379 Days to go.

With our wedding just over a year away, I think can say that I beat procrastination. I have everything but the transportation, hotel and makeup booked. I've even booked a TTD session for Nov 15/10. It's great! I also have the photog (Todd from Bently & Wilson), and the ceremony paid for in full. I have the deposit to our TTD photog Mike Lichtenwalner paid as well.
Craig and I will be married at A Special Memory wedding chapel. Our reception dinner starts at 7 pm. The After Party will start at 9 pm. A few things that I'm still trying to decide on are: Elvis? Should he make an appearance at the After Party? Should my guests be met at the door to the suite by a Show girl or 2? Should I forego the stretch SUV and use the chapel's limo for wedding party pick up? Should I rent a coach that seats 30 and have the wedding party travel with the guests? hmm... so many questions, not enough answers yet.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've only cooked one turkey in my life, and by all accounts, it turned out pretty good. It didn't turn out like the Griswald's turkey on Christmas Vacation, and nobody left my house with food poisoning. Like I said, it turned out pretty good.

With our Thanksgiving weekend upon us, it is again my turn to cook the turkey. We are keeping our dinner small this year. My fiance is still grieving the loss of his mother and doesn't want a big 'to-do'. I know exactly how he feels. The last thing I wanted when I was grieving was to be around a lot of people and trying to put on a happy face. When in reality, I wanted to be nowhere.

This turkey is different. I'm completely on my own for this one. In my last shot at the turkey, I had many experienced turkey cookers to help me along. I wish I would have paid more attention to the tutorials!! Happy Thanksgiving!

DIY Bridal Party Glasses

As mentioned before, I'm not very crafty. I do try! Mostly, things just don't look right! I did however manage successfully to do our toasting flutes, and our bridesmaid glasses. I think they turned out great! I still have to do the beer steins for the groomsen, but I'm not worried. This project was done with the budget in mind. I couldn't justify spending big bucks on glasses that people probably won't even bring back from Vegas. The whole project for 6 glasses cost $11.35!Sometimes I amaze myself.

Oh VistaPrint, how I love you!

I honestly believe I'm half in love with this company! I arrived home to find my VistaPrint package waiting for me, I could hardly contain myself as I tried to jam my key into the lock and open the door! I must say that everything I've ordered from this company is great! The contents of this package contained these FREE items.

• a tote bag for my MOH
• a banner saying "Thank you, from mr & mrs K"
• a Mrs K, established Nov 13 2010 hat
• business cards asking people to upload pics at our site

My Two Obsessions

My first obsession started in the mid-90's. I can clearly recall the first time I heard them. The song was "Fully Completely". Not long after, The Tragically Hip became my favourite band, surpassing even greats like Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath. Ask me who my favourite band is, I'll give you "the Hip". I have a love affair with them that has standed the test of time. My blog title is a Hip song title. I'm obsessed. I can fully completely admit it. It's so bad that at times, I spit out random song lyrics to answer questions. Gord's voice soothes my soul. Without "the Hip" would anyone actually know who Bill Barilko was? The kids don't get it.

My second obsession started more recently, last October to be exact. I made my very first trip to Las Vegas, even before this Craig and I decided to get married there. I was struck. In awe. There are really no words to explain exactly how I felt my first time on the strip. I walked around, mouth gaped open, looking like the tourist that I was. It was surreal. In January, we went again. Same reaction, but with mouth closed. I cannot get enough of this city. I watch CSI for the opening credits. I spend hours on TA Las Vegas forum, planning my next trip, even if I have 16 months to wait. I'm obsessed. I love it. I can talk about Vegas all day, everyday. Do I need a life? Perhaps.

So comes the email that nearly gives me a heart attack. The Hip has added more US shows. One of the dates is Oct 30. The Hip live at House of Blues, Mandalay Bay. Las Vegas, NV. I can barely breath anytime I think of this. It's becoming a distraction. My two obsessions, finally linking themselves together. It's too much, too much. Do I feed the obsession? Do I go? How can I not go? Why is this even a debate? Breathe.

Freaking out a little bit! Soo excited!

I got the contract today for our reception!!! I'm so freakin excited!! We are having our reception dinner at Mandalay Bay!! It's so crazy because last week I was set on Maggiano's. Why the "sybil" reaction? I am quite sure it has everything to do with Mandalay Bay not needing a deposit, or a room fee to meet. I'm not exactly sure how many people are making the trip to Vegas with us, so to be stuck in a contract that requires a room fee of $2000 and a non-refundable deposit of $500 seemed a little crazy to me! Oh, and if I wanted a dance floor, the room for that was an extra grand. Nothing against Maggiano's. I've heard nothing but stellar reviews. I just can't justify that amount of money when I don't have attendance numbers yet. What if only 10 people come? How the heck would I meet the room fee? I'd get taxed on 2 grand regardless. We're only doing the buffet, but we are having an after party in a suite at the same hotel!! YAY!! So fun!

In other wedding news, I contacted A Special Memory today to book our ceremony, was put on hold, then asked if the WC could call me back. She didn't. If I didn't love this chapel, and they weren't responsive to emails, I would consider looking elsewhere. I'll give them a call again tomorrow. Hopefully it works out better for me.
Man I feel like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders!

