Wow!

I have been very lazy lately to even post on my blog. It has only been almost 2 months - on the 27th- since I got married. Feels like years had pass already.

Since I got back to work every one have been asking me how was my married life. Even my in-laws. Nothing has change really except that everything now is legal. That we are no longer living in sin.

Really, we have been living together for 3 years, before that we were dating for 5 years. So, in the span of 8 eight years what else is there to see, learn and consider about my husband now. It is not a bother to me nor it is a dumb question to ask when they say "how do I feel now that I am a married woman."

Really, what else I could say. The only thing I noticed since I got married was the pain of going through changing my name. Yes, I did change my name.

Which was the saddest part of my life. I feel like I lost part of me when I changed my name. Then I remember what Juliet said when she was dreaming about Romeo "...what is in the name" or something rather.

My maiden name was what I was before, now I am married and given a new name. I was not actually given but instead I chose to change my name by taking my husbands name. It was only a momentary sadness that i feel when change my name.

Now... I am a MRS.

It has been almost 2 weeks now since....

The time fly by so fast when its fall. 2 weeks past I was so stressed out and was thinking of running away because of my wedding. But now, it is Monday and I am scheduled to go back to work. Not as a Miss but a Mrs.

Hmmp, a lot has change first was that my stress was gone, I am able to eat better now. second, my name change too. I had a choice of keeping my name but I chose to change it anyway. I don't know why but it is a mystery that I wanted to really venture on knowing why was I compelled to change my name. I did not loose my identity. But what is in the name, was my name my identity or was it only a place holder? hmmm

Wedding Day Advice

To hire or not to hire a DOC
-I did not hire DOC. Worth it, for me at least; saves me money and the aggravations. Don’t mistake me on this. I planned on hiring a DOC, but people that I have interviewed were so insincere (you can tell it by the way they share their stories.) My MOH- my best friend and my sister are the very person that made my wedding day the best day ever (in my honest opinion.) We have a mutual understanding of how important the day is to me and to everyone. What I did: Since the beginning of my wedding planning we have been bouncing of ideas about budget, decor, music, and other details that I failed to mention and place in my bio. It helps me a great deal on the day of my wedding and how our ideas were made into a reality and kept under budget than I expected with out sacrificing the integrity of the wedding design concept. On the day of my wedding I made an outline of how everything should be. I also leave plenty of leeway for those who was helping me that day to be creative.

Advice: everything will be alright. Thinking outside the box is a much better way to surprise yourself and your guest.
Don't obsess way too much on the details; the guest will not even remember it at all. Pay close attention to what the guests will remember; Invitation design, Food, The taste of the cake not the design, Drink-Bar, Music, Tradition and table to table visit making it personal. My husband and I gave everyone a hug and thank them personally for coming and chat with them for a short while, we both made our guest very special. Small and intimate wedding is the ultimate best experience. We have invited only closest friends and families. Don’t sweat it if some people did not make to the wedding.

Vendors: Be friendly with them and don't demand way to much on their part, trust their experiences from their previous brides. Here is how I dealt with mine: I kept my calls (pestering) to a minimum of 2. I make appointment and meet with them personally to discuss important details and expressing the importance of keeping within the budget and the design and also kept it to a minimum of 3. I did not demand way too much and I carefully listened to what they were saying when I asked their previous experiences from other brides and learned from it. Be flexible and trust their ideas too. Remember they are the professional, they do weddings for living. They are people too. If you get stress they get stress too. Create a rapport with your vendors and they will treat you kindly. Tell them your ideas and plan B if your initial plan is not feasible. Prepare yourself for the worst case scenarios and be ready for it, with a plan, have it in writing if you can. I have it in writing but the details were delegated to my DH.

Also, when interviewing vendors make a list a head of what you think is important to you on your wedding day the generic questionnaire that you get of the internet helps but does not imply to your needs. Treat your vendors as you would like to be treated. Your vendors can sense your personality and they judge how the wedding will be from that initial interview. Tell your vendors of your budget; don’t tell them your entire wedding budget. Give them only the minimum budget you have. See, if they are willing to work with you, at this point, you can sense their personality if they would be fake or sincere, with your second or third meeting. Space out your meetings with your vendors so that you have a better gauge of their personality too. Stay away with the fake ones they will charge you way to much for a poor service.

In dealing with new photographer, give him ideas of the photos you would like and let his creativity soar. I compiled photos of “must take photo” and gave it to my photographer. I discussed with him that I like something similar but with his own creative touch. And make a plan B if the list were not followed. Personally, I opt to plan B because I forgot it too. Same goes with our photographer. I know it will turn out just fine, because we had a similar experience from our e-photo session. It was less stress on him and to us too.

