Waterfront Preppy

My new site!

2010-01-16T16:11:00.001-08:00

I just realized that the link I post leading you over to my new blog wasn't working! eck!

Here it is:

katiedykema.blogspot.com

I hope to see you there!

http://katiedykema.blogspot.com/

Finals!

2009-12-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

Finals Time :)

I'll be back in a week.

I've Moved!

2009-08-01T22:56:00.000-07:00

This summer is flying by! Catch up with me at my new blog; Kt did

I will be posting wedding photos & all of the details surrounding our big day over the next couple of weeks!

See you there!

My bucket list, sort of.

2009-05-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Before we get to the bucket list,
I love sales. I rarely buy anything not on sake or at a discounted price(many of you know this from shopping with me). Lately to get my retail fix, I "virtual shop" aka I go online and fill my shopping bag with anything I like. At the end I simply leave the site and go back to work. This seems to work though because I get my retail fix without spending money and I can do it as often as I need to! (you should try it). The other day I was able to fill my bag with 4dresses, a pair of heels, a pair of ballet flats, a pair of leather flip flops, 3 sweaters and socks all for $950.00. This was all from J.Crew and everything typically ran double to triple the price I got it for. I may just go back and actually purchase a few of the dresses. With so many weddings, showers and events this summer it would be nice to not wear the same outfit to all of it(and you really can't beat a $50 dress from j.crew)

My bucket list:

* Live in another country for a while

*learn a foreign language and speak is fairly fluently (no spanish though)

* Start a non profit organization

* Travel to Africa

*Visit every continent (I'm ok without China...)

*Work with animals

* Be the Daniel Burnham of Detroit

*Visit every state in the U.S.

* Create an influential building or structure

*Have children

*swim with dolfins

*Hike the appalachian trial end to end in one go

*Hike patagonia

*Visit Alaska before it's gone (and we are too)

This is just the beginning of it

I'm off to visit Tap plastics and spend way too much money on materials for my models. Hopefully they will get one more project into Spring Show for me.

By the way; Spring show is May 21. You should come, it's a pretty big deal.

Love

2009-04-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows how much I love J.Crew. Seasons are typically a hit or a miss an this season it is a definite HIT.

Seriously, I will gladly accept J.Crew gift cards for wedding gifts. I mean we really don't have room for many kitchen gadgets or furniture but I can easily replace the wardrobe in my closet! (no joke... the majority of my clothes now have holes in them. I have sewn up three holes in my jeans so I can keep on wearing them.....)

I will also gladly tag along on any shopping sprees......

What a week

2009-04-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

The Ugly:

Till Midnight, our reception location, closed. We found out on Saturday, two days before they closed their doors

We only have two more weeks of classes. EKKK. I have about four weeks of work to fit into the next two weeks. (wish me luck)

The Good:

We are now booked at Boatwerks Restaurant for our reception. I am actually happier so far with this turn of events. The statement," God doesn't close a door without opening a window somewhere else" couldn't ring more true.

We only have two more weeks of classes! ( haha this is good AND bad!)

We started looking at honeymoon location possibilities. :)

I got a napkin made and will be shipping off my fabric tomorrow. A wonderful women at West Ottawa (The home ec/ interior design teacher) offered to make them all for me. Such a relief!

Daniel cut out all of our envelope liners today AND glued them to the envelopes! I love him :)

Now I just need to create that list of things to order so we can start ordering things!

I need to get my dress sized! and find a veil! and find shoes for the girls! and get Daniel's outfit squared away.

It seems like the list never ends... Unfortunately it will have to wait two weeks until I have a few spare moments to breath.

Have a good end of April/ Beginning of May!

2009-04-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

I have been in a rut lately. A creative rut... I think a room filled with balloons would do the trick to snap me out of it. :)

I found a few images of our cookie bar idea! Seriously, the idea has been whispered around the blog world more recently but with all the talk of candy bars no one seems to notice.

This was the first idea Dan and I had in the planning process. (after the no shoes, beach front soiree with s'mores, that is). I haven't mentioned it much before because I didn't want anyone taking my idea (and still dont!). I get that whole secrecy from undergrad (it sucks). Anytime I would present an idea that I was crazy excited about it would get taken by just about everyone and appear on every single design board the next week. Boo. So yea, I don't share ideas as much as I should. But anywho here is a big one: (we already have a few of the glass jars purchased but seeing this makes me wonder if I should find a few smaller ones...)

My plan:

Cookies from our childhoods.

And Milk! (seriously, who doesn't love milk and cookies!)

Cookies:

*Monster

*Whoopie pies

* Molasses

*Peanut butter

*Chocolate chip

*Snickerdoodle

Milk:

*Horizon organic chocolate milk (the best choc. milk ever + chocolate milk is a little inside thing for Dan and I which makes it that much better)

* skim regular

*vanilla soy (yummy as well!)

image inspiration

2009-04-03T07:58:00.001-07:00

Just some of the pictures I have been saving lately.

Love the hand painted wooden sign. I want one of these at the end of the driveway. (Dad? :) )

The following images are from a wedding of an employee of Purl Soho (a fabric store in NY). I am already creating our fabric for our cake table at the reception and refreshment table at the ceremony.

Each table has a different pattern napkin in the weddings colors of orange and green. This fabric corresponded to the seating card for each guest.

Up close shot of the napkins. also, notice the glass magnet with the initial. These were used to distinguish what food the guest had requested. We have been asked to do this by Till Midnight as well and I plan on making these as well. I am going to use three different background colors (green, navy, and a polka dot) that will correspond to the guests food choice.

These are the seating cards that were made to correspond to the napkin at the guests table. I am going to do something with this idea in mind.

As most know, I love ribbon. I would love to have navy, white, and green grosgrain ribbon hanging from the tree next to where all of us will stand during the ceremony.

Flip flops were offered at the reception for guests. As much as I love the idea I feel it is a tad bit overdone.

Babys breath in galvanized (not black, as pictures here) tubs could flank Dan and I. We aren't going to have any sort of arch so this would help delineate where we stand.

I love the flower petals pre-lining the edge of the isle way. I think it would help create an isle way considering we aren't going to be using a runner.

Luminaries lighting up the path. I think these would be really pretty both lining the driveway to the ceremony as well as the sidewalk leading into the reception. They were made using white lunch bags and a decorative paper punch for along the top.

Bathroom bins from the MacBeth collection. I love these small tins, we don't have much counter space in the restrooms so this size would be perfect.

And finally our invites. This is the back of the invite (notice the Eames stamps? Love them!)

And here is the front! The picture was taken at the Grand (old theatre) in Grand haven right across from where Dan and I met at Porto bellos!

Dress for sale!

2009-03-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

Tell your friends!

I am selling a beautiful ivory Watters gown. I am asking $900.00 OBO. This dress retailed for over $2,000.00. The gown was purchased at a sample sale and has not been worn.

http://www.oncewed.com/find.cfm?listingID=2091&name=Watters_7006b

Noomas

2009-03-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Going home always makes me think about Mars Hill, the church I went to during the later part of high school and when I was home from college. I loved it. The pastor created these short films dealing with all kinds of issues. The films brought the issues down to a more human/ relatable scale. All of the films are available for purchase on the nooma.com website or you can access them through the marshill website.

Here is a passage for one;

Rich

"There’s a popular bumper sticker that reads “God Bless America,” but hasn’t America already been blessed? It’s easy for us to fall into a mindset of viewing “our” world as “the” world, because it’s all we generally see. We’re constantly bombarded with images of the latest styles and models of everything, and it can easily leave us feeling like what we have isn’t enough because we see people that have even more than us. But how does what we have compare to what most people in the world have? Maybe what we have is enough; maybe it’s more than enough. Maybe God has blessed us with everything we have so we can bless and give to others."

Interesting fact; Experts say that in order to provide water, basic health, and nutrition for everyone in the world that the estimate would be around 20 million dollars. That is the same amount Americans spend on ice cream every year.

Thought provoking, isn't it?

I'm leaving, on a jet plane...

2009-03-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

Dan and I are just about to head to the airport. Our flight leaves around 5am but the last Bart leaves at one (and doesn't start up again until 4:30) so we will be sleeping there. I am grateful to see family but disappointed about the circumstances.

Dan heads out to Louisiana Thursday. It will be a long weekend without him but I am glad he gets to go and see his family.

I am so grateful to all of you who have kept my family and I in your prayers.

Love,
katie ( & Daniel)

2009-03-23T00:09:00.000-07:00

I am exhausted. This has been one of the longest days of my life so far. Prayers gladly accepted & appreciated, for me and my family.

Love,
Kate

4 months!

2009-03-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

4 months from today, at this time, I will be MARRIED to my best friend and love of my life :) I can't wait.

:)

Now to finish everything up! The list is long....

Things I have gotten down so far over break

2009-03-17T23:11:00.000-07:00

- Nothing.........

ok, so i sleep a little (ok, a lot) oh and I did make it over to the fabric store today! That was a nice little change. Tomorrow I am going to start on all of my homework and hopefully get some sewing done!

Oh, I did make puppy chow and brownies. (aka now I REALLY need to go work out!)

Spring break

2009-03-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

A list of things I would like to be able to do over spring break:
- work out
- tan(or atleast lay by the pool)
- read my book for class
- read a book not related to class
- sew the ring pillow and gifts for the three little ones in the wedding
- get daniels outfit bought
- find myself or make myself a veil
- register!
- create a list of everything we still need to order for the wedding
- list my dress on craigslist and once wed
- find a day of coordinator who won't make us go broke

I really don't think a week is enough time.
On another note, I would totally forget all of this if I could travel someplace warm.(boo for Daniel leaving a day before I could leave, I just may come down be myself!)

Miss you all! I promise I will return the phone calls and emails as soon as this week is over :)

2009-03-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

Ugh... My stomach aches are becoming more frequent again. I know exactly what is causing them too; stress, too much coffee, and a lack of exercise. I want to fix all of that so badly but unfortunately my type a personality won't let me not stress, I need something to keep me going during these 12 hour daily stints in the studio, and I just stress out more about trying to figure out a time to exersice. I'm going to give myself an ulcer.

My second studio project is wrapping up. It is due next tuesday, ekk. I have a paper on a book we have been reading due this Thursday. I have a project for my other design class due next Thursday and a test in architectural history this Friday and we are getting assigned another book next week. This one has to be read and written about in a week.
This is definitly a program where you have to love architecture and really want to succeed. Good thing I can put a check next to both of those things.

Some of you have been asking what I want to do with architecture when I am done with the program. The answer;
I want to develop modular, affordable (and high end versions) housing units focusing on great space planning and materiality. ( this means shipping containers as structures, small space living with all the luxuries.).
I want to blend my love of color, pattern, and texture with the structural side. I love interior design (not decorating.) but I have wanted to do architecture since 7th grade. It was in my first shop class and we had to draft up a plan for a small portable tic-tac-toe game that we would then have to make. I loved the process of it, it was calming and I was good at it haha

A few random facts about me in relation to architecture:
- I hated playing with dolls and barbies. If friends wanted to play barbies or dolls when I was little I would create the house or redo their dollhouse.
- because of the comment above, I played with legos and got blocks as gifts.
- when I played legos the one thing I built frequently was hotels
- I don't remember this but it has been told to me that when I was little I was playing with my duplox blocks and my parents asked me what I was making and I relied "big buildings"
-I initially looked at architecture for my undergrad degree but changed to interior design when I was told it would be impossible to swim division 1 and do architecture. I now understand that what they told me was completely true
- I took an interior design and product design class in high school. I loved them both but loved the interior architecture side of design the most, this directed my decision towards interior architecture after hearing the above comment.
- I have wanted to design restaurants since high school. I worked in quite a few part time throughout high school and college and loved understanding how they worked and what could have been designed better.

Well I'm off to finish these cad drawings for tomorrow and start on that paper!

I hope you found my random facts interesting :)

2009-02-27T09:56:00.000-08:00

Rip swarley... He only made it two days but they were quite fun.

Bryan got here safe and we have already been walking him hard. Today he is off doing a San francisco film tour while I am at class. Afterwards all of us are going to head to china town and then to north beach/little Italy.

I wish I could go somewhere for spring break but dan and my spring break are different weeks. Boo.

Off to get as much work done as possible in the next 6 hours.

just an update.

2009-02-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

I have started to replace sleep with caffine. Not good.

We got new fish! And a frog, named swarley. He is sweet and provides great distraction. We also got four bloodfin tetra's, four zebra tetras, and bottom feeder who has some darker stripes, and two little red guys. Dan thinks if we have a lot of them, I can't get attached to only one. I think he fears another "Moe" episode. what he doesn't remember is that Moe started out with a group of fish and then killed them all.... yep, this was the fish I cried over when he died. He was cool though, really.

