Second Time Around

I DID IT!

2010-05-06T23:49:00.001-05:00

Ok - short post as I'm off to bed for the evening. But I am soo excited! I've done it. I'm under 200lbs! All that hard work paid off! And I've been there for over week now so it is definitely not a fluke!

It feels so fantastic!

Good night!

Picture Perfect?

2010-04-17T00:08:00.003-05:00

Is there a point in time that you get frustrated with wedding blogs? Particularly the ones that post "good advice" or the staged weddings? For the past 2 weeks when I read one of these posts I just want to SCREAM!

I'm sure that a part of it is knowing that I will never have a wedding that photographs as well as the ones that are shown. Hell to be honest I'm not a very photogenic person (I blink every freaking time). My poor photographer doesn't know - we're in for a long engagement shoot. But outside of that tangent - or even including it - how the hell am I going to come up with a beautiful, creative engagement photo shoot?!?! I mean have you seen the gorgeous stuff out there? My brain just goes to mush when I think about what we should do for ours! Seriously - who the hell comes up with this creative stuff, particularly on a budget, and still affords a fantastic photographer? We ended up going with a fantastic photographer and will have to skimp on all the rest.

And then there is the "picture-perfect" advice. I mean, no offense to sites like theKnot, WeddingWire, and AisleDash but I want real advice. I want to know what you do if you and your fiancee start to bicker. Or if your families have issues. And I love getting ideas and inspirations, but what about sticking to a cheaper budget? I mean I'm not going to spend money on a calligrapher or videographer. I don't have the funds. And I'd love to give my bridesmaids absolutely gorgeous gifts, but I really cannot look at giving $100 gifts to each of them. I don't have $500 extra floating around.

I love the inspiration, I love the thoughts - but let's make it REAL! Show me an amazing picture and then give me a similar price alternative. Put a "how to" video on calligraphy. Give me a facial tip or work out move of the week. But enough already with trying to be "picture perfect" and let just work on getting it to feel like you.

A Weighty Issue

2010-04-10T21:16:00.003-05:00

And I'm back... a quick alert to current status - both wedding and otherwise:

Our little O is almost 10 months and keeping EVERYBODY busy! We are still not quite sleeping through the night, but he is at baby bootcamp (aka Nana's) right now and we have high hopes for him. C is almost done with the school year and we are waiting to see if she got into the Kindergarten that I work at/near (a school librarian). J and I are muddling our way through marriage prep and our wedding checklist. As it stands today we have our ceremony site, reception site, photographer, florist, and my wedding dress *sigh* but we still need to do so much. And we are almost 6 months away!

Okay, that didn't take too long. Now that we are caught up to date we can get to the subject at hand. Or the one on my brain.

Image Here

Just like every woman out there, I've struggled with weight and body image. My struggle didn't really start during adolescence - mostly because I got lucky and could eat what I wanted when I did. But shortly into my twenties I had C and then it became a frustration. I went from being 148 as a senior in high school to 165 as a sophomore in college. And at nine months pregnant I was 232! While I was relieved when a lot of that went away shortly after leaving the hospital, I kept looking at my body and freaking out over what happened: my chest was not happy, I still looked somewhat pregnant and felt miserable. It took me almost a year to bring my weight down to 168!

When I entered the work force I gave up a lot of the time that I normally would have devoted to eating right. And I paid for that. Between eating poorly and sitting at a computer all day I put on quite a bit of weight. And I was unsatisfied. It didn't take me very long to break the 200lb. mark again. And this time I wasn't even pregnant. Right before discovering I was pregnant with O I weighed in at 217. It was such a disappointment for me to see all my hard work just disappear. So I determined that during my pregnancy I would be careful not to pack on the weight. I worked out and ate well and this time I only gained 17lbs - not the 50 or so I gained the first time. I decided that after O was born I would jump right into a work out regimen and get myself fit for my wedding day! But it doesn't work out that easily.

Today I am just 20oz. shy of reaching a weight that I haven't seen in 2 years. It is a big number for me - this 200. I have not been below 200 in over 24 months. And I am not going to make any excuses for myself. It sucked. But today I'm hovering over this edge with some major anticipation and fears. I'm excited (of course!) but very frightened. Fear does hold me back - particularly the fear of failure or even the fear of ballooning back. What if questions roll around in my brain.

Now, don't get on your high horse or see me as just another bride freaking out over her weight. I didn't spill my guts just to have you trample on them. As I've struggled with my weight I've learned something about myself. I've learned that it really is just another number. That there are many of us out there who deal with this issue. That more girls have also mourned not being able to fit into their GAP jeans or pull on a cute top from JCrew. And that shopping at Lane Bryant isn't a bad thing - and that Lane Bryant isn't a "fat" store (it rocks my socks that I'm a size 2 there!).

This debate/struggle/crisis/obstacle has crowded my mind with my wedding dress hunt. You feel like you are supposed to LOVE dress shopping. That trying on dress after dress with your gals is the most fun! But when you are a "plus" size you worry about the dress fitting you. About whether the store will have any in your size or if they can even order it in your size. You don't want the salesperson to judge you for your size. And of course your own personal issues of will this make my butt look too big or show the jiggle in my arms or the fat by my chest. It is enough to give anyone an ulcer! So imagine my surprise when I actually succeed in finding a dress - THE DRESS! Not in my size, but with a wonderful saleswoman who made me feel confident and comfortable trying stuff on.

But the biggest reason that I enjoyed myself - and this works even if you don't have any body issues - I went in with an OPEN MIND. I decided when I woke up that morning that I would try on pretty much everything. That I would embrace the day! I took only 2 people with me and hit store after store and looked at the entire day as an adventure. And at the second store of the day I found it! It looks nothing like I pictured - I wouldn't have even tried it on if I stuck to my old attitude. I have pictures, but you are going to have to wait. I don't know if J reads this or not, but just in case he does - well I'd like to have some secrets before our wedding day!

Just do yourself a favor: keep an open mind - you never know what can slip into your heart.

Study Hall

2009-09-02T18:30:00.005-05:00

So when we last left off, I had the perfect wedding that mom just might not be able to attend. (I haven't given up on my dream choice yet, just trying to be smart.) So it was time to go shopping for a reception hall!

