The Unpredictable Mom

tumblr Mom community!!

2011-03-06T19:35:00.000-06:00

Well, it appears tumblr is more active these days than blogger. I have a few tumblr accounts but this is my main Mommy one. If you join let me know you're from here and I will promote you! Hope to see you all there!

CONFESSIONS OF A MOM

Eva's Bridal of Oak Lawn burnt to the ground!!!

2010-11-18T08:58:00.000-06:00

My Husband told me last night. He was on his way home from work and was re-directed around the blaze. My heart BREAKS for all the brides who purchased dresses from Evas Bridal in Oak Lawn. Eva's is one of the most popular Bridal Salons in the Chicagoland area

You can see the video here
VIDEO

November 18, 2010 (OAK LAWN, Ill.) (WLS) -- Investigators returned to the scene of a bridal shop fire Thursday as some brides-to-be figured out what to do without a gown.

Flames destroyed Eva's Bridal in Oak Lawn and damaged four other adjacent businesses Wednesday afternoon.

Gowns went up in flames just days and weeks before some weddings. Now, several women are scrambling for new dresses before saying "I do."
The fire apparently began in the attic of Eva's Bridal, located in a strip mall on West 95th Street near Cicero. Some customers were inside the strip mall when the fire broke out.
"You could see the dresses go up in flames. All you could see was the wiring going up, too, and it was a significant fire," said witness Tyler Schrum.
"We had heavy fire blowing from the front of the building. Again, this is a major thoroughfare at 95th and Cicero," said Chief George Sheets, Oak Lawn Fire Deaprtment.
More than 100 firefighters were called to battle the blaze. The flames consumed the bridal shop and the thousands of gowns inside. The fire then spread to the Radio Shack nearby, destroying that store. It also damaged three neighboring businesses. While no one was hurt, it has dampened the dream weddings of many brides.
"I'm very scared. I'm hoping to still have my order," said Eva's Bridal customer Laura Tracy.
Casey Aulisa had gone to pick up her dress for her wedding Friday but found dozens of firefighters working to put out the fire instead.
"I just wanted to look like that princess for one day. It's hard," said Aulisa. "I had it custom made. It was like my aunt's. It was lacy and just beautiful. I haven't seen anything like it. Me and my mom have been out looking, and it's really hard."

THE OWNERS OF EVAS BRIDAL HAVE SET UP A HOTLINE FOR AFFECTED BRIDES
630-747-1911

Wedding pros

2010-11-08T02:53:00.000-06:00

They are in! Here are a few of my favorite shots from that night. I will save everyone from the painstaking 100 posts of break downs...click to full view them!!

A 30 day picture challenge

2010-11-03T08:16:00.001-05:00

I would love to see all my followers do this! I love pictures.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself
Day 02 - A picture of what you wore today
Day 03 - A picture of what you did today
Day 04 - A picture of where you went today
Day 05 - A picture of your morning
Day 06 - A picture that inspires you
Day 07 - A picture that makes you cry
Day 08 - A picture of yourself
Day 09 - A picture of what you had for lunch
Day 10 - A picture of what you like to do
Day 11 - A picture of your favorite drink
Day 12 - A picture of your favorite food
Day 13 - A picture of your friends
Day 14 - A picture of your favorite teacher(s)
Day 15 - A picture of yourself
Day 16 - A picture of your dream cell phone
Day 17 - A picture of your mp3 player
Day 18 - A picture of your room
Day 19 - A picture of your favorite musical instrument(s)
Day 20 - A picture of where you want to honeymoon
Day 21 - A picture that makes you think of your loved one
Day 22 - A picture of yourself
Day 23 - A picture that describes your life
Day 24 - A picture of what you did today
Day 25 - A picture that you edited
Day 26 - A picture that makes you angry
Day 27 - A picture of you more than 10 years ago
Day 28 - A picture of what you wore today
Day 29 - A picture of yourself
Day 30 - A picture of you and your best friend

Golf.

2010-11-01T18:22:00.001-05:00

My dear Hubby has left his golf bag by the front door for the past 2 months. I yell every day about it and he never moves the damn thing. Finally, he moved it.

Yes, you see that correctly. It is now in the bathroom. He put it there. ARE YOU KIDDING?!! Who the hell does that? The funny part is, that's his bathroom and he has to move the golf bag every day to the hall way to get into the shower and get ready for work..then he moves in back into the bathroom when hes done. All that work because moving it to the garage is wayyyyyy to hard.
What an ass!!!

My little witch

2010-10-31T23:33:00.000-05:00

Here is Miss Emily from Friday (Her Halloween school party)
Of course shes a witch!!

Daughter

2010-10-31T22:35:00.002-05:00

You are a spoiled little shit. This is why I threw your cell phone across the room and possibly broke it.

“Mom if I had internet on my phone I wouldn't have this problem!!!!!!!!! OMGGGGGG!!”

Yeah, your life is rough. You have a cell phone without internet so you cant get that damn ring tone on it.. Be sure to place your cell phone in your Coach cell phone holder when you find it tomorrow and put it in your Coach purse while strutting out of the house in your Ambercrobmie jeans with matching shirt and one of your 500 pairs of shoes. Don’t forget your Guess glasses. I hate it when you can’t see.

Ungrateful teenager.

Dear Halloween store

2010-10-22T08:05:00.000-05:00

You suck.

I am a woman that stands almost 5 foot 9 inches tall. How dare you try to sell me a costume that shows my ass cheeks. Literally. I see all your beautiful women on the bags and posters. I think each one is 5 feet tall in order for them to look sexy yet tasteful. Of course I want to be like every other woman and present myself as a slut on this wonderful holiday, I just want to be a tasteful slut. Is that possible?
To your “tween” costumes:
You’re joking right? What Mom wants their 11 year old dressed like Alice “the whore” Wonderland. I saw little girls that were 9 and 10 trying on these slutty creations. They just scream child prostitute. Way to go Mom for even letting them walk into the fitting room to try on such trash. At least wait until shes street legal before you let her start walking..
And to you stupid 13 to 16 year old Myspace and Facebook girls:
The fitting room at a Halloween store is not the pace for you to take Myspace pictures in costumes!! I am standing outside the room, waiting to actually TRY something on to buy it. I don’t feel like standing in line for 45 minutes so you can play dress up and post it on your wall. You know the ones…You’re standing in line with your 4 crabby ass kids that are all fighting, kicking, and pushing each other…meanwhile, there’s a teenager in front of you with no purse and 30 costumes in her hand armed with her camera phone and her BFF.
I love costume shopping.

Dear Husband

2010-10-20T12:52:00.002-05:00

Dear Husband:
Every morning for the past 10 years I have walked into your bathroom only to find your dirty underwear and your t-shirt on the floor. It really pisses me off. While I am thrilled you actually change your underwear, I am not keen on looking at it when I take my morning pee.
Pick your shit up.
Love;
Me

Dear Children:

2010-10-20T12:52:00.000-05:00

Dear Children:
I spent 9 months growing your organs inside of me. You all kicked my bladder and made me piss myself a few times. The morning, afternoon and night sickness were the highlight of every single day. My ass got huge and my tits swelled up and hurt like hell. I got stretch marks in places I didn't know you could get them.
I still remember the day each of you were born. I didn't have drugs because your father was a dick and didn't marry me, so the government wouldn't supply me. You each kept me in pain for several hours, only to take your slow ass time when your shoulders were about to pass.
Once you were born, my body still felt the aftershock. Ever try peeing when you have stitches in your crotch? Burns like hell. Taking a crap wasn't easy either. I had to force feed myself laxatives and stool softeners just so I wouldn't rip open what the doctor tried to sew back. My boobs then tripled in size which you would think I would enjoy but I didn't. They become rock hard and hurt so bad I just wanted to cut them off. After the pain went away, my tits then shriveled up and fell off.

Next time I ask you to clean your room, or take out the garbage do not roll your eyes at me...the eyes I grew inside of me for 9 long months, or I will smack them out of your head.
Love;
Mom

Guidelines for a 50s housewife

2010-10-20T12:51:00.001-05:00

The following guidelines appeared in a 1955 edition of Good House Keeping Magazine.

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dust cloth over the tables.
During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.
Be happy to see him.
Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.
Don’t complain if he’s late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
A good wife always knows her place.

My Husband still thinks it is 1952

I love you...

2010-10-20T12:50:00.000-05:00

A text conversation between me and my husband from yesterday
(yes, I sent this with nothing before it)

Me- love you
Hubby- Jesus...... now what?
Me- Nothing. Man, thats bad when I love you means something broke or is wanted
Hubby- LOL
Hubby- Usually "wanted"
Me- Next time I wont do that since it sent you into a panic

Rules for my Husband

2010-10-20T12:48:00.002-05:00

There are a few rules in my house pertaining to my Husband.

I buy your clothes. This is not 1996 anymore. You no longer have "game" and you seem to be stuck in the 90s. If I ever see you wear black socks with brown shoes again I will divorce you. If I ever see you wear black dress shoes with navy pants again, I will divorce you.
Bowling shirts. Unless you are Charlie Sheen getting paid 2 million an episode, you will no longer wear those ugly ass things. I know you rocked them back in the day..but back in the day is gone.

Jeans. OMG!!! 1996 still!! Holy shit please quit wearing those out dated things!!! I think the ankle part is tapered. They are solid blue with no texture or style.

I pick your hairstyle. Yep, I made you re do it because it was out of style. Again, not the 90s dear!It looked like a mix between Vanilla Ice and a ski slope.
Shoes. Oh dear God! This man can NOT buy shoes! We went to Dicks Sporting Goods for gym shoes. Glad I was there. He had the kid bring him these FUGLY ass Under Armor black mesh style gym shoes. WTF?! Are you running a marathon? Last I checked the only running you do is to the shitter after eating Hooters. I will not be seen with you wearing Under Armor gym shoes. I told the salesperson to take them away because they were ugly. My Husband walked out shoeless and pissed. On the way out he told the salesman to never get married.
Yes, these are the shoes.Maybe you can wear it with your killer jeans and white socks!

Speaking of socks.. those ankle ones. Wow, they are ugly. Can't you just get some no show socks? Just because there is a Nike swoosh on your ankle sock (like pictured) doesn't make them any cooler dear.

I do love my Husband really. His fashion sense just blows. Men, please think of your ladies when going out in public. It is a direct reflection on us.

Busy Busy!!

2010-10-20T12:46:00.002-05:00

Wow, I have been MIA lately. Been so busy with life & kids..
I need to get back on the blogger train!!

My kids rock. Be jealous!

2010-10-06T13:41:00.000-05:00

My Husband always has my kids make homemade cards for birthdays. At times my kids get real irritated by it. I have to say that getting birthday cards from them always makes me smile!!

OUTSIDE
Happy Birthday Mom
INSIDE
Happy Birthday Mom. Though you have your moments, I still think youre the best & coolest Mom ever and I couldnt ask for anything better
Love Mike ( The words of a 15 year old!)

OUTSIDE
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY! I LOVE YOU!!
INSIDE
Dear Mom: I hope you have a great birthday and many more to come
LUL!! Katie (The wording of a 14 year old..still rocking the "Mommy"!!)

OUTSIDE
Happy Birthday! I LOVE YOU MOM!
INSIDE
I hope you had a great birthday. I love you! ~ Jon!
(From my soon to be 13 year old)

I cant seem to find Emilys..I must find it and add it as well.
It is amazing to me that my 3 teenagers are not afraid to tell me how much they love me, or even that some still call me "Mommy". It melts my heart.
I guess I didnt do such a bad job did I?

The best birthday present ever

2010-09-30T23:56:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow (October 1st) is my 35th Birthday. ~~Yippie~~
Age sucks. With that said, today I got the best birthday present ever.
August 3rd my baby brother Nick left for basic training for the Air Force. I was crushed to find out he wouldn't be able to attend my wedding. I cried and got all selfish but I knew this is what is best for Nick and his future in being in law enforcement. My other bother Chris was also in the Air Force. He left right after 9/11 and is now in college to be an engineer.
Nick is only 21 so I got all sisterly and worried way to much because I refuse to realize he is past the age of 6. Basic is now over and it is time for Nick to graduate. My cousin called me tonight to relay a message from my Mom. My brother Nick graduates this weekend and...
HE WILL GRADUATE WITH HONORS!! Almost 700 and he is in the top 30! HELL YES NICK!! I knew it!!! Both my brothers are beyond amazing to me and I have always felt in my heart they would both become something very special in life.
My Mother and I may hate each other but it was nice she had my cousin relay the message. My Mom knows how much I adore my baby brothers. She also told my Cousin to tell me that starting Monday he gets his cell phone back and I can finally call him.
Best birthday gift EVER!! I love you Nick. Yet again you have made your sister BEAM with pride!!

