Love them!
Mark Ryan Photography
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Favors
We also took advantage of my "bridesmaid sweat shop" to assemble the favors. 
I bought the matchbooks on theknot.com while they were on sale. They were personalized with our names and wedding date, which were a great hit, but the actual matches were very poor quality. So, if you are just interested in the personalization for a great price, I would recommend ordering from theknot.com, but if you want quality matches, maybe not.
I bought the matchbooks on theknot.com while they were on sale. They were personalized with our names and wedding date, which were a great hit, but the actual matches were very poor quality. So, if you are just interested in the personalization for a great price, I would recommend ordering from theknot.com, but if you want quality matches, maybe not.I bought TONS of sparklers from the local fireworks warehouse and bought the yellow raffia at Michaels.
I had the sparkers in a big basket by the entrance to the tent, but very few people actually notice them there. I think it would have worked better if I had put them on each quest table, one set at each seat.
Wedding Programs
The week before the wedding, my bridesmaids and I set up a little sweat shop to finish stuff for the wedding. I am so excited about how the programs turned out. I didn't have any photos to post, so I contacted my mom back in Missouri and she took these great photos. Shouldn't she get a job doing product presentation?
For the cover, I used 8.5 x 11 blazer blue cardstock, folded in half, and leftover yellow cardstock, leftover blue cardstock, and a printed graphic to create a layered "monogram." Once the inner page was put in, we wrapped the whole thing with yellow raffia.
The front of the inner paper.
The inside of the inner page, with all ceremony and bridal party info.
The back of the inner page, with family info and our address.
For the cover, I used 8.5 x 11 blazer blue cardstock, folded in half, and leftover yellow cardstock, leftover blue cardstock, and a printed graphic to create a layered "monogram." Once the inner page was put in, we wrapped the whole thing with yellow raffia. The front of the inner paper. The inside of the inner page, with all ceremony and bridal party info.The back of the inner page, with family info and our address.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
New Blog!
I have my newlywed blog set up!
The Ever Changing Life of a Military Wife
As of now, there are no posts. But you can see a NEW picture of Jake and me, with my "newlywed" haircut! Be sure to click to become a follower so you can keep up with our adventures in Italy!
The Ever Changing Life of a Military Wife
As of now, there are no posts. But you can see a NEW picture of Jake and me, with my "newlywed" haircut! Be sure to click to become a follower so you can keep up with our adventures in Italy!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Non-Pro Wedding Pics - Getting Ready
Our friend Katie used my camera on the day of the wedding to get some pictures. Here are some of my favorites. from before the wedding.
The groom and his groomsmen, all ready to go.
The girls getting ready.
Jake pinning the corsage on his mom.
The girls still getting ready.
The groom and his groomsmen, all ready to go. The girls getting ready. Jake pinning the corsage on his mom.The girls still getting ready.
More Party!
The week before the wedding, we threw a baby shower for my sister. It was lots of fun and she got lots of great stuff!
Two of our nieces and the beautiful mom to be!
Opening presents
Me, Susie, Mom, Alex, & Hilary, and Rylee & Andie in front
Two of our nieces and the beautiful mom to be!Opening presentsMe, Susie, Mom, Alex, & Hilary, and Rylee & Andie in front
Friday, July 17, 2009
Party!
I loved my bachelorette party! It was a week before the wedding, so almost a month ago, but I'm finally getting around to posting the pictures!
opening presents
my sister and me
opening presents
my sister and me
It's been awhile!
It's been a LONG time since I updated the blog! A LOT has happened in that time! I got married and I moved to Italy! Two HUGE life changes within a week of each other. I have to say, I LOVE both changes!
Married life is the best! BEST! (I know I'm using a lot of caps, but I'm just very happy and excited to share it!) I think Jake is even happier than I am. Everytime he goes to Missouri to visit, he dreads coming back to Italy. Not only does he have to sit on a plane for 10+ hours, but he has to go home to an empty apartment. Well, this time I came back to Italy with him. He doesn't really wear his heart on his sleeve, but I can tell he is really happy to have me here with him. Wow that sounds kind of conceited, but it's true. I feel the same way though. I'm so happy to wake up next to him, and even just to get to see him everyday!!
