Its Monday already?!

I've already had my second iced coffee of the day..if that tells ya anything about my Monday!
We've got a lot of stuff going on right now, including trying to finish up this semester. I really am a conscientious student, but I always procrastinate like whoaa at the end of the semester, its probably the pretty weather but I've really got to get some work done!

Our weekend was nice, got caught up on Grey's (yeah right, George leave? I don't think so!) Ran to our mall for some errands - Returned a jacket to J.Crew (I feel like this season I've been returning lots of stuff to them because dammit, it just doesn't fit right - aka made for the aforementioned leggy models), but I found some cute stuff at Banana Republic that I may order this week. Saturday and Sunday I got up and took some nice long walks in the warm weather. Saturday was really relaxing because FI & I just lazed around and watched some movies.
We watched Stranger Than Fiction with Will Ferrell - I really enjoyed it...I like Will Ferrell in serious roles & I appreciated all of the literature/professor/fiction jokes. We also watched For Your Consideration directed by Christopher Guest, who also directed Best In Show and Mighty Wind. I love the dry humor of his movies and this one cracked me up, there is a parody of the hosts of Access Hollywood type shows that was really funny.
Then we decided to go tailgate at a baseball game and ended up drinking downtown all night. We never go out anymore, so it was fun to meet up with some friends and hang out. Although we defintely paid for it yesterday, I think I drank 3 liters of Diet Coke and Gatorade. We met up with FI's sister for a delicious Mexican dinner complete with cheese dip. (I don't know about yall but those "dime a dozen" Mexican places are my downfall - yum, I could eat at them way too much!)

As I said before, FI's degree is in graphics, so we are in the process of designing our own invitations/programs, so I'll try to get some stuff posted about that. Also, FI has to move next weekend & I have a big to do list of wedding things. AND, I'm meeting with my personal trainer tommorrow for the first time! I'm excited and nervous...I also have some opinions that I'll get into more later about their whole "lifestyle change" and commitment programs. But suffice it to say, that I am happy and healthy with my lifestyle now - I work out 4-5 times a week (lately just more walks outside because of the weather), they aren't intense but keep me moving. I eat, for the most part, pretty healthy & organic (except for the aforementioned Mexican dinners) and I cook a lot. I want her (the trainer) to realize that I want to kick up a notch, so to speak, for the summer - I'm not really in the market for a lifestyle change, just someone to kick my ass into gear!

Got this in the mail today from LL Bean - loved it, can't really go wrong with a polo dress & true to that bright pink.

This, however, fit me horribly. Maybe its my body type but its a really high waisted slim skirt. So my find was not so great.
And then I laughed when I saw these on Old Navy's website, they are kidding right? I think my mom made me wear these in 1987 with some neon fabulousness.


We went out for some half price sushi last night, yum. Not too much planned for this weekend, just trying to relax, finish work up for finals and help FI get ready to move. I'm just in that mood to just spend, spend and shop - I just want to order a lot of things! Well, I'm just looking for some plain chino type skirts in brighter colors - just basic skirts to wear everyday.

Have a great weekend!

Running out of steam

Yesterday was FI's birthday and since we both are working & busy, I made dinner. I just roasted a Boston pork butt (with a spice rub and carrots & potatoes). Then I just sauteed some mushrooms to go on top of the roast. I made a pecan pie for dessert and had some store bought rolls. Very good, pretty easy and FI was a happy camper. And we have enough pork left over for a BBQ - so that will be nice to have as leftovers.
I'm just running out of steam for school & work. Woke up the past two mornings feeling tired, achy and sore throaty. You know that dreaded feeling like "oh no, don't let me get sick now." And the other night, FI & I sat down to go over our summer calendar - which is hectic. I mean I didn't expect the summer before I got married to be relaxing but man, we are gone or moving or doing something every weekend! So, with that said, I'm taking the month of July off - woohoo!! I have worked/gone to school every summer since high school - so it will be realllly nice to have that month off. Ill be doing wedding stuff but at least I won't have to be any place at a certain time.
I think we are going to go out for sushi tonight (if I feel up to it) catch the latest Grey's & probably just hit the sack. FI is moving next week (all the while working overtime to catch up on some hours), so I'm going to be helping him clean up the new place and clean the old place as well.Thats about it for now but I thought I would leave you with some pictures of bridal bliss. Heheh.


This makes me wish my wedding was 20 years ago. I mean, can you dig it, mullet style?!
I could wear pink and green forever & be happy. But this, my friends, has gone too far.