Far right is Nick. In the middle is my other Brother Chris. The goof on the far left is our Cousin.

Wrinkles. I can do without.

2010-09-29T13:30:00.001-05:00

So, Friday I turn 35. Yay! (Not really) Having 4 kids alone will age you significantly. 2 being teenagers doubles your age.
I have always, always been a user of Oil of Olay moisturizer, My Mom always used it and I had dry skin so I used it. I think this is the biggest reason that I don't have a ton of wrinkles. I have honestly been using Oil of Olay (in the pink bottle) since I was 12 or 13 years old.
Oil of Olay is not getting rid of the parentheses around my mouth. I noticed it with my wedding photos. Holy shit! Those lines are getting DEEP!! Thank God I know how to photoshop!!
I ~~should~~ could quit smoking..but I'm not gonna lie, not gonna happen any time soon. My sister in law is now certified in Juvederm injections and I can get it done dirt cheap, but at 35 really? I don't know.
This paranoia has had me on a quest for the perfect products. So far this is what I have tried:

All the crap from "Garnier" - I have used their whole "shit your wrinkly" line. Not impressed. I still prefer the results from Olay, and their deep wrinkle stuff didnt make a damn difference.

Avon: I have the ANEW CLINICAL Advanced Wrinkle Corrector. Paid like 40 bucks for it. Left my skin greasy and made me break out. I did use it sparingly and still felt greasy. I did my research too! It has HIGH ratings and women swear by it. I guess I'm the 1% it didn't do crap for. I used it over a month. Didn't reduce my (parentheses) around my mouth.

Frownies: Again, did my research. All the celebrities LOVE it and quite a few bloggers say it rocks. I caved and figured why not. I hit Ebay and ordered me some "Frownies". Now, I have been using this for a month or so and honestly, I don't get it! I get a glue strip wet and smack it on my face in those wrinkly areas. I then leave it on overnight and get the pleasure of ripping it off my face. OUCH!! IT HURTS!! I have even tried taking them off in the hot shower..PAINFUL. I wondered "where are all these results people are talking about?" I haven't seen any at all. I did more research. Its glue on paper. Its job is to hold your face in place while you sleep to help reduce facial muscle movement. Its ingredients are: Unbleached Natural Kraft Paper with water-soluble dry gum adhesive. Its freckin glue on paper!!! I paid for this shit?!
They say results are almost instant when using this product..ummm, NOPE!! not a damn result. I used them for about 2 1/2 weeks. All I got was pain from trying to take them off. Was like pulling duct tape off of my face.
Now at the risk of embarrassing myself I want you all to see what I mean.

Check out those damn (parentheses)! WTF!!? Yeah look at those HUGE results Frownies gave me. NADDA!!! Shit looks just as deep as they were the month before I started using them.

Last night I did MORE research. Searching for something that will help those damn joker lines around my mouth. I have seen RAVE reviews on a line called Alpha Hydrox. They have a HIGH AHA ( AHA, or alpha hydroxy acid... ability to reduce the signs of aging and to improve acne) Women are swearing by it, but then again they did about all the other garbage I purchased as well.
Needless to say I ordered it. I hope I get some results that are worth talking about. I am becoming a skeptic and think I just need my Sister in law to stick a needle in my face.

The photo booth

2010-09-27T11:36:00.000-05:00

So most of you know the Hubby did NOT want a photo booth. He fought me on this one. I stood my ground!! I had to have it, I knew our drunk friends & family would love it..He said NO WAY SHAYNE NO ONE WILL USE IT and on the reception layout for the venue he had the photo booth marked as the "Waste of Money" LOL!!!Was is a a waste of money? NOOOO!! My guests LOVED IT!! They are STILL talking about how fun it was, how it was nothing they had ever seen before.

I did all the props myself. Just picked up stuff here & there from Dollar stores & so on. I made all the mustaches on a stick though. The chalk board speech bubble I ordered from Etsy . I also have to say the company I used was WONDERFUL!!! http://www.shutterboxphotobooth.com/

SHUTTER BOX!!
They do Chicago, LA, Milwaukee, Phoenix and South Florida.
My guests each got a strip and the other strip went into a memory photo book. They gave the guests metallic markers and let them write messages next to their strips. Best thing EVER. We still keep picking it up & laughing. The company was amazing and I give them 5 stars all the way! The attendant was AWESOME and very friendly..so much so that guests were pulling him in the booth to take shots as well lol!!

The downfall? My dance floor was pretty empty all night long because of the photo booth, there was a line lol!! It is OK though, my guests STILL have awesome memories because of that booth and will be talking about it for a longggg time. Well worth every single penny, and my Husband agrees. He is actually considering maybe renting them again for his Moms surprise birthday party thats coming up. HA!!!

So should you get one? YES!!!
It was super fun and amazing!! The pictures are priceless. After I get my CD from the company I am going to reprint a ton of these and re use my seating chart frame and fill it with photo booth strips and hang it up in my home. Hubby thinks thats a great idea!!

Pro sneak peek

2010-09-21T00:59:00.000-05:00

Well, my photographer Cristina G of Chicago did it yet again. She shot our wedding ceremony in May and now our reception. I can NOT recommend her enough. Pretty frecking amazing right?? She is from Chicago and YES she does travel!!
http://cristinagphoto.com/

Karah Haghi of http://www.klhbeauty.com/ did my Makeup (again!!) You can see what a HUGE difference a make up artist can make who is trained on make up FOR photography. It reflects in every single picture. Ladies, if it is in your budget get a make up artist..but not just any artist. Find one that knows make up for photography. Karah is amazing!!!

My Daughters face is so perfect for this picture...

This shit is goooddd..want another potato ?

2010-09-20T10:05:00.001-05:00

WARNING: Do not watch this if you don't like foul language.
A few of us had potty mouths before the party even started with the help of some booze. After watching this Saturday night for the first time my Husband, myself and my Mother in Law died laughing. Chris still is laughing over my reaction of the whole thing. Again it is the little things people miss at the head table that they have no idea is going on. My husband is the one filming

It's OVER!! The reception that is!!

2010-09-19T23:39:00.001-05:00

Well, Friday September 17th was our big formal reception and there is so much to tell and so much that happened, it may take a while to break it down. No one has uploaded any pictures yet so all I have isn't much however I have something better and a little more personal...VIDEOS!!!

Me & my dear friend Denise who drove all the way from Georgia to Chicago to be with us!

THE INTRODUCTION

My Husband is a die hard Chicago White Sox fan. My Maid of Honor is a die hard Chicago Cubs fan. Our introduction was based off of the actual Chicago White Sox Games. My MOH had to throw on a Cubs jersey to rub it in

CAKE CUTTING
You have to watch all the way till the end. We didnt want glass clanking so we did something "special". Our Daughter Emily showed the whole room UP!!

More to come...

My Hair Trial

2010-09-07T15:47:00.002-05:00

Today was my hair trial and WHOOO HOOO!! I love it!! Carrie did a fabulous job and I can not wait to see it all together. I wanted a vintage vibe and I think we got it. It sure is a lot of pins though. My head is hurting already lol!!

Enjoy!!

Front no veil

Side view, no veil

Back view

and with my birdcage veil (swoons!!)

Dance! Dance!

2010-09-07T08:57:00.004-05:00

This year is my Daughters Freshman year and her first year on Varsity Poms. Kate loves it! She is so passionate and determined, it actually shocks me. Shes always been a little umm "laid back" in activities and this time she is giving 110%. I am so proud of her!! Friday was her first football game performance. The whole squad rocked it!

Me & my Kate (Bottom picture the whole squad)

Now dance!!! They are headed to Florida in February for Nationals!!

You said what?

2010-09-06T12:12:00.003-05:00

With 4 kids there are some funny things said in my house. I decided because of this I need a segment titled
"You said what?"
I am sure many will be able to relate and I hope other Mom followers I have do the same thing on their blogs. We all need something funny to read each day!! With that said, here is my first entry on "You said what?"

My son is watching Sponge Bob the Movie. I said to my son "I know this, we saw it at the show"
Son: "The show?"
Me: "Yeah, the show"
Son: "This isnt the 1950s Mom...you can say the Movie theater"

LOL!! In my face! I will never say "the show" again.It is only noon. I am sure by this evening I will have 20 more posts with "You said what?"

The Meet & Greet

2010-09-05T20:02:00.000-05:00

Since we are not having a "rehearsal dinner", I decided to throw a meet & greet. This allowed old friends to meet new friends and it gave the bridal party a chance to get comfortable with each other before the big celebration day. Needless to say, they all get along VERY well.
Our reception is sure to be a great night.
It was unseasonable cold here in Chicago so everyone got toasty (in more ways that one!)

Me & my Hubby

Wendy (a bridesmaid) and her Hubby

My BEAUTIFUL bridal party

Ummm..Bridesmaid & groomsman

Yeah safe to say this was a "toasty" picture

I made the groomsmen their own blankets. GM Phil loved his, to bad it's the CUBS!!

Mike loved his blanket too!!

Chris and all his boys. Well all but one. One is in Germany right now with the Army

My Hubby with my Maid of Honor cousin on the left and my best friend of 20 years on the right

LOL! Whats a party without booze?

It was a great night surrounded by great people who love us. The reception pictures are sure to be "classy"

The wedding song. Suggestions?

2010-09-02T08:59:00.004-05:00

We're not a very mushy couple. In fact if we didn't have to do the Father/Daughter Mother/Son dance, we wouldn't be even doing our first song. We do need to do it though so we have a way to lead in those other dances. With that said, we need to make a decision.

This was "technically" our first slow song we ever danced to. I know I can honestly say that at one point and time when we did dance to this song Chris almost started crying..The dude teared up at the bar because at times, he can be a cheese ball ...HA! He still denies this but I was there. The man got emotional. My issue is I think this is half of the worlds population wedding song.

But..then there was yet another song that meant so much to us. This song really hit home with us at one point in time. I can remember exactly when this song meant so much to us..still can get me emotional. This is the version we would have to use because the song gets fast..and well, Chris cant dance lol!

Ok back to the whole Shayne is a vintage whore thing...Chris is a Sinatra fan and a fan of music from that era to an extent. I found this gem and I adore it as well

Then there is this song. Chris and I have hit many rough patches in our relationship and we survived it all. We had places in our life where we were separate in an emotional way..In the end we both realized that we cant live without each other and we can never be apart. This song makes me cry my heart out but I dont know if people will get it. I know people dont have to get it but I dont want them thinking it is kind of a break up song..

Ya know, I go back and read what I said about not being a "mushy couple". I guess we actually are. Now I need to make a decision. Anyone have any suggestions?

The Dentist

2010-09-02T02:15:00.003-05:00

I have a few fears in life. Spiders, flying..and dentists! I have not had dental insurance in over 10 years so you know what that means? No Dentist. The last time I went to the Dentist I was pregnant and had a God awful tooth ache. I had my visit but could not get anything for the pain because of being pregnant. The Dentist looked at my teeth and told me to make an appointment to come back for a filling and whatever else..he let me walk out untreated and in pain. I stood at the counter to make my appointment and passed out. There was a guy standing behind me, he stepped out of the way and let my visibly pregnant ass fall. I was in so much pain that I physically passed out. That was it. Never was going to see a Dentist again. It traumatized me.
When my kids need check ups and cleanings, I cant even take them. I have panic attacks just sitting in the waiting room. My Husband has to take them... yeah, it's bad!
People have always complimented my smile. I have an overbite but for some reason it works for me. Check it out!

This is my drunk cheesy smile from like 6 years ago

My shit eating grin posing with my handsome Brother!

Yep, thats me and my Husband from about 8 years ago..man!!

Imagine my horror when one of my K9 teeth got a cavity and caused the whole front of the tooth to fall completely off. I freaked OUT! I knew it would mean I would have to go to the dentist. No insurance. This was the main reason my Hubby and I got married and are having the reception later. I needed insurance to get it fixed. Even in my wedding pictures, You don't see my teeth in my smile. I always smile with my teeth showing. I had to learn how to manipulate my smile so it didn't look like I had a hole in my mouth..pathetic!