I just realized I'm getting way to deep into the whole newlywed feelings and this is technically a "wedding blog" I do plan to make a "newlywed blog" to start sharing some of my (I mean our!) adventures. I just don't want to create it until I think of a really cute title for my newlywed blog. Any ideas? Nothing I come up with is quite creative enough!
I will still post on this blog, until I get rid of all of the wedding planning photos I still have stored in my camera. And of course, expect some actual wedding photos as well! But when I create my newlywed blog, I'll post that link on here.
Married life is the best! BEST! (I know I'm using a lot of caps, but I'm just very happy and excited to share it!) I think Jake is even happier than I am. Everytime he goes to Missouri to visit, he dreads coming back to Italy. Not only does he have to sit on a plane for 10+ hours, but he has to go home to an empty apartment. Well, this time I came back to Italy with him. He doesn't really wear his heart on his sleeve, but I can tell he is really happy to have me here with him. Wow that sounds kind of conceited, but it's true. I feel the same way though. I'm so happy to wake up next to him, and even just to get to see him everyday!!
I just realized I'm getting way to deep into the whole newlywed feelings and this is technically a "wedding blog" I do plan to make a "newlywed blog" to start sharing some of my (I mean our!) adventures. I just don't want to create it until I think of a really cute title for my newlywed blog. Any ideas? Nothing I come up with is quite creative enough!
I will still post on this blog, until I get rid of all of the wedding planning photos I still have stored in my camera. And of course, expect some actual wedding photos as well! But when I create my newlywed blog, I'll post that link on here.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
I'm back!
Yes, I've been MIA. My internet was turned off on the Friday before Jake got home, I guess it was the 19th. I've moved out of the apartment and am now staying with my parents, so I'll have access to the computer again. Hopefully, if I'm not overwhelmed with wedding projects, I'll finally have a chance to put some updates on here!
As for me, I don't think it has quite hit me yet that my wedding is in 4 days!
Everyone asks me if I'm nervous. Yes, I'm nervous about standing in front of a hundred people, but no, I'm not nervous about the marriage. I wish I could just jump to 2:00 on Saturday, have a great time, then move on. The wedding planning is starting to get old.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Shred Level 3
I HATE Level 2 of the Shred. I was going to do each level for about 15 days, but I hate level 2 so much, that I moved on the Level 3 today. It is so much better! Still hard, but it doesn't make me sick. I did almost all of the exercises with the modifications because my leg has been aching lately. I broke my fibula in a cheerleading stunt gone wrong while I was in college, and it hurts after I do a lot of high impact moves. So I do the modified versions for less impact, but I figure at least I'm still moving!
From my experience, it seems like Level 1 really worked my thighs, Level 2 really worked my biceps, and Level 3 really worked my abs. I like the extra ab workout, but I miss how firm my legs would be at the end of doing Level 1. I'm considering doing Level 1 first thing each morning, then doing Level 3 in the afternoons. It sounds a little crazy, but Level 1 should be a breeze for me now, I just want that extra leg work so my thighs won't be so jiggly. Too much information?
From my experience, it seems like Level 1 really worked my thighs, Level 2 really worked my biceps, and Level 3 really worked my abs. I like the extra ab workout, but I miss how firm my legs would be at the end of doing Level 1. I'm considering doing Level 1 first thing each morning, then doing Level 3 in the afternoons. It sounds a little crazy, but Level 1 should be a breeze for me now, I just want that extra leg work so my thighs won't be so jiggly. Too much information?
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
'Tie' the Knot
I ordered the ties for the groomsmen and ushers. The groomsmen will be wearing dark gray suits and light blue shirts with navy paisley ties:
The ushers will be wearing khaki pants and light blue shirts with yellow paisley ties:
The ushers will be wearing khaki pants and light blue shirts with yellow paisley ties:
Sweet Treat
I decided on the cake a long time ago, but I'm pretty sure I never actually made a post about it. Here it is!
