Sweet October Love

Hello Super Fruits!

2010-04-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

So if you don't know you know now, I am a Mark. Representative and I am looooving it. I love the products and for my budget, my skin and my July goal. I think it could work and do wonders. Now for the most part I have always had good skin, meaning not to many break outs,glistening glowing skin.

As of the past year my skin has just been ugh, yucky need I say more. So As a new Mark Rep I received this fantastic samples of their skin care line that has all wonderful things natural including super fruits which contain antioxidants. So my skin feels fantastic.

Here's what I am trying so far! Peep it out try and let me know what you think. Better yet try it at my mark store Mark Store

Weight Loss!

2010-04-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

So I am back and ready to hit the boards running. So remember me talking about the Diva Fit Health Fair I attended. Well I was more then disappointed when I realized how much weight I had honestly gained. I mean I think I knew it but didn't honestly want to face it.

Since then I have really changed my eating habits. I rarely eat fast food now and do a lot of cooking, I mean a lot! I still work long stupid hours but I have found a way that I think works for me and my husband. We currently eat a lot of chicken, which was something I was never a big fan of. But now after researching it, I have found a ton of recipes on sites such as Kraft Foods and Martha Stewart. I also bring my lunch to work just about 3-4 days a week and I eat breakfast. A breakfast which consists of oatmeal, or some raisin bran cereal. Fruit, or something to give me a kick start. I also now take a vitamin regularly and a cranberry pill 2 times a day.

This week, which is just about 4 weeks after the health fair, maybe even a little less, I finally starting going back to the gym. I am back to car pooling again with my husband for work, and I just decided why not, instead of sitting in the office hours before everyone else gets there, why not be productive. That productivity lead to 3 days in the gym. Running a mile or more on the eliptical trainer and also hitting the machines for abs and arms! I was so excited about the new routine, it carried over to having all of this extra energy at work.

Better yet, the last day I decided well it's been a minute since I have gotten on the scale, once for the health fair and then at my folks place (to dis lodge the dreaded number which had actually went up at their house). I decided to take the plunge! I lightly stepped on the scale and tried to smile and look away as the cleaning crew was buzzing around me. Finally when I peaked, I realized the number was lower then before! Hoorah! I have lost 8 pounds! I have 43 more to go to hit my goal of 50 by July!

The final weigh in for the Diva Fit competition will be in June for the "Big Event" which I am stoked for but also auditions for the Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders and hopefully back to dance this Spring and Summer!

What in the hell is pre-poo

2010-03-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

So on this fun hair journey, I have had to learn a lot of things, and of course do tons of research. I recently ordered some great products from Yonnea's Natural Beauty. I ordered her Honey and Hibiscus Leave in Conditioner and her GPS oil. First let me tell you one thing by far this has been the best stuff I have used ever! Her website is

So I have been using this stuff every day since I received it and my hair honest to goodness is soft, managable and conditioned. Of course the next step is styling and washing properly. I have actually decided to pre-poo. Pre Poo is the process of a pre wash. So today I made a mixture of honey and extra virgin olive oil. These can be warmed (if you warm it remember not to warm) I let the mixture sit for a half an hour and then then washed with my regular conditioner which is Suave Tea Tree Nourishing Conditioner plus I use Pantene's Relax and Natural Deep conditioner.

Last week I attempted a 2 strand twist out. Once again I am attempting another 2 strand twist.

In case you are interested in all things natural hair, check out Afrobella's Blog also check out Product Junkie Diva's blog for her Pre Poo Process

Excitment

2010-03-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

Oddly enough I have been overcome with this feeling of excitement. Why? I have no idea what so ever, I am not even sure what I am excited about to be perfectly honest. Ever since I started eating better, including vegetables and drinking a ton of water, I just have a lot of energy and a ton of additional motivation, which I truly need! This week, I amped up my water intake tremendously. I am drinking 3-4 bottles of water not just a regular water bottle (because that's not eco-friendly) but a 20Oz-600ml eco friendly re-usable water bottle. Which equals to be about 8 glasses of water a day if I continue to drink 3-4 bottles.

I also found this great article on Yahoo about the 5 foods you should eat everyday. Those 5 foods included:

Yogurt for the Good Bacteria it produces, it should be Low Fat Yogurt

Nuts: Almonds, Pecans and etc... were considered good for your heart

Strawberries,blackberries, blue berries good for your digestive track

All things green!

Bran=Fiber

These were the most important things to me, because of these were all things I was not consuming on a daily basis.After reading this exciting article it amped me up even more to get green leafy things, vegetables, and fruit.

This past week I have had either Raisin Bran or Oatmeal, plus Yogurt, and water. Plus spinach as been my leafy green for the week on Tuna to be exact and it has been delish. A tuna sandwich with spinach and cheese on wheat bread with light mayo has been a dream lunch every day with juice or better yet water!

All ready after changing my eating habits for 2 weeks, I feel like my jeans are feeling a tad bit looser!

Beauty and the Beast

2010-02-28T20:31:00.000-08:00

So for those who might not know, besides doing the whole weight thing, I am also taking this journey much farther then I could even imagine, that next step or continuing step is my hair. My hair journey is a whole nother story! A long time ago I had what I thought was healthy hair, I would set my self up once a month for a creamy crack appointment, hours and hours out of my day on a Saturday morning, for smooth super straight hair.

I have looked back at old pictures and just have been amazed at really how long my hair was getting, which was almost shoulder length, not quite but close. I got one trim and it was all down hill from there. Since then it has been hell on earth to get it back to that state. So finally this year after reading blog after blog after blog I decided to make the jump. I started transitioning in April 09, I learned how to do twists and braid outs for the summer which was super cute. Finally when most of the relax ends had left me, I finally BC'ed(Big Chopped) in December 09. A huge change for me, into a short mini flordia evans as I called it. Now end of February almost March. I had a short/medium size fro and I LOVE IT! I love how I can pull pieces here and there and they are wicked curly! I am still learning what my hair likes and dislikes, I think which is the hardest part. Soon I am going to go into some protective styles like braids until it grows out a little more.

Food Journal

2010-02-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

As you hopefully have been reading I am in this competition thang, so you will see periodically some food diary posts from me. I will try to put everything in a weekly package yes, yes :)

Monday 2/22
Eggo 7am
Raisin Bran Cereal Skim Milk 9:30am
Yoguart Low Fat 11am

1bowl of salad with grilled chicken 1pm
handfull of pretzels 2pm
4 glasses of water
2 cranberry pill
Fish,Corn and Broccoli dinner

Repeat for Monday and Tuesday

Wednesday 2/24

Yogart 7am
Raisin Bran Cereal Skim Milk 9:30am
Granola Bar 11am
2 Cranberry Pill
Chicken Tuscan Sandwich with pesto 1pm
1 lemonade packet

Chicken with corn and kale 6pm

4 glasses of water

Repeat for Thursday

You can also follow me along on the 50millionpoundchallenge.com

Health Fair

2010-02-28T19:26:00.000-08:00

I had a great time this past weekend at the health fair sponsored by Lisa Fleet, Photographer and Diva Fit Creator. The health fair had soo many great booths to visit and get a wealth of information.

