New (and some not so new) Addictions

I am now understanding bridal brain - the complete loss of all peace or well being followed by nightmares of poorly timed processionals and mismatched centerpieces. The following addictions are slowly getting me through the the final few months of planning, wish me luck over these next 87 days....

1. The Good Wife.
2. Pinterest.
3. Juicing.
4. Words with Friends.
5. Barre Conditioning.
6. Stability ball as my chair in my office.
7. Dance Moms.
8. Inappropriate and hilarious gchats/texts with my besties throughout the day.
9. Starbucks Blonde Blend.
10. Clarisonic Pro facial brush.

Wedding Wednesday - Bridesmaids Dresses!

Finding my bridesmaid dresses was no easy feat; I spent countless hours perusing the internet for the perfect spring dress for my ladies.  After at least thirty emails, a spreadsheet of likes and dislikes, and a few “what were we thinking” selections we had decided on 3-4 styles for Jenny and I to check out during her summer trip to Denver.  Two dress shops, one ice cream break and three hours later I had decided on a style I hadn’t even considered before. (I know my sisters and Jenny were pleased that our hours of online shopping were essentially useless in the end.)

So how did we did we pick a completely unknown dress? Well… After a much needed mani/pedi we headed over to the bridal shop and immediately upon walking up the stairs I saw it, a beautiful flowing chiffon blush pink gown. I stopped and said, “that’s it, I want it.” It was perfect and I knew it was meant to be. :) (And yes, I had her pull it off the mannequin and no, I don’t feel about her schlepping the thing across the store and struggling to get it down.) After talking it out with my sister and Jenny we decided we couldn’t pick just one style (one wanted straps, one wanted sweetheart, one wanted one shoulder, and one wanted them all…) so each lady is picking their own style. I also secretly wanted to get my own, I mean I can wear that to the rehearsal dinner, no?

I am so relieved to have these picked out; I think we were all sick of the email chains and fruitless searches! They are Amsale in Blush Pink Chiffon and are absolutely stunning. I am so happy to know that each of my ladies will be standing next to me looking like goddesses in these dresses!! Here’s a peak of one: 

 (Photo from Amsale website)

Life As We Know It

Summer, summer, summer - what a trying time you have been. After a very stressful and overwhelming winter and spring I looked forward to more low key and enjoyable summer, little did I know what was in store for me... So what has happened these past few months and why did I drop off the side of the planet? Well let me catch you up:

1. By some miracle I finally managed to get caught up at work. The transition from my old position to my new one was less than smooth and by the end of June I nearly had a breakdown from the fact that I was basically working two jobs. However, I have finally found my balance at work and managed to catch my stride. (But I have to admit I depended a bit too much on iced coffee, Evernote, and the occasional wedding blog mini-break to get through the day.)

2. Although I was not seeking new life lessons I learned that no matter how healthy you try to be, how many days you work out, how many vitamins you take, and how strong of SPF you put on that you can't escape God's plan. I had a cold hard slap in the face and once again saw that one should never take good health for granted. After much prayer and reflection I found that once you stop asking "why?" you will be shown the answer. You are never given a battle too big to fight, the Lord only gives you struggles he knows you can handle and learn from. And while it may have taken me some time to get to a more accepting place, I now understand and am at peace with my new journey. Friends, don't take your health for granted. Yes, we are young but you never know what is in store for you. And wear your sunscreen, a tan will never be more important than your life.

3. Violet the Volvo is also having a few health problems of her own and it seems that every time I start her up another part goes to crap. I mean, I have taken great care of her and she still seems to get fussy. Why does she have to be such a fussy brat? Furthermore, Violet the Volvo is an expensive girlfriend. If I wanted to drop a couple of grand on something nice, I would be buying Manolos and extra sparkles for the wedding NOT fixing the laundry list of items that decided to come up over the past two months... If anyone knows a good foreign mechanic in Denver, please enlighten me because I have banished Violet from making an appearance at the dealership until I win the lottery.

4. Buckley got pink eye from day care. Last time I checked I do not have a dirty 7 year old boy who got sick at school, I have a spoiled dog who gets pampered at doggie day care - pink eye should NOT be my problem yet.