Today I drove over to Thornberry Creek on my way back from work. I had heard from a number of people that it has a large ballroom, quite pretty, decent food, and a big bar (that blurb was from my fiancee). I didn't get very far in as I had not set up an appointment and their event coordinator was busy setting up the banquet hall, but from what I saw Thornberry has a very unique layout. The walls are brick and wood panels (elegant, dark stain). Lots and lots of windows. The pro shop is in a room that looks like a ballroom from the outside (slightly confusing). But the thing that catches your eye immediately is the ridiculously large bar at the entrance (it is as big as, if not bigger than my college dorm room was). To be honest, I'm not sure how I feel about that: it is more casual than the other country clubs in the area (a plus), but seems to send a message that drinking is the main event. Don't get me wrong, I've definitely enjoyed my share of drinking parties or parties that involve drinking. But lets just say that my family isn't all that keen on drinking.
To be fair, I still haven't been inside of the banquet hall and I am sure that it is simply beautiful. The pictures seem to indicate as much.
What I like about their website is that they include blueprints of their rooms, rates,and menus. I haven't seen too many places do this and I wish that more would: it cuts down on time spent searching when you have a pretty decent understanding of what will work or won't and what it will cost you. Wish more places did it! But they definitely need a better website and photos.

Have to tell J about it - potential customer?

So a little bit of K-Math for you then:

+ Facility size
+ online information
- freakishly large bar
~ haven't seen it all
______________________

Not enough information to make a valid decision (I hated proofs in College)...

And until then, continue to check out other possibilities...

Green Bay, WI Bride needs HELP!

2009-08-23T23:56:00.002-05:00

(Good Lord, I'm terrible at this!)

Okay so I have a dilemma for you!

J and I have been envisioning our wedding now for quite sometime and between the two of us I think we came up with the perfect concept.

Picture this:

The ceremony would take place at J's folks with a pretty field behind us. We all stand on mowed lawn. My bridesmaids are in a mixture of dresses, all from JCrew and all some style of blue in cocktail length. His groomsmen are in charcoal gray and black suits. I come down the isle in the Sophia style JCrew dress to a single violin playing bluegrass - preferably an Allison Krauss song. I'm carrying a posy of baby's breath. My hair is wavy with a headbanded birdcage. Our daughter, son, and goddaughter walk down the isle as flower girls and ring bearers. A friend of ours is the officiant. Several friends read a mixture of poetry and prose that J and I feel talk about us.

The reception begins almost immediately following, starting with cocktails and games: bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes, badminton, etc. Dinner is grilled choice: servings of chicken, steak, vegetables, or other. There isn't one cake, but several small cakes and pies - a true variety. Guests dine under strings of lights and eventually stars. There isn't a table perched on a stage, but instead the wedding party sits with their guests and are spread out throughout the room. J and I and our little ones share a table in the center. There isn't a bouquet toss or grand march. We still have a first dance and father/daughter mother/son dances, and an anniversary dance. As the night progresses and the people head out (we would bus them back to their hotel) we'd have a late night snack of s'mores and hot chocolate by the campfire, gazing at the stars.

The following morning everyone heads over to my folks' place for brunch and gift opening. It is held on the walk-out level and guests roam inside and out taking in their beautiful landscaping. Gifts are opened as the gift giver brings to create a more private, personal, meaningful moment (and less embarrassing for me). Guests come and go as desired with no real deadline established, just a relaxed environment for everyone involved.

Sounds perfect...at least to us!

So as we sat down with our parents to discuss this beautiful idea, my mom points out something rather reluctantly: her allergies/asthma. My mom takes Claritan on a regular basis and has seen several doctors about her allergies. But if the pollen count is too high or the air quality is bad she is trapped indoors. This wonderful wedding plan is great, but only if the day permits for my mom to join us.

Do we continue planning the above glorious wedding? Or do we come up with a brand new vision that includes an indoor ceremony and indoor reception? And if so, I could use insight on where to hold it in the greater Green Bay,WI area!

The 411

2009-07-19T03:35:00.007-05:00

So much to talk about! I got to start posting more often so I don't end up overwhelmed with the "what to post?" thoughts.

Okay, so this post is going to be a catch up in order to get you all up to speed and then back to semi-regular postings as I am planning an actual wedding rather than one in my mind!

So when we last left off, J and I are financially unstable, I was in the middle of a job search, etc... oh and now engaged. Bad news, neutral news, and good news.

I found a job - as a school librarian (well, aide). I am so excited about that! Now I have a chance to discover if being a librarian is what I really want to do with my life (I graduated with a BA in English and a desire to get my MA in Library Sciences)! The money is a bit light which makes it a bit tight at home (sorry, that was terrible), but J has been doing much better job wise and we have the end of a financial burden coming up in 2 months so as he would put it we have a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Or something like that.

And then back in late November we had the socks knocked off our feet. I was having a lot of abdominal pain and thought perhaps it was an ulcer. It made sense to me: searching for a job, eating crap (not literally folks), money issues, fighting with J, living in a house that hates me (thats another story), etc. I bet you can see what is coming (why am I the only one who couldn't?)...

Really. So after finding out it wasn't an ulcer (folks, I was 3 months preggers and no idea!) and having a minor freak out, J and I did the usual - worked it out and made the best of it. And now we have little O (who are little C adores).

And that new job I have has summers off, so while I don't have maternity leave, I do have 3 months anyway to recuperate and enjoy being a mom. Which I rediscovered the meaning of with the late nights/early mornings. I get to keep the hours of a college student without any of the reckless fun! Word to new graduates - don't bother changing your hours. Get used to little sleep now because give or take in 5 years this will be you: blogging at 4 in the morning, not sure if you should even try to sleep because your bundle of joy might wake up soon hungry, wet, or lonely.

But honestly, I love this life. Yes, if you cannot already tell, I could use some sleep. But I have 2 of the world's cutest kids, an adoring fiancee, a job that I love, and a summer vacation! Oh, and I'm getting MARRIED!

So I believe that gets you all up to speed! Look for the next post to be something wedding related within the next few days (unheard of, I know).