My first stop (I apologize a head of time for not having my camera, which I damn near sleep with) was the Dr. to see what my stats where. Well the weight portion is what really took me for a loop, remember I said I hadn't been on a scale in a minute, well, umm slightly embarassed, I really had no idea what I weighed.

Current weight 219. I am almost the same weight of my husband who is 6'4 in a half and super skinny. So talk about an eye opening experience! After leaving there I checked out ladies with some HAWT purses! J&C Accessories you will be hearing from me, ASAP for a purse party!

Next was they had free testing for HIV, STD's and a few other things. I thought why not, although I am married you can never be to sure, right! So off to testing we went. After getting a clean bill of health, I was on to wandering around the health fair checking things out here and there and I was excited to really get down to it the nitty gritty.

I mentioned before I have a few goals, one goal is audition for a new professional dance team. I am going to audition for the Baltimore Blast Cheerleaders in July (once I make my goal) Although Hip Hop is my specialty I do miss Jazz a little bit here and there.

My 2nd goal, if you read through my re-caps and wedding planning, I posted some gorgeous pictures of my bridesmaid, I plan on ordering their bridesmaid dress for me in black, because that dress is an amazing cocktail address and I hope to wear that dress for the reveal in June. Or this beauty check it, is it not HAWT!

Diva Fit Competition

2010-02-23T12:29:00.001-08:00

So if you haven't heard about the Diva Fit Club you need to join ASAP, STAT on Facebook, just type in Diva Fit. Your's truly is a contestant in the Diva Fit Fitness Competition. For 12 weeks, I will try to transform my blubber (literally) into pure tone,muscle and all around sexiness. That's right I am bringing it back in 2010. Now the true nature of the beast is what I eat! Now I love a good work out, hell I am a dancer was is trying to get back into it after a yr of rest but honestly it's about what I digest.

Last summer, I was severely ill, ill to the point where I dropped about 20 pounds or more. Now my body and general health just did a whammy and finally my body said no more. Once I felt better, I was just siked that I was thin. I didn't try to maintain it, I didn't try to even savor it, it was there for a minute.

In 2003, I worked really hard to lose weight and because I was motivated, I made it work. I was tired of looking the way I did, I was tired of just being. So I set out to make a change in which I did I went from wearing a size 14-16 to wearing a 6-8. It took me a little less then a year but I made it happen. Matter of fact I didn't even realize that I had lost the weight.

Now in 2010, I am one of 15 contestants in the Diva Fit Competition. Pretty similar to a Celebrity Fit Club/Biggest Loser. I am excited to go on this journey, and most of all I am excited to learn how to eat better, how to be more healthy inside and out! So I am excited to share this journey with you. As the weeks and months go on, I will share my daily food diary and my struggles and tribulations along the way as well as some photos and measurements (yikes!) Look for a full list of measurements and photos for tomorrow's post!

Also if you are in the DMV area, DIVA Fit is sponsoring a health fair on Saturday, February 27th from 12noon-4pm. Please see the DIVA Fit Club group on Facebook for more details.

Back to basics

2010-02-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

So finally towards the end of February I have a ton of ideas of what to post and I am excited to say I have a rack of ideas, so excuse the brain dump it has been building up for about a month now.

I am sure at this point you are curious as to what has been going on in the world of me. Well one, My neighborhood, if you haven't had the chance to check out my neighborhood, visit or tour it, then you will shortly hear all about it in many up and coming posts, but that neighborhood is Patterson Park,(hello I love thy!) We are currently renting in the neighborhood, but we are hoping to buy (fingers crossed) in with in this year!

2nd, I am a contestant in a fitness competition, no not your normal just lose weight competition, but a semi celebrity fit, biggest loser competition. So I am excited to share that will be my follow up post in a bit.

3rd, my journey, not just my fitness journey, but my inner and outer search for peace, beauty and happiness. So let's get it in!

Blog Changes

2010-01-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

So I am in the process of trying to decide in what direction I want this blog to go forward in. Now that my wedding is over, what am I up to. What things are coming up and what things am I excited about. So bare with me as I make some minor adjustments to this blog and take it in a new direction with fun posts and updates.

Stay tuned!

Recaps Over

2010-01-04T21:29:00.001-08:00

Ok so now that my recaps are just about done. To sum everything up I spent a little under a $1000 for everything. I did a ton of DIY crafts and would be happy to share them with you all just let me know if you are looking for something specific. I don't regret anything but I an super happy it's over.

I wish it could have been bigger and we had more family there but it is what it is. I wish I had a bridal shower or a Girls night out shindig but there's no point in crying over spilled milk. I wish I could have worn my original dress but hey I loved my last dress! And lastly I wish the photographer took more pictures of us, or our friends and family having fun but we will hopefully get pictures from friends.

But it's a done deal and I am looking forward to starting our new life and finally getting things done in 2k10 or twenty ten as I have started. So I am looking forward to what's ahead good or bad for me and my new family.

Happy New Year!

Vendors!

2009-11-22T11:26:00.001-08:00

I am actually going to keep this post short (hopefully) as I get close to finishing my wedding recaps. But vendors be wise! Be the over so bride on a budget I had to really hunt and research vendors. I was able to either really good deals or negotiate for what was affordable for us.

Some vendors I found through good ole trusty craigslist, but be warned some folks are crazy and some folks are gems in disguise!

As you know my cake was made by Amber (www.1bakemeacake.blogspot.com)in Cecil County, MD. Amber was fantastic and her prices were amazing! So my advice look for your up and coming "stars" but know your research. Have an idea of flavors,styles,designs and cake stand choices.

Location, Location, Location! I hunted for months for a location and either the cost was a factor or possbilities of moving our date and yada yada, in the long run, we have to amazing locations. One The Patterson Park Baptist Church in Patterson Park, Which A is amazing! It is this gorgeous Spanish style church, that def, went with our theme of a Tiffany Vintage wedding. Because we are very active in the community, the Pastor was kind enough to host everything for FREE! Which was amazing I might add.