Lots of Random Checks!
I got quite a few random wedding checks done this week!
- Ordered the port-a-potties: 1 regular and 1 handicapped for $225
- Finished a mockup of the program cover and bought all of the cardstock needed: <$30
- Dropped off program monogram and cardstock at my printer to be printed and cut: should be done on Monday
- Bought sparklers for favors: <$25
- Bought fireworks for reception: $101, but I bought them at the fireworks stand where I used to work, so the owner threw in a bunch of extras, so I probably ended up with $200 worth of stuff!
- Reserved kegs for the reception: a 1/2 barrel of Bud Light, and a 1/4 keg of Coors Light for Jake!
- Bought all supplies needed for photo guest book: <$20
- Ordered the port-a-potties: 1 regular and 1 handicapped for $225
- Finished a mockup of the program cover and bought all of the cardstock needed: <$30
- Dropped off program monogram and cardstock at my printer to be printed and cut: should be done on Monday
- Bought sparklers for favors: <$25
- Bought fireworks for reception: $101, but I bought them at the fireworks stand where I used to work, so the owner threw in a bunch of extras, so I probably ended up with $200 worth of stuff!
- Reserved kegs for the reception: a 1/2 barrel of Bud Light, and a 1/4 keg of Coors Light for Jake!
- Bought all supplies needed for photo guest book: <$20
Friday, June 12, 2009
Memory Frame
I wanted some way to honor Jake's dad at the wedding. I saw this in a magazine and thought it would be perfect to use as my inspiration to DIY.
I found a nice wooden frame at Micheal's already with a mat for two 4x6 openings. It was $29.99, a little more than I wanted to spend, but I figured we could display this in our home after the wedding, so I decided it was worth it, but when I went to the checkout, it turns out it was on sale for $16.99! I know the color is off, but I had to turn of the flash so the glass wouldn't have a glare.
A little closer.
The right side says :
In Loving Memory
'his military rank'
'his full name'
Retired US Air Force
Those we LOVE are never far,
they are with us always
in our HEARTS.
I'm thinking I might display this by the guest book at the ceremony and reception.
I found a nice wooden frame at Micheal's already with a mat for two 4x6 openings. It was $29.99, a little more than I wanted to spend, but I figured we could display this in our home after the wedding, so I decided it was worth it, but when I went to the checkout, it turns out it was on sale for $16.99! I know the color is off, but I had to turn of the flash so the glass wouldn't have a glare.
A little closer.
The right side says :In Loving Memory
'his military rank'
'his full name'
Retired US Air Force
Those we LOVE are never far,
they are with us always
in our HEARTS.
I'm thinking I might display this by the guest book at the ceremony and reception.
No excuses for getting lost now!
I made some big, bold signs for the reception. Now no one will have an excuse for getting lost!
I used white foam core board from Walmart, and blue cardstock cut with a cricut cutting machine. It belongs to my mom's friend, and I'm just borrowing it before the wedding, but I SO want one!
Right on the highway, I'll put the biggest sign. This one is about 2'x3' Big enough that no one should miss it!
Then, once they get off the highway, there are a couple of forks in the road, so I have these smaller signs to put at both of those spots. Each one will be about 1'x2' As you can see I have room to make one more, so I guess I'll put one at the bottom of the driveway also.
I used white foam core board from Walmart, and blue cardstock cut with a cricut cutting machine. It belongs to my mom's friend, and I'm just borrowing it before the wedding, but I SO want one!
Right on the highway, I'll put the biggest sign. This one is about 2'x3' Big enough that no one should miss it!
Then, once they get off the highway, there are a couple of forks in the road, so I have these smaller signs to put at both of those spots. Each one will be about 1'x2' As you can see I have room to make one more, so I guess I'll put one at the bottom of the driveway also.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Don't rest your head on this pillow!