News

2009-05-10T18:54:00.002-05:00

I'm ENGAGED! Now we can start planning our wedding - for real!

Taking a Breather

2008-11-03T10:26:00.005-06:00

I've been trying to keep up on here, but to be honest my personal life is taking priority at the moment and it is quite hectic: job search, more house work, two jobs, and more! I am taking a hiatus for a while. Not sure when I'll return, but most likely not before the Holiday season is over (unless I somehow end up with free time!).

I will leave you with these last two images of a heart-stopping dress I saw on the {ritzy bee blog}. The dress is from the White Chocolate Label by Scott Corridan, from his Fall/Winter 08 line. How gorgeous! I just love the neckline!

Her name is "Heather."

Isn't it just stunning?! *sigh*

You can shop for her at:

Exclusively at the legendary
KLEINFELD’S
110 West 20th Street
New York, New York 10011

Between 6th and 7th
646.633.4300
www.kleinfeldbridal.com

Mariee Gallery
The Shops at Gainey Village
8787 N. Scottsdale Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
480.946.4343
www.marieegallery.com

Coming in January 2009 to:

Jobyna's Bridal
3325 North Verdugo Road
Glendale, California 91208
818.248.0026
www.jobynasbridal.com

Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer

2008-10-14T23:52:00.002-05:00

So we've hit a bit of a low over here at 327. I'm not quite certain how the rest of you are fairing in today's lovely economic low, but its hit us pretty hard. J owns his own independent company - making him a small business owner. And while its usually difficult for me to understand the paydays not being a routine every 2 week cycle, it is very difficult on both of us right now as his company is taking a solid hit and because of it my finances are also in dire situations. With Christmas coming up pretty quickly and the end of my job coming up shortly after, I'm in a bit of a panic.

If there is anything that this crisis has done for me, its opened up my eyes to see that getting married in 2009 is a rather unrealistic fantasy at this point. J cannot afford a ring (and I don't want to even go into his decisions over the original) and with the end of 2008 approaching rather quickly and our severe drought of funds, a 2009 wedding just will not happen. I'm sure it sounds pretty ridiculous, but tomorrow would have been our 3rd anniversary had we through with it originally. And up until my realization today, I hadn't regretted our decision to wait. But knowing that we cannot afford to get married the way that we want to (and that we want to do it "right") is just really crushing me right now and I keep wondering where we'd be if we hadn't postponed our wedding, separated, and gotten back together. Would J and I still be happily married? Or would we be as miserable as we are tonight?

Is anyone else finding their dreams put off due to finances (and arguing with their significant other because of it)?

Why I Love J: or Celebrating 6 years since the day we met.

2008-09-29T00:12:00.000-05:00

I am going to take a post from Miss Candy Corn over at the Weddingbee and tell the world wide web why I love J so much (despite having told him this last night).

1. He lets me takeover the bed with few complaints and a long laugh while he dangles from the edge.
2. And when I grump at him in my unconscious sleep, he lets it roll.
3. He takes it like a man when our daughter joins us in bed and unwittingly kicks him in the nuts.
4. The face he makes when he is cleaning his ears (sorry babe, I had to).
5. The way he gets stubborn when someone tells him he can't.
6. That he challenges me to think outside the box when I really am quite a "square."
7. How he sits through my long-winded garden discussions with only mild resistance.
8. The way he demonstrates his love for his parents and siblings (and extended family).
9. The fact that he treats his extended family like they are his immediate family (and insists that they are).
10. His ambitions and work ethic (despite that it cuts into our time).
11. The fact that he states what he needs - even when he doesn't want to ask for it.
12. He cleans the kitchen without my asking.
13. He is so anal about cleanliness: there is an order to stacking the dishwasher, close the cabinets, etc.
14. His competitive side: he is such a sore loser (and winner, for that matter...one game of Rummy that I was killing him in and he rolls over the cards so that I cannot tally my points!!!)
15. His methods of saying hello: a quick smack on the butt, an big hug from behind... *sigh*
16. That he understands my crankiness stems from my lack of nutrition.
17. That he is comfortable enough to be his whole self in front of me, even when it hurts.
18. That he wants to accomplish things perfectly, no matter how long it takes.
19. How he feels like home every time I crawl into his arms.
20. The way he loves me: despite it being ordinary, it feels extraordinary.

Thank you for spending the last 6 years with me. Every since I met you this very evening (Sept. 28th) in 2002 my life has been unbelievable.

I love you so much, J.

HoneyMoon Ideas: USA Today and Gordon Lodge

2008-09-24T15:46:00.010-05:00

St. Orres

Along the same idea as the last post, as I was searching for lookouts and cottages to rent I stumbled upon this USA Today article titled "10 Great Places to Rent a Cottage, or a Lookout" by Ayesha Court. Funny enough, Ayesha went to Eleanor Griffin, editor of cottageliving (I think I'm falling in love with cottageliving! Time to subscribe!).

What I was surprised to see was my home state listed as one of the places to go (WI Brides, listen up!): Canoe Bay. This resort is an all out luxury resort. It's design is beautiful. It rests on 280 acres and has 3 private lakes. The complex is located just outside of Chetek, WI and is consider both completely smoke free and "green." It offers a variety of activities: canoeing, kayaking, row boats, fishing, snow shoe trails, and hiking as well as indoor - library, massage therapy, and fitness center. Within 30 minutes of the resort you can find 2 golf courses, cross-country ski trails, down hill skiing, and a horse drawn sleigh ride. But save up for this one! Lodge rooms run $350 - 550, a little cottage runs $440 - 875, and get this - your own villa "The Edgewood" for $1,800. Yes, that is all for a night! They do have packages, so check that out. And if you are looking for something a bit more permanent they do have an absolutely gorgeous condo. Wow!

