Monday, September 3, 2012

Budget, Check!

If you've been following this blog, you know My Guy popped the question back in February (about 7 months ago for anyone counting), and we've been basking in engagement bliss ever since.  After he popped the big question we immediately started talking about venues.  We knew we wanted something beautiful with a view (what bride doesn't?), and we knew it needed to be fairly large in size (with a guest list looming at 200 we knew we wanted elbow room).  Originally we had planned on a fall 2013 wedding day, and I was excited to have our photos with a foliage landscaped background.  We went to look at one venue, based on what it listed on line, it seemed right up our alley; affordable, large in size, outdoor, tented dance floor, indoor bar and cocktail area, overlooking an apple orchid I thought I was in love. We drove a little over an hour to the venue, and despite the drive I was still hoping this was our spot.  My Guy's family is traveling from Oregon to Boston for our big day, and thinking about asking them to travel even further from their hotel for a few hours seemed selfish, but on we went. 
So we get there, and it's as breathtaking as the pictures showed on line; though it was March, the trees and grounds were perfect.  It was everything I had hoped... then came the "between the lines."  On line the charge for the venue was about $4800 less than what we were told in person, we were also told that they did all the catering and no outside food would be allowed to be brought in- again, different from what it said on the website, and the real kicker; we had to evacuate the property by 10pm (all vendors included), which means our party would need to be over around 9pm. 
Needless to say, after making My Guy drive all the way to the western part of the state, suffering a little financial shock, and feeling like we got punched in the gut, we were a little more than discouraged. 
Months went by, we hemmed and hawed about what we were going to do.  He was pushing for a destination wedding, and I just wanted to be a princess for a day- surrounded by 200 of our nearest and dearest friends and family.  I dragged my feet in planning, bummed that it seemed as if we couldn't afford the wedding we (I) wanted.  Last month, someone asked how wedding planning was going, and I told her that it wasn't going well.  I hadn't done anything, I'd just been so busy.  Well, she almost exploded.  She was furious with me, telling me that this isn't something I should be putting off, this is the rest of my life, and there was a reason I wasn't moving forward, and it wasn't because I was too busy.  In my head I heard my little finance manager whispering "Put together a budget, and make it happen,"  Well, put together a budget I did... and as it turns out, we will be having the wedding WE want, and I couldn't be more excited!!
Stay tuned for updates on picking our venue, developing our budget, sacrifices we've made, and an introduction to my bridal party!

Monday, August 20, 2012

My Guy Meets His Future Family

I come from a ridiculously big family- my dad has about a million cousins, and my mother has five siblings (in addition to a handful of step siblings).  In the course of the last three years, I've given My Guy a free pass from family events- knowing how outrageous and overwhelming my family can be at times.  While he's been expected at holiday dinners, I haven't forced the issue with birthdays, graduation parties, or reunions; until this past weekend.  When I'm with my extended family I tend to get caught up in the excitement of seeing everyone and never want to leave.  I did warn him before hand, and encourage him to take a trip to the package store before he meets his future family. 
My father's cousins were having a family party, and I'd been looking forward to it for the last month; reminding My Guy about it a regular basis.  As wonderful as he is, he refuses to own a calendar, and if it's not work related, he won't add it to the planner in his phone; leaving me responsible for managing our social calendar.  So it was no surprise when Wednesday he texted me "Do we have plans for this weekend?"  Good grief.
So we get to the party and I couldn't be more excited to be reunited with my family.  After working for years in the restaurant industry, weekends didn't exist, so I sacrificed these types of parties.  Introducing My Guy to my family, and watching him interact with all the cousins, I felt so elated.  Listening to him talk about his previous life as a football coach, sharing his experiences in Oregon (how do you pronounce that state just south of Washington?), how passionate he is about his work and saying goodbye to everyone, and shaking hands or offering a hug made me wonder why I had waited so long.  I love my family to no end, and I love him just as much.  Since I love all of them, it should be only natural that they mesh as well as they did.  It was actually me, who after 8 hours said "We really should get home to let the dog out," and about an hour later we were saying our goodbyes. Despite the weather, it was a perfect day, and I can't wait for the next party!


