I didn't mean to stay away from my blog for so long! I'll update on all the happenings since my last post at some point soon. But for now, I have a question for you all:
Bridesmaids' dresses:
If you have been a bride, or a bridesmaid, where have you shopped for dresses and what was your experience like? Where would you recommend and where should I stay away from?
All your thoughts and opinions are really appreciated, as I am scheduling our appointment soon!
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Self Improvement Week 2
Well, it is officially a new week and I managed to do well taking vitamins and fiber everyday! Yay for me.
So, that means it is time to move on to a new goal.
This week's goal is dedicated to my Papa Bear, Steve, who just had his teeth replaced with a brand new artificial set. He looks fantastic! I'm sure he'll really start to notice a difference in how he feels too! And I am so very proud of his bravery.
So, yay dental health!
This week I choose to work on flossing my teeth daily. Right now, I only manage to do it once or twice a week (gross, I know) and I would love to have healthy gums and teeth for the rest of my life, so I better start now. I think this should be another easy one. I mean, I brush my teeth multiple times a day, so working flossing into my nightly routine shouldn't be too much of a strain.
So, that means it is time to move on to a new goal.
This week's goal is dedicated to my Papa Bear, Steve, who just had his teeth replaced with a brand new artificial set. He looks fantastic! I'm sure he'll really start to notice a difference in how he feels too! And I am so very proud of his bravery.
So, yay dental health!
This week I choose to work on flossing my teeth daily. Right now, I only manage to do it once or twice a week (gross, I know) and I would love to have healthy gums and teeth for the rest of my life, so I better start now. I think this should be another easy one. I mean, I brush my teeth multiple times a day, so working flossing into my nightly routine shouldn't be too much of a strain.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Engagement Pictures
This week our engagement pictures came in! I've been so excited to see how they all turned out that when I found the envelope in my mailbox I pretty much skipped back to the apartment to look through them.
Being a thrifty, frugal...and frankly just plain broke person is something that adds to my peculiarity. So, when I saw an offer on one of the savings sites I subscribe to (likely either groupon or eversave) for a short photography session for only $49, I jumped on that like a kid on a trampoline. I have several friends who take really nice pictures and was originally planning on asking one of them to take our engagement pictures. And while I'm sure they would have offered to do it for free, I would have wanted to pay them for their time in some way. So, I thought a $49 professional photo shoot was a pretty decent alternative.
Our photo session was scheduled for the day after I arrived home from Chile, which seemed to be unfortunate planning on my part, but once the day came I was actually feeling rested and looked at least normal if not pretty. The morning of the photo session was my niece's first birthday party. So after loving on my little cuddle bug and trying not to stuff myself with pizza and cake, we took off towards Athens, Ohio. Athens is the town that is home to H2B and my Alma Mater, Ohio University, where we met and started dating.
It was lovely to finally meet Jessie Smith of Pure of Heart Photography after having many pleasant email exchanges with her. She was friendly and excited about our ideas, and immediately made us feel comfortable. It really was a great experience working with her! Here's a taste of her great work and a view into our day. We received a disk with sooo many pictures, but here are a few of my favorites:
Being a thrifty, frugal...and frankly just plain broke person is something that adds to my peculiarity. So, when I saw an offer on one of the savings sites I subscribe to (likely either groupon or eversave) for a short photography session for only $49, I jumped on that like a kid on a trampoline. I have several friends who take really nice pictures and was originally planning on asking one of them to take our engagement pictures. And while I'm sure they would have offered to do it for free, I would have wanted to pay them for their time in some way. So, I thought a $49 professional photo shoot was a pretty decent alternative.
Our photo session was scheduled for the day after I arrived home from Chile, which seemed to be unfortunate planning on my part, but once the day came I was actually feeling rested and looked at least normal if not pretty. The morning of the photo session was my niece's first birthday party. So after loving on my little cuddle bug and trying not to stuff myself with pizza and cake, we took off towards Athens, Ohio. Athens is the town that is home to H2B and my Alma Mater, Ohio University, where we met and started dating.
