Wedding Movies = Involuntary Tears

So I'm convinced that I've always been a sucker for any movie with a wedding in it, but can't actually remember if I was this way pre-wedding or engagement. I KNOW I never would turn OFF a movie with a wedding in it, but I'm not sure if I've always cried at them. Either way - I do now! Doesn't matter what the movie is. If there's a wedding, proposal, or anything wedding-related really, I have an involuntary reaction - tears just start flowing. I mean, they're happy tears, don't get me wrong, but I seriously have no control over it. We went to see How Do You Know a while back, which, for the record, I thought was HORRIBLE, but there was a proposal in it (not the main characters) and tears just started flowing. Couldn't stop it. But I seriously hated the movie, and the characters getting engaged. Tim makes fun of me and doesn't believe I hated it because I cried. It's involuntary! But I promise you I hated it. And I love a good cheesy chick flick, so you know it was bad.

Oh man, you should've seen me watching Father of the Bride (with Steve Martin) recently.

Via Google Images

Isn't that such a horrible-but-in-a-good-way (aka cheesy) fantastic movie? I love it. And I also loved it even more watching it after having our wedding at home and watching them do it, albeit on a MUCH larger budget and majorly over-the-top everything. Still fun to watch and relate, though! And lots of tears at random times. Luckily I was watching it alone.

I'll admit that I also don't really mind it... honestly, if Tim were out of town, and I had nothing to do all day, a perfect day for me would be to sit at home and watch back to back movies with weddings in them, and cry. Is it too much to say I wish I could do it in my wedding dress?? Ha! I'm glad we got it "preserved" so I don't get too tempted to hang out around the house in it. LOL.

Oh, did I also mention that I don't really cry, like, ever? That I didn't cry on my own wedding day at all? I almost did once when I was "given away", but no tears actually came out. Same can't be said for Tim :)

Courtesy of Hughes Fioretti Photography

See? Told you. That's me handing him my handkerchief in front of everyone when he choked up during his vows. I'm such an a$$. Lol!

-C
xxx

The Future of This Blog

Via Google Images

(Note: I wrote this post prior to Grandude's passing, but postponed it for obvious reasons.)

I originally started this blog because A) I love weddings B) I was getting married C) I really had the urge to blog about weddings. I still love weddings, but now I am married and there isn't as much to blog about. I mean, eventually I'm going to run out of advice and stories that are wedding-related. Truth be told, I'm not the first to run into this problem. I follow a lot of wedding blogs (yes, still), and I know a lot of other bloggers who go through this "identity crisis" of sorts. I mean, you kind of almost feel like a fraud. Like, who wants to read about wedding stuff from someone who is already married? My friends, that's who, and that's it. Which is fine. BUT I think one of the reasons I haven't blogged as much lately is because I kind of felt like a fraud. I have tons of things I wish I could blog about, but aren't wedding-related. So... tell me, would it be so wrong of me to just make this into a not-always-wedding-related blog? Sure, I'll still post wedding stuff from time to time. Weddings interest me. Like, they actually do. I say it all the time, I love that sh#t. I know plenty of people out there who are like "weddings... yay..." and I'm like "WEDDINGS!!! YAY!!!" But I also think in order to keep my blogging going, I want to be able to blog about whatever I feel like blogging about in that particular moment. I've been inspired by this uber funny non-wedding blog lately (that I'm not going to name, lest you decide to judge me). I used to be told I was funny, and I miss that. I like to be funny. I like to make people laugh with my sarcasm and awesomeness, and I think having the freedom* to write about whatever, whenever, would allow the funny to come back. So a minute ago when I asked you if it would be wrong of me to blog about non wedding stuff? We're turning that into a rhetorical question because I'm not waiting for an answer. It's what I'm doing, and you'll like it.

Ok, I hope you'll like it. Please still love me... :)

-C

xxx

*Yes, I am fully aware that I am the one who made this a wedding blog, and that there are no rules that say I can't write about other stuff. I just didn't want anyone to be all "oooh that's not wedding-related, what a fraud". Ok, ok, no one I know would ever say that. I'm just informing you of things to come.