Our Reception Venue, also amazing, was a church hall. This church hall is in a Historic Part of Baltimore and it too is also a Historic Church. I used to be a Community Organizer and actually used the church for many many activities. So I contacted them in hopes of an inexpensive venue and low and behold they allowed me to use the space including their chairs, tables, staff person help and it was all under $100, you say what!!! Saint Johns in the Village was just stunning and of course it helped with the budget!

*So Advice for those on a budget really consider your neighborhood,your friends, family etc... put the pedal to the medal and really do leg work on who can help you.

Last bit of advice on vendors, as I mentioned a few times, do the leg work and the research in getting the best price especially if you are on a budget. I bet you are wondering what my total budget spent was huh ? :)

So here are a few photos to enjoy!

and they ate cake

2009-11-17T17:44:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are both fairly picky eaters, well to be exact I am picky and he picks everything else off my plate. When it came time to decide on a cake I knew this time around exactly what I wanted.

Design wise, something simple and elgant, not a whole lot of fuss, but something that looks good on a white vintage cake stand. Flavor wise, no Fondant, I wanted the cake to not just look good but to taste delish! Now we both looove carrot cake and chocolate cake and lemon cake, but we wanted to also be considerate to what our guest might enjoy.

So KISS (keep it simple stupid) We went with a 2 tier cake, top layer vanilla and bottom tier chocolate with no filling, with buttercream and by far it was the best tasting wedding cake ever. I even took pieces to work after the fact and people loooved it. We did decide to freeze a slice and save it for our anniversary next year.

Cake table decorations, I made I Do Letters in our colors and went back and forth on Cake Servers. I had actually purchased two sets, one set was a cheap set cause I really couldn't find what I wanted. The last set was purchased the year before at a yard sale and low in behold after some last minute research and they ended up being an expensive set like crazy expensive.

Oh the baker I forgot to mention was fab, she was local, well local to her area and about an hour from us. To save us on cost we, meaning I, picked up the cake, she even planned my drive and how I drive in making sure, she Prepped the cake for me. She built a lip in the box so that even if the cake slid it wouldn't mess it up. So the delivery (me driving at 90 to make it home in time) the cake was safe and not destroyed!

I loved our cake and because we had so much left over we are still currently eating a slice or two!

Sugar Doll Award

2009-11-16T21:02:00.000-08:00

I have been granted the Sugar Doll Award for my posting on Blogger Brides, so here are the instructions,Post the award on your site, write 10 interesting things about yourself, and then pass it on to 10 other bloggers.

1. I love to Dance! I have a background in Hip Hop and have danced semi professional with a local team

2.I am currently training to audition for a local cheer and dance team

3. I got a new car this year and hello I loooove it! ( its obsessive)
4. I have three dogs and am itching for another one or a kitten will do as well
5. I work for a non profit and really want to run for city council but I am running for a neighborhood association position
6. I love crafts and arts
7. Makeup, I am addicted to makeup all makeup
8. I am an eco nut, recycle please!
9. I sing in my car loudly!
10. Oh and I love Glee!

I regift this award to: Atlanta Bride, Sony, Heather N Will, Road to the Aisle,Emily,Bicoastal bride, Nick and Nat and there is so many.

Time Lines and Schedules, say what!

2009-11-13T21:05:00.001-08:00

Yes in the beginning I had a beautiful completed schedule but due to my crazy family, friends and everyone in between, I was only able to get twos off prior to the wedding, hello crazy, yes, I know. But with last minute changes and additions, my day surely did not go as planned.

Here is my original schedule:

9am Awake,Shower,Wash Hair
10am Do Hair and Nails
11am Pick up flowers
12Noon Brunch with groom and groomsmen
1pm Relax Organize Bridal Accessories
2pm Bridesmaids arrive
3pm Decorate Hall
4pm Back home (yes I planned on it only taking an hour to decorate)
5pm Get dress
6pm At the Church
6:30 MARRIED!

Well needless to say that was far from how my day went.My day actually went like this:

6am Awake,Shower,Wash Hair
7am Do Hair
8am Pick Up Flowers
9am Attempt to wake groom and groomsmen(they apparently had a long party night)
10am Another attempt and last attempt before I make threats (watch out now!)
11am Breakfast with Groom and groomsmen
12Noon pick up additional ties for Best Man who had a change in clothes and one who had no shirt)
1pm Pick up sound system because the halls system broke! (Say What!)
2pm On the road to pick up cake, which ended up being almost an hour away
3pm Pick up cake
4pm Back home, haul tail to go decorate
5pm Finally back home, rush to get dress
6pm Still haven't left
6:30pm finally at the church
7pm MARRIED!

So lesson here ladies allow for craziness to happen and ask for help or demand help when you have no help

The Boys

2009-11-12T18:52:00.001-08:00

Now that I mentioned what I wore, what about the guys, the dudes, the gents. Well being the budget savvy bride and lady that I am, My husband actually already had a great suit, (he's an electrician so he never wears a suit) we added a new shirt, new shoes, vest and tie.

Once we picked out a great tie for the hubby, which had to have some pattern and match the guys and have similar colors to the girls dresses. We were able to pick out solid tiffany blue ties (which also doubled as a gift for all of the guys) for all of the gents with matching white shirts. They each also wore there own suits as well.

They also received a white rose boutinere. Easy and in-expensive way of dressing the guys. I think they look pretty daper right :) Well except the one in the red shirt, long story!

Let the Recaps begin!

2009-11-09T12:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks, So I am back after a much needed and hopefully deserved break/mini vacation. I finally got some pictures back so starting today and the next blogs to come I will re-caping the big day.

SO one area I can def. re-cap would be the gown, if you are following my blog on here or on my personal blog you will know I was having major gown issues even up and til the day before (Yikes, is all I can) My lovely gown originally purchased a yr ago for our first wedding no longer fit about a month prior to the wedding, with quick and novice fingers, I went to the web looking for inexpensive, but still wow worthy gown to wear to replace it.

Well I was in luck and came across Craigslist you know where all of us brides on a severe budget go to look for vendors and up and coming folks to help us out. Well I came across a gorgeous back up dress, took one look at it, and the price and said oh I must have. Well with my luck it didn't fit, this dress was way tooo big and there was not enough time in the world to have it altered.

So leading up to the Friday before (yes the day before the wedding) my first day off from work ( oddly enough I couldn't get any days off really, lovely folks aren't they, but I'll touch on that later) rushed off to a last minute store I knew of called Shingar. Which is this great Indian Store, that happened to have prom dresses and WEDDING DRESSES. I looked through many and finally came across the dress. Not as fussy as my first dress but still simple, gorgeous, elegant and just oh I was ready to wear it. Now if I had thought to go there first, this would have been a huge savings in my wedding budget.