It was lovely to finally meet Jessie Smith of Pure of Heart Photography after having many pleasant email exchanges with her. She was friendly and excited about our ideas, and immediately made us feel comfortable. It really was a great experience working with her! Here's a taste of her great work and a view into our day. We received a disk with sooo many pictures, but here are a few of my favorites:
 |
| <3 |
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| Guess who! |
 |
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| At one of our college gateways |
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| OU Kissing Circle--of course, most people kiss standing on it, but we wanted to get it in the picture. D'aww. |
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| Right before I jumped down and he tried to catch me. |
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| We're adorable. |
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| My ring! |
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| Iconic Athens bricks! |
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| I think I look like I am trying to decide how I feel about the aviators. |
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| Ohio University! Go bobcats! |
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| AND a funny one! Our true personalities shining through. Ha. |
Thanks again to Jessie Smith for her work and friendliness! All photo credits go to Pure of Heart Photography.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Self Improvement.
In preparation for the wedding and just as a personal point of pride, I have decided to actively work on some areas of self improvement.
Here's the plan.
Each week I will commit to doing something new to make me a better me. If the habit doesn't stick, I'll spend another week on it.
This week, I'm working on taking vitamins and fiber every day. This should be a relatively easy one to start out with since I already take 2 prescriptions each day.
I'll let you know how it goes!
Here's the plan.
Each week I will commit to doing something new to make me a better me. If the habit doesn't stick, I'll spend another week on it.
This week, I'm working on taking vitamins and fiber every day. This should be a relatively easy one to start out with since I already take 2 prescriptions each day.
I'll let you know how it goes!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Something old, something new...something DIY?
Today's post is a quick DIY necklace I put together to wear on my wedding day.
Our wedding colors are natural turquoise inspired blues and greens, or "pool colors" as H2B and MOG call them. I have a beautiful turquoise necklace that I brought back with me after a study abroad trip to Chile. I was hoping to wear it on my wedding day, so I wore it the day I went dress shopping, to get a feel for how it would look with whatever dress I picked. Sadly, it was just too chunky and didn't look very good with the dress I fell in love with. No problem. I'll wear it at the rehearsal. And on fancy dates. Or anytime I want.
But this did leave me without a turquoise necklace that I wanted so badly to wear on the big day. So, I decided to make one.
I went to my local Michael's store (I had a coupon and a gift certificate that my sister/MOH gave me for my birthday--thanks Sis!) and picked up some supplies.
Our wedding colors are natural turquoise inspired blues and greens, or "pool colors" as H2B and MOG call them. I have a beautiful turquoise necklace that I brought back with me after a study abroad trip to Chile. I was hoping to wear it on my wedding day, so I wore it the day I went dress shopping, to get a feel for how it would look with whatever dress I picked. Sadly, it was just too chunky and didn't look very good with the dress I fell in love with. No problem. I'll wear it at the rehearsal. And on fancy dates. Or anytime I want.
But this did leave me without a turquoise necklace that I wanted so badly to wear on the big day. So, I decided to make one.
I went to my local Michael's store (I had a coupon and a gift certificate that my sister/MOH gave me for my birthday--thanks Sis!) and picked up some supplies.
Not pictured:
The closure/clasp--I just used one I had on hand from a previous jewelry project.
I forgot to buy any wire, as I thought I had some at home, but I didn't, so I substituted stretchy cord.
As usual, deciding on the design was the hardest/most time consuming part. Once I had something in mind, it took less than 10 minutes to string it up and complete the project.
And here's the finished product:
I'm pretty happy about the results of this one. I think it will be elegant and dainty enough to complement my dress without taking away from it.
In case you were wondering about length, here's a pic of me wearing it.
Yay! I love how it turned out!
(But pay no attention to that double chin)
So, what do you think?
Would you take on making your own wedding jewelry? Or would you wear something special that you purchased (I would have, had the necklace from Chile worked out!), or perhaps a family heirloom?
I'd love to hear your jewelry journeys!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
I've got to ask...
I have found that, from the moment after the engagement, there are 3 questions brides-to-be will be asked over and over...and over.
Question # 1: "How did he ask?"
Before Husband to Be (H2B for now) were engaged, I always loved asking brides this question. The stories always fascinated me. I've never been a super duper sappy romance kind of girl, but this was my little romantic indulgence. I a creative type, so I marveled at the thoughtful and unique stories. I inwardly got a chuckle out of the super sappy ones. What I loved most was how each story fit the couple perfectly and whether or not I "liked" the way the engagement played out (which of course didn't matter in the least; the only important thing is that the engaged couple is happy), I appreciated how every story was the perfect fit for the girl or couple telling it.
One day I'll tell you my story, but today that is not on the schedule.
Question # 2: "Have you picked a date?" or substitute for the equally common, "When's the date?"
