Well, we are back in Washington. Our trip to Indiana went great. Nothing better than hanging with family and friends. It was a fun-filled all about Amanda trip,in a way, and I am not going to complain about that. Here is everything that went on.
We arrived Wednesday night to eat a great meal,with Mom and Dad, but then mom and I scurried off to hang out with the ladies for a bridal shower. My BF Daish, planned a last minute shower that was perfect. I got to see my closest friends and have some girl time with food and gifts.
Thursday, I was up bright and early to do a practice run with my hair. One of my closest friends Sheila practiced an updo before my dress fitting. After we were done with my hair, mom, Sheila, Daisha, and I met at the boutique. All I can say is, I LOVE MY DRESS. It's perfect. Mom and I met up with Paolo and Dad, since they were feeling neglected. Then we had a shopping spree at Macy's. After the shopping spree we had a fabulous lunch at 800 Degrees Fired Pizza.
That evening Paolo, Ty (bro), Amber (sis-in-law), and I went to El Azteca. It's my favorite restaurant and I always eat there when I am home. This time I only made it there once;(
Friday, we hung out and had a great early-brithday meal cooked by my Mom.
Saturday, I had another bridal shower. This time it was with my family. They bought me gifts from Indiana to remember my roots, plus gifts on my registry.
After the shower we went Christmas Tree hunting with the Green's (my Godparents). This is a yearly tradition that's been going on for 30+ years.
After we hunted down the perfect tree, per Paolo's request, we went to the Nolt Family Dinner Haus. This is an Amish home that is used as a restaurant and it's the best country home cooking.
You can visit Paolo and Amber's blog for pictures.
My best friend Jenny was in and out of the hospital, but eventually gave birth to a little tiny baby. He was 28 weeks gestation and he is a little fighter. He weighs 2 lbs. 9 oz. and he is 15 inches long. They will be visiting the hospital daily until they can take that little guy home with them. His name is Henry:) You can find more about Henry here.
Thanks, to all my friends and family for making our trip home wonderful.
The funny thing about registering
In my mind, gift registry was supposed to be a free-for-all shopping spree. In a sense it is. You get to run around and scan your heart out. The funny thing is that it's a lot tougher than you'd think. Registering was nearly (gasp!) a chore.
Last Monday, Amanda was eager to get to registering and so we went to the Tacoma Mall Macy's, which was short on selection. We set up the registry but weren't able to get much further than that. Monday's just aren't ideal shopping nights either. We had a bit more success when we went home and registered more gifts online because we weren't feeling the pressure of store closing hours. We also opened up a registry at Target.
With a better idea of what we were in for, we ventured out to Seattle to register at Crate and Barrel, REI and Macy's again. This was definitely a more relaxed adventure because we started early and spread out registering over two days. We still had some stress points when we simply ran out of gas, but overall we were really happy with everything. Of course, we cleaned up the registries online when we got home and added items that we forgot about on the road.
Here are some photos of our registering trips. (Please note that the items in the photos are not necessarily the items we registered for!)
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Saturday, November 28, 2009
New Wardrobe
On Saturday Paolo Jr. and I went shopping. I was in desperate need of a new wardrobe. The past 8 months almost every dollar was going into the house in some way. I guess that's what happens being a home-owner. Of course I had a few times when I splurged on something nice and well-needed, but Saturday there was no limit (I like to think) and we had to purchase new work clothes.
Our first stop was Burlington Coat Factory and we both found two things that were needed. I bought a pair of Seven jeans (flare and for dress) and a cute flannel. Junior, bought a pair of work out shorts and a work out jacket to help motivate him to work out more. My total was $40.00 and Paolo's total was $42.00.
Next stop was Target. My total for 9 shirts and a pair of rain boots was $97.49 and it should have totalled $151.41, so I felt good about these purchases.
Paolo's total was $89.46 for 3 things. It's true that the ladies selection has more of a selection when it comes to the sale rack.
Our first stop was Burlington Coat Factory and we both found two things that were needed. I bought a pair of Seven jeans (flare and for dress) and a cute flannel. Junior, bought a pair of work out shorts and a work out jacket to help motivate him to work out more. My total was $40.00 and Paolo's total was $42.00.
Next stop was Target. My total for 9 shirts and a pair of rain boots was $97.49 and it should have totalled $151.41, so I felt good about these purchases.
Paolo's total was $89.46 for 3 things. It's true that the ladies selection has more of a selection when it comes to the sale rack.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
You're A Grand Old Flag
Have a great Veteran's Day and thanks to all of our soldiers of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Almost 30
Everyday I am excited to see what comes in the mail. As you know, I have been getting bridal magazines to help with ideas and pump me up for the big day. But something strange is happening. I am getting other magazines that I've never received before.
Whatever happened to Alloy, YM, Seventeen, Elle and Cat Fancy Magazine (I was a subscriber in college and, just so you know, you can be a subscriber eternally). Those have all disappeared. I am now getting Eddie Bauer, Lands End, This Old House(thanks Mom),and Williams Sonoma. I think all of them, minus the Williams Sonoma are out of my realm. Does this mean I am supposed to start shopping at these places?
I am starting to wonder if turning 29 has anything to do with this. I am 3 weeks away from the last year before turning 30, and this is all I can think about. I have enough grey hair already, so I don't need anymore. Please over-30 stores, I am trying to enjoy this last phase of life before I turn treinta.
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Winter Tears
Blahh... It's winter.
The sun is teasing me when it comes out for an hour or two and then goes away and hides for a week. I keep wondering how many days will we be without a sun this season. I have read that 226 days of gray is pretty common, but I shouldn't complain too much because we had an amazing summer, right?
I am now driving to work in the dark and getting home in the dark and that's what stinks. Paolo and I make sure to take a walk before work and exercise in the evening. It is much needed and amazing.
On a positive note, winter brings a lot of great things too. I am excited to be attending a social wine event for 20-somethings (I will be out of that realm due to my age, so I have this year and hopefully next years will be before my birthday) in Seattle later this month.
We will celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in Tacoma this year, so I won't be with my family in Indiana. Still, I am excited to decorate our house and make the Holiday meals this year, since last year was so much fun. The added bonus is we will be traveling home over my birthday, which is sandwiched in between the two big holidays, and I am sure I can talk my mom into making me a holiday meal for my birthday. But I will admit last years videos, from our trip home, I will miss making.
We will be finishing the planning for our big wedding that will be happening in the spring. I can't wait. Fingers are crossed hoping my dress will make it by early December when we're in Indiana. If it doesn't I will be ticked. Need to kick up the workouts a notch to make sure I can fit in my dress. :)
I have been fighting back my tears a lot lately and I am realizing that this winter and future holidays will be bitter sweet having family here in Seattle and back at home.