My dress originally was worth over $500 but with my quick and nible fingers I found on Ebay for $150 less. The new gown purchased was purchased for under $200 now you can't beat that and it was quality made, no pushing sales ladies and it will keep for years!

ReCaps

2009-11-04T11:30:00.000-08:00

Recaps are on their way I promise. As of right now I am in the process of editing a few photos as well as hopefully getting some thank you cards out. But I promise I will be back to blog and give you the recap that you deserve~

Till then

Smooches!

Items for Sale

2009-10-26T21:16:00.001-07:00

A ton of after wedding items for sale. All items can either be picked up locally or shipped for shipping costs.

Oleg Cassini Wedding Gown Size 14 $150 plus shipping
White Bird Cage $25
Oleg Cassini Wedding Gown Size 18W
Wishing Well $10
Steel Blue Card Stock over 100 sheets $20
I Do Letters $5.00
15 Bottles of Wine $45
36 Mini Sparklers $15
1 Spool of Blue Tulle $1
1 spool of white tulle $1
1 Tiffany Blue Men's Tie $10
Corsage Pins$3
Silk Flowers used for centerpieces $10
2 Brown and White Silk Flower Bouquets $15 for both

More items will be posted!

Email me at dmitchell08@yahoo.com

My poms my poms my poms

2009-10-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

Yes I love me some pomanders! And of course that is another DIY project, I have made one and need to make at least 3 more (oh sweet heavens!) however, I didn't go the silk flower route. I went the tissue paper route! Time consuming yes, but worth it for the budget yes.
Items you need:

Tissue Paper
Floral Wire
Patience
Hot Glue Gun , Hot Glue Sticks
Styrofoam Ball (which ever size you need)

I happened to have tons of tissue paper around. I purchased a Styrofoam ball for $3.75 at Wal Mart, and lucky me I found the floral wire at the Dollar Store. Being the crafty chic that I am I already had hot glue and glue gun that you can get pretty cheap at Wal Mart or any arts and craft store.

I also attached the ribbon before I started and it made my process easier. Here is my end result!

The Orange picture is from the Vintage Glam Blog and you can also look there for directions as well :)
Enjoy!

Hello Lovelies

2009-10-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

Finally my centerpieces, as I have seen thousands and thousands of inspiration, I wanted something budget friendly and yet breath taking, hard to find yes.But till now with days away I finally assembled what our tablescapes will look like.

A simple vase with large blooming roses, with simple candle light. Look and behold.

DIY yes of course! Here is what I did

I purchased a bush from walmart $3.00
And some roses from AC Moores (which on the expensive side 3.99 for each single one!)

Simple medium size vases from Walmart $3.00 a vase
A pretty blue ribbon was wrapped around each vase, whole spool for $1.50 at walmart clearance

Candle votives Free and holders, free got them a year ago for free off of craigslist (good find right)

Table Number (pictures frames free) Paper from Papre in Hampden (Hampden Hon)

For a total of $11.80 or so per centerpiece.

Total of 4 centerpieces for $48.00 (I like to round up :) )

Drink Dispensers and Oh sweet Lemonade

2009-10-18T00:54:00.000-07:00

Since we are on a severe budget for this wedding shindig, we talked about the bar. Now the both of us can def. put one or 6 away, but to keep our banks in check, we of course have to have beer and wine, but we also talked about a Signature Drink. What better way to incorporate our wedding color but in drink form!

Also being a past Bartender, I wanted something sweet, but not super sweet but something that people go "hell yea, that's good" We came to the conclusion of An Electric Blue Lemonade. That has a little bit of 7-up, Sweet and Sour Mix, Blue Cur and Vodka. Granted there were many many different reciepes but we plan on mixing a few to get it right!

Now you might ask what in the world are we putting that super sweet drink in, well now I have my excuse to purchase a drink dispenser, you know those gorgeous Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel Glass Drink dispensers. Well, after looking around at Target, I found in a very simple section, glass drink dispensers for very reasonable $19.99! I can't beat that. I did find one at the thrift store in the neighborhood but it had no lid :-P So not sure what to do with that yet. But here is some eye candy for you!

Now walk it out

2009-10-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Ok folks, with 15 days and counting I def still have a lot to do, almost an overwhelming amount of things to do. However, I have just completed one of my most budget friendly and fun DIY projects ever. What might you say, well... Drum roll please.......... THE MUSIC!

That's right, the music list. Well let me back up and explain. We are doing an IPOD/Zune Player DJ. That's where you use all of your own music, make your own list and etc... The past hmm 4-5 months. I have been hooked on Itunes looking for our favorite songs and songs I think our guest might like as well.

I even posted the question to fellow brides to be about what their top ten music list would look like on another blog(shameless plug, be sure to check out my other blog at www.sweetoctoberlove.blogspot.com)

Geared up with an arsenal of music, including our personal cd's and a friendly list of suggestions, on to Itunes we went. We now have about 3 hours worth of foot stomping, aching feet from dancing so hard music (not including cocktail/dinner music and our special songs, those come later).

Here is a glimpse of our top must play songs, if you want to see the whole list message me

Justin Timberlake SexyBack

Fergie Fergalicious

Men at work Who can it be now

Cool and the Gang Celebration

Rick Ashley Never gonna give you up

Day 26 Got me going

Trace Adkins Honkey Tonk Badonkeydonk

Gretchin Wilson Here for the party

Scissor Sisters Paul McCartney

Cupid Cupid Shuffle

Kelis Milkshake

Beauty Part 2

2009-10-10T22:26:00.001-07:00

The Products or rather my current staples

Every morning I wash my face with Mary Kay Facial Wash Wipes followed by a once a week Brown Sugar Scrub from Bath and Body Works I use the timewise Mary Kay line Day and Night products.

Body wise, I am using Vaseline Coco Butter Lotion, followed by Soap and Glory Righteous Butter. My skin is usually pretty dry especially now that we are headed towards cold and breezy weather.

At the end of the week, I will take a new picture of my skin and let me know what you think. Do you have any staples?

Beauty Routine Part 1

2009-10-10T19:00:00.000-07:00

As I look back on pictures, I feel that then compared to now is a huge differance. Before I met the soon to be hubby. I feel with my crazy work scheduled, the possibility of moving into a new house, 3 dogs (yes 3!) and many other crazy things in the world. I think I have lost my glow, my umm sexy back. Being that I only have 14 days and counting till the big day why not actually attempt to look my best in pictures and look absolutely amazing for all that shall be in attendance at the best party of the year!

