WE HAVE MOVED!

Check out our new blog at http://paolojr.com/wedding for future wedding updates. Thanks!

Head Colds

I am down. It started Saturday and it's Thursday now. I've been carefully careening around town using my sleeve to open doors and turn on lights, and I've scrubbed my hands 20 times per day trying to stay healthy.

I was on the train in Vancouver, B.C. surrounded by people sneezing and breathing on me and all I could think about is sickness. I was just preparing myself for what was to come.

I am doing everything I can to kick it and I've been skipping the gym to keep other people from getting sick. It sucks when people parade around town when their nose is dripping like our back faucet.

So, you might be wondering why this has anything to do with our wedding? Well, I can't work out when I am sick and I have to eat poorly to get better. This leads to issues of achieving my wedding and Costa Rica body.

DIY Invitations

I think Amanda and I have been good and being thrifty for all things wedding-related.

In that spirit I offered to design our wedding invitations. I have a decent handle on design and imaging software, so I figured it'd be worthwhile and cost effective. Invitations can cost $3 or $4 each if you're doing them professionally, and that's a cost I'm glad we're skipping.

Per my brother Sergio's advice, we bought a Gocco Japanese screen printer of eBay for $200. It shipped from Osaka in just a few days and we were ready to get our hands inky.

The problem was that we didn't really know what we wanted to say, or what we wanted the invitations to look like. We obviously wanted to use our wedding colors - purple and yellow - but weren't sure about images or fonts.

I managed to turn out a couple decent designs over the weekend that I emailed to Indiana for feedback. Amanda and I went to Paper Zone on Sunday to look at paper colors and weights, so hopefully we'll have a chance to test the Gocco later this week.

I'm excited to share with everyone our final design. If anyone has tips or tricks for DIY invitations, please let us know!

February 10th

Hello, February 10th! This Friday, we will be three months from our trip to Indiana. This trip is a special one because we will be getting married:) I have been using my Tuesday evenings to run errands and do wedding planning, while Paolo is at school. Last Tuesday I bought my niece her flower girl dress and she is looking stunning. Here is a photo of Abby.


Paolo is working hard on designing our wedding invitations. We're trying to come up with something super creative, so stay tuned for that.

Another thing we are working on is finding the perfect wedding bands. My ring is so unique and that means my band will be unique too. Good luck to me in this adventure of finding the perfect band. I tried to get one designed, but it was a little too expensive. Paolo hasn't decided what he wants yet, but I am excited to find out.

Speaking of Paolo, he is a lucky man because he got to open up an early gift. I purchased our cake topper and let him open it up early. It was important to me to pick a meaningful cake topper (cupcake topper) and I found the perfect one. Here is a picture of it.



I will share more details as they come along.

Marriage

Marriage is...

Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years. ~Simone Signoret

When the one man loves the one woman and the one woman loves the one man, the very angels desert heaven and come and sit in that house and sing for joy. ~The Brahma Sutras

When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. ~Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally

Love is blind, but marriage restores its sight. ~Samuel Lichtenberg

Wedlock is a padlock. ~John Ray, English Proverbs

There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage. ~Martin Luther

People do not marry people, not real ones anyway; they marry what they think the person is; they marry illusions and images. The exciting adventure of marriage is finding out who the partner really is. ~James L. Framo, "Explorations in Marital & Family Therapy"

No man expects a great deal from marriage. He is quite satisfied if his wife is a good cook, a good valet, an attentive audience, and a patient nurse. ~Author Unknown

I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife.
~Author Unknown

quotegarden.com

Gym Fashion

I have realized ,in the last month, that fashion at the gym is important to some.
I am not a total Fashionista when I go to the gym, but I do try and match. Here is a photo of the man who works out next to me.


Really, Paolo?

Long Weekends and Holidays

Hi everyone. These past couple weeks have been amazing. In the last 2 months, I might have worked 1 full week and I love it. This is the last day I will be taking off for awhile and I have to admit I am a little sad:(

Last Thursday, I spent the day in Seattle and I did a little shopping at the Frock Shop, in Phinney Ridge. When in need of a dress last minute, this place will not disappoint you. I always find something amazing here.

The day was beautiful and I spent a little time with the little guys I used to nanny for. They are getting so big and it's the best feeling in the world that I can still make them laugh:)

I met up with a friend for coffee and I experienced an amazing Mocha.

Finally, Paolo splurged and took me to one of my favorite restaurants in Seattle....Black Bottle!

Friday morning, I woke up and hauled butt to finish painting the laundry room. It looks amazing and I definitely surprised Paolo. He thought I would spend the day relaxing, but I wanted to prove that a stay-at-home fiancee is what I CAN be. Here are a few pics!




Finally, I spent a lot of time with Fabrizio. He has been a little grouchy lately and I think it's due to lack of mommy time. Here are a few pictures of his new gift of grass from the Chaffees.

Goodbye 2009

Hello, 2010. I have been waiting for you my whole life and I have a lot on my mind. One thing that has been on my mind is, I never thought I would get married in the year 2010! I have to admit....I LIKE IT. I am anxiously awaiting May to arrive so I can squeeze into my wedding dress and marry the man of my dreams.

Another thing that's been on my mind, is the gym. I have been working out 5-6 times a week and eating healthier, so I shouldn't use the term squeeze when describing my dress.
I didn't make a 2010 new years resolution, but I am enjoying spending time being active with Paolo. I have made a lifestyle change. I love it that we get to ski together and that we can go to our local gym and get a great workout in. Believe it or not, last night I went to the gym all by myself and as I was on the stair master, I noticed all the men checking out all the ladies. If you want to meet someone at the gym, go at 7:30 in the evening. I was working hard core on the stair master and I had to concentrate on smiling instead of making excruciating faces. Good thing I have a man because I am sure with my funky outfit and facial expressions I would scare off anything that moves.

So,I have been super busy over these past couple weeks. Work and getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas took up a lot of my time. That explains the non-existent posts.

During the Holiday season I talked to all of my relatives over Skype. That's why using Skype more has been on my mind. I want to see my family more and although the computer isn't the same as in person, but it sure does beat the telephone.

I am sure all of you have heard that we are planning on going to Costa Rica for our honeymoon,the price is right. So warm weather is on my mind. I am totally stoked about this fabulous 3 1/2 weeks away from Tacoma, but I will miss Fabrizio dearly. This means I will be able to go on a shopping spree for sexy summer clothes:)

The last thing that has been on my mind is vitamins. I have started taking vitamins again. I usually do this during the winter for the extra beat sickness factor. I know everyone has noticed when you take vitamins, your pee is pretty yellow because of all the water soluble vitamins that are leaving your body. The one question I have is....If you hold your pee in your bladder longer, will your bladder soak the vitamins back up?

Indiana Trip

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!)

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.

You're A Grand Old Flag

Have a great Veteran's Day and thanks to all of our soldiers of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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?