Sunday, August 19, 2012

Plan B

Ugh.  Back to the drawing board... maybe.  Being a bride is overwhelming, and when you're someone that hates to make decisions, all the options can be overwhelming.  After six long months of hemming and hawing, avoiding, and procrastinating we found a venue... or so we thought.  It seemed as if everything was coming together, and using an all inclusive venue was going to make my  life a whole lot easier.  The Event Coordinator offered us a few dates, and we looked at our calendar, we talked with our families, and we were moving forward- or so we thought.  As it turns out, our date is no longer available... sending us back to the drawing board.  I do have a hopeful other trick up my sleeve, it will require a few more decisions to be made on our part, and we will have a little more creative liberty. 
In the meantime, I'm selfishly hoping that there is a cancellation, or I come across something equally as excellent.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Sweet Moments with My Sweet Brother

Last night I gave My Guy a free pass to go out with the boys (my family is having a big party today, and he's going to be thrown to the wolves after three years of dating... I felt he deserved some time with the guys).  It looked like I was going to have the house to myself, just me and all my wedding magazines and blogs... well as it turned out, my baby brother (who is actually eighteen- not such a baby), wound up coming over. 
Little Brother has been nothing but supportive, and he's constantly asking about the wedding, my ideas, and offering suggestions.  So last night, I'm sitting on one couch and he's on the other.  I open up the iPad, while he's busy looking for something to watch on tv.  I click on the Knot Application- the cover is a beautiful bride and her beau, the dress is gorgeous, and absolutely something I would love, when my brother says "I like that dress."  I almost melted off the couch.  Here's this eighteen year old man, who is ridiculously talented when it comes to working with his hands (he can literally take anything apart and rebuild it), he's an avid action sports fan (loves dirt biking, motor cross, demolition derbies, and anything that could cause real bodily harm), he loves to pig out on ice cream, and has never been anything less than surprising with his responses to situations.  He loves a dress I love.  So I show him a petticoat dress that I like and he says "That doesn't seem wedding-y.  It doesn't go to the floor."  I completely agree, but for a casual daytime wedding, it would be fitting... I never thought I'd be taking fashion advice from my younger brother.   
When we first got engaged, it was so important for my sisters to be involved- we spent years as children playing "Bride," it never occurred to me how involved my brother would want to be, and become on his own.  He will be a groomsmen, and we are planning a special project for him to contribute to our special day. 
While he may be twelve years younger than me, and we didn't grow up in the same household, he's one of my favorite people, and someone I've always been able to count on for support and love.  My brother's heart is far too big for his body and I'm so lucky he's part of my family.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Back to Planning!

Yikes!  It's the middle of August... and my last entry was in May.  Holy Cow, where did the summer go??  A few months back (realistically, probably more like April or May), My Guy and I had a discussion about wedding planning.  Basically, I told him I had way too much going on, and wedding planning would have to wait... Running a business, searching to find a new apartment, trying to hold my title as a great fiance, and planning a wedding could not be balanced and something was bound to fail.  Well, as fate would have it, we've decided to stay put until we buy a house (hopefully just after the wedding), and as promised I'm ready to start planning our special day.  Originally, we had talked about really gearing up to start planning in September, but I'm ready to start planning now!
Look forward to lots of posts about the adventures we will be experiencing in the next few months, as well as ideas that I love, and things I'll need advice on!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Revealing Secrets



This reminds me of the Sex In The City episode where the girls talk about their "secret singular activity."  If I recall correctly, Carrie loves to stand over the sink and eat crackers- random, and probably not super secretive, but ok. 

Is there anything that you might be hiding from your guy?

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Cheese, Anyone?