I presented our project for my studio class today. It was the preliminary presentation but I'm pretty sure my nerves thought it was the final. We ended up rocking it out and did an amazing job. We even got pulled aside by the director of the Masters of Architecture program at the end to tell us how good our presentation was. You can't even understand how amazing that is. That guy is tough (but in a good way).

I got my dress from j.crew today. I love it! It has pockets! It also has buttons down the back (real ones, not those fake crap ones.) and a very pretty neckline :) I am posting my other one up for sale tomorrow. If anyone needs/ wants a designer dress for cheap, let me know!

Well I have to now go and work on my 651 project (the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco by Renzo Piano) and download autocad and fusion for my computer(so I can get work done at home this weekend)

My brother flys out here Thursday for his spring break/ birthday! I am excited to have someone come visit us and I can't wait to show him the city and be a tourist. We are going on a movie tour on Friday, Alcatraz on Saturday and the Cal Academy of Science on Sunday. It should be an action packed weekend but I can't wait.

Have a great weekend & happy fat Tuesday!

the downfall.

2009-02-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

Today I witnessed a sight that truly disgusted me. A mother, her two children (approximately 6yrs old, both of them) and their grandmother got the light rail. I got up so the two little kids could sit down. The mom was trying to get situated and find a spot to put her gigantic two person stroller and the grandmother was just, chilling. (no really, you couldn't describe it any other way.) The little boy started to run down the aisle of the light rail and then turned around to run back. Just as he did this the light rail started moving again. The force pulled the boy and made him crash into his sister. His sister in turn crashed her head on the arm rest from impact and immediately started screaming and crying. The mother went over to comfort the little girl (and scold the boy). As this was happening the huge stroller started rolling forward towards the chilling grandmother. The guy across the aisle grabbed it to stop it so it wouldn't hit the grandmother. One would think (as I did) that this was really nice. Not the grandmother. She started screaming at the guy telling him that she had it and that when he stopped it it almost "sliced her finger off". Remember, this is the same women who, as all of the madness with her daughter and grand children was unfolding, just chilled. She continued to yell at the guy for what seemed like 5 minutes. He tried to explain to her that he had been trying to help and hadn't waned it to hit her but she wanted nothing to do with his explanation.

I could not believe it. No wonder the good Samaritan act has been overturned. It saddened me to realize (and view first hand) what the world has come to. I looked at the women and told her she needed to relax and chill out and then got off the train. (while mumbling and thinking to myself how horrible people can be).

Well I am off to the studio once again to work. I hope everyone enjoys the nice weather out here (or the new snow, in michigan).

2009-02-15T14:56:00.001-08:00

I am trying to keep up with this as best I can but you will all have to bear with me during classes.

I tried going over to the Cal academy of sciences today to do some sketching and research but by the time I got there (1 hour after opening, it didn't seem too late at the time) they were already at capacity and no longer selling day tickets of memberships! I am going to try again tomorrow morning..

Today i have to head into studio once again to finish up a section cut of the Centre Pompidou that is due Tuesday. My goal is to have it finished by 6pm tonight. After that i have to head to Folsom street to get some pictures of a building we are supposed to sketch by tuesday. It has been raining daily for the past week so I am just going to have to take pictures and sketch from those. No way am I standing on the street in a downpour trying to sketch! (that would surly add up to a horrible "are you on drugs?" looking sketch)

Last night (valentines day) was actually a great night :) I hate valentines day, i think it is a corporate created holiday to support nothing but monthly sales quotas. (but I won't get too much into that). I stayed at studio until about 9:45 and then heading over to meet Dan and work. He got out about 10:45pm and we decided to take a walk to find a pizza place we had heard a lot about. As a side note, pizza in San Francisco is a touchy subject with dan and I, since we have been here, almost 8 months now, we have yet to find a good pizza place! Everything out here has really fancy pizza. don't get me wrong, it is fairly good, but it isn't pizza. So we got to the place and each got 2 slices of pizza. It was sooooo good! I got a slice of standard cheese and a pesto veggi. Both were good but the cheese one. Dan loved his garlic clam. The right amount of sauce to cheese to crust ratio :) We walked back through little italy and stopped for desert at this little authentic italian bakery. We both got a cannoli and it was amazing! I have a feeling we will be back there again! It ended up being a completely Dan & Katie night. It was just refreshing to be able to have so much fun and be so relaxed and stress free (even for only an hour) with all of the ridiculously priced roses, balloons, and flowers surrounding us.

:) I hope everyone had a great "holiday" and was equally as happy no matter what you did

I'm off to studio, again!

Missing it

2009-02-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

Just a few edible items I've been missing lately:

Strawberry ice cream with sprinkled from captain sundaes
A teddy bear with skim milk from biggbys
Whoopie pies
Chocolate covered gummy bears from the peanut store
Vanilla sugar from the seasoned home
Fruit custard salad
Lobster rolls and blueberry beer
Tomatoe and grilled cheese soup from 8th street grill
Pizza and calamari from portos
Dandillion greens
Tea from the tea gerschwender in Chicago

Random....

I ordered dress #2 today :) now to figure out which one to go with.

I'm back!

2009-02-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

We are back in san Fran and quickly getting pushed into the swing of things again. I have to go do a bunch of sketches this morning before meeting with a partner for a project, the architecture open house, and then class from 6:30-9:30.

Holland was great, but very busy. Lots of running around trying to get everything done in the small amount of time. We were able to visit my grandparents a lot which was so nice. We also managed to finalize our cake flavors, food choices (mostly, we still have to figure out appetizers) and I got a make up trial which went really well. Friday night we met up with a bunch of friends for dinner and drinks. It was so great to see everyone again (I still can't believe it has been almost a year since I have seen most of them!).

This week should be another busy one! I am working on a project for my 2d design class and the building I am using is the California academy of science by Renzo Piano in Golden Gate Park. It is a great building and hopefully I will be able to get inside soon. My other big project for studio is a partner project and we are doing the Centre Georges Pompidou again by Renzo Piano. It is another interesting building that pushes the envelope. Take a look at them if you get a chance!

I hope everyone has a great week!

2009-01-30T21:49:00.001-08:00

I should not be on here right now. But, I have to post the comment Daniel just made.

"Blogs are the cliff notes to life".

So true!! I was mentioning that I don't have any time to pay attention to anything going on in the outside world and how there were just so many creative/ unique/ quirky items out there. I couldn't comprehend how people find some of these things (though I'm glad they do). They literally do sum up the luxuries of life :)

Update:
My grandma was able to have the surgery :) It sounds like she has come out fighting and doesn't plan to stop. She was able to open her eye today, fed herself, and even called my mom at work when she stepped into the office for a few hours! This is such great news especially since it has only been a day since the stroke. (it gives me that "you go girl!" feeling haha)

Grandpa was moved into his temporary "home away from home" in the Hospice care center. He apparently made it very clear to the nurses and doctors there that they shouldn't get used to his face because he is getting better and heading home. Goodness he makes me chuckle. I hope he can come back and stay at home again very soon.

Daniel and I are heading out next week Thursday for Holland. It definitely could not have come at a better time.

Want to see what my typical week looks like?

M: Sketching workshop 6:30-9:30pm
T/TH: Studio 12-6pm
F: 2D media & design process 10-1pm
F: Architectural History 1 1:30-4:30pm

Studio requires 33 hours of work per week, outside of class. (45 hours a week total per week if you include in class studio time)
2D media & design process requires 10 hours of work per week outside of class. (13 hours total per week if you include class time)
Architectural history 1 requires 10 hours of work per week outside of class. (13 hours total per week if you include class time)

GRAND TOTAL: 72 hours per week (minimum) required for classes. If we get really creative; that means 10 hour days, 7 days a week. Yep. Good thing once I graduate my pay scale jumps to 6 digits :)

Hopefully everyone can understand why I haven't answered many calls this week or have returned a call at very odd hours of the day. I can be found in the studio, the library, or off in some random corner of the city sketching my butt off.

I love you all & hope your weeks are going well. Please keep my family in your prayers & thank you for all of the prayers already sent. They have obviously been received.

2009-01-28T22:58:00.000-08:00

Well this week has been pretty crappy so far. I started classes. I have only had one so far but it looks like I can say goodbye to any form of social life for the next 3 months. We have 13 hours of in class studio time each week and they require 33 hours of outside of studio time per week. That brings the total to 46 hours per week of studio time for one class. I still have two more... I am excited, it just seems a bit daunting. I'm guessing everything else going on right now doesn't help that feeling either.

Please keep my grandpa and grandma VanLente in your prayers. They could really use all of them right now. I don't want to go too in depth but a quick recap is; My grandpa has leukemia. He is in remission but it has brought about other bad effects. He fell the other day and it was initially ruled that he was ok, scrapped up pretty badly, but ok. Come to find out now, he cracked quite a few of his ribs and is currently in (or was in. I'm still not positive on all of the details) heart failure. During the time my grandpa was in the hospital my grandma fell. She broke her hip and was scheduled for surgery. She is in congestive heart failure and was on blood thinners. They took her off of them in order for her to be able to go into surgery. This caused a clot to emerge and travel to her brain, causing her to have a stoke. From the updates she is pretty aware of everything going on but they don't know the full effect of the damage it caused. It has created a catch 22 of sorts... It has been a gut wrenching time this past week.

My concentration is off. I can only hope next week Thursday can get here quick so I can be at home with everyone.

I love you grandpa & grandma.

Back to school, back to school...

2009-01-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

It is my first day of grad school! I have signed up for 3 classes for a total of 9 credit hours( full time grad status). Today I have my first studio period from 12-6:20pm. It sounds like it will cover most things I have already learned but I'm sure I will benefit from the added practice and proffesor help. I have the same class Thursday and the two classes on Friday. The first is from 9-11:20am and the second is from 1-4pm. It feels so odd to be back in classes. I packed my bag this morning with all of my drafting supplies, many of which I haven't used since freshman year of undergrad!

My week should be busy, I hope all of yours is as well :)

I've gone private :)

2009-01-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

I have been debating whether to go private with my blog for a while now. I have finally decided to do it.

Today D and I are off to the farmers market to get veggies for chicken noodle soup. We have been making soups a fair amount now and I am still amazed at how far they go for how little you can spend. This past week we made a butternut squash and apple soup and we have had it for dinner (and most lunches) for 3.5 days! (and no, I didn't get sick of it).

After that we are going to take the light rail over to the mission area to explore a bit. We haven't been over there yet but have been discovering some neat places that are located there and we want to check them out.

After that D and I both have to do work for school.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Prayers

2009-01-23T10:28:00.000-08:00

I haven't made as much progress on my overhaul as I had hoped but I'm still working on it. With everything surrounding Grad school this past week has been a bit all over the place.

My grandpa was admitted to the hospital last night. He has had leukemia for quite a while now and is currently in remission. Unfortunately it has brought with it some devastating side effects. My grandpa was always healthy as a horse, as they like to say. When he got hit with all of this it pretty much turned his life upside down. It has been really hard to watch. My parents have taken on the job of caring for him and my grandmother and it definitely hasn't been an easy ride. I admire them both so much for everything they have been doing for them. With 5 kids in the family (my mom's brothers and sisters) you would think others would be able and willing to help but unfortunately that has not been the case for most of them. Thus, almost everything has been left on my parents shoulders. Mom and dad; I think you guys are amazing and everything you do is appreciated. Even on the days it may feel like it isn't. Over the past few years I have become very close to my grandparents. As I have grown up I have realized just how important they are to me. I can only hope my grandpa can come home from the hospital soon. Please keep him in your prayers.

I have to go today and find my books for classes and get my id picture taken. Then I have to finish a sewing project. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Pretty pictures to end the post;

I love the boat! and her hair! I am bringing a few photos from this wedding home with me in hopes of a hair trial.

I love the reflection. I hope we can get a few photos like this on the water.

Overhaul

2009-01-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

You know the place in your house, the place where everything gets "set". You have good intentions that things will only be there for a few moments. Just until you can steal a few seconds to put it in its rightful place. But you never do find those few seconds. I feel like my blog has become that place. Unorganized, chaotic, messy. It's time for an overhaul. I plan to get to it just as soon as I'm finished with a project for a certain birthday coming up.

I love this.

and this.

Stressville...

2009-01-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

A few pretty pictures to start us off;

I love this image. The birdcage veil, the flower.. beautiful. This is what I want for my veil.

How adorable (and functional) is this! We will be doing cupcakes as well and this would be such a good idea to let everyone know which one they are choosing.

I want a shot like this, too bad my dress doesn't really have a train.

(I don't remember where I pulled these images from. If you want credit just let me know and I will add it!)

