Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

This has been a rough, crazy year. And I am glad to see it go. With my father getting sick and being in and out of the hospital at the beginning of the year, to trying to plan my wedding while working 9 to 5 and starting my own business... you could say it's been a whirlwind. I am ready to leave it all behind and start fresh and new in 2010. I have compiled a list of 2010 Goals for the year and divided them up into 3 categories:

Health & Fitness:
1. Get in the best shape ever--- this will include starting my P90X, that I have so greatly procrastinated against starting since I got it and running more
2. Finish the Mini Marathon I am running in April with a better time than last year (2:23 is the time to beat)
3. Loose a bit of weight - no set number, but a few pounds could afford to be shed.
4. Cook healthier meals
5. Drink more water, less soda (may cut out soda completely for first few months, but can't let my real coke go completely!)
6. Run a 2nd Half Marathon in the year
7. Learn to cook new recipes

Career & Finance:
1. Get my personal business rolling again
2. Gain new clients
3. Update my business website
4. Get my finances in order- including make a budget. (G and I have also planned not to eat out at all for the month of Jan, we'll see how we do)
5. Pay off all debt (I am hoping to be debt free by the end of 2010)
6. Save money/Invest

Everyday Life:
1. Strive to be a better mood more often (2009 saw a lot bad mood from me, striving to be happy is a major goal)
2. Decorate the house (buy new furniture!)
3. Blog more and really get more into the blogging community
4. Be a better wife, daughter and friend
5. Make new friends
6. Start reading more, especially the "classics"

I realize this is a crazy way to make a list of goals.. but I definitely think it is all do-able (and I love lists!). We'll check back at the end of 2010 and see how I did. YIKES!

What are your 2010 goals?

Best Gift EVER!!!

Have I told you all how much I love my husband... and how he is the BEST person in the whole wide world?!?!?
Well, if I havent, let me just explain why... Back in college I got really into photography. I loved to take pictures, go into the darkroom (yes, an actual darkroom) and develop my own film and pictures. It is kind of an amazing process and I truly enjoyed to do it. I even received a Hasselblad camera for graduation (which is awesome in itself). But I kind of got out of the whole picture taking thing once the "real world" started. And then all I wanted to take pictures of was my friends and family at special events (or nights at the bar), so G had bought me a nice digital camera a few years ago to do that. But since then, I have started to want a manual camera again. The pictures just turn out sooo much better. And a friend of mine had gone to Italy after me and taken the same shots I had, but her pics were way better than the ones I had taken, all because of her camera.
Well, ladies and gents, my wonderful and adoring husband bought me a BRAND NEW DIGITAL SLR!!! (Canon Rebel T1i)I realize this may be greek to some people, but it's a fancy new camera that works like a manual 35mm camera but is digital. I am SOOOO pumped!! I cannot wait to learn all the features and really get back into taking and editing pictures. He really out did himself and I am forever grateful. I just love it.
I know this is kind of bragging, but it is just to awesome of an experience not to share. And that was my gift from G this year for Xmas. So while he is out riding on his new bicycle, I'll just take pictures of him in his shiny new helmet!!
COME ON SPRING!

Super Mario Bros. for Wii

This is totally not what I was planning on posting about today, but it's too fun not to mention.

I had seen a while back, on TV, a commercial for the new Super Mario Bros. game for Wii. And me, being like every other kid that grew up in the 80s and 90s, thought it was the coolest thing that they now have it for wii. I remember my sister and I spending hours playing our old Nintendo trying to beat levels and collect coins. G and I received our Wii last year for Xmas from my parents, but haven't really played it too much in a while, with everything else we had going on (you know, wedding planning and such). But when I saw this commercial, I knew I had to have it. So I convinced my mom to buy it for G for Xmas this year. Well, I busted it out today while on my lunch break... and it may just get to be an addiction. It's soooo fun!!! You can even have up to 4 people playing at once! How cool is that?! They have even kept some of the same features from the original (and even from 2 and 3) including the music, levels, characters, etc.. Even some of the hidden stuff is the same.. GENIUS! I love it.. I cant wait to get home and play again. So if you have a wii.. get this game.. a must.