 
One of my oldest friends (I have two, and they are both bridesmaids), has been sending me daily inspiration via FaceBook and Pinterest- she's in Maryland, and I'm in Boston, so having social media platforms to share ideas is awesome.
Some of the ideas she's come up with are brilliant- actually most of them have been.  She has been married to her military man for years; and because she was so overwhelmed, they considered Vegas, but settled on a romantic boat ride to Niagara Falls- just her and her hubby.  So, she's loving helping me plan my wedding. 
She's very sentimental and traditional, she has unique ideas, but manages to twist them into romantic ties that she knows I will love.  I'm wondering what she will think of this idea...



TA-DA... I know My Guy will love it... what person wouldn't love a cheese fountain?!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Renting vs Buying

Last night, while doing my evening wedding research I happened upon what I consider to be a very brilliant idea... Wedding Gown Rentals.  Now, I love to look at dresses just as much as the next girl, but part of the reason I haven't entered a Bridal Boutique is I'm petrified to look at the price tags.  I love a strapless dress with a little oommf to the bottom, and ideally a little bead or crystal detail work for accent. 
So here I am, pinning away on Pinterest (do you follow me?  BloggingToBliss), when a cute pin comes up about renting gowns... so I do a general google search for Wedding Gown Rentals in Boston and do links populate!
I found a shop that offers rentals as close as 25 minutes away from me... and the pricing (which does not include alterations), seems quite reasonable.  However, I'm sentimental and would I really go for RENTING a dress?
My thoughts:  I'm only going to wear my wedding dress once, and while it would be a wonderful tradition to pass it along should I have a daughter I need to consider a few things.

1. I would NEVER wear my mother's wedding dress.  She was married in 1981.  I love my mother and father dearly, and I'm sure she looked gorgeous, but in 31 years, I think that fashions and trends are completely different.

2.  There's no promise that I will have a daughter, or that she will share the same figure as me, or style (see above).

3. Renting a dress could possibly afford us a few more guests at the wedding, or an upgrade at our honeymoon, or maybe just a few extra nights out together...

I'm on the fence about renting vs buying, and luckily have lots of time to think it over, and many married women to poll!

What are your thoughts?  Would you rent the gown of your dreams, or is it an emotional purchase in which you wouldn't want to part with?


Stacy

Monday, April 30, 2012

And This is Why I Love Him...

Sometimes I think I'm Superwoman.  Sometimes I think I actually need to do every single thing I think about.  Here's a fabulous example:

This weekend My Guy and I were enjoying a lovely afternoon lunch, discussing goals and our future.  I am so comfortable around him, I felt ready to share my really aggressive goal for 2014.  I do need to disclose beforehand for those of you that may not know me in real life; I'm not really athletic.  Sure, I work out a lot, and I keep very fit, I have competed in a Triathlon, but I am no athlete.  Make no mistake.  I get bored running.  I think sweat is gross.  While I enjoy feeling good about myself, I also enjoy my two good friends, Ben and Jerry. 
So, I look My Guy square in the eye and say, "Honey, next year I want to compete in a 5k every month."  I instantly feel proud that I've shared my goal, and now will be held accountable for it- until I get a look at the expression on My Guy's face.  He has this awkward smirk, and I think it's because he doesn't think I can do it- so I immediately go on the defense- "I can absolutely do a 5k.  I walk the dog about 3 miles, what's the difference?"



In the sweetest way possible My Guy holds my hand (and this is when I know he's about to tell me something that I probably didn't consider...) "Honey, I know you could do it, but we live in New England.  What kind of 5k do you think you're going to run in the winter?" 
Point taken.  Now, I guess I need a different goal.

-Stacy

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Advice from the Waiting Room



I ran into an old friend this morning while waiting an appointment and we had a few minutes to catch up; she's recently married, and expecting a little bundle of joy.  After chatting about her wedding, and what's she's been up to, she offered a few words of advice for my big day.

1.  It goes by so fast- make sure you eat.

2.  Get to your cocktail reception- make it to the party and say hello to everyone individually then- so when the music starts you can dance the night away!

4.  Keep certain traditions- there will be things that you can't change, take back, or do over.

3.  It's your day, while you want to be considerate of others and making life easy for them- make sure you enjoy it. 

While it's things every Bride To Be can find this advice in a magazine, or online hearing it from a friend made all the difference.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

It's Still Important to be Polite- Even if You Are The Bride!