Mom and I made the ring bearer pillow today. As she says, we make a good team. I come up with the ideas, and she makes them.
Here was my original inspiration, taken from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine. Just a plain pillow with a handkerchief wrapped around so that all 4 corners meet in the middle of the top.
We started out with a lace hanky 
and some navy blue silk fabric (yes it has a weird "sea creature" print, but once the lace covers it, it looks fine)
Mama doing her thing. I'll admit, all I did was iron the hanky.
And the final product. I love the contrast of the navy and white!
Here was my original inspiration, taken from Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine. Just a plain pillow with a handkerchief wrapped around so that all 4 corners meet in the middle of the top.
We started out with a lace hanky 
and some navy blue silk fabric (yes it has a weird "sea creature" print, but once the lace covers it, it looks fine)
Mama doing her thing. I'll admit, all I did was iron the hanky.
And the final product. I love the contrast of the navy and white!
BLAH!
The Shred Level 2 makes me sick. Literally. I just finished day 4 of Level 2, and I feel like I'm going to throw up. Maybe that's how people lose so much weight doing the DVD. Blah.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Weight Loss Day 17
I just finished my third day of Level 2. It is still very hard, but not as hard as it was on Monday! The strength in Level 2 is a lot harder on my arms. There's one part in the DVD when Jillian says, "your arms should be burning" and I yell at the TV, "THEY ARE!"
I don't feel like my midsection is getting any smaller (but I guess that can be blamed on my poor diet) but my legs are so much stronger! I'm excited I'm wearing a knee length dress for the reception, so I can show off my buff calves! My arms feel strong, but I don't think they are getting any smaller. I just have to keep telling myself, I'm not even halfway through. I have 23 more workouts before the wedding day, and those can make a lot of difference!
Still no soda, and I've cut down on the iced tea also (honestly, I ran out and just haven't made anymore yet!) I've been drinking about 3 bottles of water each day and a big glass of milk with dinner. I know I still should drink more water, but I just drink when I'm thirsty. I've been having healthy snacks, like carrots and sherbet (instead of ice cream), but my meals are not the most healthy. I like pizza.
I weigh and measure again on Saturday, so maybe I'll have a few salads between now and then.
I don't feel like my midsection is getting any smaller (but I guess that can be blamed on my poor diet) but my legs are so much stronger! I'm excited I'm wearing a knee length dress for the reception, so I can show off my buff calves! My arms feel strong, but I don't think they are getting any smaller. I just have to keep telling myself, I'm not even halfway through. I have 23 more workouts before the wedding day, and those can make a lot of difference!
Still no soda, and I've cut down on the iced tea also (honestly, I ran out and just haven't made anymore yet!) I've been drinking about 3 bottles of water each day and a big glass of milk with dinner. I know I still should drink more water, but I just drink when I'm thirsty. I've been having healthy snacks, like carrots and sherbet (instead of ice cream), but my meals are not the most healthy. I like pizza.
I weigh and measure again on Saturday, so maybe I'll have a few salads between now and then.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Ceremony Music
I have finalized the ceremony music with my pianist! I wanted to keep everything very classic, so the guests would really get that "wedding feel" and I think the music really sets the mood.
Entrance of the bridal party: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
Entrance of the bride: Canon in D - Pachelbel
Recessional (same my parents had at their wedding): Ode to Joy - Beethoven
Prelude and Postlude: other classical music selections
My countdown says I have 26 days until the wedding, and Jake will be home 2 weeks from today!
Entrance of the bridal party: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
Entrance of the bride: Canon in D - Pachelbel
Recessional (same my parents had at their wedding): Ode to Joy - Beethoven
Prelude and Postlude: other classical music selections
My countdown says I have 26 days until the wedding, and Jake will be home 2 weeks from today!
Shred Level 2
So, I can no longer say that I haven't skipped any days. But I honestly don't feel too bad about it.