New Year Resolutions

Via Google Images

Every year people make resolutions for themselves when the new year begins. Well, I didn't actually come out and tell myself I'm going to do certain things, but for over a month now I have taken up what I can only call "bettering myself". Maybe the new year inspired me? Don't think so. I think it was that I had a couple months after the wedding that I just stopped doing everything I did before the wedding and I finally realized that my little "post wedding break" needed to be over. What am I talking about? Well, mainly the fact that my clothes weren't fitting right anymore due to mass comsumption of food. Yeah, I'm blaming it on the hubby. Not that he force feeds me or anything, but I guess it takes some getting used to (for me at least) to NOT eat everything, or the same quantity, that he eats. It's a proven fact that men need to eat more calories in a day because they (somehow, MIRACULOUSLY) burn off more. My hubby also goes to the gym, A LOT, so he needs to eat even more. I used to be all "screw the whole men eat more than women thing!" Um, yeah. At least 10 lbs. later (I won't step on the scale), I realize that they can, and they should, eat more than most women, and that I need to get over myself. Lol.

I get that I'm pretty much in the minority these days since we hadn't lived together until 2 weeks before getting married, and most people live together for a year, or a few years even, before tying the knot. So you probably all have a leg up on me. And you all should have warned me and given me this wisdom. For that, I blame you. :)

So since I like to think that writing things down will make them actually happen, and that my readers/friends will hold me accountable if I actually blog about it, I'm listing my "resolutions" below. It's kind of sad that my "resolutions" are things I did to better myself in the months before my wedding, but my problem then was that I had the end goal (our wedding date) to look forward to stopping all these things. Which is kind of stupid when you think about it. Were they painful and horrible to maintain? No! Now I have no end date by which to stop and I think that's good.

Anyway, I have unofficially resolved to:
** Getting into a going to the gym routine. 2 days a week is better than my usual 0. If I hit 3 times every now and then, even better! Also, using my Shake Weight while watching TV, etc. That's right, I own a Shake Weight. Don't mock it til you've tried it and have felt that burn under your arms - it works, I tell you!
** Eating better/less - as in, stop eating like my husband! First problem - I need to accept that I should not be eating the same quantities of things that he does. There's no reason to stuff yourself (I'm talking to myself here) just so that you both eat equal amounts. I've started giving him double from the getgo and only eating til I'm full - then he gets what's left on my plate (and loves it). I also try to trick myself by eating slower and then by the time I would get 2nds it's all gone because he's already eaten it! So there's one way to do it! Next problem - I usually make dinner for us at least 5 days a week, and have gotten into the pattern of making things that he likes - aka things with a ton of meat in them. Everything has to have meat in it! Now, I'm no veg, but this is ridiculous. I mean, mac and cheese has to have chicken, ham, or some sort of deli meat in it (gross, and no, I don't put it in mine. nor do I even eat mac and cheese to be honest - that's hubby's specialty for when I'm out of town). Really?? That's not necessary. For this problem there's a sub-resolution:
**Eating more vegtables; trying to eat vegetables in lieu of meat when hubby's not around. I've always like my veggies, but I'm starting to like them a lot! I'm not on my way to becoming a vegetarian or anything, but if you throw a vegetarian dish my way I'll definitely enjoy it! And definitely broadening my horizons with them as well. My favorite veg of the moment: orange peppers. YUM. Hubby definitely looks at me funny sometimes and asks, with disgust, "You're not going to become a vegetarian, are you?" I think he fears that I will stop making him meaty lasagna. Have no fear, hubby, lasagna just isn't the same without meat sauce.
** Making my own lunch more often. I've always done the pack a lunch thing, but usually only tops 3 days a week and want to start doing it more. Not only does it save money, but you control the portions. I have this problem where I have a really hard time leaving things on my plate... so controlling my own portions versus letting a deli or someplace do it, is probably good for me. You know what I'd like to see? More packed lunch vegetarian recipes. I'm on the hunt for these! Salads can get boring! (Let me know if you have one!)
** Flossing on a regular basis. I know, it sounds like I'm a 7 year old but for some reason I always forget/always tell myself I don't have time. Really? It takes less than a minute to floss. (This is the conversation I now have with myself when I try to talk myself out of flossing.)

So here's to a new year and to bettering myself!

Oh, and maybe I should add "blogging" to my resolutions. My bad...

-C
xxx

Know what's cool?

...and I kind of wish I had done, but kept forgetting, and then ran out of time?

Inviting the President to your wedding. I know some people that have done this, and no, obviously Obama's not going to come to your wedding, but you get a response from the White House! I'm not alone in thinking this is a pretty cool keepsake!

via Google Images

How to invite the President:

The Honorable Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama
The White House
Greetings Office Rm. 39
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500

ALSO, you can invite the Queen! But I think Buckingham Palace only responds to requests within the UK.

How to invite the Queen:

The Secretary to Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II of England
Buckingham Palace
London, England
SW1A 1AA

Note: Both ask for at least 6 weeks to respond (but the earlier, the better!).

