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)