I won! I won! I won!

I have nevereverever won anything in myentirelife...so imagine my surprise when I clicked on Weddingbee and saw my name as the winner in the contest for favor boxes from I need a favor from Kate! During my all out squeal-fest this morning, I even woke the Little Bear, who proclaimed "Momma, is everything okay? I heard wild pigs outside my window". Oops.

We will be getting the pyramid shaped box from the photo above, but in this print:

Here are my favor inspiration pics....

I am envisioning them being similar to the larger photo on the plate, but without the branch, obviously. I've already purchased the little nests at Michael's, along with some moss. I'm hoping to find a few glittery birds during my annual Christmas ornament shopping extravaganza to add to the nests. I also am going to order dark chocolate Cadbury speckled eggs online, since they are only available in stores over the Easter holiday. I realize that jordan almonds are more traditional, but honestly, I don't know of one person, other than myself, who actually likes to eat them. And who can resist chocolate, right? So what do you think?

Oh, and I know it says we won 50 boxes, and are only having 18 guests, so we've decided to hand deliver the exciting news to all our friends who we were not able to host at the actual event. We're going to give them all one of our nest favors along with the announcement. Good idea...or not?

I couldn't have won a more perfect prize! I was having such a hard time finding a gift box that would allow me to wrap our little bird favors without having to lay the birds down on their sides...which of course, once opened, would just make them look like a little nest filled with dead birds, not love birds. Sooooo not romantic. At. All.

Thankyouthankyouthankyou to Weddingbee and to I Need a Favor from Kate. Kiss Kiss Hug Hug.

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And I do want to apologize for the lack of posts lately. Between the Thanksgiving holiday and working long hours, there really hasn't been all that much going on that anyone would consider "blog worthy". We did meet with the second photographer, and are anxiously awaiting his quote before we make any final decisions regarding pics.

Thanksgiving

Now that the food has settled I can take a minute to sit down and ramble about a few things. What a great day this Thanksgiving was, family, friends and of course the two best things to ever happen to me, yes Delilah and the big kid. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a holiday as much as I did this Thanksgiving, it gave a whole new meaning to being thankful. My wonderful wife to be cooked up a fantastic dinner, yes I did do my part, that was stay out of her way and make last minute trips to the store. Of course I ate WAY to much food but then again who didn't, how's a guy suppose to say no to such a fantastic feast?

Visiting with family has become much more important to me over the years. I have a great niece and great nephew that are in their early twenties that mean the world to me, I treasure every minute I get to spend with them. I will explain the Great niece and Great nephew thing later. I have also realized just how much I really missed Delilah's family over the years that we were apart, from what I can gather they missed me just as much, what a great feeling.

I hope everyone had a Thanksgiving as wonderful as ours was, I have so much to be thankful, what a lucky man I really am.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am most grateful for...

The love of my family.

They may not always be the most affectionate bunch, but they've ALWAYS been there through thick and thin. There are no doubts in my mind that no matter what the struggle or celebration, they will all be there by my side to comfort me or cheer me on. This past year has been a very trying one, and without the love and support of my family, I know for a fact, I would not be the happy (and somewhat emotional, financially & physically stable) gal I am today.

The most amazing, sweetest

and affectionate little boy...EVER!

Had I been able to personally hand-pick the teeny angel who was to become my son, I could not have chosen one more perfect. He is spirited, smart, kind, generous, creative, funny...the list goes on and on. I thank my lucky stars on a daily basis for sending him to me. He's been not only my baby, my little boy and my best friend but now and I watch him learn and grow, I get glimpses of the man he is going to become. I am so proud and honored to be his maman.

True Love

How in the world am I suppose to be able to find the words to express how grateful and thankful I am to the universe for bringing my Bob back into my life? There will never, evereverever be a proper term to define how unbelievably happy, safe, content and loved he makes me feel. I'm so blessed to have him in my life, not only as my confidant, friend, lover, and fiance...but, as the most amazing father and husband to a little boy and his mother, who once believed that they were not worthy of the kind of fairy tale life they are currently living.

Oh...I almost forgot.

And tiny puppies with bad breath.

So. um. yeah. wow.....Totally random thoughts.

For once in my life, I am at a loss for words. Not much going on around here, that's for sure. Well, other than the regular 'ol day to day workworkwork, home, parenting stuff. But, I'm not really complaining. It's a nice break. I do apologize for the lack of posts and photos lately though. I'll make it up to you next week 'kay?

Wedding planning is at quite a stand still, and with the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, it looks like there won't be time for much other than stuffing our faces full of yummy goodness and visiting with family and friends. It's going to be torture to not spill the beans or slip up regarding the wedding planning during conversation. Wish us luck! Bob has already started inviting people by word of mouth, and it got me all flustered and thinking that the sooner they know about the "party" the more time they will have to figure out the surprise ahead of time...totally ridiculous, I know, but I can't help it. Have I mentioned that I'm a worry-wart?!?