Today I had my dentist appointment. Time to get the baby fixed. Time to take a Xanax and PRAY! I consider my self a "spiritual" person. (My religion I keep private because I don't like to be judged). Today I got on my knees and prayed to all that would listen..please give me the strength and the courage to make it today!! I went to the office strangely calm (by my standards). I was greeted by wonderful ladies and surrounded by an office that was VERY feng shui. A calmness came over me. I went into the room and waited on the verdict. The tooth cant be saved. Time for a root canal. Can you believe it!! Of all the damn things people dread with the dentist...it's a root canal.
The Dentist then proceeded to file off my entire tooth (Ok sorry to make you cringe) and then did a root canal. I laid in the chair with my eyes closed almost half asleep. The only thing the doc did was numb me. He then placed a temporary cap on my tooth. All done! I have to go back next Wednesday to get the root canal finished and my teeth cleaned. He will then re-add the temp cap and I will be set..for now. I will have to get an implant.
I conquered one of the biggest fears in my life today. I know all those I called in prayer helped me through this and I am so grateful. One day at a time you can conquer your fears... with a little faith.
I am so proud of myself, and today all I did was smile again.

The "B" list

2010-08-31T08:34:00.005-05:00

Whats a B list you ask? In the wedding world this is your "other" guest list. Why do you need a separate guest list? Sometimes with family we are ~~asked~~ forced to invite people we don't really know. This in turn forces the bride/groom to cut down her invited guest list. Other times, you invite a ton of people and the RSVPs don't exactly come through...out comes the B list.
We had an $11,000 minimum for our venue. With what we picked as a meal, we figured that as long as we had 175 people attend, we would hit the minimum and be fine. I explained to my Husband we needed a B list "just in case". What for!? He said. We invited 225 people and he SWORE up and down that we would get a MINIMUM of 180 people.."at least". I explained to him that it will not happen. Yes it will Shayne, you watch!
Well guess what? 124 people are coming. Know what that means? We are OUT money due to the minimum and we wont get that back. We even changed our menu to a plate that cost more money..still out some cash. I never did the B list because he was sooo darn insistent that we would actually go over our minimum. I guess the question is would I rather be out money or owe at the end of the night. Honestly to me, I would rather owe a few bucks then be out over a grand.
The B list would of prevented this possibly. There are ways you can do your B list without seeming rude or tacky.
Make your RSVP date at least a month ahead of time. There is nothing wrong with this. I did it without a B list and we still are chasing down people with less than 2 weeks to go. With a month it leaves you time to send out your B list invites and just explain they got sent back or that you forgot to mail them. I know sounds bad but trust me..many brides have done it. I know a few brides from wedding blog sites have freaked because they got less than 1/2 of an invited guest list coming. No bride wants to spend all this cash with expectations of 100 or 150 people and only 45 can come. Sometimes we have co-workers we weren't able to invite. Bring the invitation to work and explain that your budget got upped and you can now invite more guests and you would be honored if they could come. I know they are tiny little white lies, and some may not want to do it, in that case you can just be honest.
The B list is not for everyone but it is always an option, as long as you do it with some class.

Your bad mojo

2010-08-30T00:27:00.000-05:00

I guess I am a little superstitious in certain aspects of my life. I wont fake a illness or an illness of one of my children to get out of something. If I do, I believe I someone will really get sick. I believe in Karma whole heartily. I believe in life you get what you give no matter what you believe in.
When you do good you feel good.When you do bad, you feel bad.
On that note, I feel like my ex husband is trying to give me some bad mojo. I have written before on what a creeper I think he is. You can read it HERE.
Yesterday was his wedding day. Fine by me! Move on..I did. With that said, I was driving through town to run some errands yesterday and got stopped at a light. A light right at the location where Chris and I got married. What did I see? My ex Husband and his new wife getting pictures at the same spot Chris and I did.

Honestly, I felt SICK. See that brick building in my picture? Thats where they had their wedding reception and thats where pictures were being taken (from what I saw). I felt like this bad mojo was now spewed all over my wedding day by my ex. The main reason I wanted my wedding at this location was because of the vintage vibe. We all know by now I am a vintage whore. My Husband also works for the railroad. Fitting reason to get married by the tracks and get some killer pictures. Now when I drive past this location (which is like EVERY day) I will now think of that jag off and his new wife instead. I feel like this ass has been creeping and trying to take everything from me the whole time. I cant believe I was stopped by a light at that exact moment to slap me in the face.
Like I said, I am a tad superstitious..but like I also said, I firmly believe in Karma.

Who does that? Seriously?!

How sweet it is!

2010-08-25T12:37:00.005-05:00

So I returned our old favors because I am instant on making more stress for myself . I wanted chocolate bars from the beginning and what I want, I eventually end up getting. Who doesnt love chocolate? I figured, a red heart candle holder that people will more than likely leave at the reception hall OR chocolate. Chocolate won. Maybe my current status of PMS has taken control?

I made the template (of course) and the candy bars..What a deal!!
We have a Worlds Finest Chocolate Outlet out here. Ya ready for this? Full size chocolate bar 25 CENTS EACH!!
They are the crunch kind (Like Nestles crunch) but thats FINE by me. 200 wrappers cost me $20.00 to be printed and cut. I also got an even better deal on the candy because when I spent over 50 bucks I got an additional 15% off. I paid like 40 bucks for 200 candy bars.
Mmmmmm...chocolate

100 down, 100 more to go!! I love the saying on it too. I wanted something different than all the quirky versions that replicate HERSHEYS. Haven't seen this quote yet on a custom candy bar..but I am sure I soon will. I love inspiring others!!

UPDATE!! I posted my template for anyone interested. The measurements are 6.75 inches wide and 6 inches tall. I suggest getting them printed on a standard paper. I got one with a slightly higher quality, and it has made it harder to wrap. I sealed it with double sided sticky tape. The file is a High Res at 300DPI

How Sweet it is Wrapper Template

FREEBIE!! Wine glass lamp shade template

2010-08-23T12:25:00.002-05:00

I have seen this template on one site only and it is not editable. I decided to use photoshop and create this template for the wine glass lamp shade in various forms of Damask.
There is:
White with black damask
Black with white damask
Chocolate damask
Hot pink damask
Lime green damask
and Yellow damask

Yay to freebies!!!

It is designed to be printed out on a standard 8.5x11 vellum paper. I also suggest using battery tea lights instead of the real thing..we dont want a fire! Also, print out the template on standard paper at home, cut it out and tape it. Bring this with you wine glass shopping. The glass I had at home is a little to large for this template so it looks a little odd. This was a crappy mock up just to show you the template works. Like I said my glass was a little to large. I also didn't cut or tape it so straight (oops!)

You can find all the colors HERE

For those wondering, I do wedding as a living. I do invitations, bottle wraps and so much more. If you're in need of anything wedding thats printable just visit my site!!
My Printable Bride

Progress on my ladies in waiting..

2010-08-20T03:18:00.002-05:00

Joy exploded from my veins when I saw that my diva darling friend Wendy posted pictures of her in her dress at todays fitting. This was the first time I had seen any of my Diva squad in their dress. I am THRILLED!!! Classic old Hollywood glam all the way baby!! Wendy being a hair dresser (not any hair dresser..MY hair dresser for 10 years) came prepared. She brought her head band and took pictures of her hair in all different styles for me to see. How amazing can she be?!! She is missing her necklace that is actually at the bridal salon being shortened but let me tell ya, sooo freckin glam its disgusting!!
To see it come together is a great relief. This dress gives killer curves and hugs in all the right places. I seriously have the most beautiful diva squad EVER!! The best part? Wendy said she already plans to recycle her dress a month after the reception! Shes getting it shortened and plans on wearing it to a formal dinner. I am so glad this wont be one of those dresses sitting in a closet for 15 years. I wanted something classic and timeless for them. Using inexpensive jewelry and shoes for the "trend" pieces instead of the dress. I guess I made a good call in that area!

How sexy does she look?! The hair works with the dress for sure.

They all love their shoes. Well for about 2 hours then they all plan to ditch them because they are 4 inch heels. My girls are troopers because they know I want some "shoe" shots lol!

Her face kills me!!! Hahahah!! The hair style? PERFECTION!! Classic pony with a big bump with the feather headband in her hair.

The most wonderful time of the year!!

2010-08-17T16:42:00.002-05:00

No, its not Christmas yet...It's BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!! With 4 kids driving me BONKERS all summer while trying to plan a wedding and a formal reception, it is TIME for them to go back. Share with me my excitement and joy.

I have been known to dance down the aisles at Staples out of pure joy. Honestly, this commercial makes me laugh every single year and it is SOOOO true! I know, shame on me. When you have FOUR kids (two that are teenagers) you kinda start the countdown the week after they get out.

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEARRRRRRRR!!!!!

The dress that got away..

2010-08-17T00:57:00.001-05:00

I still regret letting this baby go.

I really loved this dress. This is the dress that gave me butterflies and made me so gitty. Since I show the Hubby everything, I showed him the dress. He was stunned by the black. I mean STUNNED. He could not believe that a wedding gown dress maker would place black on a gown. I was crushed. He had his idea and I had mine. He hates when I use the word "vintage" and I really think his idea of a wedding is still set in 1989. He told me to get whatever makes me happy..but I saw his face. The look said "Oh God PLEASE don't let this woman get this dress!"
I caved and let it go. My Husband has been a giver our entire relationship, always giving me everything I ever ask for..no questions asked. I decided to give him what he wanted for once. To see his wife in a gown that would be a timeless classic. I still have regrets over it from time to time but thats ok..marriage is about compromise.
Now my Husband is happy...

I know that in 10 or 20 years when I look back I will be grateful because to me the new gown is a timeless classic. I am still keeping some of "me". It still holds true to my vintage appeal and adding the birdcage veil really makes me smile. Let's not forget that I have picked a rockin vintage hairstyle, a 3 strand vintage pearl necklace from etsy and my brand new red patent leather vintage inspired kitten peep toes.
I know when I look back in 10 or 20 years I will not regret picking a classic.

I do love the man!!

The Vintage Peep toe arrives..

2010-08-17T00:36:00.000-05:00

AND THEY FIT!! I am so excited. These shoes are beyond perfect for my ball gown and the kitten heel makes them the perfect height. They are a little snug around the toe area but I will stretch them out. Its pretty normal with patent leather shoes. I can finally relax on my shoe drama!

Holy Shoes!!

2010-08-16T00:42:00.000-05:00

I went to Kohls last night and found these BEAUTIES!! How freckin rad! I plan on wearing these with my Audry gown when I do my change at the reception. Need to get some good insoles first. I think they will also rock with the sexy little black dress I plan on purchasing.

Picture frames

2010-08-16T00:30:00.003-05:00

Yea, I know..not exactly a great post BUT I really do love these frames! Another great find from hobby lobby. Shocker on the vintage look right? (yes, those are our pictures in there!)

The frames with the pictures will be on our card table and the one with the poem will be on the table where our blank photo mats will be

Vintage Awesomeness!

2010-08-14T02:58:00.001-05:00

We have a surprise birthday party to attend in October and I have be on a mad hunt online for something vintage and awesome. I found this killer number from Bernie Dexter. TO DIE FOR!!

I wonder if it is to much" or to sexy but damn, it would look killer with a leopard or red heel!

Some other dresses I spied on Etsy

Really wish I had a vintage shop by me!!

Vintage hairstyles. Opinions Please!

2010-08-13T03:00:00.001-05:00

Another pain in my ass is picking a hair style to rock with my birdcage veil and flower. Here is me in my dress with my hair up

I was growing my hair out to wear it down but I know I will be to damn hot. Here are some styles I have picked so far. I would LOVE some opinions!

2. (Kinda the same)

5. (yowsa! I love this I think!)

Im tired of shoes

2010-08-12T23:28:00.003-05:00

I can't BELIEVE I just said that. I love shoes, really! My quest for the perfect shoe to wear with my gown has been ridiculous, almost as bad as my quest for the dress.
My issue was that my lovely Husband wasn't sold on me wearing my red converse the whole night. He wants some shots with me wearing "normal" shoes. He just has to complicate things. My problem came when my dress came in. The length is almost perfect so it doesn't allow me to wear a high heel at all. 2 inches tops. Should be easy but it's not.
I started by purchasing this shoe

The heel was to high and they were not comfortable. Had to return them. I in turn purchased this shoe

I freckin LOVED these shoes, guess what? Cant dye them. UGH!! Had to return them. I check online for every seller of this shoe for my size in ivory. No one had them. I returned those and purchased these:

Another pair that hurt my feet and honestly, didn't love them. RETURN!!! I returned them for these:

Cute right? Yeah until I got them. The site says they are 2 inches. WRONG!! They are like 3 inches. I took them to a shoe repair place and they are going to reduce the heel so it will be 2 1/2 inches. I still think they will be to high but they are non returnable (ebay) sooooo..
I decided to look more.
Im kinda gaudy with shoes. I wanted something that would stand out and scream SHAYNE!!
I found these today

I have NO clue if these will look good with my dress but we will find out. For 30 bucks its worth a try. The heel height is perfect and ya cant go wrong with glitter!! I figure if my one shoe with the heel shortened isnt enough I will just wear these for some "normal" pictures and then will quickly switch to my red converse like I always wanted

I know they look oranges (iphone pic) but they are actually red!
Im hating shoes right now. I found a million pairs I loved so so so much with a good heel but my dress length wont allow it, and no there is no extra hem left at the bottom to take out *sigh*

UPDATE!!
I also just ordered these babies!!