Wedding Pics

I said I would share some.. and we finally got them from the photographer.. and loaded them on to the internets.. Here are some of our favorites. Enjoy!
(I realize there are alot! I couldnt decided). And I realize they are in opposite order of events, but I cant figure out an easy way to move around images.


Me and the pops "dancing".

I really like this pic because it looks like I have great arm muscles! haha.


The BEST wedding cake ever.... truly one of a kind!!

First kiss!

My beautiful flowers


LOVE LOVE this pic.. sorry G, your head is cut off!

Our gorgeous wedding party

The Boys

The lovely ladies

First site!

War on Christmas.. please!

Ugh. Seriously. Why in the world is this a political issue?! What happened to the seperation between church and state?!

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/18/war.on.christmas/index.html

Read it.

Random Thoughts for the Day

I know I have read this list somewhere.... and I think it even had more.. but I thought I would share because it made me laugh. I dont even know where the original list came from.

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this -- ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

19. I think the freezer deserves a light as well..

20. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

Slight Panic Attack

I am BROKE! UGH.
I mean, only to the point that my entire paycheck every two weeks goes completely to bills. Some how I have racked up a nice credit card debt (I only have 1 visa and a GAP card). I am not sure how I am going to pay all this off. I want to do it today! This stresses me out. I hate having this looming over my head. How did I let this happen? I am usually pretty good with money. I don't go out shopping all the time, although lately I do need a completely new wardrobe. I don't spend money on frivolous things. I guess the hubby and I do like to eat out a lot, and at good restaurants. This is not good, not good. I will be happy when I finally pay off my car in April.. that is extra money to put towards paying off the CC. I want to be completely debt free by the end of next year (yes, I think it is going to take that long). How do people do this? Or does everyone (but my hubby) have debt. This sucks. I dont mind paying bills, ok I do, but having a lot of money that i just "owe" is not fun. panic panic! I may have to hole up and eat ramen noodles for the next several months. :(

Skin Care Pt. 2

Last week I posted about wanting a new face care regimen. I received a few comments on suggestions of what to use. But on Sunday, I was doing a bit of solo Xmas power shopping and had to go into Ulta for some shampoo for myself (ok maybe not for Xmas, but it was needed). I decided to look at the skin care products that they carried and ran across Philosophy. I have heard good things about them in the past and so in an impulse buy situation, I decided to try it.
I bought this kit:

I have very oily, blemish prone skin with larger clogged pours. So, their website says:

you need this product if...

you want makeup optional skin - a plus.

you want to decongest and minimize the appearance of large pores - check

you want to reduce blemishes - double check!

you want to reduce excess shine - triple check!!

you want to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - a definite plus!

I am going to try this out and see what I think. I am on day two and so far so good. And really, my skin hasnt been as oily (maybe it's due to the fact that its freeezing and everything is drying out, including my face! Anyone else having this problem? even my hair! )

WEDDING PICTURES

We have finally received our wedding pictures and couldnt be more excited about them. Josh at Bella Grace Studios did a wonderful job capturing our day. I am still waiting to see if I can use some of the photos online, but for now, here is one shot that is definitely one of my favorite details! Hopefully, I will be able to post more soon!

It's 2009 (almost 2010) People!

Read this article today in the NY Times.
My only conclusion... people are crazy!
Read it.

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, whatever...

I am so sick of people going around saying "If someone says 'Happy Holidays' to you, respond with 'Merry Christmas' because this time of the year is about Jesus Christ"!
Well guess what people, other religions, that don't believe in JC, have religious holidays during the same season... they are called Hanukkah and Kwanzaa (and probably others that I dont know the name of )! I don't understand why people get in such a tizzy about these things. Yes, it's great that the Christian faith believes that JC was born on December 25th, and we celebrate that by putting up large, decorated trees, buying tons of gifts and stuffing our faces till we cant breathe.... but really, to act like there is nothing else that can happen during this time of year is a little ignorant in my book. I mean, celebrate your holiday, but let others celebrate theirs as well! It really does drive me insane. Who cares if someone says "Happy Holidays"?... maybe they are also referring to the fact that New Years is in the same time of year.
And really, dont you think that America has gone a little overboard with Christmas? I mean, any more, it has become a holiday to get the best deals on material items, that are probably not even needed in the first place. Shopping malls and stores start decorating in October for crying out loud! It's all a bit over-saturated and ridiculous. Especially when these same people who get up at 6 am the day after Thanksgiving, trying to claim "It's all about JC's birth!".. Bologna people!!!

