Hair Styles

Now that the hair appointments are booked I have to think about how I want to wear my hair. I'm like 95% sure that I want to wear my hair down for the wedding (although I absolutely loved how my hair came out pulled back for Bridget's wedding) I'm pretty sure I want to wear it down for the wedding, unless I absolutely hate how it comes out during the hair trial (which I don't really foresee happening). Thankfully it's October so the temperature and humidity shouldn't be an issue to deal with (if there's rain in the forecast for that week don't be surprised if I do another hair up trial the week of then). I'm leaning towards something half up half down with DEF some height on the top, it cannot be flat, I'd also like a little bit of a side part in the front. I think the curls will be the most natural and go the best with my wavy hair so it should take pretty well. I just hope it'll hold for the whole night. I'm really excited for the trial and then I even get to see it WITH my dress on after (and with my dress with the right top). I am so excited for August 7th for all my wedding fun!

Hair is Booked!

This morning I went to check out hair salons in person to help narrow down my choices. I decided to go check out 3 of the 4 salons remaining on my short list, I ruled out one because their trial prices were the highest and it was also the furthest away from the house. I started off at Posh Salon I got some information from someone I think might have been the owner, I was definitely still interested in the salon after seeing it in person. Then I traveled over to a second salon, when I got there it was very crowded and I didn't love the layout or the feel of it, I actually didn't even wait in line long enough to get the information I just left ruling it out right then and there. Then, after a quick stop at Target - I had to pick up a strapless bathing suit so I wouldn't get bad tan lines - traveled up to the last salon, B Euphoria Salon & Day Spa. When I walked in the two receptionists were both extremely helpful and friendly and spent a lot of time answering all of my questions. I loved the look of the salon and even better yet I loved the prices, they were the cheapest on my short list of salons to check out and while I was there definitely determined it was my favorite one. They showed me some pictures which also made me feel really comfortable. I scheduled my hair and make up trial on the spot for Saturday, August 7th, which also happens to be my next dress fitting appointment. I figured I would maximize my mom's trip to NJ since she'll be coming for my dress and she can come with me for my hair trial, she'll also be getting a hair trial as well. I also scheduled all of the appointments for the girls for the wedding day as well. I think it will be a good set up for us the day of and they were the most affordable salon I looked at. I already really like this salon so I'm hoping their work is as good as the look and feel of the place and the friendly personnel. I can't wait to go for my trials!

Little Creations

I saw these really cute custom cake toppers, made by Lynn's Little Creations, and I thought they were adorable. I hadn't thought much about a cake topper before, I'm still not 100% sold that I even want one but I did think these ones in particular were really cute and figured I would share. They're custom designed to look like the bride and groom and include details of the bride's wedding dress and flowers. Of course in thinking of my own design I thought it might be fitting to also incorporate maybe an apple tree in it along with a pumpkin on the bottom. I'm not usually a "chachka" person, but it might be a fun memento to keep on my desk or something, right? I inquired about the pricing, it would be $55 for the bride and groom, plus $25 for the apple tree and $10 for a pumpkin, but is this cute cake topper memento worth almost $100? It could go on the cake or certainly on the cake table and it does go with our theme, but Mike's always telling me I'm cut off on my wedding budget (he doesn't really believe I actually have a wedding budget). I guess I have to think about it if it's something that I'd really like to have and then hold onto.

Visions of Veils

When we last left off Mom and I went veil shopping and we were absolutely overwhelmed by how many choices there were. We decided we needed reinforcements, our first line of defense was to bring Bridget with us. Bridget had recommended the store to us, they had a great a great selection and tons of custom veils to pick from. Thankfully when we went back this time they were much less crowded, last time they were so busy, it made the process even more overwhelming. When the woman put the first veil on me I knew I loved it. Although it's VERY simple, in keeping with my simple taste, it does the job perfectly. It was the perfect length and the perfect shape on my face and the simple beading seemed to match my dress perfectly. I tried on a few more veils but I kept going back to that first one. Mom wanted to keep looking at more just to be sure, but I was already sure, the first one would def do the trick and it was simple enough that I think I'll plan to wear it for the whole evening as well, it makes me feel very bride. I'm so happy Bridget was there to look at veils with us it made the process even easier and was much less stressful this time. My veil is now purchased and I'll have it for my next wedding dress fitting. And I also have my headpiece too. I had been looking at headpieces last time and Bridget mentioned that I could borrow hers, when I tried it on again it was exactly what I was looking for, and very similar to the one I had previously seen, it was an all-around win, and now I have my something borrowed.