5. It's amazing to watch how people react and support you in times of need and struggle. People - stand by your friends and family in times of need. Call them often, remind them how much you mean to them, always say I love you, and never take them for granted. Just because you think someone can handle it, doesn't mean they can. People who honestly love and support you will not quit until they have helped, would never overshadow your struggles with their own, and they do not question being by your side rather practically annoy you with attention. I really learned who truly belonged in my inner circle this summer and I was shocked to see who did, and did not, stand by my side. And on that note I saw this on Pinterest (I die for Pinterest) and felt it that really summed up much of what I went through this summer:

6. As the wedding approaches (7 months!!) I realized I am far behind on my wedding plans. While I have an amazing planner who would never let anything slip through the cracks, I am determined to get my butt in gear and get going with this thing! :) Planning this wedding has been my dream since I was a child, I'll be damned if I sit back and let another moment of bridal goodness slip by! 

"Marry Me, Today and Everyday"

I have this problem with songs I love - I hear one and I instantly get attached, I download the song and replay it over and over again. In fact, I often become addicted. Victims of said tragedy are songs such as: Firework (DPS is partially to blame for this one) by Katy Perry, Dream by Priscilla Ahn, Make You Feel My Love by Adele, In Your Atmosphere by John Mayer,  and Be Here Now by Ray LaMontagne. But more recently I have found a new song, a new musical obsession - Marry Me by Train.  As we start making wedding plans (we set a date, we picked a venue, we're picking our vendors!) I can't help but smile thinking about how excited I am to be marrying my man. I don't say this enough but I am one lucky gal. This will definitely be on the wedding playlist... :)

Marry Me by Train

Forever can never be long enough for me

To feel like I've had long enough with you

Forget the world now, we won't let them see

But there's one thing left to do

Now that the weight has lifted

Love has surely shifted my way

Marry me

Today and every day

Marry me

If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe

Say you will

Say you will

Together can never be close enough for me

To feel like I am close enough to you

You wear white and I'll wear out the words I love you

And you're beautiful

Now that the wait is over

And love and has finally showed her my way

Marry me

Today and every day

Marry me

If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe

Say you will

Say you will

Promise me you'll always be

Happy by my side

I promise to sing to you

When all the music dies

And marry me

Today and everyday

Marry me

If I ever get the nerve to say hello in this cafe

Say you will

Say you will

Marry me

Wedding Wednesday - First Tasks on the List!

With everything going on with my family right now tossing around wedding ideas is actually a pretty nice distraction. It feels great to be able to talk through ideas and suggestions, read through bridal magazines and wedding planners, etc without feeling pressure to make decisions right now!! DPS and I have decided not to too much heavy planning until after his sister Caitie's wedding in September so his family can focus on one celebration at a time. However, we promised we would have 3 things decided by summer to start laying the groundwork for the big day. What's the first few must dos? Date, Venues, Colors.

Date 

 When we first got engaged I was overwhelmed with the when questions... When are we getting married? When is our engagement party? When is my bridal shower? When are our bachelor/bachelorette parties? I swear we were still popping the cork off our champagne while everyone else was already asking for timing details. I mean I understand, nearly everyone will have to travel for our wedding.... but whew, I just wasn't ready to jump straight into wedding mindset. So while there is no major rush for to pick the weekend tomorrow, we definitely feel the pressure to get good general time-lines in the works. 

So what time of the year are we currently researching? Fall 2012. Here's our thinking... My (absolutely wonderfully awesome) regular readers know that my favorite time of the year is autumn. I mean, I am pretty sure I have written numerous blog posts expressing how much I love autumn. So naturally I instinctively lean towards October and November of 2012. Since we are paying for a major portion of this wedding ourselves I am not going to lie that picking a weekend in an off-season month is a major motivator. So right now the dates on our list (in no order of preference) are: October 20, October 27, November 3, November 10. However, the date all depend on our next major decision...