The sun is teasing me when it comes out for an hour or two and then goes away and hides for a week. I keep wondering how many days will we be without a sun this season. I have read that 226 days of gray is pretty common, but I shouldn't complain too much because we had an amazing summer, right?
I am now driving to work in the dark and getting home in the dark and that's what stinks. Paolo and I make sure to take a walk before work and exercise in the evening. It is much needed and amazing.
On a positive note, winter brings a lot of great things too. I am excited to be attending a social wine event for 20-somethings (I will be out of that realm due to my age, so I have this year and hopefully next years will be before my birthday) in Seattle later this month.
We will celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in Tacoma this year, so I won't be with my family in Indiana. Still, I am excited to decorate our house and make the Holiday meals this year, since last year was so much fun. The added bonus is we will be traveling home over my birthday, which is sandwiched in between the two big holidays, and I am sure I can talk my mom into making me a holiday meal for my birthday. But I will admit last years videos, from our trip home, I will miss making.
We will be finishing the planning for our big wedding that will be happening in the spring. I can't wait. Fingers are crossed hoping my dress will make it by early December when we're in Indiana. If it doesn't I will be ticked. Need to kick up the workouts a notch to make sure I can fit in my dress. :)
I have been fighting back my tears a lot lately and I am realizing that this winter and future holidays will be bitter sweet having family here in Seattle and back at home.
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Friday, November 6, 2009
Bachelor/ette party?
I know that Scott is already planning a bachelor party excursion to Vancouver B.C. sometime early next year, but I saw an article on MSN today called "How to Throw a Coed Bachelor/ette Party" that I found interesting.
The idea: "These days, to-be-weds are more likely to opt to do something adventurous (think a white-water rafting trip for the guys) or posh (a full day of pampering at the spa for the ladies) than risqué. And if you'd rather have a full-on fiesta with all of your friends -- and your fiancé -- instead of the outdated "last night of freedom," you can."
The article suggest renting a bar or a softball game. These sort of sound like rehearsal dinner events, but I get the idea - Do something different with everyone.
I don't want to take away Scott's thunder and won't, but I think a Bachelor/ette party might be a good thing a couple of days before the wedding when we're all in Indiana. Because of the distance, half of our wedding party will be meeting the other half for the first time, and some fun ahead of the wedding couldn't hurt anybody.
The idea: "These days, to-be-weds are more likely to opt to do something adventurous (think a white-water rafting trip for the guys) or posh (a full day of pampering at the spa for the ladies) than risqué. And if you'd rather have a full-on fiesta with all of your friends -- and your fiancé -- instead of the outdated "last night of freedom," you can."
The article suggest renting a bar or a softball game. These sort of sound like rehearsal dinner events, but I get the idea - Do something different with everyone.
I don't want to take away Scott's thunder and won't, but I think a Bachelor/ette party might be a good thing a couple of days before the wedding when we're all in Indiana. Because of the distance, half of our wedding party will be meeting the other half for the first time, and some fun ahead of the wedding couldn't hurt anybody.
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
I suited up
On Saturday, Wesley and I hit the Macy's One Day Sale to try and find suits for the wedding. Mission accomplished!
We bought Alfani Red suits for just $200! I'm not going to lie. I look RIDICULOUSLY good in the suit. Here we are suited up.
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Not sure my shoes or Wesley's hat are going to make the cut on the big day, but you get the idea. Next up on my shopping list: yellow ties and suspenders.
We bought Alfani Red suits for just $200! I'm not going to lie. I look RIDICULOUSLY good in the suit. Here we are suited up.
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Not sure my shoes or Wesley's hat are going to make the cut on the big day, but you get the idea. Next up on my shopping list: yellow ties and suspenders.
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Monday, October 26, 2009
Wine Days Ahead
Paolo and I always enjoy a few bottles of wine each week, and of course I get excited and want to open a couple at a time. Last week, we had the privilege of having Paolo Sr. over for dinner, and I cooked an amazing meal while drinking a glass of wine. We had polenta with a sausage marinara sauce, side salad, and bread with EVOO, parmesan, and balsamic. We enjoyed brownies and a chocolate bar with dessert. Trader Joe's has a great assortment of chocolate bars, FYI!
We were drinking a cheap Pinot Noir that we picked up from TJ's and I couldn't stop myself from opening another bottle. We recently went on a weekend get away to Mazama, WA and we stopped at Lost River Winery where I picked out a special bottle of wine called Cedarosa. Boy, is it tasty and we had a great time snacking on cheese, chocolate, and brownies while discussing wine.
As the month of October leaves us, we will be starting a new blog about wine. I am excited, but feel a little amateurish on the subject. Even though I can polish off a bottle in a day by myself, I am going to do my research.
Grocery stores are a lot of fun these days. Since I always do most of the shopping, I am always finding deals and for the most part planning meals. If Paolo comes along I will find him 30 minutes later in the wine section of course. If we have $50.00 to spend on groceries and Paolo is with me, you better believe at least $30.00 is going towards wine.
Well, the new blog will be up and running soon. I better go study.
We were drinking a cheap Pinot Noir that we picked up from TJ's and I couldn't stop myself from opening another bottle. We recently went on a weekend get away to Mazama, WA and we stopped at Lost River Winery where I picked out a special bottle of wine called Cedarosa. Boy, is it tasty and we had a great time snacking on cheese, chocolate, and brownies while discussing wine.
As the month of October leaves us, we will be starting a new blog about wine. I am excited, but feel a little amateurish on the subject. Even though I can polish off a bottle in a day by myself, I am going to do my research.
Grocery stores are a lot of fun these days. Since I always do most of the shopping, I am always finding deals and for the most part planning meals. If Paolo comes along I will find him 30 minutes later in the wine section of course. If we have $50.00 to spend on groceries and Paolo is with me, you better believe at least $30.00 is going towards wine.
Well, the new blog will be up and running soon. I better go study.
Sweet Nothing
Did anyone else celebrate Sweetest Day?
Origins and Facts About Sweetest Day
Observed the 3rd Saturday in the month of October, Sweetest Day observance originated in Cleveland in 1922. Herbert Birch Kingston, a philanthropist and candy company employee wanted to bring happiness into the lives of orphans, shut-ins and others who were forgotten. With the help of friends, he began to distribute candy and small gifts to the underprivileged.
On the first Sweetest Day, movie star Ann Pennington presented 2,200 Cleveland newspaper boys with boxes of candy to express gratitude for their service to the public.
Another popular movie star, Theda Bara, distributed 10,000 boxes of candy to people in Cleveland hospitals and also gave candy to all who came to watch her film in a local theater.
Primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast, Sweetest Day is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. People tend to take the Sweetest Day tradition with them when they move. Ohio is the top state for Sweetest Day sales, followed by Michigan and Illinois. Texas, California and Florida are among the top 10 states in sales.
Over the years, Sweetest Day has evolved into a time to express romantic love and also to show appreciation to friends.
Reference www.theromantic.com/sweetestday.htm
Origins and Facts About Sweetest Day
Observed the 3rd Saturday in the month of October, Sweetest Day observance originated in Cleveland in 1922. Herbert Birch Kingston, a philanthropist and candy company employee wanted to bring happiness into the lives of orphans, shut-ins and others who were forgotten. With the help of friends, he began to distribute candy and small gifts to the underprivileged.
On the first Sweetest Day, movie star Ann Pennington presented 2,200 Cleveland newspaper boys with boxes of candy to express gratitude for their service to the public.
Another popular movie star, Theda Bara, distributed 10,000 boxes of candy to people in Cleveland hospitals and also gave candy to all who came to watch her film in a local theater.
Primarily a regional observance celebrated in the Great Lakes region and the Northeast, Sweetest Day is gradually spreading to other areas of the country. People tend to take the Sweetest Day tradition with them when they move. Ohio is the top state for Sweetest Day sales, followed by Michigan and Illinois. Texas, California and Florida are among the top 10 states in sales.
Over the years, Sweetest Day has evolved into a time to express romantic love and also to show appreciation to friends.
Reference www.theromantic.com/sweetestday.htm
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Home Again, Home Again
Paolo and I will be traveling home this December over my birthday, hooray!!! I am very excited and I think it will be a great time, unless we get hit with a mega ice storm again and lose power.
On this trip we will be discussing, the wedding (of course) and spending time with the fam. I am hoping that my dress is in so I can try it on and we will try to get the guest list mastered. I need to introduce Paolo Jr. to the pastor who will be marrying us and get that lined up (I hope he approves)!
My Dad and Grandpa are building an arbor that we will get married under and I am super excited about this too! We hope they make it so we can ship it back to go in our own garden.
We have decided to go with a tulip mixture for the wedding bouquets. My mom and dad planted over 200 bulbs a couple weeks ago, to see if we can grow enough for the table decorations and bouquets. I am excited and I thought it would be meaningful knowing that the flowers are from my own yard in Indiana.
Since the wedding is outdoors, we are going to have white chairs and straw bales to sit on. The aisles will be lined with tulips and tin can flower vases. I know it's going to be beautiful.
Every day I wake up saying, "I wish we were getting married this weekend." I have to remind myself, "We will have our whole life to be married, enjoy being engaged and enjoy planning this wedding!" I am glad that I waited and didn't settle. Sure I may be 28 going on 29, but I think it's the perfect age for me to get married.
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Ultimate Thailand Explorers found here
Hi everybody,
We applied for a chance to explore Thailand together through the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Registration is just about closed and so far just over 100 candidates representing 25 countries have applied for five spots. Those are pretty darn good odds. Better than a lottery!
So how can you support us? View our profile and watch our video! Easy enough, right?
We applied for a chance to explore Thailand together through the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Registration is just about closed and so far just over 100 candidates representing 25 countries have applied for five spots. Those are pretty darn good odds. Better than a lottery!
So how can you support us? View our profile and watch our video! Easy enough, right?
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Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Shoes
Since my last post was not wedding related I though I would blog a little about the wedding. I am on a mission to find the right shoes for my wedding day. Any suggestions?
Here are a few shoe designers I am planning on scoping out:
Jimmy Choo
Prada
Stuart Weitzman
Fendi
Manola
Cole Haan
Kate Spade
Christian Loubiton
Remember to keep in mind that I roll my ankles easily and I am not interested in being taller than Paolo Jr.
My dress is traditional,long, and off white. I can't wait to try it on again!
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
Doctor's orders
After making you fill out paperwork, what is the next thing you have to do at a doctor appointment? That's right, you take off your shoes and you get weighed and measured. This was the first thing that went wrong for me.
I apparently weigh five pounds more and I am an inch and a half shorter. For high school basketball I always exaggerated my height by an inch making me 5'9.5", which is why what the doctor said did not make sense. She said, "You're 5'7", sound about right?" I said, "Whoa, 5'7"? Are you kidding me? I am shrinking." To make matters worse, she was not concerned.
When I lived in Seattle I told my last nurse after being measured, "I am shrinking!" and the nurse said, "Really? If this is a concern you can talk to the doctor about it and we can check and make sure your calcium and bone health is OK."
I didn't get the same sympathy this time. I guess this doctor is fine seeing shrinking patients.
I had my blood drawn to make sure my hormones weren't out of whack (thyroid, etc.!). Everything was great until the phone nurse mentioned my cholesterol. That's right, my cholesterol is a little high, too. I'm shorter where I want to be taller and I'm higher where I want to be lower. At least my blood pressure was OK.
I am on a mission to lower my cholesterol.
I apparently weigh five pounds more and I am an inch and a half shorter. For high school basketball I always exaggerated my height by an inch making me 5'9.5", which is why what the doctor said did not make sense. She said, "You're 5'7", sound about right?" I said, "Whoa, 5'7"? Are you kidding me? I am shrinking." To make matters worse, she was not concerned.
When I lived in Seattle I told my last nurse after being measured, "I am shrinking!" and the nurse said, "Really? If this is a concern you can talk to the doctor about it and we can check and make sure your calcium and bone health is OK."
I didn't get the same sympathy this time. I guess this doctor is fine seeing shrinking patients.
I had my blood drawn to make sure my hormones weren't out of whack (thyroid, etc.!). Everything was great until the phone nurse mentioned my cholesterol. That's right, my cholesterol is a little high, too. I'm shorter where I want to be taller and I'm higher where I want to be lower. At least my blood pressure was OK.
I am on a mission to lower my cholesterol.
A different kind of wedding
As we're looking at being original and creative for our wedding, I have to look at one extreme, which was my friend Danny's wedding this summer.
He and his wife Tiffany were married in the "Wall of Death," a motorcycle bowl (He's a pro motorcycle mechanic) at Soap Lake, Wash. Everything's fairly unusual about the wedding, including the make-out session at the end. The audio in the video isn't great, but you get the idea:
Here's to having a fun wedding!
He and his wife Tiffany were married in the "Wall of Death," a motorcycle bowl (He's a pro motorcycle mechanic) at Soap Lake, Wash. Everything's fairly unusual about the wedding, including the make-out session at the end. The audio in the video isn't great, but you get the idea:
Here's to having a fun wedding!