No More China

After some consideration and debate I decided to take our china off the registry. I was a bit torn on the china from the beginning but Mike seemed to want to register for it - although I didn't get much of a conversation out of him when I asked him about taking it off but he might not have been in the mood. It was one of those things that while I find the china to be beautiful when I step back and think about it I wonder how often we would actually get to use it. We have beautiful every day plates, which I absolutely love and have decided that since I took the china off I think I'll add an extra set of it to the registry (we already have 8 plates but 12 would be good just in case we're entertaining or god forbid one breaks). I just don't know how often we'd actually get to use the china, we have almost no space to store it in this house, it would just take up room and wouldn't get used very often. My mom also said she would give me her beautiful Lenox Christmas china one day (well actually any day - tomorrow if she could - I told her she has to wait till we move to our next house), and we could use that for the holidays. If we ever want china when we move to a bigger house hopefully we'll be in a position that we can buy it for ourselves if we really want it. Although I was a little bit sad taking it off I think it's the right call - besides if it means maybe we'll get some more gifts off our honeymoon registry which that we won't get another opportunity to do it'll be worth it - plates we can get anytime!

The end of my tunnel

At least the end is near, no I don't mean the end of the world, although they say that's supposed to happen on 12/22/12, hey at least I've have turned 30 and gotten to open my time capsule then, I mean the end of my graduate program is at least getting closer. I am suffering through summer school right now and continue to remind myself daily it's only for a couple of weeks, long weeks they may seem, but not forever. Once I am done with this class, I'll only have two classes two go till I can finally graduate with my Masters degree and boy will that feel good. As part of my reward and present to myself I am taking my Mom and I to DISNEY WORLD. And I can't wait!!!!

It is the happiest place on earth after all. I'm so excited to go and walk around the parks, and explore even EPCOT, which I hated as a kid, of course kids find it boring, there's not as many fun rides. I think Disney is even more fun as an adult, a place to get lost in all the happiness and magic. I was so lucky growing up that my Mom planned so many great trips for us to go to Disney. They have home video of me at the Contemporary resort saying "Monorail, Monorail" over and over again and it got me so excited. The excitement is still not gone and I can't wait to go with my mom for graduation next May!.... ps, I hope we can get another picture with Minnie Mouse like this one!

New, Old, Borrowed & Blue

"You have probably heard the popular wedding tradition saying before, but not every bride to be knows exactly where it originated from or what the meaning behind the saying is. It is a darling saying and is one of the only wedding traditions in today's society which makes some sense. It is a cute tradition - one which is performed to bring good luck to the newlywed couple."

The traditional saying is:

Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue

And a silver sixpence in her shoe 

"Each item in this sort poem represents a good luck token for the bride - if she carries them, it is said her marriage will have good fortune." -- I certainly want our marriage to have good fortune so perhaps I should explore carrying each of these items. I have a few picked out so far, so here goes:

My something new will be my wedding gown. "Something New: means optimism and hope for the future. It conveys the message that you and your husband are creating a new union that will endure the test of time." 

My something borrowed which I am thrilled about is wearing my best friend and Matron of Honor Bridget's headpiece. "Something Borrowed: There are several meanings behind borrowing an item from a friend or relative. Some sources say borrowing something is borrowing happiness from a happily married woman, so that their happiness will carry over to the new bride. Other sources have said it is symbolizes the love and adoration you have for the person from whom you have borrowed the item from.The borrowed item also signifies to the bride that she can always count on her friends and family for support." - I know that I can always count on my friends and family, including my Bridget to always be there for me, so I think it is perfect that my something borrowed comes from one of my best friends.

My something blue now don't laugh, will be my underwear, yes that's right my underwear. I couldn't resist when I saw this pair of underwear on the Victoria's Secret website. They're actually  called the something blue wedding panty, so I plan to pick up a pair of these babies. "Something Blue: The color blue has been connected to weddings for centuries as a symbol of love, modesty, fidelity, good luck, purity and loyalty." 

But that leaves my something old which I haven't figured out yet.... "Something Old: The old item has several different meanings, but one general theme: a link of continuity from the bride's past. Some say this is a desire to remain connected with your family even after you established a family of your own. Other sources say it represents the life you are leaving behind. Another idea is that the tradition of family values and the connection family brings is being passed down to you. It is safe to say that all of these assumptions are correct; the bride is leaving behind her past to start a new beginning, but not to forget where she has been.".... I wish my mom had something to pass down to me but so far no ideas, I guess I'll think of something.... 

Of course I can't forget this lucky sixpence they reference, I can honestly say that I never heard of the silver sixpence in her shoe part. I wonder if that would be comfortable in my shoes all day? I don't think I really need a sixpence in my shoe do I? "A Lucky Sixpence: A sixpence in the bride's shoe represents wealth and financial security. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be worn in the left shoe. A sixpence is a coin that was minted in Britain from 1551 to 1967. It was made of silver and worth six pennies. This wedding tradition can be traced back to England, and many sources say that it began sometime in the Victorian Era."