Venue

Every week DPS and I ask each other... Mountains or Denver? When we first got engaged we quickly discussed our one "must have" - the thing that we both had to have on our wedding no questions asked. Mine is a Catholic Church wedding. I will not budge on the fact that we will be married in the church and will have a full mass as well. Call me old school but I think this is absolutely mandatory. (In case you're wondering, DPS's must have is a band. Like a "super awesome entertaining band that will rock the night away.") So when I think about the church my ideas are not exactly small. I am a princess so naturally I want something magical and grand. I want there to be tall ceilings, ornate stained glass, and a breathtaking altar. Not too much to ask for, right? ;) As I have mentioned we absolutely LOVE Holy Ghost Church in Downtown Denver and it obviously holds a very special place in our hearts. Check out local Denver photographer Charlotte Geary, she has taken some gorgeous photographs of the church! 

But then DPS chimes in and stirs up thoughts of a gorgeous fall mountain wedding that could be a DIY dream for someone like me... While we are much less familiar with the mountain cities and their possibilites, we did stumble upon the gem Camp Saint Malo located near Estes Park, CO. I mean hello, it looks like a CASTLE. It's amazing. I need to get married in a castle, like that's a wedding must have, right?

But that is just the church, we haven't even began to discuss reception venues and I am a little terrified to start... We like Denver Botanical Garden Chatfield, Brown Palace Hotel (ok probably not in the budget, but it doesn't hurt to check it out!), and well, that's about it. Ha, pretty sad huh! We need serious reception ideas help!!! I am thinking of speaking with a wedding planner to try to help gather reception venue ideas but I am not sure if I want to hire someone quite yet... suggestions? If you're a recent bride did you use a planner? What made her the perfect fit and/or good decison for you? Would you hire one again if you were getting married?

Colors

 I don't know why this one is so hard, but it is. Here's the problem - I love pink. I am obsessed with anything pink and I am pretty sure that I came into this world with a pink bow on! ;) So when we sit and debate colors most fall collections are not too heavy on the rosy hues. But I am sorry but I HAVE to have pink in my wedding somehow... So how do we make it work? I really want to have a base of neutral colors with one color to make it pop so I am loving this pink and burnt orange look. But it will be tricky to find a balance with the pink and the rich orange and rust colors of fall...

 Similar to the last one but with more of a reddish orange mixture:

Or we could try a big ole mixture of reds, golds, oranges, and pinks: 

Clearly if we deviate from the pink/fushia/red idea, I am once again at a loss...

What are you thoughts are on our three must do tasks?! Suggestions?

Top Two Tuesday - Spring Outfits!

Kind of excited about this week's Top Two Tuesday because I get to think about pastel pink and sunshine yellow as I pick out my favorite new outfits for the spring.

Top Two Spring Outfits

1. Finn Shift Ponte Dress, Hotty Pink. I think this is going to be my Easter dress. I love pink and can't wait to break out my sundresses again and Easter is always the perfect occasion!

2. Ann Taylor Striped Boatneck Pullover with Knit Ponte Nautical Pencil Skirt. I love the nautical look and these types pieces are essential closet items. The skirt goes with everything and who doesn't love a nice boatneck sweater?

“A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again.”

While I am thankful for countless things daily, this week's Thankful Thursday has but one entry... 

my daddy

Get well soon Pops, DPS needs someone on his side to help rally for the trout ties! ;)

Please keep my daddy in your thoughts and prayers, he is fighting for his life and we need a miracle!!

"Ringing" in the New Year!

It's my first Wedding Wednesday and I think I am a little too excited... so I decided to kick off my posts with the story of our proposal because everyone wants to know, right? Well, it still feels surreal and I have to admit that when I look down at my hand from time-to-time, I get giddy like a little kid and let out a tiny squeal. I can't stop smiling and I can't stop thinking about the amazing journey my fiance and I are embarking on. We are getting married. Whew, it sounds much more official when you type it.