Canoe Bay image here
(and their "Heavenly-Suite)

Image here
See the bottom for more possibilities for travel (some look so fantastic I just might do separate blogs on them)

If you are like me and make less then what some of the cottages cost in a single paycheck (or what any of these rooms cost for more than one night), you might check out Gordon Lodge. I'm pretty sure I've posted on this resort in the past as its J's and my place - we adore it. Located in Bailey's Harbor in Door County (still in WI), it stands on 130 acres. The lodge is actually located on a peninsula between North Bay and Lake Michigan (and you can choose what water side you'd like to face). I am so incredibly excited about this place - especially since we are staying there next weekend (despite celebrating our 6 year anniversary this Sunday). You can reserve a room ($190/night for peak, $142/night other) or a cottage ($130 -300). All amenities are complimentary (fishing poles, boats, bikes) and you also have a pool and hot tub, fitness center, nature trails, and tennis courts for your use. Be sure to check out Top Deck for some absolutely fabulous food as well. Hmmm. I'll be sure to let you know how our vacation goes after our trip up.

Gordon Lodge Images taken from here

All other properties listed in the USA Today are below
29 Palms Inn
St. Orres
Sundance Resort
Steinhatchee Landing Resort
Shack Up Inn (what a name!)
Hope and Glory Inn (so beautiful!)
Castle Hill Inn (I might touch on this one in another article later)
Deer Creek Cottages

HoneyMoon Ideas: Roughing it.

2008-09-24T15:18:00.006-05:00

I was just paging through the september '08 issue of cottageliving when I came across an article titled "It's a view with a room" in their "Escape & Discover Home Away From Home" section. And oh my goodness, the beauty of the vacation they proposed is jaw-dropping. Mind you - this isn't not the average Joe's trip: no room service, tv, tiny mattresses, single room set up. This is a bit more wild then your Sandals Resorts. I'm referring to fire lookout towers.

Warner Mt. Lookout

Did you know that you can rent these tiny rooms or as cottageliving put it "rustic lofts" for a getaway? For less then $50/night you can enjoy absolutely gorgeous views and complete isolation.

Girard Ridge Lookout

I know it's not the ideal honeymoon, but this offers the opportunity to be alone, with a view of the mountains, do outdoor activities (yes - physical stuff), in an inexpensive form. Some are even FREE!

Little Mt. Hoffman

Cottageliving offers a couple of possibilities up which I've included the links for below, but before you rent one of these beauties, they recommend reading "How to Rent a Fire Lookout in the Pacific Northwest" by Tom Foley and Tish Steinfeld.
Go to recreation.gov for most of these!

Park Butte Lookout

Calpine Hill Lookout
Deadwood Lookout
Girard Ridge & Little Mt. Hoffman Lookouts
Indian Ridge Lookout
Park Butte (sorry no link, you'll have to google it)
Three Fingers Lookout

(And I've seem to forgotten where I pulled these images from, so if anyone knows could you please tell me so I can give credit)

Convertible dress wear trend

2008-09-07T01:19:00.003-05:00

Anyone else noticing a trend in Bridesmaid dresses?

Also, check out:

isadoraclothing on etsy - the new chameleon line

All the dresses involved are from the following areas:
Victoria Secret
American Apparel
Neiman Marcus
Two Bird Bridesmaids
Simply Fab: Calypso Silk

Yeah! I got Polyvore to work!

2008-08-22T22:44:00.002-05:00

This is my dream wedding - bridesmaid dresses by Jcrew in atlantic blue, groommens in gray, flower girl in yellow, and groom in black. Backyard BBQ/Garden party. Games, great food, starry sky.

I'm BAAACK

2008-07-23T14:46:00.011-05:00

Ok, so I promised to return soon and finally, with August almost upon us I have a prelude to the real stuff.

So July has been hectic. Hell, lets be honest! May, June, & July has been hectic! Weddings (not my own), moving, conventions, birthdays, etc!

Lets focus on July though.

We moved the first week of July into our joined home (yea for first steps!) and now live surrounded by boxes!

The move was first exciting, but now seems like the worst possible situation! The boxes, the mess, the work needed to be done is all quite overwhelming!

Then we had family stuff (in the same week): Fourth of July at my grandparents

and then at J's uncle's wedding on July 5th

fun, huh?!

Work has been ridiculous with our customer appreciation events, which I won't share pictures to protect myself - not quite ready to share my identity with the world. And then I was sent to Quebec and Chicago for two separate conventions.

Quebec is quite lovely and during our stay was celebrating its 400th anniversary. It has such a fantastic European vibe that I could picture staying here for a honeymoon, perhaps evening living here.

I didn't take any pictures at Chicago because we spent most of our time (and money) at IKEA.

But now we are home to stay for quite a bit! I get to focus on completing our move, working on my project, and finally my blog!

So enough excuses now! On to the real work!

Oops

2008-07-18T11:19:00.001-05:00

I haven't been posting recently and I'm sorry for that. Plenty of reasons behind it and I'll tell you about a couple of them soon!

having fun

2008-07-07T10:02:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure which one I like better: the one they create from my url

or the one I create from words I deem important

Any which way, wordle is oodles of fun.

My New Gadget!

2008-06-18T11:50:00.002-05:00

Have you ever forgotten anything and everything that you established: timelines, tasks, appointments, birthdays, etc? That is me in a nutshell. I write things down, have co-workers send me emails and phone calls. I lose the papers, can't stand Microsoft office, and simply cannot rely on others to remember to email or call me. That's why Jott appears to be my savior in all things!

Jott is a mechanical keeper. It records your appointments, tasks, and odds and ends by phone or when written into the account. You add your phone and email address to provide them a way to send reminders. You can also send your contacts emails or text messages through your phone by voice - no typing small keys if you aren't the texting pro. Pretty darn cool.

Relevance to the wedding world:

Well, I'd think it's pretty obvious, but if not: here is the easy way that you can keep track of your enormous list of to dos. Now you can remind yourself when your next fitting is without needing to consult your calendar. Added bonus! Once you add your groom and bridal party to your contact list you can send them reminders by phone (as a text message) or email about up coming appointments and wedding tasks. Life gets simpler! Fantastic!

Lessons from Carrie & an Announcement

2008-06-04T11:52:00.008-05:00

I was never a big fan of Sex and the City when it was in it's 6 seasons - not that I hated it, I just didn't get into the hype. It was quite funny and could pull you in emotionally, but I didn't have to watch every episode. So when I went in to see the movie last night with a couple of my good girlfriends I didn't have the high expectations a lot of other bloggers out there have had.

