Ringing in the New Year

(photo from StudioThisIs)

Happy New Year, everyone! New Year's Eve is a special day for us because it was five years ago that I met my fiance! My old roommate and I had a New Year's Eve party and she had invited some of her friends from school which one of them happened to be my future fiance! I would love to say we met that night and immediately clicked. BUT my roommate actually had another friend in mind that she wanted to set him up with, so I met him and then pretty much left him alone. When we did talk, I do remember him making me laugh a lot. He did eventually go out with our friend but only on one date. (They realized they had nothing in common!) We all started hanging out and several weeks later he asked me out...I guess you would say the rest is history!

Martha's Winter Issue

This is when you know you are marrying the right person. We actually head to his family's festivities on x-mas eve and then get up really early to go to Ohio to spend x-mas day with my family. This year, we flew because the last time it seemed like no one was flying on x-mas day. Well, I think half of Chicago was at the airport. We both woke up late and rushed to the airport. It took forever to get checked in, but we did make our flight. Before we boarded, he ran to get some gum but then also picked up Martha's Wedding issue for me. It made me laugh, because he must have noticed me lingering over all the bridal magazines. I swore them off a long time ago, because I think you can find everything now on blogs. But I love Martha!

One article that I really enjoyed was the Regional Favors. Martha broke down by region all the edible favors you can do for each area. They, of course had for Ohio - Buckeyes!!

I'm Back

I am back! Unfortunately, my parents were in the dark ages and only had dial-up. Thank goodness we got them high-speed internet access and a wireless router as my dad's x-mas gift. Now we are speeding along to catch up on all our blogs. (WHAT? Sean Penn and Robin Wright are divorcing?!). Good news, I hired my string trio and might have transportation. I was talking to my soon-to-be father-in-law over x-mas and he talked about their longtime neighbors who own a limo service. Aha! So I asked if he could get some contact information and tada - we are right now negotiating on a very reasonable price.

Something I am realizing very quickly with all of this...negotiate, negotiate, negotiate!! I hate doing it, but take note - it is so much easier to do via email. I was not the best at this at the beginning and then realized what the heck and honestly - folks have been very good with lowering their price after you ask.

Also big news today - we went over to the bridal shop today and my bridesmaids tried on their dresses (three of them had not even seen them). They ohhed and ahhed. However, they easily could have just been doing this to make me feel good.

Another Reality Show

Another reality show is in the works...my friend emailed me this information. Mark Burnett (aka...the man behind Survivor, etc.) is developing a new reality show, basically a couple would win the wedding of their dreams. They are casting couples with a 2008 wedding date and right now they are specifically looking for a Chicago couple. Anyone interested should email their story and recent photos as well as contact information to Sunny Willebrand, Casting Producer, at swillebrand@markburnettprod.com.

DIY Courses

I am expecting a cold winter in January, which means a ton of time to work on wedding stuff. So I am contemplating taking some of the workshops offered at Paper Source next month. Maybe the beginners calligraphy class or the Favors to Savor course?

Dream Come True...

I came across this on Brooklyn Bride. My two faves have come together! I love Real Simple magazine and I love wedding planning right now. Put them together and you have Real Simple Magazines! I love it. They are also having a bridal event at Crate and Barrel in Chicago. I totally RSVPed!

Snow, Snow and More Snow

So we got hit with a ton of snow last night and I have to say - I love it. Everything looks so pretty. It really is a winter wonderland. However, in a couple days it will be looking a little yucky and ugly when it becomes mush.

Things are busy today, because I found out on Friday that I am heading to New Orleans for the BCS National Championship game! It is great because being an OSU grad - I get to see my Buckeyes. The bad news is they are playing LSU practically in their backyard! I also have visions of last year's game as well (yikes!). I am going for work, but in all honesty - all my family is going as well - so it is sort of a vacation too! I am so psyched but have been spending the last couple days searching for somewhat reasonable airfare, which has not really given me much time to do any wedding planning or x-mas shopping.