Do it!

-C
xxx

Never a Bridesmaid, Always a Bride

Shockingly enough, I've never *really* been a bridesmaid. I was a bridesmaid in my uncle's wedding when I was like 19 or 20, but my bridesmaid duties were limited to trying on the dress when it was sent to me, and showing up at the church on time. Oh, and I think I was there for the rehearsal. Now I'm going to be a bridesmaid for my friend Bonnie! I'm so excited. And I just can't hide it.

Plus, I'll have more material for the blog :)

That is all. Enjoy your weekend! I need to upload and prep some pics so I can get back on the blogging horse.

-C
xxx

"How was it?"

Why is it that when you run into, or meet, people after your wedding, they always ask:


"How was it?"


I know it's just a standard, harmless question, but it's funny to think about, no? Like, what if I turned around and said, "OH MY GOD it was terrible, you're so lucky you weren't there!" Lol. I'm not picking on people for asking, just think the question is ridiculous and funny. I had so many people ask me this question when I was at Lela's house a couple weeks ago and every single time I'd say, "It was great." And trail off. It's just kind of an awkward question! Or maybe I'm just awkward... But I definitely think it's the question. I mean, does someone I just met really want me to go through my whole day with them? Probably not. I think they feel just as awkward, but for some reason it's like a reflex when people find out another person got married. They can't help it. It just comes out.


And there's my random thought for today. :)

Is it just me??


-C
xxx

I'm Back!

via Google Images

For real this time. Did you miss me? Gee, I hope so. I hope people will still read this now that I'm married and no longer a bride-to-be. I've got plenty of recaps to post on here still. Plenty of ideas to share with you, plenty of rants to go on, plenty of sarcasm to confuse people with, and *now* enough time to do it! Work has been crazy busy for a few weeks, and on top of that I was deathly ill. Ok maybe not deathly, but I was ill and it wasn't fun, so I was too busy trying to breathe. I hope you'll forgive me and still read me. Please? Pretty please?

Well I'll just keep typing anyway. :) Stay tuned!

-C
xxx

Licensed to Kill... My Brother?

We're licensed to marry now. I mean, technically there's a 72 hour waiting period (and we applied for it on Friday), but we're basically licensed. This did not happen without incident, though. You see, my brother kind of has a reputation. A reputation which makes every single one of my friends who is coming to the wedding say, "Oh my god - I can't wait til your wedding... so I can meet your brother!" No joke. People aren't looking forward to seeing me in a white dress, or checking out all my little DIY touches. No. They're interested in seeing the man (boy), the myth, the (infamous) legend, that is Brett. My brother is special. He pretty much just doesn't *get* a lot of things. He makes me do the face palm a lot.

via Google Images

He gets some of it from MOB, for sure. For example: We went to a NEW YORK (this is important) Mets game one year (me, MOB, and my brother) and it was a day where they were giving things away at the gate. They gave us all Mets jerseys as we walked in. So we put them on and went to our seats. You know those electronic scrolling banner things? Well it started scrolling "Jersey Day!" and MOB goes, "Look! Look guys! It's Jersey Day!" As in, she thought it was NEW Jersey day... in New York (we're from NJ, if you don't know, so she was really excited that we were there for NEW Jersey day). My brother and I were like... "umm mom, we just got jerseys when we walked in. It's THAT jersey day. Not NEW Jersey day." She's going to kill me for writing this, but I couldn't just pick on Brett. Ok, I could have, but this is more fun. :)

Every time I try to remember a Brett story to tell someone, I can't come up with one. But trust me, there are PLENTY. MOH Cassie could probably tell you some good ones. As I mentioned above, the newest one has to do with us getting our marriage license. I left work early on Friday to get up to NJ in time for us to get our license (since there's that 72 hour waiting period and we weren't planning on going back to Jersey til like 2-3 days before the wedding). Well, I TRIED to leave work early. We ended up being a little late. As in, they close at 4pm and we didn't get there til 4:05pm (I called to make sure we could still come down and LUCKILY they said yes!). We had no other choice but to have my brother come as our witness. We get there and the registrar says she has to ask him a few questions and my face must've visibly dropped. OH NO. Brett?? Questions?? Crap, I didn't know about this or I would have picked anyone else! I didn't prep him! This is going to be disastrous! Ok so it wasn't disastrous, but it was pretty funny. The registrar asked him a few questions and then asks him if he's aware of either of us lying on our application (but in legal jargon) and he pauses and says yes, quite proudly (bc he didn't understand the question, but thought the right answer was yes). The woman looks at him and whispers "The answer is no."

via Google Images

Classic Brett. I then asked if I could get a new witness. Lol.

