So, I'm not going to post my dream on here...but I have had the same dream now 2 times. Erin is freaking out! He says if I have it a third time then he is taking precautions...

What could this mean? I've never dreamt the same thing twice. It's the same situation, same time of year, and same environment. It's almost starting to freak me out because of Erin's reaction.

Although...I don't think I would mind too much if it came true. :o)

I know -- mysterious post. But I'm getting tired and ready for bed and it's on my mind.

Other than that....Jen is ordering my invites this weekend! SO excited. :o) They might be done by Indy...but if not that's ok, they will be mailed to me so I can address them. I only need 5 more addresses and I'm good. If I don't get them, I'm seriously considering just not sending those people an invite. Is that rude? Who knows...I'm not caring too much. :oP

Um, I rented some Tae Bo videos and am excited to start them tomorrow. I'm going to do it every other day and then my 25 min Core Secrets dvd on the other days. I've been cutting my calories and have lost a good 5 lbs in the past 2 weeks. However, I've staled at this one number! Ugh! SO, I'm hoping that adding in this work out I'll start to see results again. I don't want to lose too much before the wedding, because that would mean too much alterations...but I'm safe to lose a good amount. *fingers crossed* I keep up with it. I think I will this time. I'm doing a really good job at eating half of what I used to, less coke, LOTS more water...I'm on the right track. I have a goal -- be in really good shape/weight number for when we decide to have a child.

Well, that's my randomness of the week. Happy end of the week!!

tomorrow

Ready for tomorrow! We have a big day - out of the house!! :o)

I'm going to a career fair at a nearby apartment complex. I already sent in my resume and now I'm going to go to the fair they are having. It said send in your resume or go to the fair - I'm doing both. It's maybe 10 min away, so it's not like I'm going out of the way. Which wouldn't be a problem since, I NEED a job! I figure they open up at 8 and I'll be there at 8!! Hopping that works in my favor. :o)

While I'm doing that Erin has an eye appointment. He needs new contacts. Then we are going to go get his hair cut and get him fitted for his tux!! I think we will meet up with Aric and he will get fitted too. Then we are going to go to Old Navy. Erin brought home a 30% off Friends and Family thing. I hope it will work on sale items. I want to go for a cardigan...I am thinking I'll wear my maxi dress from Macys to my shower (I can't afford a new dress, well I'd actually rather spend $40 on wedding stuff, than a dress) Anyways, I need a cardigan for it. However, looking online, I found some pants I want too. :oP Plus, polos are $10, so Erin could get one for his golf day.

Anyways, here are some pics of what I would like. I can't decide on the cardigan.

The pants I want...plus they are on sale.

I really like this one...I like the flowers.

I like the detail on this one.

Then this one....probably too thick though for summer

I'm thinking the first or second cardigan. Depends on what Erin says. They are only about $2 different in price. Who knows...I could pick something totally different once I get to the store.

Have a good Wednesday!!

cookies

I'm making heart cookies as favors for my bridal shower. I don't make sugar cookies....I'm not a fan of icing so, why make cookies you have to ice.

Here some pictures....

Yes that is a martini shaker...I'm using it as a rolling pin because we don't have one. It's on our registry though.

Which iced ones do you like? Erin likes the 'Thank You' ones. Also, I want to have two to a bag - what two sizes should I do? Again, Erin thinks medium and large - but he does have a sweet tooth.

By the way we each tried a small one. Not bad. It's a cream cheese icing as the white base. Which I think adds a little flavor. We are going to take some to Aric and Britt's tonight and then the rest Erin will take to work.

Lexi sleeping

I couldn't help but to take a picture of Lexi sleeping. She is just too cute! Too bad that when she sleeps with us, she lays all stretched out....perpendicular to us. Needless to say she takes up half the bed.

I would like....

I went through my wedding magazines and tore out the pages I wanted, so that I could get rid of the magazines. One page I tore out was because I liked the travel bag they had pictured. WELL, now I have visited the site and want more! :oP They are also available in a few stores here in Ohio....this isn't good. :o) They are by Jane Marvel. You can do different patters on them.