That is why I loved it! It wasn't the perfect movie, but it was exactly what I hoped for and then some. I don't want to spoil the movie for you, so if you plan to watch it - despite my vague references you might pick up the plot... so don't continue reading.

I feel that I learned some valid lessons from Carrie though:

1. The marriage that follows the wedding is far more important than any wedding day detail. Don't let it get bigger than you and him.

2. Your friends are the only thing between you and the loss of your sanity. Keep them close and don't ever let other hassles infringe on your relationship.

3. The dress does not make the bride. It is the joy that she feels within that makes her shine!

4. Forgiveness is a necessary point of life. You need it to move forward.

5. You don't need to get married. All it is is a license and a label. And if you are perfectly well in love with your man, while weddings and marriages are great and all that, you don't need to take "the next step" - especially because in this day and age, it is not necessarily a step forward but more a horizontal step.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Not that this means the end of Second Time Around. I still have hopes, but know that J and I are perfect the way we are.

However, I think I am going to take this blog down a new path in the meantime. I've been thinking about this quite a bit and even tried to create a separate blog for it, but decided against it - one blog is enough. I'm not sure how many readers out there are from Wisconsin, or are planning a wedding in Wisconsin. But I've noticed a trend with the national and regional magazines and blogs: Milwaukee and Madison are all that exist in the state of Wisconsin. Clearly, there are no other towns or cities within this state because no one else would even consider getting married outside of these two cities. Well, pardon me but what a bunch of bull!

After reading what the rest of society has to offer about Weddings within the badger state, I have decided to try to put some more information out there. I won't always be perfect, and as it is a fairly large state I will miss some places. So I am hoping that whoever is actually reading this will help me out with vendors and venues in our lovely state. Watch for more in the near future!

-K-

Plastic Rings and Fancy Things

2008-05-15T14:58:00.004-05:00

Has anyone else had dreams of getting engaged? I think the fact that I want it to happen so much (and knowing that eventually it will accd. to J) has triggered this ridiculous tidbit:

J, myself and our daughter are in this fantastic hotel/museum building with shiny walls and escalators and prom kids all around. Throughout my dream I can see J fussing with this beautiful, shiny, square diamond ring (which is interesting on it's own because I've never even thought of a square cut). So I know it is going to happen soon and I start getting very excited. At what seem like perfect moments I keep thinking he is going to propose, but he doesn't. We head up to "our" room and at a very awkward moment he hands me a large plastic bag (like the ziploc kind you put your meat in) filled with little jewelry boxes. I open it up and start opening up the little jewelry boxes and find these:

Plastic Fantastic
I open up the last box and see something that looks a lot like this:

Beautiful isn't it?!
I go to put it on (next to all of my lovely plastic rings) and suddenly the diamond isn't sparkling anymore, but instead it is now glass with a black background. What?

And upon waking up, I realized he never even asked me to marry him! I hope to God I don't have anymore dreams like this one! How utterly sad!

Dreaming of a Dress

2008-05-13T15:04:00.003-05:00

Lea-Ann Belter Bridal: "Beatrix"

What an absolutely beautiful dress. Keris just blogged about it on Bridalwave and I immediately felt the attraction. According to Lea-Ann Belter's site:

Beatrix is beautiful – the duchess silk satin gown features a sleeveless V neck French Alencon lace bodice which is accented with a beaded silk band that flatters the waistline. The slim trumpet skirt extends into a chapel train. Tiny duchess satin buttons extend the length of the train.

Beatrix is available in off white only.

The nearest location to me that sells Lea-Ann Belter is located in Madison, WI at Premiere Coulture. You can find it here. I highly doubt I will be wearing this beauty though! Vegas to Venice (in Illinois) has Lea-Ann's work priced between $1,800-$4,000.

Still, I might just have to make a trip to M-town to get a peek at this gorgeous creation!

J.Crew ~ W.Crew

2008-05-08T13:55:00.009-05:00

Time once again for some J.Crew madness!

My favorite store keeps adding colors to their dress line and I love them for it! If I were to choose my bridesmaids and their dresses at this very instant I would tell them that they could choose one of these four in regal purple (it looks blue to me, but regardless of the name I think it is marvelous):

I think the four are simple, and unique - allowing each of my girls to shine in their own way. I do hope that the color works for them, but have to admit it is my preference that might ultimately overcome their taste (ugh....).

In a separate direction I'd do the flower girl in white in this:

And because I want to honor what is probably too many of my girls, I'd dress my girl usher(s) in neon pink if I can....

And on a side note: I'd match the ties on the groomsmen to the bridesmaids' dresses and the ushers to the girl ushers (usherettes? or is usher a gender neutral word?).

I am not sure who all I am going to ask, but I've got quite the crew to look into!

Obviously, I'm not getting married tomorrow or anytime soon, but that is what I would do!

Save Space for Me!

2008-04-24T09:24:00.008-05:00

I'm not even engaged and I've noticed that I am getting territorial about vendors - how sad is that! I've been debating (arguing) with myself all week about posting about a photographer I found in my area who has fantastic work. I really want to share simply because the photos are something to behold, but at the same time I don't want to run the risk of losing possible dates (how pathetic... I don't even have a date yet). So here is the deal, if you are reading this and you are from the Green Bay/Fox Cities area try to leave some weekends in September and October open for me over the next 3 years.

Ardent Photography is based out of the Neenah, Appleton area here in Wisconsin. Now I am sure that there are a lot of wonderful photographers out here, but Ardent's website is swoon worthy. The pictures are often magazine quality - the kind that you find posted on the Weddingbee and sigh with discontent because you don't live anywhere near those artists. I've included some of Amy Gaerthofner's (the owner/photographer) work below and please check out her blog as well. I love it so much I'm adding it to my blogroll! ENJOY!

(all photos from www.ardentphoto.com)
More photos here
Just FANTASTIC! *sigh* if only....