Hope you all had a good weekend. I'm at less than 2 weeks and about to lose my mind.

-C

xxx

PS Did you know it's legal to marry your first cousin in New Jersey? Yeah. Even worse than that being legal is the fact that it's listed on the FAQs section of their website. Why is that a Frequently Asked Question?! I wonder what other things are legal out there. I mean, if this is happening in NJ, lord knows what's happening in, say, Alabama! :)

My Rack

Anybody in the market for a garment rack? No? Just me? Oh well, I feel the need to scream from the rooftops now that I found a good one. Or at least type it on my blog. As you probably know, I moved recently. As you also may know, my FH lives in London. So, that means I'm setting up our entire house. I'm pretty sure he's MORE than ok with that. Anyway, it's a 3 bedroom place, and I told him he could have the closet in what will be our bedroom, if I get the entire room next door. :) So basically I'm turning it into one big walk-in closet. I call it my "getting ready room" but totally need something catchier. Any ideas? Anyway, the getting ready room does not have a closet, so I've been going through some trial and error with garment racks.

Take one was one of the metal adjustable ones from Bed Bath. Just a basic one, but looked sturdy enough (to me). When we put all my clothes on it (Bridesmaid Amanda helped me put it together), it leaned, BIG TIME. Like at an unnatural angle. So I went out and bought another (take two), bigger one that cost a bit more. Bonnie helped me put that one together. Seemed all well and good, until I went upstairs and found it in a HEAP (and broken, to boot). I set the other metal one back up (take three) and put a LOT less clothing on it. Still leaned. I tied it to the wall, but decided I'd go check out Ikea anyway. I was planning on biting the bullet and buying one of those big wardrobe things that I knew I'd never be able to move again. I found a metal garment rack instead, and I hope I'm not speaking too soon here (fingers crossed!!), but it looks as though take four was a success!! I can even go in and grab the bar and push it a little and it doesn't seem to be loose or swaying or ready to collapse or anything!! So, Ikea, in the past I haven't been your biggest fan, because I like my furniture old and sturdy (I get most from thrift stores, and that's the way I like it. They don't make things like they used to!), but I give you credit on this. Your Portis rack is my savior.

Ikea Portis Rack

In case you're wondering, it's made of steel and has a very "wrought iron" look to it, which I love! Looks like I don't have to find places to fold some of my clothes after all - they may just all fit! This thing is STURDY. I also bought the matching "hat rack" to hang on the wall and put purses or something on.

Ah organization. Ah being able to find my clothes again!!

-C
xxx

Moving Right Along

I just feel like doing this because I got some shiz done this week! In addition to all the crafts from last weekend, I've been moving right along with other planning aspects:

Videographer - BOOKED!

Caterer - BOOKED! (also talking to them about rentaling plates/utensils, which would be awesome!)

Brunch Food - got prices

And also tons of moving-related tasks i.e. packing, address changes for all my accounts and all that fun stuff

Oh, did I mention I'm moving this Saturday?!? Who has two thumbs and has been uber busy the past two weeks? THIS GIRL! I couldn't really start packing until my invites were done, so I was up late working on those every night, and since they went out I've been up late every night packing for the move! I have so much crap. I'm just moving across town, but still - that doesn't mean the quantity of stuff to be moved is any less! I'm so excited to move. I've never had my own place before! I mean, it'll be OUR place, but still very different from living with roommates, which I've done since college! YAY my OWN fridge and freezer to fill! YAY not worrying about if someone else is doing laundry when I need to! YAY for being able to leave my wedding projects lying around instead of having to clean everything up after I'm done for the evening (or at least make a path)! YAY being able to decorate every room without having to think about if they'll like it or not!

Oh, and FH's bachelor party (they called it a "Stag Do", and bachelorette parties are called "Hen Parties") is this weekend, all weekend...

In the United Kingdom it is now common for the party to last for more than one evening, hence the increasing prevalence of the phrase "stag weekend." A spin off has been the growth of the stag weekend industry in the UK with various companies taking over the preparation of the event. In the UK, stag weekend trips are becoming mini-holidays with the groups taking part in various day time activities as well as the expected night out on the town. Groups of friends attending weekends away in the UK and even into Europe with their best friend leave home on a Friday and embrace two days of fun. The groom who normally is called "the Stag" will have a selection of tasks to complete on the stag weekend. Group activities might include paintball, kart racing, poker parties, quiz machining, and clay pigeon shooting. Stag t-shirts and fancy dress are now an accepted part of the stag night experience. The best man will usually organize the clothing and night's entertainment. Getting drunk and participating in stag activities is now the norm.