So here in comparison is a picture of how I used to look and how I look now! Yikes right!The picture at the top or in the black is me in 2007 20lbs lighter, a sleeker hair cut, great skin and happy with my looks. Here is me now, chubbier cheeks, horrible skin, dry and etc... dry super dry hair (although I am attempting to go natural)and etc.. So with 14 days to go, I have some work to do!

So on with the routine. In my new attempt to a healthier me, I made a few decisions about chemicals. I am trying to eliminate as many chemicals I can from my body and skin, hair and etc.. But some staples I just have to have until the wedding or until I find a natural organic subsitute.

Making it happen!

2009-10-09T06:00:00.001-07:00

Ok so with only a few weeks left to go, or rather I should say days. I still have a lot and I mean a lot to do!

Here is what I have left to do!

Finish Aisle Runner (needs an additional touch of paint)
Clean my Fricking house for when people come over pre wedding
I need to make at least 4 more tissue ball pomanders
Figure out what I want to hang on the church doors
A guest book (still yes I know)
Decorate our toasting flutes
Finalizing the table scape (reception)
Finish Bathroom Basket and Signs
Assemble Bridesmaid Gifts
Create timeline for everyone
Track down more decorations!

So that is for the most part what I have left but I thought I would leave you with some wonderful blue and brown wedding inspiration!

Brown and Blue Wedding by msdmitchell08 on Polyvore.com

Oh my MAC

2009-09-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't really talked about anything Makeup related until now. I absolutely love makeup, and anything to do with it. I have even done a few weddings (and am looking to do more, if someone wants an artist) So I have decided to do my own makeup.

Now of course with my love of makeup, I think it's crazy hard to find inspiration photos as an African American Bride. It's hard to look at pictures of some celebrities and bride magazines when we aren't considered a part of the majority that get's married (odd isn't it!) So we normally turn to our African American Celebrities and Music stars for our cues on inspiration (hopefully that will change, but this seems to be the norm even on some of my favorite blogs)

Everyday for the new week, I will create one of the 6 looks and will have you tell me or vote on which one you like the best. I am going for naturally glam :-)

African American Bride Makeup Inspiration by msdmitchell08 on Polyvore.com

My Goodies!

2009-09-24T09:43:00.000-07:00

That's right my goodies! That's what's underneath my dress, emm hmm, well not exactly. I am talking about my garter. I have been on the hunt for something sexy and cute something my other would love. I have looked at your basic garters, simple and gets the job done to your more detailed sports themed, wedding themed, cartoon themed, you name it I have seen it. Well my other although he loves his sports team, I don't think a Redskin garter would interest him.

I turned to my very good and close friend, ETSY! You know the site I looked and looked and with great luck and beauty might I add, I came across Birds of Paradise who makes these gorgeous garters, I mean to die for!!. I didn't see my colors, but I contacted her about doing a custom one and with her great prices, I couldn't beat it. She has finished my to die for garter and I cant wait to get it in the mail, but here is a sneak peak. Be sure to check out her shop for great prices and great items!

Sweet Sweet Carnations

2009-09-21T19:36:00.000-07:00

Now I must say I am a rose girl all the way, hey there is even one named after me (emm hmm, Princess Diana, I think it's called) However, I have been trying to think of an in-expensive flower that has a similar effect to the rose but something of course that is budget friendly. Lately, I have been coming across these gorgeous bouquets that just so happen to be Carnations. Well I am excited to say I have officially picked my flowers.

I of course will be DIY my bridesmaid bouts and my bout, however my bout will be roses! To leave you with some ideas, here is what I have come up with.

Flower Inspiration by msdmitchell08 on Polyvore.com

OMG Shoes!

2009-09-19T20:37:00.000-07:00

I am sure by now everyone and there mom has seen this fab video on Youtube. I am totally in love with shoes, and have pairs that I am in love with that I haven't even wore. That's right! With that said , of course my wedding shoes would be a huge deal. I looked and looked for weeks, which turned into months and now at the brink of deadlines and all things crazy I had to decide on a pair ASAP.

I took to Weddingbee for help and still had no luck. I was woed by colored shoes, super expensive chic shoes in multiple styles and colors. I took to many blogs, and I mean many and most of the suggestions were for kitten heels. The only shoe I dread is a kitten heel. I am 5'8 so they look weird on me. The man is also 6'5 feet so a heel has to be worn.

Also being on the whole budget friendly kick, I had to look for an inexpensive pair, low and behold ebay! I finally came across Stuart Weitzman Shoes which are to die for but pricey, I found one of my favorite pairs the Karnac Peep Toe and finally found a seller at a good price and wouldn't you know it..... I WON THE BID! Yep, sure did. So cast your eyes on these beauties, however I do believe I will add a jewel at the top to jazz them up a bit but I loooove them!

Rocking and rolling like no body's business

2009-09-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

That's right with X and counting amount of days I am rocking and rolling like no other. Which means getting done as many DIY projects as necessary, we are on a tight budget, so I need to crank out the easy things and make them happen.

To start off I have been struggling with the table scape (table design) in other words what in the hell am I putting on the tables. After checking out another blogging bride on weddingbee, she had these cute, easy and in-expensive table numbers. I easily did this DIY project with simple black frames, brown and blue wrapping paper and simple printed card stock numbers. I cut the numbers out and glued them (lightly to the wrapping paper and wrapped the wrapping paper around the cardboard insert in the frame and vola! Easy peasy table numbers!

On to the next project: GOCOO, yea, exactly with only one screen and 2 sets of light bulbs, let's make it work folks.OK so not realizing I also needed an Ink divider? WTH is a ink divider. The ink divider helps you do multiple colors at once so you don't have to use multiple screens like a lot of folks use. SO I started with just one color but because my design is so specific I tried to do two colors and section them off by how much ink I used. My results, they look grreat!

Here is a few pics of me in action.

The Invites!

2009-09-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

ok so right now I have a rack of things to get done,more then I am ready to admit. But first is these silly little things called invites. Being the cheap umm chic bride that I am, I have been deciding just how to get these done. I hired a wonderful artist from Etsy who is amazing. She designed a wonderful invite that has our colors and some of our themes incorporated. So I am excited to get these babies on the road, because this is looong over due.

So tonight's the night for the gocco, although these invites are in three different colors I am going to attempt either to use an ink block technique to save on screens or possibly printing at Kinkos for a fraction of cost and possibly to keep my sanity.

Also and to give you a portion of why I am a little crazy here is my to do list:

Programs
Mail Rehearsal Dinner Invites
Make up trial
Tissue Paper Pomanders
Sparkler Container
Bridesmaid emergency kits
Bridal Party gifts
Bathroom Baskets
Finish painting aisle runner
Chair Signs (Bride and Groom)
Thank You Signs
Place Cards

Now that's only a partial look at the rest of my projects!!