I dream of dresses

2008-04-21T12:33:00.007-05:00

I simply adore v-neck lines. Thankfully, more designers are starting to give brides more options than strapless (again). Strapless sucks. Lets be honest, unless you have a "B" cup chest and a lovely thin waist with wonderful posture, you cannot wear a strapless. Most of us get that gawd-awful bulge at the corners of our armpits/chest. And trying to remove that fatty area is damn near impossible. As a large chested woman, I look twice as well-endowed and the straight horizontal line at my chest give the rest of my body's appearance a short and dumpy look (and I am 5'9"!). I have no posture, despite many tries to change that. And I lack the thin waistline (at least at the moment).

V-necks create a beautiful figure for those of us who are not "b" cups (I am including "a"'s in that margin, and for the record, they do look lovely on "b" cups as well). It doesn't cut you off and creates marvelous lines.

I already purchased the Sophia in navy blue (shorter version) for a wedding coming up May 3rd. I love it (although I appear to be a bit too generous in the cups "overflowth" kind of way). So the Sophia in white would be gorgeous!

And I am pretty sure I have blogged about it in the past (see my love for it!) Find it on JCrew.

But I just found this dress from Jenny Yoo's alternative collection and *gasp* I MUST HAVE IT! Seriously, this dress if absolutely stunning and for an outdoor wedding (what I am currently considering) it would fit so very well!

And the best part of all? Both dresses come to be under $1000 (Sophia comes in at an outstanding $225 and Martine(long/Shantung) at $690), so I can put money else where!!!! Oh, if only!

For you Babe

2008-04-17T16:25:00.001-05:00

Today, this post is for J.

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart)

i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)

i fear no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet)

i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings

I love you Hun.

P.S.

2008-03-28T14:39:00.001-05:00

I know the whole point of a blog is that other people (may) read it and respond back and everyone gets something from it, but I am still surprised to discover that people are in fact reading mine! So thank you to those of you who randomly wander into my thoughts! I am so thrilled!

I will behave, I will behave

2008-03-28T14:14:00.003-05:00

So my best girl friend (for hmm.. about 9 years now) is getting married. First of all, let me just say FINALLY! They've been cling-ons since they met (I think it was 4 years ago? Maybe 5?). They are too cute and deserve each other.

That said - since the engagement (Feb. 14th) my best friend, let's call her S, has been hitting the wedding planning hard. Really hard. She wants to whip this baby out and get 'er all set to go. And I love it! I am usually all geared up and set to plan - get it all done so you have time to enjoy life and that kind of thing. But a little, tiny bit of me is a bit concerned (S, if you do in fact read my blog - please see that it is only a little tiny bit!!!). See, S's wedding in in April...of 2009. And planning mcgee that she is already has her venue and Church (great!), color scheme (good), bridesmaid dresses (ummmm), and invitations all set to go. Now in any normal environment you'd see me doing high fives and jumping for joy (I love it when people know what they are doing and aren't procrastinating!). But, I am just a tad worried that in 6 months she might change her mind to what she wants. And that is a bride's prerogative. Really! It is. I just don't want her to change it after putting down a heap of money first - I've done it. Just trust me, it is very expensive!

I am determined to be a good bridesmaid! A great one. This is my first time and I will not be a failure. She has been a pillar for me in times of need and so if she needs me I will help her. Which is why until I research it up, for the time being I will sit quietly and love her and let her be. My research will be:

(from www.amazon.com)
The Bridesmaid Handbook by Sharon Meyer.
I am checking it out of the library today and will be reading it all weekend. And god help me - if it tells me to hold my tongue when S changes her mind (and our bridesmaid dresses)- then I will do it!

What do you think? Am I worrying about something that shouldn't be worried about? Do any of you ever worry about being a good bridesmaid for your gals?

Granny Smith Apples and a Dash of Impatience

2008-03-24T17:31:00.007-05:00

You'll have to forgive me - I haven't posted as frequently as I'd like, or for that matter should. I've grown a bit impatient with my J despite knowing that he wants it to be just right (or so he says). Due to this irrational behavior I've deliberately slowed my wedding thoughts down - in order to behave like an adult should.

Beyond my impatience - Granny Apples. Beautiful green apples that can fit into a spring wedding (or summer, I am sure). Sitting here (at home today) I am settling into my usual blog reading routine when I remember I saved an article on Apartment Therapy (an awesome blog for any home really). The post gave beautiful ways to arrange apples, for home I am sure but I have translated them to fit a wedding.

For a formal wedding, float apples in beautiful hurricane vases or bowls:

For a more rustic wedding, use a wooden serving platter to set them in a row, or even a pile:

For a modern, preppy wedding align in a row in a simple, narrow, white platter:

Apples are great for centerpieces for a multitude of reasons, but here are a few of my own:

1. They come in bags by the pound and so can be quite inexpensive.
2. They are edible, so your guests could eat (at least a few of ) them during your reception and save you on clean up.
3. Whatever is left could be made into so many things: bread, pie, sauce....
4. You can serve them for a gift opening brunch the next day - apples on pancakes or waffles, warm apples over ice cream, just apples in dip....
5. If you have to throw them out, they aren't going to prove harmful to the earth and (depending on where you live) can just be thrown out into the woods for deer to eat.

Yeah for apples!

Modern Reception Possibilities

2008-03-17T16:27:00.002-05:00

So many lovely ladies have been posting about the use of lanterns and lights in your reception space. Most are focused on the use of paper lanterns, which yes are quite fantastic. However a beautiful image crossed my monitor a few weeks ago and hasn't left my mind. It isn't a reception site, but I could see it playing out as one.

(from Luce Pan)

With the windows surrounding it, I am sure it is quite lovely. The lighting is just perfect for the evening - it would give off a phenomenal romantic ambiance, particularly with tea lights set on the tables. I can see beautiful white tables floating around the room with little arrangement involved - this room calls for a more minimalist modern feel to it. What do you think? Am I spot on? Or have I a crack in my skull?

Waiting for Spring

2008-03-04T14:18:00.015-06:00

(image from cellcom_appleton_west on flickr)

After seeing this sort of scene every day since November, I am ready for spring to arrive! Wisconsin had a beautiful opening weekend of March with melting temps and gorgeous sunshine. And then it all came crashing to a halt on Sunday evening with a thunderstorm of pouring rain followed by an 1.3" of snow. Since then it has been in the mid-teens and twenties. And I wanted to run back into my bed after putting my daughter in her car seat with the winter wind slashing at my back. Winter has lasted long enough. It is March. Let the spring arrive!