I'm over it..

Just a little rant.

Skin Care

Oh..
And I also want a new skin care line. I am pretty good at using toner and moisterizer after I use my cleanser, but I want a complete system to make my skin look RADIANT! I want to start using stuff to prevent wrinkles, and start using a night creme (I know, sexy). But I am serious. I feel that if I can do all this now, it will help me in the long run! ya think?
So again, any advice is welcome (and needed). I would love for it all to be from one brand... if that is even do-able. And, just an FYI.. my skin is pretty oily and prone to breakouts and clogged pores. :)

I need a stylist

Anyone? Anyone?
This chick needs a stylist in the worst way. I feel that I have a sense of taste, but just not "style". I am constantly checking out new blogs with all these cute little ladies in the most adorable clothes, but dont look like they took all morning to figure it out. And I am a little jealous by all this. Maybe its the fact that all my clothes are 100 years old and I seriously need an update to everything I own. (I could also use $1,000,000 for spending money, anyone!?) But I am getting to the point where I dont know what to wear that is "age appropriate" (I have been watching to many "style" shows). I mean, late 20s... I am thinking Gap (when they have good stuff) and J.Crew might be my best bet.
But I am definitely open to suggestions (or someone to nominate me for What Not To Wear :D )

Hair Cut

After growing out my hair for the last several years, I finally went and chopped it off today. Probably the most drastic hair cut I have ever gotten, cut about 6 inches off!! It's crazy. But I do LOVE my new hair cut. Holly, my stylist, rocks!!
Here are the before and after pics.















These pictures are terrible of me, but you get the idea.. and it's sooo much cuter in person!

Thanksgiving ReCap

Thanksgiving was fabulous! I just love having four days off to enjoy friends, family and food!! We had a busy and relaxing weekend (if you can put the two together). Thursday afternoon, we headed out to the horse race track to bet on some pony's. We have done this the last few years, and always have a blast going. My parents, aunt and uncle, cousins and some family friends all went. Even though its exciting just to be there, it is really more fun when you win... well, I didnt win! Not one single race. G did end up winning one superfecta that put him a head, but no one else seemed to have the same luck! Oh well. Thursday night, we headed to G's family's for turkey dinner and it was delicious!
Friday was a pretty relaxing day. G had to work a little bit, so I went to my parents to hang out with them and do some walking on the treadmill with dad. That night we ended up at G's aunts house (they are friends with my parents) for the traditional "Friends Thanksgiving". And another great meal.
I cannot remember what we did saturday afternoon.. I think I got a bit of work done, walked again with dad maybe, who knows. UK (my team!) played Tennessee that night, so we went to the local pub to watch the game.. And such a good game it was (going in to OT), even though UK lost (for the 26th time against UT... ugh!). Maybe next time.
Sunday, we decided to go get our Xmas tree. It was the quickest trip to get a tree I have ever done. We have gone to cut it down in the past, but this year, we didnt feel like making the track, only to get a sad looking tree. So we headed down to the nearest tree place (they set them up all over the city every year) and picked out a wonderful tree in about 5 minutes. They cut it, wrapped it and put it in our car... done in 10! haha. So we spent the rest of the afternoon decorating and even made a trip to Garden Ridge for a new mirror for above our mantel. Very successful day!
This week is going to be a doozy though. I have so much to do, and really not enough time. Tonight we are heading to the UK basketball game with friends. Tomorrow night I am getting my hair cut (pics to come), wednesday night I have to go to Sam's for food for our "cabining" trip this weekend. Thursday, prepare for trip, friday we leave... ugh.. and that is all on top of my personal work that I have to do for clients, Xmas shopping and G and I want to take our pic for our Xmas card too!! UGH. Never enough hours in the day.
Hope your week is better than mine. :)

Check out this picture we almost bought (not really) at Garden Ridge.. Charlie's graduation pic.. I cant help but think this is hilarious!!!(I think it looks JUST like him!!)