Vineyard Vines Attire

Vineyard Vines has introduced a college collection. Yay. Our school is one of the ones who has ties and sashes, even better. AND we are having our rehearsal dinner themed with our school colors - so, to have coordinating VV tie and sash for bride and groom is perfect!! Now, I'm just trying to locate them. I wish they were online so I could just order them. Has anyone seen this college collection yet?
Not only taht, we will be decked out for tailgating in the fall.

Salmon Cove

Check out their new SC jacket, looks great and comfortable as well. How cute!

wedding pictures fiasco

VERY LONG POST WARNING

Remember I posted about learning the hard way about family and business. Well, here is the story. And I’m really just venting here so be forewarned.

A little background info. to get you started: This involves my cousin R & her now husband T. R and I grew up hanging out summers at grandmothers – saw each other on holidays. Typical. And we are about a year apart, so that works well. We went to Europe together in high school on one of those tours. She lives in Atlanta, don’t see her very much now, except for random family events. Asked me to be in her wedding when she got engaged (over a 1 ½ years ago). Delighted. I’ve only met husband T maybe 2 times prior to wedding, and they had been dating for oh about 4-5 years.

Now, 2 summers ago, my grandparents had an 60^th anniversary party in Savannah. FI had just gotten a new, very nice digital camera and it was becoming a hobby of his. He offered to take pictures for us at the party – just to help out and he wanted to kind of practice with camera. Fine, he takes great pictures and I send a CD to each of the aunts and uncles, just as an easy way for them to have access to the pictures. For free, no big deal. Pictures are beautiful, everyone fawns over FI, they are so happy and appreciate of the pics. Great. On my side of the family, he is officially the photographer.

Fast forward to now, FI has gotten A LOT better with his camera, has invested more money in it – has taken some portraits for friends. Somewhat of a hobby, he is interested in having it maybe become something more. So, in October cousin R asks if FI would be interested in taking pictures. I run it by him and he says Sure – would love to but wants to go over some things with cousin R first. Fine, he looks up all the professional photographers websites and chat rooms to see how they approach photographing a wedding (b/c it’s a BIG undertaking). He is very passionate about his pictures and the quality of the work and he tells her this. He wants to do a wonderful job and tells her that he will be buying some more professional equipment and a fellow photographer friend will help him. He emails her and calls her regarding all of this and says he will charge her $800 for everything – work all day, including cost of assistant, a set of prints for the couple and an online gallery where everyone else can buy pictures.

Now, as you wedding ladies know, this is a bargain, especially in Atlanta (and please believe me when I say his pictures are worth SOOOO much more). He was upfront with her about this the entire time (because I was the one who said you know make sure she realizes that you are more experienced now and won’t just be giving away CD’s to all of the guests). SO, he reiterated that point to her several times, saying that there would be an online gallery for anyone to buy prints off. Which, is pretty standard practice from what I’ve seen now. Also, for those of you who may not know – photographers do have rights to their pictures and many wedding photographers turn over digital files (on a CD) to their clients a year to date from the wedding. This is essentially the photographer handing over the rights to the pictures and waiting a year ensures that the couple doesn’t make copies for everyone. Also, a lot of more ‘old fashioned’ photographers – ones who I guess just haven’t made the online leap, charge for the time working, charge for a proof book (a set of prints) usually a couple hundred dollars and THEN charge for every print ordered. So, cousin R is getting a great deal and FI goes over this with her and doesn’t feel the need to make a contract because she is my trusted cousin.

FI orders a few new items, a better flash, studies wedding photography books, makes me sit down so he can practice taking pictures of me outside and inside. We meet with cousin R and husband T in Atlanta to go over everything a few months before wedding, where FI says again, “I won’t be giving you all a CD but I will give you a set of prints and will have an online gallery available – once again, fine no big deal – no one questions this idea.” Wedding approaches, FI has to somewhat bug cousin T about details, like what kind of pictures she wants, how many people are in the party, where the event will be…etc. All she really wants is to make sure that most of the wedding party pics will be taken before the ceremony, so that after FI could just wrap it up, take a few more with bride and groom and move on the reception. FI puts a schedule together, emails her again with the schedule of the day, reiterates his plan for the online gallery. Makes business cards for the wedding guests with gallery website and password.

Wedding day. FI and his friend/assistant work their asses off, sweating running around, stressed out – wanting to make sure they get every shot they can. I have to force them to take a break to get a bite to eat because they don’t want to miss anything. Announce at the reception that pictures will be online gallery so check them out in a couple weeks So they work from about 3-12 midnight getting every perfect shot. Everyone’s impressed at how hard they work etc.

