Special Request: Dress 0

As I've mentioned before, there has definitely been some dress drama.

Recap: I purchased a dress, returned it to David's Bridal and exchanged it for another dress (that cost the same), and then decided I didnt want that dress and sold it on eBay. The first dress we purchased (that was exchanged), I generally refer to as Dress 0. Mom loved Dress 0. I just liked it. Then I returned it for another, which I subseuqently sold.

Anyway, fast forward to today, and I'm well into the search for another dress. I think I've pretty much found it, but I'm open to the possibilities until I actually purchase one. Earlier, I was talking to the PHI before he went to work, and he was commenting on Dress 1 (he liked it), and mentioned that he wanted to see Dress 0. So, by special request, I'm posting pics of me in Dress 0.



Alright folks. This is Dress 0. As you can see, its defining feature is something I'm totally not really into: lots of embellishment. This dress is gorgeous, dont get me wrong, but it wasnt me. And I'm glad its back at David's.

This also concludes pictures of me in dresses. The next time you see me in a wedding dress, I'll be a married woman with a hyphened last name. So enjoy it while it lasts :)

♥

Current Events: Transportation drama, Football and the Debate

Despite spending a good part of the day immersed in wedding-world, I'm writing another non-wedding post - lol.

I just finished watching the debate. First of all, I'm super proud of myself. Second, I really have a hard time taking John McCain seriously. Which makes it kind of hard to give his debate performance objectively. Since i'm watching the news (and waiting for the PHI to arrive), I'm going to deposit a few thoughts about the debate and our policial climate:

1. He still just feels so old. Standing next to Barack Obama just seems to magnify that not so small issue. Do young people (we'll say the 18-25 demographic that I just left) find themselves able to relate to him? My granma is sharper than that! And my grandpa (who likes to talk about his time in the Army to ANYONE who will listen) doesnt reminisce on his veteran status and his war experience the way that McCain does. I wish I didnt know he was old. Like, my [fabulous] grandparents old. I digress.

2. I am pleased to see that McCain seemed to be a little bit more polished. Thats not a terribly difficult feat, but I'm glad he's stepping it up. Its crunch time now, and if he wants this presidency, he's got a lot of 'splainin to do.

3. [I'm not sure how proud I am about this] Prior to tonight, I was siding with Obama primarly because of the race card. And I would wage that many other African Americans are doing the same thing - on general principle. Surprisingly, Obama and I share some common thoughts about the state of the economy, the work the American governement needs to do to make us competive in this global environment, and steps we need to take to ensure our future. That felt good. Now I'm not just voting using my race card, I'm voting because of our alignment on the issues.

4. I'm a federal employee. I work for the Department of the Treasury (to be more specific). So talking about the federal budget, the President's budget, directly impacts me now. Two days a week I'm a federal employee, 3 days a week I'm a graduate student. That continuing resolution they mentioned? That impacts me. I'll still get paid, but our projects may be delayed because of it. It could also mean when the budget finally gets approved (in whatever state it will be in) after the election, the new president will have stacked it with whatever appropriations, cuts and allowances they deem important for us in the new fiscal year. Long story short, when they start talking budget cuts, tax cuts, and budget overhaul, my ears perk up. Thats my paycheck they could be talking about! (LOL, figured out which agency I work for yet?)

Moving on...

And what the hell is up with our gas situation? Its crazy. You would think that Ike hit Atlanta! Running out of gas is one thing, but not being able to purchase gas when you know you need it is very scary. I had my own ride around town experience on Wednesday. See, I work in Atlanta twice a week, and it takes almost a quarter tank of gas to get me there and back. Basically I purchase quite a bit of gas, and I dont like to let the tank get too low. On Tuesday one of my co-workers called in because he couldnt get gas. As laughable as that seems, its totally a reality! Thankfully I was able to find gas, but you better believe that I the PHI and I will not be doing a whole lot of driving this weekend.