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Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Creepy Crawly
I am so glad it's the weekend. I am going to continue decorating the house for Halloween, hooray! I have a few decorations up so far and I am hoping to pick up a few gourds and baby pumpkins for table centerpieces.
As of yet, I have spiders hanging from the ceiling and bats hanging from the mud room. Strings of tacky lights are pinned around windows and doors, but my favorite decorations are the Frankenstein light hanging in the orange room and the skeleton on the front door.
Hopefully, by the end of this weekend I will be a few steps closer to achieving a festive house decor. Here are a few photos of the house so far. These were taken with my i Phone this morning.
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Friday, October 2, 2009
30 Best Dates
Labels:
Continue or Die,
Lucky,
Mad Game
Here is a post of great dates I have experienced over this past 1 1/2 years.
Best Dates in no particular order
1. July 15, 2008 Hazelwood and Oaxaca in Ballard (First date with Paolo, nice choice)
2. Shopping spree to Nordstrom to buy a couple dresses for summer weddings and then Alibi Room
3. Ferry to Alki Beach
4. Bowling on Valentines after an amazing home cooked meal (Wait, this was my planned surprise)
5. Surprise concert at Triple Door to see Damien Jurado
6. Date in a bag. This included a Sarah Silverman DVD
7. Pumpkin Patch in Carnation
8. Date in Winthrop
9. A month after dating, a trip to Vancouver B.C.
10. Birthday weekend, including a party for me at The Loft and St. Nicholas wine tour in Woodinville
11. Asado anniversary dinner (during the dinner we changed our anniversary due to kissing complications)
12. Nutcracker
13. Ballet that was the Director's choice. This included wonderful music by Frank Sinatra
14. 4th of July in Tacoma (It was our first 4th of July)
15. Dinner at Paolo's in Kent, WA (my surprise idea, but I didn't pay)
16. Date under the lilac tree on our patio and 2 bottles of wine
17. Golden Gardens and Paseo sandwiches
18. Pike Place Market always
19. Tatanka Take Out in Tacoma and Point Defiance
20. Weekend in Mazama
21. Chicago everything
22. Palm Desert, CA
23. Mariners game
24. Sunset hike
25. Numerous Italian meals
26. When Paolo brought home different kinds of soup to try from Infinite Soups
27. Black Bottle dates
28.Sounders games
29. Felicity dates
30. The day I got engaged. Started with Dinner at Purple, soccer game, and drinks at New Orleans
Truthfully, I basically have two dates from the past that I remember. I have been blessed with way more than 30 in the last 1 1/2 years, so it doesn't really matter.
Best Dates in no particular order
1. July 15, 2008 Hazelwood and Oaxaca in Ballard (First date with Paolo, nice choice)
2. Shopping spree to Nordstrom to buy a couple dresses for summer weddings and then Alibi Room
3. Ferry to Alki Beach
4. Bowling on Valentines after an amazing home cooked meal (Wait, this was my planned surprise)
5. Surprise concert at Triple Door to see Damien Jurado
6. Date in a bag. This included a Sarah Silverman DVD
7. Pumpkin Patch in Carnation
8. Date in Winthrop
9. A month after dating, a trip to Vancouver B.C.
10. Birthday weekend, including a party for me at The Loft and St. Nicholas wine tour in Woodinville
11. Asado anniversary dinner (during the dinner we changed our anniversary due to kissing complications)
12. Nutcracker
13. Ballet that was the Director's choice. This included wonderful music by Frank Sinatra
14. 4th of July in Tacoma (It was our first 4th of July)
15. Dinner at Paolo's in Kent, WA (my surprise idea, but I didn't pay)
16. Date under the lilac tree on our patio and 2 bottles of wine
17. Golden Gardens and Paseo sandwiches
18. Pike Place Market always
19. Tatanka Take Out in Tacoma and Point Defiance
20. Weekend in Mazama
21. Chicago everything
22. Palm Desert, CA
23. Mariners game
24. Sunset hike
25. Numerous Italian meals
26. When Paolo brought home different kinds of soup to try from Infinite Soups
27. Black Bottle dates
28.Sounders games
29. Felicity dates
30. The day I got engaged. Started with Dinner at Purple, soccer game, and drinks at New Orleans
Truthfully, I basically have two dates from the past that I remember. I have been blessed with way more than 30 in the last 1 1/2 years, so it doesn't really matter.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
The WA reception venue
On Sunday, Amanda and I went to check out a reception venue option that my Aunt Rhonda suggested.
The Aqua Club is way north in Lake Forest Park/Kenmore, but it looks like a good option. The size is right and it's basically one big open room with a nice, retro fireplace and beyond vaulted ceilings.
The big attraction: $250 for the whole day.
Here are the pictures. Use your imagination with the decorations. I think it will be awesome.
The Aqua Club is way north in Lake Forest Park/Kenmore, but it looks like a good option. The size is right and it's basically one big open room with a nice, retro fireplace and beyond vaulted ceilings.
The big attraction: $250 for the whole day.
Here are the pictures. Use your imagination with the decorations. I think it will be awesome.
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Monday, September 28, 2009
Famous last words from the Best Man
I was talking to Scott today about what the groomsmen are wearing at the wedding.
Scott replied, "My only concern is that I'll look better than the bride."
Ladies, cock those hands back. Release May 15, 2010!
Scott replied, "My only concern is that I'll look better than the bride."
Ladies, cock those hands back. Release May 15, 2010!
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Thursday, September 24, 2009
Green Was My Thang
Green was my color and just to let all of you know, it still is. I just have yellow on my mind a lot these days and I am starting to think about what flowers we should go with for the wedding. I am blessed because my Aunt is amazing at arranging flowers, so she will be a huge help. As I was browsing the internet tonight I found a wedding website that I think will be useful. Let me know what you think. So many shades of YELLOW!
I Want To Be
I want to be a stay-at-home fiancee. I am not going to lie about this. There are a million things to get done around the house and in the house, but I need 40+ hours a week to do them. I think I would be an amazing fiancee and roomie if I only had the time to get everything done.
I am considering a new career and think I want it to be in hospitality management.
I would wake up at 7 a.m. every morning, make coffee, feed Fabrizio, and pack lunches.
Monday would be laundry day and this is how it would go... After the first load of laundry was in the washer I would go on my run. After running, I would put the washer load in the dryer and then shower. After my shower I would enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast and straighten the house. Just an FYI to everyone, I have stopped putting Paolo's clothes away. He needs to figure out where his clothes belong since he hasn't done his laundry since July of 2008.
Around lunch time, I would eat a light snack and work in the yard for two hours with Fabrizio. After working in the yard I would take a break and read the newspaper. I never know what's going on because I don't have time to catch up on the news and I used to be a news junky. The news is the one thing I would watch on TV.