My parents raised me to be polite, and to always say "Please" and "Thank You."  That said, it always surprises me how may people forget these two very meaningful words.  It's not uncommon to hear parents teaching their children to say it, but I've found it is more uncommon for adults to say it to one another.
My Guy and I made sure that as each guest was leaving our engagement party we thanked them for coming- after all, it was a gorgeous afternoon, and the party overlapped the Bruin's playoff game.  Being old fashioned and traditional, I've been busy the last two nights writing out thank you cards to each guest that attended (Side note to anyone that attended the party:  I'd like you to notice that our colors are going to be yellow and blue- matching the dress and shoes I wore that day, and also matching the yellow cards, with blue ink- how's that for branding?!). 
I do this for a couple of reasons.  The first is because I am grateful that people took the time to celebrate with us, and want them to really know it.  The second is because I love to get mail, and it's a rare occasion.  Don't get me wrong, every day I come home to a pile of mail; stacks of bills, ads, coupons, and of course sweepstakes contests... but I'm talking about real mail.  I love a handwritten envelope, and the personal that the card or letter inside supplies.  If you're taught to treat other's how you would like to be treated then this concept should make sense. 
While our society is driven by technology, we sometimes forget to think of others in the traditional (or old fashioned) way.
With Evite and EventBrite we no longer feel the need to send invitations; when we can create an event online and have others RSVP through it.  Having an online guest lists allows others to see who is going, and can give an idea of what to expect. 
FaceBook is nice enough to keep track of our friend's birthdays; so you can comment on their wall or in a message, saving on postage and the price of cards.  Unfortunately, for those that who might be having a birthday, finding hundreds of notifications can be overwhelming, and annoying. 
I've had this conversation with a few people to gather their thoughts about why they dont' send cards (of any kind- birthday, Christmas, Thank You, or otherwise), here is what they offered:   "I'm too busy to write out cards,"  "People don't notice anyway," and "That's a nice idea, but it's not important where I'm from." 
People are busy, I get that.  I'm lucky enough to make my own schedule, and if I need to block out time to thank people for doing something, or making me feel great about myself, then that's what I do.  One of my very good friends has two children (8 and almost 2), she's married, and her hubby works all day.  Her 8 year old is in school, while the toddler stays home and plays all day- she's busy.  Her time off is when she gets a few minutes alone in the shower, which is usually interrupted by some kind of meltdown.  She's busy.  She's raising a family, and being the most admirable, incredible mom I've ever seen.  She was married last October, and has still managed to send out thank you cards to the 150+ people that came together to celebrate her special day.  She stayed up late, and woke up extra early to finish the cards; doing a few at a time.  That's busy.
People do in fact notice.  I can't count how many weddings, showers, engagement, or birthday parties I've been to; but I can tell you who sent a thank you cards.  Cards like that have a way of showing appreciation, and look great hung on the fridge, or on a table- to remind you that you are appreciated.
You might think sending cards is old fashioned, and no one does it where you might be from... I'd like to visit that place and teach those people some manners.  I've lived in DC, spent a few months in Chicago, some time in Colorado, and grown up in New England... I've never met anyone that didn't appreciate basic manners. 
I might be extreme with the Thank You cards- I also send them to vendors that have taken the time to meet with us; I feel like this is important especially if we aren't using that specific person for our wedding. 
There is nothing more important than being polite- especially when you're a Bride.  You're generally speaking, stressed out, overwhelmed, and very busy; but you need to keep in mind that once your big day is over, life goes on-  and if you don't appreciate people leading up to the big event, they might not want to be there afterwards. 
What do you think?  Do you value Thank You cards, or are they old fashioned?

<3 Stacy

Monday, April 16, 2012

Vendor Review: A Treat Good Enough To Eat!