...you know, the exact time I'm moving. So he'll be getting drunk and having an amazing time... while I'll be getting sweaty and sore from lifting things in the 96 degree heat we're supposed to get tomorrow! Life isn't fair! lol.

Speaking of unfair... I also ordered/won the hat for my bridal shower from ebay. I was really excited about getting my tracking number yesterday because that meant it was on its way! But then this morning I received an email from PayPal saying the seller had cancelled the shipment with the reason "Changed Mind". What! I emailed her and asked if she changed her mind about the shipping method or changed her mind about selling it. I really hope it's the former! :( Can they even do that?? Just decide they don't want to sell it after I already paid for it??

-C
xxx

Goldfinger

I have a new obsession - "hammered gold" spray paint by Rust-Oleum. I bought it to paint my table name frames with. Then I sprayed a couple other wedding things with it. The other day I decided when I move I'm going to paint my headboard with it, too (my bedroom is green, brown and gold). I... can't... stop. Everything is going to hammered gold soon.


I took my coffee table outside to repaint it last night. I'm moving on Saturday and decided I needed to paint it before I move because once I get there my backyard is down a flight of stairs, whereas in the house I'm in now I can just roll it out the back door and paint it. Anyway, I took it out back just to touch up the scratches because I still had the brown "leather texture" paint I painted it with like 3 years ago (um, are you supposed to keep spray point that long?? oops.), but I had to touch up one of my frames with the gold first. When I turned to the coffee table I was like "what if..." and next thing I know, my table is gold.

Aaaand I love it. Oh, and yes it is laying sideways. Use your imagination (or just block out everything in the background). Due to the move, I'm lacking space. Plus I had to move it inside pretty quick because it started raining. Figures. It rains every time I spray paint. Looks like she'll be getting another coat tomorrow!


Oh right, so goldfinger? Seriously, every time I spray paint my "trigger finger" turns gold. I even wear latex gloves when painting and somehow the paint still gets in. *sigh* Oh well!

-C
xxx

The Black and Brown Collision

I had the biggest brain storm last night! Well, to me it was big. In case you haven't seen on facebook, FH and I found a house to live in! Signed the lease last week. So, obviously, ever since then I have been decorating every room in my head. :) I've come to realize that I've really been decorating each place I've lived in the same way for the past 5 years, with the exception of my bedroom, and I think it's time for a little bit of a change. I guess because the rest are common areas I've been sharing with roommates and what's the point of redecorating those rooms? Anyway, my living room has the basic theme of black and white, which really just comes from the black and white Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn pictures I hung on the wall. I like it - it's clean and classic. But I've always just let them go with whatever furniture is in that room (surprisingly, I don't own couches!). Now that we'll be getting our own couches and decorating the whole room ourselves (ha - "our", more like MYself, lol), we can really do whatever we want, you know? My plan is for whatever couches we get, we'll probably put couch covers on them. I already have a couple from a previous house I lived in. So, couches are a blank canvas. My coffee table is brown. The frames my pictures are in are... black and silver. Ouch. Does the thought of black and brown together make you cringe? Well, it makes me cringe! I've been revisiting my registry recently since the invites are getting ready to go out and I want everything to be pretty much finalized on there. Yesterday I was looking at TV stands because FH is DYING to get a "TV like Mark's" (that's Bridesmaid Amanda's now husband) and says that when we do we need something sturdy for it to go on. Sweet, I'll add something to the Target registry. Easy. My first thought was I'll get a black stand to go with the pictures. Then I was really bothered by the flow of the room, since it'll go directly into where the brown bamboo bar is and then the kitchen (rust, green and yellow). Then I realized I could just get a brown TV stand... and buy new picture frames! Wow. What a novel idea! Then I realized I will have at least 10 8x10 bronze picture frames lying around after the wedding (I've been painting frames for our table names)... so I don't have to buy any new ones AND they make the room flow better with the bar area and kitchen. Also registering for rust colored pillows to really tie it together. Looks like my retro dream may come true after all! :)

Sorry, just had to share. Sadly, this made me really excited! This is what happens when you have Better Homes and Gardens and Family Circle subscriptions starting at the age of 18 (and now Martha Stewart, too).