What a crazy couple of weeks it has been. As many of you know, I applied to grad school a while back and was accepted into the Academy of Art and will be working toward my Masters of Architecture degree. As happy as I am that I got in, I am now a sitting duck waiting to hear back about student aid. It isn't a huge deal, if I don't hear back in time for this spring semester I will just enroll for the summer semester and hopefully find a new job (or at least a part time or intern position) until then. It is the waiting that is killing me!

In the mean time I have been trying to finish up a couple of sewing projects and have started to make a dent (if only a small one). I finished up the p.j. pants for my dad and am now working on finishing up a purse for my mom. I am excited to see how the pattern turns out! The pants were hard; definitely harder than I thought! There is so much more stress that comes along with clothing. Worrying that they will actually fit and wont be too short or too small at the bottoms, or too big at the top. I just hope they fit ok.

Add to all of that the pressure of planning a wedding and you can see why I have been working out 6 days a week lately.... Having both sides of the family in other states is just as hard for D and I as it is for them. I hope they understand that. I have been putting in a lot of time doing research for different vendors and ideas, figuring out what ideas are too expensive and shouldn't even be pitched, which ideas will represent D and I coming together to form our new family the best and represent who we are the best, trying to figure out what guests would like the most and what things are worth the cost and which are not. I'm trying here, please remember that. Strong opinions + lots of miles between everyone doesn't always = the best situation.

Also with the wedding has come a lot of searching for a new church for D and I. I was raised Christian Reformed and D went to an Episcopalian, private high school and found his faith through that experience. In high school I was able to find a church where I truly felt that I belonged, Mars Hill. We knew we wanted our officiate to be someone we knew and felt close to. My parents switched churches while I was in college and I never got to know their new priest, the priest at mars hill was also someone I never got to know on a personal level so we didn't think either would be the right person. D had a priest at school who he really enjoyed and who guided him through his process of faith so we decided on him. One of his requirements to perform the ceremony was that we attend marital counseling (which I am sure many of you had to do). Usually we would have done it with him but being across the country made that nearly impossible. So here we are trying to find a church that we both feel comfortable in, in a city that actually has very few churches for the amount of people (I guess everything is pretty small in comparison with my home town, which has the most churches per capita). We went to an Episcopalian service first and found it wasn't want D was used to from school and something I wasn't completely comfortable with (even though the cathedral was beautiful!). Yesterday we ventured out to a Presbyterian church and were able to find something much closer to what we were looking for. It was a small service and you could tell everyone there knew each other. Upon entering the priest came and welcomed us and talked with us for a while. He knew everyone in the Church and was extremely warm and open. The service reminded me of the church I had grown up at, only smaller. We are planning on trying one more but I think we were both happy with what we found.

We also now need to sit down and go over the "typical" wedding ceremony to see what we want to include, what we would like to change, and anything we would like to add to it. I am looking forward to it.

Help!

2009-01-07T13:54:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I need help! I am looking for navy and white fabric in a multitude of prints/ patterns. Stripes, and polka dots are always great. I have been looking everywhere and have been able to find the navy and white polka dots but I can't seem to find any stripes or patterns. Anyone know of any good sources??

Thanks!

2009 :)

2009-01-04T16:06:00.001-08:00

I hope all of you have had a great start to the new year! This is sure to be an exciting year for D and I with the wedding coming up, D's DAT exam and dental school applications, and Grad school starting up for me.

Over the next week I need to crank out a few sewing projects I've been enlisted for and then continue on with the craziness of wedding planning! Oh and I should probably try and squeeze in work as well!

I didn't make any resolutions this year but I do want to make some changes in my life. I want to start working out more regularly, stop stressing out about everything, spend more time with the people who are close to me and and step out of my comfort zone more.

I am starting back with my masters swim team next week and I also want to start doing a yoga class in the mornings.

Here are a few images I have collected over the past few weeks.

I love these glass bottles of juices/ drinks even more because of the coordinating tags.

The menu card on the table actually reminded me a lot of our save the dates and our plan for invitations. I also love the striped table cloth and using the custom wine bottle label as your table number.

We are using green button mums as accents in almost all of the flowers for our wedding. I love how they look all grouped together here. I would take away all of the little bows but keep the large bow. This would look great on the entry door to a church or reception.

This photo is from the most recent edition of Martha Stewart Weddings. It is the wedding of a girl who works at Purl Soho which is my favorite online fabric stop (as well as daily blog read). I can't wait to be back in N.Y. so I can check out the shop! She made fabric napkins for all of the guests in coordinating fabrics to the wedding. Each table features a different fabric in orange or green. This has been added to my to-do list :) I am planning on using a variety of navy and white prints to coordinate with the white linens and navy runners on the tables. The green and white flowers will provide a nice "pop" of color.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Goodbye '08

2008-12-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

(image credit: getty images)
2008 has been a crazy year and even though I am sad to see it go, I am looking forward for 2009!

I hope everyone has a great New Years Eve! We are off to Berkeley for a dinner party with 5 other couples and the heading back into the city to watch the fireworks over the bay!

Wine bag

2008-12-30T22:25:00.001-08:00

This is the latest project I made, a wine bag! We have to bring three bottles of wine to a New Years Party tomorrow night so I figured we should probably have something nice to carry them in.

Finally!

2008-12-27T18:16:00.000-08:00

I apologize again for how horrible I have been these last few months at uploading pictures. Here are the a few things from recent.

My 23rd Birthday!

I think this is the only picture we actually got of me on my birthday this year! Wearing my birthday princess crown and button (it's behind the whale) and showing off my Jonathan Adler whale Pitcher that I got from the Perkins. ( Sorry for the crazy eyes! It was late and I was hoped up on cupcakes)

This was D's gift to me. My own sewing area!

The new spot for my fabrics (I love it)

And again.

I also got the flowers I already posted about from my dad, a very nice gift card from my mom which is going towards more fabric :) and Gilmore girls s.7 and A christmas story dvd's from my Brother.

It was definitely a great birthday!

Christmas 2008

We desperately wanted a tree this year. Despite the 450 sq. feet of our place we seemed to manage pretty well :) (Sorry for the eye sore antenna. Being young, broke, and beautiful means we save money any way possible= no paying for t.v. when you can get everything you need free ( or through the apple t.v./ internet!)

Our first gingerbread house! We think it turned out pretty well. The back side actually collapsed about 20 minutes after we finished it and after turning and buckling a bit it seemed to finally find a good resting point. (It is still standing 4 days later!)

I dont have pictures of everything but here is the bread maker I got D. I also got him a new game for Wii, the kitchen aid pasta attachment, a few things from L.L. Bean and a few others.

Here are the pearls D got me! I love them. He also got me a new jacket, cashmere socks (soo comfy), a new umbrella (we need one with all this rain and wind!), new slippers and hiking socks from L.L. Bean and a new flour sifter (which is where he hid the earring, so sneaky!)

We also got some great stuff from both of our parents! Thank you for everything!

A few Sewing projects I have been working on

A reversible purse from an Amy Butler pattern. The handles were a bear to make so I improvised and made my own.

The reverse side of the purse

A wine bottle bag. This is just a prototype, I still need to make the 3 bottle one we will be taking with us to Berkeley on NYE.

I will be back soon with our save the dates! (they are on D's camera currently)

Holly, jolly

2008-12-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas yesterday! D and I had a great day filled with virtual family, gifts, good food, board games, and movies :)

You may have noticed the term "virtual family". Being on the West Coast this year and planning a wedding has made flying home very difficult. We decided instead to use our Mac's and ichat's to open presents and see family via the internet this Christmas. Although it wasn't the same as getting to be there, it was still just as special to be able to see everyone and talk to everyone over the Holiday.

I am heading out to pick up Amy Butler's "In Stiches" book and then to J.Crew to return a headband and check out their final sale. after that I will be back with a few pictures of Christmas gift, pictures of our save the dates, some of the presents we gave this year and a few sewing projects I have been working on.

Best wishes,

Kate

2008-12-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all enjoy the holiday and remember the true reason for the season :)

A wedding board for us!

2008-12-24T18:35:00.000-08:00

April, of Blu Sky Designs did a custom inspiration board for us! She is guest blogging this week over at Pearls Events so go check out a few of her other boards as well! She hit the colors just right and it looks great! We won't be having any starfish but I love the grosgrain ribbon on the invite and the chartreuse programs.

If you would like to know the sources for any of the items above, check out Pearls Events Blog!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-24T13:15:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-12-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

(photo credit: only the best thing since Audrey and Jackie... Kate Spade)

I know I am still behind with the picture post. Once i get caught up with Christmas presents I will be sure to post them.

Big news: I got into grad school! Now I am updating my portfolio, writing my admission paper, and trying to get some financial aid! Wish me luck!

I'm off to spend the day celebrating. Enjoy the end of your week!

Update:

Here are the flowers I got from my dad today :)

I also got my stool for my sewing area from D, Gilmore Girls season 7 and The Christmas story from my brother, an amazing and much needed gift card from my mom (which I think will be going towards more fabric and sewing supplies!). Unfortunately UPS, Fedex, and USPS are all really slow right now so my package that was supposed to be here on Tuesday from D's parents didn't get here. Atleast I will get to celebrate for one more day though!

Ok, I'm off to finish my champagne :)

13 more days till Christmas!

2008-12-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season so far! D and I went and got a Christmas tree yesterday so it is starting to feel more festive in here! We only have lights on it so far, all of our ornaments are in storage back in Michigan because we don't have any place to store them out here. We are going to instead make gingerbread and dough ornaments this weekend! Once it is a little more dolled up, I will take some photos and post them.

It has been a busy week so far! I have been working a little and the rest of my time has been spend sewing gifts! (and I still have a lot to do!)

D got me my birthday present a little early and once I have pictures of it clean I post those as well! He got me a desk and a few other things and made me my own little sewing station! I love it and have already been to work making it a mess!

Tonight I am off to pull a "Lilly and Robin" original. (for those of you who follow HIMYM as religiously as D and I do). I am going to camp out at a bridal salon in hopes of getting a dress. All dresses are designer dresses(VW, ML, etc.) and are going for 499, 999, or 1499! I hope I can find one!!

Also, our save the dates have been received so I will have pictures of those to post shortly! Get ready for one huge picture post this weekend.

2008-12-06T12:29:00.000-08:00

First off, Thank You to "Lindsay & Jordan" for helping me out with the dress designer from the last post! Also, may I be invited to read your blog? :)

Second, I finally have a few pictures of what I have been up to the last few days! Here are a few new items I have added to my shop. Check it out @ kd22.etsy.com or just click on the link to the right ->

One Tree Onesie & Patchwork burp cloth Patchwork Burp Cloth

Lobster Onesie

Patchwork Burpcloth (Sold!)

Whale of a Tail Onesie & Less than 2 Onesie (one sold, one left!)

All Onesies are Gerber 100% Cotton, size 18mo. Other sizes available upon request.

I will post images of our save the dates towards the end of next week. I want to make sure everyone gets them before I spoil the surprise and post them on here! I really hope everyone likes them. D & I are pretty proud of what we created and how they turned out.

Well I am off to do some more sewing and wedding planning. Wish me luck!

2008-12-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

Ok I need your help. Style Me Pretty posted this beautiful wedding today and I am in love with the dress! Does anyone know who designed it? (All photos via Style Me Pretty and taken by Mary Claire)

It has the small detail of ruffles, the sweetheart neckline, a fairly small train, buttons down the back and a small bit of rouching(sp)at the the waist and neckline. It literally is everything I have wanted and combined both aspects of the two dresses I found back home. Now if only the price is right!

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It has been a busy week! We mailed our save the dates out yesterday and I am so excited for people to start getting them! I have to make one more trip to the post office today to send out the last 6 or so that we were waiting on addresses for. I also was able to send out my cookies for the Holiday Cookie Swap! I forgot the recipe in the package so if any of you girls want it just let me know and I will send it along! I also was able to send out the bag I made for my mom! I used Amy Butler's Birdie Sling pattern and it was super easy! My mom picked out the fabric and materials while I was home so at least I know she will like that part. I can only hope she likes the design of the bag as much as I did! I have pictures of everything that I will post soon!

This week I have also been very busy making up some new items to add to my etsy shop! I can't wait to unveil them tomorrow! Check back then!

Wedding planning is officially in full swing. It is crazy, it has been almost a year since we got engaged in NYC and I haven't really felt the pressure to get things done until now! Thankfully we already have the ceremony and reception sites booked, the caterer, florist, and photographer picked and the cake/ baker paid. It feels good to have the biggest tickets out of the way but it is stressful thinking about all of the little details we still need to get done.

-Invitations (design, print, send)

-Ceremony & reception decorations

-Finalize our band/ d.j. selection (most likely a band, I'm trying to not have a d.j. if at all possible)

-Find a dress!!!!! yep, still haven't done that yet. I found two while I was home and I'm just not sold on either one. So the search continues.

