Fun Project #1: Save the Dates!

As I keep finding more and more ideas for what to do with my Save the Dates, I'm almost overwhelmed. I have a general idea of what I want and I want to stay focused on the vision that I have. It's hard to feel unique when you see your idea translated and created by another bride. I'm so thankful, though, for all the of the wonderful resources online that brides have been sharing since the blog boom.

I love the idea of magnets, so your guests will have a constant reminder on their fridge of the upcoming nuptials. I also like the idea of including stickers for guests to mark in their other calendars. This may seem like overkill at times, but I think that if you send a Save the Date to someone and then an invitation, they have absolutely no excuse not to know when your wedding is. I would hope that this would cut out the "Oh I didn't knows" or "You should have told me sooner" or "I wish I knew ahead of time". That's the whole point of a Save the Date, right, to SAVE THE DATE.

Here's some inspiration from Melissa Jill, a Scottsdale-based photographer, who has a new line of Save the Date Cards:



Here is what I have come up with. I'm planning on maybe using these as the magnets and including another insert with information for our out of town guests. It's so hard to decide on just one idea, that I want to include everything! These are preliminary designs, with some others on the way.




Awesome engagement photos by our rad-tastic photographer, Travis Hoehne!

The Happy Hooker...

No, not me. It's my book by the Stitch 'n Bitch series. Only instead of knitting it's crocheting.

I'm not coordinated enough to knit. Actually, I think using the knitting needles gives me tinges of carpal tunnel. Anyway, I know some people who create fantastic things on their needles - Bethro and Jess. I found my calling in crochet. I find it much easier to wield a single hook than trying to manipulate two sticks. Plus, I have a tendency to pull things too tight, and thus enabling the carpal tunnel syndrome to creep up.

I've been practicing different stitches in crochet, and I'm finally getting the hang of it. Over the Christmas season, I cranked out 4 blankets -- two with the same pattern, but different colors, one with thick yarn, and another using 3 different shades of chenille yarn. The first three are keeping me warm until the Spring hits and I'm no longer freezing. The fourth blanket I sent to Italy to keep my best bud Maggie warm. That one took a lot of work and a lot of yarn. I will post the picture up once I find it.

My sister was the one who inspired me to try crochet. I think it was two winters ago when she started on a crochet project. Being bored and unemployed at the time, I thought, "Why not?" So I bought my own crochet hooks and some yarn. She had to teach me how to do the stitches at first, but after probably five or six tries, I finally got the hang of it. I produced a bunch of scarves that winter. I'm still trying to reproduce the pattern without buying the accompanying yarn! No luck yet.

I also find it very therapeutic after a long day of dealing with paperwork, people, and patience. It keeps my dexterity in check and also, in a way, prevents me from stuffing my face with junk since my hands are busy. My sister gave me The Happy Hooker by Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet for Christmas. There are some projects that look fun and challenging. Plus, who doesn't want to be an honest Happy Hooker?

Future house warming

Part of me can't wait until I have a house. I can't wait to decorate. I can't wait to own all the cool stuff. I can't wait to make it my own. It's a sign of independence. It's a sign of "making it".

I've always had an affinity for decorating and makeover shows on HGTV, TLC, and the Style Network. I've scraped ceilings, refinished floors, painted walls, and applied finishes. I love house projects because after all the sweat and hard work, it's well worth all the effort, usually. And yet, after it all, these things have never really been mine. Projects for the family house or a friend. I'm waiting for when I do a project for my own nest.

I also want to beef up my cooking skills and throw fabulous dinner parties. Not in the Emily Gilmore style, but more in the Hostess with the Mostess fashion. I love the blog! I pore over magazines that give party, decoration, and theme suggestions. I think, "I could totally do that!" I just need a place to throw it. And money. Alas, it will come someday.

Mission: hone cooking skills and save for a house!

ARK

Acts of Random Kindness.

I watched Evan Almighty this evening, and if there's anything that I took away from it it's ARK - "acts of random kindness". The opportunity to bring families closer together. The chance to spread some cheer into a person's life. The possibility of being courageous in the face of adversity. Who would have thought that all of that deep thought could have been drawn from Steve Carrell.

I've been in big "reflection mode" especially as the year quickly comes to a close. I have several resolutions, many included in my 101 in 1001, and I really plan on making good on my goals. There's talk and there's action. I want to take the action stance. My goals are of the personal, professional, and social varieties. 2008 is going to be a big year of changes and improvements. I can feel it. I can taste it.

My biggest social goal - as in helping the community type of social - is to work on a Habitat for Humanity Project or something similar. I participated in the Family Giving Tree program at work, and it felt great to be able to help kids who wouldn't normally even get a Christmas gift. I'd like to continue on the road of acts of random kindness.

As for my professional goals, I plan on seeking opportunities to advance my career, internally and externally. I like my manager and enjoy my coworkers, but they can't hold back my progress. I definitely feel like it's time for some growth in responsibility. And satisfaction. And pay.

Finally, as one of my more personal goals, I'm really going to work on talking to my parents about life-changing events. I've been making strides and it's become more comfortable talking about my boyfriend. It's no longer the awkward, "yeah, you know *cough* boyfriend *cough*" and "I'm going to *cough* visit *cough* him this weekend". I think a mutual respect and understanding has been established. Now I'll have to see what their "serious conversation" threshold is. This is the big one.

Give a little. Get a little. Give a little more.

I enjoy crafty things

I never thought I'd admit how much I enjoy Martha Stewart's ideas. But this is now the second time I have in this blog. I have to admit, she's got some good ideas. Things that make me think "wow, now that's a great idea!". I'm not sure what to call this. Marthastewartideaitis?

I'm not quite at the point of crafting up the wazoo every evening, trying out every idea or recipe I see. However, I have been in the middle of quite a few projects. Over the last few weeks, I've completed 3-4 crochet projects, purchased fabric to make a quilt, and decoupaged. It's just so much fun. And I can't wait to do more. If money and time were no object, I would need a bigger space to live in for sure.

I'm hoping that with all the ideas that I've gathered and saved on the handy-dandy Martha Stewart website, as well as daily/weekly perusals of WeddingBee, Blue Orchid Designs, and TheKnot, that I will be able to plan a great budget wedding. I know I shouldn't even be thinking about that yet, but, hey, a girl can dream about it. It's my prerogative. I'm not yet a full-fledged DIY gal, but I've done enough home improvement and mini craft projects, that the transition should be a snap.

I guess I'm just really worried about how much it will cost to pull off a wedding. I've seen those shows on WE -- Bridezillas, Rich Bride Poor Bride, Platinum Weddings, etc. The fact that there are a lot of sources that claim that you can't have a wedding for less than $10K seems ludicrous, but at the same time perfectly believable. What with the price of a gallon of gas? I'm persevering towards a budget of that $10K or less. I guess I will cross that bridge when I get there.