In other transportation news, I thought when I left owrk on Thursday that I was on my way home. Needless to say, I was on my way only to the Lindberg station. See, I park my car at a MARTA station, and take MARTA downtown to my building. Sitting in traffic is not my idea of a good time, and it would take FOREVER to get to work if I had to drive into downtown Atlanta. But anyway, I left my building at 4:30 only to get off the train about 4 stops later. Seems there was a fire and they were bussing people to their stations rather than letting the trains pass through. After exiting and entering a couple more MARTA stations (because the whole moving the people situation was poorly planned and executed), I eventually got to my car about an hour and a half later. That got me back into Athens in time to check my email (nothing good) and prep myself for Greys. Yesterday was a long day, but not terribly bad, depsite the hold up getting home.

Last, but not least, I've been having quite a few football chats lately. Perhaps its because I've been trying to be better with the PHI on the football front. This weekend, UGA battles Alabama. Its a huge game. SEC football is serious business, and both teams are currently undefeated. Unfortunately (or not) I really dont care who wins. I'll be glad to talk some trash to William if we win, but if we dont, I know I wont lose any sleep about it. Speaking of losing, the PHI's team lost. He's a huge USC (Southern California, not South Carolina despite his mailing address) fan and the boys didnt pull though. He seems optimistic that his boys will still make it to the BCS championship game, and that one of the SEC teams (or more) are destined not to because they have to play each other. What-ev.

Sorry, this was longer than I intended. Just wanted to deposit some stuff, coment on the debate, catch you up on my MARTA adventure, and officially go on record with another post with sports content (look at me, I've got 2 now!). Hopefully you werent terribly bored :)

♥

Real Quick

Okay, so this is completely off any topic I am ever on, but I went to Publix after the gym, and purchased some of that sushi they sell in the store. I was bracing myself for anything really: it could be bad...like spend the afternoon on the toilet bad, it could be fine, but taste bad, it could be good, or it could just be mediocre.

It wasnt that expensive, so I decided to risk it, and let me tell you: I was pleasantly surprised. I got the Crunchy Shrimp Roll, and used some of my own less sodium soy sauce, and after 12 pieces (yes, 12 pieces for $7!), I am both full and satisfied.

Take home message? Try at your own risk, but you may just like it.

Oh, in Nuptual News (hey, I should name my emails to the bridal party that - lol), the PHI and I are going to look at tuxedos tomorrow. I'll explain later...its a bit of a long story. Adi!
♥

WooHoo!

Breaking news: DRESS 1 SOLD ON EBAY TODAY!! AHHH!!

I just realized I've never posted pics of me in Dress1. So here I am, for the last time in Dress 1.

I am so excited. The bride who bought it has a wedding quickly approaching, so I'm going to do my part as a good seller and get it off to her today. The dress should fit her very nicely and since she doesnt have a whole lot of time before the wedding, I hope she doesn't have to have it altered. Not like I would have had to.

I am so excited to be taking this dress to the UPS Store.
So enjoy me in it while you can folks, because it wont live here anymore!

♥

LOL, literally!

I've been on wedding overdrive lately. Part of it is my fault, part of it is...well, its probably all my fault. I've come full circle about dresses - mine and the 'maids, and have really taken some positive strides towards making some decisions and getting a better feel for what the aesthetic of the day will be.

One thing that keeps me from being overwhelmed is working on other things. Another thing is TV. Particularly funny tv and commercials. So today, in the spirit of making sure you arent on wedding overload, I just wanted to share some of my favorite commercials. I am generally a reluctant YouTube-r, but I have to thank YouTube (and the PHI) for putting my favorite show-interrupters in a format that I can pass along to you. I still dont 100% understand why people make/post videos of themselves trying to be entertaining. Funny is so subjective. Lets leave it to the professionals:



Did you know the french word for stop before this vid? I didn't!

And this one takes me back to Girl Scout Camp. I said a Boom Chicka Boom!


And yo mama says....






What is a pookie anyway?