-C
xxx

Showering of Me

abridalshower.com

I have a love/hate relationship with surprises. On the one hand, I love them, but on the other, I can't stand being the only one who doesn't know, so I hate them! My bridal shower is going to be in VA, per my request since I also requested the bachelorette party be in DC and it's that same night. Since this required MOH Ryann and Bridesmaid Lela to fly in, and me to drive down from Philly, I also kind of had to know the date. So I know the date and I know the state. I've made requests for mimosas and fancy hats*, so I know those, too. I don't know time, actual location, menu, details or anything at ALL about the bachelorette party. Why am I telling you this? Because I've already had a couple people try to (accidentally) tell me other details or ask me about things. As much as I hate surprises, like I said, a part of me also loves them, so note to all - don't tell me any other details pleaaase! Although I keep telling MOH Cassie and MOH Ryann it's unfair that I don't get to see the invite, truth be told I guess I don't really want to. The teasing is the part that gets me, though. *pouty face* I want to see it! (no I don't) lol.

On another note, because the shower's in VA, I know a lot of people won't be able to come. My friends AND family are scattered all over the place and I know coming to the wedding is a big enough trip for some, let alone coming to a bridal shower (however, public transportation-wise it's probably easier than bumblef**k NJ). So friends, please know that if you weren't invited (but were invited to the wedding) it's because I didn't want to ask you to come all that way. Family, please know that you were invited, even though you do live far away, just on the off chance you could come. Please don't think I expect you to make a special trip just for little ole me. I'd rather you be at my wedding if you have to pick one!

And on yet another note - I just have to share that invite production has officially begun! I can only do a few each night, so it's slow going, but I hope to have at least enough to give FH when he's here next week (for Bride-to-Be/Bridesmaid Amanda's wedding!!) to take back for those being invited in the UK. 23 down, 61 to go...

-C

xxx

*another blog, another day...

Brit Fads

Fads from London that I don't think I could get into. And I mean these were EVERYWHERE. I don't even know what to call them, but not a fan...



These I could get into though :) Too bad they weren't peep toe. In the pic they look perfect but in person they're not really wedding shoe material.

Not too many new fads to note this trip. Purple was still prevolent. Small, romantic floral prints were big, but that's the case here, too. Everyone had a tight leather jacket, but I was already rocking one so I must've started that trend or something :) The only thing I was really hunting for was a fedora/boater/trilby hat. Those were all over the place, and I really liked them, but A - couldn't find one I absolutely loved (not for lack of trying!) B - couldn't justify spending as much as they cost for something I didn't absolutely love and C - I'd probably wear it once a month or something.

I was really hoping to find my green shoes over there! Imagine being like "yeah, I found my dream shoes in London". Again, not for lack of trying. As FH will tell you, we went in plenty of stores in search of green shoes...

-C
xxx

Londy Londy Londy

Headed to London town today to visit the FH, and I'm excited to see what the fashion trend that grabs me is going to be this time! I know people think NYC is fashion-forward, but I never see anything that impresses me when I'm there. Everytime I go to London, though, I get snagged by one trend or the other, and bring it back with me. They may sound simple, but the trends I've fallen in love with in the past are:

The color purple

The saggy hat

Chinese fans (looks like these are a hot trend again this summer, they're still on my favorite UK store's website!!)

Clearly these are all very technical terms for the trends ("saggy hat"). I'm telling you, though, it's not like I see it in one place. Each of these trends I saw EVERYWHERE in London, from the store windows to every other girl on the tube. Apparently Brits take a trend and really run with it! I love it, though. It's pretty funny, though, that whenever I've pointed these out ("Oooh there's another girl wearing purple!" "Oooh there's another saggy hat, I want one!!"), FH is completely oblivious. I know men tend to not particularly... well, notice things, but come on, how do you not notice every other girl on the tube wearing purple?? I'll let you know what's trending in London this Spring when I get there. Hopefully it'll be something GREEN!! :)

Of course I'm excited to see FH, too, but I can't lie and say I'm not excited to go to Accessorize!! It's the equivalent of our Claire's, but awesome instead of lame. So really the only thing it has in common with Claire's is that there's one every 2 feet.

-C
xxx

Look Out World!

There are a few things I'm well known for not doing: hugging, calling people on the phone (outside of work), and wrapping presents (I tend to stick to gift bags). And, I mean, people know this about me. My friends will warn other people not to hug me lest they receive an awkward half hug back and think I hate them. Some *cough* Amanda's FH Mark *cough* like to hug me simply because they KNOW I hate it. Some will say to each other, "You want to know how bad it is? Cyndi CALLED me. That's how bad this situation is." And my friends and family have just come to expect their presents in gift bags.