Master Cleanse

So I've decided to give the Master Cleanse a go. I have never detoxed my body, so I'm a little nervous about this. The drink (lemon juice, maple syrup, water, cayenne pepper) really isn't as bad as it sounds. I tried a glass of it this evening to see if I would be able to choke it down, It was actually refreshing. I don't know how long I will be able to stay with it, I really like food! lol!

Memorial Candle

To honour my Gram at my upcoming wedding, I decided on a memorial candle. I was going to buy these originally, but decided to see if I could make them on my own. Browsing the internet furiously and then trying to figure out what vellum was, I eventually came up with a finished product. I also plan to make one for Craig's mom.

I miss your words of wisdom Ry!

You will always have a special place in my heart, in my life. You were there for me when I needed to be held, and when I needed to cry, you let me. You told me to call you, even at ungodly hours, because me calling you, prevented the phone call to him. You helped me through the worst time of my life, and because of you, I gained courage, found happiness and true love. Without you I have no idea where my life would be. Thank you for being you and for letting me be me. We don't see eachother often enough, my friend. Have a safe trip home, thanks for the words of wisdom. I'll miss you!

Bride$hare.... just signed up

I only just learned of Bride$hare. I believe the site is pretty new. If you're wondering what this site is about, you're not alone. Here is an insert from the site: "What is Bride$hare?Bride$hare is a social networking site designed to help brides save money by sharing wedding-related resources and goods. Decor, apparel, rentals, and even vendors can be shared, swapped, or sold through Bride$hare connections."
I expect great things to come of this wonderful concept!! Have a look for yourself at www.brideshare.net

Stupid Allegiant Air

Ugh. Well Allegiant Air decided to change their flight times to Vegas out of Duluth! Most of my guest would have been flyng out of Duluth! Now instead of getting into Vegas at a decent hour, they will get in at approx 9:45 pm!! This throws a hoop into my plans because I was planning on having a "meet & greet" Friday night. This will make it near impossible to do so! I have to be in bed at a decent hour if I don't want to look like "dawn of the dead" on my wedding day! If there was a Thursday flight, I wouldn't care. There isn't. Hopefully they will change their arrival time back to 3:30 pm by the time my wedding approaches.

just some thoughts

It's about the marriage, not the wedding.

While planning our wedding, the previous statement makes a frequent appearance in my thoughts. I'm trying very hard not to buy into the commercialism of weddings. I think it's absolutely ridiculous the amount of money the industry expects us to pay for things. I'm trying to keep my wedding budget under $10 G. I think by taking an alternative approach to some things such as the dress, the invites, and flowers, I will come in just under that. Honestly, I just want to marry Craig. I could care less about the wedding, I'm in it for the marriage.

Favours!

Out of all the weddings I've been to, I only remember a few of the favours that we were given as guests. The first was a chocolate bar with the couples name and date, the second was a cd with the couples favourite songs, and the third being my most recent favour gift, a shot glass. The chocolate is long gone, the cd I still listen to, and the shot glass now sits in my cupboard waiting to help me out with a drink. I've decided to go with the cd and chocolate for my favours! I'm going to order chocolate poker chips and put them in a favour bag. Not so hard to do right? And for the cd I'm hoping to order the ones that look like vinyl. I'm so excited!! Now if only we could agree on the song list!

Thank You

They don't seek glory or honour. Because that is already theirs.
They seek only Remembrance -- for the comrades they left behind.
Those men and women they vowed never to forget.
Sixty-five years later, time has become their new enemy.
It has taken its toll on their once-young bodies.
Their step is no longer as brisk as it once was.
Their salute is not quite as sharp.
Their knees now resist the bend.
But still, they continue to march in formation.
To march on the colours.
To lay wreaths.
And to honour their fallen comrades.
I am truly humbled to be in your presence. To be witness to your dignity and courage.
You have known the great price of freedom, and you have been willing to pay it.
You have known the terrible struggles of nation building, and you have made Canada strong and proud and free.
You have felt sacrifice, and you have made Canada the best country in the world.
We can never repay you. We can only offer two simple words: 'Thank you.'
Lest we forget.
- Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson honouring Canada's D-Day veterans

Starting over

If you don't do what's best for your body, you're the one who comes up on the short end.~~Julius Erving.

When I read this quote yesterday my first thought was.. wow that completely makes sense to me. Today I read it and figure I'm short enough... time to step up and get out.

I can totally write about goals that will never be kept, pounds I want to lose, but I won't. What I will write about is the fact that over the past 2 days I have worked out twice each day, totalling 1.5 hrs per day. I'm quite embarrased to say that this accomplishment surpasses last months excersises combined.

That is why I'm starting over. That was my old life. My new life is day to day. No "Tomorrows". I will not start my diet tomorrow, I will not work out tomorrow. I don't have a tomorrow, all I have is today. Today, I ate well, worked out, and today, I feel great!

Place card holders

A couple of days ago, I came across some cute place card holders. My first thought was, " I don't want to do a seating chart". My second thought was, "These are just too darn cute to pass up". I love these! They are perfect for our Vegas wedding!The best part? They were on clearance!!