I am involved in the South Shore Women's Business Network, and I like to use their members whenever I can.  Upon getting engaged the first thing I did was search the directory for people we could do business with. Of course, I couldn't wait for the shower to use my pal Kristin Foristall... So I didn't. 
My two sisters and one very dear friend and her husband worked very hard to plan and coordinate the most perfect Engagement party ever for me and My Guy.  Being a bit of a perfectionist, a control freak, and a little neurotic it was so hard to keep my nose out of their planning.  I was allowed to bring the favors for our guest list of 48.  I knew that Kristin, of Sweet K, would be the most perfect solution.
Judging by the name, maybe you guessed that Kristin makes a sweet treat.  Sweet K is responsible for "Making life sweeter, one bite at a time" creating cookies for every occasion.

While making cookies seems easy and simple enough, Kristin takes it one step further and really personalizes your experience.  I had reached out to her last Sunday (the party was scheduled for the following Saturday) to see what she could do about 55 cookies. She gave me some homework to do, and to hand it in to her via email by Tuesday afternoon. 

I wanted our cookies to be very personal, and something people would remember.  So I went through lots of old photos picking out my favorite of myself as a child, My Guy as a child, and one of the two of us together as adults.  Kristin then took the photos and sent them off to her printer. 

What on earth did my baker need photos for you might be asking...


Picture Cookies!!! She can take virtually any photo and turn it into this tasty treat!  I was so impressed by how quickly Kristin went to work with this last minute project, and how beautifully they were done.  After asking how many cookies I'd need she asked what our color scheme was going to be (Blue & Yellow).  The fact that she used the blue as the ribbon on the packaging and the piping on the treat was the icing on the cake (both figuratively and literally!). 

Everyone who walked by the basket of cookies made a comment about how unique, cute and smart the cookies were.  Judging by all the blue lips at the party, I think everyone thought they tasted just as good as they looked!

While Sweet K is based out of North Reading, MA she does offer shipping options, and the product does NOT need to be refrigerated.  I can't wait to see what she can come up with for the Shower favors!


Sweet K LLC
28 Summer Ave
Reading, MA 01867
Phone:617-947-7561
Email:info@sweetk.net

www.SweetK.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Sweet-K/114644181888882

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Vendor Review: Senza Sole, Mobile Sunless Tanning!

When I created this blog, I envisioned it as a resource for new brides, and those looking forward to becoming brides to come and uncover some great ideas, get reviews regarding vendors, and a great place for inspiration. 
One of the first people I knew I wanted to work with was Jennifer Mitchell, of Senza Sole, Mobile Sunless Tanning.  As her name would imply, Jennifer offers an amazing option to frying up in the sun (which isn't always an option in New England,) or baking up in a tanning bed.  She's mobile- literally- which means she'll travel to you, with all the tools she needs, and give you a very natural looking spray tan in under 10 minutes. 
She and I had a meeting scheduled for Friday morning, and knowing how busy I am- she suggested that we do the spray tan in our friend's office (this is how ingenious and flexible she is!).  So I show up, bringing my bathing suit, and ready for that fresh off the beach glow. 
Jen shows up with a pop up tent (to protect the area where the spray tan is happening), and a small rolling suitcase- full of her tools of the trade.  She lays out a dark colored rug (to cover the flooring, and as a soft spot for her when she's kneeling), turns on her machine and gets to work. 



Here I am, sporting an old suit, and some very pale skin, ready to be transformed.



Beforehand, she went over all the "positions" I'd be standing in so that there wouldn't be any spots that missed the spraying.


This one, as completely unflattering as it is, is my favorite.  I promise the stress in my face is completely unrelated to my experiences.



And finally... the finished product. 


My first full body experience with spray tanning was definitely a positive one, and took about as much time as I would have spent in a tanning bed.  The added bonus; I didn't have to wear the protective winkies, or googles; so no weird facial tan lines!  I love the healthy look a tan provides, but I hate the risks involved with bed tanning, and the stickiness and ordors involved with self tanning!  Jen's products are organic, which left me feeling bronzed, not covered in chemicals!
I had gotten the tan for our Engagement Party, and received so many compliments on my "tan," someone had even asked if I'd just come back from vacation!  I would absolutely recommend Jennifer to anyone that is is looking to be a little bronzed up!