We do have a meeting with a local photographer (not the one I spoke of earlier) on Monday, for the sake of looking through his portfolio, getting a quote and discussing our Plan B details. I'm still sold on our first choice photographer, but this one definitely has more pro's than cons as well and because he is local, just may be a better fit. Only time and budget will tell. Both of our choices have equally beautiful online portfolios. Just as soon as we make a decision, I'll definitely be posting a link.

I'm also been thinking a lot about hair. Mostly because mine is a complete and utter mess right now and in serious need of a cut and blowout. Granted, I look nothing like the lovely Masuimi Max, but she and I share the same hairstyle and hair color in this pic. I pretty much do the side bang with alice band/scarf/barrette on a daily basis. I've been growing out my uber-short Bettie Page bangs and the length is becoming out of control. Not to mention my hair is pin straight and won't hold a curl to save my life. I think I just may pay a visit to my stylist for some advice. Here are a few photos of hairstyles I've been coveting.

What do you all think? Should I go for something a bit more fresh and modern, or stick with my usual look? Keep it simple, or glam it up?

Work it girl!

Whew! What a weekend! Where does all this time go?!? I swear, all day yesterday I thought it was Saturday and then some party pooper had to go and remind me that it was in fact Sunday and another work week was upon us. UGH! I barely had time to relax or have any fun at all and it's already Monday.

I think a lot of my Monday blues this morning are stemming from the fact that I've taken on a second (or actually, technically 3rd) job in order to bring in a few extra dollars for the wedding and I'm simply exhausted. I had a big wake-up call about a month ago and realized that if we didn't start bringing in some extra cash and saving our pennies soon, there would be no wedding...or at least not the wedding we are envisioning.

Now, I realize that you are probably thinking that it really doesn't cost all that much to basically have 20 or so people out to dinner, but add the cost of food and drinks, plus cake, officiant, transportation, photos, rings and attire and the budget gets blown rather quickly. Hence, a part-time job in retail to combat the quick rising cost of this whole soiree. Not to mention the holidays are quickly approaching, Bob and I are hosting Thanksgiving dinner at the tree house, as well as Christmas gifts for LB and the rest of the family, and throwing a cocktail party for New Years. Cha-ching! My Bob has a t-shirt in the closet that boldly states "I'm having an out of money experience". Right now, that's exactly how I am feeling. And I know it will all work out in the end, as it always does, but it doesn't take away the fact that I am a wee bit stressed about it.

In planning our budget, or lack of, we're having quite the time trying to figure out where our priorities lay. Should we spend more on food and drink, or is photography more important? Should a bulk of our budget be spent on rings and attire, or opt to save some cash for our honeymoon? As I type this, I honestly don't know. How is everyone else coming up with a budget and whats on your "must have" list?

Take it off! Take it all off...

Okay, so I'm feeling a little frisky this morning. TeeHeeHee!

In an effort to get healthier and of course, look like a bombshell pin-up on our wedding day, I've been dieting. Oh, how I hate that word, but I'm using it for lack of a better term. For the last, oh, about 6 weeks or so, I've been steadily losing weight by counting calories and paying a little closer attention to where those calories are coming from. Upping the protein, dropping a bit of carb. It's been a pleasant little surprise every Friday to step on the scale and watch that number go down, down, down. The smaller pant size is quite the ego boost as well.


But....
For the last 2 weeks...nothing. Not even one little ounce lost. What's up with that?!?! I've been a good girl. I haven't indulged, at all. Well, other than 1 piece of birthday cake, but you know, it's like wedding cake. Calorie free, right?!?


The only thing I can think of is that since I took a second job, I am on my feet more and might be retaining water? Or, since I am not home in the evenings to cook for myself and my boys, that I have been eating more processed foods like Lean Cuisine, Smart Ones and Healthy Choice, all of which might contain some extra sodium?! It's frustrating to say the least. I'm seriously losing motivation, which really sucks. I suppose it may just be a dreaded plateau, and I will have to wait it out, but in the meantime, I'm asking for suggestions as to what I can do to shake up my metabolism a bit and start losing again. Got any super-secret weight loss advice or tips for me? Anyone? Please. Pretty please?


I'm hoping to take measurements for my dress sometime the beginning of next month, so Whirling Turban can get started on my scrumptious dress. Cross your fingers I can drop one more size by then. I've also got to get my booty out there and find a corset ASAP. One that will give me some killer curves, yet be smooth enough to wear under my dress without a lot of bumps and lumps showing through. I'm thinking of trying these on for size...