The Large Overhead bag (the reason I went to the site)

Just two of the bags I now have on my wish list....Not telling Erin though - I don't want him to hurt himself rolling his eyes at me and trying to convince me I don't need a bag. Although it will ultimately end with 'when you get a job, we'll see' :o)

Carry-All handbag

The Mini Jitney

thank you cards

I'm already thinking about ideas for Thanks You cards after the wedding. I really, really, really want to make them myself. :o) I found these on the Archivers website. I put them up in order of how much I like them...

Card 1

Card 2 - I would put our monogram instead of the baby

Card 3...we would need a really good picture!

Card 4 (drawback is all the supplies I would need)

Card 5 (same drawback as card 4)

What do you think? Also I think I'm going to go take a card making class on July 31st. It's $15 and it covers all the supplies I would need to make 4 different cards. Erin said it would be ok. That could also be because I asked him while he was playing a video game. :oP

It's the Ink It Up Workshop I'm actually excited...plus it's a reason to get out of the house! :o)

satisfaction

So, I've been in a mood ALL day. Was sick Monday and Tuesday and well, I just haven't been on the computer all that much. Anyways, today I got a laugh when I checked analytics....I set it for the 18th - 22nd. (notice, I don't call you out and post the city...you know who you are) (and one of those days it was 12 times - Then again, I updated like 3 times on the 18th)

Anyways I don't really pay that much attention to who is checking out my blog - it's not a big deal....I think I check it twice a month. Well we all read my rant on Saturday. Long story short, another blogger mention that I needed a life because I read their blog multiple times in a day. I didn't read, I just checked for updates. What else is there to do, but check for blog updates...ask my fellow blogger Jen, I think I check her up to 5 times a day too. 

Please note:

I'm not saying, I haven't had high numbers reading other people blogs. I know I have! But I can't stand a hypocrite! It's my absolute pet peeve! And yes, I can take my own advise and make my blog private - but what's the fun in that! Read on dear readers!! Read on!! You don't need help! I know you just find me interesting. :oP

I might have my complain posts (i.e. rehearsal dinner) But I still have a very amazing life and like to share.

I will never call this person out again! That's right...this IS my 2nd and last post on this subject.  :o)

Well Lexi is begging for attention. Bye! 

Tomorrow - I promise pictures! And more wedding talk perhaps. :o)

trying to cheer up

Trying to cheer myself up: (going for 10)

1. I get to take these 'starter' earrings out in two weeks! And put in my real diamonds. :oP

2. I will see my mom in 22 days.

3. I will see Jen in 23 days. 

4. I mail Jen $$ on Monday and she will in turn order my wedding invites. :o)

5. If the stars align correctly I will be holding my invites in 23 days. :oP

6. I marry my love in 79 days!!!

7. I get to do some computer wedding organizing tomorrow - spreadsheets, finish address labels...

8. Erin is home tomorrow and if we get eggs, he will make his amazing pancakes!

9. I think I can talk Erin to going to the farmers market next Saturday.

10. Lexi has been extra cuddly....too bad that means she is waking me up every hour after Erin leaves....ah well, it's still cute.

ok...I'm smiling a little bit reading my list...

rehearsal dinner -- part 50

Good bye pretty invites....you are now wasted paper and hard work down the drain....

I don't know how many rehearsal dinner posts I've made over the past few months - but I know there have been a lot! We get an idea, I research and price it, we get all excited about it, then when it's time to tell Erin's mom about it - it's like pulling teeth to get an ok for it. I'm so over it - it's not funny. It's the only factor that isn't planned and I NEED it planned! 

Again, we had an idea, finally got an ok - Jen even designed invites, I printed them, put backing on them, and even put them in envelopes! The mess up was finally not Erin's mom saying a half hearted maybe - it was Confluence Park - which is my other annoyance...but I'm not getting into it.

Something snapped and I said forget it! I also made a decision I'm sure I will regret...It's now Hoggy's at my in-laws and anyone is invited....meaning it will now be Erin's family, my parents/grandma and wedding party. The food, price, and location are great. You can't go wrong with BBQ, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, brownies, and cookies...there is a salad in there somewhere...plus a man basement for the boys. :oP 

I think what I'm going to regret is the people...it's not intimate and small anymore. It's probably going to be close to 40 people now. But we finally had an uncontested no and excitement from Erin's mom - that's just better than pulling teeth. I just keep telling myself that it's the wedding day that is important to me - that's the day that will go MY way. 