Now, I followed everyone’s advised in regards to dealing with stress. Heck, you got to be kidding me. It did not work for me may be it work with others. Now, wedding is different than work and dealing with children and family. I thought I worked well under pressure but this went all down the drain when it comes to my wedding. I don’t even remember how I dealt with my stress but I remember that chicken nuggets were the only meal I could eat and energy drink with no sugar were the only thing I could drink. I am fortunate that my family let me alone when I was stressing out. They just made sure to ask me if I want chicken nuggets. Then, my DH made his grooms man help doing the favors and loading the wedding stuff. I find that I stayed focused and less stress when I am in charge of people.

Dealing with stress is individual. Find what usual things that calms you down and stay focus to the task at hand. You will find yourself eating less and sleeping less leading to your wedding day. Eat the food you can eat and drink and take sleeping pill. Practice that timeline that you create for the day of the wedding along with your FI/DH 2 to 3 days before the wedding and you’ll find your self less stress and remember everything that is needed for the special day.

Stress out

Have you ever heard this phrase?

"if you see the buddha,

kill the buddha.

if you see your father,

kill your father.

I think it's Confucius that said this, originally. I am feeling stressed out, time has fly by so fast that I only have a month until the big day. I can't seem to stay focus and keep up with my projects. I just wished that I should have posted my listed unfinished, in-progressed, and finished wedding projects that I have been doing. 

May be I should do just that. Post the finished project and the projected amount that I have spent on the item. Jeez, it is hard to do this all by myself. Well, I do have laddies to help me but I could not ask them. So, I am stressing out here by my self. I will manage somehow.

I hate mistakes!!!!

I am so pissed off!
Today we went and supposedly pick up my FI wedding band at the diamond and gold vault. It has been total of 1 month and 2 days since we placed the ordered.
Why, does it to happen this way. I am so upset I could not get things done because I am so hang up with this mess that that jewelry place did..... I can't calm my self. I felt guilty for acting like a bridezilla-ish by making loud sighs and commenting "yeah... you really mess it up."

Geezz... how hard could it be to take an order and not screw it up. Now we have to wait for god knows how long.
I will call them in the morning to make sure that the ring is sent out and expedited.

I don't even understand my own writing here... I am just venting and just typing away.... I am so upset... I can't yell at my FI because it is not his fault. I can't yell at the people at the jewelry store because they are going to make the order expedited. But I am still upset. I need calm myself and I don't know where to vent my frustration to, other than this blog of mine.....

Now, I am hungry. I am feeling a bit better now.....hmmmmmm

I hate mistakes......

My wedding band

My Cake Server

My cake server, gold plated....love...love...love... it :)

My 2nd draft for RD invite

Bridal shower invite

I don't wanted to burden my girls helping with my wedding planning and all. So, I decided to make my own bridal shower invite. I enjoyed doing this.

My invitation

I was able to finally put the invitation on line for everyone to look at. I was so tied up with lots of project related to my wedding. All I can say is that I like the final layout and design of the invitation.

The Guest List (random thoughts)

Since I started planning my wedding and set a very tight budget, I have learned that one way to save is by cutting down guest. Sad to say it but it is true, now I have 100 A-list guest and 20+ B-list guest.
So far, even my A-list has now trouble deciding on coming to my wedding. That means some b-list guest would be able to come after all. Sign....
I have at least a month before my wedding to see how many people/guest will be actually coming to my wedding. It give a month also for the b-list to informed that they are invited to see me get married.

Mexican Wedding Cookie

I have been searching high and low over the Internet about he origin and meaning behind the "Mexican Wedding Cookie." I failed to learn about the true history of the wedding cookie other than the people of Mexico really enjoy the cookie during holiday or especial event such as in during Christmas, and weddings.

Thus, the cookie is then learned to be the Mexican Wedding Cookie. From my research from the Internet of any information about this cookie, I found out that Mexican Wedding Cookie was known in the late 1950's.

Similar cultures such as the Russian and Spain also, have some similarity, the cookie were popular and favored during the weddings and holiday. All have same ingredients other than the in the Mexican Wedding cookie have nuts in them.

Over the Internet have hoards of links and recipe. Here are few links that I think would be nice to follow to make your own Mexican Wedding Cookie.

Joy of Baking

Food Network

Now, that I know a little about this Mexican Wedding Cookie, I think I could bake them and make them into a wedding favors. and package them in a way, and share a bit of its sort of history.

Cake Topper

(ball and chain)

So, I was into a really funny/humorous cake topper, rather than those traditional looking like. My FI thinks that I am trying so hard. Ohhh, that hurts my buns a bit, then I am all jolly again. I said to him that I am different. I am not trying so hard, he is just not used to me going all out different and non-traditional on our wedding.