Gram

Not a day goes by that I dont think of you
Not a day that I dont cry
Forever in my heart
Always on my mind
Memories of you never fail to make me smile
I can still hear your laugh
I can still see your smile
I can still hear your voice
calling through the miles
I know that you are with me
For I am never alone
Your making my journey safe
Always bringing me home
I love you Gram
I will never forget the things you taught me
Or all the good times we shared

YES!!!! AC/DC!

My fiance and I are going to see AC/DC again!! We lucked out and got tickets for their Aug 22 show in Winnipeg! I am so excited! I love them! We saw them earlier this year in Minneapolis.

Self Sabatoge...

It seems that I love sabatoging myself. I had a plan, started out great. Then failed. I have yet to get to the gym and it's Wed. I've walked to work once, and went walking 2 nights. Oh well, at least it's something. Next week will be better.

diet, diet and more diet. eff

Well after a not so brief absence, I am once again on the diet/lifestyle change band wagon. I am comitted to working out at least 3 times a week at Curves. I'm going to walk to work twice a week, giving me 5 days of at least 30 mins of excersise.
My goals for this week are as follows:

Curves 3x
Walk to work 2x
Jillian Michaels DVD On the days I walk to work and one other day.
Walks every evening. (depending on weather)
Lose 3 lbs.

Can I do it? I guess I'll find out at next sunday's weigh in!!

My flowers have arrived

Well, they are here! As previously posted, I ordered silk flowers from afloral.com. I knew when i ordered them that I would need to tweak them a little bit. Here are my reviews.

My bridal boquet: It's a bit taller than I thought it would be, but that's easy to fix. The colours are o.k. I still need to add some organza along the base of the flowers because it looks bear. The size, other than the length is perfect.

MoH and Bridesmaid boquets: The perfect size. The green round stuff is a little overwhelming.

Guys Corsage: I love these!!

Women's Corsage: Not to thrilled with these, but they'll be ok.

Photographer

After talking it over with my fiance, I decided to go ahead and book our photographer! We are using Todd, from Bentley & Wilson! I'm so excited! He's my first choice for a photographer! I knew I had to book him early because a lot of people who get married in Vegas use him. Yay!!

Is it weird that I booked my photographer before my ceremony? lol!

Walking

Walking has always been something I enjoyed, lately I haven't been doing enough of it. Today it is so beautiful out that I decided I could not let the day go to waste. I went for a walk. It was probably the longest walk I took in a long time, 6.15 Km to be exact. I hope to continue this because I feel great! My mind is clear, I'm energized. Sure I feel a little sore but that's to be expected!

Ordered my flowers!!

Since I vowed not to do any procrastinating with any wedding stuff, I ordered my flowers!! I got 3 boquets, 5 bouts and 2 corsages for approx $70.00 CAD from afloral.com. I debated for a long time on whether I should do them myself, with live flowers or silk. I put it to my bridesmaids, (my worst trait is indecisivness: hence the procrastination) and they both said that they prefer silk. Will offer full review when these come in!! Hopefully, they will be as beautiful as the pictures.

Our wedding date!

So FI and I have finally settled on a wedding date!! We had a tentative date of March 27 2010 forever, but do to his holiday schedule and his level of seniority at his job, he was unable to get that week off. Our date is now November 13 2010! Which is so far off from march 27, I could barely breathe. but whatever. Since we are getting married in Vegas, we didn't want to be there any later than March, and no earlier than November due to scorching hot weather.

Now that we finally have a date, I have ordered the "save the dates"! I'm using Vista Print for these, and just uploaded a pic from a recent trip to Vegas.

Wedding Invitations

(don't mind the pink background)

These are my wedding invitations. I originally planned on ordering mine from a printing company in my town, but the price for these could not be beat. The invitations were $3 on clearance at walmart, I got 2 spools of black ribbon for $.50 and the charms were $4.00 from Joanns Fabrics.

$20 Dress is in!!!

This could possibly be the best money spent for my wedding! The dress is absolutely gorgeous! I was a little nervous to find out what I was getting, but in all honesty the dress is beautiful. I will have to have it hemmed, and there are a couple of beads missing, but other than that its fine! YAY!

My new favourite thing!

The other day while cruising the aisles at the grocery store, I noticed an omelet maker. I had seen it there previously but never gave it much thought. That day, I bought it!! To be honest, I think it's the best 4 dollars I've spent in a long time! The thing is great, I can't cook an omelet on the stove to save my life and I was sure that I would blow up my microwave with this gadget. No more cold breakfasts at work for me! Yay!

I think I have a dress....

While planning my wedding, I'm really trying to figure out ways not to have a whole lot of wedding debt to start our marriage. One of the biggest money wasters I can think of is the dress. Now I know that every woman in the world is probably disagreeing with me right now, but seriously, why would you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a dress that you're only going to wear once? I found this dress on ebay for $20.00. It's not my favourite dress, but I really like it. And I will most likely wear it on my wedding day. If I chose not to wear this dress, I will have a rockin halloween costume or a great dress to trash. Honestly for 20 bucks, you can't go wrong!