-Order D's pants/ suit jacket/shoes/ etc.

-Out of town bags

-Hotel block

- Table runners (find fabric, sew)

- Table numbers(order)

-Escort cards

-Programs/ menus

-Finalize transportation to the reception for the wedding party

-Finalize our getaway transportation ( for D & I)

-etc. etc. etc.

Well I'm off to put in a few hours of work. Ill be back later with pictures of everything I have been up to!

2008-11-29T20:11:00.001-08:00

Ahh, such a gorgeous home. Perfect for an at home ceremony (or just to live in..)(image via sothebys real estate)

Inspiration for my bouquet. Less green though. (image via the knot.com)

I love the handmade wooden signs leading you to the ceremony/reception. I commissioned my dad to make one for the drive way leading down to our ceremony.

Love love love the ribbons! I am doing this on my bridesmaid bouquets and my own bouquet only in navy and white grosgrain ribbon. (image via brooklyn bride)

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! It was D & I's first one not spent with family so we ended up cooking our own meal! Thankfully my parents donated some money to the cause otherwise it definitely would have been mac n' cheese for us! We make a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, fruit custard salad, rolls, tollhouse pie, mmmm mmmm. We have been eating left overs all week and I love it!

In other news, the trip home went well. It was great to see family and get a few wedding related tasks crossed off the list! We decided on a florist and got everything finalized. I also got to go dress shopping and came out of it with two dresses I like. Now I just need to make a decision!

Before we left for home we were also able to pick up our save the dates! Today was spent gathering remaining addresses and fixing up our wedding website and tomorrow I get to spend all day addressing them! My goal is to have them ready to be dropped in the mail on Monday.

Tomorrow I also have to start working on my list of Christmas presents. Due to the lack of funds this year I plan on making almost all of my gifts. I will let you know how they turn out and post a few pictures after the Holidays!

One of our engagement photos from Amy Carroll

The Dress

2008-11-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

I am heading back to my home state in just two days!! I am soo excited! As an added bonus, we got snow yesterday and the forecast for the days we are there calls for snow also!! After living with the cold, harsh winters for 22 years you would think I would be soo sick of snow but it's actually the opposite. Since moving to California I have a new appreciation for the cold weather. Don't get me wrong, I love the consistently mild weather of S.F. but truthfully, there is nothing Fall or Winter about this place.

This coming weekend has a lot on the agenda in terms of wedding. I have been slacking quite a bit these past few weeks (ok, months) and now it is time to get serious about planning.

On Friday I get to go with my mom and a friend and look for my dress! I am really hoping I will find one! (cross your fingers!). I already have a few I am in love with but unfortunately most of their price tags rule them out of my budget. Here are just a few that I am in love with!

(Photo credit: Brides.com) Carolina Herrera Fall 2005

(Photo credit: Brides.com) Amsale Fall 2008

The last image will not load for some reason...Either way, it was an image from Martha Stewart weddings magazine showcasing a real wedding featuring the bride wearing a polka dot organza gown by Carolina Herrera. (I believe the 2004 collection). I can't find this dress anywhere! Have any of you seen it and/ or know which one I am talking about?

A few other things that have caught my eye lately.

(photo credit: weddingbee) I love this birdcage veil with the flower.

I love the texture of this bouquet. I think I would go a little smaller but I am pretty sure I will be going with an all white bouquet and having my bridesmaids with green's, white's and maybe some pink.

I am off to pick up a prescription and hopefully our save the dates! Have a great rest of the week!

It's here!

2008-11-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

I officially opened my Etsy Shop! There is a link on the right, go check it out!

**Great for Holiday gifts & exchanges
**Each one is completely handmade by me!
**Want a certain color or pattern? No problem! Just let me know what you are looking for!

I'm back!

2008-11-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

and I have some very exciting news soon! I will hopefully be able to post about it by the end of this week!

In wedding news: I'm heading home in just over a week to do some much needed wedding work (and see my family again!). I have A LOT planned and I just know I won't be able to get it all in. I have a consultation with a florist, a meeting at the reception site to go over a few questions, get some measurement, and take a few more pictures and dinner with the friends of the family and owners of the home where we will be having the ceremony! In between all of that I plan on looking for a dress, getting some coffee at my favorite coffee place, drinks at the local brewery with friends, and checking out the local fabric store for table runner materials (and possibly some cozie, belt, and bag material as well!)

It's crazy but I am soo excited today. D and I were talking about careers and the future and I think I may have figured out what I want to do in terms of career (long term, that is). I will have more on this in the future as well!

Unfortunately because I haven't been visiting any blogs in the past week I don't have any pretty pictures to share but I will soon!

Until then here is a picture of what I have been up to lately! :)

ciao!

2008-11-04T17:10:00.000-08:00

I voted!.... Sunday actually.... and now i am watching the numbers come in on ABC. In a little bit D & I will be heading down to a park a few blocks away for the celebrations and free ice cream from ben & jerry's.

In other news, I need a break. This week has been tough and I have decided to take a little break from blogs for a while.

Enjoy the election fun!

Pretty Picture Post

2008-10-31T13:26:00.000-07:00

The following are random, but pretty, pictures I have been saving over the course of the week.

Pottery Barn vases, monogramed and grouped with a few simple buds would look beautiful on an entry table or guest book table at the reception.

I am in love with this photo. The water, the clean, fresh & timeless appeal of the table. Now if only I could get my guest list down to 12... (image found on Ritzy Bee Blog)

This photo reminded me of D. If only the tractor was a John Deer... (image found on Ritzy Bee Blog)

I love the cake stand resting on top of the wrapped books (or wood blocks? I'm not sure). This is a great idea to showcase your cake and incorporate your wedding colors if you have an all white cake. (Image found on Snippet and Ink)

Great idea from Martha Stewart as a way to hang your wedding photos. I love how it has a clean, modern aesthetic to it.

Love her hair :)

(image found on weddingbee)

Since the upload is working to order our save the dates, this is how my lunch hour was sent. Now it's back to work! Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

This week has been crazy! Sorry for being so MIA lately, I have had things going on every night lately and very little inspiration to share.
Halloween is tomorrow... Although I love the fall decorations Halloween is my least favorite holiday. I am dressing up tomorrow though, we are having a Halloween happy hour at work and they strongly suggest we all dress up. I will be going as an 80's rockstar complete with my wii guitar! Haha if I get any pictures I'll be sure to post them so you can all get a good chuckle.

In other news, I am currently trying to figure out a name for my etsy shop { I was thinking something using the letters k, d, p or the number 22 or even using my blog title somehow. But these are just a few options} I will be opening soon. I'm open to any suggestions and if I use your suggestion I will be sure to send along one of my featured products as a thank you!

***{Update: sorry, I completly forgot to mention what my shop will feature! Thank you aeo for pointing that out! :) I will have all kinds of sewing creations including, but not limited to, custom coffee cozies, Christmas stockings, belts and bags.}

Sorry this is so short. I'll be back this weekend with some beautiful inspiration photos I've been collecting this past week.

I'm off to practice! Happy Halloween!

It feels like fall

2008-10-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day it truly felt like fall out here in S.F., and not just fall but midwest/ east coast fall. It was amazing :) I started off my day by getting a cappuccino at The Butler & The Chef the heading to SFMOMA to view the current exhibits. Then i headed over to the Jewish Contemporary Museum to take a look at the building (very cool architecture) and the Andy Warhol ' 10 Jews' exhibit. Andy Warhol is my absolute favorite artist and it was great to get to see so many of his works in one place. After the museum I headed to Union Square to see where this little dress boutique I am hoping to visit was located. It is closed on Sunday's but at least now I know where to go if the dress I am looking at isn't outrageously expensive (which I am sure it will be, I've always had a knack for picking out the most expensive item wherever i was..... just ask my mom, she can attest to this!)

I would post a picture of the dress I am in love with but D reads this so I guess it will have to be a surprise for everyone!

Today I am working on finishing up our Save the Dates so we can send them to get printed and get them sent out to everyone in the next week or two. About time, I know...

This is my favorite image from google reader this week. It was taken by Meg Perotti

and found on Elizabeth Anne Designs

Love it, love it, love it. I don't want it to rain on my wedding day but if it does I would love to put on some rain boots, especially if the were as adorable as these.

Hopefully everyone has a great weekend!

Blog ttake Action Day

2008-10-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

While browsing through my google reader this morning I cam across a post about Blog take Action Day over on *In this instance*. The topic for today was poverty and it struck something inside of me. Poverty is such a huge and world wide issue right now. There are so many little things that each and every one of us can do about it that many people don't even realize. One of these things I am extremely interested in is our Global food market and how what we eat effects not only ourselves and out community but the world as well. I am currently reading a book called, Stuffed and starved by Raj Patel. He explains how each choice we make about food has a huge impact world wide because of the world food market and because of this market a lot of our decisions concerning food really aren't made by us but are made for us. I highly encourage each of you to pick it up and just take a glance through the first chapter at least. I know it will open your eyes & compell you to atleast read more, if not also make a few changes in your everyday life.

2008-10-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

Where has everyone gone??? only one comment.... makes me sad.

posting... on a Thursday?! yep!

2008-10-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

I know, crazy right? D is working tonight so I have all of this time to myself. I'm currently watching survivor (does anyone else think it the best reality show ever? I want to be on it soooo bad) and after I plan on making D a new pillow case! Have I mentioned that I love my new sewing machine! I have found my creative hobby thats for sure!

As for the wedding, I will be heading to Holland Nov. 20th to get a few things done and see my family. Unfortunately they can't make it out here for Christmas (I'm completely bummed) so I decided I minds well head back for the weekend and hit two birds with one stone. D and I will need to decide on flowers, music & have a meeting at the reception location. I also plan on getting fitted that weekend and hopefully (crossing my fingers) will find a dress!

Now for some pretty veil photos compliments of the knot.com!

I'm not sure what type of veil I want to wear or if I even want to wear one. I am really like the birdcage veil but I also like the more traditional veil worn below the up-do and shoulder to elbow length.

Happy Thursday!

save the dates!

2008-10-04T14:08:00.001-07:00

so the past couple of weeks D & I have been working on our save the dates and invitations. I don't know why they have taken us so long (it's been approximately a month since I had initially wanted to get them out, opps.). I think in part, it is because they just never feel "done" to me. There is still something off about them right now and I just can't figure out what it is. My goal is to finish them today and send them off to be printed. That way we can get them back, address them and send them on their way.

It is driving me crazy that I don't know what to do to put that finishing touch on them and be completely happy with them. The front is perfect and I am beyond happy about it but the back still doesn't feel right. I have a feeling the reason I am not happy with the back is because it corresponds with the invitations we have pretty much decided on. You see, the thing is that I'm not all that sure I even like the invitations. It feels like I am settling...

The reason we decided on the invitations we did is primarily the price.... I had (and still do) wanted to do letterpress. I know how ridiculously expensive letterpress can be and I just couldn't succumb to paying so much money for something that most people will look at a few times and then throw away. I had initially played with the idea of doing them myself. A friend at work did all of her invites herself and they turned out beautiful.Luckily there is a studio right down the road from me that you can take classes at and then reserve studio time to make them. The downside, even doing it that way (aka the "cheap" way) was still going to cost me $450.00 for the classes plus the materials to make them. The invitation we are looking at will be done for us (found her on etsy.) for approx. $300.00 for 100 invites.

Do you see my dilemma??

So, on to what I always do in these situations, the good-ol pro/con list

Letterpress

Pro's: Great skill to have & can be used in the future(X-Mas cards, birthdays, etc.), look professional, can be completely personal to D & I

Con's: Time consuming, will cost about twice as much as the Etsy invites.

Etsy invites:

Pro's: cheap, I don't have to do them, not much thought required, D likes them ( I think it's more because of the cost though than anything)

Con's: un-creative (in my mind), not as personal/ special as the letterpress ones

So I guess my battle is between the cost & sentimental aspects of them..... Do I spend a little more money on them and be happier with the results or save the money (cough, saving for a house payment, cough) and just say whatever they look alright.

did anyone else have a hard time deciding on what they wanted for their invitations? Am I just being controlling, wanting everything perfect? Do guests actually care what the invites look like?

I have a feeling the cost will win in the end but any suggestions/ opinions would be much appreciated!

Next up, band vs. d.j. ??

Work, work, work ...I will post soon

2008-09-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Davidandelizabeth: may I be invited to read your blog??

These past two weeks have been crazy. sorry about not updating sooner I just haven't had any time. last weekend d had off all weekend so we went out and explored most of the weekend. We found a great employee owned grocery store semi-close to us (close enough to go occasionally but definitely not close enough for a forgotten item or two). It was amazing and almost everything they had could be bought unpackaged which is soo much better for the environment and for your purse!