So, FI – in two weeks, edits all of like 1200 pictures they took, down to about 650 of the best. Puts them on the online gallery, sends out emails. About a week later, he gets a call from husband T (who has had no previous interactions regarding pictures), which says we are going to need a CD with JPEG files for viewing our tv and computer. No big deal, says FI, I can give you a low resolution slide show of all the pics (easy for him to put together) and send it to you. Then, husband T calls FI back, cursing him saying, “We want our f-ing pictures now, give me my f-ing pictures, who the hell do you think you are – etc. “ It was bad and FI just hung up. FI is upset and pissed that this guy who has has met once is berating him over the phone. I don’t know the guy at all, so I’m just really shocked at the behavior. FI is frustrated because he is trying to explain to T that a CD file of pictures would really negate all of the agreements they had in the first place. (Also, T keeps saying the just want to the CD to look at on their computer – but there is only one reason to be ‘requesting’ JPEGs – for printing) FI comes up with some ideas which include them paying a price for the Jpeg CD. Husband T sends back a pretty disgusting and insulting email, in my opinion, saying that FI is holding the pictures hostage, that the pictures are their personal, how they feel betrayed and how this is pretty much ruining the family. Not to mention the insulting voicemails that he leaves FI in that 24 hour period. I'm pissed. I think its pretty low down to “use” family as an excuse, when T has never attended family events, has never bothered to visit or meet our side of the family & within the first year of FI & I dating, that entire side of the family had either met him or had dinner with him. But FI taking the higher road, has not mentioned family at all because he realizes that is just not worthwhile.
FI doesn’t want to give up the CD because first, he specifically said NO CD, he told them many times he was not going to be giving anyone a CD, second because the way T is treating him does not make him want to take any action at all. Finally cousin R calls me, apologizes for T’s behavior, says they just want the CD for their own personal use, promises not to use them for printing – says she understands that is FI’s concern, says she is willing to wait for the CD and willing to sign something saying they won’t print off of it. I say ok lets get this solved, come up with a plan where we will send them a copy of prints (which FI always said was a part of the deal and is not going to back out of his end) along with a low resolution CD only for viewing on tv and computer, then in 3 months send them the jpeg CD. She emails him back once again apologizing for T’s behavior (whom she admitted to me on the phone HAD NOT even seen the pictures), complimenting the pictures and saying thanks. Meanwhile, not a single person has bought pictures from the online gallery (its been about 3 weeks). Weird, considering we thought that the parents and grandparents, at least, would want a few pictures. FI can see how many views the gallery has gotten – 670 times that people have logged onto look at pictures. Weird, like is everyone waiting to just get the copies from the CD?

Its not about the money, FI added up all of his costs, including the hours he worked, and he’s basically spent $700 of his own money to shoot this wedding. He realizes that everyone won’t buy pictures online, but he at least thought family members would buy a few, if anything a recognition of the work he has done. I feel horrible. Absolutely horrible and angry, that someone would treat FI like that, after all of the work he has done. I feel horrible about my cousin, what am I supposed to do? I’m over husband T for his behavior, I trust cousin R but why aren’t people buying pictures. Did we do something wrong? What happened here? It’s just a horrible situation all around and we have a bad taste in our mouth because of it. We should have gotten a contract (I know, I know) but really this was unforeseeable.

Uhhh

Well, I'm over this week already and looking foward to the weekend. Thats right its Tuesday morning and I'm already for some TGIF.

For some good news though, FI went to Chicago last weekend to visit some friends of his and he had a great time. And he brought me back a gorgeous leather bag he bought at a store I'm not familiar with, Mark Shale. Anyway, its lovely and a darker blue and made my week. Yay! I'll try to post pictures later.

That's about it for now, I'll be busy this week with Fiance's birthday on Wednesday (I'll be cooking for him - let ya know how that goes!), finishing up classes and papers, along with trying to figure out my summer schedule (aka where I will be every other weekend). And I got a friendly little reminder from The Knot on my email the other day - 16 weeks until the wedding - WEEKS, holy crap. Whew.

"She's a wild onnne"

Well, if you consider Lifetime, cleaning and shopping wild - then I'm your gal!
Really really enjoyed (and needed) this relaxing/productive weekend. I'll give you a rundown - prepare yourselves :)

Thursday I had work and class, ran by the grocery store, prepared a lovely salad for dinner & then watched a new episode of Grey's - FINALLY! I'm glad they are getting back to more of the "relationship" issues on the show...George & Izzy, oohh I'm sure we all can't see what's going to happen there - George is my fave, what a cutie.