The Proposal 

After a very packed two weeks of holiday celebrations we were excited to lay low and take it easy on New Years. DPS's mother was in town so we ended up going to his sister's house for a few appetizers and a glass or two of champagne. We were having a great time and it was nice to celebrate the new year with friends and family, but we both mentioned how we wish we were celebrating at midnight with our pup at home where we could see the fireworks from downtown. (Surprisingly at this point I had no idea, I actually had a conversation that morning with my best friend about how I definitely didn't think he would do it on NYE and especially not when his mom was still in town. I believe I said, "trust me, don't wait by the phone...")

Around 11pm we decided to head back to our place and walk over to City Park to watch the fireworks at midnight. Over the drive home DPS was totally cool and gave absolutely no indication what the next hour held even further confirming my beliefs that proposing was the last thing on his mind. We chatted with his mother about her day and talked about Dick Clark's NYE special. Once home we rushed to get bundled up and prepared to venture out in the FREEZING cold to go watch the fireworks. It was about 3 degrees out (yes, THREE. and no, I am not kidding) and we couldn't help but laugh at each other as we walked out the door because we both looked like little marshmallow children. DPS suggested we drive over to City Park to try to stay warmer longer and once we got in the car mentioned, "well we're already driving, why not head all the way downtown..." and I agreed because he knows I always love the best view for the fireworks.

I should have known once he asked which street Holy Ghost was on because I have openly acknowledged that it is my favorite church in Denver and I had secretly planned to hold our future nuptials there. We walked around the courtyard and kissed under the Christmas lights and stood on the church steps for a few minutes (while doing so, a nice gentleman walked by and asked "oh you're wondering if they have midnight mass, well they do, come on in!" in which we smiled and said "oh ok, thanks!" Thanks for reminding us we're bad Catholics because we're not going to midnight mas on New Years, dude.) So after standing for a second we realize, hello we're downtown, we can walk straight up to where they're shooting them off and have an even better view. So we decide to venture the four blocks up to where the crowds were standing patiently waiting for the sky to light up.

We're walking along and as we are right between 16th and 17th we start to hear the fireworks go off. No!! We couldn't help but start laughing and running because all we could see were buildings and if we would have just stayed in our original spot we would have had perfectly fine view. We were sloshing along laughing and smiling because it was still midnight and we couldn't do anything but kiss! As we skipped along the fireworks were only going off for seriously 10 seconds when they abruptly stopped causing me to laugh and shout as I am out of breath, "ha, all this and we missed them. whoops!!" We stop and share our Happy New Year cheers with each other and as we are having another midnight kiss we hear the fireworks start up again. We knew they couldn't be that short so we finished walking the few feet up to the16th Street Mall where everyone stood watching the beautiful fireworks display. I was standing there, frozen yet in heaven, as we watch not one but two firework sets burst above us. All the while DPS is fidgeting and swaying behind me and I managed to take this photo on my iPhone:

So as we're standing there DPS starts getting sentimental and really lovey and I am thinking, hmm what's going on. The next thing I know he turns me around and is down on one knee and I just keep saying "What are you doing? Oh my God. OH MY GOD!!!!" I barely remember anything, just looking down and seeing him there and instantly freaking out. Then he smiled and said through his tears, "Honey, I love you. I could catch all of the trout in the world but I will never catch anything as good as you. Will you marry me?" and at this point I am just screaming and jumping up and down and everyone around us is cheering and clapping and I simply can't focus. Then he pulls out this box and opens the lid and I almost faint. I just remember thinking, "holy crap!!!" and I scream because it is in my opinion a rather large ring. I pull him up screaming and we're both crying and hugging and he finally says, "babe, you have to say yes!!" and I laugh and scream "Yes!!" through my tears and we kiss in one of the most romantic moments in history. :)