I wish I had some great thing to blog about today.. but I dont. Been a little busy this week, but nothing of note.
So I'll just leave it by saying:

HAPPY TURKEY DAY! to you and yours :)

Xmas Shopping

It's the time of year to start thinking about Xmas shopping. I really cant believe where the year has gone that we are already talking about Christmas. Ugh. It just flies. Especially this month of November. I feel like yesterday was Halloween!
But thankfully, I dont really have too big of a list to shop for: my parents, sister, husband (our 1st Xmas as a married couple!! lol) are the primary people. Then we do a gift exchange with both of my parents families, so that's anther 2 people. Then G's dad and stepmom, step dad and his aunts and uncles... which he's helping me with these people.. not my family ;) So I have gathered some ideas, but am still working on them. Luckily, me and the girlfriends are heading to the outlets tomorrow!! I am pumped. Not only to do some Xmas shopping, but also to find things for ME! That's so bad, I know. But I can also gather things for my own "want" list.
My mom wants us to supply her a list of what we want for Xmas. This list is usually hard to come up with, at least at first. Like, right now, I havent a clue as to what I want. Clothes are ALWAYS a must, since I am constant purger of clothes (and I hate everything I own at the moment). And I am in need of dress pants for work. But other than that, I dont know. It's so hard to come up with a list, and also considering we got so much stuff for the wedding, we dont really need any housewares either. Listen to me, complaining about not knowing what people should buy me.. terrible! (But I'll figure it out :)~ )
Are you ready for Xmas shopping? And do you have your list!?

Sobering words?

We've all done it. Gone out for a night of drinking and having fun, and inevitably something embarrassing happens. Now it could be something physical, like your butt showing out of your short dress when you are doing some serious dance moves (you know who you are ;) ). Or, it could be something verbal, mental thoughts that you usually reserve just for your own mind, when suddenly they come spilling out. This is what happens to me. I tend to say things, out loud, that are only for my ears! Why, why, why?! And this in turn, makes the person whom you are speaking to, extremely embarrassed and uncomfortable.
One thing that makes me feel better about the whole process, is hopefully these embarrassing words are spoken to those whom I can trust and who are great friends. And, in hoping that, I also hope that they don't take what I say to heart and can let it be a funny experience.
But then again, isn't the saying "A drunk mans words are a sober mans thoughts"?! I don't like that, but maybe its true.... sometimes.. not all the time.
But seriously, this is why I don't go out drinking like I used to. Bars used to be a place to go find cute boys, and drink till you had enough courage to say something... but now, since I have a cute boy (and am married to a cute boy), bars have a whole new meaning. And I don't really know how to act. It's weird and frustrating. I don't want to make an ass out of myself by saying or doing something retarded or inappropriate. I am way more self conscious now than I ever was back in the "glory days". It's kind of an odd phenomena. You would think one would be more worried about what they looked like and how they acted when trying to find a mate, not when they already have one!
I need to get over this. I need to let go and have fun. My husband sure thinks I do.

I just don't want to say something stupid. :(

Yes Please!

I am such a nerd. But I totally just preordered my tickets to go see New Moon!!

Yes, I realize this is a teeny-bopper movie, but every girl I know that has read it is in LOVE. Actually, to be really honest, I love the first book. Twilight was amazing. I managed to finish the entire book on my 8 hour flight back from Italy last year. This was before I knew the craze that was happening around these books. And since I so loved the first, I had to buy the entire set. And I must say, the next three werent nearly as good as the first. BUT.... I am still going to see the new movie. I mean, hello!, It's Edward Cullen!

And in spirit of the new movie I am currently rereading Twilight.

Skinny vs. Healthy

I just read this quote from Kate Moss

“Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels,” on People

And at first, I was pretty disgusted with this kind of thinking. I mean, what is she trying to say? That she would starve herself to be skinny? (I mean, it is Kate Moss). But I think there are many ways to take this statement. I began reading some of the comments left on this article and a few I agreed with and a few I didnt.

I can see how people would be turned off by the comment. Claiming she is setting a bad example for others. I can also see, though, how those who have lost a lot of excess weight may want to use this as a motivation to keep the calories, portions and what not in control.