I have tried actually very hard to stay or at least incorporate some traditional stuff in there but he said "that is not the way it is suppose to be." All smile is all I could do......

I love the cake topper because it shows how comical the couple is and with this one it is simply so hilarious. My cake topper is the one where the bride is dragging the groom and the groom is digging his nails down somewhat resolve and scared of what is becoming. He loves it at least :)

(link for the cake topper)

So Busy!!!!!

I am just like a bee, so busy.... I have lots more to do for my wedding that I thought I would be done on or before the end of this month. Well, that is an endeavor I am waiting to see for my self.
Just now, I am throwing myself a bridal shower, because, I am crazy and weired. My sister whom, is my MOH is on her first trimester and so moody that I am getting the end of her anger. Like what did I do this time. She is so emotional. Then, I have a Maid of honor, yet another sister of mine, whom is lazier and fiening stupidity with regards to her duties. Oh, why me. I ma so blessed with such a head ache and pain in my beehive ........ Then my third matron of honor is so eager to help and reluctunt to over burden her with duties and responsibilities already.
And this is why, I am stressing out. Because, I wont have anyone else help me. I have thought of hiring a DOC ( day of coordinator) but, I am iffy about giving $$$ to just a day. I have done so much already. All I need is someone to take charge on the day, by coordinating all vendors and my guests.
I don't know if I am making abig mistake of not letting go of the control. But I am a control freak. I need help. Not for my wedding day but for my head.

$$$ vs peace of mind is what I am thinking at this moment. I don't know.........

DIY: Favors or Place Card/Escort Card (From: Not Martha)

I found this photo on the net while I was searching for pinata. Viola! Google found me this. Site of not martha with full of DIY stuff... Very helpful and very good. So, I decided to copy this and put it on my blog.
I am thinking of doing this on one of my projects sometime :)

How to extract pictures or text from a PDF file

So, lately I have had a lot of PDF file that I have unearth from my computer from a long time hoarding them of endless night searching through the internet.

Now, thank you for those who was kind enough share their finds and resource on the internet for others to also enjoy, I have a link of instruction on how to do just that. To extract bits of picture or text from a PDF file.

I have decided to simply copy and paste below the instruction on how to do it just that.

Bear in mind that I have not tried it yet. I am actually at work blogging right now. But as soon as I am off from work I will try it with both my acrobat and the free one that adobe provides. Then I will update this post.

Select the Image or Text You Want to Extract First open the PDF file you wish to extract from. On the toolbar, click the 'select' button. Click the image or text you want to extract. I'll take this image. You will see a button in the top left corner of your selection. Click it, and your selection will be copied to your clipboard.
Paste the Image or Text Now open a document where you want your extracted text or image. I'll open a blank Word document. Right click and choose 'paste.' There's my image. You can see some black lines around it from the edges of the original image. I don't want those, so I'll go back and extract it another way.
Use the Snapshot Tool On the toolbar, click the Snapshot tool. Now, if I click and drag around the image, it will automatically add it as a selection to the clipboard. Click 'OK.' I'll go back to my Word document, right click, and choose 'paste.' There it is with no lines around it.

E-Ring

I bought a SLR camera. pretty gutsy of me to teach my self about using an SLR camera. Then I begun editing with photoshop.

My e-ring is in a gold finish and is brushed. I have especifically asked to have the gold in brush look so that it is not to shiny like any other gold ring. It has the essence of old style to my ring but I am making it my own by altering the texture a bit :)

The sense of protection....

I've always wanted to feel safe or at least have the sense that I am protected in any means possible. Most especially when I spend more than what I consider a fortune. Life savings is a fortune, varying amount from $500 to $15,000 is also consider in my book a fortune. Practically anything that is in relation with money that you work hard for is all a fortune. And we have found many ways to feel secure, safe and sort of protected to what is unknown to us.
In essence, planning a wedding itself is a fortune, form the engagement ring to a mere petal of a flower. Why? simply, money. There is many ways to save, but that is a different topic, and ways to protect ones hard earn money or work. That is to insure once ring and wedding, so that you don't loose everything in a unforeseen calamity.
Yes, and hopefully nothing such would happen; calamity. Being careful and mindful of the amount of money that you are spending and in possessions, is simply being smart. Being a little paranoid sometimes is good, in away that if you insured your engagement ring that is $5,000 you have that sense of peace of mind and sense of protection.
I know I would have that feeling because my ring engagement ring cost about that much. It maybe a little compared to other but I am insuring the ring because of its value physically and sentimentally as well. The ring that I have right now is what my future husband, the man that I deemed to spend my entire life, gave me. Face value of the ring is incomparable to the sentimental value. Nonetheless, having the protection, assurance that my ring is safe gave me at least a peace of mind.
There are many ways to insure your valued possessions. You could include your priced jewels (must have it appraised first by a gemologist) to your current home owners insurance. If you don't have a home you could also ask for a renters insurance. We are no longer living a a polite society of the Victorian era where decorum is observed. We have now insurance policy that would give you peace of mind.
You could also go to this site to insure your priced jewels. There is also another site I want you check out for yourself to insure your wedding it never hurt to be simply overly careful. But I think the best way to really keep everything within the budget is to include it in your current home or renters insurance. (I am in no means getting compensation from these company) The two big company that I would like to recommend for insurance is AAA and All state. I heard many good things from them... :)
Since, I have my ring and wedding insured I am much calmer and assured that my deposit/money is not lost for any unforeseen reason. I am protected and still have my sanity in check :)