After the news I would figure out dinner. Either I would get all the ingredients and prep out of the way for one of the boys or I would be on dinner duty for the night.
Tuesday would be similar, but I would volunteer, and then hit the 6th and Pine market around 2:30 p.m. for groceries.
Wednesday, meet with ladies for coffee.
Thursday, another market day and volunteer.
Friday, get ready for a romantic date night.
Saturday, walk to market.
Sunday, church.
Of course on all of these days I would straighten the house, exercise, read a few books each week, and do what is needed in the yard. But a huge priority of mine would be to find places to volunteer. I have a huge passion for non-profits that are doing the right thing. I could give all the money in the world (that I don't have) and not feel like I am doing any good until I am involved.
I know this is a dream, but hopefully this is a dream that will come true a few years down the road.
I am considering a new career and think I want it to be in hospitality management.
I would wake up at 7 a.m. every morning, make coffee, feed Fabrizio, and pack lunches.
Monday would be laundry day and this is how it would go... After the first load of laundry was in the washer I would go on my run. After running, I would put the washer load in the dryer and then shower. After my shower I would enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast and straighten the house. Just an FYI to everyone, I have stopped putting Paolo's clothes away. He needs to figure out where his clothes belong since he hasn't done his laundry since July of 2008.
Around lunch time, I would eat a light snack and work in the yard for two hours with Fabrizio. After working in the yard I would take a break and read the newspaper. I never know what's going on because I don't have time to catch up on the news and I used to be a news junky. The news is the one thing I would watch on TV.
After the news I would figure out dinner. Either I would get all the ingredients and prep out of the way for one of the boys or I would be on dinner duty for the night.
Tuesday would be similar, but I would volunteer, and then hit the 6th and Pine market around 2:30 p.m. for groceries.
Wednesday, meet with ladies for coffee.
Thursday, another market day and volunteer.
Friday, get ready for a romantic date night.
Saturday, walk to market.
Sunday, church.
Of course on all of these days I would straighten the house, exercise, read a few books each week, and do what is needed in the yard. But a huge priority of mine would be to find places to volunteer. I have a huge passion for non-profits that are doing the right thing. I could give all the money in the world (that I don't have) and not feel like I am doing any good until I am involved.
I know this is a dream, but hopefully this is a dream that will come true a few years down the road.
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009
3 Guys and A Girl
A guide to making your home have a feminine feel
After reading Jeanna's blog On Decorating In Pink, I felt a little stressed that I was leaving the 10 percent of prissiness to the curbside. Living with three boys (Fabrizio included) now, I have tried to make the house warm, cozy, and yet beautiful. I have incorporated a few things that I think will make the house feel like I belong there too.
I had a chandelier professionally installed in the bedroom by the local electrician (Paolo)
My mother and I created a beautiful closet curtains out of fabric purchased at Kmart (Paolo hates this store, but at one time they carried Martha!)
Gold window coverings
Fancy pillows
Flowers and candles
A cute kitty
I don't decorate in pink because it's not my favorite color, but I think it's possible to make aqua blues and browns woman-friendly.
After reading Jeanna's blog On Decorating In Pink, I felt a little stressed that I was leaving the 10 percent of prissiness to the curbside. Living with three boys (Fabrizio included) now, I have tried to make the house warm, cozy, and yet beautiful. I have incorporated a few things that I think will make the house feel like I belong there too.
I had a chandelier professionally installed in the bedroom by the local electrician (Paolo)
My mother and I created a beautiful closet curtains out of fabric purchased at Kmart (Paolo hates this store, but at one time they carried Martha!)
Gold window coverings
Fancy pillows
Flowers and candles
A cute kitty
I don't decorate in pink because it's not my favorite color, but I think it's possible to make aqua blues and browns woman-friendly.
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Sunday, September 13, 2009
Song and dance
What makes for a great reception?
Colors? Flowers? Dresses? No.
It’s the music. All the rest turns into a blissful blur the second you hit the dance floor. If the music is right, so is the night.
Wedding music is tough to pull off, and I pity every wedding DJ in America. This is partly because of their burden of having to please so many different demographics of people and partly because they’re slowly getting replaced. Sorry, but y’all are too damn expensive and getting replaced by iTunes playlists… at least for this wedding.
That’s what happens with good technology. It replaces manual labor.
We won’t be hiring a band either. Again, too expensive and not diverse enough. Also, you know that I’d have to pick up the bass or guitar for a song, and then I’d get distracted and forget I was in the wedding as I rip a solo on “You Shook Me All Night Long.” So anyway…
Groomsman Wesley and I have already ventured into the gray area of appropriate wedding playlists before for my sister’s wedding, so we have a good idea for how to plan:
1. Play oldies for the old folks who only stay for the first hour of the reception. Start with Beatles, Elvis and Sinatra.
2. Transition midway into party favorites like Bon Jovi, AC/DC and Madonna.
3. End the night with club bangers like Jay-Z, Beyonce and Lil Wayne.
The general rule of thumb is that you should move chronologically through the decades during the course of the reception. Start old-school and end modern. Also, play one to two slow-dance songs per hour. People need a break and/or make-out time.
That’s the fun stuff.
The tough part about choosing music is identifying the specific procession and recession songs, the first dance song, the daddy/daughter dance song, etc. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right, “Thriller” can suit all of these. If only it were that simple.
I think we’ve found the Beatles’ song for the procession. Not sure what we’re doing for the other songs. We’ve toyed with the idea of going 100 percent Beatles music because it’s a totally safe/musically legit direction to take, but we’ve got to explore all of the options.
That’s why I’m burdening myself by listening to all the great songs that could be a part of our wedding, figuring out the right soundtrack for the day. It’s a tough job, but I’ll take this one for the team.
Colors? Flowers? Dresses? No.
It’s the music. All the rest turns into a blissful blur the second you hit the dance floor. If the music is right, so is the night.
Wedding music is tough to pull off, and I pity every wedding DJ in America. This is partly because of their burden of having to please so many different demographics of people and partly because they’re slowly getting replaced. Sorry, but y’all are too damn expensive and getting replaced by iTunes playlists… at least for this wedding.
That’s what happens with good technology. It replaces manual labor.
We won’t be hiring a band either. Again, too expensive and not diverse enough. Also, you know that I’d have to pick up the bass or guitar for a song, and then I’d get distracted and forget I was in the wedding as I rip a solo on “You Shook Me All Night Long.” So anyway…
Groomsman Wesley and I have already ventured into the gray area of appropriate wedding playlists before for my sister’s wedding, so we have a good idea for how to plan:
1. Play oldies for the old folks who only stay for the first hour of the reception. Start with Beatles, Elvis and Sinatra.