My issue comes when people make statements like "I would change it to read 'Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels". I get it. It is probably a better way to say this. But it's a problem when it comes from people that area really too skinny but dont want to be viewed that way. They want to say, I'm not too thin, I'm "healthy" BS! What I am trying to say is, there are people out in the world today, mainly 20-something girls, who like to say "I'm healthy". Right. At 5'7" and 105 lbs, that is not "healthy". There is a trend to replace the word skinny with healthy. These are NOT interchangeable!

Ugh. This thought process drives me up a wall. It doesnt even make sense. And plus the fact, that most girls I know, want to be SKINNY! not "healthy". Just state what you mean. Dont try to go around it by claiming something different. Sorry to rant, but geezus. Just say it, "I want to be skinny!" There I did. I feel better.

I dont even know if this post makes sense.. but my models in the photo are "healthy" ;)

The Judd's need some serious help

Anyone else watch the CMAs last night?
I only watched part of it, because I had to catch up on my So You Think You Can Dance, but the parts that I caught were pretty good.
Except for the Judd's! Anyone see this craziness. Wynonna and Naomi are some crazy looking people. What is wrong with their faces? Someone please help these women. And Wynonna had a bad attitude last night while standing on stage with her mother... get over it lady.

check it

Amenone

I LOVE this flower. I dont know why I didn't use it in my own bouquet for my wedding (probably because I didnt know the name of it, and my mind was all over the place). But I think it is an excellent flower for black and white weddings that are a little more modern. They come in a variety of colors but the white with the black centers are my favorite. I had to do a bit of research today to find out what they were called (and finding pictures of just the flower are hard to find too).

I thought I was kind of over all this wedding stuff, and really I am glad I dont have to plan my own any more, but some of it is still fun to look at. Plus, I am gathering design inspiration for 2 different invitations that I am going to be creating. So, as sad as it may sound, I did pre-order my copy of Southern Weddings Magazine yesterday. I just couldn't help my self. I love that site because of all the fabulous ideas everyone has. It definitely gave me inspiration for my own wedding.

But here is another picture of some beautiful amenone bouquets. I found them at this site: Wedding Planner Unveiled. And she even gives some more information on them.

Enjoy!

Happy B-day CB!

I almost totally forgot my d-o-double G's birthday!
Happy Birthday Charles Baxter!!

Add..

In getting back to my love for all things design and art related, I am on a serious hunt for any and all inspiration. This including design blogs, creative supplies, great art articles, etc etc. Please forward them on to me. I am hoping to start a blog for my small business soon and want some great ideas to pull from.
One of my designer friends forwarded me on this blog
http://www.designspongeonline.com/
And I think its just fabulous! So check it out and send me on your design/creative inspirations!

Better blog

I have recently discovered that I need more "meat" to my blogs. There is a lot of stuff I could talk about that would interest my readers more than "what's on my mind today". So, I am going to try my best to have more interesting/relevant topics for my readers. And more pictures too.
I love the idea of blogging, but my life is so hectic these days, I dont have the time I would like to put into blogging. (or maybe I'm not really a blogger). But there are tons of things out there to be inspired by to read.
I need to make a list. Lists are my life these days. And lists are tangible. I can check things off of lists. Even though my list is never complete, I do feel a sense of accomplishment when things are checked off.
So here are some tips I found about better blogging that I will share, and try to follow:

10 Blogging Tips

Briefly, some tips:

1. Write to be helpful.
2. Be brief.
3. Tell a story.
4. Connect others, if appropriate.
5. Share. Often.
6. Don’t overthink it. (It’s a blog, not a dissertation.)
7. But be thoughtful.
8. Don’t be mean.
9. Publish often enough to build a relationship.
10. But be mindful of your audience’s time.