Totally love them! Have such a vintage flair which makes me happy. I hope they fit. I wear and 8.5 or a 9 depending and they only had these in a 8.5. Hope they fit!!

Just call me vintage barbie! HA!

Dude, you're a creeper!

2010-08-11T23:34:00.001-05:00

My Ex Husband may be a creeper! Before I explain why, you have to know..he lives almost 2 hours away from me and his kids.... TWO HOURS!

I find it odd that he is having his wedding reception where I got married at. Ummm, ok?
I find it odd that his wedding colors with his new wife are the exact same colors from when we got married. Why would he let his soon to be wife pick those colors and not once tell her "Hey that was mine & Shaynes colors"?
I find it odd that he wasn't going to get married until 2011 or 2012 but when Chris and I confirmed our date, he moved it to up 2010.

Some people say its a coincidence, after today you will know it is NOT.

I took my boys to get their hair cut today. My girl (who is also one of my bridesmaids) has been doing my hair for almost 10 years. My kids have only gotten their hair cut by her. Imagine my surprise when she told me today that about 2 weeks ago my Ex Husband asked HER if SHE would do his soon to be wifes hair on their wedding day?
WTF!!!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS!!? You mean to tell me your fiancee thinks this is a GOOD IDEA? Oh yeah, ask Shaynes hair stylist who is also her bridesmaid if she can do my wedding hair.
OH HELL NO!!!! Of course my girl said she works Saturdays and cant get the day off. She wouldn't of done it anyways but she was being polite.
Dude get your own freckin hair stylist, get your own wedding location, get your own wedding colors!
You're a CREEPER!! Honestly, I think this is flat out f***ed up!! Who does that? He asked my friend and bridesmaid to do his wifes hair on their wedding day? LMAO!!
His soon to be wife is a total bitch. She talks smack about me all the time. My ex husband is a piece of crap. Can you believe this broad told my Ex Husband that I was not allowed to pay my respects to his family when his Grandmother passed away recently? I have known his Grandmother since I was 17. I am now 34. We went shopping once a week for almost 7 years. I ate lunch at her home every Thursday..and this broad says I cant go? Now ya wanna use my hairstylist?
Seriously, youre a bunch of freckin creepers and you suck ass.

My Ex is a creeper.

You did WHAT?! Part 2

2010-08-10T01:16:00.000-05:00

Today I told my Daughter what her Brother did..she freaked out. She then ran into his room yelling
"LET ME SEE IT!!"
She then walked upstairs...
"Mom, he took it out"
Really? Humm. Maybe my son decided to remove it so he would not be grounded until he was 27. I told my son last night, remove it now and your Step Dad will not even know..I just assumed he took me up on my offer. I told my Husband anyways.
When my son finally crawled out of bed at 4:00 pm (yeah, rough life right?) I asked him why he took it out. You wont believe what he said..
"Because you were so upset and I felt bad"
Awwwww!! Hes a Mommas boy!!
"HA! You love me!!" I said.
His reply:
"Yeah, thats why I took it out"

I guess hes not the typical teenager after all!

Teenagers do stupid shit. I know I did. All you can do is be honest with them. I have never sugar coated my past with my kids. I have always been honest. They always tend to tell me everything. From breakups, to first kisses and the latest drama in school, I am glad they feel they can come to me. My son actually took the lip ring out because I was hurt by it. Not because I yelled or threatened him...because he hates when his Mom gets upset, and that wasnt what he wanted to do. It was to much for him to deal with.

I guess I didn't mess this shit up as bad as I thought (at least not with this one!)

I love chaos

2010-08-09T13:45:00.002-05:00

My life with 4 kids is never boring. This is a small peek into my life.
Please don't mind my endless cackling and the stack of boxes, those are my wedding favors. This shit is all over my house!

Now this wonderful video was from last summer. The sound is bad but 3 of my 4 kids were jamming to Blink 182. I had to stop and get it on video..

Welcome to my crazy ass life!

You did WHAT?!?

2010-08-09T03:13:00.001-05:00

On to the Mommy crap...
Notice my little tag line? Messing shit up one day at a time? Yeah, being a Mom isn't easy, especially to two teenagers. I think of all the crap I did as a teen and just shudder then instantly think of the word KARMA.
Karma train is a comin!! All aboard!!

Tonight my wonderful son Mike came home from his friends house and just stood over me as I was editing my blogger.
"Hi Mom"
I keep coding, glance up and say
"Hey"

He keep standing there. Not annoying but it makes me feel something is up. He then speaks...
This is what I heard
"Blah Blah Blah blah lip piercing"

WHHHATTT!!!!!!
Oh the hell this child did!
"WHAT!" I yell and look at this sparkling frecking lip piercing. My heart dropped. Oh my GOD!!!!
I proceeded to tell my son that I know I am the "cool" Mom and all of his friends would assume I would be down with him having a glittering rhinestone stud right under his lip but WTF!!!!! I have my limits! Hes 15!!
I told him 6 times to rip it out. He starts begging me to let it heal. Why? He then said that if Chris (His Step Father) will let him keep it can he..
I say yes. Why? Because there is no way in HELL my Husband will let him keep that thing. I acutally hope to have the video camera rolling during this soon to be experience. My son says he will put a clear stone in for family gatherings or ~~rip~~ take it out. We will see how this goes.
I can hear Kate now...
"But Mommmm Mike gets to have one"

The karma train has left the station ladies and gentleman. All aboard!

More than a bride...

2010-08-09T03:02:00.000-05:00

I am more than a neurotic, OCD, stressed out bride. I am also a Mother. A mother of 4 to be exact. Now, even though my journey as a bride is still not over per say...I am starting to convert my blog to my every day life. This will still include my neurotic, OCD, stressed out planning details. I will just be adding my neurotic, OCD, stressed our life as a Mother as well.
I hope you don't plan on leaving me just yet! I still have our reception in September so I still have tons of details along with ideas and deals to share...
I just want to start the process slowlyyyyyy... I was never one to rip off the band aid fast.

Opinions and ass holes

2010-08-06T00:25:00.000-05:00

You know that quote "Opinions are like ass holes, everyone has one"?
Yeah, anyone else notice that with wedding planning there are a lot of ass holes out there? I will not point fingers to anyone directly in my life, however I have a few ass holes that surround it.

I am a loud mouthed Italian woman. I speak my mind loud and clear for all to hear. I do not do it to be rude. I do it because my whole life I was never heard or seen for that matter. I am vocal. I want it MY way or NO way. My Husband caters to that 100% *winks* After almost 10 years, he knows better.
Happy wife = Happy life.
With that said, I have a some insisting on a few things at our reception. OK, I will hear you out but in the end, it is my choice. I guess the whole "it's your wedding" doesn't apply in some areas. They don't want to hear me out. Quite frankly, I don't think they give a shit. Apparently they get the final say, not me.

I am tired of the same conversation day after day about certain "requests". I am once again not heard. I feel like a child again. I am at the point where I feel beat down and I am about to give in. Give them their damn way and leave me alone. SERIOUSLY!!! Obviously, YOU know whats best right? What the hell do I know? I am just the girl standing there in the pretty sparkling dress being dictated by others holding the puppet strings. That is how I feel.

I had the whole day planned out down to every detail. Now, because I have "quit" I am changing the whole schedule. After all, I need to accommodate others requests. Who was I KIDDING when I honestly thought this day was about "US". Us apparently means all those coming! I know, I know.. I can hear you all now saying
"It's your day you do it your way! Forget everyone else!"
Easier said than done this time.

I have officially thrown in the towel and am giving way to all those ass hole opinions because I have lost control. I just want our normal life back with no stress or bull shit. I really love my Husband and the only reason this production is taking place is because he wanted it. I got the wedding I wanted. Small, private and simple. I should have enjoyed it while I had it because this shit is the opposite of that.
Will I hold a grudge? HELL YES! Thats the type of person I am. I will be pissed till the day I die about all the changes I had to make to fit others "perceptions" of what this event should be like.
I just don't care anymore..I just don't. I have no energy left in me to even complete the tasks left. I am now doing it half ass because no one gives a shit anyways, so why should I?

With that said..bring on your opinions ass holes! Force them down my throats! You know I will give in..

Centerpiece Mock Up...take one!

2010-08-05T01:02:00.000-05:00

I went to my Mother In Law's house today to do a quick mock up since the overlays finally came in. I love them!! (90 Inch Overlys)

I do have diamonds to sprinkle in between the candles in silver and red but I didn't want to open them yet. There will be a black napkin folded a certain way on the plate so the photo share card pictured will be placed in it. (See the menu detail fold)

I am very excited to see it finally start coming together. The overlays will only be on every other table. The other tables will just be black with the same centerpieces. I also love the table number frame!!
Flowers and frame from Hobby Lobby

The chair covers will be black with a red sash.
I think it will look great with the lights dimmed and the candles lit around the centerpiece.
You can also see my favor boxes. I had them in red tulle before. I decided I wanted something more, so I placed the candle still wrapped in tulle in the box along with tissue paper. I love this look MUCH more.

We made editors pick on The Knot!!

2010-07-28T12:08:00.000-05:00

I just received awesome news from my Photographer. Chris and I made EDITORS pick on The Knot for BEST REAL WEDDING!!
HOW EXCITING!!!
Honestly, I posted pictures to get more publicity to my photographer, makeup artist and dress maker. I did not think we would become editors pick. As you can even see by my descriptions for each picture, I didn't do much detail..just their information...oops! LOL!

Please visit our page and vote! I would appreciate it much! I'm so excited!!!
VOTE HERE!!

Best of luck to my "DREAM TEAM" because they are why it made the editors pick! May you get a ton more business because of this!!

Final Fitting?

2010-07-25T02:04:00.002-05:00

Well it sure wasn't suppose to be! Thursday I went to try on my dress again because it had to be let out. It was to tight!! It was more complicated than expected because I have scoliosis and a dis-placed hip. The seamstress had to let out certain parts of my dress to fit my "problem". She knocked it out of the park!!

Not the best quality pictures (darn iphone!) The converse are actually red. The birdcage and hair flower work PERFECTLY! I was thrilled. They actually had to add yet ANOTHER bra... So thats 2 sets of cups and a bra to keep the dress up (damn itty bitty titty committee!).
My bustle has 27 ties for my girls..poor things

I LOVES IT!!!!

The RSVP game...

2010-07-24T22:20:00.002-05:00

I was just curious as to how many brides will play this game? You know, the one where your RSVP date is past and you only got like 20 cards back...
Now, I know I am a bit ahead of myself because our due date is August 20th but I will say this...
I will not chase anyone for a response. If you can not have the common curiosity to fill out a card that takes 30 seconds of your life so I can pay for your $70.00 meal, you're not going.Period.
Do not expect to see your name on the seating chart. It will not be there. The other guests who did RSVP may be happy. Why? Because the less that show, the better the meal. They may be eating steak and lobster!

I just find it crazy that people just "assume" you know they are going. I find it appalling that so many have such a lack of respect.
Do they honestly think I have more free time than they do? I have 4 children that occupy 99% of my life. The rest is being a bargain hunting, wheeling and dealing wedding planner, maid, cook, taxi driver, nurse, therapist and so much more...yeah, you have no excuse.
I will not feed you. Plain and simple.
Some may think this is rude of me, however I think not returning an RSVP for any event is rude as well.

Do you plan on playing the RSVP game? I don't.

And the funny begins...

2010-07-14T10:54:00.002-05:00

My Daddy calls me today laughing his BUTT off...
He says "Grandmas Sister called Grandma today" (My Auntie LuLu I call her)

Seems my Auntie LuLu called my Grandma wondering WTF this invitation was to and thought it had something to do with a porn site?

LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

She asked my Grandma " Do you know any G*****(last name here)
My Grandma says...
"LuLu! Look at the invitation..How many people you know with the name SHAYNE"

LMAO ROTFL!! PORN SITE?