2. Transition midway into party favorites like Bon Jovi, AC/DC and Madonna.
3. End the night with club bangers like Jay-Z, Beyonce and Lil Wayne.
The general rule of thumb is that you should move chronologically through the decades during the course of the reception. Start old-school and end modern. Also, play one to two slow-dance songs per hour. People need a break and/or make-out time.
That’s the fun stuff.
The tough part about choosing music is identifying the specific procession and recession songs, the first dance song, the daddy/daughter dance song, etc. I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right, “Thriller” can suit all of these. If only it were that simple.
I think we’ve found the Beatles’ song for the procession. Not sure what we’re doing for the other songs. We’ve toyed with the idea of going 100 percent Beatles music because it’s a totally safe/musically legit direction to take, but we’ve got to explore all of the options.
That’s why I’m burdening myself by listening to all the great songs that could be a part of our wedding, figuring out the right soundtrack for the day. It’s a tough job, but I’ll take this one for the team.
3
comments
Friday, September 11, 2009
Dresses For The Girls
I try really hard to post something each week wedding related, but it has been more like every two weeks.
I am failing at this, but hopefully will bring my grade up to a C.
Working long hours out of the house and in "our" house, I don't have a lot of time to spend sharing my ideas. Let alone my work schedule doesn't allow for me to post during the day. I wish I was in PR.
This is the dress my attendants will be wearing for the wedding. I think it will look great on everyone.
I am failing at this, but hopefully will bring my grade up to a C.
Working long hours out of the house and in "our" house, I don't have a lot of time to spend sharing my ideas. Let alone my work schedule doesn't allow for me to post during the day. I wish I was in PR.
This is the dress my attendants will be wearing for the wedding. I think it will look great on everyone.
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comments
Friday, September 4, 2009
Finally
I finally ordered my dress!! Well, actually my mom ordered it.
I found it with my Mom and Daisha when I was home for the long weekend. I went on a rampage trying to find the perfect dress and I thought I found it three times. I never had the crying moment that everyone says they have. The moment I had was trying it on four times and saying, "I love this dress."
Also, it was a nice feeling when other customers and their 20 people at Wendy's Bridal complimented me over and over. That was an amazing feeling.
I have learned that you have to take pictures to see how the dress and yourself photograph. Some of the dresses that I thought looked good, made me look like a linebacker in photos. Having close friends and family involved make such a difference. I was super lucky to have Vicki (Future mom), Sarah Betts (Best Friend from Australia), Nina (Future Sister), Mom (Real Mom), Daisha (Best Friend), Amber and Abby (Sister-Best Friend and Niece) involved in the process. It's hard work and I was fading fast. I got a great deal on the dress and I love knowing I have a dress.
I found it with my Mom and Daisha when I was home for the long weekend. I went on a rampage trying to find the perfect dress and I thought I found it three times. I never had the crying moment that everyone says they have. The moment I had was trying it on four times and saying, "I love this dress."
Also, it was a nice feeling when other customers and their 20 people at Wendy's Bridal complimented me over and over. That was an amazing feeling.
I have learned that you have to take pictures to see how the dress and yourself photograph. Some of the dresses that I thought looked good, made me look like a linebacker in photos. Having close friends and family involved make such a difference. I was super lucky to have Vicki (Future mom), Sarah Betts (Best Friend from Australia), Nina (Future Sister), Mom (Real Mom), Daisha (Best Friend), Amber and Abby (Sister-Best Friend and Niece) involved in the process. It's hard work and I was fading fast. I got a great deal on the dress and I love knowing I have a dress.
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Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Princesses don't need crowns
I need only to spend two minutes on Facebook to see that a lot of my friends, most distant, have gotten married or are planning to get married. We're contributing to the norm of people our age, I get that.
What I don't get are these girls who think wearing a crown or tiara with their wedding dresses is a good idea. It's not. I've been to Disneyland. That's where the princesses are. That's the only places where such head ornaments should be permitted. They shouldn't even be allowed in greater Anaheim.
Amanda, I'm all for the veil, the peacock feather, that cage looking thing, but you are NOT allowed to wear a crown or tiara. I love you. Bye.
What I don't get are these girls who think wearing a crown or tiara with their wedding dresses is a good idea. It's not. I've been to Disneyland. That's where the princesses are. That's the only places where such head ornaments should be permitted. They shouldn't even be allowed in greater Anaheim.
Amanda, I'm all for the veil, the peacock feather, that cage looking thing, but you are NOT allowed to wear a crown or tiara. I love you. Bye.
I Live In A Frat
I have never lived on my own or had a roomie since living in the dorms of my conservative Christian college. We had curfews every school night until 12:30 a.m., but on the weekends it was 2 a.m. (if I remember correctly) and we could only go to the guys dorms on "open dorm night" and vice versa. I was such a dork in college and I went to sleep at 8:30 p.m. every night -- my excuse was because I played college softball. You know how people are dorks in high school then go to college and become cool, well I reversed that role.
Anyway, I am breaking all my college rules now. Mainly because I am living in a house with 3 boys (I've included Fabrizio!) and I stay up later than 2 a.m. on the weekends playing Rock Band.
It has been quite a whirlwind for me and I catch myself often saying, "I need to go back to college and experience the real College Life." I have threatened to move out and live in the dorms at one of the local universities, but everyone seems to shoot me down. I am pretty sure I will be starting school again within the year, so I am going to do my best to experience college at 28.
Living with 3 boys has its major down falls. ALL OF MY NICE TOWELS ARE BLEACHED. It makes me wish I had the opportunity to live on my own with my nice towels. Instead, I live in a frat.
Anyway, I am breaking all my college rules now. Mainly because I am living in a house with 3 boys (I've included Fabrizio!) and I stay up later than 2 a.m. on the weekends playing Rock Band.
It has been quite a whirlwind for me and I catch myself often saying, "I need to go back to college and experience the real College Life." I have threatened to move out and live in the dorms at one of the local universities, but everyone seems to shoot me down. I am pretty sure I will be starting school again within the year, so I am going to do my best to experience college at 28.
Living with 3 boys has its major down falls. ALL OF MY NICE TOWELS ARE BLEACHED. It makes me wish I had the opportunity to live on my own with my nice towels. Instead, I live in a frat.
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Saturday, August 22, 2009
Back from Indy, back in form
Amanda and I had a lovely, productive time in Indiana.
We decided on our wedding and reception venue: Salomon Farms. It's the right size, the right location, and it's something different -- just like us!
We THINK we've got our caterer: Hall's. Its menu looks right for the right price. We're going with an appetizer-style menu to keep the food simple. We're getting a keg and might bring in a couple bottles of wine for ourselves. Everyone can OD on soda, too.