Salad (I'm not claiming this as a new or wild recipe, but I really enjoy it)
I like fresh romaine (chop it myself), I sliced a few seedless red grapes, threw in some almonds and some great tomato basil goat cheese (yum!) and tossed it altogether.
Made my own dressing with some olive oil, white vinegar, some seasonings & a little water.
I'm a huge salad lovahh - I'll just throw anything that I have in the fridge on some lettuce but this one turned out good!

Friday - I worked and ran to the mall to pick up some new running shoes where they had the buy one get one 1/2 off sale, why not right? I got some pink Nikes for working out and these great lightweight New Balances - they are a little crazy but very comfortable and more for easy walks and running errands. And I have a Lands End tote in the exact same colors. Word.

Then, I spent, oh I don't know about 2 hours in Target - its therapeutic to me. Picked up some new workout tees & they have these Champion running shorts (catching a theme here - Battle of the Bridal Bulge is on!) in black and hot pink which are so comfy but run EXTREMELY big, so beware. I'm putting together a "few of your favorite things" package for Fiances birthday - just some random stuff like vitamin water, beef jerky & Ferris Beuller DVD (only at Target, I tell ya). Then, I watched some episodes of season one The Office - that show totally cracks me up - esp. Steve Carrell.

Saturday I ran around doing some cleaning up, laundry, recycling & stuff like that. I also went by Gold's Gym to see about their membership programs & personal training. It seems pretty cheap to join, I can do personal training by month - that would work really well for me. I can do it for a month, see how it works out and if I want to continue on I can. ALSO, they are moving to a location less than a mile from my apartment...which is perfect because I could walk (or ideally run) there.
The weather here is finally getting warm and springlike...yesterday was incredibly nice, I downloaded some new music and just took a loonnngg walk - it was so enjoyable. Then, I watched French Kiss (one of my all time favorite movies..."my ass is twitching") and My Big Fat Greek Wedding (I think I had seen it a long time ago, but totally related to it - so funny!)

Oh and then perusing online I was looking at LL Bean & found these little items...
I love love love my Polo t-shirt dress & I thought this pink one was cute & so cheap ($35.00). I wear stuff like this alllll the time, so I ordered it -


I live in skirts in the summer and this looks like a perfect classic skirt I could wear with a tee-shirt or dress up with a cute tank top and all for $19.95!


I've never ordered clothing from LL Bean, so I'm going to check these out, see how they fit and probably order more.
Today I've just been doing some work for papers I have due and watching some Lifetime. ;)
Thats about it for my wildly relaxing weekend.

Oh, when I was at the store I decided to buy some fresh artichokes just because, but I've never cooked with fresh ones. I haven't looked around yet online for any recipes but if there are any good artichoke recipes - let me know!

Today, We are all Hokies

Orange & Maroon Day for
Virginia Tech

Keeping the victims, their lives and accomplishments in our thoughts today while praying for their families and loved ones.

Hope everyone has a safe weekend.

I'm not going to do...

what you all think I'm going to do annnd blog about J.Crew...

I'm not going to tell you about how I got the "hey we added more over-priced goodies to our website" email & I hovered over my computer at work and gleefully added clothes to my shopping bag until I had ohhh about a semester's tuition work of $ in it...

I'm not going to tell you how I though oh, I def. need an ivory dress, I'm a bride for pete's sake...





Or how I thought, I had the money and ability to pull this jacket off, I would...

Or how I want a new set of matching MADRAS cosmetic cases...


Or how I decided I needed a nice new blouse like this...




I'm not going to tell you about how much i would do anything for those shoes. anything.




But I am going to tell you that after I sat back from my little frenzy and said to myself, "Ok obsessive one, even if you did have the benjamins - the babydoll type dresses may look fabulous on a tall tan galavanting model...but will probably just make your friends wonder if you are a little early with your child bearing plans. And that when you do go to the store and try half of their catalog on...it just doesn't fit that great or work. Or that their colors are not as 'springy' as you would like."

After I had that sweet little talk with myself, I realized my style is maturing - only in that I'm realizing what looks good on ME and how I really want to invest in quality because I want the good things that look great on me, to last. I'm not as willing to take the risks because well, I know it may be cool or trendy but that doesn't mean I need 50 pairs of gauchos from Target. (I'll go ahead and admit it, I had a little problem with cheap guachos last summer. It was bad.)

Well, enough of that. I need a glass of wine. Clothing addictions are bad people, really bad.


PS. I still want the shoes.

Not too much going on today - just work and school. My guy is going to Chicago for the weekend to visit some buddies and go to a Cubs game. I'm going to miss him, but I do enjoy the weekends to myself once in awhile. I've got a crazzzzy to do list of cleaning, Target & watching cheesy movies. Wild one, I know. I also really need to get a step up on some end of the semester papers. Oh yeah, and working out. Every day. (Let's cross our fingers on that one!)