Does anyone have any experience with either of them?

The first one is from www.whatkatiedid.com and is basically a waist cincher. I'd still be able to wear my own strapless bra, which is a definite plus. I'm just not sure how bulky this style of corset is, as I've never worn one quite like it.

The second pic is a Goddess long line underwire bra. It appears quite slimming and even comes in my size. It's a steal on www.amazon.com right now. I think I may just order it anyway. If it doesn't work, I can always return it, I suppose.

Can you recommend another that I may be overlooking? Keep in mind, that I am 5'7", a very curvy size 10 (hoping to be an 8), and quite "Big of Boob" (36DD). If I go the full corset route, I'll definitely be seeking out something with an underwire. HELP!

I like cake...

no mistake, but baby if you insist I'll cut out the cake, just for your sake

Baby! c'mon and knock me a kiss ...

So many yummy decisions to be made. Will we have red velvet or carrot? Mini cakes, cupcakes or something more traditional? I've been meaning to call the pastry chef at our little jazz grille to go over what can or cannot be done, but in the meantime, I've got an ever growing collection of delicious inspiration photos. I'm also awaiting the arrival of our cutie cake topper. I cannot wait to show you all! We're still undecided as to the specifics of the cake, but maybe some of these pics will inspire your wedding day dessert.

My other obsession for today is kissy pictures. I just adore them! I don't know how they do it, but there are so many talented photographers out there who manage to magically capture the passion of that one moment and freeze it in time forever. And speaking of photographers, I think we may have found ours. I don't want to get overly excited just yet, as there are details to be worked out, but I'm over-the-moon happy with our choice. I've been doing a little happy dance ever since she and I got off the phone. She definitely "gets" us and our vision of what we are hoping to capture on film.

Just singin' in the rain...

Call me crazy, but am I nuts to wish for rain on our wedding day? I know that one cannot accurately predict the weather forcast this far in advance, but a girl can dream right? Just for fun, I looked up the average rainfall in our little town for the month of February and found that historically it's our rainiest time of year averaging just over 4".

I've always been a lover of overcast, dreary, wet and drizzling days. It doesn't get much better than being all bundled up in your coziest coat, strolling the streets and nuggling up with Bob on one arm and a hot cup of coffee/tea/cocoa in the other. Pure bliss.

Can't you just imagine us all parading through downtown all dressed up, carrying umbrellas? In my mind, rain creates such a romantic mood. And, I've heard it's lucky to have rain on your wedding day.

Feeling like a teenager

That would explain my night last night. It was time for Delilah and I to have a grown ups night out so a week ago I surprised her with tickets to a band that pays tribute to the late, great Johnny Cash. Now what better way to start the night off than to show up with my dates favorites flowers. When I walked in the house, flowers in hand, I was left speechless at just how beautiful Delilah looked. WOW, am I a lucky man or what? After putting my tongue back in my mouth we headed for a big kids night on the town. What a great show, I really did expect a younger crowd but it was so refreshing seeing couples who have been married longer than I've been alive having the time of there life. Yes I was saying to myself " That's going to be us." We decided to end the night with a drink at the local watering hole, by this time to my amazement it was well after 9:00 my normal bedtime, now I'm really felling like a teenager. All in all the night was great, my date looked stunning and we got to be kids again.

Three Cheers for SHOE PORN!!!

So, I've come across yet another attire dilemma, and am needing a bit of fashion advice.

I love my dress. I love it more and more with every glance. The glow of the silk, the lines of the bodice, the twirl of the skirt, the shelf bust...pure perfection, I tell you. I even love the model wearing my dress. Isn't she lovely, with her finger waves, collar bones of steel and luminous skin? What I do not love is that her shoes are so match-matchy. The style is cute and all, but don't you think it looks a bit too bridemaid-esque to have dyed-to-match shoes? Please correct me me if I am wrong. And no offence to anyone who is dying their bridesmaids shoes.

In an effort to make this look my very own, I've decided to add a soft colored crinoline...maybe a steel blue/platinum grey, champagne ivory, or mocha brown. I am thinking that it might be nice to have shoes and a handbag in the alternate color as well. What do you think? Here are a few of my inspiration pics, as well as another gratuitous shot of my gorgeous dress...

Champagne... Shoes and clutch from Hollywould at Shoes.com

Platinum... Shoes Kenneth Cole and clutch from Franchi at Zappos.com

Chocolate... Shoes and clutch from Ann Taylor at Ann Taylor.com

Keep in mind, that my bouquet has that deep, rich chocolate brown velvet ribbon around the handle. It's easily switched out however for another in a different color...all of which are incorporated into the actual bouquet itself somewhere. No biggie, not difficult to do.