We tried Hall's cakes but didn't fall in love with anything. We're leaning toward cupcakes and might find a better deal elsewhere. That's TBD.
Oh yes, and Amanda tried on a TON of dresses. Three outings in three days. I'd guess that she's probably tried on nearly 40 dresses by now and I'm sure she'll have a dress update here soon. I'm betting on white.
I'm off to the Men's Warehouse today to look at its suit rentals. I'd like to buy my suit but need to make sure the Men's Warehouse has something to match! I'd like to go with grey suits, but the catch is making that affordable for myself and the groomsmen (in case they'd need to buy, too). It's tough when you're not doing tuxes, but totally worth the style enhancement!
We decided on our wedding and reception venue: Salomon Farms. It's the right size, the right location, and it's something different -- just like us!
We THINK we've got our caterer: Hall's. Its menu looks right for the right price. We're going with an appetizer-style menu to keep the food simple. We're getting a keg and might bring in a couple bottles of wine for ourselves. Everyone can OD on soda, too.
We tried Hall's cakes but didn't fall in love with anything. We're leaning toward cupcakes and might find a better deal elsewhere. That's TBD.
Oh yes, and Amanda tried on a TON of dresses. Three outings in three days. I'd guess that she's probably tried on nearly 40 dresses by now and I'm sure she'll have a dress update here soon. I'm betting on white.
I'm off to the Men's Warehouse today to look at its suit rentals. I'd like to buy my suit but need to make sure the Men's Warehouse has something to match! I'd like to go with grey suits, but the catch is making that affordable for myself and the groomsmen (in case they'd need to buy, too). It's tough when you're not doing tuxes, but totally worth the style enhancement!
5
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Off to Indy
I am in Minneapolis for work right now, but I'm meeting Amanda in Indiana for wedding planning this weekend.
We have some serious decisions to make, so expect some serious blog posts!
We have some serious decisions to make, so expect some serious blog posts!
1 comments
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Fun date on the Ave.
Paolo's almost done with school this quarter at the UW. Usually I'm sad during his class days, but last week was great. I had most of the day off of work so I went to Seattle to spend time with Paolo before class.
We went to the U-District and got haircuts. He needed a haircut and I needed a trim, so we went to Rudy's. It was a little funny because Paolo's haircut was more expensive than mine, the reason it was more expensive was because he got a style that pushed him above and beyond.
Weird.
After haircuts we went to Thai Tom. It was so good with fast service and amazing food. The haircut and dinner was basically 45 minutes, so he was off to class.
I decided to see a movie in Wallingford after hitting Starbucks for dessert. I had a lowfat muffin with a coffee.
I saw 500 Days of Summer and it was great. After snacking on a large popcorn during the movie, I went back to The Ave. to wait for Paolo. While waiting I splurged on gelato.
The wedding diet begins now.
We went to the U-District and got haircuts. He needed a haircut and I needed a trim, so we went to Rudy's. It was a little funny because Paolo's haircut was more expensive than mine, the reason it was more expensive was because he got a style that pushed him above and beyond.
Weird.
After haircuts we went to Thai Tom. It was so good with fast service and amazing food. The haircut and dinner was basically 45 minutes, so he was off to class.
I decided to see a movie in Wallingford after hitting Starbucks for dessert. I had a lowfat muffin with a coffee.
I saw 500 Days of Summer and it was great. After snacking on a large popcorn during the movie, I went back to The Ave. to wait for Paolo. While waiting I splurged on gelato.
The wedding diet begins now.
Camping we did
Paolo and I took vacation from work Friday so we could enjoy a weekend of camping.
It was not a weekend. It was a total of 12 hours.
We started off Thursday evening eating at The Hub in Tacoma (sister to the Harmon) and left for the Cascades super late. We packed the car and left at 7 p.m. We knew we were rushing it, but thought we would have plenty of time to set up camp.
Scott told us to go to this amazing campsite off a forest service road near Crystal Mountain and we decided to try it. That was the wrong decision, considering we were in my little Ford Focus. It was like driving on chunks of razor sharp rocks. We drove 1/2 hour up this road of chunks and turned around before we even reached the top. We were almost there, but Paolo was having heat flashes and practically hyperventilating.
So, it took us 1/2 hour to drive down. We had no camping spot, and it was dark.
I had an idea! We could drive to the camp site that was 1/2 mile down the road where we saw quite a few tents and RVs and pitch the tent using the headlights. Paolo refused and said, "There is a hotel up the road that we can stay at. It will be to hard to put the tent up in the dark."
We drove to Alta and they had no vacancies.
I asked the receptionist at Alta if the campsites down the road would allow us to stay without a park pass. She said we were supposed to have one, but the ticket fee was the same price as the park pass. We didn't really have a choice anyway.
We drove down the road where we thought Buck Creek Camping Resort was and we got lost. First we ended up at a Christian Camp and then we were next to an abandoned airstrip. We drove a little ways trying to get back on the highway, but no luck. It was pitch black. We saw a few campfires near the airstrip and decided to try and set up camp there.
We put the tent up in 5 minutes and got all of our stuff inside. I packed a beer for each of us to cheer and then we were off to sleep after minutes of hearing Paolo complain about how hard the ground was. Here we are inside the tent:
At 11:30 p.m. the neighing, bucking, and braying began. Paolo was exhausted and I was a little weirded out.
"Paolo, there are horses right outside our tent!" I said.
Paolo responded, "What?!"
No joke, we pitched our tent at a horse-people campground. The horses neighed and bucked all night and we slept from 1 a.m. - 5 a.m. I don't know what Paolo had to complain about. Here are our horse neighbors:
And here we are before packing up:
It was not a weekend. It was a total of 12 hours.
We started off Thursday evening eating at The Hub in Tacoma (sister to the Harmon) and left for the Cascades super late. We packed the car and left at 7 p.m. We knew we were rushing it, but thought we would have plenty of time to set up camp.
Scott told us to go to this amazing campsite off a forest service road near Crystal Mountain and we decided to try it. That was the wrong decision, considering we were in my little Ford Focus. It was like driving on chunks of razor sharp rocks. We drove 1/2 hour up this road of chunks and turned around before we even reached the top. We were almost there, but Paolo was having heat flashes and practically hyperventilating.
So, it took us 1/2 hour to drive down. We had no camping spot, and it was dark.
I had an idea! We could drive to the camp site that was 1/2 mile down the road where we saw quite a few tents and RVs and pitch the tent using the headlights. Paolo refused and said, "There is a hotel up the road that we can stay at. It will be to hard to put the tent up in the dark."
We drove to Alta and they had no vacancies.
I asked the receptionist at Alta if the campsites down the road would allow us to stay without a park pass. She said we were supposed to have one, but the ticket fee was the same price as the park pass. We didn't really have a choice anyway.