Speaking of working out, there are about 3 full months left for me to lose weight before my wedding. I've been working hard, steadily losing a little bit but I want to really step it up now. I'm considering hiring a personal trainer. ( I know, I used to scoff at that) But, I figure if I have an appointment with someone lets say 3 times a week...I won't miss those workouts for sure. We have a Golds Gym and I was just going to go by and see how the process works. On the other hand, though I tell myself I should just do it on my own and save money. We will see how this goes. If anyone has any experience with a personal trainer or even just Gold's Gym - let me know!

Also, fiances birthday is next week, so I want to plan a great dinner and relaxing evening for him. I'll be working on that this weekend too.

Probably post more later, I've got to catch up on some work.

Latest Indulgences

Its been a long week already but there is nothing like a VH1 "celebreality" show to bring you up when you are feeling down...
That being said, my latest TV indulgence s
Flavor of Love Girls: Charm School,
Oh yes teaching these ladies some manners...I love it!!! So bad, yet soooo good.

I don't have much else to say today. I've just been watching the news and reading online and hugging my loved ones a little longer. Maybe I will get political later on about my opinions but I think right now is the time to respect the families and let them grieve.

Days like Yesterday

I grew up about 1 1/2 south of Blacksburg, VA - so, many of my hometown friends and acquaintances attended VT. In fact, two of my best friends just graduated 2 years ago from Tech. I have so many memories of visiting, walking on campus, staying in those dorms, going to parties off campus, hanging out downtown, going to football games & as much as my school had a friendly rivalry with VT - we are trying to pull together and offer any assistance to them now. My brother's girlfriend lived in the dorm where the first shooting occurred and was isolated in her room all day (but she is now with her family). We are just happy she is safe and with her loved ones right now. I just feel so bad for the families and friends of the deceased and campuses should be safe and secure places. I think anyone who is on a campus or in a classroom feels that their security has been disrupted. I can't understand or fathom the tragedy and I don't think many people can - but I want to know what we can learn from this? Is there a lesson to be learned about safety on campus or giving students the help they need so they won't react violently...I certainly don't have the answers, but I have the prayers.

Keeping VT in our prayers...

Please keep the students and their families at Virginia Tech in our prayers. I have close friends still attending and all are accounted for but this is a horrible tragedy close to my hometown.

I had a fabulous time in Richmond - I don't have many close girlfriends where I live now and I miss mine a lot! You don't realize how much you need girlfriend/chat time until you get it - even if it is a few times a year. We got to hang in the "Fan" district - younger crowd and Carytown - sadly we didn't have time to go shopping Carytown but we did stop at Short Pump mall on the way out...great mall - I really like when a mall has Starbucks because you get twice as much shopping done. We also stopped at a Polo outlet on the way up, where I picked up a white cableknit sweater with the pink polo & a new white button up - crazy, I know! I have a hard time shopping for fun warm outfits when its freezing rainy outside. Also - weird pet peeve of mine, that my friend was making fun of: I like when the color of the Polo matches the shirt underneath (when you have the polo thats multicolored, you're fair game) but if the Polo is pink - I only want to wear pink to match it. I'm so weird. :)

I realized something about J.Crew, after reading my last post (which I'm planning to run to Old Navy this week when I get some time to try on those $20 deal dresses)...I have a love/hate relationship with J.Crew. I get so excited when I see all the great stuff online...then I try it on. (see - my last post :( Doesn't look great, so I send it back. I hardly buy from the stores because A. they don't have what I want or B. They do but they don't have my size. - And don't even get me started on the curses my computer has recieved everytime my shopping bag "disappears". But I always go back. Always. I'm in a bad way.

Another rant/observation this morning - what is with customer service lately(everywhere)? Let me preface this by saying I waitressed at an exclusive country club in college & even if I was hungover/having the worst day ever/PMSing - I still put a smile on my face to serve my customers (and get tips!). I have a friend who is a manager at a nice retail clothing chain - and she agrees with me. So, is it so hard for you to maybe add a "hi" or "hello" or "welcome" instead of "whatchu want" - excuse me, I'd like a little more polite greeting. I find this A LOT at Subway, which I love, but I always leave bitching about the service. Anyhoo, maybe I'm a snob, but I'm just looking for a little bit folks, just a little bit more.

I guess my wish for warmer weather was laughed upon by the weather gods - what is going on?! I know some of you gals have snow/rain/sleet - what the heck...?

Fiance and I are learning the hard way about family and business...I'll fill you in later but it has to do with him doing the photography at my cousins wedding. Yipes.