This week at work was hectic. Well the beginning of the week was anyways. we had a DD presentation in San Antonio that ended up getting changed around only 30 min prior to deadline. after that was finished things died down pretty well though.

This weekend is our company picnic which should be a ton of fun. We are getting it catered and will be having paella made right there, which should be delicious!

One very exciting thing to happen this week, I got my sewing machine!! D ordered one for me about 2 weeks ago and I just got it on wednesday. Needless to say I have been playing around with it every night after work & can't wait to see all of the things I can make with it!

As for the wedding, this weekend our goal is to get out the save the dates. We were supposed to get them out forever ago but decided to wait so we could make them work with our invitations. I hope they turn out well! I will post some pictures as soon as everyone ha received there. I don't want to ruin the surprise!

Now onto some fun. My fall wish list :) It has definitely been a change not seeing leaves change this year. i have been craving cider and pumpkin bars all the time! So until I can see some fall weather I will live vicariously through all of the adorable fall fashions.

J.crew merino rose cardiganJ.crew dream soho dress

J.crew: this whole outfit, please.(ok, no tie, but everything else)

J.crew: Ok this whole outfit too

Can you tell all I want to do is go shopping???

Ok well D & I are going to go out and get thai food tonight!! (seriously, one of my favorites right now is red curry mmmmm)

Update:: so the company picnic went really well! Tiburon is such a cute, quant little town. We took the ferry over and sat and watched the sailboats pass under the golden gate bridge for a while, browsed the shops and then headed over to the picnic. It was great to get to interact with everyone outside of work. D & I dominated bridie & her hubby in bocce ball (I think it was simply beginners luck haha)and the paella was made on site which was awesome (and delicious). After the picnic we headed down to Birite ice cream shop with bridie & tom which was quite the wait but definitely good! i got the balsamic strawberry yumm.

D & I plan on relaxing a bit tonight & possibly going for a walk in a little bit tomorrow is still up in the air. maybe rock climbing?? well see. Have a great rest of the weekend!!

tgi...

2008-09-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

Who else thinks this weekend flew by? I don't know where all of the time went.

Today D and I went out exploring the city once again. We went and had some fun at Sunday Streets, went and watched the Rolex Regatta, headed down to the sports basement & paper source and then finally finished with dinner in Little Italy. D is pretty much exhausted & came home and crashed on the bed. I, on the other hand, still have cookies to make so I can't quite stop yet.

For some wedding related news, I know all of you remember Stacey Kane's infamous preppy lobster wedding & these amazing boutonnieres the guys wore, right??

This was the first wedding related article I saved after getting engaged. When I showed D he obviously loved it as well. He was born & raised in Maine so the east coast preppy/lobster theme really hit a chord. Image my surprise when 7 months later he brings up the fact that he really wants to do the rope boutonnières from that image I showed him months back. We headed out the next day to REI and stumbled across climbing rope. It may not actually be for sailing but the navy color is a perfect pop against the grooms mens white shirts so we went for it. We were able to get 20 feet of rope for $10.00 and we had all of them made within the next week. It really only took about an hour total to make all 10 & with the low price tag if we do stumble across a better color combination for the rope we really wont be out any time or money.

I also think I have finally decided on the bridesmaid dresses. I am still waiting on J.Crew to email me back and send me a sample of the deep atlantic but if it is close to their classic navy color these are what I am thinking:

What do you think??

Now if only I could find some adorable shoes there weren't $250.00. I guess I will just have to search a bit harder and check out sites other than just J.Crew.

I really need to get going on my own dress search soon. D & I walked by the dress place I went to when Steph came to visit and there was a beautiful one in the window. I may have to stop back in and try it on.

Well I am off to make some cookies for D. Have a great end of the weekend!

always, kate

2008-09-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have been lagging behind on here and on my wedding website. This weekend I have to post a few updates. Until then though, Here is a new addition to the etsy world.

I went to high school with him and his work is amazing. Here are a few examples of his pottery;

My favorite one: a black and white gourd

one of my favorite colors.

I love the shape of this orange and white striped gourd.

Visit his etsy shop here to see more of his amazing work. Or check out his website and see some of his other works.

I'll be back tomorrow, hopefully with some wedding related progress :)

What a week!

2008-09-06T22:22:00.000-07:00

This past week has been pure craziness! As I mentioned before, Tuesday night I headed out to AZ for work. It was three jam packed days of long hours and hard work but it was definitely worth it. It is amazing to see a project come together that has been in the works for two years. It was also fun to see AZ. ( Although I'm happy to say, I do not like that much heat, holy cow!) On the down side, the 12-16 hour days left absolutely no time to actually see anything but the resort and project, including Kendra. I am extremely upset the way things worked out with that but I am even more determined now to get back down there to visit her.

As you probably guessed, with all of the work I have had NO time to even think about wedding stuff. I will definitely be getting back to that this week though!

Is anyone else as excited as I am for this Presidential Election?? I cannot wait for the debates, it will definitely be interesting! Politics are a tough thing to discuss with all of the varying views out there. There is one thing I absolutely cannot stand though about politics, People who are "republicans" or "democrats" but don't actually look at each and every issue as hand. I personally feel the biggest mistake most people make in this country is siding with a party and not looking at all of the issues. I think everyone should vote on each of the issues independently and shouldn't be allowed to vote straight ticket. I personally don't align myself with one party or the other. there are some issues I am 100% democratic about and other that I am 100% republican about. Take for example the environment, I completely agree with the democratic view. I do not agree with drilling in Alaska. I personally found the VP pick of McCain to be a great strategic pick on his part but I do not agree with it or support it at all. That leads me to me next big pet peeve with Politics. I personally love the idea of a women in the white house. I am no saying I believe we are ready for one or not but I can't stand people who are all for Palin (or Hillary in that case) simply because she is a women. (Or Barack simply because he is half African American.) It all leads back to the same issue of voters needing to vote based on the issues and not on the gender, skin color, or party affiliation of themselves or the candidates. So please, no matter what your personal beliefs are or who you are routing for, please vote based on the issue at hand and not on the runners party affiliation, race, or gender.

Ok enough of the political banter. I will leave you with a few pretty pictures I cam across today

How cute are the mini bride & grooms??not my taste but still adorable!

I love the pop of color against the white gown. Still need to decide between an all white bouquet or a nice pop of color.

I am in love with this image. I can't remember where I found it so if it is yours let me know. I am loving the shots from above lately

On a side note: Any San Francisco Bloggers out there?? Let me know!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! I think D & I are headed to the beach tomorrow to relax :)

2008-08-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

This past week has been absolutely crazy. Last weekend as i mentioned, S & her boyfriend Chris came out to visit. It was so much fun and so good to her again! I think we just about killed them with all of the walking we did! We definitely got to see a lot and it was fun to be a "tourist" in our own city. In wedding related news, this weekend I found a dress I loved! I am still waiting on the pictures to see how it reads in those but it fit wonderfully and will hopefully fit even better in a few months :) I wish I could post pictures on here but D checks in every once in a while so I can't on his request :)

After they left d & i pretty much crashed in order to get some sleep and get back into work mode. Work was crazy this week., we had a huge deadline for a project which meant coming in early and staying late pretty much every day. At least we get today off (our last free Friday of the summer) and Monday for the Holiday!

This weekend will be spent with D just hanging out. It is his birthday coming up so Today we are just going to walk around and see some more of the area around us. Tomorrow I have to bake him his cake and get ready for the events planned for Sunday :). And Sunday well, it will be spent celebrating.

Nothing new is going on for wedding planning right now. With the crazy week last week and the even crazier one coming up I just want a weekend to relax and spend with D. Next week I get to go on my first business related trip to Arizona! I am excited about the trip but not about the weather, 102 degrees and sunny every day I am there. I am not a heat person, hence why I love living in a city that has an average temp of about 65-70 every day.

I did however make a list of all of the things we still need to do for the weekend. It looks daunting yet do-able so we will start cracking down on that in a week or so hopefully.

In bad news my beloved fish, Moe, died this week. It was so sad, Moe wasn't your ordinary fish, he was a South African chinchilad (sp) and I had had him for 3.5 years! Up until about a year ago I had thought he was just your average goldfish who happened to get pretty big. Not the case though! He had such a great personality, he loved decorating his tank (a fish after my own heart) and would move the stones and plants around weekly. He also always came up to the tank glass whenever I came home to tell me about the adventures of his day (or so I liked to believe). When your apartment complex (and fiance) won't let you have a dog you do what you have to do, and Moe was the answer.

Anyways, we are off, I hope everyone has a great Holiday weekend!

Oh and if anyone has any recommendations for good D.J.'s or bands in the West Michigan area let me know!

2008-08-21T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a short and quick post because this weekend I will not be able to post. My best is coming into town along with her b/f, our friend. It will be a whirlwind weekend filled with catching up, sight seeing, and just having a good time. One thing I am super excited for though is that I get to go wedding dress shopping! Yep, that is how amazing this girl is, even on her three day vaca. she is willing to take some time out to help me look for a dress. I literally cannot wait to see both of them tomorrow morning!

Other good news, my last post about feeling restless must have been heard. I get to go to Arizona in a few weeks for work! It will be my first trip with work and I am looking forward to every minute of it :)

Tonight will be spent cleaning, getting food prepped for tomorrows pre-game cookout and baking. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Restless

2008-08-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have been feeling very restless lately. I don't know what it is but something about moving out here and seeing and living in a new city has made me want to do it again; this time in NYC, Connecticut, Chicago, Paris, Australia, or London. I have this craving, the need to explore the unknown, and dip into something so unfamiliar it scares me.

The great thing about where I am in my life is that I have little holding me back. I am young, I don't have kids, a house; really there is nothing tying me down right now. I do have a job I like in a field I love; I am definitely thankful for that blessing. Another great thing is that my career allows, and even encourages my restless spirit. The more I know and see of other cultures, architecture, lifestyle, and style the better my designs can be.

I am also truly blessed to have an amazing fiance with the same kindred heart, restless spirit, and youthful soul that I have.

These feelings haven't just recently come up, like it may seem from reading this. I have always had this deep desire inside of me to explore, ask questions, and experience new things. In middle school I went on my first trip out of the country, I went with extended family (aunt, cousins, etc.) to Mexico and loved it. The next trip I went on was freshman year in high school to Jamaica. I fell in love with the culture, the food, the atmosphere, everything. I loved cliff jumping, snorkeling, and getting a home cooked meal on a private island by locals who couldn't speak my language. In college I had the undying urge to visit Europe. I wanted to experience the history, the art, the architecture, the food, and the people. Taking the conservative route though I stayed with my program and finished in the usual 4 years. Although I know it wasn't in the cards at the time, I always wished I had just bit the bullet and gone. I wish I would have let myself be a little less logical. I wish I would have taken out the loan and not thought of how it would turn out, how much I would owe, or how much longer it would take me to finish my degree. (Don't get me wrong though, I am glad I finished in 4 years and now have a good job).

I would like to say that something will definitely come out of these feelings but I can't guarantee it.

Now on to the wedding related business:

Invitations!

I have been searching and searching lately for inspiration for invitation. Unfortunately my research has been coming up short. D &I have pretty much figure out the style we want; simple, classic, fun but from what I have seen we will most likely be designing our own.

Another thing I have been looking at is the different styles of printing available. My number one choice right now is letterpress but obviously that comes with a price. It isn't the most expensive way to go but it definitely isn't the cheapest either. I have been trying to figure out the cost/benefit ratio between the different styles and also between doing them ourselves or paying to have someone else do them. In S.F. there is a place called,"the center for the book" it is actually pretty close to us and it is a letterpress and printing studio. They offer classes and printing time so you can learn the art of letter pressing and then in our case make all of our own paper products. In order to be able to use the machines on your own you have to take 3 classes. The classes are only 4-6 students/session and are usually 3 hours or so long. They go over the terminology, the process, everything. I would love to learn how to letterpress but I want to make sure it is going to be cost effective for us to go this route. We have an appointment tomorrow at an invitation store in downtown s.f. tomorrow to get some ideas on styles we like and pricing so hopefully I will then have a better idea of whether it will be worth it or not. If I did take the classes i could always use it in the future to make Christmas cards, Birthday cards, other peoples invites, etc. which would definitely be nice.

Another option I have been curious about is the Gocco. I know many of you ladies have been going on and on about how amazing and simple these little guys are but I am so hesitant. I have never seen an invite or other paper product made using a Gocco and I have a fear it will come out looking like a rubber stamp. Does anyone have a Gocco in the San Francisco area that would be willing to send me a small sample of the work that can be done using one of these little guys?? I would love to be able to see an example before I went ahead and started bidding on e-bay for one! Thanks!

Now for some invitation inspiration:

Simple, close to our colors, love the rounded corners.

Polka dots, obviously this one was my choice haha

I love the 2007 graphic.