We drove down the road where we thought Buck Creek Camping Resort was and we got lost. First we ended up at a Christian Camp and then we were next to an abandoned airstrip. We drove a little ways trying to get back on the highway, but no luck. It was pitch black. We saw a few campfires near the airstrip and decided to try and set up camp there.
We put the tent up in 5 minutes and got all of our stuff inside. I packed a beer for each of us to cheer and then we were off to sleep after minutes of hearing Paolo complain about how hard the ground was. Here we are inside the tent:
At 11:30 p.m. the neighing, bucking, and braying began. Paolo was exhausted and I was a little weirded out.
"Paolo, there are horses right outside our tent!" I said.
Paolo responded, "What?!"
No joke, we pitched our tent at a horse-people campground. The horses neighed and bucked all night and we slept from 1 a.m. - 5 a.m. I don't know what Paolo had to complain about. Here are our horse neighbors:
And here we are before packing up:
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Saturday, August 1, 2009
Dress Hunt Two
A week and a half ago I went with the soon-to-be mother-in-law to try on wedding dresses. After a not-so-fun couple days of work I thought it would be fun to let loose and do something wedding related. I went to an actual boutique called Pearls and Lace where they carry designer dresses that you see in all the wedding magazines. I have been so lucky to receive hand-me-down wedding magazines and also my mom and sister-in-law bought me subscriptions. Thank you!!
I really like Maggie Sottero and Allure, and I can picture myself picking one out with my mom when I go home in two weeks. Mom has seen all of the dresses I like and she has been giving me feedback on my choices.
Here is an example of what she might say, "Amanda, #1, love the cut and style of this dress, pretty sparkly though. #2, good choice, like the simple look with a little bling. Dress #5 very figure flattering. Dress #6 looks too tight across low abdomen, don't really care for all the junk in the trunk. Love the waist band. "
It is great to have honest people in your life.
I really like Maggie Sottero and Allure, and I can picture myself picking one out with my mom when I go home in two weeks. Mom has seen all of the dresses I like and she has been giving me feedback on my choices.
Here is an example of what she might say, "Amanda, #1, love the cut and style of this dress, pretty sparkly though. #2, good choice, like the simple look with a little bling. Dress #5 very figure flattering. Dress #6 looks too tight across low abdomen, don't really care for all the junk in the trunk. Love the waist band. "
It is great to have honest people in your life.
1 comments
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Seattle Day
Yesterday was a big deal. We started the morning off running a little over two miles, and then we split an amazing breakfast at Shakabrah (On Tacoma's 6th Ave aka The New Ballard).We decided to hit the Sounders game, so Paolo scurried around on Craigslist and found us AMAZING seats.
The Seattle Sounders tied 0-0 but it was an exciting game. Freddie was thrown out because a red card and I think if he had stayed in the game it might have been 1-0. I posted a picture of Freddie above. Most girls think he is pretty cute, but I think he is aight.Next, we went to Golden Gardens after stopping at Uwajimaya for drinks and Besalu for flippin amazing pastries. I sure do miss Besalu, but we have other things worth bragging about in T-Town. There we are soaking in the sun at the beach.
We planned on hitting UW and then shopping on The Ave, but we went to U Village where the fun began. We went to the Apple store so Paolo could look at a new backpack. We did our research and found out that you can buy the same Swiss brand backpack on Amazon for 80% cheaper. It's great being in the Apple store because #1 you can use their computer to look up prices on Amazon and #2 the people that work there are super nice (Customers always think Paolo works there because we are in there for two hours and he seems to where the same color of shirt the employees do. I think he secretly wants to work there!).So where was I? Oh yeah, we purchased new phone covers for our iPhones because the ones we originally bought weren't very good.
Then it was my turn to shop, so I went into a store called Mercer and purchased a pair of designer jeans and a Juicy Couture top. I couldn't believe it, but I thought the shirt would be perfect for engagement photos. The jeans I bought were called Degaine and I feel like a celebrity with my new clothes.
After U Village we hit The Ave for dinner and margaritas. We ate at Shultzy's and we were impressed with The Vesuvious and The German Plate. Our waitress was great and the food was pretty darn good, too.
This was the end of our busy day in Seattle and we were glad to get back home to T-town. Paolo says we take more advantage of things to do when we visit Seattle now, and I think he's right.
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Sunday, July 26, 2009
Our 1/2 Date
Tonight's dinner began with a blindfold. I planned a nice evening out with Paolo, but then I decided we should have a nice dinner at home. That's what I call a 1/2 date.
It started with Paolo sitting on the back porch with a blindfold on, then I brought out the beverages to try. The game was to see if he could identify all the beverages and then he could choose what he wanted with dinner.
I poured the drinks into little shot glasses and this is what I served.
#1 Strawberry Milk
#2 Cabernet Sauvignon
#3 Mocha Chocolate Milk
#4 Diet Coke
#5 Blue Moon
Paolo got #2, #4, and #5 wrong. He thought the Cab/Sav was Merlot. That's a tough one, I will give that to him. But Diet Coke and Sprite taste totally different and I have no clue how he thought Blue Moon was sparkling water. I recommend everyone try this.
Dinner was served using all the senses and we enjoyed mini-toast appetizers served with a variety of cheeses, open-faced sandwiches, fruit, and thumbprint cookies.
Thanks Metropolitan Market
It started with Paolo sitting on the back porch with a blindfold on, then I brought out the beverages to try. The game was to see if he could identify all the beverages and then he could choose what he wanted with dinner.
I poured the drinks into little shot glasses and this is what I served.
#1 Strawberry Milk
#2 Cabernet Sauvignon
#3 Mocha Chocolate Milk
#4 Diet Coke
#5 Blue Moon
Paolo got #2, #4, and #5 wrong. He thought the Cab/Sav was Merlot. That's a tough one, I will give that to him. But Diet Coke and Sprite taste totally different and I have no clue how he thought Blue Moon was sparkling water. I recommend everyone try this.
Dinner was served using all the senses and we enjoyed mini-toast appetizers served with a variety of cheeses, open-faced sandwiches, fruit, and thumbprint cookies.
Thanks Metropolitan Market
1 comments
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
More engagement photos
Yesterday, Amanda and I celebrated knowing each other one year.
Obviously, A LOT has happened in that year, so we had a lot to celebrate. We ate an AMAZING dinner at Asado and then lobbied Sergio to take some photos of us in our backyard. Here's what turned out.
Obviously, A LOT has happened in that year, so we had a lot to celebrate. We ate an AMAZING dinner at Asado and then lobbied Sergio to take some photos of us in our backyard. Here's what turned out.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009
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