Have a wonderful Labour Day weekend!
Planting Magnolia Trees
1 hour ago
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
A Flower in my Hair
I've always wanted to wear a flower in my hair on my wedding day vs. a tiara. Maybe because I thought I was going away for a destination wedding... :P
Even though I'm staying in town, I still think its romantic to have a flower in your hair. The perfect flower would be white but given the connotation with white flowers in hair and funerals in the Chinese culture, I've decided to wear one in my wedding colours: pink.
I bought a brooch to put in my hair and while its beautiful, I think its too heavy. So, I've just bought a blush silk rose hair pin from Lindsay Designs. She is having a 30% off sale right now on her flower pins and her shipping rates are quite reasonable (under $5 to ship to Canada). Can't wait to receive it!
I've always wanted to wear a flower in my hair on my wedding day vs. a tiara. Maybe because I thought I was going away for a destination wedding... :P
Even though I'm staying in town, I still think its romantic to have a flower in your hair. The perfect flower would be white but given the connotation with white flowers in hair and funerals in the Chinese culture, I've decided to wear one in my wedding colours: pink.
I bought a brooch to put in my hair and while its beautiful, I think its too heavy. So, I've just bought a blush silk rose hair pin from Lindsay Designs. She is having a 30% off sale right now on her flower pins and her shipping rates are quite reasonable (under $5 to ship to Canada). Can't wait to receive it!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Shopping in the US
For those that know me, you know that I have a passion for shopping. Given the monetary situation or the lack thereof, I've become very resourceful and frugal. No more Coach purses for me (even at the outlet store). :(
On Sunday, on the way back from the wedding in Ellicottville, we did some shopping. We stopped off at Target (my favourite bargain store). I picked up this skirt in red for $12.99.
In Niagara Falls, USA, we went to Steve & Barry's University Sportswear. My coworker told me about this store a couple weeks ago and how it was such a deal. All items were $6.97 and under. Now, all stores are apparently priced differently (e.g. could be $9.97 and under or something) but we lucked out and also got the $6.97 deal. Very Old Navy like but cheaper! Now, I found this store to be more successful for guys (Shaun picked up jeans, cargo pants and a Guayabera shirt) but I still was able to find jeans that fit perfectly. I can't find expensive jeans to fit well but $6.97 ones worked great! Decent wash selection too. We also picked out some t-shirts with slogans for the groomsmen. Steve & Barry's charges so little for their clothing as they do not advertise but obviously have a following with their prices. Some items were hit or miss (e.g. wool blazers that barely fit my arms as they are poorly proportioned) but it's worth a look if you're going outlet shopping already.
For those that know me, you know that I have a passion for shopping. Given the monetary situation or the lack thereof, I've become very resourceful and frugal. No more Coach purses for me (even at the outlet store). :(
On Sunday, on the way back from the wedding in Ellicottville, we did some shopping. We stopped off at Target (my favourite bargain store). I picked up this skirt in red for $12.99.
In Niagara Falls, USA, we went to Steve & Barry's University Sportswear. My coworker told me about this store a couple weeks ago and how it was such a deal. All items were $6.97 and under. Now, all stores are apparently priced differently (e.g. could be $9.97 and under or something) but we lucked out and also got the $6.97 deal. Very Old Navy like but cheaper! Now, I found this store to be more successful for guys (Shaun picked up jeans, cargo pants and a Guayabera shirt) but I still was able to find jeans that fit perfectly. I can't find expensive jeans to fit well but $6.97 ones worked great! Decent wash selection too. We also picked out some t-shirts with slogans for the groomsmen. Steve & Barry's charges so little for their clothing as they do not advertise but obviously have a following with their prices. Some items were hit or miss (e.g. wool blazers that barely fit my arms as they are poorly proportioned) but it's worth a look if you're going outlet shopping already.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
I took Friday off last week and we went to Ellicottville, NY for the weekend. We went for KC and Josh's wedding at Holiday Valley. We golfed on Friday (we won highest score and I got shortest drive - of course, my first time playing 18 holes) and the wedding was on Saturday. Unfortunately, it was pouring on Saturday so no outdoor ceremony as planned. Instead, the ceremony took place inside in front of the fireplace in the lodge. Not outside but still wonderful. I didn't take pictures of the details (I'm a bad bride-to-be. :P) but KC did have a candy buffet set up, names of places they've been to for table numbers, poems for getting the bride and groom to kiss... The one bad thing about the candy buffet was that it was supposed to be for late-night (e.g. after dinner) but it was set up inside before the ceremony. Everyone snacked on it all through the night and I didn't even get a chance to get any. Anyway, here is one of the shots that Shaun took. KC was radiant. She had her dress custom-made.
Congrats Katherine and Josh!
Congrats Katherine and Josh!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Save the Date!