DIY: Photography II

Since I have undertook the planning and preparation of my own wedding with hard pressed issues of staying on the budget as well. I have been reading more, learning more about digital photography.  

I think it is simply fascinating to capture ones memory of certain view, items, and even emotions. Photography is more of a 2 dimensional depiction of the artist of his/hers subject. I would say just like those famous painter.  

To satiate my eagerness to learn anything about photography, I have stumbled upon this site the how to's of digital photography Free Tutorial. It gives you an idea and an eye to capture imagery.

DIY: Centerpeice idea of different kind

I found this site from my endless search for affordable and yet different and unique would be and useful centerpiece. Not Martha, is a blog site where a very crafty and nice person post ideas for anything unique. I love the fact that this is so cute and you could change the bottle design to as long as the material you need would fit. so here is the link for instruction.

Something Old?? Something New??

Natasha Jarkas of Le Belle du Jour
weddings in San Francisco. Here's what she thinks: "With all honesty,
writing
what you had in mind is absolutely acceptable. To make it even more
polite, you
could even write: Your presence at our wedding is already a gift
to us, however
if you insist in contributing a gesture, we would greatly
appreciate money due
to limited space in our apartment."

I saw this from here comes the blog dot com. It is a blog site for brides looking for ideas and some indirect advice about wedding. The quote I captioned here on my blog interest me very much. I have been thinking that what is the real difference with registry gifts for your wedding versus the money gift that is no set minimum limit or high limit.
I thought that if you register of your wedding gifts you choose the gifts you want which are also high priced. Com' on don't tell me you don't think about the price when you scan that thing. I have been to many weddings and seen their list of gift wish list. Often, I give $100 put in card gift. It is all I could afford.
Plus, I talked to the bride and wonder what happen to the gifts that they got and did not get on their wedding. I was told that most of the gift that they got, they've return and bought a different item and or simply get the item that they really want that did not get (due to price) on their register later on.
I think it is a hassle to do this, why not simply give what the couple want, if they want money for a gift. I don't see anything wrong with that.

link

Havin' Fun with camera

here is the photo proudly taken by my honey. First he was teasing me about the cut on my finger. But the light caught the rock on my ring and dazzle him a bit. Then divert his attention by taking photo of my ring while I was on the phone with my sister on the other line.
This photo does not do justice of the brilliance that the stone has. My FI simply manipulated my hand in any angle he want to get that fire again but did not get it....

The get together

then we took our infamous circle of ring photo up


It was so fun to finally meet up with some of the girls that are constantly chatting online on the knot forum.

Centerpiece idea

Here is the crystal vase that my venue is allowing me to use (included in the package) for my reception decoration. It is 18 inch tall and opening is 8 inch wide. I can use all 16 of it or have a variation of height for a center table.

Since I did not know that it is crystal and if I float a rose or any flower in the vase it would not be visible. So, now I am thinking of what else on how to decorate it. The venue has given me an initial idea of how to decorate it.

How to save $$$ for your wedding

Since, I moved in with my fiance we knew that we are going to end up together for the rest of our lives. Thus, we started planning and saving.
He has not proposed to me yet. But he said that he would. I don't have a ring on my finger but we bought a house together. Weird? yeah, I agree 100%. So, indulged me in telling you a story of how we did it.
First, we have been together for 7 years now, living together only for 4 years. So, suffice it to say that we learned quite a lot about each other for the 4 years we lived together.
After 3 years that we are living together we started on talking about getting married. We both know that the wedding is going to be costly. So, he offered to give me 5k in addition to whatever, is needed to the wedding planning. I told him that is not enough.
So, I offered to add to his 5k with 10k, then our budget is set for 15k. Mind you living in California everything about wedding will be $.
First thing that I did:

1. on a piece of paper I write down how much I make each pay period.
I get paid every 2 weeks.
2. write down my bills monthly
- this is to let me know how much is my actual income vs. outcome (= bills)
- including balance and available credit and the due date
on each of my credit card. (this allows me to know my buying power for
wedding usage only)
3. write down my regular savings deposit.
- I consider my monthly savings deposit like a bill.
ways that I save is to psych myself by thinking that my savings as one
of my credit card. I owe me, practically. So, if I use my money I am simply
borrowing it.
4. write down things that I could sacrifice for the next year or two.
- I love to buy books and sometimes I love to go to the spa a lot.