I'm going to run now, but research shows that laughter really is good for the soul. I feel better already (although I was pretty good to start with). When you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed, or just a little down, find something funny that can lift your spirits and improve your mood. Commercials totally work for me...what works for you?

♥

I got one!

I got a Xyron 510! Its a sticker maker, laminator and magnetizer. Okay, I made that last word up, but it will turn anything into a magnet. Think about it, the possibilities are literally endless.

I used one of those fabulously rare 50% off a regular priced item at Michaels coupon to get it on Monday. I havent opened it yet, but that doesnt keep me from being thrilled. I've only been wanting one of these since I read about them on WeddingBee! Since I'm not allowed to officially take on any big DIY projects for the wedding, I'm planning to use it to deal with our favors/place cards and the programs - and maybe even for dealing with our unity candle.

I'm so excited I don't know what I want to Xyron first!
♥

PS - I'm watching an episode of Charmed and I'm thrilled that Paige marries a man named Henry :)

Cuts like...a knife!

Mornin ya'll!

I know I've been super scarce this weekend - I'm in Columbia kickin it with the PHI. Anyway, I'm stopping in this morning to share something I'd been pondering for quite a bit: the cake cutter set. When I first started looking, I really fell in love with this Things Remembered set:

(Everlasting Love Server Set at Things Remembered)

It has hearts, and its not too gaudy or over the top...its all on sale for $39.99. Yes you heard me right, that's its sale price.

If I werent living on a graduate student's pay, I would totally get this one:

(Love Knots Cake Knife and Trowel Set by Vera Wang)

Again, absolutely fabulous, right? But at $60 for the set, the chances of you spotting this at my wedding reception are even slimmer.

I know, what a silly thing to be concerned about. The ones above are gorgeous. But Practical Patti starts to nag at me when I'm shopping. Her/my issue: how many times are you really going to use an engraved cake cutter set?

Of course I cant answer that.

And the rationale is, if youre going to spend all that money on something like that (were talking at least $30 for the simple ones - which may or maynot include the engraving), you should be using it on the regular. I'm a baker - I bake cakes/cupcakes/pies on the regular. I could always go for a good long knife that will allow me to seamlessly move through yummy baked goods with the greatest of ease (think: trapeeze...cake trapeeze - lol!). Mom/Dani and I had decided that a good cake knife is always good. A knife that is dedicated only (mostly) to cakes could get some good use. That trowel thing seems more aptly suited for a sweet potoato pie. In n fact, thats what mom uses hers for. Again, I'd totally get use out of it, but I cant actually see using it on my wedding cake. Do people do that? Plus mom mentioned that of all the weddings she's been to, she cant ever remember seeing the cake set.

Sadly, I hadn't either. That was the last nail in the cake cutter set coffin.

However, because of the before mentioned reasons, I see great value in a good cake knife and set out to find one that was lovely, could be used again, and could be easily dressed up with some ribbon or something tied around the handle.

Enter our Bed Bath and Beyond registry. Our BBB registry is china, bath items, bedding, and a few kitchen things. There are lots of nice things I'd love for our grown up house when I picture the PHI and I hosting thankgsiving/christmas dinner for the family. It also includes a pretty cute server set which....(wait for it)...has a cake knife as an option! I'll show it to you and then I'll tell you how much it costs, k.

(Gourmet Windmere Cake Knife available at BBB)

Simple? Check!
Easily dressed up? Check!
Matching other serving pieces! Check!
Will do a bang-up job cutting cakes? Check!
Price: $7.99 - Sold!

Yes, you read that right...$8. I'm so buying that when I get paid again. Not that I think they wont have it anymore, but my approach to these kinds of things is that I'll still need it 6 months from now like I need it now. May as well purchase it now if I have the cash. The set also has a trowel that comes with it, that if I remember correctly I have also registered for...for pies, not cakes - lol. FYI: I used a similar price-to-use ratio to make a determination about our toasting flutes, but I'll save that for another post.