I knew it may happen with a few on my Dads side. I don't see them often and the last time I saw any of them was at my Uncles funeral last summer. I didn't chat about being engaged and Chris wasn't there...
I am sure they are all wondering who the HELL these invitations are for not noticing the name SHAYNE on there. I'm the only SHAYNE anyone in the family even knows.
I thought about using a hyphen with my maiden name & married name on the invitations but I HONESTLY thought my family on both sides would figure it out based off of my unique first name..guess I was wrong LOL!!

PORN SITE! LMAOOOO
Ahhh, I love crazy old people!!! Off to go shoot some more porn!!

Heres the porn invitation...

Dress For Sale! Casablanca Couture Style B003

2010-07-12T17:59:00.005-05:00

Casablanca Couture Style B003

BUST 34
WAIST 25
HIPS 36
HOLLOW TO HEM 57 1/2 inch
TAG READS SIZE 4
A gown for the Modern Bride. Sophisticated and stylish, this gown features an elegantly pleated bodice accented with fine Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and pearl appliques. The hem is finished in a balloon style and the back is adorned with beaded crystal sequined buttons.

This dress is BRAND NEW WITH TAGS ATTACHED. Never worn, never even tried it on once I picked it up! (Pictures with me in it are the sample gown) It is currently being store at a Bridal Salon in the back room wrapped. The tag color lists as IVY which I assume is ivory however THIS DRESS IS BRIGHT WHITE. The dress is very beautiful and VERY comfortable.

The length from hollow to hem is 57 1/2 inches according to Casablanca's chart on the dress. Please make sure you are measured by a professional!!!
I will pay for the shipping on this item anywhere in the US. ALL SALES FINAL.
PAY PAL ONLY

PAID $1,300 FOR THE DRESS WILL SELL FOR $900.00 OBO
I have a tiara that matches as well and I will throw that in for FREE!! (Retail $230.00)
(click images to full view)

Email me with any questions:
printablebride@gmail.com

The hair flower

2010-07-11T22:11:00.002-05:00

I wanted to do a write up on a wonderful Etsy seller
Mikiye
Her flower is beyond beautiful and her prices are great. Very high quality and I am so excited to be wearing this piece. I have seen quite a few hair flowers on the net, and this in all honesty is the best I have seen, Such attention to detail, lays beautifully in the hair and has a nice alligator clip.The petals are super soft and not stiff at all. You can tell this item was made with love. It is even packaged beautifully and was fast shipping.

One to many veils

2010-07-11T21:42:00.002-05:00

If you have followed me, you know that I had more than my fair share of wedding dress "issues". I purchased 3. Yesssss THREE. Tried on over 200 as well.

I have always ~~loved~~ obsessed over birdcage veils. I purchased one to go with my white dress

Hello Canon Camera..

My dear ~~Fiancee~~ Husband HATES birdcage veils. He said their cute if you're his Grandma..MEN! Well, I opted out of the dress this veil went with so I sold the birdcage veil....sigh.

Now, I need a veil to wear with my retro wedding gown. I couldnt wear the birdcage because
1- He hates it..really, really hates it
2- It's white and my dress is ivory

So I purchased this veil instead

It was ok. I got it from etsy. I was having a HELL of a time keeping it laying correctly on my head and in all honesty, it was so light and flimsy..there was no way it would work...
NEXT!

I then called Bella Sposa a week before my wedding in a panic. They're use to hearing me this way (lol!) They found me the PERFECT veil to accent my gown of awesomeness..

Honestly, this veil was BEYOND perfect for my dress. 100% Audry.
This leads me to today and a new etsy purchase (YIKES!)
I cant stop thinking of the birdcage veil he hates and I love (that I sold). So, I contacted the seller and asked her for an ivory one. She has it! YES!!!
I need it just for a few pictures at the reception...just a few, I promise. So Chris said to me
"How many damn veils do you plan on purchasing!!"
I replied "I only got 2!" Then I remembered all the above purchases...OOPS!!
Regardless, the birdcage veil will look great with my dress and the flower I purchased from Etsy as well

Hummm...thats 4 veils and 3 dresses. Wonderful.

Wedding Favors

2010-07-11T21:16:00.000-05:00

So here they are! This took me and my BM almost 8 hours (with a few breaks) to complete 220 of this babies.
I ended up getting a great deal!

-The tulle was $3.00 per 100 pack (purchased 3 Hobby Lobby)
-The votive candle holders were $1.27 each but I got them for 50% off (Hobby Lobby) so they only cost me about 63 cents each! (I don't think I was suppose to get the 50% off but yay me!)
-The votives were $4.99 for 100 (3 packs) and the ribbon was $1.00 per roll.
-The little thank you cards are from VistaPrint (gift card tags) and they cost about $20.00 for 250

My BM said that every guest BETTER take one and that she will stand at the door to check! These took some labor.

Had to punch a hole in 220 cards and cut 220 pieces of ribbon. Had to unpack each candle holder and drop a votive in each one. We then had to wrap in tulle, secure with a rubberband then tie the ribbon.
This is why she said she will be doing a wedding favor security check at the end of the night
LOL!!!

Signed, sealed and delivered!

2010-07-11T20:18:00.004-05:00

The invitations are done and went out! Of course this wasn't without major drama! We are using RSVP postcards to save on postage. The zip code was wrong on the postcards..totally MY fault! Needless to say, I spent the night crying because I had to take every invitation apart, use white out to correct the mistake and then re-assemble them. All 120! It wasn't pretty. Regardless, I love the final outcome!!

Everything pictured was made by me. It is what I do for a living *winks*
My Site

Pocket folds & Belly Bands from Cards & Pockets
Printing by: Staples
Monogram circle stickers from Vista Print (design by me)

Picture peek three.

2010-07-11T19:51:00.002-05:00

Here are more of our wedding day pictures.

Photographer: Cristina G of Chicago
Dress: Little White Dress of Etsy
Make Up Artist: Karah Haghi of KLH Beauty
Veil: From Bella Sposa Tinley Park
Brides Shoes: Me Too Women's Janette (Black Satin)
Suit & Tie: Mens Warehouse

All photos were edited by Me unless stated

(not edited by me)

(Below is one of my favorite pictures)

(not edited by me)

(same picture but not edited by me)

(not edited by me)

The DESSY debacle

2010-07-11T19:13:00.002-05:00

I have had little to complain about during the planning process, and for this I am thankful...However, there is one thing that has pissed me off more than one time. Dessy.
Yes, Dessy the maker of bridesmaids and flower girl dresses. I am going to be 100% honest and hopefully save another bride....
My girls all purchased their gowns, as well as my flower girl gown and my Junior Bridesmaid gown. They are all made by DESSY. Their crap, total CRAP! 100% garbage! The quality is sh***y. Please, don't use them!

First, the flower girl dress. I ordered extra length, did I get it? NOPE! Now I have to pay for extra fabric, have my daughters dress torn apart and have the waist dropped just to make it long enough. Thanks DESSY.

Notice you can see Emmys shoes..not suppose too!

Next, The bridesmaid dresses.
I need to post a picture to explain. Say hello to Wendy!

As you can see on the bust, theres a form of pleating detail. This is the sample gown Wendy has on, NOT her actual dress. The bust on all the gowns is less than perfect. Wendys pleating stretches out and does not lay correctly. MORE work for the seamstress. MORE money I have to spend. Again, thanks DESSY!

My Junior Bridesmaid. I didn't even get a picture of this atrocious dress. 100% CRAP!! It gives my daughter no shape, the sash isn't even sewn on 100% so it lifts, seams sewn like garbage..you name it, the crappy craftsmanship is NOT there. The dress looks like she is standing inside a black tube. Yes the dress fits! It is her size and it is correct. The sample gown looks perfect on her, the ordered gown...GARBAGE!!

The average dress from DESSY runs $220.00 or more! Ladies, save yourself the extra money, use Davids Bridal. I regret not using them myself. By the time this is done... correcting all the mistakes DESSY made, I will have spent easily another $500.00 out of OUR pockets just so my ladies don't look like sh*t!!

Thanks for your garbage DESSY! I will never recommend you to anyone.

Update...

2010-07-09T01:45:00.001-05:00

Trying to update my blog. Work in progress. Big ass mess.

Picture peek two. The ice cream parlor

2010-07-08T11:46:00.003-05:00

The Ice Cream Parlor.
Sam & Jakes
Tinley Park, Illinois

All pictures were taken by Cristina G of Chicago

Picture peek one

2010-07-07T11:29:00.008-05:00

Yesterday my CD came in with all of our ceremony pictures. I immediately began editing. These are right off the CD. I have edited almost all of them but wont show those just yet...
Pictures taken by Cristina G of Chicago

The Ceremony...

Dress fitting one

2010-07-07T11:10:00.002-05:00

The last week has been so busy, that I forgot to do a post on my dress! It came in! WONDERFUL!

There is one problem...it is to tight!
Honestly, it is tight because I have a displaced hip and scoliosis. Whats happening is because my right hip shifts out more it is pulling the left side crooked and tight. We are going to solve this by letting out only 1 side of the dress. We kinda of have to do "special" alterations because of my issue. Its all good! I know Bella Sposa will rock it out of the park.

Here is my beautiful baby in all of its awesome glory!
Blue by Enzani 2010 Collection - Cannes

The shoes rock don't they? The bustle is still a work in progress so it is not 100% yet!

3 hours and 7 rolls of double sided tape...

2010-06-30T07:52:00.002-05:00

Last night my daughter and I started the layering process of the invitations. Seriously? Whos bright idea was it to do layered pocket folds?!!! (Oh wait..it was mine...dummy!)

After 3 hours and 7 rolls of double sided sticky tape later we had this

Yep, 3 hours and 7 rolls of tape to add 95 red card stock matting.

We need about 130.

I still need to go back and mount the invitation to the red matting and insert the RSVP cards (haven't arrived yet). Then we need to add the belly band with the monogram still. Yeah, GREAT idea Shayne. All this and still print 130 address labels and send them in like 3 days while planning my Daughters Graduation party for Saturday.
I love putting everything on one plate (obviously!!)

And people wonder why I can't sleep!

Our photobooth monogram

2010-06-29T00:35:00.000-05:00

We booked ShutterBox for our photo booth. Honestly, I am more excited about the booth than anything else. I had to kick, scream, cry and pout to get this booth and I know in the end..The hubby will LOVE the end result!!

We were offered the option to design our own monogram for the bottom of the strip. I used another great freebie from The Wedding Chicks. I just edited it to our liking.

Here is what it should look like overall...

I love it! Can't wait to see them all mounted in a scrapbook and signed by our guests! Yes, I got the memory book package. My guests will get 2 copies of every strip. The attendant will place one copy in a memory book that has black pages. The guests will then be able to write a message in metallic markers that the company provides. This will be a GREAT coffee table book.

For Sale: Black Pocket Folds

2010-06-28T09:32:00.000-05:00

I have 125 BLACK TIE SMOOTH BLACK RETANGOLO POCKET FOLDS UN-USED FOR SALE from Card & Pockets.

They sell for 98 cents each on the site NOT including tax or shipping..
I will sell all 125 for $100.00 with free shipping anywhere in the US!
You can find it here

I had to order a new style of pocket fold so I will no longer be needing them!

They are unused, new in original package!
The picture is of the sample I ordered from the company. These are black NOT metallic. The PICTURE quality seems yucky but these are a TRUE black. Their dark. the picture flash throws it off a bit.

Contact me if interested.
printablebride@gmail.com

FREE SHIPPING IN US!!
Pay Pal ONLY!!
Thanks

A VistaPrint deal! Favor thank you tags..

2010-06-27T01:05:00.000-05:00

I have been in search for little thank you tags for our favors. Their costly!

I wanted something custom and cute, not your standard bulk thank you favor tags from Michaels. With VistaPrint my new friend, I searched their site for something we could possibly use. They have gift tags! JOY!!!
I downloaded the PSD template, made my custom design to match our invitations and ta-da!! Custom gift tags for like 20 bucks!

I will just use a hole punch and lace the ribbon through. Heres our invitation in case you missed it

Heres the link for the Gift Tags

I love a good deal!

Another rad purchase

2010-06-25T13:22:00.000-05:00

My name is Shayne..and I am a shop-a-holic.
This wedding/reception fuels my addiction (tee-hee!)

So I needed a hair piece for my formal reception gown. I also needed it to work with my retro gown. This has not been easy. Etsy to save the day!

I found the PERFECT hair flower from seller Mikiye

Of course you need my hair inspiration...

And the dress(s) it will be worn with...

Later in the night I will again wear my retro dress...

BONUS!! I got the call...my dress is IN!!
My appointment is tomorrow. Cant wait to see it!

My wedding gems...

2010-06-25T08:40:00.000-05:00

I have said it before and I will say it again...
Very rarely do you encounter "gems" in the wedding industry.