This is even less awkward than most of my hugs.

In the past week, I've done them all. People in Kansas hugged me. A lot. I've called people on the phone because texting just wouldn't suffice for all I had to b1tch about. I wrapped bridal shower presents. And I have a feeling that's going to continue through the weekend. At least the phone calls and probably even hugging. Oy. Because... this weekend is Bridesmaid/Bride-to-Be Amanda's Bachelorette Party/Bridal Shower Weekend!
And it's going to be awesome. It all starts tonight, so look out world! Or at least Philly.

-C
xxx

Everybody Hurts... Sometimes

In my case, volleyball hurts. My finger hurts. And is SWOLLEN. Oh, did I mention it's my left ring finger? And that it's been swollen for over a month now? Yeah. I'm getting annoyed. I never hear any other brides talking about how their ring finger got injured in the months leading up to their wedding. Oh, right, probably because this would ONLY HAPPEN TO ME!! I should start with that I never ever ever wear rings when I play sports. Never have, never will. Well, maybe I did back in elementary school, but it was probably short-lived and probably the reason I don't wear them today. So when I got engaged it was a no brainer for me - I would take it off when I played. My reasons where the engagement ring are concerned are: I'm uber worried about losing my diamond. And I am prone to finger jamming. I think part of it is due to the fact that for years I would automatically reach for the volleyball with my hands open (not when I'm bumping of course), not closed. So my fingers bent backwards a lot. And for some reason, it always seemed to be my RIGHT ring finger that jammed. Before my left one jammed, I would always say thank god it's my right and not my left, but then follow it up with something like "That would so happen to me." Yup, it did.

A volleyball came to me really low in a game one night and basically got caught between my left ring finger and the floor. Yup, ow. And now I can't wear my engagement ring on my left hand. And let me tell you something - people notice these things! They're like *gasp* "where'd it go?!". Other hand, calm down, it's still here. I've heard "Oooh I didn't want to ask..." and gotten crazy wide-eyed stares when I show my right hand. People think for some reason that I'm unengaged when I move it to my right hand... isn't that strange? Like wouldn't I just not wear it or something?? I don't personally know anyone like this, but have read on blogs that some people wear it on the right hand anyway because the left is reserved for your actual wedding ring or some crap.

Anyway, I'm over it. I'm ready for my finger to stop being swollen so I can wear my GD ring on it. I don't like it on my right hand!! I've been taking ibuprofren to reduce the swelling, I've wrapped it with finger wrap stuff, tried ice, tried heat, tried icy hot.... My DR told me it could take up to 12 weeks for my finger to go back to normal and that there was really nothing I could do that I wasn't already doing. The funny (NOT SO FUNNY) thing is that everytime I've ever jammed my right ring finger in the past I never did ANY of these things, and it went back to normal, and definitely didn't take this long.

I am going to be insanely pissed off if I can't wear my engagement ring OR WEDDING BAND THAT I'VE ALREADY PURCHASED on my wedding day. Just sayin.

Any advice?! Is there a doctor in the room?

-C
xxx

Bridal Buffness

Maybe not "buff" so much as "slightly more toned", but I like kitschy titles. I get sad when I can't think of one...

So update on my bridal buffness - I went to the gym, wait for it... wait for it... 4 times last month! WOW! Look at me! Ok I know it sounds pathetic but 1 - I did my workout videos way more, so just not going to the gym doesn't mean I didn't work out and 2 - my new realization is that I don't hate gymS, I just hate gym equipment. And, unfortunately, the gym in my building is mini so all there IS is gym equipment. Not to mention I really do think people watch you there, and I don't like that! FH says "No one's watching you, that's all in your head!" But my response is that I watch people! So why would it be so far-fetched to think they watch me?! I am what you would call a "people watcher", though. Like, everywhere I go, not just the gym.

Last weekend when I visited MOH Ryann in Kansas/KCMO (it's all like the same area), she forced me into taking a turbo kickboxing class with her at the gym. Ok fine, I went semi willingly. And then I almost died. That class was HARD. BUT - if my gym were able to have classes like that? I'd probably take them. I also realized that her gym is huuuge, and that if I went there, I wouldn't feel like people were watching me as much because it's so big. I'd feel much more comfortable in a big gym. Plus there was a pool. I'd totally swim as my workout if I had a pool handy. That's what I did back in high school! I just swam all day, all summer long (I was a lifeguard), and ate constantly, probably because I burned it all off so quickly. But, alas, I do not belong to a big gym, nor would I join one where I am due to the whole "I don't drive my car ever" thing.