Once, I write everything down. I know exactly my income is after all the bills. Since, I deposit large amount each pay period to my savings; I allocate the 1/2 to my other fund that now is called the wedding fund. Open an account separate to your regular savings, for easy book keeping purposes.

I opened a money market account and directly deposit there. Be aware of how much withdrawals you are allowed each time with out penalty. One way to avoid this sometimes is that I used my credit card and every 3 -6 months I make a large payment.
Also, think everything through don't be a consumer be a smart buyer. I substitute things that are somewhat usable for a wedding. Like my wedding dress. I save a lot by not going traditional and off the conform white ball gown.
There are many more you can alter and make it personal to your taste and theme for your wedding to save $$$.

DIY: Invitation

Many of DIY and brides on a budget are not very skilled in computer design or are crafty and often rely on other bride who are generous enough to share their template and ideas.

I my self are not so crafty or neither artsy to use an adobe illustrator to make myself a template. Template is usually is the main ingredient in making your own wedding or any sort of invitation.

Every bride wants to be unique or simply have not choice. But for those bride who are insistent of having a particular design to make their wedding unique. They have their wedding designed and made professionally. I am having my template done professionally, not that I could not learn how to operate the adobe illustrator but I simply wanted to have a professional make it and I alter it later on, on a skill level that I could do with instruction later on.
I wanted to share this site that sell template. Simply click on the image it will take you there.

DIY: Centerpiece Idea: Wine Glass Candle Lamp

Instruction:

materials 8-1/2" x 11" (21.8cm x 28cm) sheets of vellum (one per lamp) Scissors Scissors with decorative blades Decorative paper punch in desired shape Glue pen Wineglass Votive candle or a LED Battery Operated Tea Light Candle putty (floral clay) 1. To get a copy of the lampshade pattern click here. To view this file, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader- a free download is available HERE 2. Trace the lampshade pattern onto the sheet of vellum. Cut the straight ends and the inner curve using plain scissors with decorative blades. 2. Punch designs about 1" (2.5 cm) from the lower edge, spacing the designs evenly. 3. Apply a thin line of glue (a glue pen works well for this) to one straight end. Lap the other end over the glued end, forming the shade. 4. Secure the votive candle and set the lampshade atop a wine glass

Now, this yet again another way to save $$$ for making an elegant reception centerpiece idea on your wedding. There are lots of bulk wine glass store to buy a wine glass, these can also be a favor for your guest on each table. I think this is a winner.

(via: save on craft)

DIY: MOD PODGE Candle

With simple decorative press flowers, decoupage onto a candle adds elegance and some sort of classical look to it. For any bride on a budget like my self having a press flowers decoupage onto a candle is yet another simpler way to use a centerpiece and not looking way cheap on your wedding day.
Here is the instruction on how to do it:

Pressed Flower Wedding Shower Candles

Materials :

Flower Press
Flower Press Paper
Mod Podge 8 oz.
Sponge Brushes (to apply Mod Podge with)
Pillar Candles
Tweezers (for easy placement of flowers)

Instructions
Have your pressed flowers ready.

• Apply Mod Podge® to entire candle.
• Add your pressed flowers and any other embellishments to surface. Let dry.
• Apply two coats of Mod Podge® to sides of candle. Let dry completely

(via: save on craft)

DIY: Corsage

So, here yet again another way to save on floral for your wedding.
This lady make it so simple. What can I say, I am going to try it and make it and some how sometime, I will post my end product.

DIY: Tussie Bridal Bouquet

Having to hire a florist to make your bridal bouquet is still ideal way to make everything perfectly looking on your wedding day.
However, if you are on a pinch here is a way to create your on. YOu can easily save money and have fun making everything personal and made by you.

Ensamble: Fancy Cake Server

Way, cool for a cake server. If only I have the courage to spend such amount; Only $29.99 (on sale) right now at horchow. I probably would, what am I going to do with this fancy dessert servers after the wedding?

I know many people would say, a whole lot. Who am I kidding. I am not a domesticated type of a girl. I am not spoiled brat either. I am simply me.

I much rather go to parties and admire what this other laddies do, by bringing out all their fancy, nice china, and silver ware.