The weight game or gain in this case!

2009-09-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

So I have been dreading this topic for a minute, well to be honest a little longer then a minute! At this current moment, I will say I am sure my dress does not fit. Wait let me repeat it so you can see the magnitude of this situation: THE DRESS DOES NOT FIT!

With that said it is the time to make it happen, crunch time, or to get off my lazy ass as my lovely other would say! So off the ass I am, I even challenged the man to him getting fit within the short time frame that we have which is 46 days! I need to lose at least one dress size.

So here is the game plan:

Good breakfast in the am( why, this is usually something I skip just about every morning of my life)
Cook Dinner( now we have been pretty good about this, we cook dinner just about every night)
Lunch: This is where the problem is, my office is motivated by food (yes ladies and you know its the damn truth) so I have to find healthy filling lunch options that won't have me starving like a lunatic!

Snacks, hmm, I looove my chocolate, so I need to find other sweet things to calm that sweet tooth craze I have.

Last but not least, is getting off my lazy ass. I used to be a dancer and since I stopped dancing it has all gone down hill. So I am looking for something to get my self excited about moving around! So now I am on the hunt for a fun activity.

Alright well wish me luck and cross your fingers and toes, I got a dress to get into!

E-Pics

2009-09-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

I am sooo sorry folks. I have been super busy at work and almost swamped with wedding projects as we hit T-minus 40 some days and counting!! My oh my the places we shall go!

Here is a quick recap on our E-pics. We finally have them!!! Yea. Now what!!? Well, we plan on creating a photo guest book if the budget allows it, I also have used them on our wedding site, so our guests get a few photos of us pre-wedding when they RSVP.

But here are a couple of my favorites. These beauties were taken by Ms. Fola Adewole!

Finally The Dresses

2009-08-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

No not my dress but my ladies dresses. We arranged to meet at David's Bridal in Glen Burnie with the too fab consultant Robert. I Heart Robert! Just fantastic. Now keep in mind my dream dress of course for the gals is the Melissa Sweet Blue gown that I think is stunning, but with keeping everyone's budgets in mind and etc.. especially in these economic times, I wanted something in-expensive and something that the girls think they look fantastic in (which I must say my bridesmaids are some stunners)

We headed back to DB in search of something sweet, vintage, modern and just fab! The girls picked out a series of dresses in various blues and to my dismay my blue (Tiffany blue but for David bridals sake Capri) was just not available in any of the styles I liked ( down fall for shopping at DB's) but with the color situation we choose a blue dress in cornflower and some gorgeous dresses in chocolate brown.

Each dress compliments each lady very well and the color scheme, the Lady's will have a coordinating sash to go with their dresses as well.

So Anyways, I am going to show our first option and then of course what we actually choose.

E-Pics

2009-07-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to say, Bobby and I finally did I E-Pics a week in a half ago with Ms. Fola Adewole and her husband Aba at the Senator Theatre. My favorite jewel of Baltimore, MD (well one of my favorite jewels and what I wouldn't givee to have our wedding there)

The theatre folks were so gracious to allow us to not just photograph outside of the theatre but in the theatre as well. How exciting, talk about really feeling like a movie star.

The shoot started in one of the main theatres in which we had the whole spot. We took pictures on the stage in front of the theatre, underneath a gorgeous chandelear. We then headed out to a graffiti based wall in good ole Hampden right next to Holy Frijoles ( also one of our favorite spots and the place we ate at on our first date.

We laughed and giggled the whole time and even had the pups with us (little miss Leah and mr.roger)

We had such an amazing time, we both can't wait to see them. But here is a link to see a wonderful kiss photo of us on the theatre stage ( we are the 2nd photo down).

First Dance

2009-07-23T08:12:00.000-07:00

First let me say my apologies for not writing in the past few weeks, with moving to our new home (yeaaah) and my dealing with the dogs and the potential of going back to school and 9000 things, I have been quite overwhelmed these last few weeks. Well with 90 some days to go I am hitting the pavement and running hard.

This particular post is about our First dance. As you may or may not know I am a dancer and have been dancing for years, I am talking everything hip hop, jazz, lyrical contemporary. I love it! So the dance portions of the wedding mean a lot to me.

We have been having some major dilema's in picking our first dance song. I originally wanted Etta James "At Last" but not only is that played a ton of times at peoples weddings, I am actually quite frankly sick of the song. So it was back to the drawing board. I suggested Lucky Jason Mraz and Colby Cole or however her last name is spelled (opps sorry) but Mr. too cool for words doesn't think its appropriate.

So back to the drawing board. Which as I continue to locate tons of music since we are going the Ipod DJ route! (Expect a post on that soon)

But I will leave you with this youtube video that I lovvveed that Ms. Fola shared with me today. How much fun is this?

The budget

2009-06-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

The budget, the thing I think all brides dread. We are on a servere budget like the bride that has the $2000 wedding I am looking around the same thing or less. I think I am pretty thrifty and enjoy a good sale. Although this week a lone I saved a ton of money but not eating lunch out of the office not one day!!! Now working on a budget should be no thing, since I work for a non profit where budgets are always a crying matter!

Lately I have noticed all the hubbub about budgets and I am almost embrassed when I see other couples who have sent oh lets say $50K, is there not something else besides a wedding that you could spend that money and use. With todays economy I still can't believe folks can spend that on a wedding ( well I am sure they don't work for a non profit)

Anyway, I wanted to share with you all a breakdown of my budget or at least what has been spent so far.

(sorry these are in no kinda order)

Wedding Blog (free, thanks google)
Wedding Dress Ebay $350 included shipping (purchased from before)
Church Free (but will give the church a donation)

Save the dates Vista Print $34.00
Postage (already had from before)$10 a the most or less

Bridesmaid Newsletters:
Folder $1.50
Printing Free
Postage $1.50x 4

Candy Buffet
Jar 1 $6.99
square Jar borrowed
Round jar $2.99
Mosaic Bowls purchased from before $2.00 ea clearance after xmas sale Michaels

Oh and I recently purchased the lovely Gocco $143.00

So far I thinking I am doing good!

Blessed Be thy name

2009-06-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

Well to put it out there, I am a Catholic girl raised Roman Catholic.Well being that the Cathlic tradition is very traditional when it comes to getting married, needless to say we just aren't working with that type of time frame. Sad to say I won't be getting married in a Catholic Church.

However, I found a very quaint and beautiful church in my new neighborhood. The minister is absolutely great and just wonderful and he has offered to marry us and allow us to do the ceremony in the church.