Things are rolling

My passions may have just been started. I have been asked to do, not one, but THREE! different wedding invitations for friends. I am ecstatic. And I am crossing my fingers that everything goes smoothly and works out. I have been on a hunt for a good local printer and I need to start a file of inspiration designs.
Today I have even contacted a letterpress company that isnt to far from me, so that hopefully I will have that as an option as well -- since we all know I LOVE letterpress! EEKS. I am just so thrilled.
This is what I want to do. I think I could really be passionate about all of this. I love it. And I like the idea of making pretty things, and having new clients all the time, and letting my creative juices flow.
I have been so inspired ever since I created my own and am so thrilled to hopefully be creating more for some wonderful people. I'll let you know how the process goes once things get more underway.
Oh happy day!

She's gonna be Famous!

For those of you that know me, you also know that my sister is a actor out in LA trying to get her big break. A while back, she decided that she was going to do game shows and try to win some money. Last week, she happened to get called to audition for Wheel of Fortune. And after going and making it through several rounds of cuts they told her they would contact her within the next week to let her know if she would be on.
Well, luck be with her, because they called Wedneday and informed her that she would be an alternate that was taping next thursday and if she did get on that show, she would be a true contestant on another episode. You heard me right people, she is going to be on Wheel of Fortune!!!! So great, and soooo hysterical. I mean, who gets on a game show, really?! I am super pumped for her and hopes she wins BIG! (I am expecting a GREAT Xmas gift if she does). I'll let you know when it is to air.
So hilarious.(Maybe she can get my Vanna's autograph!)

Halloweeeeeeen

Halloween, my favorite holiday ever (even though my mother says I used to not like it because of the people in masks scared me) is just 2 days away!! I am soo excited. I have already told you how crazy our street gets on halloween night, and I am definitely looking forward to it. The problem at this point, is that I have not a clue about a costume. The original idea was to be a dead bride and groom with G, and we were going to decorate our yard to match. Well, that has kind of flown out the window. I dont think G really likes to be "dead" things and I on the other hand LOVE IT. I would much rather be something gory than something slutty. BTW, I do NOT get this whole "dress up as a tramp" on halloween thing. People that do this look rediculous (and your butt is hangin' out!). Anyway, now that that idea is not happening, I havent a clue for a better costume. And costumes are expensive if you go to those Halloween stores. I want to do something cheap and that I can find the majority of it at my house. I may just be a witch (classic). I would just need a hat ( and maybe a black wig, cause that'd be perfect). And then I have black tights, dress, shoes, etc. I even have fake eye lashes that I had bought for the wedding but never used. I dunno. I always seem to wait till the last minute to find something to wear. UGH. Suggestions welcome!

Oh, and I did not carve the pumpkin you see. Although, I might take the idea and do it on the last pumpkin we have to carve, I am still looking for ideas for that one too! So much to do, so little time.

Invitations, annoucements, menus, etc

I know I have probably mentioned this before (if not a million times), but now that things have settled a little bit I think I want to be back in the business of wedding creations. Not that I am wanting to plan a whole other wedding (H*LL NO!). But I do think that I love the design of invitations and annoucements, and any other printed piece you may need for the big day! For instance, for my personal wedding, I designed and assembled my own invitations (including the reply card and information sheet), the programs, drink menus (we created our own signature drinks), reserved table signs, and we even printed our own thank you cards! I love that everything matched and really followed the theme of the wedding.
I wish I had pictures of all this stuff.. hopefully I will get all that soon and post some. Just to give an idea of how it all fit together.
But I think I want to create invitations and any other printed pieces for other people's weddings (or birth annoucements, parties, etc). I think this will go great with my paper/stationary studio that I want to open as well. And as you may know, I just LOVE letterpress and hope to get into that business too.
There is just so much I want to do... where does a girl find the time?!

quick help

how do you change the blog template without losing your gadgets?

can anyone help? I am semi-new to this whole blog world.

Wedding panic all over again.

Since its been almost a month (can't believe it!) since the big day, I have been going back over things that happened that day, and things that I would change if I could do it all over again. For instance, not talking to everyone at the reception. Do you know how hard that is to do?! I have been trying to write my thank you cards and I keep finding myself going "were they at the wedding?!" I totally missed a lot of people, but thankfully G made up for the ones I missed. Speaking of thank you cards, I would have started a lot earlier on them (like when I received gifts BEFORE the wedding). It is a long process to write an individual note to everyone, but it's in the works. And today, while walking my dog this morning, I had a panic on whether or not I took a photo with just my parents. I do NOT remember doing this. And if I didnt get one I am going to be very disappointed. It was such a rush after the ceremony, I have no idea what pictures got taken. I hope there is one with my parents. And I hope there is one with G's parents (and siblings). I am freaking out that there is not.
I sort of thought that after the big day was over all this stress would go away!! I have even had several wedding dreams (aka nightmares!), WTF? Maybe once I finally see my professional pictures, finish my thank you cards, and see the wonderful guest book my sister is making I'll finally have some conclusion. But as of right now, it's not over!