I like the simplicity and the corners but it needs something more, color, graphic... I'm not sure.

In other good news: We finally found a ceremony location!!!! We will be getting married at a family friends house on Lake Michigan. They have a beautiful lawn over looking the lake with a huge beach down below. It makes a nice middle ground between my need for barefoot and sandy and the practicality of elderly loved ones who wouldn't be able to get down the 50 or so steep, sand covered stairs to the beach.

And here is what I got to do last weekend :)

San Francisco Zoo :)

The little ones

2008-08-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

I always get so excited looking at flower girl and ring bearer outfits. I don't think it hurts that we have the cutest kids in the world in our wedding. Here are D & I's idea so far of what we want the little gals and guy to be in :) (plus a few pretty pictures too)

flower girls:

ring bearer:

I was also playing with these alternatives for the girls:

)

A pink tutu would be adorable and so much fun for the girls. (image found on TuTucuteBaby's Etsy shop. check out all of her adorable tutu's for little ones!)

and these alternative shoes for the little man:

little jacks!

Now on to some pretty images:

This photo makes me so tempted to buy pink converse's just so i can take one exactly like this.

I wonder how many different shoes are too many for one day?? Heels for the shots downtown and entrance into the reception, ballet flats for dancing, converse for this picture, and maybe even a pair of pink or green heels so I can get a shot like this;

A few more before I make red velvet whoopie pies(hopefully they will turn out almost as well as Umpi's version) and head out to get plants for Moe's new 12 gallon tank! (yep, we more than doubled the size of his old one, lucky guy)

absolutely perfect :)

apple details; loving it

yes, please.

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! I am going to be spending mine relaxing and getting a few things done today and then tomorrow D & I are going to the zoo! (I loooooove animals, and zoo's, and aquariums.... you get the idea)

also, on Monday I will be starting my 2 week detox/ cleanse so wish me good luck! I will let you know how it goes :)

Happy Birthday Dad!

2008-08-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

Today is my dad's birthday.

Happy Birthday Dad, I love you!

Wedding Traditions

2008-08-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

D and I have been talking for a while now about traditions we like and don't like in terms of weddings. Although most we are pretty fair game with there are a few you definitely will not be seeing at our wedding. Jessica at Tying the Knot also posted about this recently so check out her blog for her views on wedding traditions that are on their way out.

The garter toss will not be making an appearance on our big day. Sorry to all of the fellows out there who love this part of the day. I love that all eyes will be on us that day but this is definitely a moment that I do not want all eyes on us. I definitely don't need the embarrassment and I feel some things should just remain private.

The Glass Cling is something I'm still not 100% sure about. I love the idea of the guest playing an active role in your day but I want to eat! I think it is a cute tradition but definitely only in moderation. One idea we may go with is the donation route. Instead of having everyone cling their glass when they wanted us to kiss they would instead have to make a donation to a charity of our choice. once made, they could ring a bell signaling a kiss. This way it would hopefully limits people's clinging and promote a great cause.

On another note:

check out Snappy Maps. They make custom maps for your wedding area and are very reasonably priced!

Sweet Penelope: invitations you can print at home. pick out the design you like and you are sent the digital file for the template. This seems like a good idea for people who would like to do the invites themselves but can't find all the time needed or decide they want a part in creating the invites but don't want to do it all.

Bad News: Today my favorite pair of jeans ripped. (The other pair I have of the same style wore down really quick too but the sales associates told me it rarely happens and that if I could find my receipt they could send them into the company. Of course I couldn't find it though..) I hate it, I only bought them 2 months ago and they really wore down. I love how the fit but really paying 170.00 a pair is a bit extreme to me if they don't hold up for crap. I could understand it if i had had them for a long time or wore them all the time but I don't do either. I ended up writing in to the company so hopefully I will get something back soon in response. if not, I will be hiking over to Neiman Marcus to complain. Has anyone else has any issues with their 7's jeans??

Back to wedding news; I have started looking into wedding dresses lately. Nothing big, just looking through magazines to see the styles I like etc. I have basically been noticing a few reoccurring names popping up. Vera Wang, Vineyard collection, Melissa Sweet, and J. Crew. Here are a few images of a few I like:

Melissa Sweet; I don't think I would want to go the short dress route but if I did this one would be perfect!

The vineyard collection

J. Crew

Now I just need someone to go dress shopping with. This will definitely be the hardest aspect of the whole planning. I don't have any close friends out here yet and the person I usually get my opinions from is D, who obviously can't go with me :) Anyone want to fly out for a weekend to look for dresses with me??

2008-07-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about cutting my hair. It is currently a little below my shoulder blades which is the longest it has ever been. I have been going back and forth on whether to go for it or not for a few reasons. The first; I LOVE these hairstyles and I am pretty sure I want something like this done for the wedding.

However, I love my hair mid length, right above my shoulders. It takes less time to dry in the morning, doesn't get as tangled, and is so much lighter and easier to style. I am loving Reese's latest cut:

Do you see the confliction??

Here are some more pretty images I have found over the past week;

I love the ribbon detail on the flowers.

Clutch from j.Crew

Wouldn't this be the best dress to head off to your honeymoon in?

I love this menu.

I am still trying to figure out how to do the back of our save the dates. I want them to correspond with our invitation, menus, escort cards, programs, etc. but I have no clue what I want for any of those yet so it is hard to decide on something for the save the dates.

Any suggestions for preppy/(and/or) nautical/(and/or) simple/(and/or) slightly modern, invitations/ programs/etc? I am trying to stay away from the star fish and shells simply because i see them way too much. I'm thinking either a nantucket whale image, anchor, something to do with "tying the knot", or even just colors and layouts that give the preppy/nautical/ classic feel.

Inspirational Images

2008-07-20T10:38:00.001-07:00

Just a few images i saved from the past week. Enjoy!

I love the centerpieces for the table

Izze's; love them :)

Change this to a navy ribbon and we are all set.

I am loving the green stripe fabric.

and obviously, lobsters :)

(I found most of these images from the knot.com but if I used an image of yours and you would like me to link it to you please let me know.)

Now on to my july wish list:

(Pottery Barn)

(Pottery barn)

(William Sonoma)

I picked out the image we are going to use for our save the dates and now all I have left to do is design the layout for the information. Right now is one of those times when I wished I still have photoshop on my computer. I will most likely end up staying a little late at work this week so I can get them done. Once that is complete I need to find somewhere to print them and find the money to pay for the printing... These are the stamps we are going to use; if anyone feel the impulse to mail us a few sheets of these babies they wouldn't be turned away :)

2008-07-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

found on flickr

How gorgeous is this? I love the centerpiece detail and the lining of the envelope.

Weekend Inspiration

2008-07-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

do you ever have that sudden burst of inspiration? Inspiration so strong it makes you want to stop everything and create it? Barely containing yourself inspiration?

I just experienced that.

it is nice to finally be able to put work aside for the weekend and get back into wedding planning mode :)

Another great thing to come out of this "burst of creative inspiration", is the realization that I truly may be the first person to have this view or image in my head of what I want. i searched every site imaginable with every type of phrasing and nothing. :) I know everything has been done before but I really believe what I have in mind hasn't been put together in the overall concept i have envisioned for it. Yay :)

On a totally different note, I am falling for candy stores. not your typical candy stores but "penny candy-meets-small town-european charm" candy stores. Candy stores filled with hard to find treats, pastel colors, and beautiful displays. San francisco is filling up quickly with them and I couldn't be happier. Thank goodness for all the hills!

Check these out, prepare to drool.

Miette

Fionas Sweet Shoppe

(I love their packaging & logo)

Have a relaxing weekend! I am off to enjoy mine(and possibly go get some candy)

2008-07-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

I promise I will try and get better about posting...

Another crazy bus story!

* While at a stop today a bunch of people were getting off and there was a line of about 6 people waiting to get on. You are only allowed to enter the bus in the front but you can exit from the front or the back. This crazy guy decided he was above the rules today and decided to skip the line and enter from the back. The bus driver noticed, headed to the back, and told him to get off and go wait in like the rest of us. Instead, he cut al the way up the middle of the bus, got off and started yelling at the bus driver about how he didn't need him up in his s**t calling him every swear word in the book. As the guy approached to enter the correct way and pay the bus driver started to close the doors so he wouldn't be allowed to come on. This completely pissed the guy off! He started going on a rampage of vulgar language and harassing the bus driver. After the guy had made his way to the back of the bus and the driver called the cops to get him removed. Even knowing the cops were coming he still wouldn't get off the bus! (idiot). The cops came, got him off the bus and continued to give him a hard time outside. This included not only questions (in between the guy yelling at the cops...) and walking the line! too funny, apparently he was either wasted or high... I'm guessing both...

Work has been going well. We recently got a new project that needs a little schematic design so we (my team & I) are currently working on that and hoping to come up with an overall concept for the project and design.

We also finally got our apartment put together. We were able to go pick up our rug from Pottery Barn on monday and all of our bedding came about 3 days before that. It is definitely a small space but we aren't in it enough for it to matter. That is what I love most about the city, there is always something to do, someplace to walk to, things to discover, local festivals, farmers markets, etc. and if none of that is available we can always go sit and relax by the water or work out! I love it :)

our new rug :)

I really need to start getting back on the wedding kick again, I know I still have a year but I do not want to put it all off until 3-6 months before; I would go crazy! A few people at my firm are getting married/recently married so there has definitely been a lot of talk about it. One thing a co-worker brought up was the videographer. Are any of you having a videographer? I wasn't planning on it but after seeing a few clips from his videographer I have to admit I am interested. I will definitely take a look at pricing and styles available in West Michigan but I'm still not %100 sure. Give me some feedback if any of you have had experience with one/plan on using one/ or have used one for your wedding.

Have a great rest of the week! We are over the hump!

2008-07-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the disappearing act! Things are going well in San Fran; the apartment is almost completely set up which is definitely nice! I have also officially started work and am almost done with my first week! It has definitely been an interesting experience with the bus though! I enjoy not driving and knowing that I am saving money and the environment but boy do you see some characters though!

I will leave you today with a few inspiring words I heard on the bus ride to work today!

"A smoking section in a restaurant is a lot like having a peeing section in a pool" -random guy on the bus

Think about it...

We are here!

2008-06-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

We are officially residents of san francisco. On that note I am thinking about going private, with everything going on it just seems like the right move to make. I will let you all know for sure once I make a decision. Until then though I am off to unpack more!

Almost there!

2008-06-23T18:53:00.000-07:00

We finally reached California today. We ended up making yesterday a really long day and didn't get to the hotel until about 11pm. Tomorrow morning we are going to get up early and drive the last few hours into San Francisco. Here are a few pictures from the last couple days of our journey.

Pony Express original station

Monument to Lincoln in Wyoming

Salt flats in Nevada

welcome sign in Nevada

California

I'm off to relax a bit before the final day tomorrow!

One day down, two to go

2008-06-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

We just finished up our first day of driving. We ended up taking off at 8am this morning, stopped at JP's for one last cup of coffee and continued on our way. We made it through 3 states and will hopefully make it to salt Lake City tomorrow. On the way through Illinois we ended up driving about 30 minutes with a group of hundreds of bikers. It was their freedom ride 2008 which was supporting the troops and P.O.W. and M.I.A. It was really neat to see all of the support they got throughout the ride, people were on every overpass with flags and signs. From Illinois we headed through Iowa. Iowa was long and mostly corn fields but it was crazy to see how much destruction was everywhere from the floods. We were lucky enough to be able to cross over the Mississippi and there were multiple sections of I-80 that up to about a week ago had been under water. While in Iowa we got to stop at the worlds largest truck stop. Unfortunately it was just that, a large truck stop. It did have a theater which was neat, but we didn't have enough time to stop and see a movie. I will update with pictures as soon as we get to Utah but for now I am off to get some rest so I will be ready for our long day tomorrow.

2 more days

2008-06-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

we got our apartment all packed up last night. It took 4 people and 9 hours but we finally got it all in. We ended up getting rid of a lot of stuff and donating even more. We are now back at my parents house tying up loose ends, finishing a little laundry, and spending time with friends and family. Tomorrow night we have a small goodbye party at the local brewery and the next morning we will be taking off bright and early. I will try to post as much as I can from the road but it will all depend on where I can get internet connection from. I'll leave you now with a shot of the moving truck. It is definitely packed full!

2008-06-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned yesterday, I found a bakery to make our wedding cake! We are going with Barb of Sweet Cakes Design. It was the first "official" cake tasting D and I have done but I have tried quite a few other places between bridal shows and just hopping in for a cupcake. Her style matches what I had been envisioning and when I told her what I wanted for the look and feel of the cake she got it immediately! (trust me, this was a HUGE selling point!). She was also a sweetheart and her buttercream frosting was amazing. I am really picky about frosting and usually end up scrapping it all off so the fact that hers was light, stays in place with heat, and not sugary sealed the deal!