So needless to say I am thrilled and very excited to decorate the church which actually has been the easiest decisions I have had to make. To give you a quick run down:

Monogram aisle runner (DIY)
Flower cones on every other pew (DIY) White Flowers with a few blue hydrangea's mixed in
White pearl wreaths with blue and brown ribbon (DIY)

So that's it well of course the programs and tissue packets that I will include in them.

So without further delay here are some photos of my inspiration

I am in love with a Gocco

2009-06-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Yes I am all about the Gocco Craze! And yes it is truly that a craze. For weeks and months I have been pulling my hair out over our invites. What color, what style, what graphic and just the overall look. I already know the wording, I just need the design feature.

I really want an Apple Mac (not a big mac) this would really resolve all of my design issues right, well they are $1500 + so that will have to wait just a little bit. Sorry I got off track :-p but the current solution was to get a Gocco. Everything I buy now I try to rationalize, how much will I actually use or or how many times will it get worn etc...

I figured with the Gocco, I can not only do wedding related things but Christmas Cards, Birthday cards, all sorts of things. Great right! Well I am still thrifty and just spending $300 on this machine plus the supplies would def. cost me a pretty penny, which with moving, planing a high glamour little budget, attempting to go back to school in the fall might be out of the budget.

Well as many of you know (or I hope you know) I am a blogger on Blogger Brides and frequent the Wedding Bee boards. I always always always look for deals and steals. Now of course everyone there has theirs listed for $250 or $300 not including shipping, well low and behold I got a super deal for under $200 with shipping.

On the same night I was able to find inks at a discount price as well. Now once I save a little I do plan on hoarding supplies, since the Gocco will no longer be made.

Here is my beauty :) A PG 5

In Love with the theatre

2009-06-18T21:51:00.000-07:00

Hello the Senator Theatre that is. A very historical site here in Maryland, a very unique movie theatre very old skool style. Since I am planning a vintage style wedding with modern twists. How amazing would it be to take photos at the theatre.

Well after begging,searching, annoying, pleading, everyone I could to get me in at the theatre I was able to talk to the owner, who Baltimore being the small town it is, near the past company I worked for and some of my work.

The sad part is that the city is putting the theatre up for auction in July and you know being the organizer I am, I just can't have that.

I have a wonderful photographer by the name of Fola Adewole(www.folaadewole.com/blog) please check her work out it is amazing! She will be taking our E-Pics at the theatre. How exciting! We are super excited to be working with our new friend and to also do some good for the theatre. I plan on giving the theatre a pic or two to show what beauty can happen at the theatre and how people feel about it.

Newies

2009-06-18T21:13:00.001-07:00

So I am hoping on the band wagon and providing my lovely ladies with newsletters. All of my ladies work incredibly hard and are always super busy! When I say busy I mean crazy busy. My maid of honor lives about an hour or more from her full time job (what a commute!) she then drives to her part time and works till almost midnight, 3 nights a week.

Bridesmaid number one, works full time as a graphic designer and is trying to get certified as a YOGA instructor so she has many classes and workshops to go to.

Bridesmaid number two, is an amazing dancer (I consider her to be my little sister) and she is always performing and auditioning ( did I mention all of us are dancers)

Bridesmaid number three (also a dancer)works very hard and also will be in the process of planning her own wedding soon too.

So we def. have a full plate! So to keep everyone informed what better way then a newsletter, these little puppies took me foooorever! I couldn't find folders in my colors, but I found these cute polka dot folders that they can use over and over for anything (of course I have to be practical)

So tadaa a sampling of my newsletters and folders. Enjoy ladies!

I do

2009-06-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Finally one of the first DIY projects of many is done and I can cross off my list. Exciting right :-D I created I Do letters, I want to make some tables really stand out, like hello my cake table! I will be making a fake cake 4 tiers, tiffany style and possible blinged out (the hubby would really love the bling!)

But on the same note, I will be baking at least 3 real cakes to have cut up and served to my guest. Good times right. All baking will be done at least 2 days before. With my favorite or "our" favorite being made last 1 night before, phew, a lot of work right! All good, it cuts the budget in half and it will be a lot of fun and show what a damn good baker I am!

The table to continue to give you a visual will have a white table cloth, with blue tulle around the table (like a table skirt) with twinkle lights within the tulle, the I do letters on the table with sprinkles of bling and glitter to really make the table glow.

The I do Letters, are simple wood letters you can get from Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn or a few other places. I purchased mine from JoAnn's.
Each letter cost me around $1 and some change per letter.

I also purchased a paint bruch (.50cents) and 1 vile of Blue glitter($1.00) and craft glue (.75cents)

I placed the letter on a heavy folder but you can use a book, or something that has a little weight to it. I covered the letter section by section with the craft glue and shoke the glitter feriously. Once the glitter was on I lifted the letter and dusted it off onto the folder to catch the excess glitter, which saves you glitter and really helps you get your moneys worth!

Take a look at the letters! They need a final coat of glitter, but the bulk of the work is done!

Bridesmaid Dresses

2009-06-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

So for weeks well months now I have been pondering over what the gal's shall wear. In previous, I was very un-happy with the original choice but decided they are the ones wearing it, so it should be there choice. Well the tables have changed just a little bit.

I want the following:
A dress the girls can wear again
A dress the girls absolutely love
A dress that is budget friendly (hello)
A dress that makes them all look amazing

Well I have found such said dress, even to the point that I too want to wear the dress for other parties and everything else in between. I introduce to you the Melissa Sweet dresses. I am in looooove with this dress, hello sworn worthy!

The dress has everything that I am looking for with the exception of the potential not so budget friendly tag, but I am hoping to work around that (more to come)
But checking out one of my new favorite blogs (Charm City Bride) I stumbled across a local boutique with said dress in their store front. So off I went to book an appointment to view the gowns ( yeaaa.....)
I am totally in love with the idea of things being local, shopping locally, buying locally and just being apart of the local economy. I am a eco girl who believes in giving back. So I am excited to visit to spot.

To check this store out go to Bellabridesmaid.com

Charm City Baltimore Bride

2009-06-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

Thanks right, I am a Charm City Baltimore Bride and I love every minute of it. I love my city, granted we have the highest or are considered the most dangerous in the nation but who's looking. I love the lights of the city, the purple lighted buildings when the Raven's win. The fireworks from Camden Yards. The sweet vinegar smell when you get towards Cold Spring on 83. I love the beautiful hidden treasures you find every day in the city, that you stumble across. I mean I did meet my hunny there after all.

Well I have found a great new blog for all of you Baltimore Brides out there. This log posses some great true Baltimore finds and ideas. So I am pleased to share with you Charm City Bride

Kudos Charm City!