Jennifer Mitchell
"For a healthy bronze glow"
Twitter: @SunlessJfer
Phone: 857 939 0072







Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Date Night!

I was talking with my best friend this morning, whom is also engaged, and in the beginning phases of planning her wedding as well.  She said that last night she and her fiance had"date night," which simply consisted of the two of them cooking dinner together in their apartment, and catching up on some television.  The two of them travel an awful lot for work, and are constantly on the go, so nights at home for the two of them together are rare.  As soon as she started to describe her "date night," I automatically realized how lucky I really am. 
Since I own my own company, and My Guy works for corporate, we are fortunate enough to spend nearly every night together; and because I love to bond with my kitchen, we have home cooked meal on the regular.  When we feel like we are getting stuck in a rut, or just craving a night out, our "Date Night" usually consists of take out pizza along side a few games of Keno, or a few appetizers at My Guy's favorite restaurant.  We aren't much for extravagance, and we live pretty simply.
Planning a wedding is stressful, and much like a full time job is incredibly time consuming; but it's also really fun to gush over magazines and drool over websites.  My Guy wants to be participative, but at the same time wants me to do all the research.  I'll spend entire evenings online surfing the web for inspiration, sending emails and pinning ideas.   While I'm physically on the couch beside him, mentally I couldn't be further from our living room.  At the same time, My Guy fills a pretty stressful position at work, so it's not uncommon for him to come home and be glued to his email until he can hardly keep his eyes open anymore.  
Regardless of your lifestyle and how busy, or home bound you and your partner may be, it's so important to make time and have "Date Night."  This is the time where you can check in and make sure you're both on the same page with everything, and caught up to date on eachother's lives.  Date night is the perfect opportunity to just be in the moment together- no iPads, cell phones, or third wheels along for the ride.  Just you, and your partner.

~Stacy

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Ready to Party!

Our Engagement Party is scheduled for next weekend; I'm really looking forward to it.  According to Wikipedia: "An engagement party is a party thrown to celebrate a couple's recent engagement and to help future wedding guests to get to know one another. Traditionally, the bride's parents host the engagement party, but many modern couples host their own celebration." I've also heard that this is where the couple makes the official big announcement.  Since we've already shared our blissful news with friends and family, this will be a great opportunity to celebrate with them all together. 

In keeping with tradition, my sisters, have been working hard to kick our engagement off right (thank you for the handwritten invites!)  My Guy and I wanted to keep the event intimate; we want to be able to visit with each of the guests, and in a three hour time slot, immediate family, very close friends, and the wedding party are among the 40 on the guest list.  One of my bridesmaids, and also my oldest friend, has offered to open her beautiful home and host this bash.



My Guy and I have been together for almost three years, and in that time, our families have never met- this is going to be an excellent chance for them to connect in a social, relaxed setting.  We decided that because our guest list ranges from families with 4 children, to senior citizens, to single bachelors, it would be best to have the event from 3-6p, to keep it casual, and we don't want people to feel committed to us for the entire night.  While the event may be in celebration of us, we still both feel it's important to consider those invited and making them most comfortable and welcome. 

If you're recently engaged, or have been for a while, and are considering an engagement party my (totally unsolicited) advice to you is to consider your guest list- what would work well for everyone on the list?  Make sure your invites, whether it's email, snail mail, or via social media, go out with enough time for out of town guests to make arrangements.  Also, if there is someone in your life that you know won't be able to make it, send them an invitation anyway- it's the thought that counts, and although, you might be the Bride, you don't want to hurt any feelings. 

That said, I can't wait to see all of our friends and family, get dressed up, and have a great afternoon!

~Stacy




Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Creation of Blogging To Bliss (Stacy's Version)

Moving ahead, I'm sure that many will ask "How on Earth was this brilliant idea born?"  Well readers, I'm about to share with you exactly how this concept came into being. 