Inquiring minds need to know. Friends and family will want to find out if you plan to have a long engagement or short. The season will also be on their mind. Will you be a summer bride? Are you taking advantage of autumn colors? The date dictates a lot of what you will or won't be able to to, so it is always a hot topic of conversation. Quite understandably.
H2B and I chose March, 23 (one year and a little over 2 months from when he popped the question)...in case you were itching to know.
Question # 3. "Have you found your dress?"
You saw that one coming, didn't you? Asked especially often by women, and perhaps made an even more pressing curiosity since the flood of wedding shows like "Say Yes to the Dress", this question seems to be everyone's favorite.
I started getting this question in February. We were engaged in January. So, by June, this question started to stress me out. I would think "No, I haven't even done much looking for a dress. I still have time, right? 9 months is enough time, right? Oh no! What if I am running out of time and I'll end up wearing a burlap sack to my wedding?"
First of all, my friends and family meant no harm by the question...I'm just peculiar. And one of my special peculiarities is the ability to second-guess and stress about, well, just about anything. Second, I'm a simple girl and haven't spent my whole life dreaming of a wedding dress. Sure, as friends got married over the years and when I got engaged I started to take notice of styles and materials that I liked or absolutely did not like. But honestly, if I DID have to wear a burlap sack (no offense to any sacks reading this right now), it would be alright with me. At the end of the day, if H2B and I are legally married, everything will be perfect because the rest is gravy. So, I think the only reason the idea of running out of time for dress shopping scared me, was because I am such an organization freak. If I was behind schedule, I had failed myself in my favorite area: planning.
So in July, after I returned home from a study abroad trip to Chile, I planned a time for me, my mom, and H2B's mom (affectionately called "the moms") to go shopping. I looked into consignment shops and sample stores...anything to save me a buck (or, let's be real, a hundred or *gasp* thousand) and made appointments. The shops were in Columbus, where I live, and Cincinnati, a little less than 2 hours away.
I knew it was going to be a fantastic day. And it was. One of the best.
...But more on that later.
Question # 1: "How did he ask?"
Before Husband to Be (H2B for now) were engaged, I always loved asking brides this question. The stories always fascinated me. I've never been a super duper sappy romance kind of girl, but this was my little romantic indulgence. I a creative type, so I marveled at the thoughtful and unique stories. I inwardly got a chuckle out of the super sappy ones. What I loved most was how each story fit the couple perfectly and whether or not I "liked" the way the engagement played out (which of course didn't matter in the least; the only important thing is that the engaged couple is happy), I appreciated how every story was the perfect fit for the girl or couple telling it.
One day I'll tell you my story, but today that is not on the schedule.
Question # 2: "Have you picked a date?" or substitute for the equally common, "When's the date?"
Inquiring minds need to know. Friends and family will want to find out if you plan to have a long engagement or short. The season will also be on their mind. Will you be a summer bride? Are you taking advantage of autumn colors? The date dictates a lot of what you will or won't be able to to, so it is always a hot topic of conversation. Quite understandably.
H2B and I chose March, 23 (one year and a little over 2 months from when he popped the question)...in case you were itching to know.
Question # 3. "Have you found your dress?"
You saw that one coming, didn't you? Asked especially often by women, and perhaps made an even more pressing curiosity since the flood of wedding shows like "Say Yes to the Dress", this question seems to be everyone's favorite.
I started getting this question in February. We were engaged in January. So, by June, this question started to stress me out. I would think "No, I haven't even done much looking for a dress. I still have time, right? 9 months is enough time, right? Oh no! What if I am running out of time and I'll end up wearing a burlap sack to my wedding?"
First of all, my friends and family meant no harm by the question...I'm just peculiar. And one of my special peculiarities is the ability to second-guess and stress about, well, just about anything. Second, I'm a simple girl and haven't spent my whole life dreaming of a wedding dress. Sure, as friends got married over the years and when I got engaged I started to take notice of styles and materials that I liked or absolutely did not like. But honestly, if I DID have to wear a burlap sack (no offense to any sacks reading this right now), it would be alright with me. At the end of the day, if H2B and I are legally married, everything will be perfect because the rest is gravy. So, I think the only reason the idea of running out of time for dress shopping scared me, was because I am such an organization freak. If I was behind schedule, I had failed myself in my favorite area: planning.