Also, the wedding party has an option to pull out of the dinner, I would understand too. I think they will all come though - it's free food. :oP

Why do I feel like I made a big mistake?  

ideas

We aren't planning on going on a honeymoon right after our wedding. I'd rather spend my money and my parents money on a nice wedding and make it special. Plus, Erin won't have a lot of vacation time then, he is using it on our wedding. :o) Also, I should have a new job and I won't have any vacation time. However, I want to be able to take some sort a trip soon after...a mini honeymoon I guess. This is what we have come up with so far...

First off I have decided to DVR Samantha Browns Great Weekends show on the Travel Channel. If we watch one that we really like - we could have a weekend getaway a few weeks after we get married. 

We are toying with the idea of a few days in Chicago. 

Or a trip to Texas in December/January as a visit my parents/honeymoon. 

Any great weekend getaway ideas?

Also, because we aren't going to do a honeymoon right away, I'm trying to think of things to make our wedding weekend more special. That's a reason we are staying in a hotel on our wedding night. I'm thinking movies and room service. :o) Another is we are thinking of a really nice dinner Sunday night. Our ideas right now are Hyde Park or Benihana. I'm also thinking we can take a day trip to the outlet mall either Sunday or Monday. Or maybe Macys/Target to spend our wedding money. :-P Ideas? 

Who knows what we will do. Either way it will be an amazing weekend. :o)

Also, I need a good sugar cut-out cookie recipe. I have been searching and found one from Joy of Cooking and Crisco. But I have never made sugar cookies so I'm not sure which ones are good. Any ones you like? I'm open to suggestions! I need a good icing recipe too. I have one for royal icing. Wonder why I need these? I'm making cookies as my bridal shower favor. I'm hoping to test them on Erin's coworkers in a week or two. I need to live up to my reputation of making really good cookies! :o)

And lastly I'm trying to keep from doing any wedding stuff on the computer until Thursday. That's when Erin's off work and he likes to have his video game time. So that's a perfect day to hold myself up in the office on the computer. It's getting hard though. :o) I just keep reminding myself I need more printer ink and paper before I can do anything. I used up a new thing of printer ink in less than 3 weeks! Another reason to print the programs out at Kinkos. Maybe the menus too...I have to check price first though. 

favor boxes

 Which flower for the favor box tops? I can't decide and Erin doesn't care....

Flower 1

Flower 2

Flower 3

finished and beginning

Here are a few pictures of finished and beginning projects...It's been a busy week.

First off - our guestbook was on the doorstep when we got home today.

We LOVE it!! Thanks Jen! 

I actually finished a letter BEFORE the baby was born. :o)

The letter 'G' for my cousins pending baby. I think she is due in September.

Maps/address labels, printed and cut! The maps are all different sizes and that's ok. 

Still have about 15 address labels to make/cut. But I'm waiting on those addresses. 

Cookie cutters for the Bridal shower favors. I'm making and decorating cookies.

Yeah, hearts are boring...but they didn't have anything really cute. 

I was looking for a dress or XOX ones. Ah well, I didn't feel like paying shipping online.

I will be testing them out next week, Erin will take them to work for taste testing. Be on the look out for a post.

My wedding crafts! I am using our trunk top as storage since the wedding stuff is starting to pile up. I have my binder/paper/files/gifts/paper items all here. Plus the IPod station for music. :o)

And to end the post, Lexi watching the neighbors dog, who isn't in the picture. 

She is LOVING the windows open today. So are we! 

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

I love it!

Blogs are on the Internet, if you don't want people to read them, then don't post them on a public blog site. I don't complain about who reads mine. I don't care. I love you readers! :o)

But you - in Fredrick, MD - Complain, complain, make yourself feel good. Guess what, anyone can track who visits their blog . You obviously do. I do to. You checked my blog 4 times yesterday. 4 times on the 16th, 5 times on the 15th...I can go on....  

But if I need help - you do to. 

Also, thanks for the laugh. I needed it this morning! 