2 Things

I'm not the single travel bag gal I used to be. I prided myself on the ability to pack ONE suitcase or ONE big Vera Bradley duffel or even ONE large LLBean tote. I even let FI talk me into sharing a suitcase last summer to the Cape (and a wedding - lord, help me what was I thinking), so I would have ONE sole bag to carry. (But they are gone because I just am tired of the cramming everything together. I officially need a bag for clothes and an extra bag for shoes, hair dryer, toiletries & make-up.

I have a large tote (pink) with my intitials that zips, which I use to for weekend travel.
So, I picked up the small VB duffel in Petal Pink today:

Annnd, its perfect - fits shoes, toiletries and hair dryer - and makes my packing easier! I really like this pattern too, its so spring and pink and green - I think its almost reminiscent of a Lilly pattern. Probably going to get the large duffel now too because really doesn't a gal need all matching luggage?


Another thing - so this J.Crew dress:
DOES Not look good on a non-JCrew model girl - aka someone 5"3 with hips - made me look "hippy" from the bust on...no good, so back it goes.
I ordered the dress for a plain, dark colored lightweight summer dress that I could dress up if I needed or just wear with cute sandals ...so now I have a couple of other options:


Here is the beach embossed dress (that I know everyone has) but its so simple and easy to dress up or down - I thought I could do a lot of fun corals/gold with it in black



Then here is the beach embossed in navy with white polka dots - I just have so much navy in my wardrobe right now...




Then here is the el cheapo version from Old Navy for 20.00 (seriously!) but I think its more on the casual side of what I want...I can't really see dressing this one up as well but its $20.00 - hmmm

Then, I saw this cute one from the Gap - looks like everything I want in the dress, including a sash that can be a bow on the side or back (not to mention affordable) but it looks a little odd on the models to me, maybe too big? If anyone has tried this on, let me know ~



Decisions, Decisions.

Off to Virginia - hope everyone has a great weekend & the weather WARMS up for petes sake.

Hump Day It Is

I don't know what is wrong with me but I am super duper tired this week, like needing naps and early bedtimes. Also, I'm taking a long weekend to go to Richmond, VA with one of my best girlfriends to visit a dear friend whom I haven't visited in years - and she has to work on Friday. So, our plan is to go shopping in Richmond - if there are any recommendations on shopping, let a girl know!

That being said, I haven't been tagged but I'm in desperate need of a meme because my creative juices are lacking - so, here is the lastest one:

Three Things That Scare Me:
1) Losing family and friends
2) bad drivers
3)small airplanes

Three People Who Make Me Laugh:
1) my guy
2) Jim Gaffigan
3) quite a few of you clever bloggers!

Three Things I Hate:
1) inconsiderate people
2) celery
3) really loud mufflers (like on motorcycles)

Three Things On My Desk:
1) Toile fabric covered corkboard (with pictures)
2) my wedding binder
3) plaid calendar & a square notepad from Target

Three Things I’m Doing Right Now:
1) drinking a Starbucks doubleshot light
2) getting really annoyed at the band thats practicing our complexes clubhouse
3)debating working out in the chilly rain

Three Things I Want To Do Before I Die:
1) have children
2) have a happy marriage
3) find a job that suits me and makes me want to get up in the morning

Three Things I Can Do:
1) Listen to people's problems
2) get organized & clean house!
3) write an 8-10 page term paper in an hour (I've done it once, BUT I will never do it again)

Three Things I Think You Should Listen To: E had the best ones here....
1) Yourself
2) Mom
3) grandparents

Three Things I’d Like To Learn:
1) how to lose weight & be satisfied with my natural shape (a little contradictory, I know)
2) How to publish a magazine
3) how to sew (really really want to be able to do this - I have grandiose ideas of sewing myself a fabulous wardrobe, if at least just a friggin button on a shirt!)

Three Favorite Foods:
1) Macaroni & cheese
2) Shrimp & Grits
3) hummus (fresh)

Three Shows I Watched As A Kid:
1) Jem
2) Saved by the Bell
3) all the classic Nickelodeon (Clarissa Explains it All, Salute your Shorts, What Would You Do?)

Three Things I Regret:
1) Stressing over things that don't deserve it
2)Relaxing more
3)

Running Late

Don't you hate that feeling of running late - I mean, I must subconsciously love it because I am constantly running late...especially this morning, the weather has me in outfit crisis mode. Do I bring out winter sweaters, but well its not that cold...I am the epitome of layering today - cardigan, cotton tee, tank top and chino blazer!