I've been away from home since Friday, I stayed with my parents Friday night, and I had forgotten my Shred DVD, so that night I did Level 1 workout from memory. I did have a few breaks when I was trying to remember what came next, but since I didn't have a timer, I probably actually did a little more than I would have with the DVD.
Saturday, I spent the whole day helping Shannon (one of my bridemaids) and her fiance, Luke, paint their new house. We worked all day, and didn't get back to her apartment until after 10. I figured I had done a workout using the roller and painting trim with my arms up above my head all day, so I decided it would be ok to skip one day. My arms were definitly sore when I woke up on Sunday, so I still got an arm workout!
Sunday, I spent the day painting again, but did do Level 1 when I got home, well, after I watched the Season 3 Premier of ARMY WIVES of course!
Today, I finally tried Level 2. Oh My Goodness! I thought Level 1 was hard...Level 2 is so much more hard! I'll admit, I took a lot of breaks, but I stuck with her recommendation and never rested for more than 5 seconds. Level 1 seems like a breeze now. I had finally gotten to a point where Level 1 seemed so easy that I didn't feel like I was getting anything out of it, and I really wondered how I was going to continue to lose weight, but now I see, the level of intensity is up, so I hope to notice the weight loss again!
I've been away from home since Friday, I stayed with my parents Friday night, and I had forgotten my Shred DVD, so that night I did Level 1 workout from memory. I did have a few breaks when I was trying to remember what came next, but since I didn't have a timer, I probably actually did a little more than I would have with the DVD.
Saturday, I spent the whole day helping Shannon (one of my bridemaids) and her fiance, Luke, paint their new house. We worked all day, and didn't get back to her apartment until after 10. I figured I had done a workout using the roller and painting trim with my arms up above my head all day, so I decided it would be ok to skip one day. My arms were definitly sore when I woke up on Sunday, so I still got an arm workout!
Sunday, I spent the day painting again, but did do Level 1 when I got home, well, after I watched the Season 3 Premier of ARMY WIVES of course!
Today, I finally tried Level 2. Oh My Goodness! I thought Level 1 was hard...Level 2 is so much more hard! I'll admit, I took a lot of breaks, but I stuck with her recommendation and never rested for more than 5 seconds. Level 1 seems like a breeze now. I had finally gotten to a point where Level 1 seemed so easy that I didn't feel like I was getting anything out of it, and I really wondered how I was going to continue to lose weight, but now I see, the level of intensity is up, so I hope to notice the weight loss again!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Bouquets
My mom and I met with the "florist" on Wednesday. She is not technically a florist, but she is one of my mom's friends, and actually was one of my mom's students in her floral design class years ago. My original thought was that my mom would do the flowers, but we decided she probably doesn't need that stress on the week of her daughters wedding, so Tamylia agreed to do them for us! More free labor!
This is the picture I gave her, for my bouquet as well as the bridesmaids' bouquets. I just don't want the red berry looking stuff. I like the color and size of the sunflowers, and I like the amount of greenery.
I also gave her a photo of a daisy wreath. I had cut it from the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and can't find it online, but the website did have a photo of the wreath from farther, not as close up. But you get the idea. I want two daisy wreaths for the church doors. The first thing that greets the guests!
This is the picture I gave her, for my bouquet as well as the bridesmaids' bouquets. I just don't want the red berry looking stuff. I like the color and size of the sunflowers, and I like the amount of greenery.
I also gave her a photo of a daisy wreath. I had cut it from the Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and can't find it online, but the website did have a photo of the wreath from farther, not as close up. But you get the idea. I want two daisy wreaths for the church doors. The first thing that greets the guests!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Still going strong! And getting stronger!
I spent a good portion of the day at my parent's farm, helping my mom plant tomatoes and peppers (she planted 20 different types of tomatoes, but I won't be here to enjoy the fruits of that labor!) and LOTS of sunflowers that will hopefully have nice full blooms by the time we have the reception there. She started the sunflowers in her greenhouse, so hopefully that got them enough of a "head start" to be pretty in early July this year instead of August like they were last year.
