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.