Earlier I posted about our Breville Panini grill we received as an engagement present - well FI has been dying to use it and I knew we wouldn't last through the summer, so we broke it in last night. Damn, it was good - we paninied (word ?) fresh deli sliced ham and swiss cheese on everything bagels and they were delicious. Now, we are trying to figure out how to have a panini every night for dinner - sweet, just in time for my summer diet!

Finally found a florist, yay! She was so sweet and very helpful with my choices. Also, I originally wanted everything ALL hydrangea but I'm going to branch out (no pun intended, har har) - I think with some roses and dahlias - I like the way they look. Now, I can get a better vision in my head of how it is all going to look.
We decided to go with the navy beach embossed J.Crew dresses for the bridesmaids. We thought the navy made it less casual. We are in an unusual (not bad) position with the wedding because the ceremony is going to be a nuptial mass in a lovely church, but the reception is literally a block away from the beach - so, we are in a "close to the beach, but want to stay elegant" medium. Also, they are going to have an ivory grosgrain ribbon around the waist (if only I could do the nifty draw on ribbon like Mrs. P at Chic) to tie the girls to my dress, which is ivory.


I had not decided about shoes at all - I knew I wanted metallic sandals but after reading MMM's post yesterday on shoes, I saw these Target ones and thought, I really like those & they would be easy and perfect for my girls to get - so I gave them the go ahead ,
Now, my next question for you bloggers is - how does one successfully coordinate Out of Town bags for all the guests when they are arriving at different times? Sarah at The Seven Spot
blogged about her cute boxes today & reminded me of a little conundrum we are having. I'll back up, as I mentioned before our reception is on an island (Fripp Island, SC) a really laid-back family resort area. Our wedding is technically "destination" since neither of us are from there. I have a good amount of family from that area, but most people are traveling. Some are just staying at a local hotel for the weekend, quite a few guests are making long weekends and staying in villas for 3 or 4 nights. Then, we have some family who are making vacations out of this and staying for a whole week. My fiance and I are both arriving early with each of our families to stay a week in a house. Should we deliver out of town bags personally because some people will arrive on Saturday, some Sunday ...you get the idea - how do we do this?

Oh, by the way, loving the blogging community and the reason I'm usually running late in the morning is because I'm reading my blogs!! Also, I've been reading so many more lately & I am going to update my blogroll soon :)

Easter Weekend

Why do I still love Saved By the Bell? Why does it still crack me up? And why didn't I realize that it came on at 7 am while I get dressed for work? God Bless Stonewashed jeans.




Anyhoo, our Easter weekend was holy, only in the sense of golfing. We (well my brother and fiance did most of the day, me only a few hours) spent our time at the Masters tournament. It is a fabulous people watching event (although the weather put a slight damper on the cute dresses and skirts usually abound) and can't ask for more than $1.50 beers & $2.00 egg salad sandwiches. Although I have to say Tiger was looking really focused when we saw him but he definitely ignored his screaming fans. Come on Tiger, give em a nod. Lots of fun though and picked up some great preppy Masters gear.

Other than that, spring is upon us which means for me, at the 4 month mark & closing the end of the semester. Which also means I'm making lists upons lists of things to do. We met with my parents and had a 2 hour overview of budgeting, schedules - filling them in on all the information. I think we have decided on a cake and we are still looking for a florist (What is with me and florists, its like they want to test me!! I am a firm believer in good customer service - seriously, if I am spending a good chunk o cash with your business, I expect you to answer my emails in an efficient manner and help me figure out my vision of flowers!!) {Excuse the bridezilla moment there.}

Do you ever have those mornings where you just wake up early and just lay in bed thinking about a these little things that need to be done, then you get up to write them down before you forget, drink a lot of coffee and clean the kitchen before you go to work to get some of that hyped up energy out?? Whew. I need a break and its only 12:00.

Perfume Poll

I need a new scent! I've been wearing Chanel Coco Mademoiselle for winter, Vera Wang till its empty and I did recently buy Philosophy's Pure Grace, which I like but doesn't really hold the way I want a perfume to hold.
Here are some that I've decided sound good (note, I will test them beforehand!) and I that I have wanted to try:


Yves Saint Laurent "Young Sexy Lovely"

Marc Jacobs
Kate Spade



Clinique Happy to Be

So gals, what do you wear?!

Follow Up

I finally got some batteries for the camera so here are some pics of things I've metioned today and in the past,

Remember I gave a lame-o description of a Banana Republic outlet dress I bought? I really like it, kind of reminds me of an Anthropologie dress and I got it for $50.00 on sale~ I think it will be great to dress up or down:




Also, I mentioned a seersucker shower curtain, the ultimate preppy material for the home - Thanks Martha! I think it will refresh a bathroom for the spring & summer. Good Stuff.