Sorry guys, but the above had to be said. I didn't say anything the last time that wonderful girl tried to make a dig at me....today, well I needed to respond. Now seriously....

Lets see, nothing happened or was designed yesterday. I was sick. :o( I did cut all the maps out. Ugh, I've only just started on the address labels. My paper cutter has already paid for itself!!! Erin got me subway - their flatbread is really good. Then it was movie time; we have seen Transporter 2 and 3, and we finally watched the first one last night. So, we did things a little backwards. Then I slept for 11 hours and I feel soo much better today! 

Today: I'm hoping Erin will make me pancakes. :o) Seriously, he makes amazing pancakes!! I can't believe I wasted my time over the past few years making them. We are going to hopefully finalize the rehearsal plans today. I will also probably spend a lot of time on the computer looking at seating card ideas. Jen is going to whip something up, but I'm going to look too. I have no problem scrapping mine for hers. :o)  I just want something fun, different. Maybe we should do your bell idea Jen....hmmmm

Well time to get off, Erin's up and wants on the computer. 

dream honeymoon

I got a brochure in the mail today for Oceania Cruises. I looked through it and found my dream honeymoon. Imperial Explorations

Look at all the places we would go!

I want to go back to Japan! I would love for Erin to go with me too. Plus, I can go back to Okinawa and Kyoto. I loved it there! We didn't make it to Hiroshima when I was there, so it would be great to go. I'm more into the places in Japan, but China would be cool too. :o)

Now if only we had $10,398 ~ that's air fair for two and the 15 day cruise for 2 + $500 ship credit. Erin asked how we would pay and I said with hopes and dreams. :o)

One day we will go....

program/labels

I have been busy! :o) 

I was going to have Jen design a lot of wedding 'extras' for me and then I decided Tuesday that I wanted to do something. I first decided to make address labels. I know that it's not 'etiquette' to use address labels. However, I found these wrap around label on Martha Stewart forever ago. However, they are plain and I can't save them. I messed around and came up with these VERY simple labels. Plus, I have them all saved and all but 13 (I need addresses) printed out. I will cut them all out later....

Then I have spent a few days working on the programs. I am just finishing them now. Adding flowers on a few pages. I changed the type to brown and will probably print them on cream or off-white paper. Still deciding how to fasten them. I am thinking of two holes on the side and ribbon. Not sure yet, I have time....I have to get them printed first...I think I'm going to take them to Fed Ex/Kinkos. Also, add in the ceremony info.

Cover

Pages 1 -2 (It's a kissing tree)

Pages 3 - 4 (love quote/ceremony)

Page 5 - 6 (wedding party)

Page  7 -8 ( I got this tree idea from Martha)

Page 9 - 10 (thank you)

Tomorrow I will tackle Table Numbers/Seating cards. Oh I need to make a card for the bells.

After that, I think it's it. Jen made me a menu. It's cute and matches my Bridal Shower invite. I'm pretty sure that's all I need. :o)

my shoes

My wedding shoes!

Also, I have everything bought/being shipped for my bridesmaids gifts. Also, I have everything I need for my wedding day attire. I'm ready! :o)

yay

Still feeling crappy! I know it's because I didn't get enough sleep. However, my spirits are lifted because....

I ordered my guest book and got Jen a copy for FREE!

My wedding shoes came in and 

Erin is taking me to the mall tomorrow to try them on/purchase them.

Jen sent me a wonderful idea to dress up my favors. 

I'll get back to my wedding stationary stuff tomorrow...maybe I'll post them for ideas. :o)

favors

Imagine a little box, filled with M & M's. Then a thick brown ribbon with a smaller blue ribbon in the middle to wrap around the box. NOW....how do I tag it?!

Here are two options that I made last night....I'm stuck. (I'm thinking I would print onto colored card stock with both options. Made hole punch them and tie them on...who knows)

First a round tag

it's the first one I made...not loving it.

Then I made this tag this morning.

I like that I include a message.

What do you think?!

hockey

The NHL schedule is released this week....which means I have to figure out if I'm going to get tickets as Erin's wedding gift. 