I have a few. Amazing right?

My Photographer Cristina G of Chicago
My Make Up Artist Karah of Chicago
My Bridal Salon Bella Sposa of Tinley park
and my wedding ceremony dress maker of Little White Dress

I have to bow and say I am not worthy because my PHENOMENAL dress maker of Little White Dress has agreed to make my crinoline.

I want HUGE. Audry Hepburn HUGE!

Now, I have already worn the dress to get married in and will be wearing it again for our reception in September. What better time to get a outrageously HUGE crinoline? Nope no better time than NOW!!

(thats me in my dress made by Little White dress)

She is seriously an amazing seller and my dress was AMAZING. This is why I am wearing it twice. I am so excited that this crinoline will be designed to fit the dress perfectly.

I adore my gems. They are so rare these days. I am blessed to have a handful.
I adore you Little White Dress

The Iconic WWII picture...

2010-06-23T12:38:00.002-05:00

I was saddened to read this today...

(June 23) -- The nurse captured in the iconic 1945 photo of her kissing a U.S. sailor in New York's Times Square at the end of World War II has died at age 91, her family said.

The photo shows Edith Shain, dressed in her white nurse's uniform, being dipped and kissed by a jubilant U.S. sailor as V-J Day celebrations roar around them. The image by photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt became one of the most famous photos of the WWII era, and was published in Life magazine. But the young nurse's identity was a mystery until the 1970s, when Shain wrote the photographer and said she was the nurse in the photo, taken on Aug. 14, 1945, while she was working at the Doctor's Hospital in New York City. The sailor's identity is still unknown. More here.

I always loved this picture so much. So much so, that Chris and I did our own version on our wedding day...

The picture featured in LIFE magazine was so spontaneous, unplanned and just beautiful. Our picture took work! Many dips, twisted feet, lots of laughter....
The picture holds a special place in my heart and has become a focal point to our reception...

(our photo shared cards)

I am so glad Chris and I did this picture! Our photographer Cristina G made it possible!

I love the UPS man!!

2010-06-23T12:24:00.000-05:00

It seems every day I get some new goodies in the mail. Here are my latest purchases.

Photo share cards. I designed them, then ordered them from Vista Print. LOVE THEM! High quality, looks GREAT!

I also designed then ordered monogram stickers. These will be used to seal our belly bands. Again Vista Print. SUPER happy with these as well!

Now, for my favorite item EVER! Chalk board speech bubble for our photo booth! YESSSS!! This was a great deal at only $30.00

This is from Etsy seller Playing Grown Up
LOVE it!! The one thing I realized today though was, how good will this show when my photo booth has a black backdrop as well? I think it will work just fine, we will see!
This was shipped really fast and it is great quality. Theres even a handy handle on the back to hold it with!

Invitations. Take two

2010-06-21T10:02:00.000-05:00

With my old invitation style not translating well, I had to re create. Honestly, I am loving this MORE. Granted, I am no longer showcasing my photographers beyond awesome pictures... but that is OK. Reception slide show here we come!
I found inspiration on The Wedding Chicks.
I loved these Mad Men STDs. From the moment I saw them. I had to re-design them to accommodate us.
Here is the final design:

They will be placed on red card stock. LOVE!!!
Heres a cheesy shot of our NEW pocket folds from Card & Pockets with a small mock up of how the RSVP and Hotel card will be situated in the pocket fold.

Here are the Hotel and RSVP Cards that fit in the handy dandy little slot

Whats the RSVP back look like you ask?
Well first, I want to show you my inspiration. Take a look at what THIS bride did. Look at what she was sent back!
INSPIRATION!!
Here is the other side of our RSVP card

I can not wait to see what my guests write and draw. We will showcase them at the reception in a scrapbook for others to read.

I know what you're thinking... the risk of them not putting their name is pretty high. My Mother in Law and I decided we will number each RSVP card just in case to match up with the guest list. Problem solved!

Everything happens for a reason!!

I knew it was to good to be true...

2010-06-18T12:04:00.003-05:00

Seriously? My wedding ceremony was FLAWLESS. I knew it was to good to be true! The drama starts....

1- Emmys dress was ordered with extra length. The dress came in, its to short.

Look in the mirror. Her feet were NOT suppose to show. This is not a floor length dress.

Personally I do not think DESSY added the extra length. I paid for it though! Not the salons fault. 100% DESSYs fault. I have to meet with the Salon owner Tuesday so she can fix what Dessy f***ed up on..
but wait, there's more with DESSY..

2- One of my BMs text me last night. Her dress needs to be taken in. OK no biggie. We knew that would happen. She says that the bust "ruffle" is PULLING and needs to be fixed and something about the hem. WTF!! Again..DESSY DRESS. I posted the picture of the dress we ordered. You can see there's a type of pleating on the bust area. I haven't seen it on her in person yet but seriously, I'm stressing out more now...Thank GOD Bella Sposa has a KILLER seamstress, but why would they have to fix a shitty dress made by DESSY?

Maybe I am over reacting. I will know more Tuesday.

3- Invitations.
AHHH!! So I get my proofs from Staples. 100% HIGH Quality. They did a GREAT job with them, however my design did not translate well and looks like shit because the cursive font is not readable and the pictures along the top came out way to small. They have a 110 card stock and its great ...but for my RSVP postcards it is way to flimsy. So I think " Its ok..I'll redesign the invitation and just get a postcard from Vista Print."

NOOOOO I CANT!! The damn pocket folds I ordered!! The side pocket isnt big enough to hold a vista print postcard. My side pocket allows 4 inches. With Vista Print the size is 5.47 x 4.21inches. OH WTF!!!!!!!!!

This lead me to contact Cards & Pockets for a possible exchange. Seriously, it is all un-raveling and this Bride is gonna FLIP!! I will see what Card & Pockets says. Maybe I can return the ones I have and re order the larger size and just have them credit my account??
Girls, I am STRESSED.
He just HAD to have a BIG ASS reception.
(Insert ripping hair out here)

Photo Share Cards

2010-06-14T23:59:00.001-05:00

I finally finished our photo share cards! You know me..lovin' the vintage! This is a two sided card but there is really no need to show the back. It's plain!
We are using vista print for these and they will be printed on a glossy paper. Each persons plate will have one at the reception. Can't wait!!
Yesssssssssssss..I did this myself {grins}

Click to full view yo!

If you want a photo share card like mine, just email me!
printablebride@gmail.com

A awesome giveaway!! {from me}

2010-06-13T23:16:00.005-05:00

For my followers ONLY!!

This beauty was originally OUR invitation design. With my mind changing a million times, I decided to GIVE THIS BABY AWAY!
The leaves can be changed to any color you like and the wording also {of course}

It is designed to be printed as a 4x9 and I suggest using one of these envelope styles. They would all work FAB!
one.
two.
three.

This design was inspired by this awesome "Giving Tree" Save the date. I actually printed and scanned the tree, then re worked it a million times over to fit an invitation.

The RSVP can be any size you need. The current size is a 4x6.
The only adjustments to this invitation will be the wording and leaves colors.

{click for full view}

To win this beyond awesome set, just leave a comment on THIS POST on My Printable Brides blogger page! You MUST be a follower.

All hail Lord Stanley!

2010-06-09T23:12:00.009-05:00

I'm from Chicago..you know what that means right?
I have loved Hockey my whole life because of my Father. He is a die hard Hawks fan. Tonight, I cried for my Daddy. I wish I could have been sitting with him for this game but this mom had a baseball game.

{Unpredictable Daddy!}

My son had a baseball game tonight, thank GOD for my blackberry and my kids! They text me constantly with updates and I had ESPN radio on during the baseball game. I ran to my van during overtime to get the radio on. The rest speaks for itself. WARNING: Video has swearing (I get excited lol)
This is what was on Chicago radio as they won...

This is for you Daddy!!!

A Proud Day

2010-06-04T12:28:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, my daughter Kate graduated 8th grade! Was a proud day for me. Next up? High School!! I am feelin' my age

Me and my Daughter

Getting her diploma!

Her and her friends were VERY emotional

Proud Mom & Step Dad!

And the bride wore...

2010-06-01T10:30:00.002-05:00

With our reception around the corner, I need to start planning once more! The reception will be a fun event, seriously..fun!! I need to reflect that in myself somewhere.
I had purchased these beauties for my gown.

I actually wore these on our wedding day with my retro gown

Very comfortable shoes. Love them. My plan was to wear them with my reception gown as well..See them peeking out there?

I planned on switching shoes during the reception but then thought "why"? I decided to make my statement and rock these babies the WHOLE time with my gown..

LOVE!! I just got these in the mail the other day and I can not WAIT to wear them. I plan on getting the same shoes for my flower girl Daughter as well as for my Junior Bridesmaid Daughter. Emmy will look awesome in her full gown with red converse. I plan on getting the same shoes for my boys as well *winks*
Me and my kids will be wearing red converse.
This actually isnt unlike any of us. I already own 3 other pairs and my kids own a few pairs each as well. With my photographer being the diva she is, I am sure she will capture some amazing shots!

Now I just cant let the Hubby know until the day of, because he will dispute lol!!

Advice on your wedding day set ups

2010-06-01T10:16:00.000-05:00

I read a blog post today and I had to share it with you ladies. Please take a look!
View Blog Here
A bride paid good money for a "set up team" for her reception. It seems they failed in many areas and it really upset her.

Who will you have to set up your reception? Please make sure they know what YOU want.

PLEASE take pictures of every mock set up for every area of your ceremony/reception. Make sure each image has written directions as well.
Every glass, napkin, centerpiece, candle etc has a place..YOUR PLACE. Make sure people are well informed on how it is to be laid out. Don't be afraid to be detailed! Who cares if some think you're neurotic. After all, it is your day. You worked very hard to get every detail perfect.

I have already assigned a few people to monitor our reception set up while I am getting ready. One is my Cousin the DJ. I figure he will be setting up all day and he can supervise as well to make sure everything is my way. Each person will have pictures in their hand so when they check the reception hall, they have reference.

Thank you Genevieve for sharing this on your blog. I am sure your experience will help many!

You Complete Me

2010-06-01T00:11:00.002-05:00

How cliche and cheesy that phrase always was to me, until now. After 2 weeks of marriage, I can honestly say I feel complete.

I didn't expect change. I have been with the Mister for over 9 years, how different can it really be?
It is different.

I feel a void filled in my heart and soul. I am 100% content. It is wonderful! My Mother In Law even noticed the change.

Some say it is the whole "wedded bliss" thing. I don't think this is the case. Marrying the Mister was the last step in our relationship and it made us a whole. We already own a house together, cars, credit cards and even have a child together. Marriage was the missing piece, I just never realized it until after getting married.

I no longer think cliche and cheesy when I hear the phrase "You complete me".
I get it! I finlly get it!!

Now that I get it, I am so glad I have it.

Invitations & More

2010-05-31T23:19:00.002-05:00

Well, I finally got around to ordering all of our invitation "stuff". I love Cards & Pockets. I had ordered samples from them and there are of GREAT quality. I highly recommend them.
Here is what we ordered!

The 5x7 Retangolo Pocket folder in Black Tie

Invitation Mats in Candy Apple red. Whats shown here is where they will go. (Pictured in a purple/pink color)

Belly Bands in Candy Apple Red (To do as pictured) Mine will be SOLID red, not a pattern.

and I also ordered the 2.5x2.5 squares for mounting our monogram on like posted above. Candy apple red of course!

Heres a sneak peek at our invitation. This is NOT finalized! I still need the High Res images from our photographer.

Last chance to enter for FREE WEDDING INVITATION SET!!

2010-05-30T21:42:00.002-05:00

Tonight at 12 midnight (CST) will be your last chance to become a follower on my sites new blogger page.

Tomorrow I will draw a winner who will receive a FULL invitation set of their choice and their design!

Be sure to follow!!

http://myprintablebride.blogspot.com/

Read more about the contest here

http://myprintablebride.blogspot.com/2010/05/followers-unite.htm

They grow up so fast...

2010-05-29T00:14:00.002-05:00

As most know, I am a mother to 4. Mike is 15, Kate is 13 (14 in June), Jon 12 and Emmy is 8.
Tonight was Kates 8th grade graduation dance. Let me tell ya, this isnt small time.The girls treat it as prom.

I am so proud of my Daughter and I adore her with every bit of my heart. I just had to do the Mommy thing and brag about it (just a little) Here are some pictures from her wonderful night!!

This picture is called "Mom, quit it! I dont have any makeup on..GODDDDD!!!!"

A work in progress...