By now I am totally aware of every one staring at us and am on alert because I notice a lady video recording us and about 5 cameras flashing. DPS hands me the ring and says to put it on and I told him, "umm hello, you have to silly!!" He takes off my gloves and places the most amazing ring I have ever put my eyes on my finger and I started bawling again. It was so cold that DPS immediately told me to put my gloves back on replying, "you can look at it in the car babe." Umm HELLO, you can't just give a kid one single m&m candy while handing over the pack while saying, "sorry kid you can't eat the rest until you finish all your homework." Impossible, right?!? So I obliged and pulled my gloves patiently back on (ok maybe not patiently or silently, I think a few more screams and "Oh my Gods!" may have happened) as we practically raced the 3 blocks to the car. I called my parents and screamed again as random strangers looked over and laughed. Once safely seated in the Volvo and with the heat running full blast, I pulled off my gloves and started bawling again. It was perfect and so very typical DPS - over the top and ginormous, always spoiling me because he knows I am too practical and responsible to do it myself. I was so happy, I still can't express the joy my heart was feeling that night. I love DPS more than I ever knew I was capable of and I couldn't believe the moment had finally come... We were engaged! 1-1-11 will be a special day in our lives forever. (And as DPS so kindly reminded me, is also an extremely easy date to remember...) But isn't it crazy? We are in love and getting married. (disclaimer: I am crying, yes bawling, thinking about this again at my desk...)

Ok, Ok. Now to the next part people always ask about... the RING! DPS never fails to impress and clearly my bling is no different. It is more than I could have ever asked for but absolutely perfect in every way. I love it!! (PS Thank you Aunt Cheryl for all of your hard work and help in designing this jewelery masterpiece! ;) )

Looking back there were a few indicators that I should have picked up on during the days leading up to NYE. First, I can't believe that at least TEN people knew and I didn't pick up on anything. I mean near the final days DPS was "so excited" that he was telling his guys friends, his family, and his coworkers. Funny though he was smart enough to have the conversation with my dad that under absolutely no circumstances was he supposed to tell my mother or sisters because then I would have definitely found out! ;) Second, when his mother landed in Denver she was looking at Caitie's ring and made a comment about having our nails done and picked up my hand just to see my "holiday color." Third, before heading to the fireworks DPS had picked up a package from his sister's house that was for us from his mother. As we were driving DPS asked Kathy if we could open the box when we got home, she said, "oh umm why don't you wait until after the fireworks to open the present..." After we got home we opened the present we realized they were champagne flutes for us to celebrate with! Finally, I should have suspected that it was unusual for DPS to voluntarily go to a church outside of Sunday Mass. Add in that I am obsessed with the church and I am dying to get married there, I should have been smart enough to connect the dots. But hey, he was smart and caught me off guard. He knew I would never suspect it when we had family in town. We see fireworks and parades often, so that didn't set off any red flags either. Well at least we know I don't have a future in detective work...

So I hope you enjoyed my long and very animated reenactment of our proposal story.  I look forward to sharing all of my wedding planning adventures right here, so stay tuned for more exciting details! :)

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear."

I LOVE the holidays, maybe a little too much. I am like a little kid, I literally light up as I begin to think about Christmas. So in light of the season, here is my Thankful Thursday, holiday style:

White lights

Christmas Trees

Love Actually

Homemade caramels

Decorating sugar cookies

Christmas carols

Department store decorations

Muppet Christmas Carol

Strangers saying, "Merry Christmas!!"

Frosted cranberry candles

Stocking stuffers

Cookie exchanges (more about this one tomorrow!)

Buddy the Elf

Snow covered evergreens

Family Christmas cards

Holiday tablescapes

December issue of Martha Stewart Living

Decorating gingerbread houses

Sleigh rides

Looking at Christmas lights while drinking hot cocoa

Ribbons and bows

Call me silly but I honestly believe that anything can happen at Christmas, magic just flies through the air - here's hoping you catch some! :)

"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." ~James Dean

I have been mia lately, way more on my plate than I anticipated. I am back and ready to kick off the holidays and a new year. This past year has been full of changes and struggle, new experiences and special times with family and friends. First, we lost a good man far too soon, DPS's amazing father Ted. DPS and I moved to Denver to be closer to family and enjoy life a little more. We both kind of veered off our original career paths and have spent the past 9 months at new and different jobs. And we learned that you can get through anything with a few laughs and a whole lot of hugs. So while this past year will definitely one that we will always remember, we are excited to start over and begin a new year with fresh perspectives and better goals. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and while we may not always understand why, sometimes you just have to let go and remind yourself that life is meant for living.

 

borrowed from my teacups in peony