I'm hoping there is a Sunday game and then we can just go to a game on Sunday. I can't see us wanting to go on Saturday night. We don't know it yet, but I have a feeling we will be so tired once the wedding is over. I also don't want want to go to a game on our wedding night. Friday night could be an option, but I think they are trying to put together a hockey game to play themselves. So who knows. We will see, I want to try to figure it out when the schedule is released. 

Also, we got a Macy's add in the mail and well, I'm craving a new purse. When the purse can come with make-up - I'm sold! Since we should be going to the mall on Thursday to get my shoes *fingers crossed* they are here by then. I think we need to walk through Macy's. :o) Plus we can pay the bill..... :oP

Looks like I have two options. One is Estee Lauder...I can buy anything, at any price and then spend $30 for this red purse + goodies. The red purse is very cute! I don't have red. 

OR, this was in the add - the free gift from Elizabeth Arden. I have to spend $25 and then I get this for free. I don't have zebra print either. However, it's soooo hard to find something priced at $25 and you end up spending closer to $35 anyways. SO, I don't know. I don't need either....but I will go look. :o) 

Which one do you like?

Stamps

Since I have been in Wedding Invitation mode I'm now looking at stamps. I'm going to have to order them online because the post office I go to doesn't have these. I can't believe I'm going to be spending $80 in stamps! I better get an RSVP card from EVERYONE! :-O Don't be wasting that .44 cent stamp I put on your reply envelope! :o)

Here is my favorite. I'm thinking whichever ever goes on the outer envelope then the opposite can go on the reply envelope. How cute?!

Then the classic rings....

movies

We watched a lot of movies this week

Confessions of a Shopaholic - cute romantic comedy.

Valkyrie - Very good movie. On the fence with Tom Cruise...after his crazy antics...But this was a good movie. I recommend! 

Transporter 3 - good. I have seen Transporter 2, not 1 and I thought both were equally good. Plus, you get to watch Jason Statham....shirtless.... :oP If you like martial art/action movies, you will like this movie. 

Punisher 2 - ummmm gruesome, graphic, violent. Ok movie, first Punisher movie better. I had to hide my eyes a lot, they show pretty much everything. Gross!

getting organized....

Well it's 3 months until our wedding day, so it's time to get organized. Well more organized. :o)

First off I'm getting the invite list together and I think I'm done. I did everything by hand yesterday morning and freaked out. I had a count of 181 people, that's including kids and such. I then talked to my mom and she told me the people would would say no for sure and that put me down to about 130. Not bad, we are shooting for 120. Then today I put everything in Excel and well I can't count. It auto-summed for me 164 people. I was WAY off! I think I just counted the second page twice. So I'm way less stressed! I am even thinking we can allow the singles to bring a guest now. Who knows.

Second...I'm trying to figure out how to do the whole invitation thing. I knew it would be slightly complicated, there are a lot of rules....it's more complicated than I thought! There are so many different opinions out there. I'm going to rely on Martha Stewart Weddings. :o) I think I have some handle on things now. 

Who knows though. Speaking of Martha she has a new wedding magazine out...I want to get it! But I don't need it. I don't need to buy wedding magazines again. Sadness. 

Exciting things this week...

1. I am finally ordering our guest book and getting a free one for Jen, since she made it. :o) We had unexpected expenses last week, but I can get it this week! :O)

2. My shoes should arrive at Von Maur this week. Lets hope they fit and are comfortable. 

3. We are going to go see the new Harry Potter movie. Erin is REALLY excited. Going Thursday night with his brother and wife. 

4. Might start getting some wedding favor things.

5. Possibly get our rings engraved.

6. Get brown card stock for Jen.

I think that's it. It's been a uneventful weekend. Which is fine with me. :o) Erin has tomorrow off so we have big plans! UPS and Meijers. :oP

almost there

3 months until our wedding day! :o)

another update

Lets see, lets see....

First off I have been without cable tv and internet for 2 days....this is my third day! UGH! I decided to brave the car with no air to come to the library! I needed to just surf the web/catch up on blogs/job hunt (I just applied to 10 jobs!) and what not.

