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It Finally Happened
So…I knew it was only a matter of time before it happened.
Lee and I got engaged in March of 2012 and, ever since that perfect night, anything that has anything to do with the wedding has gone perfectly. We found the perfect day, the venue that we wanted was available, I found my perfect dress (on clearance!!…and bought it before we were even engaged!), found the perfect tuxedos, booked a wonderful photographer and a musician who are also friends of ours, found perfect invitations, picked out perfect favors, and so on and so on.
Things feel like they have been magically falling into place. It has been totally stress-free…well, with the exception of some family drama…but that’s just expected, right? It just seems like everything has just been ‘meant-to-be.’
Before I explain, let me take a step back and say that in that paragraph above that describes all of the things that have been going well, I should include my centerpieces. My mom found these beautiful lighted branches that had tiny lavender beads and pearls on them. My mom found them and ordered one to see if we liked it. When it came, we fell in love with them! They were going to look perfect in the evening at our venue. We even found perfect vases for them – they were the perfect height and were actually tinted a shade of purple. After loving the one we received, I hopped online and ordered nineteen more for the rest of my tables. The website said they were on backorder and would be shipping by May 11, which was a little nerve-wracking since the wedding is June 1, but it was totally do-able.
Alright. This is where it gets scary.
Last night, I was looking through my email for a confirmation number for another order and I came across an email about the branches. How I missed it, I will never know. I get a million emails a day and I look at the subjects of every one. Anyway, apparently, I missed this one. It was an email telling me that as of May 4, the branches still were not in but would be sent within the next thirty days. I went to their website and tried to order the branches and the day listed had been moved from the 11th to the 28th. Panic had set in. I called the company and spoke with a woman who was wonderful but, alas, confirmed my fears and told me that they were set to ship one day shy of three weeks. The wedding is two and a half weeks away. No need to stress the math. It just wasn’t going to work.
So…I did what any logical bride-to-be would do and I called my mom and cried and then, immediately after, called Lee and cried. I had spent months figuring out what to do my centerpieces and, now, it was not going to happen and I had two weeks to figure something out. I fervently searched online for similar branches to no avail. Nothing came close to the ones that I had ordered. I slowly wandered back to their site and realized that they did have a color of branch that was in stock. They originally had the lavender, white, blue, and yellow. All were out except the yellow. Maybe it was the stress, maybe it was lack of sleep, maybe it was the fact that it’s crunch time but…I ordered them. My colors are charcoal, fuchsia, and eggplant and I just ordered centerpieces with yellow beads on them.
It’s going to be okay. The branches are brown and the lights are white. It’s just the beads. I can handle them. I’m going to see what they look like when they come in and I’m going to make them work…even if that means painting each little bead and pearl purple. I called my mom and we talked through the decision and then I called Lee and informed him that I was back down to a zero…and all the while, I was texting my bridesmaid, April, to get her input. I have trouble making decisions on my own, apparently.
Last night was my first bridal freak-out which I think it pretty good since I have been planning for over a year. It was just one little set-back and, honestly, they are just centerpieces. As perfect as I want everything to be, all that really matters is that fact that Lee and I will be there getting married. That is what really counts…which is why I know everything is going to be okay.
With much Love and Laughter,
Kelly
Something to share: If you are married or planning a wedding, did you have a crisis to deal with? Do you tend to be a good decision maker or do you consult others for their opinions?
Let’s HIIT It
Good morning!! Happy Tuesday!
Recently, my schedule at work changed slightly and now, on Tuesdays, I am either off or I start late around one o’clock. Normally, I am an early riser and I enjoy getting my day started at the crack of dawn so I can be home in the early afternoon, however, I always welcome a little change to switch things up! I absolutely love mornings and, because I’m usually at work before the sun comes up, I don’t get to relax and enjoy them as much as I like….but, now, with my new schedule, I know I’ll have at one morning a week to savor!