On a completely non wedding related note, my parents finally broke ground on their house today! I even set up a farm blog for my mom to show the progress on the house and farm!
Because of being out in the sun all day and bending up and down, up and down, up and down to bury plants, I was SO tempted to not do the "30 Day Shred" DVD tonight. But I DID IT! My endurance was pretty good. The only thing that bothered me was a blister that I formed on my foot from wearing garden clogs all day.
So, today was day 12 for the Shred, and I STILL haven't skipped any days. I am so proud and actually surprised about my persistence with this! Tomorrow, I will be switching to Level 2. I'm pretty scared about that. But, I have to bump up the intensity if I want to continue losing weight and inches!
I'm so tired, and I think I'm going to sleep really well tonight!
On a completely non wedding related note, my parents finally broke ground on their house today! I even set up a farm blog for my mom to show the progress on the house and farm!
Because of being out in the sun all day and bending up and down, up and down, up and down to bury plants, I was SO tempted to not do the "30 Day Shred" DVD tonight. But I DID IT! My endurance was pretty good. The only thing that bothered me was a blister that I formed on my foot from wearing garden clogs all day.
So, today was day 12 for the Shred, and I STILL haven't skipped any days. I am so proud and actually surprised about my persistence with this! Tomorrow, I will be switching to Level 2. I'm pretty scared about that. But, I have to bump up the intensity if I want to continue losing weight and inches!
I'm so tired, and I think I'm going to sleep really well tonight!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New Suits
The suits at Men's Warehouse ended up being WAY more expensive than we expected. We kind of rushed into picking a suit because I wanted to get it done while Jake was home in March. Luckily, Travis found a similar suit at JCPenny and was able to get a great deal while it was on sale.
So, here is the updated suit:
Stafford® Performance Gray Stripe 3 Button Coat & Pleated Pant
They each got the full suit, as well as a light blue shirt for less than $200!
FYI: 32 days until the wedding and 20 days until Jake and my sister are home!
So, here is the updated suit:
Stafford® Performance Gray Stripe 3 Button Coat & Pleated Pant
They each got the full suit, as well as a light blue shirt for less than $200!
FYI: 32 days until the wedding and 20 days until Jake and my sister are home!
Shred Update
I'm still going strong with the 30 Day Shred! I still haven't skipped any days. When I work out today after lunch, that will be day 10!
I wasn't planning to weigh until day 30, but that just seems like overkill, so I weighed today, and I'll plan to weight again at day 20, then day 30. I'm pretty happy with the results! With the weight loss, I was really hoping for a big number, but realistically, the amount I lost is great! The inches I lost though, seem AMAZING! I was so excited when I measured my waist!
Here are the stats:
Before ---> Now
arm: 12 in ---> 11.5 in
thigh: 22 in ---> 21.5 in
bust: 35 in ---> 35 in
waist: 30 in ---> 28 in!!!!!
tummy: 37 in ---> 35 in
hips: 36 in ---> 36 in
weight: 150.5 lbs ---> 147.5 lbs
3 lbs and 5 total inches lost!
The difference in the waist is amazing! I would have thought that would have been one of the hardest spots to lose. Let's hope my tummy keeps shrinking!
I'm unsure about my arm and thigh. It's hard to know if I measured at the same spot I did the last time I measured. I tried to hit about halfway for both, but who knows if it's accurate.
I have not mixed in the extra cardio yet, so if I can just get myself to the gym, that should help speed up the weight loss too.
I wasn't planning to weigh until day 30, but that just seems like overkill, so I weighed today, and I'll plan to weight again at day 20, then day 30. I'm pretty happy with the results! With the weight loss, I was really hoping for a big number, but realistically, the amount I lost is great! The inches I lost though, seem AMAZING! I was so excited when I measured my waist!