One of my Bridesmaids!! This is Wendy who just also happens to be my hair dresser for over 10 years. She is not doing my hair for my formal reception. She is there as my friend, not hair dresser.

All finished! Seriously, Wendy is da bomb!!

Theres my princess (zebra dress)

This was actually taken at the same location where I was married.

How beautiful she is (pictured with her BFF Angel)

This is my favorite picture of the two girls. Kate did her own make-up.

This is what she wants to do "when she grows up"

She had a wonderful night! Next stop..High school! They grow up so fast.

Doing it your way.

2010-05-25T09:14:00.000-05:00

In past posts, I have talked about others being not to keen on my ideas and selections for our wedding. My Husband was one of them! From the short dress, black shoes, wedding location and even my selected "style" of photography and "theme". I was always questioned and looked at with a funny face.
Let me tell you, I have NO regrets. I did it my way and I am so happy I did!
Our pictures turned out beautiful and I have received nothing but wonderful comments and compliments. Family members were shocked at how it all came together.
My advice to all you ladies is follow your heart and your head during your planning process, no matter what anyone says.
If you love your dress, and they don't..who cares! It is what YOU want and love. If you want polka dots and zebra stripes, go for it! Please do not let anyone sway you from your wants and dreams.
Their opinions may be harsh and not always pleasant but that's OK. You do not want to look back on your day with this thought:
"I wish I would of..."

After our wedding ceremony, my Husband was amazed how everything just "worked". He thought I looked beautiful, he loved my shoes and veil, he loved the location and he LOVES the pictures.
My Husband no longer questions ANY of my decisions for the formal reception we are having. Let me tell you, he questioned everything!! Ladies, he even let me book my photo booth! YES!!! I did it yesterday *winks*
Please, do it your way. Do not let others break you down. You will not regret it in the end. The only thing you will regret is if you let others influence you and your decision making on your big day. Hold your ground and stay strong!
Happy planning to all the brides!

Featured again!!

2010-05-21T17:37:00.000-05:00

Wow! I can not believe it. My photographer is working overtime! Chris and I are now featured on The Elegant Owl! I may get tired of seeing myself (lol!)

Click here!!

Im on the Wedding Chicks!!

2010-05-20T14:35:00.004-05:00

YIPPIE!!! I am so excited!! A fellow WBC sister told me!!
Check it out!!!

Some pro teasers...

2010-05-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

My photographer was AMAZING!! Less than 24 hours after the wedding, Cristina sent me these beauties! If you are in the Chicago land area you MUST check her out..tell her Shayne sent you!

Website: http://www.cristinagphoto.com
FB: http://facebook.com/cristinagphoto

Now, I have to admit..I had a "dream team" between my photographer and make up artist. Karah did an AMAZING job on my makeup. It photographed PERFECTLY. If it is in your budget ladies, get a makeup artist! They know what works in certain lighting, with and without flashes etc. It made a HUGE difference in these pictures.

email: karah@klhbeauty.com

website: klhbeauty.com (coming soon!)

phone: 646.831.3582

And now...the teaser pictures... Be sure to click each image for the full view.

Seriously, how FABULOUS is my dream team? Pretty darn FAB!!

Shaynes Wedding Part 2

2010-05-18T23:32:00.001-05:00

Time for the good pictures! My vision was "Vintage Chic". I love Audrey..so I had to embrace her on my wedding day.

After the ceremony, the family went to the restaurant but my Daughter Kate stayed behind. Kate became a shadow photographer and started snapping pictures behind our photographer. The pictures below were taken by a 13 year old girl! I did not edit ANY of these pictures.Be sure to click the images for full view!

The next picture is my Daughters favorite..I think it is mine as well...

My dress was custom made by pcolquet of Little White dress
on Etsy. She was so AMAZING and I can not give her enough praise on my dress. Seller Here

Up next...some pro shots. Yep, pro shots. Less than 24 hours after the wedding my awesome photographer emailed me teaser photos..she is that amazing!!!

PrintableBride Moved!

2010-05-18T13:10:00.001-05:00

I have moved my printablebride.com site to BLOGGER!!

CLICK HERE!!
BE SURE to follow me on there! In about a week I will be doing a FULL INVITATION SET GIVEAWAY to followers ONLY !
Be sure to pass the link on to any brides that you think could benefit from this!!

Shaynes re-cap part 1

2010-05-18T09:42:00.002-05:00

Sunday was beautiful!! The weather was calling for dark skies and rain on our day but Mother Nature took our side instead! Thank you Mother Nature. We had bright skies and a wonderful breeze! I think asking all of our friends and family to pray for nice weather really worked!

Nerves? NONE. Not one panic attack, heart flutter, shake or worrisome feeling. This actually freaked some people out (including me!). I always, always have high anxiety but today...none. I was 100% calm the whole day. I even took at nap at 11:00 am since I had an hour to kill before my makeup artist showed up! I do not have my getting ready pictures yet since my Maid of Honor hasnt sent them..so we will skip those for now.

We arrived at our location ON TIME. Not one person was late. Amazing right?? (I think so) We greeted everyone and gathered for a few pictures while waiting for the Reverend to prepare (Ok he wasn't there yet lol!)

The Mr.(right) had a few words with his Best Man "B"

and the other 2 men in my life stopped to pose (My sons ages 15 and 12)

Our youngest Emily looking gorgeous!!!

I am missing a child in this post..My Katie. She takes amazing pictures so she was designated picture taker that day! Thank you Katie! I love you to pieces!!

The Reverend arrived and we started. It was really windy that day, and that wind was a blessing. The Reverend asked everyone to gather around us in a circle as we said our vows. The wind made it hard for others to hear us. This circle embraced us as we spoke our vows. Not planned but perfect in every way...

4 minutes. 4 personal, hand selected minutes that changed our lives forever...

This is one of my favorite pictures of the day..YES! After 9 years..FINALLY

Since we were married in a public location, we had a ton of watchers and it was amazing! People were honking their horns all day at us and honestly..I LOVED IT!! (We reacted to a honk)

We're Married!!!!!!!!!
This my friends, I can honestly say was the easiest thing in my life I have ever done.

Me and my wonderful Mother In law having a moment..a very powerful moment.

... and my Sister in Law

Theres my Katie!!!

Me loving on 2 of my babies! Kate and Jonathan

Next post..picture time!

I have officially lost my mind!

2010-05-09T01:22:00.000-05:00

Its official, I have wedding planning brain farts!
With one week to go, I have lost my mind. The simplest tasks are no longer simple. I forget everything. I can be told something and within 5 minutes, I forget it. It's awful!
I have already warned my family that this is not the week to crack jokes just to bust my chops. More specifically, the Mr. He LOVES busting my chops on everything. I have a specific look for his suit the day of and he loves to tell me things like "I really want a navy blue suit" when he knows everyone is wearing black. He then waits for my reaction of becoming a total lunatic, then laughs. Normally, I find it funny. Not this week.

I don't know if I am coming or going. Little things like remembering where I put my cell phone isn't something a little aggravating, it causes mass panic.
Can you believe I freaked OUT looking for my cell phone and after 10 minutes of looking, I realized it was in my hands the whole time? Total brain fart!
Now I am not saying I am this uber organized Mom. I have 4 kids, it isn't possible. I just can not believe how bad it has become!
I have a feeling this next week will be a total blur. I hope by May 17th I have some memory back.

Dress drama fixed with ONE week to go!

2010-05-09T00:52:00.000-05:00

Some of you may have read about my Daughters dress drama. If not, basically the seamstress F*ed up my daughters dress to wear at my wedding, they also ruined her 8th grad graduation dance dress.

I was on a mad HUNT to find Kate a replacement dress that she could wear for BOTH events since their 2 weeks apart.
I have so little time between sports and planning, Kate actually missed school today just to shop for a replacement dress (she was bummed about that lol!)

We went EVERYWHERE and nothing..that is of course until Jamie saved me AGAIN (Owner of Bella Sposa, Tinley park)
The girls at her salon went nuts to help me and Kate, and guess what..they did it AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I needed a dress that fit my theme, as well as our ivory/black combo. We found a ton of dresses for the wedding but they were not dresses she would wear to the dance.

How cute is it!! Even has a vintage vibe!!The picture is REALLY bad but its actually and ivory and black with glitter. We already removed a layer at the bottom to make it shorter and we also tacked down the frills at the bust area so they lay flat. She loves it AND it fits my theme.

THANK YOU AGAIN BELLA SPOSA FOR SAVING MY A** ONE MORE TIME!
You girls are my saviors and I owe you everything!!

10 days to go and my first bridezilla moment.

2010-05-06T01:06:00.002-05:00

With 10 days to go, I am really neglecting my blog posts!

Toady the Mr. and I got our marriage license and on Tuesday I am taking him to purchase a new suit. Yes, I am taking him because no man should be allowed to buy a suit alone...well at least not MY man lol!

I had my first real Bridezilla moment today. I took my daughter to pick up her graduation dance dress along with her ceremony dress for our wedding from the seamstress.

Before she should even try her grad dress on, I flipped out. There was 2 huge black lines down the back of her dress. I lost it. I said "What is THIS?!!"

She replied "Well, you didnt want dry cleaning, just alterations" I then replied

"I didn't need it to be cleaned! This was a brand new dress with the tags still attached. You did her measurements and those lines were NOT there before..AND you ripped the tags OFF!!"

Oh, Ill call my manager and see.

In the meantime, my Daughter tries on the dress. My daughter is a size double zero. She couldnt zip the darn dress UP!! The lady starts to tell me some crap about her bra. Yeah, thats not making a difference! The zipper wouldn't even go up by her tail bone, don't think the bra is down there is is? It was sized to fit a Barbie doll.

She then tries on the black dress that she is wearing in TEN days. It fits, but barely. Then as I am looking, there are holes down the seam of the zipper where it looks like all the stitching is coming undone. I lost it again.

The lady tried to tell me the dress was like that. Again I YELL

"No it wasnt, this dress was NEW with tags as well and again you guys RIPPED the damn tags off!!"

Oh, we will fix it. Can you get it Saturday?

HOLY **$@!!!!!!!!!!

My daughter will be lucky she will even fit in this dress come September for the reception. I am at a total LOSS right now.

Part of me wants to walk away and never pick the darn things up because I am SURELY not paying $65.00 for 2 dresses that cost me a total of $25.00 to purchase. I don't know what to do. I will wait a few days and on Saturday I may go postal at this place.

The tattoo. Directions to cover it

2010-04-28T00:03:00.000-05:00

I have a few tattoos. They all have meaning to me however, they look like garbage. My main tat was done by someone learning. HUGE mistake. I love it but hate it. I will love it more when I get it re-done. With my dress being short, I was basically embarrassed to have this tattoo showing on my big day. I started to research. A fellow WBC bride by the name of vintageglamourbride posted an awesome tutorial and I decided to try it.
All the products shown and used here are from Mehron. Their prices are VERY reasonable and you will see by my results that I HIGHLY recommend them for tattoo cover up materials. They had super fast delivery and awesome phone customer service.

Lets start with what I purchased as advise by vintage glamor bride

Number 1: Tattoo CoveRing™Number 2: ProColorRing™ Neutralizer
Number 3: Natural Sea Sponge Applicator
Number 4: Colorset™ Powder
Number 5: Barrier Spray
Number 6: Latex Foam Sponge Applicator

Here are the directions that I followed:
If your tattoo is in an awkward area, ask a friend to help. I had my best friend (who is also an artist) to help with the back of my arm. It made the hour long cover up much faster!
I'm sure none of you have the same size tattoo I have that you want to cover, so this should be a cake walk!

#1) Shave you peach fuzz. The Makeup will make all your hairs sticky and noticeable. Mist with the Mehron Barrier Spray. I personally suggest moisturizing the area with a good lotion before any application, however make sure you do it a few HOURS before your starting process.

#2) Using the natural sea sponge (I used it dry) take the colour that best suits your complexion and dab it on the area. You only need the smallest about to cover. It has the consistency of toothpaste so dabbing needs to be quite aggressive. Keep patting and alternate colours if needed to achieve a more natural look.
***you should just focus on covering the tattoo right now, not blending***

#3) Once you have you tattoo covered with the product evenly let it sit for a few minutes. (it won't dry as it's grease based, but I always find it help to let it rest and soak into itself)

#4) Take a latex wedge sponge and blend the outside areas of the coverup application. I liked to smudge it around (only on the edged)
***it may not blend perfect, but we will fix that!****

#5) Take a piece of aluminum foil and place it on the counter. Using the Mehron setting powder dust the powder over your coverup and let the foil catch the excess so you are able to reuse it!
You need to smack the powder into your skin letting the grease absorb. Keep smacking until the area is no longer sticky. Again, let it sit for a few minutes.