Officially a Mrs!

Man that title makes me sound O-L-D!!

Went down to the social security office to day to legally change my name. What a pain in the butt! Had to sit for an hour and wait for them to talk to me for 5 seconds. Then, now I have to wait 7-10 days to get my new SS card. After that, off to the DMV to change my drivers license. Then the process begins of changing my name on everything else. Guys have it so easy. Get married, sign a piece of paper, boom done finished! I have decided to keep my last name as my middle name, even though I love my middle name. It was is my mom's maiden name. But I had to drop something. I dont think I could get away with 4 initials! And my new last name hyphenated with my old would have been terrible. So I have succumbed and changed it completely. I am now LCR! No longer living in the LBC :(

Another work out

I have been intrigued with the idea of the work out program P90X for a long time. I have heard of several people doing and really liking it. And I keep asking those that have tried it what they think. I finally saw pics of one of my friends that has done it for the last two months and she looks AMAZING! I am completely jealous. So I think I have decided to buy the program and try it out. I am always looking for new ideas to keep up my momentum on exercise (although I have taken about the last month off). My plan is to wake up at 6 am and do the P90X and then get ready for work. And since I am planning on running some races starting in January, I will then do short runs after work for 1-3 miles. I think I can do this, at least at this point I have the will power. And you can get P90X on Amazon for like half the price! Maybe I am crazy, but my friends pictures really inspired me to do it. If she will allow me to, I want to post pics. I cant allow my self to not do anything in the winter, I'll blow up like a ballon!! And I am also planning on doing another mini marathon next spring, so I want to be in top shape for that , so I can increase my time from last year.
The only thing that I am a little fearful of is the nutrition. I find it so hard to "diet" when I have a husband that likes to eat! I dont eat terrible, but I know I dont eat great.
I do want to keep track of my progress through here though so I can stay motivated. So stay tuned for updates!!

Fall Season

There are 2 things I love about fall: 1. My birthday :) and 2. Halloween!!!! Halloween has always been, by far, my favorite holiday. I love getting dressed up and seeing other people's costumes as well. When G bought his (now our) house a few years back, he happened to buy one on THE Halloween street of our city. This street goes nuts on Halloween, even to the point of digging holes in their yards in order for a motorcycle riding skeleton to come out of. It's insane. So moving to the street, you have some standards to live up to. 1 simple jack-o-lantern will not do. You have to go all out. And its not only the decorations that make this street so fun. We get over 2000 kids on halloween night for Trick-or-Treating. Needless to say, it gets expensive. This year, we have bought 6 of the BIG bags of candy, and I know we will run out. Also this year, we have to decided to have an Open House for our friends and family. It will be fun for people to come over, enjoy the many sites of our street, and hang out with us for an evening. I am really looking forward to it.
But here is a pic of our house (mostly) decorated. It looks really cool at night with our tiki torches lit (you have to get creative!) And we are still going to add some lights in the front. Enjoy!(I realize it's not the greatest pic, but you get the idea. And check out the BIG DOG in the door, haha)

Paper paper paper

Ever since I decided to create my own wedding invitations, I have been completely in awe of all things paper. I had gone on many websites that create custom invitations and they were phenomenal!! I am completely inspired, to the point that I think I need to change my career path. I am in love with letterpress and unique designs that change with every couple, or event. I would love to open up a paperie and also do design work along with it. Combing two things that I can be passionate about.
Just so you know what I am talking about, check out these sites:

mika78.com
www.boxcarpress.com
www.parklifepress.com
beautifulpaper.typepad.com

to just name a few.

LOVE!

