that their connection was so strong and deep. Quickly, I fell in love with this couple and with the idea of their impending nuptial.

In two months time, the Royal Prince William of Wales, K.G. and Miss Catherine Middleton will marry. What does this mean for me?

1. I am planning a tea party to commemorate the event. Look to the blog for recipes, hosting ideas and tea ceremony information.

2. I will have various crafts and DIY for those who are interested in hosting the same kind of soiree.

3. I am thinking about possibly making my own T-Shirt...is this bordering on stalking?

4. I will be designing what I think the lovely Kate should wear and if she doesn't choose a bad little spice design, I will highlight some ideas of what I think would look amazing on her.

5. Can y'all say SIGNATURE CUPCAKE?

6. Posting links and up to the minute craziness about released articles.

a Valentino sketch for Kate

NOTE: My mother-in-law also got me an amazing magazine, celebrating the engagement, for a Christmas gift. It kind of got me up and running. And I am being a bit dramatic about losing my Prince, for in October I married the love of my life, who is Prince William's Canadian doppelganger, was born three weeks after the Prince and is just as regal and charming.