Along with my craving for spring comes my need for flowers. Despite forcing some bulbs, I haven't had any flowers make it! Just stems and leaves. And that is no where near enough. So to fulfill my little obsession, here are some gorgeous bouquets of color:

(all the above are from the Knot)

Quite beautiful really.

And then there is this fantastic idea for centerpiece arrangements from Instyle Weddings:

And then there is:

I just love the greens and yellows. Plus, this belongs to their One Arrangement, Two Occasions gallery. They demonstrate brilliant ways to make your bouquets and centerpieces to make it beyond W-day.

Instyle Wedding also gives love to Livia Cetti's designs - this is my favorite of hers:

And of course my dream wedding color

(Instyle Weddings; Flowers for Every Affair)

Finally, one cannot forget to admire Ms. Martha Stewart and her team's work:

(nice idea for centerpieces!)

And my favorite flowers: Amaryllis

Ahhh, I cannot wait much longer. Spring, hurry it along!

Propose to him?

2008-02-29T00:47:00.001-06:00

I know that its early in the morning (or late at night, depending on your point of view), and that I just posted last evening but Feb. 29th is officially the woman's day to propose and I have to admit that I am tempted.

I am sitting on my couch here in my apartment watching Sex and the City reruns (Carrie has just moved to Paris) and I hate to admit it, but I am feeling a bit depressed. Has anyone else ever hit the "when is he going to propose" state? I know that he has already proposed, and that we've already gone through a lot of this already...but this is our "second time around." And even though we talk all the time about getting married, having (more) kids, and moving in together, I still feel like it will be an awfully long time before it happens. I can wait, but the whole anxiously waiting process is not my best virtue. So maybe, on the one day devoted to woman proposing, I should just do it myself.

Am I just an impatient whiner, or does someone else out there feel my pain?

2008-02-26T11:48:00.000-06:00

This weekend, I took J to the lovely city of Baltimore for his birthday to visit friends of ours who were married last September. And what a fantastic city it was! Despite the chilly temperature (30's) we still had a wonderful time! And really, Wisconsin was below zero, so Baltimore was balmy in comparison.

We spent most of our time exploring the area (and D.C. as well, but that is enough for a separate post!) and all of its historic sites.
(image from Wikipedia)

There are tons of venues available there for one to look at as potential ceremony and receptions sites.
One such venue is the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The aquarium is several levels of gorgeous aquatic creatures. We went there on Friday and saw all of their exhibits - from sharks to dolphins to frogs to a rainforest/jungle. The aquarium sits on the inner harbor of Baltimore and has a beautiful view (particularly of the night sky). There were a couple of rooms facing the water without exhibits, so I'd assume that your reception would have a fantastic location!

Another possible venue is the American Visionary Art Museum (unfortunately we ran out of time to see). Located near the Federal Hill, the Museum is beautiful from the outside. And they are willing to host small wedding parties!!! The museum itself is a center for artists who are not formally trained. Just a magnificent building and concept.

Other museum-like venues can be found here!

However, it is not the gorgeous surroundings that caught my attention! Rather, it was a fascinating pastry shop, Patisserie Poupon. We went for birthday treats, and came out with five mini desserts. We were lucky we came away with just that - the food there was like little masterpieces. We probably could have walked out with everything in the display, but thankfully we restrained ourselves. And when we brought them home we were in heaven. Each dessert was the perfect balance of rich flavor and light taste. With each bite, four groans of delight rang through the apartment. A place worthy of a bride's consideration.

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Thankfully, I will be in Wisconsin for quite a bit of time now. Baltimore was my second trip this month (the first being in Anaheim, CA for the CHA Tradeshow). I am very relieved to get some home time. My apartment looks like a hurricane hit the inside and I haven't had time to do anything other than fill the dishwasher and remove the trash. It is ridiculously cold here and for once, it seems the snow will never stop coming. But to be honest, I missed it. Hopefully my return should mean more time to spend browsing my favorite wedding blogs and continuing to add ideas to my own.

P.S. Thank you so much to those of you who have actually read bits and pieces of my blog. I honestly never expected anyone to stumble across it! It is quite flattering to know that I am not just putting up thoughts that only I will read!

Need of no fuss

2008-02-18T10:59:00.000-06:00

I must apologize. I spent the past few weeks fussing around with PhotoShop, trying to learn some new tricks to apply to my pictures here for a more orderly look. Didn't happen! Oh well, I'll keep working on it.

I was working out a collage of hair styles from Instyle's Wedding site. I did some touch ups so that they would work well together in a tight format and since that didn't happen, the photos I have below are edited versions.
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As a regular reader, I've been seeing a lot done on hairdos. Wedding updos, downdos, etc. I hate wedding hair. I've never seen a bride whose hair I absolutely loved. The styles are flat and tired. Not just because the hair is falling down as the day proceeds, but the "do" was a don't from the start. Either the hair looks like it was meant to be used at a '90's prom or it is just a wreck. The buns with tiaras? Ugh! What a conflict of implications! The bun strictly states: I am an old lady (unless she can pull off a ballerina look, which most cannot). The tiara sings: I am a child! The two together should be avoided at all costs. Unless you can be creative like the first image above. The blonde has her hair pulled back in an elegant, unusual style and the tiara has been inserted in such a way that it appears to be a clip. Now that works!

Personally, I've always been a headband kind of girl. I adore the way they make my hair look elegant and unfussy. They are like hats to me: if I am having a bad hair day, I simply pin it all up in a mess and slap a headband on and I am off to the races. So these pieces by Jennifer Behr are absolutely stunning! What a beautifully, unfussy way to accent your head!

I still don't know if I will be doing anything for my own head, but rest assured it will include a headband!
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P.S. I have a fantastic project I am working on. Watch for more posts and plans here!