We have been experiencing a cold front around here and actually experienced some snow flurries yesterday. I know. Doesn’t that sound just completely awful? I love all the seasons but I am more than ready for summer to be here! This morning was chilly but the sun was warm which made it bearable, but I decided to keep my workout inside with one of my favorites…
TURBOFIRE!
I decided to do the HIIT 20 class. I absolutely love the HIIT classes that are part of TurboFire…I am always short on time and they definitely always leave me short of breath! After completing the workout, I did a 12-minute standing ab circuit that found on YouTube. I wanted to get some core work in today and plan on doing another quick core workout when I get home tonight. My abs are definitely a part of my body that I want to work on more and there’s no time like the present!
Shortly after my sweat fest, I had to decide what to eat and I rolled with a bowl of cereal today. I thought about doing eggs and toast but, as I was searching through the cabinets, my Frosted Shredded Wheat called my name.
I paired my cereal with a cup of French vanilla coffee and and prepped myself to do a job that I have a love/hate relationship with…balancing our checkbooks.
I love love love doing math and having the balances of my book and the bank match down to the penny!….However, I hate hate hate watching money leave the accounts, which is all that has been happening because of the wedding! Oh well! I guess such is the life of an adult!!
I have a few other little wedding things to take care of this morning and then I’ll be hitting the shower and getting ready for work. Tonight, I’ll probably try to get in another quick workout and then unpack more of our shower gifts. Lee’s aunt bought us the shower curtain that we registered for and I cannot wait to hang it! Again…getting pumped over a shower curtain…such is the life of an adult!
Alright, friends, I hope you have a beautiful day! Enjoy it with a smile!
With much Love and Laughter,
Kelly
Something to share: Who handles the finances in your house? You, your significant other, or do you work together? I do the majority of the bill paying but always consult with Lee on other financial decisions.
Showering with Love
Hello Friends!
First, let me start by saying that I know we, as bloggers, should never apologize for not posting…but I feel like I have to! We are now less than three weeks away from the wedding (when did that happen!?) and it has totally consumed my life! I absolutely love it and wouldn’t have it any other way but, as I have noticed, if I’m not at work or teaching a Jazzercise class, I am making favors, making dinner tags, making programs, checking and rechecking my RSVP list, and all of that other fun stuff…all while trying to keep up with the house and keep my police officer happy with dinners every couple of nights. Anyway…my goal is to have everything done in the next two weeks so I can just chill out the week of the wedding. We shall see how that pans out!
Moving on…this Monday is particularly hard because I am coming off of a weekend that was full of love, friendship, family, laughter, and fun!! This past Saturday was my wedding shower and I cannot thank my bridesmaids enough for putting together the cutest little get-together! I tried to keep my shower small so it was not a big extravaganza but it included all of the people that mean the most to me and that is all that matters! I started off my morning with coffee in a ‘Love’ mug to get in the spirit!
The day was dark and rainy but that did not stop us from having a great time! I did, however, show up in wool clogs and a hooded sweatshirt that I had thrown over my dress…I refused to look like a drowned rat after I spent the time to get ready! Thankfully, I was there a couple of hours before the guests so I was able to make myself look presentable before they all arrived. Six out of my seven bridesmaids were there…with my friend, Meredith, at home in Florida. I always miss her terribly but she will be here in less than three weeks and I can’t wait to see her!
(my bridesmaid, April, somehow got cut out of this picture)
The shower really did not have a particular theme but it was pink and purple (my wedding colors…which sound hideous when you say them together…but I promise it will all work out!) and girly. We had little finger foods and desserts that included mini pulled pork sliders, crescent roll antipasta bites, buffalo chicken dip, antipasta salad, and mini melon kabobs drizzled with warm honey and fresh mint. In addition to the main bites, we had thumbprint cookies, mini fudge squares, and cupcakes.