Dress me in silver

2009-06-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

I never thought in my wildest dreams that finding a dress would be this difficult. I know for my body type and for my style what type of dress will look good on me and what I can get away with.

I love the fairy tale ball gown, southern charm type dresses, lots of tulle and total sweetness. But I am also on a budget. So I had a wonderful experience months ago at David Bridal's (DB's for future references)

I love the dress, I love all of the beautiful details but now the hard part begins, A. well getting in shape B. Finding those wonderful accessories I so crave to make the day absolutely perfect.

(I Will have to repost the picture hold tight folks!)

Now looking at the additional accessories in this picture, I hate times 10. The gloves just not me, the head band def. not me. So now I am on the hunt for perfect accessories. I love the bling of the bodice in the gown, so I am looking for a blingfull tiara and something else to set it off.

Any suggestions?

Candy Candy and more CANDY!!

2009-05-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

Well to start my MOH had a brillant idea. For months now I have been trying to find a creative cute wedding favor for our guests but have been stumped!

I love candy and one of the ideas was to give candy but then I have to stuff the bags or boxes, figure out the type of candy and yada yada yada. Her idea was why not just use your candy buffet as the favor! TA DAH!! Bells went off, lights went off, what a fab and delicious idea! So now I am on a mission. I purchased so far two fab containers and am on the hunt for 5 more.

To start my DIY project I purchased Tiffany Blue ribbon and each container will be draped in the Tiffany Blue Ribbon plus some sweet Tiffany inspired jewels to add to the jar.

So here is a brief start to my project, I still have to add the jewels plus a tag to identify each candy. (Hold tight folks, have to repost the pics)

My candy list will include Blue, Pink and Silver candy.

Blue M&M's

Pink Swirl Lollipops

Pink Chocolate and Carmel Hershey Kisses

Silver Hershey Kisses

Blue Twists

and a few others.

Are you doing a candy buffet? If so what kind and what's your inspiration?

Candy by msdmitchell08 on Polyvore.com

New Blogging Bride

2009-05-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share the news, I am now a Blogging Bride on the Getmarried website. Although I will be updating this blog as often as possible, also check my blog on the Get Married.com website to follow me and many other brides in their wedding planning process!
So please stop by and see me there too!

All Things Pink and Blue

2009-05-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

I am excited to say I have some new wedding inspirations coming your way. I am incredibly excited now that I have the STD's ordered they will be in the mail in 21 days or rather 20 days in counting. Hey I am cheap and on a budget so shipping was as cheap as they come!

But I just got to thinking and got excited about the many options I have when it comes to all things Blue Brown and hints of pink. So with that said here is my new inspiration board :) Enjoy! Be on the look out for the STD"s!

Just a little bit of inspiration

2009-05-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

I am very excited now that I have nailed down my colors (thanks to all of the helpful ladies on weddingbee) and now have a reception location. It's time for me to create my first inspiration board. Which I worked hard and diligently at the crack of dawn. I am clearly wired from a long evening of dance rehearsals and practice.

I am really hoping to go for the glitz and glam Mr.Football is just about the glitz as I am. So I think he would enjoy the bits and pieces of plantinum I add to our color scheme. Now introducing the Tiffany Blue, Platinum and Chocolate Brown Inspiration Part 1

Wedding Inspiration by msdmitchell08 on Polyvore.com

Needs a little work and a little tweaking but I am happy to put one together finally. Oh and I absolutely love the hairstyle posted in the board. It is simple and elegant.So hopefully that will be a hair potential!

The Church/Reception/Maybe?

2009-05-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ok so I did buckle down and did a good search on a possible location that A. Fits our budget and B a place that i can just have amazing memories and C. a place that can fit all of our families, friends and guest. So with that said drumroll please bbbbubububububububububub ( I guess that's how you type a drumroll) My location is St. John's of Baltimore. It is absolutely beautiful!In my planning process I refer to things as "that moment" meaning our fairytale moment. It has sooo much potential now granted the step up that I had originally envisioned will change a little bit but I am up for a challenge. Its a beautiful space and I think the space i have dreamed up. I am such a sap, yes I know but I can't help but get excited when the pieces start to fall into place.So now my task is nailing down some decor decisions. I feel like I am crazy behind. I am normally fairly organized. I am not sure if I like this crazy un-organized lady I have become!

BridesMaids

2009-05-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

I am going officially out of my mind!!! With the wedding in October, I have slightly neglected to A. Let my friends know about our plans and B. even decide on who is going to be bridesmaids. In our previous planning, I had 4 bridesmaids. At this time period I am going between 6-8. I really want a big bridal party, but I also want people involved who I share a deep friendship with. I know this make sense right? Why share all of these wonderful bonding moments with folks your just "Ok" with. Yes I know I am complicated and am probably making this way more complicated then it should. But I only want to do this once (or twice in my case).So with that said I am going to make my list today and decide officially on the matter. However, I want to present my bridesmaids with something amazing as their gift from me or bridesmaid proposal.Here is my potential list of possible ways to ask the ladies:Tiffany Box with a Blue and White Cupcake, with a tag on the box that says "Will you be my Bridesmaid"A Hand sewn mini scented pillow that says will you be my bridesmaid (stitched on the back)Or just a simple card with a book mark ( I think my friends read,lol kidding kidding!)Also on a side note, I found the cutest poem that I snagged from August15Bride that I def plan on using. I am thinking in printing it in a pretty font and adding a picture of me and each lady and framing it.
It's hard to believe that in just a little while,
Nate and I will be walking down the aisle,
You've stood right beside me through thick and thin,
And I want you to be there when I marry him,
Nothing would give me more joy and pride,
Than to have you there, by my side.
Will you be my Maid of Honor/Bridesmaid?
I also have to include this picture I think as one of their actual Brides Maid gifts I think I am going to make

The Beginning!

2009-05-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to write or rather start this wedding blog. For my friends and family, Mr.N and I originally started planning our wedding in October 07 but due to some extreme craziness we postponed it but sneakily eloped in October of 08. Now keeping with our big secret (yes many folks now at this point) we are back on our path to planning the big huge wedding my heart desires :) So we are both excited to make a special thing even more special and meaningful by having our friends,families and various other folks there to witness the festivities and to celebrate a new.

So just already I am not your typical bride per say but it will still be a great time and a great path. At this point we are planning for a October 09 wedding so it will be close to our anniversary and oddly enough October must just be our month. We got engaged in October, eloped in October and will now re-marry in October. Coincidence? doubt it! I am a true DIY bride! So I am excited to get things going 7 months to go. Oh one last thing, besides celebrating a wedding in October, we will also celebrate the birth of a baby, no not ours but one of my bridesmaids. So it will be an exciting time.