Here was the inspiration for the name of my blog - I bought this sign in a town (which I can't remember!) on Cape Cod. It was my first time visiting and we walked into this store with all kinds of signs like these (I've seen them online) and loved this one. My room is all pink and green, so it was perfect!





And this is what I'm doing tonight...you just can't beat a fresh thick magazine!

But I Digress...

Warning, this will probably be a long post with random digressions, thus I digress -

Last weekend was somewhat low-key, although we ran down to Columbia, SC. FI's parents, after living in Germany for 5 years, are finally moving back! So, they came in for the week to find a house & they did. Its a great 80 yr old, Georgian style restored house in a beautiful neighborhood. I usually just drive through Columbia because its the center of all interstates in SC but I really enjoyed their areas. A bunch of great restaurants and of course, cute dress boutiques! We didn't get to Carolina Cup (As Mrs.P blogged about), but we did see all of the guys and gals in their adorable Lilly, VV and madras, on their way. We were just tired so we ended up going to bed early and then doing the typical church, Target, Lowes & grocery on Sunday. I love those typical running errands days, though.

This week has been stressful, realizing I have a month of school left - with a few papers to write & thesis to begin PLUS planning our wedding & our summer. I just sat down and realized that wow, August is eaten up with the wedding, honeymoon & starting back to school. Then June & July are eaten up with a bachelorette party here, shower here, you get the idea. I'm realizing that time now is precious and I have GOT to get stuff done. Also, we want to plan a trip to the Cape. FI's grandma has a house on Mashnee Island which is shared by all of her 5 children and their families all summer - its great! I had never been to the Cape before until I started dating my guy & we have tried to make a point of going in the summer. (Sidenote, our first trip to the Cape is def. a story for another day, but let me just say that it included FI driving 18 hours each way myself, his sister and another girlfriend. It ended with him stopping somewhere in VA saying if I hear Sex & The City or Cute one more time, I will pull this car over & scream!! - a lot of estrogen for him to take for week!) I absolutely fell in love with it & I have a great time whenever we get to visit, which is why it was so special that we got engaged there. But, as I said it requires a loongggg car trip or a few connecting flights, so we are trying to figure our plans out for this summer. All you Boston/Cape/Northeastern bloggers are lucky to be so close!

Then, I've been trying to get down and dirty with wedding plans and we are still having flower issues (after the next vendor took 3 weeks to get back to me, we really think she is ripping us off) anndd I've changed my mind a few times. And we changed around the food a bit, But, I think we are on top of it for now.


I warned you this would be random - One of my favorite shows is "What Not to Wear" with Stacey & Clinton. I think they have impeccable taste & love what they do. They just need to come visit the faculty on our campus. Im not trying to be mean and spiteful, but I seriously think some people's esteem would benefit from a great make-over. Heck, give me $500 to get some highlights/lowlights, a nice tailored outfit & some new make-up. (This is the 'intellectual' thought my days at the University are producing. Ha!) And don't get me started on the graduate students who sclub around in yoga pants & dirty hoodies. I know we are on a college campus but people this is your job! I mean, I adhere by the jeans rule, but I always try to pull myself together at least with a polo, headband and driving mocs.


As for this Easter weekend, our plans include some preppy activity at the Masters! FI spent a good chunk of his youth in Augusta & his sister still lives there, so we get back there quite often. I gave up my ticket to my younger "golf obsessed wants to play college golf" because honestly, he wouldn't be whispering "Ooh, is that Tiger Woods's wife & where did she get that adorable dress?!" I tell you though, the people watching is totally worth it. We are going to try to go the 6:00 am sunrise mass for the truly religious (aka golfers who feel guilty but want a good spot at Amen Corner!) Other than that I'm in desparate need of an eyebrow wax, manicure/pedicure - so thats on my agenda. I also want a new purse wallet/combo and will probably do some shopping. I'll post pics.

Here are some good things that I'm loving this week:

I don't know about yall but I never go to KMart, probably because its too far away and Target has everything I want, but they have Martha Stewart - hello! I forgot! I picked up these cute dish clothes that are days of the week & bright colors. ( I also picked up a great light blue and green seersucker shower curtain, not pictured online but Ill post on later - its a great spring/summer lift for the summer)
I'm trying to get on the right path. The right bridal diet path & these bad boys are great. For 140 calories, its a great dessert treat & remind me of those ice cream bars they sold in elementary cafeterias.

No April Foolin Here

With April comes some fantastic spring clothing, here are some great dresses for springtime from J.Crew, Banana Republic & Anthropologie for all of those garden parties, soirees & showers.