How about you? Are you trying to find a happy medium between things you "need" for your wedding, things you can/will actually use after the wedding, and cost?

♥

Cake a year later?

Everyday I get emails from brides.com telling me about cool and unique things I can do to put our special touch on the wedding. A lot of them I save. Since its coming to my Gmail, I can easily add it to the wedding folder for safekeeping/searching when I come back to it.

Today I got a jewel. The PHI and I had totally planned to do the whole cake cutting thing and mom has asked what were going to do with that top layer of cake, considering we were planning to eat it (or at least try) on our first anniversary and would probably be leaving straight from the Palm beaches to go on our honey/mini moon. I didn’t have an answer really – I knew someone would figure something out or it would live in mom’s freezer indefinitely.

From brides.com:

Instead of freezing the top layer of your cake to eat on your anniversary, arrange for the baker to create a mini version of your wedding cake to be made one year later.

Genius, right?! I have no idea what it will cost, but considering one of my cake choices include a cake that Publix has in its special cakes booklet, I feel like they will be making it or something very similar for a while.

This may just work folks…I’ll keep you posted.

♥

Latest Wedding Idea: Fiesta

After the show its the after party and
After the party its the hotel lobby and
After the Belvedere its probably Chris
and After the original its probably this
-- Fiesta (Remix), R. Kelly

One of the benefits of having a morning-ish wedding is that you have the rest of the day to enjoy being married.

Another benefit of any wedding is having an afterparty. And I've been secretly wanting to have one of those. Shhh...dont tell anyone. This is between me and you.

The idea was fleeting at first. Actually, no. I didnt understand why anyone would have a party after just hosting one of the most expensive parties ever. But then I decided that I didnt want the PHI and I to leave for honeymoon that night and maybe hang out with family/friends after. Mom shot that down...she didnt understand why I'd hang out with these people after just hanging out with them all day. So I let it go.

Lately I've been microwaving-up (i.e. re-warming up) to the idea again. I mentioned it to Dani and she didnt really get it at first. After I explained I think she was marginally on board. I havent mentioned it to the PHI becuase he worked last night and has not yet officially risen from the dead. Mom will hear about it after I get some feedback. I'm learning that sometimes when it comes to this wedding thing she's going to ask why, but ultimately go along with whatever I've come up with.

So youre probably wondering what I'm thinking.

If we do anything, it would be an informal kind of thing. Perhaps meeting up for drinks post wedding (like 8 or 9ish) or having some kind of gathering at one of the hotels (again, with drinks and food).

I just feel like I'm going to want to spend more time with our peeps that are coming in for the wedidng!

Ooh, the PHI just rose from the dead. I'll ttyl. Fiesta fiesta!
♥

Trying to be a 1 Dress Bride

Attention everyone! I have a quick announcement!

In an effort to legitimize myself, I just put Dress #1 on the market. Effective immediately.

Here is my preliminary list of places to try and hock it:

• CragisList
• WeddingBee.com
• eBay
• PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com

The first 2 ads are done. Any other suggestions?
♥

ORG Idea #2:

It is with great sadness that I add this item to the ORGI list:My beloved cocktail napkins.

I can barely keep myself together enough to type this, but they are just not in the budget. Not before Dress #2 and definitely not after. These beauties would cost me about $40 for 150, which is really alot of money for napkins when you think about it. Just napkins. Napkins I absolutely love. *sigh*

So I'm adding them to the list in the hopes that one of my faithful readers will get them for me or will send their link to mom so she can order them for me. And if the wedding comes and goes, or I think they're going to stop making them, I promise: I WILL ORDER THEM MYSELF.

They can be found at here. Citrus green is wedding-pefect. All the colors are perfect for everyday use.

You've been warned :)
♥

Dress Update: I ♥ LadyT and Living by the Girl Scout Law

I'll admit I'm an eager beaver. A girl who has bought 2 wedding dresses (well, bought one, exchanged it for another) in the 4 months she's been engaged is definitely an eager beaver. And as I've mentioned before, I really underestimated how difficult wedding dress shopping would be. Because of my experience thus far, I am afraid to fall in love with a dress. And am forcing myself to wait months prior to ordering/purchasing another one.