The Ring Saga Continues

I think I posted a while back that I had lost a diamond out of my engagement ring about a month before my wedding. It was the 3rd time it had happened. I thought at the time, they were going to send me a brand new setting since it had happened 3 times in one year, but alas, they just replaced the stone and sent it back. Even guaranteeing me it would never happen again..

well...

so much for the guarantee. While on our honeymoon, they day we went snorkeling actually, I discovered another diamond had fallen out. Now, the stone that falls out is never the same one as before. The crazy thing, I hadnt even worn my ring that day because they told us "no jewelry" for the excursion. I waited patiently till we got home to worry about the matter. I emailed the guy on Monday, he said they would take care of it and not to worry (same thing I have heard the past 3 times!) but by wednesday I had lost ANOTHER diamond! This is just getting ridiculous! I am so angry. I just want a new setting. I dont need an upgrade. Just something that will hold all of my stones in place. And be able to wear my ring EVERY day.

Here is the current situation:
The missing diamonds are on the back of the band, so you cant tell.. but still!!
And here is a pic of my two rings together... I love them!

(oops, a little crooked on my hand!)

Beautiful Antigua

So, as I may or may not have mentioned, G and I went to the all inclusive Sandals resort in beautiful Antigua for our honeymoon. And I must say, if you have never done an all inclusive, I suggest you try it. It was awesome. Not having to worry about money for an entire week was awesome. And the food and drinks were flowing. Plus it was nice to not do anything for a whole week either. No chores, no lists, no dog, nada! Fantastic.
Here are a few pics from the wonderful trip we had.
The scariest plane ride ever. Just to get to Antigua
Our room.
Japanese night.
We took an excursion to go snorkeling. And this is the best picture EVER. The pool... with a swim up bar.. G's requirement for our honeymoon.And the awesome beach.

There are 200 more, but I thought that might be a little too many to post.

I'm back!

After a wonderful wedding and relaxing honeymoon, I am finally back to the reality of Lauren. It has been over a year that my life has been upside down and totally stressed out. I am glad to have all the planning and coordination over with. It take a LOT to put a wedding together, especially when you have no wedding planner (and you feel that you have to create all elements yourself!!). But it all worked out in the end. There were no flaws that I can think of at all!! I am amazed at myself and everyone that helped to put the most fabulous wedding together on the planet!! I cannot say enough how truely thankful and blessed I am to have such wonderful friends and family. :)

I hope to post honeymoon photos soon. Today I am a zombie, just trying to keep my eyes open. (didnt get in till 1:00am! last night)

Hiatus

FYI.. I am on a hiatus from my blog till after my wedding. It is less than 2 weeks away, and I am stressed beyond belief. I cant think of fun topics because I am overly stressed out. I hope to have some great pictures from the wedding and the awesome honeymoon to Antigua! I will be back soon. I promise.

And just for all you soon-t0-be's out there.. dont forget to get your marriage license... I almost did! ACK.

I am ready to get the show on the road and be done with the planning.

Im a little teapot

In viewing some pictures while Facebook stalking this morning, I have found that there are 1000's of photos out there where the girls are posing with their hand on their hip. Now, I get the purpose behind it, you want to make your arms look skinnier and all the celebs do it, but really, if you start to pay attention a little bit, it looks awkward. And trust me, I have been victim to this "teapotitis" but really, why is your hand on your hip for no apparent reason!? It just looks weird. Like, someone says, "ok get together, I'm gonna take your picture", and automatically your hand goes to your hip cause you are trying to get the best possible angle for yourself, when in fact, you havent had your hand on your hip all night! And guys dont do this, its completely a girl thing. And it is just completely silly. Here are some examples:

Leave it to us...

To have an after party after our reception. Yes, we have decided that it would be a great idea to throw an gathering at the local Maker's Mark Lounge after our reception ends at midnight. Why, you ask? Because if I know my future husband (that's weird) at all, he will not want the party to go on with out him. And instead of trying to find a place that night to go, we have taken the liberty to plan ahead of time. Actually, it will work out really well. The bar is a half a block from the hotel and there is a chance that we will have an awesome DJ play. :) So as corny, and weird as it may sound... I think it's going to work out just fine. And who doesn't like a P-A-R-T-Y!!?!?!