I already have enough stress at work and now would not like to add stress over what to use to serve guest to be a good hostess. I know I am not and I will not try hard either.

Bar: Classic Champagne Cocktail

Ingredients

Serving: Makes 1

* 3 bitters
* 1 sugar cube
* 1 Ounce Cognac
* 4 Ounces chilled Champagne
Directions

1. Drop bitters onto sugar cube; let soak in. Place sugar cube in a Champagne flute. Add Cognac, and top with Champagne.

So, according to Martha Stewart, this can be multiplied so that you can serve plenty.

Now, I like the color and the fact that it is easy to make. I am going to use this to my Bar menu too. For my wedding of Course.

Ragged Point Ca

We always wanted to take a trip somewhere in california. Provided that we have save enought. You know taking trips like we did takes a lot of savings.

Well, we are rewarded with this find. As we were about to have our lunch we took a stroll down to a little path over looking the ocean. The colors of flowers were so vibrant that my honey could not pass up.

He took this photo whit the butterfly. I love how it looks and the color contrast are just right. I love the shadow also on the left hand side.

If we only have those expensive camera, then I would not hesitate to take or my FI; to take such photos like this one.

DIY: Place card-I

I find that Martha Stewart very useful. For all the brides on a budget like myself. Will research the internet relentlessly for any ideas that would benefit any bride on a budget.

What I am trying to say is that I want to make sure that my guest will not loiter around and jump from one chair to another. For every bride no one would liket to have a choas.

So, a seathing shart is very lovely. Here is another idea from martha stewart herslf about the seating chart. I have a frame that I could use. Like many other bride had done. They printed on a square paper a list of people seated in a particular table.

I could do that too. But I see more and more of that look. I want to be different. I want the idea but not the very same style as the other bride had done. So, I have another project to do on my 6 month before the weding.

(via: martha stewart)

Candy Bar Wrapper

I have seen a lot of Brides trying to personalize their wedding items as much as their budget allows it.

I want to do the same, and with out breaking the bank. Previously I blog about how to create your own wrapper.

Then I found this photo from martha stewart site and to simply give you an idea of what I have already thought of doing for my own candy wrapper.

I will blog here soon of the end result.
First I have to find the right size of candy bar. Ah! CostCo will give a lot of choices.

Online Hard Drive

So, I was so sad when my computer crashed and lost all my save image file that I have faithfully collected over the years. arrghhhhh.......
I search the internet and found a free 6 gb online hard drive. wow..... I could back up all my pictures online from now on. The only draw back is that there is that bandwith limit of 1gb. not bad. I thought, since I am the only one that is accessing it all the time.
I don't think that my css fill will be accessed 1gb in a month. but it would not hurt if I try it.

I am in the process of changing the style of my knottie bio since all free services I am using are in the processing of upgrading I will not be able to do it at all. But I hope by next week I will be able to update my bio.

My FI Birth Day

So, here is the gift my FI got for his B-day.


I feel like an idiot. I don't know what to do for my FI B-day. He said it is okay if I don't give him any thing or do something special. I am I to take that face value, of what he said?

Hmm, I am without any idea of what to do for his b-day. I am so preoccupied with wedding planning and all. He is also, making himself useful with the planning. Boy! I just wish, only sometimes that he is not as involve in the planning. But I am very glad that he is, only when he does not rile me up.

Today, we are going to have a breakfast with my FMIL, of which she planned all this out. I am so calloused about this by now. I am more in the other type of planning than this kind. But I have to learn soon.

Okay, I have to stop here and con't later. I have so much things to do.

My Saturday

So today is saturday or good saturday. We are stuck in our house doing some minor cleaning up my mess here and there. I wanted to go out. But my FI would rather stay at home.
Normally I am the one that is wanting to simply to stay at home and he would like to go out and do some outdoorsy stuff. I don't know what had happen the table had turn with me knowing it. :)
I really don't want to go out too, but I don't want to clean either. Boy! I am such a lazy bone :). But I just want to relax for now and clean tomorrow. I want to go out......
So this is my log for to day.....

Tradition of Wedding Favors

I never know where the tradition of giving wedding favor really come from. So, I did an internet mini research and read a little about it.
I found from my research that this tradition came from Europe. And 5 almonds were generally were the favors given, which represents health, wealth, fertility, happiness,and long life.
Now, with this type of tradition I think I could follow.It seems reasonable and nice touch for our wedding. However, the meaning of this favor tradition was lost to some and to others still holds dear. Now a days, I see wedding favors vary from design and uniqueness. I guess everyone wants to be so different and personalized it to their liking. I want that too. But with the budget in mind I have to be really logical about everything. I have to. Money is not easy to make and does not grow on trees like my parents used to say to me when I was little.
Continuing the tradition with its meaning is something I want to incorporate in our wedding. Because, it is important to me and to my future family. I want to start a tradition that has meaning not just because it is a fad, a trend or popular today. I want tradition to continue because it is one of the structure of foundation for a successful family life. In my honest opinion.