…we also had a sangria bar, which was the best part of my shower! My MOH, Christa, made a “Pretty in Pink” sangria and had multiple choices of fresh fruit to add to it to customize the flavor. I swear I was drinking it like water! It was so delicious!…as I feel with every sangria!
We started with lunch soon after the guests arrived and spent a little time socializing before I opened the gifts. We did not play any games because I am not a ‘game at showers’ type of person. I really hate them all. Well, hate is strong word…let’s just say I’m not a fan. I opened the amazing gifts from my family and friends and ended the shower with a visit from Lee…who had worked the entire night before and morning and made it down without complaint after only a couple hours of sleep…just one of the many things I love about him!
(Lee looking particularly excited!)
When we were done, I expressed my deep gratitude to not only my guests but to my bridesmaids and their moms who made my shower possible. I honestly do not know what I would do without the amazing women that I have in my life. I feel very fortunate to have each and every one of them! I could not have asked for a better day with better people.
So…bridal shower down…wedding coming up next! I can’t believe it’s almost here!
With much Love and Laughter,
Kelly
Something to share: If you had a bridal shower, did it have a theme? Do you like to play games at bridal or baby showers?
Things I’m Loving
Hello! Welcome to Tuesday!
Every other Tuesday, I am able to go into work late and today is one of those Tuesdays. Also, the sun is shining. So far, I call the day a success.
I have not done a “What I’m Loving” post in awhile and today seemed like the perfect day to do so! I feel like I’ve been loving a lot lately so let’s get to it!
…my new blue running tights.
I bought these last Friday before my race on Saturday. I knew I wanted to wear blue and yellow to run, so I stopped by TJMaxx on my way home from work. I walked into the fitness apparel aisle and there they were. One pair of blue pants. In my size. It was meant to be. They had a front iPod pocket which actually held my phone without letting it bounce around too much…which is always important!
…later sunsets.
I am definitely loving the longer days. Brighter mornings and later nights? Perfect! I especially love the longer days because of Jazzercise. I always teach evening classes and I feel so much more energized when I’m teaching with some sunshine instead of the dark 5pm classes that I have to teach in the winter! I think the students seem to have more energy, too!
…my flower girl dress.
I was not exactly sure what kind of dress I wanted for my flower girl, but I knew I did not want a white one that looked like the bride’s. My mom and I went on a search last weekend and, after making a final decision on about three different dresses, I rounded the corner of the store and saw the perfect one. It blew every other one out of the water! I’m so excited to see her in it…she is going to look so adorable!!
…Gingerade Kombucha.
I have seen this flavor plastered all over Instagram, Twitter, and blogs. Everyone raved about it and said it was ‘one of their favorites,’ so, of course, that meant that I had to run out and try it. The verdict? I love it! It’s now one of my favorites!
…Mango-Chile Chicken.
Lee and I went to Chili’s for dinner to celebrate his birthday and, when I’m there, I always get the chicken fajitas (without the onions!). However, I was feeling adventurous and decided to branch out and get something different. I chose the Mango-Chile Chicken, which was amazing! The chicken was spicy with a killer bite, but the mango salsa was sweet and the avocados were cool and the balance was simply perfect! I will definitely be trying to recreate this recipe at home!
…Maybelline EyeStudio gel eyeliner.
If there is one thing that you must know about me, it’s that I love eyeliner. I don’t like to leave the house without it on my eyes. I am all about going au natural sometimes but I just feel like life gets better with black eyeliner. i really don’t discriminate and will use pencil, liquid, gels, etc. I recently bought this new liner and absolutely love it! It goes on smoother than any liner I’ve tried and does not smudge throughout the day! Two important qualities!
…Pumpkin Flax granola.
I found this at one of our local grocery stores and decided to give it a whirl. I tried some on top of my yogurt for breakfast and it was great! The crunch added a nice texture and I could really taste the pumpkin seeds! No doubt that I will be snacking on it by the handfuls!
Alright, friends! There you have it! The things I’m loving! Now, get on board and share yours!!