Here are the stats:
Before ---> Now
arm: 12 in ---> 11.5 in
thigh: 22 in ---> 21.5 in
bust: 35 in ---> 35 in
waist: 30 in ---> 28 in!!!!!
tummy: 37 in ---> 35 in
hips: 36 in ---> 36 in
weight: 150.5 lbs ---> 147.5 lbs
3 lbs and 5 total inches lost!
The difference in the waist is amazing! I would have thought that would have been one of the hardest spots to lose. Let's hope my tummy keeps shrinking!
I'm unsure about my arm and thigh. It's hard to know if I measured at the same spot I did the last time I measured. I tried to hit about halfway for both, but who knows if it's accurate.
I have not mixed in the extra cardio yet, so if I can just get myself to the gym, that should help speed up the weight loss too.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Shred
So, I have less than 6 weeks until the wedding, and haven't lost any of the 15 pounds I planned to lose a year ago. Woops! I should have known I would put it off until last minute!
On Sunday, I started on The 30 Day Shred DVD. It is REALLY hard! Seriously! I'm sore...but not sore enough to skip a day, I've done all three days so far. And with only 38 days left before the wedding, I'm definitely motivated to do the video every day, no skipping, and I may just do extra when the 30 days is up. Typical results are to lose 5-10 pounds, and I'm planning to do extra cardio at the gym every other day, which will hopefully put me closer to losing about 10 pounds. But, I'm realistic, I know that even if I don't drop that many pounds, at least I will be much more toned!
I also got another DVD called No More Trouble Zones for specific areas like arms and belly, but I'm not going to start on that until my initial Shred soreness goes away. Ideally, by next week I'll have a nice schedule of Shred DVD everyday, with gym cardio and Zone DVD alternating days. And I'll get back into Beginning Yoga class on Mondays, and if I start feeling buff, maybe the harder Thursday Yoga class also.
I also gave up soda. I give up soda every few months, but I always end up giving myself "exceptions" like if I'm at a restaraunt that happens to serve Pepsi products, I would order one, or if I had to stay after school with a student, I would get one from the vending machine, or if I had to drive to Union or St. Louis, I would get one to drink in the car. But, now NO EXCEPTIONS! Absolutely NO SODA! So, I'm drinking a lot of tea, but unsweetened. I need to get more water in, all the caffeine is really messing up my sleep schedule, which you can see with the time I am posting this.
Well, to keep track of my progress, I weighed and measured myself on Sunday, and I'm going to TRY to not weigh myself until 30 days into the program. I have the scale right next to my shower, so I usually check it EVERY morning before stepping in the shower, but I need to go tuck the scale away in the laundry room so I'm not tempted to check. (OK, just did it, it's now under the drying rack, so I would have to make an effort to pull it out to step on it)
Here are the "before" stats: (I also took a swimsuit before photo but am NOT sharing that online!)
arm: 12 in
thigh: 22 in
bust: 35 in
waist: 30 in
tummy (the pooch): 37
hips: 36
weight: 150.5 lbs
I've always considered my thighs un-proportionally large compared to the rest of my body, so I'm used to them by now. I assume that building muscle will only make them bigger, so my thighs are really not a priority.
What I am really ashamed about is that my tummy pooch is larger than my hips! Seriously! The tummy is what I want to lose the most, and hopefully should be the easiest to lose.
Alright, if you read this whole thing, you now have to keep me accountable. Ask me if I'm doing the shred everyday, keep me in check! You have my permission to get mean if I start to slip.
By the way: 38 days until the wedding and 26 days until I see Jake & my sister & brother-in-law (they all get to Missouri on the same day!)
On Sunday, I started on The 30 Day Shred DVD. It is REALLY hard! Seriously! I'm sore...but not sore enough to skip a day, I've done all three days so far. And with only 38 days left before the wedding, I'm definitely motivated to do the video every day, no skipping, and I may just do extra when the 30 days is up. Typical results are to lose 5-10 pounds, and I'm planning to do extra cardio at the gym every other day, which will hopefully put me closer to losing about 10 pounds. But, I'm realistic, I know that even if I don't drop that many pounds, at least I will be much more toned!