So in July, after I returned home from a study abroad trip to Chile, I planned a time for me, my mom, and H2B's mom (affectionately called "the moms") to go shopping. I looked into consignment shops and sample stores...anything to save me a buck (or, let's be real, a hundred or *gasp* thousand) and made appointments. The shops were in Columbus, where I live, and Cincinnati, a little less than 2 hours away.
I knew it was going to be a fantastic day. And it was. One of the best.
...But more on that later.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Welcome
Ah. Welcome. You've found or stumbled upon this peculiar blog, written by a peculiar bride. The Peculiar Bride actually. Why peculiar, you ask? I'm so glad you asked...
I consider myself a peculiar bride because I'm a peculiar person. "Now Peculiar Bride," I can imagine you saying, "you can't be that strange." And how kind that is of you, but really. I am.
Let's start off with: I enjoy organizing. Really. I love to sort things. List making is a bit of hobby of mine. Need something organized, packed, or arranged? I'd jump at the chance to take on that project! I love spreadsheets (no, I'm not an accountant, or a scientist; not even close--I'm in the arts). And people have told me--in no uncertain terms--that this is not normal behavior. I'm okay with that. I have no personal need to be "normal"; it's a little overrated.
I'm goofy, silly, quirky, and all those other words you use to describe cartoon characters and senile elderly g-mas and g-pas. I'd love to give you some example that paints an accurate picture of my goofy ways, but you know how just when you need to remember a relevant story/experience and simply can't bring any to mind? Yeah. I guess you'll just have to read along and see what I mean. Or take my word for it.
So, to be quite honest, I've no reason to believe that my unabashedlyweird unusual quirky personality will change in any way now that I am getting married.
Oh, yes. Getting married. How fun is that?! While I'm super excited now...I haven't always been. And that brings us to the "bride" half of Peculiar Bride.
I was never one of those little girls who dreamed of a wedding. It just wasn't something I cared too much about growing up. So that left me a completely blank slate as far as dreams, inspiration, and ideas for wedding planning. Fortunately, a year before my now fiancé and I got engaged, about 15 people we knew got married and I was in a couple of weddings, so I started to mentally note things I liked or disliked, knowing that if my friends were tying the knot, I may be one day soon too. But, that's the extend of my prior knowledge.
Peculiar Groom (I can't promise that name will stick, hubby-to-be is much less peculiar than I...though he has his own, shall we say, "unique" characteristics) and I are not having a typical wedding. But more on that to come.
I'm excited to share with you all the "whats", "whys", and "hows" of our atypical wedding and my peculiar wedding planning process with you, and hope you enjoy coming along for the ride.
I consider myself a peculiar bride because I'm a peculiar person. "Now Peculiar Bride," I can imagine you saying, "you can't be that strange." And how kind that is of you, but really. I am.
Let's start off with: I enjoy organizing. Really. I love to sort things. List making is a bit of hobby of mine. Need something organized, packed, or arranged? I'd jump at the chance to take on that project! I love spreadsheets (no, I'm not an accountant, or a scientist; not even close--I'm in the arts). And people have told me--in no uncertain terms--that this is not normal behavior. I'm okay with that. I have no personal need to be "normal"; it's a little overrated.
I'm goofy, silly, quirky, and all those other words you use to describe cartoon characters and senile elderly g-mas and g-pas. I'd love to give you some example that paints an accurate picture of my goofy ways, but you know how just when you need to remember a relevant story/experience and simply can't bring any to mind? Yeah. I guess you'll just have to read along and see what I mean. Or take my word for it.
So, to be quite honest, I've no reason to believe that my unabashedly
Oh, yes. Getting married. How fun is that?! While I'm super excited now...I haven't always been. And that brings us to the "bride" half of Peculiar Bride.
I was never one of those little girls who dreamed of a wedding. It just wasn't something I cared too much about growing up. So that left me a completely blank slate as far as dreams, inspiration, and ideas for wedding planning. Fortunately, a year before my now fiancé and I got engaged, about 15 people we knew got married and I was in a couple of weddings, so I started to mentally note things I liked or disliked, knowing that if my friends were tying the knot, I may be one day soon too. But, that's the extend of my prior knowledge.
Peculiar Groom (I can't promise that name will stick, hubby-to-be is much less peculiar than I...though he has his own, shall we say, "unique" characteristics) and I are not having a typical wedding. But more on that to come.
I'm excited to share with you all the "whats", "whys", and "hows" of our atypical wedding and my peculiar wedding planning process with you, and hope you enjoy coming along for the ride.
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