With much Love and Laughter,
Kelly
Something to share: What is something you are loving lately?
Across the State
Hello guys! Happy Wednesday! I’ve been a little behind on getting my posts up because we still have no internet at my house!! Seriously, this is becoming a problem. About two months ago, we switched our TV and internet providers and, with the exception of one week, our new internet … Keep Reading….
A Little Catch-Up
Hello, hello! I have been such a bad, bad, bad blogger lately! I have had absolutely zero time to sit down at the computer and I’m just not liking that! Well, maybe I should rephrase that. I don’t like being so busy that I can’t find time to sit down … Keep Reading….
Wedding DIY 101
Hi friends!
So…here we are – under the two-month mark until we tie the knot! Yikes! Things have been pretty much wedding, wedding, and all wedding around here. Usually, on the weekends, I’m with my mom running around to various craft stores picking up the odds and ends that I need for all of my projects and, during the week, I’m thinking about the things that I need to pick up during the next weekend. My spare bedroom and dining room have become storage spaces for baskets, boxes, and bags that are full of paper, vases, branches, glasses, tulle, ribbon, lights, table runners, cookie trays, floral tape, and well, I could go on and on. I’ll catch you up on some things that I either am or will be working on for the big day!
My brooch bouquet
It’s finally done! It was a long process from finding my first brooch to pinning the final ribbon end in place, but it was such a fun project! I had a couple set-backs while I was trying to put it together but, between me and my mom, we finally got it right! The best part of the project was finding the brooches! I spent a lot of time with my parents in antique stores and at flea markets and I also received many as gifts. Each pin has a special meaning or memory associated with it and I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out!
My centerpieces
I knew from the beginning that I always wanted to use some type of branch in my centerpieces. I had ideas of using plain branches, silver branches, and large branches with candles hanging off of them. Before I could make a final decision, my mom found lighted branches that had little purple (one of my wedding colors) beads on them. She ordered one so we could see what it looked like and ended up loving them! They have a battery pack that controls the lights and, by some miracle, we found vases that were the perfect size and actually narrowed to allow the pack to sit in the center so they can turned on with ease before the ceremony! The bottoms of the branches will be wrapped in tulle so they are covered along with the battery pack!
My favors
(just a small jar I bought to test out the glass etching process…it’s SO easy!)
I am planning on giving out mason jar mugs etched with each guest’s initials as favors. The mugs will be placed at the entrance to the reception room on a table with bowls of punch so the guests can grab a refreshing drink as they enter! On each mug will be a tag with each guest’s name, table, and dinner choice. I’m also sticking cute striped straws in each one! I’m excited to see how they all turn out!
My table numbers
(obviously, not going on a table…but just a pic of us!)
I am planning on giving each table the name of a local attraction from the town where we are having the wedding. When we get some great weather, Lee and I are going to head to each locale and have our picture taken there…and those photos will be our ‘numbers’ on the tables so the guest’s can find their way to their seats. I just hope my hair decides to cooperate on the day we decide to take the photos!
Alright, friends! I think that’s all I have for now! I have to finish up my programs (which are another project), finish the gifts for my bridesmaids, and make my girls’ bouquets (which will obviously be the day before the wedding). It’s a DIY extravaganza over here!!
With much Love and Laughter,
Kelly
Something to share: Are you crafty? Do you have a favorite hobby or project? I used to crochet but I haven’t in a long time…maybe I need to start again!
My Registry Wish List
One of the best things about planning a wedding?
Registering for gifts!
Now, I do not mean that statement to come across as selfish and as if all I care about is gifts. I just want our wedding day to be full of love and fun with our family and friends…but, you have to admit, it’s fun to make a wish list and pick out anything you want for your house and your future!! Lee and I registered at Macy’s and Bed, Bath, and Beyond. My original plan was Macy’s and Target, but both of those stores are in the same towns…neither of which is close to us, so I changed to Bed, Bath, and Beyond so there was a local option for Lee’s family and our friends.