If any of you are getting married in the Western Michigan area I highly recommend taking a look at Barb.

I don't know if i had mentioned before but I also found a dress I LOVED while in San Francisco. It was in a small shop that sold all designer dress at discount prices (from trunk shows, store models, etc). Unfortunately the shop was closed but I managed to snag a picture of it from outside the front window. I contacted the shop in hopes they could help me out with who the designer was but they never got back to me. Imagine my surprise when I came across the very dress while flipping through Brides Magazine today. The designer: Vera Wang... go figure haha. I usually can pick out the most expensive thing in a store and that definitely was the case this time. A girl can dream though can't she??

Once I can find a picture of it online I will post it.

One of those days.

2008-06-13T09:54:00.001-07:00

Maybe it is because it is Friday the 13th, or maybe it is all this heat and humidity we have been having here but these last two days have been a roller coaster ride.

Most already know that D and I are moving to San Francisco here in just over a week. With that being said these past few weeks have been filled with packing, cleaning, and driving all over the state to see friends and family before we leave. One thing we decided about moving to San Francisco was that we would get rid of our cars. D's was in worse shape than mine so we decided to sell his first. We got a ton of hits on it and the car was about a day away from a sale going through.... and then it died. Perfect timing, no?? We lowered the price drastically in order to "just get rid of it" and we ended up selling it the next day.

About 5 days ago I finally put my car on the market. She was my first car and I have had her for about six years now. She has been through a lot but she always manages to make it through. Like D's car, mine also had a ton of hits on it. We got offered almost the full amount we were asking for it and we were thrilled. Last night we drove back across the state to go visit a friend, do a cake tasting, and get the title from my parents so I could sell it today. About three miles from our place at 11:30pm my car died.. Perfect timing ,no?? We got her towed back here and now she sits, waiting to get hauled back to my parents house to they can figure out what is wrong with her and then sell her. Needless to say I had to call the buyer up and explain what had happened with pretty much ended that sale.

It was not a good day..............

yet another thing to go wrong yesterday was the cake tasting. Well, not the cake tasting itself but the drive there. The place we were going to had previously been operated out of the owners house and because of that all of the directories I looked at to get the address still had her house address listed as the business site. We got all the way over there and fortunately enough, D had his iphone on him so we were able to look up her phone number, get the real address and finally make it to our appointment 25minutes late.

At least the cake was amazing and we ended up booking her on the spot! At least one thing good came out of that day.

Hopefully you all had better day than we did!!

........................................................................................................................................................

I've been tagged by Emily at Vineyard Vogue.

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was 12 years old and half way through my 6th grade year. I was busy swimming competitively, running track, and playing volleyball and basketball. I also had a huge crush on a basketball player at our school.

2. What are 5 things on your to do list today?
1) Prime and paint the bathroom
2) pack up my closet :(
3) prime and paint the dining room and living room
4) Research places to stop along our long I-80W trip to San Francisco (any advice or knowledge would be greatly appreciated!)
5) hopefully eat something other than vitaminwater

3. Snacks you enjoy?
veggies and hummus, any type of fruit, and chocolate

4. Places you've lived?
My parents house, the dorms at school, the village on Campus, Howell, and San Francisco (and soon San Francisco again!)

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?
1) Buy a house
2) Start my own business
3) Travel!!
4) Build/ remodel my parents house
5) donate to my favorite charities (Ronald McDonald House and Make a Wish Foundation)
6.) Invest in retirement funds, stocks, etc. (yep I gave myself a 6th one!)

I tag: With this ring i thee obsess and Pearl Events

and of course, a pretty image to end it all.

Inspirational Images

2008-06-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

This is my first day posting with my new macbook pro. I am absolutely in love with it! It is already making the wedding searching and researching so much easier. Here are a few images I have found over the past day that i am absolutely in love with.

Update:

I just map quested our trip across the country. It is going to be sooooo long. If anyone knows of any neat/interesting stops along the way let me know! We will be traveling primarily I-80W and I-280W. We are hoping to break up the trip by stopping at cool local dinners/dives, large balls of yarn, etc. ( you get the idea haha). Thanks in advance for any help you all may have!

2008-06-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Jessica of Tying the Knot to share a little bit about my fiance so here goes;

1.) He is always making up little songs and rhymes for everything. He will probably hate that I am sharing this but they are always so funny and cute.
2.) He always has to have a project going.
3.) He went to private school in Boston and is a total prep
4.) He is the king of Othello... I tied him the very first time I played but haven't come close to beating him since
5.) and obviously, he is my best friend & totally "gets" me which is just one of the many reasons I love him.

I tag: the preppy wedding, tie the knot, and anyone else who wants to play!

2008-06-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

A lot has been happening since the last time I wrote. Most of that is packing and running around the state trying to see everyone before I leave. Last night I got to go to AA to see Vineyard vogue. We got a pedicure which I was in dire need of and dinner at C.P.K. It was so good to see her again before I leave. It is going to be really hard not being close enough to just hop in my car and go visit and especially hard not being able to have her come with me to do all of the bride/moh planning.

Today I am heading back across the state once more. My brother is graduating form high school so I will be heading home to see him, my family, and friends for the weekend. It is so weird to think that both my brother and I have graduated and are now moving on to new and exciting things. B will be heading to GRCC in the fall to pursue his interest in digital media productions. From what I have seen of his work from high school I know he will do amazing things in the future. Good Luck B!

Another great thing I get to do today is get my new laptop. My old dell died about 3 months ago now and I have been waiting for this day for a while. I cannot wait to finally have so I can start using for wedding planning and everything else.
This will soon be my newest addition :)
Next thursday D and I have our first appointment for cake tasting. It is with Sweet Cakes Design.

She has a variety of cake designs but there are a few that we both love.

(a cake she did for a recent wedding)
(some of the cupcakes she has done)

We know we want very simple probably with a ribbon around the base of each layer. Right now we are pretty sure we are only going to do a small two tiered cake with cupcakes. I want the small cake to cut into and then the top tier to save for our first anniversary. For the cupcakes I DO NOT want any cupcake stands. For whatever reason I think they are hideous (sorry if any of you are using them, its just a personal opinion), so instead I want to start collecting really neat cake stands and using those at different heights to display the cupcakes.

Have a great weekend!!

2008-05-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

We are finally back! Wow, it feels like we haven't been in our apartment in ages.. probably because we haven't. The past few weeks have been pretty packed full with hoping between San Fran, the west side of Michigan and Maine. All in all though I would have to say that we got a fair amount accomplished. We got an apartment, landed an adorable ring bearer and got to see family. Now it is time to step back into real life, unfortunately, which means packing and cleaning pretty much non stop. I can't believe that in about 3 weeks we will be moving across the country. It definitely has all been coming real lately. I put in my final shift this weekend at my current job (I am jumping for joy while saying this). and D only has about 3 more shifts left for his (another yay!)

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I had found some amazing b.m. dresses a couple of weeks ago. Bad news was that they were out of them online and in most stores. Oh well at least we still have plenty of time to find some different ones. J. Crew is definitely the top contender right now. I want dresses that my b.m.'s will love and as most brides today, I want them to be able to wear them again. It isn't really a tall order but it is definitely at the front of my mind which is why J.Crew is coming out in the lead.

Here are some of my favorites right now. (all of these would be in navy)

J. Crew

J. Crew

I love the idea of doing navy dresses with kelly green heels but I also want to include flip flops for the ceremony considering it will most likely either be on sand. ( Plus then they can use them at the end of the night for sore feet!)

2008-05-23T05:44:00.000-07:00

I apologize for being MIA these last couple of weeks. As I said in my last post, d and i were in San Fran last week looking at apartments and from there we had one day to relax and then we headed right back out to Maine.We figured out on Wednesday that in the last 8 days we have slept in 7 different places...

Good news is, we found an apartment! It was one of the lowest priced that we had looked at and also had the location we liked the most with the most amenities. We move in June 24th so now we are just busy packing up and visiting with everyone before we leave.

On a wedding note, I had found bm dresses but have recently realized the aren't offering the color I had wanted online. Once we get back home I am going to try and track them down in stores in the area. Hopefully they will have all of the sizes i need. If not, we will just have to keep on looking.

Sorry for such a short post, I promise I will start posting more regularly when I get back home. Have a great holiday weekend!

Emgagement Pictures!

2008-05-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

D and I had our engagement pictures taken this past Thursday! We couldn't have asked for better weather or photographer, Amy was amazing and I definitely encourage you to stop by her website or blog to check her out. I will post some of the pictures as soon as I get them but until then there is a teaser post over at Amy Carroll's Blog so check it out!

We are both so excited that everything can finally start moving forward! Once we get the pictures back we will be able to decide on which image we want for our save the dates!

I am heading back to Holland tomorrow for Mother's Day and then on Monday D and I are heading to San Fran to check our apartments, Hopefully by Thursday we will have put down a down payment on something so wish us luck!

2008-05-04T08:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this past week. I am officially done with my undergrad degree and have been enjoying my free time lately. Last week D and I headed back to Holland to scope out some ceremony locations. We have three top contenders and now it all comes down to 1.) availability and 2.) Price. Our top 3 locations (in no particular order)

Camp Blodgett

Camp Geneva

(image is from another wedding taking place on the beach there)

Ventura Pines

While in Holland we also went downtown and got to experience the tulips before all of the tourists got there. Thankfully all of the vendor stands were already up so D and I were able to get our yearly "greasy goodness" lunch of corn dogs(for me), onion rings, and grilled sausage (for D). Later that night I also got a caramel apple which was amazing! It wasn't the best time for the yearly meal seeing as engagement pictures are coming up on Thursday but oh well, it was too good to pass up :)

After downtown we headed to the beach

our date :)

Next week I have to head home once again to get my hair cut and nails done for our pictures on Thursday. I also need to find some new jeans but unfortunately the place I usually go to at home was out of the style and size I needed in 7's. Now I have to head to royal oak to find them :(

Have a great Sunday!!

2008-04-26T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm officially done with my undergrad tomorrow! We have commencement and then a senior gala right afterwards and after that I think my family will be going out to eat to celebrate. I am so glad to be done with school for a while! I am planning on going back for my masters in business once D is finished with dental school, I figure it will be of more worth to me than a masters in interior design. I guess we will just have to see how things pan out.

Today has mostly been spent relaxing. After exams last week and D parents visiting this week I am exhausted. While D's parents were here we went to Chicago though which was amazing as always. It was their first time down there and I think they really liked it as well.

There isn't much new in wedding news. Right now I am just trying to find a ceremony location which is harder than I would have though. We are looking for a beach location on Lake Michigan somewhere between Holland and Grand Haven. The hardest part is that to get anything to have to rent a cottage with it as well or deal with a large number of people that could possibly be around (for the public locations). I really just want something easily accessible that doesn't cost much (or anything) to rent for a few hours. You would think that Michigan having the longest fresh water coastline in the world this would be a very easy task but it definitely is not. All of the area in which I am looking is either privately owned (so a house/cottage would have to be rented for a week) or public (meaning lots of people around...). If anyone knows of anything in the area I would be happy to have the suggestions!

Ok, I'm off for more relaxing :)

2008-04-22T07:19:00.000-07:00

Im finally in the homestretch. I only have 3 more exams, all of which I will be done with by tomorrow :) On an even better note, I got a few things for engagement pictures this past weekend when my parents got back from their cruise.

I got this in navy and I think I am going to wear it with a white skirt

I got this in white and I am going to pair it with jeans and a cute pair of shoes. What do you think, heels or flats??

I also got a cute shirt with the number 22 on it and a sailboat simply because it is my favorite number and we got engaged on my 22nd birthday!

Thank you Mom and Dad!!

To my readers; I was wondering what all of you were doing for your bridesmaids? I had thought it was fairly typical today for bridesmaids and groomsmen to pay for their own attire. Does this still hold true? Is anyone else doing it this way? Anyone helping their BM and GM out with their attire or even paying for all of it?

I'm Back!!

2008-04-17T07:19:00.001-07:00

So I am officially back! After a week and a half of insane stress levels accompanied by being sick, it feels so good to have almost all of that over with. I still have three more exams and a project due but I'm not really too worried about those.

The next few weeks are going to be a whirlwind of actives. Here is my list of things I am doing & need to do over the next couple of weeks.

- finish studying for exams
-graduation (yay!!)
-Trip to San Fran to look for an apartment
-Trip to Maine to visit D's family
- My brothers Graduation & open house from high school
- Work :( (unfortunately I have to add that one in there)
-Engagement pictures
-Make our save the dates
-Find a ceremony location, florists & baker

Ok so that isn't all of it but I think you get the idea.