I've been procrastinating. :( With just two weeks still my final exam and still having to do 3 assignments, what do I do? Make my Save the dates! I have priorities. Yeah, right! Shaun wants to finalize them in Photoshop but this is what I did in Powerpoint and converted them to .JPG. I'll be putting my order in tomorrow as I just found out we're having a reunion in September on Shaun's side in Chatham and this is the perfect time to give them the Save the Dates. We get to save on postage. I was going to wait until our engagement pictures in October but I just want to get these done and out of the way. I'll be ordering the STD postcards via Vistaprint (US - save on shipping). There is a special right now where you get 100 standard postcards for free and just pay for shipping.
The Front:
The Back:
I've been procrastinating. :( With just two weeks still my final exam and still having to do 3 assignments, what do I do? Make my Save the dates! I have priorities. Yeah, right! Shaun wants to finalize them in Photoshop but this is what I did in Powerpoint and converted them to .JPG. I'll be putting my order in tomorrow as I just found out we're having a reunion in September on Shaun's side in Chatham and this is the perfect time to give them the Save the Dates. We get to save on postage. I was going to wait until our engagement pictures in October but I just want to get these done and out of the way. I'll be ordering the STD postcards via Vistaprint (US - save on shipping). There is a special right now where you get 100 standard postcards for free and just pay for shipping.
The Front:
The Back:
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Thank you cards
I know this is early for thank you cards for my bridal showers but I couldn't resist at Target. They called out to me. :) $2.99 for 12. I bought 5 packs. I do have 2 showers to go to and I've got to cover my basis.
I may be AWOL for the next couple weeks or at minimum posting less than usual. I signed up for a Compensation Management course at the beginning of the summer and with it being summer, wedding planning and just pure procrastination, I've just started the course readings and assignments and the course ends in a couple weeks! Yikes! I was good and finished all the discussion activity questions today but have three assignments to do (will finish one today) but two are 2500 words each. Ouch. This will cut into my wedding Internet surfing. I just hope I can concentrate on studying...
I know this is early for thank you cards for my bridal showers but I couldn't resist at Target. They called out to me. :) $2.99 for 12. I bought 5 packs. I do have 2 showers to go to and I've got to cover my basis.
I may be AWOL for the next couple weeks or at minimum posting less than usual. I signed up for a Compensation Management course at the beginning of the summer and with it being summer, wedding planning and just pure procrastination, I've just started the course readings and assignments and the course ends in a couple weeks! Yikes! I was good and finished all the discussion activity questions today but have three assignments to do (will finish one today) but two are 2500 words each. Ouch. This will cut into my wedding Internet surfing. I just hope I can concentrate on studying...
Friday, August 11, 2006
Okay since I've been promising to post pictures, this will be the pictures post day to catch up!
The Necklace
This is what I made to wear for Tracy & Anthony's wedding last weekend. I'm going to Katherine & Josh's next weekend and I'll be wearing it again. Fresh water pearls handwrapped and linked together with sterling silver wire and toggle.
The Brooch
It's very pretty and very heavy in person... I'll have to check with my make up/ hair person to see if it may be too heavy.
West-end Weddingbellers Get together
Last night, I had the opportunity to meet up with some fellow brides at Failte. We shared some great stories and had a lovely evening together. From left to right, Kristy, Kathy, Jennifer, me and Sultana. Thanks again for a grat time!
The Necklace
This is what I made to wear for Tracy & Anthony's wedding last weekend. I'm going to Katherine & Josh's next weekend and I'll be wearing it again. Fresh water pearls handwrapped and linked together with sterling silver wire and toggle.
The Brooch
It's very pretty and very heavy in person... I'll have to check with my make up/ hair person to see if it may be too heavy.
West-end Weddingbellers Get together
Last night, I had the opportunity to meet up with some fellow brides at Failte. We shared some great stories and had a lovely evening together. From left to right, Kristy, Kathy, Jennifer, me and Sultana. Thanks again for a grat time!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
I just got back from DC this evening and just took some pictures. Will upload them tomorrow.
Honeymoon Registry
Having lived with Shaun for the past 2 and a half years and us each having apartments before that, we've both accumulated a lot of furniture, appliances, etc. While we'll still register for the traditional wedding registries, like The Bay and Canadian Tire for formal china, nice towels, a tent, patio furniture and other upgrade items, what we would really like (or I should say really NEED) is cash. How do we politely tell people that?
It seems a popular registry is one for honeymoons. There are a number of options available. Some through travel agents and some stand-alone companies online. We decided to go with the latter. One that is endorsed by the Couples Resorts chain is Honeymoon Wishes. It is US-based and easy to set up. Because of the Couples association, our resort was listed in their pre-made list of resorts and we picked and chose activities that we would like to do specifically at Couples Swept Away. In addition to the ones listed there, we could add our own activities or items (e.g. night snorkeling which sounds amazing!). There is a service charge to use this registry service but not bad at 7.5% - its less than tax and no wrapping required for your guests! While a dollar amount is given for each activity, what the bride and groom actually gets is a cheque in the mail.