Favors

Now, that I have only 6 months left with my wedding planning, I still yet have to decide what sort of favors we would give our guest.
My FI would like to give our guest something that they could keep and remember our wedding. My thought on this is that would only add to our guest dust collections item that they may already have. Hmm, this wedding planning is driving me insane.
However, I have many ideas that I come across on the internet that I think is unique to give our wedding party. so here is one of them.
this is cute and useful. Surely our wedding party will defentely keep this and will not toss it aside. Not a waste of money I think. Clink on the word link and it will take you to the site.

DIY: Logo

So, I have time to play around with adobe illustrator at the nearby college that I will not mention on this blog because I don't have the need to.
I have decided to tackle and learn the ways of graphic design well, almost able to but still need the original template from others.
I hope that soon I will be able to simply do this on my own without having to ask someone else's template.

Here is my first try of my logo:
I got this graphics from istockphoto dot com. and peruse through myriads of design until I found what I like.
I am going to use this logo for my OOT bag labels. I think it looks so good for a first timer :)

DIY: Program

Here are some of my wedding projects that I am currently working on. I am going to print this on the same paper that I used to print my STD. I will use a silk ribbon that will complement my projects. But first I have to make use that it will be with in my budget.

The template is from MS. I simply alter some design and kept the essential design.

Close Call

My FI and I went for a long drive to Yosemite. So we both luv the wild and the snacks.
Here I am defending my snack .... CV has fun with photoshop.

ensamble

DIY:Photo editing.

Now, we have been furtunate to live in an era where technologies are far to user friendly and less intimidating to use to those none computer savy like my self. Well, yes, I consider my self as not savy. Simply look at what I have done. I highlighted the area that I think would be luvly and viola it is.
I did not use any espcial tools aside the one that is provided to me for free by picasa. You can own it by simply joining or getting your own gmail account. try it.

DIY:Pomander

I have been thinking of making another Pomander so here is the site

Event Center; Other view

I luv the rustiv feel of the chairs and the setting is not to overwhelming either.... luv it luv it....

Bath Salt

what a great, and yet another find of a gift idea for those who luv to take baths....I know I luv the bubble's....

From wrapables

Fruition

I have finally come to an end with one of my DIY projects: the dreaded save the date.
i dedicated my life at least 1 hour a day after 12 hour of work to at least finish this....

DIY: Envelope Liner

Martha Stewart and her staff are very very crafty and clever, who would have thought to use this photos to make it as a liner for any envelope. I wanted to this but I did not have time so. I will perhaps will do this sometime with my TY cards, to simply make more personal and me.....

(via martha stewart )

DIY: Pumpkin

Now, if I only know how to saw I would do this one and would use it as my favor for my wedding. Simply click the site below and it will lead you to the instruction site.

(via: patternbee )

DIY: Valentine

It is valentine's day many of us would more like get a bouquet of flowers and many might want to give a simpler yet heartwarming gifts too to our love ones. I thought This flower cone is a best way, classy and unique way to express our appreciation and love.

here is the site for instruction

DIY: Pillow Bow

I was on the net once again and come across this site where bunch of crafty ppl blogged their ideas.

who would ever thought of recycling those greeting cards into something real crafty.....

(via: getcrafty)

DIY: Heart Cake For V-Day

I was surfing the net when this cake caught my eye and made me so hungry and so decided to click on the photo and led me to the site where instruction how to make it is. And I decided to copy the instruction and post it here. Since my blog site is all about wedding and wedding planning. what ever I post here are things that you could applied for any ideas for wedding and making it more personal and unique.

1. Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/3
cup All purpose flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cinnamon
sticks, broken in half
2/3 cup cherry jam
2 tablespoons kirsch (clear
cherry brandy)
4 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet
chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 teaspoon chai-spiced tea leaves or
Lapsang souchong smoked black tea leaves
5 ounces bittersweet (not
unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Nutrition Info
Per
Serving
Calories: 1249 kcal
Carbohydrates: 138 g
Dietary Fiber: 9 g
Fat: 72 g
Protein: 15 g
Sugars: 74 g
About: Nutrition
Info
Powered by: ESHA
Nutrient Database
2. Cooking Directions
For cake: Preheat oven to 400
degrees F. Place 8x8x2-inch heart-shaped cake ring on sheet of foil. Wrap foil
up sides of ring. Brush foil and inside of ring with 1 tablespoon butter; dust
with flour. Place on baking sheet.
Sift flour, cocoa, and salt into medium
bowl. Combine eggs and sugar in large metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of
simmering water (do not allow bottom of bowl to touch water). Whisk until sugar
dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from over water. Using electric mixer, beat
mixture until thick and billowy and heavy ribbon falls when beaters are lifted,
about 5 minutes. Sift half of dry ingredients over; fold in gently. Repeat with
remaining dry ingredients. Transfer 1/4 cup batter to small bowl; fold in 3
tablespoons butter. Gently fold butter mixture into batter; do not overmix or
batter will deflate. Transfer batter to ring.
Bake cake until tester
inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer cake with foil
to rack; cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and store at room
temperature.)
For mousse: Bring whipping cream and cinnamon sticks just to
simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat; let steep 1 hour at room
temperature. Cover and refrigerate cinnamon cream overnight.
For mousse,
cake assembly, and glaze: Blend jam and kirsch in small bowl. Cut around sides
of cake; lift off ring. Using metal spatula, loosen cake from foil and transfer
to rack. Using serrated knife, cut cake horizontally in half. Using tart pan
bottom, transfer top cake layer to work surface; turn cut side up. Spread half
of jam on cut side of both cake layers.
Strain cinnamon cream into large
bowl; beat until soft peaks form. Stir finely chopped chocolate in heavy small
saucepan over low heat until smooth. Quickly fold warm chocolate into whipped
cream (chocolate must be warm to blend smoothly). Immediately drop mousse by
dollops over bottom cake layer; spread to within 3/4 inch of edge. Gently press
second layer, jam side down, atop mousse. Smooth sides of cake with offset
spatula. Chill assembled cake on rack while preparing glaze.
Bring cream,
1/4 cup water, corn syrup, and tea to boil in small saucepan, stirring
constantly. Remove from heat; steep 5 minutes. Strain into another small
saucepan; return to boil.
Remove from heat. Add coarsely chopped chocolate;
whisk until smooth. Cool glaze until thickened, but still pourable, about 30
minutes. Place rack with cake over baking sheet. Slowly pour glaze over cake to
cover, using spatula if necessary to spread evenly. Chill until glaze is firm,
at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. Place cake on platter and serve.
Yield: 4
servings

(via: Yahoo Foods)

Taking Your Own measurement

Measuring Instructions (inch)

Full Bust
Around bust at fullest point.

Waist

Around waist at smallest point.

Hips

Around hips at fullest point, taking note of how far down from the waist that you are measuring.

Upper Bust

Measure above your breasts in the same manner as you measured across them.

Under Bust

Measure under your breasts in the same manner as you measured over them.

Nipple to Nipple

Measure the length from nipple to nipple.

Shoulder to Bust

Measure from the top of your shoulder down to your nipple of the same side.

Shoulder to Waist

Remember that point on your shoulder, and measure from there OVER your bust straight down to the ribbon on your waist.

Outer Leg

Measure from waist to floor WITH your shoes on.

Armseye

This measurement gives me the size of the sleeve hole that you are comfortable wearing. This measurement is entirely subjective and you can make it as deep or as tight as you are comfortable with.

Shoulder to Shoulder

Now from the edge of that shoulder socket, measure all the way over to the same point on the other shoulder along the back.

Neck

Around neck loosely. You will not need this one unless your garment has a high neck and/or collar.

Arm Length

Shoulder point to wrist arm bent.

Bicep

Around arm at fullest part of upper arm.

Upper Arm Length

Measure from outer shoulder down to elbow.

Armpit to Elbow

Measure from outer shoulder down to elbow.

Hollow to Hem

Measure from hollow to hem.

wedding newsletter

Here is the newsletter that I am including with save the date that I created. Information about the wedding is also included. I luv the out look of it.

Brides2Wives

This is yet another forum site that both brides and now a wives could simply go and chat and vent. There are many threads that were initiated from last year that is still alive and continously moderated and viewed by others.

I luv this site, the knot use to be my first luv. But the bullies luv to linger there and make the brides hopes and dream to be gloomed a bit.

Here is the site: brides2wives.com

The Line Up

I am so confused on how to set or form a line up from ceremony to the reception. And boy I am so glad to have found this one.

Wedding Ensamble: Lasso

Wedding lasso has significant meaning during the wedding ceremony. It basically signify uniting the couple for eternity, thus the figure of eight or lasso is for. I am sure that is there are more meaning to this than what I simply describe.

DIY:Toasting Flute

This is our toasting flute. I got this originally from walmart for $2.99 each. I am still conceptualizing the design that I will put on this one. Either I will put on my flute.

Wedding Ensamble

I am thinking of using this for a necklace with my dress



necklace were from velvetchocker