Long story short I called to talk to AT&T about our bill/make a payment and they wouldn't talk to me because I'm not on the account....HELLO I'm trying to give you money!!! They said it's against SEC rules/regulations/law. I get that....HOWEVER, I have called 3 times and upgraded our service. They let me do that. How is that not against the law?! So I was pissed and had Erin call and cancel our service. I then called Time Warner and got us a good deal. $97 a month for the fast internet/standard cable/HD/HD DVR/Showtime for a year. It's a 2 year deal and can only go up $5 after a year. We can either keep Showtime for 1/2 cost or get rid of it. Not bad. That's more option than AT&T and about $30 less a month. It can't get installed until Friday. Ah well, I have been surviving and tonight we are going to hang out at his brothers house, so it should be good.

I sent out bridal shower invites today....here is a pic

Aren't they pretty! Jen designed them, I just pasted them on some pink card stock. I love them! I can't wait....just over a month away! YAY! Jen is even going to stay in town Sat night, I need to look for hotel rooms. Plus my mom will be in town. So excited. :o)

Other than that, there isn't much going on. Still wedding drama with my future m-i-l. But what's new. I'm just focusing on keeping Erin calm. I've pretty much given up. Oh Erin bought me tulips last night. A surprise/feeling bad I'm without tv/internet.

Well I think that's it. I need to look for hotels. We will be back online sometime tomorrow. They are scheduled from 8am to 9pm. Love cable companies! Oh and I need to add a fire pit to our registry....Erin really wants one. Hope all is well!

tiny update

Lets see....my last blog dealt with the pre-rehearsal dinner. It's a go. I'll know more about our menu on Friday, as the planner at the hotel will be off until then. 

I ordered my shoes for wedding day! :o) We went to Von Maur so I could try them on Saturday afternoon, no Friday afternoon. Well, the smallest size they had was an 8! So, I had them order me a 61/2. They should be here in about 2 weeks and then I can try them on. I just hope that size fits. I want them to fit perfectly!  *finger crossed*

Very ready to go shopping for my bridal shower supplies. However I have to wait for my $. They said it would be deposited on the 4 business day...I hoped that meant I would have the $ on the 4th business day, which is today. Nope. I'm guessing tomorrow....probably will be Wednesday before I see it. Ah well. Anyways, Jen made me a cute invite and I have a craft planned for it. (pictures when I make one) Then, I have the invite list from my mom and the games are done and it's over a month away....so I think I'm good. :o)

Lastly, it was a nice relaxing weekend. Erin had a 4 day weekend and it was great! Thursday we did some grocery shopping in the morning. Then Friday we had a cookout at his brothers house, they are officially moved back. We played Clue and made s'mores. Saturday, I didn't feel good so we laid around all day and finished our Harry Potter playback. (Erin is a huge fan and we will be seeing the new one the day after it comes out, so over the past few weeks we have watched all 5 Harry Potter movies so I could be prepared.) Then yesterday we again just laid around. We watched Superman Returns - I had never seen a Superman movie! I kid you not. That was my first! I made a yummy dinner and Erin bought desert - frosty and a frosty float. :o)

I think that's all that has happened. No pictures taken this weekend otherwise I'd share. I do have one of my shoes and Lexi helping me plan a menu for the pre-rehearsal party. (Needless to say I had to use the internet to see the menu...)

Have a GREAT Monday! 

Here are my shoes....I took at pic at the store :oP And then one of Lexi helping me plan.

Rehearsal Party Venue

I took some pictures of the room we will be in for our pre-rehearsal cocktail party. THey were with my phone so they are decent pics...

Entrance on the Right Side of half wall

Entrance on the Left Side of half wall

Room - facing entrance

Half Wall/Bar View

Now we just need to pick out a few menu items. We are leaning towards flat bread pizzas....filling, yet in our view of hour d'erves. 

They are:

Tomato Mozzarella - vine ripe pomodoro sauce, hickory-smoked mozzarella, fresh basil 8
Greek Gyro - lamb sausage, tzatziki sauce, roma tomato, romaine lettuce, feta cheese, kalamata olive 11
Whole Milk Ricotta and Tunisian Spices  - Tunisian spiced tomatoes, goat cheese, cilantro, shaved carrot 9

We will just offer soft drinks, but we are by the bar if anyone wants alcohol. 

I'm excited. Plus, they might have a patio area finished by then. :o) I just love this hotel and it's design! (Hotel is The Renaissance)