While not all of our guests will be gung-ho on a honeymoon registry, I hope my friends will consider it (I've already passed on the word to my bridesmaids).
Take a look at our registry.
Honeymoon Registry
Having lived with Shaun for the past 2 and a half years and us each having apartments before that, we've both accumulated a lot of furniture, appliances, etc. While we'll still register for the traditional wedding registries, like The Bay and Canadian Tire for formal china, nice towels, a tent, patio furniture and other upgrade items, what we would really like (or I should say really NEED) is cash. How do we politely tell people that?
It seems a popular registry is one for honeymoons. There are a number of options available. Some through travel agents and some stand-alone companies online. We decided to go with the latter. One that is endorsed by the Couples Resorts chain is Honeymoon Wishes. It is US-based and easy to set up. Because of the Couples association, our resort was listed in their pre-made list of resorts and we picked and chose activities that we would like to do specifically at Couples Swept Away. In addition to the ones listed there, we could add our own activities or items (e.g. night snorkeling which sounds amazing!). There is a service charge to use this registry service but not bad at 7.5% - its less than tax and no wrapping required for your guests! While a dollar amount is given for each activity, what the bride and groom actually gets is a cheque in the mail.
While not all of our guests will be gung-ho on a honeymoon registry, I hope my friends will consider it (I've already passed on the word to my bridesmaids).
Take a look at our registry.
Monday, August 07, 2006
So I finished the necklace for Tracy and Anthony's wedding. I'm in DC for work for the next couple days and promise to post pictures of the necklace and brooch when I'm back.
Tracy's wedding was amazing. I'm so happy for her and Anthony!
We booked our honeymoon today! As Honeymoons Inc is having a special going on, we got a double upgrade - basically paying for a lower class of rooms and getting an Ocean Verandah Suite. I don't know how much water we'll actually see but we can't wait! We had to pay over $300 in taxes for our business class tickets. :( Oh well, it'll be well worth it for the extra room and extra baggage allowance. Still cheaper than forking over full price.
Tracy's wedding was amazing. I'm so happy for her and Anthony!
We booked our honeymoon today! As Honeymoons Inc is having a special going on, we got a double upgrade - basically paying for a lower class of rooms and getting an Ocean Verandah Suite. I don't know how much water we'll actually see but we can't wait! We had to pay over $300 in taxes for our business class tickets. :( Oh well, it'll be well worth it for the extra room and extra baggage allowance. Still cheaper than forking over full price.
Friday, August 04, 2006
So we've been back since Wednesday and I've been in cottage mode! Busy catching up with work and have quite a bit to blog about.
Shaun and I are heading to Tracy & Anthony's wedding tomorrow and I'm trying to finish a necklace (and maybe earrings) to wear. I will post if I get it finished. :)
I'm currently looking into honeymoon pricing. We've decided to to Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica for 9 nights. I've found a decent price with Honeymoons Inc. for US$3777 (including trip cancellation insurance) for the Ocean Verandah Suite. This is for the resort only as I've travelled for work so much that we're flying business class on points to Jamaica (Yippee!). I'm trying to see if I can find better pricing with Canadian travel agents but I'm not sure I will - the deal we'd get with Honeymoon Inc. is for a double room upgrade. The same rooom if booked directly with Couples is US$4365!
Here is an aerial shot from the website:
I finally got my brooch from my coworker in the States (cheaper to ship within US). I will post a picture tomorrow. It's pink and perfect!
We're looking forward to the Long Weekend although I'm travelling for work Monday afternoon so it'll be cut short a bit.
Shaun and I are heading to Tracy & Anthony's wedding tomorrow and I'm trying to finish a necklace (and maybe earrings) to wear. I will post if I get it finished. :)
I'm currently looking into honeymoon pricing. We've decided to to Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica for 9 nights. I've found a decent price with Honeymoons Inc. for US$3777 (including trip cancellation insurance) for the Ocean Verandah Suite. This is for the resort only as I've travelled for work so much that we're flying business class on points to Jamaica (Yippee!). I'm trying to see if I can find better pricing with Canadian travel agents but I'm not sure I will - the deal we'd get with Honeymoon Inc. is for a double room upgrade. The same rooom if booked directly with Couples is US$4365!
Here is an aerial shot from the website:
I finally got my brooch from my coworker in the States (cheaper to ship within US). I will post a picture tomorrow. It's pink and perfect!
We're looking forward to the Long Weekend although I'm travelling for work Monday afternoon so it'll be cut short a bit.
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