"Brides have been honoring the something old, new borrowed, blue tradition for centuries. Although these items are supposed to bring good luck to the bride, many brides are following this tradition to honor people close to them on their wedding day." I think this will be a tradition I'll be happy to follow in. 

Picking a Hair Salon

One major day of vendors I have left to book is for Hair and Makeup. Being somewhat 'new' and unfamiliar with the area I don't know that many places to go to. Of course I've looked high and low online but none of the places I have personal experience or recommendations from friends which makes it a bit harder. Plus it didn't help during my search that some of the places in my mind I thought were ridiculously expensive. There's a nice salon in the area, the pink comb, and they'll also come to you but the prices were $90 for the bridesmaids hair along. I def can't afford to cover that much for the girls nor would I expect them to pay that much!

After much searching and many phone calls and weeding out the places that weren't in the budget, I think I've got my list narrowed down to the following 4 places:

1. B Euphoria Salon & Day Spa 
2. Posh Salon 
3. Tantrum 19 
4. Faces Plus 

I guess my next step from here will be find out when my mom can come with me and actually call one of them and set up an appointment for a trial and make sure I'm happy with it, otherwise this is going to be one expensive item to try out and that's def not in the budget! Here's hoping the one I pick will work out. 

Flower Girl

One of things I'm most excited about for our wedding is actual seeing our adorable flower girl Alexis all dressed up. As I've already mentioned on several occasions she is just absolutely adorable and we are so excited to have her be part of our special day. I always love seeing her and seeing how big she's gotten. I had seen some flower girl dresses online and thought I had found one that would work at Davids' Bridal. When I went to go see it in person the color did not go, both the ivory and the chocolate sash were the wrong shades.

I happened to spot a flower girl dress at the dress shop when we were looking for bridesmaid dresses. Their prices were very reasonable compared to some of the other bridal salons. I dragged Mike back there with me to check it out when we were passing through that direction. I quickly looked and spotted the dress again and decided that was it. It's a dress by Jordan that the ivory color and chocolate sash should match much better. It's now officially ordered, Mike's Aunt called me this weekend to confirm, we're so happy they're just as excited as us to have her be a part of our special day. We'll have to see when it comes in since it will need to be hemmed anyway how short we want it, I do think the shorter hems are really cute on flower girls. I also love the big bow on the back. It should look adorable on Alexis and I can't wait to see her in it!

Breakfast

One of my favorite things about the weekend has always been "weekend breakfast." Growing up during the week with school it was usually something like poptarts or cereal or frozen waffles, something quick and easy along those lines (today it's my usual yogurt or oatmeal). But every Sunday morning we always had a big Sunday breakfast, bacon and eggs (although there was a time period I wouldn't eat the bacon) but of course there was always the famous A&S Bagels that we picked up every Sunday morning. Even Mike loves those!

So imagine my delight that Mike's favorite meal to cook is breakfast, and boy is he known for it. Mike's breakfast in itself is famous. He makes the most delicious spread when we have guests stay over and he goes all out, everything from eggs, to pancakes, bacon, potatoes, and more. Yesterday morning after I fell back asleep on the couch Mike woke me up by bringing me a delicious plate of pancakes, coffee and orange juice for no reason at all. Needless to say I was pleasantly delighted by this wonderful Saturday morning surprise! I hope one day if/when we have kids that he'll make them the wonderful weekend breakfast that I always loved growing up and loves when he makes it for me now - It's my favorite meal!

Book versus Nook

I recently had the idea pop into my head that I think I want to get a "Nook" (Barnes & Noble's version, while Amazon has the "Kindle"). A nook is a type of "e-reader, which is an electronic device that is designed primarily for the purpose of reading digital books and periodicals and uses e-ink technology to display content to readers. The main advantages of these devices are portability, readability of their screens in bright sunlight, and long battery life." With all the hype around the new iPad that just came out and hosts a similar type of technology I became a bit intrigued to learn more about e-readers. I have always loved reading books since I was little kid. I remember riding my bike to the Franklin Square library in the summer time and participating in all the summer reading clubs. Although I don't have much time lately for "fun" reading I do love a good book. 


BUT there is something about the texture and smell of a book, the feel of turning a page or seeing the progress of the pages piling up towards the beginning and getting closer to the end, and of course my own personal pet peeve of never bending the spine of the book, and when finished it goes on my prized book shelf. 


Could I give all of that up and switch to an electronic version of reading a book? Will it be the same thing and feeling reading a good book and putting it down on the night stand at night. I admit there are parts that I find  appealing, the light weight, the electronic storage, no more clutter of books taking up space on the bookshelf, oh and the beautiful Kate Spade cover I fell in love with (but that's not much a reason to get one). The reviews seem to be very positive and I'm def intrigued, I just don't know if I could make the big leap to electronic when I spend all of my days staring at electronic content on the computer. Sometimes it just feels good to get lost in that paperback book.