About a year ago I was approached by a woman that I had networked with from the South Shore Women's Business Network (SSWBN), who said that her new daughter-in-law, Emily, was considering a career within the Event Planning industry, and would I give her some tips. 


Over the next several months, Emily and I would see each other at networking events, always chatting for a few minutes, and she'd ask if we could meet for coffee so she could "pick my brain."  While I urged her to email me, she was busy with her full time job.  In February I got engaged.  In the midst of being over the moon and feeling like my feet were suspended just above the ground, I knew that this was the right time for us to meet- as I now needed to pick her brain as much as she wanted to pick mine. 


We met over coffee and talked about life, our significant others, families, work, and growing up.  We had an instant connection.  We talked more about what she ultimately wanted and how she could break ground with her idea while still working her full time job and balancing her life.  My advice upon leaving her was "Stop being afraid of yourself, and start taking notes.  Write everything down, and keep track of it." 


Fast forward a few weeks and I had an excellent opportunity to attend the Blog Better Boston Conference, held at the Google offices.  I thought this would be a nice way to figure out how to better utilize the blog I was already working on for my business, Errands, Etcetera.  The room was filled with fashionistas, a few foodies, and me, a professional Time Management Specialist (how to be a sore thumb).  Through this conference I learned that I wasn't capitalizing on my efforts.  I was spending hours thinking about what information I could share, researching, and typing away at my laptop.  This conference really hit home: my clients are VERY BUSY, stressed out women. They don't have time to read about ways to clean the fridge, or recipe ideas; instead, they hire me to do it for them. 


As I said, I'm recently engaged, so some of my blog posts have been about how much my life has changed (in a positive way) in the last month. Pre-engagement, I was following a handful of blogs: www.thebrokeassbride.com and http://bigdayfor10k.com/ are two of my favorites. What I was reading was great content, but I wanted more. I love The Knot and Wedding Wire, but I wanted something more local, and centralized, less overwhelming, and more of a guide. 


So here I am sitting in this conference, realizing that my original blog wasn't making me any money,  or getting me clients;  it was instead allowing me to be a resource and providing me with a creative outlet (which is great, if you're a non-profit, or blogging as a hobby).  It was literally as if someone walked into the room and turned on the lights.  I had such an "AHA" moment.  I could hardly contain myself.  While sitting and listening to the Social Media Platform (thank you so much, @KristinApp, @WorldLillie, @LaceyBean, and @laurensleeper) I was busy plugging in and reserving the FaceBook, Twitter, Blogger, Yahoo and Pinterest handle for this new idea. 


I literally couldn't wait to leave the conference and get started, so much that I missed the after party and went right home to get to work.  I first reached out to Emily, letting her know that we needed to chat ASAP.  While I might have written the first few blogs on my own, Emily and I will be working together on content and production from this point forward to provide our readers with the ultimate resource guide for all things wedding in Massachusetts! 


Thank you so much #BBBos for helping me to think outside of the box!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

B to B's Version of Engagement Chicken

We've all heard the old wives tale of "Engagement Chicken," you spend hours of the day in the kitchen slaving over a hot oven, creating a recipe that will somehow turn into a proposal for a lifelong commitment.  Well, while I can neither confirm nor deny that my cooking was why My Guy decided to pop the question, I am going to share with you my version of the ever famous "Engagement Chicken." 







Here's my recipe:

Preheat oven to 450*.

1-2lb chicken- clean out the insides, and rinsed as well.  Pat dry with paper towels.

Rub with glove of fresh garlic.

Season with salt and pepper- all over (even under the skin).  I also used a "garlic and seasoning" mix for the grill. 

Stuff the cavities with carrots, onions, celery and garlic... and add veggies around the bird in the pan.

Take 4 pads of "I Can't Believe it's Not Butter" and sprinkle over the bird. 

Pour 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice over the bird.

Bake chicken for about an hour and a half- DO NOT open the oven door.  As tempting as it may be, it messes up the temperature, and screws up the cooking time!

After an hour, take chicken out, baste it with juices, and add diced potatoes (I used the Trader Joe blend).  Cook for about another 30-40 minutes, basting every ten minutes. 

