Happy New Years!

Another year down....and a lot has happend this past year...moving to Los Angeles is obviously the biggest event that occured for me! As I look forward to 2009...excitement, adventure, challenges...are just some of the words that come to mind... My one and only resolution is to find a job that I enjoy and feel like I am making a difference in someones' life. Even if it takes me 5 years..I will find it!

Photo by Countdown Entertainment LLC

A couple of our friends from LA flew back east for the holidays as well.. Some are even in NYC!! I have never been up in NYC during New Years but I'm sure it is one heck of a time!!

It is hard to blog while a way at my parents! But I had to add something!!! I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Years!! Welcome 2009!!

Love Birds

Since starting my journey of wedding planning...My inspirations have changed a couple of times but my love for the birds hasn't. I've come across cute bird details...cakes...decor! Then I came across these cuties! They are made by the talented Ann Wood.

I've sent her an email requesting an order! Hopefully I can snatch myself a couple!! Lastly, I had to show everyone my favorite bird of the bunch!!!

Photo Credit: Ann Wood Handmade

I am flying back to the east coast tonight and wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday!!! 5 months till we tie the knot!

Sunny Days

I love Jennifer Skog's work and view it frequently...the photos she captured at Irene and Stew's wedding were gorgeous. I just hope...pray...we have a sunny day like they did! Our venue is centered around tall trees in Gettysburg PA...one word comes to mind when I describe Boulder Ridge...Nature...

Jennifer Skog Photography

Jennifer Skog Photography

Our ceremony will be held outside...I love these parasols..tan color..goes perfectly with the setting.

Jennifer Skog Photography

I hope we can capture a private moment like this! Fun...playful...

Bridal Buds

I came across a new and growing wedding website called Bridal Buds! Take a peek!


I came across this invite a long time ago and fell hard! I am currently hooked on the birds theme!!! Teresa, my friend who is creating my invitations is currently working on my design and I am dying to see what she has come up with :)

photo credit: Unknown

Trash It!

Ever since I learned about "Trash the Dress" photography..I have definitely been intrigued by the whole idea. From what I have read...seen..Many couples do this session the day after their wedding. Since we will be getting married back east in PA...in the mountains..I figured that would be a lot of fun...taking shots by the creeks..etc...Then I found these lovey shots by Amy Carroll. The beach would be a fabolous setting! So...I'm currently thinking we should just wait and find the perfect spot! Lets not rush anything :) This looks like so much fun!!!

Photo Credit: Amy Carroll

I was just thinking how nice it would be to create a blurb book with our "trash" shots!

Are you thinking about getting down and dirty?!

Part Two..Zap Zap Zap!

I want to share a little about Laser Genesis Skin Resurfacing. Last week I had my first appointment with Cecelia. I was informed it wasn't as painful as the laser hair removal session but I must disagree. It was VERY painful!! She told me it was due to my "thin skin." I am not very educated when it comes to skin care...etc.. I use Clarins lotion..face wash and that is about it! Since this past summer, I have had a couple facials but they do not help out with my "collagen." As I was informed!

So, back to Genesis--it basically stimulates collagen regrowth. It helps with scars, redness, uneven skin textures and wrinkles! I have those lines between my eyes...around my eyes...ahh..and I'm only 27!! It also assists with large pores...the pain intensifies when it "zaps" around the larger pores or lines. The cost is slightly less then laser hair removal. The spa I'm currently going to has a special going on right now for 5 treatments for $450.00. They recommend a treatment every 2-3 weeks for the first couple months. She recommended for me to follow up 1 treatment per month..then every other month. Even though it was very painful I feel this is more beneficial at this time versus the hair removal. My skin is getting older..my hair will always be there! Plus..who is honestly going to notice I had laser hair removal!! Hopefully the photographs will show my gorgeous skin!

Now..if I could only get the groom to participate in the "facial" department :)

Beauty Pain

Is anyone doing anything special to get your skin looking beautiful for your big day? For the past few weeks I have dabbled into the world of 'laser." There is a new aesthetic spa which opened in Hermosa Beach a little while ago, "Contour Aesthetic Spa" and they were selling spa promotions to get new clients to visit and try different services. So, I figured I would give it a try and test out everything. If you live in the LA or OC area click here to find spa promotions located near you! Let me share my experiences with all of you!