My big revelation has been that for me, it's unrealistic to think that I'm going to actually go to the gym regularly. Why do that when I actually despise going? I talk myself out of going a lot because I'd much rather go home and do a cardio/pilates/yoga workout there. So why shouldn't I? I'm still working out, and actually enjoying it! And nobody can watch me except my guinea pigs :) Alright so my new plan is to start going to bed earlier (like before 11:30), and getting up just a mere 20 minutes earlier every day to do a quick workout. I will go to the gym once a week and run/bike/elyptical. Yup, just once. And I will do home workouts after work a couple times a week, too. I love that Comcast On Demand offers free Exercise TV workouts. There are so many to choose from, and you can also choose from 10-30 minute workouts if you want. So I will do one of their AM workouts before work, and another workout in the evenings. My goal is to do the AM workouts every weekday morning, but I'm going to start out with trying to just do a couple a week so I can get into a routine. I am a night person, so this is going to be pretty hard for me to change!

I know it doesn't seem like much, but I don't necessarily need to lose weight, I just want to be in the best shape my body can be in. I know I'm small, but in my mind, I want to look better, and I don't see anything wrong with wanting to better yourself unless you want unrealistic things.

Basically, I'm just putting this in writing so I have to do it.

-C

xxx

KCMO, yo

I'm going to see MOH Ryann this weekend! Woo hoo Kansas City here I come! We're going to do so much DIY it's ridiculous!! I'm bringing all my supplies in my carry-on and she's SO excited to help me with all my projects!! She's been telling me for weeks how she can't wait til I get there and we can DIY our faces off!






Ok so yeah we're just going to drink a lot. It's kind of what we do. Plus I'm not even sure she knows what DIY stands for.

Obviously no craftiness will be getting done this weekend... or next because it's Bridesmaid Amanda's bachelorette party!!

See ya'll on the flip side.

-C
xxx

Guess who's back!

Me! Sorry I've been MIA. FH was in town for a little over a week, my internet at home has been down since 3/11*, AND I've been uber busy at work preparing for today's big event. As in, not-even-time-to-check-my-twitter busy. Now THAT'S busy.

Funny story - MOB loves the term FH. I think she's happy she knows what it means. Like when she learned LOL (although I'm not sure she knows what it means other than that it replaces "haha"). I should give you a pop quiz on all the terms, Ma! Honestly, though, I have to admit when I first started reading wedding blogs, most acronyms are easy to figure out, but some are really difficult! Some are also just pointless. Like CP = centerpiece. Really? Is that necessary?? I also think some people make up their own just because they don't feel like typing them out. Unfortunately (UFTLY), they are the only one who know what it means! Lameness (LMNS).

So here are some acronyms typically associated with wedding blogs, for those of you that don't read them, but read mine because you're my friend, and for those of you that don't care enough to google them, so you'll know what the hell I'm talking about when I use them:

MOB - Mother of the Bride
FOB - Father of the Bride
FIL - Father In Law (also can have an extra F in front for "Future", as in Future Father In Law)
MIL - Mother In Law (also can have the extra F in front for "Future")
SIL - Sister In Law (also can have the extra F in front for "Future")
BIL - Brother In Law (also can have the extra F in front for "Future")
MOG - Mother of the Groom
FOG - Father of the Groom
RD - Rehearsal Dinner
DOC - Day of Coordinator
WP - Wedding Planner
DIY - Do It Yourself
FW - Future Wife
FH - Future Husband
MOH - Maid of Honor
BM - Bridesmaid
GM - Groomsmen
FG - Flower Girl
RB - Ring Bearer
OOT - Out Of Town (Guests... or Bags)
STD - Save the Date (Get over it people, this is an acronym that is used A LOT, and not just by me. It does NOT mean sexually transmitted disease in the wedding world!)
TY - Thank You

I have 3 days to finish my cardbox project. Crap. Wish I could do it by typing. I can't exactly bring a bright green cardbox and crafty tools with me to work. Preeeetty sure that doesn't look work-related.

*FH probably secretly enjoyed the fact that my internet was down. He even hates when I check my BlackBerry when he's here! Although we did use it to pick our vows this weekend! :)

UPDATE: I have had a request to add AOB (Aunt of Bride) by Aunt Cheri of the infamous Aunt Cheri's Button Jar! Of course, it applies to all Aunts of the Bride, and while I'm at it, AOG, UOB and UOG as well!