Yes, I said purchasing another one. Seems like thats going to be my fate. But I'm getting ahead of the story...let me back up.

Yesterday, I went to a bridal salon after work in Atlanta. It specializes in Plus Size wedding dresses. I had a fabulous time there! The ladies were so nice, the dresses were gorgeous, and the best part is that I had to be clipped into more than one dress because the dress was too big! Yes, the dress, not me, was too big! That feeling alone was worth the trip.

You're probably asking a few things:
1. What made you go there? and Why didnt you start there?
2. Why do you now ♥ LadyT and who the heck is that?
3. You seem to have found another dress, what does it look like?

All really good questions. And numbers 1 and 2 can be answered in the same response:

After I posted about finding another dress, the anxiety of telling mom, and the unknown as to how it fit, LadyT, my "blog friend" suggested I take a road trip to Bridal Mart in NC to try on dresses in that style. If you recall, the new love was a mermaid-y style dress with a plunging v neckline and a chapel train (you probably couldnt see the train really). It occured to me that a 5 hour road trip to try on a dress unofficially opened up the dress shopping can, and if I was going to dress shop, I may as well do it properly this time. The first time I was not living by the Girl Scout Law...I was not using my resources wisely.

Did I know about this PS Bridal salon? Yes.
Did I know its hours of operation and its location? Yes.
Was I too lazy to go check it out fearing the worst? Yes.
Do I feel kind of bad about it? Yes.

And despite traveling to yet another salon by myself (MJ and I are planning a trip - I will not buy another dress without her), I really got alot accomplished. I know for a fact that

• mermaid dresses
• dresses with sleeves
• v-neck dresses
• dresses with straps
• dresses with too much decor

Are NOT the hotness on me! Yes, the list is that long. I;m going to call that list The Forbidden Dress Qualities list. Which relegates me to finding an interesting a-line strapless dress to rock on my wedding day. Why do I ♥ LadyT? Because she warned me and inadvertently encouraged me to re-open the dress search. Why should I live by the GS Law? Because if it was, inaddition to being a sister to every girl scout, I would have been to SilverLining to check out their selection.

You live, you learn, and you drop knowledge on other people!

So, I just want to warn my 'maids: I am now going to be really gangsta about you trying on a dress before you select one. Dresses on the models online or in the store look awesome. They could look like something else all together on your frame. I want my girls to look fab on my day too and the best way to do that is to know what NOT to wear.

Alright, I haven't forgotten about your third question. As you can probably surmise, the previously mentioned new dress is not happening. Its got 3 of the Forbidden Qualities! I did find a dress that I love that is strapless, a-line, but has a little something extra going on. I don't have great pics of me in it, and MJ and I are making a date to go and try it on so I can get good pics. Its at the top of mom's original wedding dress budget, but she didnt blow her top like I thought she would when I quoted the price.

I told the ladies end of the year and I meant it. I'll probably need that time to try it on a few more times and be 100% sure. I do know I love it, its different, and it doesnt look like I purhcased it at DB. Dont ask me why, but thats kind of an issue for me - that my dress looks like I got it from DB.

Okay, running off now. If you get a minute check out LadyT's blog here, or Silver Lining's website here. I'll keep you posted on the dress front!

♥

I knew it!

Look what I found on the net the other day:


I always knew this was the deal....now I have proof! Happy Thursday!
♥

TV Pleasures: Not the Guilty Kind

Hi, my name is Patti and I'm watching the 90210 Premiere on the CW.

I cant even apologize for it, because its pretty enjoyable. Dare I say it...good?

Whoa! Lemme hold my horses. I'm not going to judge it until I see a few episodes. In the meantime, I will have my trusty DVR tape the season so I can have it when/if I want it. You should watch it too!

♥