I'm also considering wearing a sexy pair of nude colored , seamed, vintage thigh-hi stockings with garters, so a closed back shoe would be in order. Unless, I fell head over heels (teeheehee) with a pair of slingbacks, of course.

We've also found 2 different suit jackets for Bob. A dark brown corduroy that has a definite vintage line and feel, as well as a classic steel grey Ralph Lauren number made from the most divine fabric. I'm sure you'll be hearing all about both of them soon, as well as seeing a few pics. We're picturing him pairing it with a crisp ivory button-down shirt, no tie, pants to match and either his Dr. Martens or a cool pair of wingtips.

So honestly girls, give it to me straight. Should I bring in another color, or stick with the blush pink?

And for the record, this pair of Louboutin's I came across at I Heart Luxe has had me swooning for weeks, but they go against my whole matchy-matchy arguement, and Bob might choke if he ever found out how much they cost. I simply couldn't sign off without sharing them. Wipe the drool from your chin. It's mussing up your keyboard. :)

I'm not very photogenic.

So whyohwhyohwhy am I so obsessed with how we are going to manage to take a few pretty wedding pictures?

Bob and I are still at a loss as to how we are going to manage to work a photographer into our teeny-tiny guest list mix. Not to mention, the small talent pool we are dealing with here in the sticks. Figuring out photography is becoming quite the challenge. So far, the plan is to take a few professional photos in the late afternoon at our fantasy, fairy tree house, then head over to the party where we will have to rely on our own guests to bring cameras, or we won't have any pics of the actual event. We do have one friend who happens to be a fantastic photographer, but he didn't make the invitation cut...unless of course we can come up with cash in the budget to add another couple. But, we also think he may feel that if he is the only one snapping away when the surprise actually happens, that we only invited him so we could get some great shots. Poo. There I go over-analyzing again.

In the meantime, I have an ever growing list of photos we'd like to have. I absolutely adore detail shots, rather than posed portraits. Here are a few of our inspiration pics (most courtesy of flickr, with the exception of the first pic, which came from offbeatbride.com)...

How awesome is this rockin, tattooed officiant?!? Since ours isn't lacking in ink, I thought this would be a swell shot to add to our "must take" list. The ring exchange photo is lovely...another definite, don't you think?!
And who can resist those "stolen moment" pics?! When perusing so many wedding blogs and websites, the photos that always stand out in my mind are the ones that look as if they accidentally were captured on film. Très romantique!
We also want to get a great ring shot. There are oodles of creative wedding ring pictures out there to use for inspiration. These are a bit more traditional, but if you're looking for something a tad more on the quirky side, check out The Image is Found. Truly AMAZING ring shots!
Oh how I wish I could find a full-length shot of this pose. I think it's adorable! And since Bob and I will, of course be wearing some fantabulous footwear I've added this pic to our list. Does anyone know where I can find a similar picture with a "leg up" kiss? I've KNOW I've seen loads of them, but wouldn't ya know it, just as soon as I try to search, I cannot find but one?!?

While on the great photo hunt of 2007, I fell in love with Alacoque and Warren's wedding! Get a load of her veil. Soooo fetching! I wonder where she got it? Did she DIY? Would it be tacky of me to contact her? I came across their photographer Lucy Leonardi's website on accident and have been in awe just browsing her galleries.

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Can you believe this is just a smidgen of the crazy amount of photos I have been collecting?!? I just wish that when I started, I had made notes of the fabulous photographer and wedding I borrowed from. Hopefully, the photography gods will take pity on me and I won't have to remove any of these gorgeous photos. I promise from now on to take better notes!

Oh, and if you haven't figured it out just yet, that last post was from my beloved Bob. I think I may have created a monster...he's already trying to come up with his next post! I tried to tell him this whole blogging thing was a bit addictive, but I don't think he quite believed me until he jumped in himself. Maybe we'll have to come up with a little code to give him his own blog style. Think I can convince him to post in blue text? It might make it easier to figure out who's doing all the talking around here. ;)

So I thought maybe I would take a little time and get in on the action that the love of my life has started. For starters, what a great girl, I often ask myself " What did I do to deserve such a loving person", not once but yes as you who are keeping track know, twice. I have to admit that I am very excited about our little plan, what sneaky little devils we are. Do I sound a little sappy? I have every right to be, I am back with the woman that I'm madly in love with and I plan on spending the rest of my life with her. What man in their right mind wouldn't get a little sappy in these circumstances? Not only is she the most wonderful women in the world but as you can see she's quite crafty also.

Like all weddings it seems like it's so far away but in reality it's right around the corner, even though it seems like a simple dinner there is still a lot of planning. With the two of us putting our heads together to plan all this, with no outside influences, it will turn out just the way she and I want it. Isn't that how it should be anyways? What a ride, and what a fun ride it is!