The first treatment that I had was Laser Hair Removal. I decided to attempt the bikini area. When I scheduled the appointment the receptionist was 100% honest with me and said it will hurt. I was like...really?! So, I signed up for the numbing cream (IS A MUST). I arrived 30 minutes early to my appointment and threw on the cream. No numbness....15 minutes later no numbness....another 15 minutes later no numbness... at this point I was a little worried. Cecelia came in (who I totally loved) got me ready to go! She did some test spots and it didn't hurt that much...like a rubber band snapping on your skin. Okay..lets go! Within 30 seconds of her starting I thought I was literally going to shed some tears! "Maybe we should have left the cream on longer," she said... After 5 minutes we were done. Yes, it was quick but extremely painful. "how much longer" I would say! She placed a cold washcloth on me and it gave me relief! By the time I was dressed and at the desk the pain was gone. The cost would be about 500.00 for 5 sessions which would be the amount of times I would need to go to have all the hair removed. You schedule appointments apart about 6 weeks. Now that it has been 2 weeks..I am able to reflect on the whole experience...I don't think I am willing to shed that much money right now for that amount of pain. Pros: No more shaving..waxing...GONE! Cons: 5 -10 minutes of suffering each visit and expensive, Long term commitment (several months) and can not be in direct sun.

Don't let that smile fool you! ouch ouch ouch! :)

Photo Credit

Stay tuned...up next I will share my experience of Laser Genesis Skin Resurfacing.

I Fell In LOVE!

Yesterday, the Fiance and I drove down to OC to go shopping for Christmas! I had only one goal in mind..which were to locate my CHANEL earrings! For the past 2 years, he has waited till the last minute to purchase them for me and of course they were always sold out! You may have seen them before, they are very popular! Two tiny C's! Well, to my luck they were not sold out and I was happy!! Merry Christmas!! As the salesperson was ringing up the purchase I was walking around and looking at all the gorgeous purses...and other jewelry... I came across a pair of earrings that caught my eye. Of course I had to try them on...It didn't matter how much they were.. I had to see what they looked like on... I fell hard and new they would look perfect with my dress...Well everyone, here are my bridal earrings! It was definitely love at first sight!

I just couldn't get a nice picture of them upclose.. I need a new camera! But ignore the terrible pic of me..and just focus on the earring! Click the pic to enlarge. They have such a vintage feel and look perfect with my dress! Plus, they are a limited edition. Which means..in 10-15 years they will go up in value! What a unique piece of jewerly to keep in the family. Hopefully my daughter will wear these in her wedding. Thank you Mom for contributing to these lovely earrings! {still beaming!!}

Bridesmaid Dresses

A while back I had fallen in love with ARIA dresses and posted this about them. Yes, they were about 200.00 each plus shipping..but I was prepared to help out my BMs.. Then, I learned that having 1 bridesmaid pregnant (due Dec 23rd) and another bridesmaid just getting her body back to where she likes it...was a huge problem... Especially when orders have to be in at a certain time. So, after perusing .... searching... I found THE dress and all 3 BMs are much happier... problem solved!! BUT!! I still heart my ARIA dresses...

May I present you the bridesmaid dress! THANK YOU JCREW!!

photo credit: JCrew

I am having the girls wear their own black simple shoes...and I will be providing the jewelry! Currently, I am thinking about Bells of Ireland for the ladies! Nothing is set in stone yet. As I had stated in a previous post..I met with our florists and received some good looking quotes...but I'm just not set on anything yet!

photo credit: unknown

But, then I came across this bouquet and now I'm not sure! These are two completely different styles!

photo credit: The Knot

I think at some point us brides need to just make a decision and then refrain from searching...seeking...other styles and ideas! Should I go with something different..for the BMs and I stay traditional? We will see!!

Welcome Gifts

I want to have a little "Thank You" for all our guests who stay over night at the resort. I first fell in love with these "Gable" boxes. They are simple and cute. I was thinking of using the "tan" color and attaching our monogram on the side.

photo: unknown

Then..last week..back in PA...we went to Dick's Sporting Goods to peruse..and I found these PennState tote bags. It also promotes recycling! Which is always a good thing :) I would have to assume that most of our guests are either PSU Alumni or fans! The prices for these bags come to about 2.10 each..& there is a higher chance our guests will reuse these again versus the gable boxes.

What do we put in them? Well..I definitely want bottle water and pretzels! Since we are from Hershey...where the best chocolate is made..we will throw some of that in too! Hmm..which one to go with?! What did you use? Any suggestions?