JCrew Love

2008-02-03T23:27:00.000-06:00

I know that searching for your wedding dress is supposed to be one of the most fun (and trying) experiences of the preparation. But I just cannot get into it. I couldn't the first time we started the road up to the alter - I hated every single store, dealing with underpaid clerks, and trying on dresses that took more than myself to get dressed (who needs a whole army to get dressed? apparently the bride).

What I can get into is the bridesmaid dresses. (Side Note: perhaps this is because I have yet to be a bridesmaid - dears, this is a hint!) I love searching the internet and stores for everything out there. But my favorite site so far is JCrew.

Jcrew has been a love of mine for about 8 years now. I wait all the time for the catalogs to come out and open every email that they send me. I can totally get into the idea of dressing my entire wedding party in JCrew. Just look at these dresses!

Cotton Cady Lydia Dress in Berry

Super 120s sleeveless dress in bright azul (I just love this dress! I can see it in a spring wedding!)

Swiss-dot Fontana dress

Lyndsey dress (I have this one in black!)

Even the back is cute

While browsing JCrew's wedding page, I came up on the Groom and Groomsmen section and I just love their suits as well - they manage to make the suiting look casual and still have a formal edge. Such as this one:

J likes this style. He says it gives off a whole newspaper editor look.

Me, I'm not such a big fan of the vest look (or cumberbund for that matter). But its my babe who'll be wearing it, so I guess I have no real say here....

Our daughter will undoubtably be standing up too, but I don't want to go the typical little bride look. Presenting the Alexis:

Finally, I love their wedding dress selection. The Sophia Dress has appeared on their wedding site for quite some time, so I figure it must be a big hit. It definitely is one of my favorites.

Perhaps the dress hunt won't be as horrible this time around!

blue monday

2008-01-28T09:56:00.000-06:00

My favorite color (at least of this moment) is a deep royal blue - calm, serene, and still passionate. Luckily for me, Pantone also decided that this was the color of the year: to be more precise it is Blue Iris. Now I know I am not the first to blog about this color, but I just have to bring it up as there are so many relevant items!

Such as the rings found on Estate Diamond Jewelry, whose selection includes these gorgeous rings!

(J, I adore this one! I know it is way beyond our price range, but it is my favorite!)

Or dresses:

Above from Nordstroms

Cynthia Rowley

Laundry by Design

Above from EDressMe

Absolutely gorgeous, blue Monday. Have a wonderful day!

Phoenix, Arizona

2008-01-24T16:25:00.001-06:00

Ok, I've been gone for quite some time now. I haven't forgotten about my blog (done that in the past!) and I haven't run out of things to chatter on about. Instead I was in Arizona for work!

As Green Bay faced temperatures of 10 degrees and below, I got the opportunity to enjoy low 60s in sunny Phoenix, AZ (well, actually Scottsdale). I stayed at the JW Marriot Desert Ridge, and oh goodness do they have a beautiful property!

While I was working, I kept looking around and thinking what a fantastic spot this would be for holding a wedding! Not just the reception either (their restaurant "The Tuscany" has a fantastic view) but also the ceremony.

And more! (
All the above pictures are from the JW Marriot Desert Ridge website)

I had such a blast here and was wonderfully surprised by the service! I took a few pictures of my own (a rare occurrence) to include here as well! I'll leave the eye candy below! For those of you who are considering an Arizona wedding, this may just be your place!

Some Fabulous Arizona wedding sites:
Arizona Weddings
AZ Central: Weddings
Arizona's Finest Weddings
Weddings Arizona

How we met

2008-01-04T11:58:00.000-06:00

J and I met by chance, as most people do. I had just joined a sorority on Madison's campus and we were having our first social. The boys from his fraternity were to come over, give us (new girls) a rose and escort us to our venue. J happened to pick my name out of a pile of 20-some other names. He came over with the boys and when his turn came up, announced my name. My first thought was "Damn, I should have worn flats!" - he was 5'10" to my 5'9". We walked and talked our way to the venue, ate pizza and danced a bit. He asked if he could kiss me (who does that???) and 45 minutes after arriving we left together.

We have been together ever since that night, and despite a fairly bumpy road, love each other ridiculously.

Rustic Weddings

2007-12-21T11:23:00.000-06:00

Oh My Goodness! Mrs. Bird of Paradise of Weddingbee just posted on real weddings from Knottie Bio. And I just love Steph's wedding venue. It has a mix of grandure (vaulted ceilings, beautiful lighting) and rustic (its a barn and open to the outdoors).

pictures were taken by Dana Damewood

It is apart of the Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City, NE.

Also see The Byron Colby Barn at Prairie Crossing!

And then there is this from Miss Donut's post on Weddingbee:

image from brides.com

I love all of these with the exception of the accessories on the third barn (ugh...too much). It is quite artistic, but I am sure it would need to be tastefully done. I love the idea of holding a ceremony outside with an older red barn in the background too. But that brings about the ground - it's probably a field and you don't want to damage it for crops nor do you want to ruin all of your female friends and relative's pumps....

Here is some more rustic landscapes for you in the meantime!

The Skinner Barn

The Round Barn

And another Round Barn

Does anyone know of barn venues in Wisconsin?

Locations I.

2007-12-18T15:32:00.000-06:00

Our venue is a large ? as we really don't know where we will be. However, both of us have a huge desire to return to Madison as that is where we met and where we feel most comfortable.

Bucky

After meeting on Madison's campus in college, we've made the long trek back to Green Bay (our hometown). But our heart still lies in Mad-town.

Humanities

The Red Gym

Bascom Hill

Library Mall

And of course Memorial Union!

Bold & Beautiful

2007-12-14T13:04:00.000-06:00

After years and years of being a neutrals only kind of girl, I am suddenly craving COLOR!

I am in a bright, solid, bold color phase at the moment! I just love all of these dresses and colors! Can you tell that I am leaning toward blue? I think all of these make a real presence. My only fear is that by going with a bright and bold bridesmaid dress, I will pale by comparison to my shining ladies! What do you think?

Row 1: Shiny Squirrel, Nordstroms (all)
Row 2: all Nordstroms
Row 3: Lynn Lugo, Nordstroms, Lynn Lugo, Nordstroms (all)