#6) Lightly mist the area with the Barrier Spray. (LIGHTLY!) Too much spray and you're back at step #5. At this step you should be able to touch the coverup and not have it smudge or transfer.

#7) After the cover up is dry you will apply colour correctors if needed.

COLOUR LESSON:
Red neutralizes green (vice versa)
Blue neutralizes orange (vice versa)
Yellow neutralizes purple (vice versa)

Take a look at you covered area. Does it look dead and ashy? Does it look orange or pinkish?
Using the colour correctors change the undertones of the makeup.

I found that I had to use a green corrector for my arm and applied under inside lighting.
It's important to apply these steps in the lighting that you chose to be in all day. Is your reception outdoors? apply by the window. Indoors? apply under fluorescent lighting.
Unfortunately you can't have both, that's how colour works and reflects. Most of my outdoor photo shots didn't really show the makeup as horrible as it looked under the natural light (so that was a bonus!)

#8) Once you have your undertone under control apply your liquid foundation. This foundation is usually darker than what you would normally use since you are applying it to "neutral" skin tone. I opted for a very orange looking foundation and then adjusted it as needed further with correctors. (I have NOT used the foundation as of yet. I personally skipped this process for now)

Apply the foundation quickly as it dries fast and can go blotchy. Apply with the latex wedge sponge.

***get a matte finish foundation, no sparkles or highlighters etc***

#9) After your foundation has dried dust the are with powder. I prefer loose but pressed works as well. I have tried both translucent and coloured. I preferred the coloured for myself. Try them both and see what works for you.

#10) Spray the entire area with aerosol hairspray. I used an unscented Dove product. Spray evenly and generously. If you spray too much and it drips you will have streaking. (Again, I have not done this step yet. I am still in the practice phase of what techniques work best for me)

Spray as much as you like throughout the day as needed.

Practice with different products and techniques. Everyone has a different tattoo with different ink pigments and compositions. It's important to try it a few times to get it right!

Now without further delay my before and after pictures from using ONLY the above listed products and the above technique:

Pretty awful right? I have no idea why I let a non professional do this to me..anyways thats the before. Here is the after:

Now I only covered a portion of the tat so people could see the comparison. I do not have the color matched up 100% yet. This was my first attempt at doing this. Tomorrow I will do it again but outside for natural light since my ceremony is outside.
Overall, I am VERY pleased. Even if I can not match it 100% my photographer has photoshop skill and can blend any additional flaws.

Make sure if you do this to practice so on your big day you know exactly which technique and colors work for you. Also I suggest doing some test pictures inside and outside to see how it photographs.
Below are pictures from Vintage Glamour Brides work on her cover up

BEFORE

AFTER:

With 19 days to go

2010-04-26T14:12:00.003-05:00

Seriously? Only 19 days until I am a Mrs? EEK!!! The sad part is I still have major planning for the September event.

Anyways, my veil came in and the hair experiments began. I had posted many retro style hair styles for this dress but once I found my veil it all changed. I got my dear friend on yahoo messenger so she could critique my styles. I had to hurry up and throw a few styles together since the Mr. is at work.

My hair is not polished, the dress still needs to be steamed along with the veil and I didn't even put the belt on the dress but here it is

Vintage Awesomeness!!

I love how it has a birdcage style front. Even when flipped back it still looks great!

ALMOST THERE!!!

How does a mom plan her wedding?

2010-04-22T23:36:00.002-05:00

In my about me section of my blog it says I am a mother to 4 and that they keep me busy... that is an understatement.

Baseball- My son Jonathan just started his baseball season. He is on TWO teams this year. You know what that means? 59 games this season. Yep, 59! The kid even has a game on our wedding day. Yes he is going! The wedding isn't until 3 and with the Mr. a coach..there is really no option other than forfeit. No way!

Softball- Emily is on a softball league at 16 games this season (not including practice days). Awesome!

Track. Yep, track. My son Mike is a freshman and on the high school track team. He has practice every day until 5 pm. This does not include track meets.

Poms/Dance. There is that too! My daughter Kate just spent the last two days at clinic and tryouts were today. Guess what? She made it. That means practice 3 times a week from May 4th until March 2011.

I would like to give you a run down of ONE day in my house. Let's do yesterday.

7:15- Mike leaves

7:35- Kate & jon leave

8:00- Get Emmy ready and have her out the door

9:00- Emmy leaves

9:00 until ?- I clean the entire house top to bottom. I do this daily. Wash about 4 loads of laundry (daily) and then hit my emails to start my job. I spend a few hours doing my graphic designs for clients then will start my errands (ya know, endless wedding shopping)

2:45- Kate & Jon get home. Homework!

3:40- Emmy gets home. Homework!

Hurry up and feed the kids dinner

4:15- Leave to take Jon to his game. He has to arrive 1 hour early. Drive across town to drop Jon off. On the way home, I stop at the high school to pick up Mike from track. Drop him off at home. Pick Kate up and turn around. Head back to the high school to have her there by 5:30.

Drop Kate off and run to Jons game that starts at 5:45. Sit and watch the game when it is 45 degrees out. 7:30 pm..still at his game, Kate send me a text. "Mom, pick me up!"

Pack up all the folding chairs, lug Emmy to the van, load it up and head BACK to the high school. Pick Kate up. Home!

Time to fold more laundry, check my emails again and get all the kids showered and ready for bed.

9:00 pm. Emmy and Jon go to bed. Time to make lunches for the next day.

10:00 pm Other kids hit the sack. Time for more of my job..UGH!!

I was swamped last night. Was up until 2 am working. Went to bed and started all over again today.

This is DAILY in my house. I barely have time to take a shower. I am exhausted and still have a wedding to finish planning.

Tomorrow Mike has a track meet, Emmy has softball practice and Jon has batting lessons. I also have to finish making a huge banner because Saturday is his baseball parade.(I'm the team Mom as well!)

The Mr. has it no different. He is the Assistant Superintendent for his job. He is up every day at 4:15 am. He coaches BOTH of my sons baseball teams and helps out with my daughters softball team as well. He leaves work and goes right to the fields and doesn't get home until 8 pm. He also drives Jon over an hour for a 30 minute batting lesson once a week.

We're both so tired but we wouldn't have it any other way. That's a small peek into my life.

My kitchen cabinets with all the schedules

Baseball games Below

Softball games below

Track Below

POMS below

The $22 bridal bouquet

2010-04-21T22:24:00.001-05:00

If there is one thing I have learned during this planning it is that Hobby Lobby is a brides BEST friend.
A while back I had purchased a pre made real touch bouquet. It was $22.00 after the half off. I removed the ribbon and added my own special touch. I had left over black ribbon from my ladies pomander balls. Created a bow and added a brooch I already had. voila!
$22.00 bridal bouquet.

Brooch for my cake

2010-04-20T01:53:00.002-05:00

Ok you can use them for more than your cake but...here is my cake picture

As you can see I needed 2 brooches for this design. I checked everywhere and most decent brooch designs ran about $20.00 each. I checked Ebay & Etsy with no luck..most didn't have a matching pair. It was suggested I try this site.
What fantastic place!! Their selection is amazing..their prices are pure perfection. If you need a cake brooch or a brooch for dresses etc I HIGHLY suggest this site. They shipped my order the next day. I received it 2 days after placing. I believe I paid $9.00 each!!
Here was what I ordered:

Here is what I got in the mail a few days later:

Of course the quality of my picture does this no justice at all. It sparkles like crazy! Best Site! Hope it helps some of you.

Centerpiece. One down 26 more to go!

2010-04-14T15:02:00.006-05:00

I was getting VERY paranoid and needed to know if my centerpiece idea would work.
I put just one together to easy my anxiety.
I am THRILLED!!

My table cloths will be black and so will my chair covers. My chair sash will be red.
Votives will surround the centerpiece bowl and red scatter stones will be on the
table as well.

Its going to look so classy!!

The bowls are from Afloral. They were $2.99 each. 8 inch
(click)

4 inch foam balls in the center were $1.00 each from Consumer Crafts
(click)

The roses were $13.99 a bushel at Hobby Lobby (50% off per bush of course)
I use 1 1/2 for one bowl..which is good because I purchased enough for 2 bushes a bowl.

I purchased 6 bags of red scatter stones from Ebay. 1,000 stones a bag. $12.54.
I paid 10 CENTS per bag, the other cost was shipping since it is from Hong Kong

(seller)

So I guess that places each centerpiece at a total of $17.90 per bowl.
$20.00 per bowl with tax...whoo!!

The venue supplies the votive with candles so that's NO cost to me..
I can use 100 a table if I like!

My digital camera isn't the best so the quality doesn't look too good on these flowers. In person they look fantastic!

Mate Matcher: Why We Work

2010-04-13T00:54:00.000-05:00

LIBRA- HER

CAPRICORN-HIM

why it works

The power to bring harmony and justice to the world is your birthright, Libra, and Capricorn, whose province is wisdom and authority, will be a perfect partner in this endeavor. Your romance will usher in a new chapter in your life; things will seem more serious, steady and grown-up than they ever have before. He'll adore your ultrafeminine chic, and you'll be impressed by the calm aura of unshakable confidence he radiates. The way you go back and forth about a major decision such as commitment, combined with his need to be established in his career before he considers marriage, will make your march to the altar seem like more of a slow crawl than a fast trot, but you'll get there eventually.

what you have to work on

You're both leaders, albeit in such different ways that your methods often clash. You focus on beauty and fairness, Libra, while your Capricorn is motivated by self-discipline, status and authority—two such different outlooks on life can often be hard to harmonize without a lot of trial and error. While you admire his ambition, you might get a little lonely when he's working overtime. He has conservative earth-sign sensibilities about money, while you think cash is just another resource used to bring happiness and loveliness to yourself and others. He's much happier investing in stocks and bonds than filigree, although he certainly won't begrudge you a dime spent on making yourself the loveliest significant other at his many corporate functions.

how to make it last

When his workaholic ways get too trying for you, make sure you clue him in. Use your natural diplomatic skills to appeal to his sense of justice—let your lighthearted optimism convince him by shining example that all work and no play makes life a very dull and boring affair indeed. Paint the town red as often as possible; after all, you both love the good life. Even if he is the more fiscally moderate member of your twosome, he is usually self-aware enough to avoid vulgar cheapness. Although you both like to weigh the options when it comes to commitment, when you do decide to really get serious, both of you will be playing for keeps.

your song

"You Can't Hurry Love" by the Supremes

What this bride says::
"The way you go back and forth about a major decision such as commitment, combined with his need to be established in his career before he considers marriage, will make your march to the altar seem like more of a slow crawl than a fast trot"

100% TRUE!!! I went back & forth for years not sure if I would marry ever again. The job thing? Once we knew he was up for his promotion..it was a GO!!

"You're both leaders, albeit in such different ways that your methods often clash. You focus on beauty and fairness, Libra, while your Capricorn is motivated by self-discipline, status and authority. While you admire his ambition, you might get a little lonely when he's working overtime. He has conservative earth-sign sensibilities about money, while you think cash is just another resource used to bring happiness and loveliness to yourself and others. He's much happier investing in stocks and bonds than filigree, although he certainly won't begrudge you a dime spent on making yourself the loveliest significant other at his many corporate functions."
OMG THATS SOO TRUE!! Really, unbelievable!!

Our song- You can't hurry love
After almost 10 years together we are finally doing it. I guess you cant hurry love!

This was really fun!! And accurate!!
Matchmaker

Shes on fire today!!! Love my WBC sisters!

2010-04-12T18:18:00.000-05:00

So today I placed the order for my Bridesmaids shoes (9 bucks a pair!). I also was looking for 2 matching brooches for my wedding cake...

Thanks to a WBC sister, I found a site that has GREAT prices on brooches. I did some research on the company before my purchase. Weddingbee and projectwedding had brides will good reviews for the company. Look what I ordered!

The site is fabulousbrooch.com
I paid $8.50 each! 2x2 inches. Nice size!!

Off to the cake table letters. The Mr. doesnt even understand why we need these or WHAT the point is but a fellow WBC sister was selling hers. GREAT DEAL! $4.00.
Their perfect. A cream with glitter. The style even matched my Monogram cake topper. Thank you to specialk at Wedding by Color!

Here are her letters she sold me in action! Fab!! My table will be black as well.

Heres my cake topper I purchased a while ago for 14 bucks. Its going to look great on that cake with the brooches and the "I DO" letters!

What a GREAT few days! Bargains all around me. Now if I can find our checkered dance floor for under $1,700 bucks (OUCH!!)