On another note, vineyard vogue had a post the other day about changing up her blogger page. I have been thinking about the same thing for a while now but can't seem to find anything. I can make my own banners but I'm just no good with HTML. I also visited the pyzam site and found nothing! It may be just me but I am past the point of 14yr old myspace layouts. I don't want a hurly or abercrombie logo or some shadow of a naked girl on my page.. There were a few cute polka dots and striped but I want something different & unique. Any ideas for me??

I'm so glad to be back, the break was just what I needed :)

Have a great day!

The Proposal

2008-04-15T18:54:00.001-07:00

Ok so to really tell this story I would have to start all the way back to June 2008. I will spare you all the long story and instead give you the cliff notes version. It all started about a week before my 22nd birthday. 22 is my favorite number so I was really looking forward to this birthday! D kept asking me if I had any idea about what he had gotten me. For the most part I really had no clue. A few hints here and there led me to believe that I would be going on a trip but to where I had no idea. The day before my birthday D told me that I would need to dress for pretty much the same weather as here (cold, snowy, freezing...). I figure I had it down to three options; Chicago, New York, or Detroit (yes, I know, Detroit.. but the new MGM Grand just came in and D knew how much I wanted to go there for dinner.. so it was a possibility). The night before my birthday my parents came up to celebrate with D and I. It was then that D gave me a card telling me to be ready to fly. He asked me if I still felt like guessing where we were going and of course, I knew: NEW YORK. I was so excited, I had never been to New York and have always wanted to. That night I packed my bags and went to bed so I could be up early for our flight the next morning.

I woke up the morning of my birthday to candles and roses lining the hallway. All I could think about what oh my gosh, he is going to propose..... As I walked down the hallway I was so excited but when I saw D standing by the coffee table with breakfast made, fresh strawberries, champagne, and chocolate milk(an inside joke from how we met) I knew it wasn't going to happen. Along with the roses and candles were hand written notes (22 to be exact) with messages from D about our past and how much he loved me. I was slightly disappointed but still so surprised and happy at the same time. When we got to New York we went to our hotel which was amazing! It was a small boutique hotel right in Times Square and I (and the designer in me) loved it! After we got settled we decided to go for dinner and walk around for a while to see the sights. We decided to go look at all of the amazing Christmas window displays and after seeing almost all of them I was pretty tired. I started getting fairly grouchy and couldn't figure out why D wouldn't just let us go back to the Hotel or take a quick break. Finally he told me that we should go walk back down to Rockefeller Center ( the first time we walked by it was packed and we decided to pass it). I was busy taking pictures of the gorgeous Christmas Tree when D wrapped his arms around me and started telling me how much I meant to him and how much he loved me. He pulled out the little blue box (literally, he left it wrapped because he knew I would love to see that little blue box with the white ribbon) and asked me to open it. As I was opening it he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! as you all know, I said yes, called my parents and spent the rest of the vacation seeing the sights, going to Mary Poppins (front row seats, my Christmas present from D.. its my favorite movie from when I was a kid) and just enjoying each others company!

2008-04-15T08:52:00.000-07:00

I got tagged, Twice!!

I know I promised my proposal but I will have that for you later tonight or early tomorrow.

I got tagged by A Windy City Wedding & Vineyard Vogue so here goes

RULES:
1) you link back to the person who tagged you.
2) post these rules on your blog.
3) share six unimportant things about yourself.
4) tag six random people at the end of your entry.
5) let the tagged people know by leaving a comment on their blogs

6 unimportant things about myself:

1. I loooove the smell of chlorine. I'm sure being a swimmer helped that one.
2.I swam competitively for 12 years and just gave it up 2 years ago... I will probably be starting up again in San Fran
s. I am addicted to orange juice. I can drink a gallon of it in less than 24 hours...
4. I never considered myself to have a 'best friend" that spot was always reserved for my mom
5. I was never the girly girly type growing up. I would rather play legos than dream about being a princess. I firmly believe that most girls DID NOT grow up dreaming about their wedding day.
6. I have driven the same car since my Junior year of high school & im hoping she will make it just a few more months

I tag:
1. Lucky Me!
2. Tie the knot
3. Snippet and Ink
4. A little sussy
5. I heart peonies
6. sf girl by bay

Enjoy!

2008-04-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm still not back but I just realized I never put up the proposal! I promise it will be the first thing up when I come back. Soon, I promise!

A little Break

2008-04-06T13:36:00.001-07:00

I will be taking a little break from blogging. My stress level has just hit an unmentionable high with finals, graduation( which I still haven't picked up tickets for or my cap and gown...), apartment hunting, and trying to fit in time for friends and family. It is times like these when saying screw it to everything and heading out here seems like the best idea ever.

6 months of peace and quite (no homework, finals, rent payments, etc.) sounds all too good right now. Watch out, one of these days I'm actually going to do it... Until then, back to Autocad. See you all in a week or so :)

Decisions, decisions

2008-04-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

So finally, after months of little progress on our wedding planning we are officially moving forward! It is so exciting to have decisions made because it means I can finally start working on some of the smaller (dare I say) more exciting elements! On to what we have done, Most of you know that we were initially looking in the Chicago area, specifically A New Leaf, to host our wedding. Well after a little more research and a visit with an old friend I stumbled across a place in Holland. Yes, you heard me right, Holland. The space was almost everything I was looking for, the food looks amazing, and there is a lot included in the cost which will leave money for other details I had wanted. Having the reception in Holland also means I get to keep my dream of having the ceremony on the beach :)

I introduce, Till Midnight:

The restaurant and banquet center are located in the old Baker Furniture Building. I thought that was also pretty fitting considering I am an interior designer and LOVE furniture :)

( I love the exposed ceiling and brick)

We are renting out the entire banquet hall including the outdoor space. This includes tables, chairs, linens, and centerpieces (vases). I'm not sure if we will use some of the linens they provide because they don't match the color scheme but we will for sure use the white ones. I'm also not sure about the centerpieces but it all depends on what I decide to do for the tables. Either way they will be great to have around the cocktail area and outside for added light.

Another decision we made was finally setting our date. July 18, 2009

We had originally wanted a June date (June 20, 2009) but unfortunately the photographer we wanted was booked then.

The photographer we booked is Amy Carroll. She does amazing work and comes highly recommended. Check out her blog and website for examples of her work.

Now we have my side of the family looking for waterfront locations where we can have the ceremony!

Things are finally moving forward and I am so excited!

2008-03-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lack of posts this week. Everything is finally starting to mount up and the pressure is definitely on. Exams are coming up way too quickly along with multiple projects & papers. On top of that D & I must also start to find a place to live next year in San Fran. I signed my contract this weekend and will be starting my first "real" job on June 30th. I am so excited but a bit out of my element and comfort zone. I did an internship in San Fran this past summer for two months, it was definitely an adjustment and a period of new experiences but moving out there to live is a whole different story. It is going to be a huge change and I just hope I am up for it. The job I got is amazing and I know it will help me out so much for the future but it will be difficult being away from family and friends for a while. Add to that planning the wedding, trying to save for a new car, and finding a replacement for my now dead laptop and I'm guessing you can see my stress level right now.

One the topic of wedding though we booked our engagement pictures! May 8th we will be heading to my hometown to take some pictures downtown and then heading to the town D & I met in to take some pictures downtown and also on the beach. I am so excited!

I will try to post more soon!

2008-03-24T17:35:00.001-07:00

Spring!

I love spring! I especially love all of the flowers.

Image from Toast and Tables

The rest of the images are from flikr

Pretty Little Things

2008-03-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

This morning i went to get my one and only wisdom tooth out. I was in and out in 15minutes and it really was incredibly easy. I think hearing the horror stories from everyone else helped too. I didn't end up going under and I didn't accept the pain killer prescription. I'm not a huge fan of medications, especially not super strong ones like vicadin. Either way I'm surprised at how well I'm doing right now. :)

On to the pretty little things, specifically jewelry

1.) Katja Adams

2.) Uncommon Goods

3.) Victorialyn

4.) Sparkledarkko

BM's!

2008-03-19T09:45:00.001-07:00

So I should first start off by saying Good Luck to miss E over at Vineyard Vogue. She is heading down to Nashville this weekend to try out for Nashville Star! I have a feeling we will be seeing them soon as the next Nashville Star!

Ok so here is a little inspiration board I put together for possibly Bridesmaids dresses, shoes, etc. I am thinking navy blue for the dress color but who knows, it could change...again haha. Any thoughts, comments or suggestions?

2008-03-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know approximately how much it costs to change a dress from zipper to buttons? I found the perfect dress today but it is missing the finishing touch that I love; the buttons down the back.

We're Back!

2008-03-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who left comments and suggestions!

Chicago was amazing as always, the first day we arrived it was 65 degrees! It was such a nice break from all of this cold, snowy yuck! We ended up visiting ANL on Friday morning while they were setting up for wedding. It was so amazing to see the site in real life as opposed to pictures. I am in love with all of the exposed brick and rawness of the space. Also during our visit we were able to attend the Chicago History Museums Bridal Show and Cupcakes. The bridal show was amazing but unfortunately we didn't have as good of an experience with Cupcakes. We were however able to make some good decisions based on both visits and now have a better idea of what we are looking for.

I'm going to stop this one a bit early but I'm sure I'll be back again tomorrow to finish where I left off. This weekend has been a whirlwind of activity and I am completely exhausted. Add to that the "wedding tension" between a few select people and I'm sure you all can empathize with my need to either go for a run or lay down.

Off we go!

2008-03-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

I will apologize ahead of time for the lack of post the rest of this week and weekend. D & I are heading down to Chicago on Thursday to attend the Chicago History Museum's Bridal Show. They are featuring Blue Plate Catering who, if we decide to hold the wedding in Chicago, is the top runner for caterers. While down there I will be staying with a friend and I am soo excited to see her again!

The debate over location:

1.) We are heading to Cali this summer and will be planning a majority of the wedding from there so we needed to have it somewhere easily accessible to us.
2.) My parents really want it in my hometown, which I am in love with, but it doesn't offer us what we had pictured in a wedding
3.) We pretty much have it narrowed down to 2 (ok, as of yesterday it may have went up to 3) locations. Chicago, Traverse City, Bay Harbor
4.) I am fairly untraditional in a Bridal Sense. I want something unique & original and also something that is completely D & I.
5.) I do not want my ceremony in a church. Ever since I started dreaming about a wedding I have wanted my ceremony on the waterfront.

Here are the finalists for location:

Chicago: A New Leaf

This space has that Loft/ Urban feel that we love & it is located in Chicago which is my favorite city. It also satisfies my need as a hub (in terms of airports) which allows everyone easy access to the ceremony and reception(including the bride and groom) as well as an easy way to get to the Honeymoon. I love the exposed brick. Another plus is ten tables & chairs are included in the cost, the florist the owns it does amazing floral arrangements so we wouldn't have to worry about that and they can do a candle treatment which is beautiful (and less work for us!)

next:Traverse City: Crooked Creek Ranch

The ranch is beautiful, it is set in the middle of vineyards and right on the water. It has a large barn for the event space and enough space on the property to host the ceremony on the lawn or down by the water. Downside, it is twice as much as the Chicago location and you get both locations for the same amount of time. Like Chicago it would allow all of our guests to be able to come for the whole weekend and do outings, explore the town, and really spend time enjoying family and friends during this once in a lifetime experience for us. Another downside, its a little more country than we are. I know I could make it my own but if it starts out twice as more expensive will have the money to "make it our own"?

third: The Inn at Bay Harbor (up at Boyne Highlands Ski Resort)

My dad called me last night and told me about this place. I love the feel of it & it is right on the water which is awesome. I don't know any pricing yet but hopefully I will be getting that today or tomorrow. The cobblestone streets are pretty too. I haven't been able to do as much research on this one yet but the setting is pretty. The downside, it will be a lot harder to access for D & myself if we fly over here for a weekend of planning. It will also take place during peak travel season so Im sure the golf course on the waterfront will be in use meaning a lot of people we really don't want around will be "intruding" (not literally, but when you want an intimate affair it will seem like it).

So any thoughts??

Wedding Website!

2008-03-09T15:58:00.001-07:00

So I finally got around to creating our wedding website. It isn't much yet but hopefully after this coming weekend I should be able to add more. I'll be updating it as information becomes available so bookmark it and check back often!

Here it is

2008-03-07T18:31:00.001-08:00

So just a quick post,
Bad News: My laptop decided to kick the bucket last night right after I finished writing a paper for a class. Normally I would be overjoyed that I had finished it before it died but, I hadn't had a chance to submit it. So today I had to completely re-write it. :(

Good News: I found these flip flops on Vineyard Vines that I absolutely love! D & I loved the anchor/ tying the knot theme for the wedding and these sandals would be so much fun.