Here are some of my favorite items on our list:
KitchenAid Artisan Mixer in Pistachio
KitchenAid makes their mixers in the most amazing colors and it was so hard to decide which one to choose! I eventually went with Pistachio because of the retro feel. My style is not at all retro, but for the kitchen, I envision my grandmother using a mixer of that color back in the day…probably because she still has pots that are that color!!
Hotel Collection Bedding in the new Gates pattern
Our bedroom walls are a dark blue-green color and I wasn’t sure how this bedding would look next to them, but the more I studied it (Lee loved that I stood in front of the bedding just staring at it for more than a few minutes), I think it’s going to look great! I can’t wait to freshen up our bedroom!
Martha Stewart Cutlery
These knives are colored and are coded with little pictures on them so you know their purpose. How cute and fun is that!?
Cuisinart Pizzelle Press
My grandma has made pizzelles for as long as I can remember and they are always a family favorite during the holidays. I’m hoping someday to be like my grandma and make all of those delicious things that she forces on us! Getting this press is step 1!
Silpat Baking Mat
Apparently, I plan on spending a lot of time in my kitchen?
Rosette Shower Curtain
I think this shower curtain is so girly and pretty. It’s a little hard to see is this picture, but it actually reminds me of a wedding dress. There are raised rosette textures on the top and bottom. I just painted our bathroom a couple of months ago and I think it would be a great addition!
Mr. and Mrs. Leather Luggage Tags
These are just for fun!
Obviously, there is a lot more on our lists…but these are just a few of the things that I am obsessing over!
If you are married, where did you register for gifts? What was your favorite gift you received?
If you are not married, do you buy gifts from a couple’s registry when you go to weddings or do you do gift cards/cash? – I have done both…it depends on my relationship with the couple.
Project #1: The Bouquet
Hello hello friends!
Here I am with the first wedding project to be getting underway! I am a big ‘do-it-yourself’er and have about a million projects planned for our upcoming wedding. Among these projects are my centerpieces, my programs, my favors, my girls’ bouquets, and my bouquet. The girls will be carrying regular flower bouquets that will be made with hot pink roses. A couple of months ago, my maid-of-honor and I got together and bought the supplies to make a bouquet. I wanted to make sure that it was feasible and would not turn out to be a huge disaster.
We bought a dozen roses, floral tape, ribbon, and pins. We lounged by the pool and put together a bouquet that turned out really well! Fingers crossed that I will be able to replicate seven of them the day before the wedding. Yikes!
While making my bridesmaid bouquets seem like a piece of cake, my bouquet is a little on the different side and, therefore, will probably prove to be a more difficult. If you are on Pinterest, or even if you are not, I’m sure you have the seen the idea of a bride carrying a bouquet made out of brooches. No flowers, just jewelry.
Having a brooch bouquet has always been something I wanted. I think they are absolutely stunning and add such a unique touch to a bride’s ensemble! I think a this type of bouquet will go great with my dress, too…which is a surprise that I’ll talk about later!!!
I am starting to put my brooches together by using craft floral wire to make stems on each one of them. Right now, I have about forty of them and I am hoping to get a few more before it is completed. My mom and dad are obsessed with antique stores and flea markets and they are always on the lookout for any piece I can use in my bouquet! I am thankful for their hard work and the time they are taking to find the beautiful pins!
I still have a lot to do but I’m hoping it turns out the way it looks in my head!
Wish me luck!
Something to share:
If you are married and had a wedding, did you do many ‘do-it-yourself’ projects?
If you are not married or didn’t have wedding, are you a crafty or ‘do-it-yourself’ type of person?
Two Weddings and a Costume Party
Hello Monday! Did you have to come back so soon? And, Dear Weekend…why do you have to go so fast? I had a whirlwind of a long weekend that just seemed to fly by! Friday, Lee and I spent the day car shopping (yuck) and getting the last things together … Keep Reading….