Let the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes before carving. 

I didn't make any sides with this dish, as the veggies and chicken were MORE than enough for us! 







 

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ring Re Sizing Review!



So we got engaged, made the appropriate phone calls, texted out our tech savvy friends, and made it Face Book official.  Next step; get the ring re-sized.  Because my ring was not bought locally, I couldn't just have it re sized at the jeweler it came from.  I asked around, got a few referrals, and started making calls.  I went to three places and called two; all of them saying that it would take 2-3 days to complete, as most of the places either shipped it out to have it done, or were backed up with other Valentine's Day orders.  Having just received this gorgeous gem, I certainly wasn't ready to part with it. 
My sister recommended Nasr Jewelers in Plymouth (http://www.nasrdiamonds.com/).  While that seems like kind of a hike for something that could be done more locally, I hopped in the car and took an adventure. 
The store was spacious, very well lit, and had a such a variety of products, colors, and types of jewelry available.  Upon walking in, the staff was busy working with other customers, but I was noted with a polite wave.  When available the sales team wasn't pushy or have that sales-y attitude.  I was told to ask for Eddie Nasr and to let him know who I was.  Eddie couldn't have been nicer.  He was an absolute delight to work with, and understood my hesitation in parting with my ring. 
After leaving my ring in Eddie's hands, he told me to return in an hour.  AN HOUR?! Other places had quoted me at least 48 hours, and this guy was going to do it in a mere fraction of that?!  I was hooked.  Upon returning, my ring not only fit, but somehow seemed even shinier than when I had dropped it off!  After talking a bit with Mr. Nasr, I learned that his company also offers custom design jewelry.  This was great news, as my ring is quite unique and a traditional band would not work.  I will absolutely be returning to Nasr Jewelers when it's time to think about bands. 

Nasr Jewelers is located at:
61 Commerce Way
Plymouth, MA 02360
508.746.1006

Monday, March 26, 2012

Introducing The Bride and My Guy



It's happened... after what seems like an endless amount of first dates, awkward conversations, a brief encounter with online dating, kissing frogs that never turned into  my Prince Charming, and I have finally met the one I am meant for.  The one person that can make a Friday night spent eating take-out and watching syndicated television seem like the most precious hours of my over scheduled week, and who makes a trip to the grocery store or to get coffee the highlight of the weekend.  My Guy is the most supportive, loving, kind, and hilarious person.  He is an avid sports fan and is an absolute movie buff.
We are a perfect balance to each other; while I'm motivated and anxious, he forces me to relax when I am feeling too stressed and allows me to run around and act like I'm saving the world when I'm truly focused.  While he may be engrossed in his movies or his newest obsession, the iPad, I can be found pouring over thick issues of Wedding Magazines, or nose deep reading a colorful variety of books.
I am passionate about cooking, and creating original meals; which works perfectly as My Guy loves to eat, and is not shy about trying new things.  He is a master on the grill, and has made some of the best meat marinades I have ever tried.  I am more of an indoors cook, and rarely follow a recipe.  I have an obsession with arts and crafts, and am always working on something (currently it's wreaths and aprons).  My Guy is passionate about his work (he's a buyer for an electrical supply company);  and an excellent negotiator (I'm trying to learn from him where I can).
My Guy and I met about 8 years ago, while we were both seeing other people.  We would pass each other every so often in social settings, and exchange 'Hello, and How are you-s?,' but that was the extent of it.  Fast forward a few years, into the wonderful world of social media, having so many friends in common, we connected.  Late one night, my then acquaintance, and I were chatting back and forth via Face Book, when he made the first move asking me to a Red Sox game for the following week.  There was no way to know on that hot July night that our lives were about to change. Forever.  If you ask him, he will tell you that he knew after that first date that I was "The One" for him; and I was truly smitten.  Here we are, almost three years later, living together with our over-energized dog and recently engaged to start our "Happily Ever After." 
I'm excited to share this journey with you, and hopefully offer some great product reviews, advice and some etiquette tips along the way!