I also got another DVD called No More Trouble Zones for specific areas like arms and belly, but I'm not going to start on that until my initial Shred soreness goes away. Ideally, by next week I'll have a nice schedule of Shred DVD everyday, with gym cardio and Zone DVD alternating days. And I'll get back into Beginning Yoga class on Mondays, and if I start feeling buff, maybe the harder Thursday Yoga class also.
I also gave up soda. I give up soda every few months, but I always end up giving myself "exceptions" like if I'm at a restaraunt that happens to serve Pepsi products, I would order one, or if I had to stay after school with a student, I would get one from the vending machine, or if I had to drive to Union or St. Louis, I would get one to drink in the car. But, now NO EXCEPTIONS! Absolutely NO SODA! So, I'm drinking a lot of tea, but unsweetened. I need to get more water in, all the caffeine is really messing up my sleep schedule, which you can see with the time I am posting this.
Well, to keep track of my progress, I weighed and measured myself on Sunday, and I'm going to TRY to not weigh myself until 30 days into the program. I have the scale right next to my shower, so I usually check it EVERY morning before stepping in the shower, but I need to go tuck the scale away in the laundry room so I'm not tempted to check. (OK, just did it, it's now under the drying rack, so I would have to make an effort to pull it out to step on it)
Here are the "before" stats: (I also took a swimsuit before photo but am NOT sharing that online!)
arm: 12 in
thigh: 22 in
bust: 35 in
waist: 30 in
tummy (the pooch): 37
hips: 36
weight: 150.5 lbs
I've always considered my thighs un-proportionally large compared to the rest of my body, so I'm used to them by now. I assume that building muscle will only make them bigger, so my thighs are really not a priority.
What I am really ashamed about is that my tummy pooch is larger than my hips! Seriously! The tummy is what I want to lose the most, and hopefully should be the easiest to lose.
Alright, if you read this whole thing, you now have to keep me accountable. Ask me if I'm doing the shred everyday, keep me in check! You have my permission to get mean if I start to slip.
By the way: 38 days until the wedding and 26 days until I see Jake & my sister & brother-in-law (they all get to Missouri on the same day!)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Blue Suede Shoes
Last year I bought some shoes to wear under my gown. Here is my original post about the shoes.
When the shoes arrived, I tried to wear them around my apartment, I even planned to wear them on New Year's Eve to break them in. Well, the shoes were definitely worth what I paid for them! They cost $17, and they were horrible quality! They fit right, but they slipped right off my heels. I guess I should have expected bad quality for how cheap they were.
So...I bought new shoes and they are so nice! I've been wearing them around the apartment to break them in and I haven't had any blisters or pain at all! And Jake says he loves the color!
By the way: 42 days until Jake is here & 54 days until the wedding!
When the shoes arrived, I tried to wear them around my apartment, I even planned to wear them on New Year's Eve to break them in. Well, the shoes were definitely worth what I paid for them! They cost $17, and they were horrible quality! They fit right, but they slipped right off my heels. I guess I should have expected bad quality for how cheap they were.
So...I bought new shoes and they are so nice! I've been wearing them around the apartment to break them in and I haven't had any blisters or pain at all! And Jake says he loves the color!
By the way: 42 days until Jake is here & 54 days until the wedding!
Getting Hairy!
As the wedding date gets closer and closer, I have been moving alot of things from my "DIY list" to my "To Buy list!"
I'm starting to realize that I just don't have the time or patience to DIY as many things as I originally hoped to! Especially the things that I can actually buy for cheaper than it would cost me to make, such as a hairpiece.
I found great ones at etsy.com, seriously my FAVORITE website!
I got sunflowers for our nieces, who will be the flowergirls/ring bearess/program hander-outer.
I also found a great one for my hair from etsy.com.
The original hairdo photo that I have keep during this whole year of planning actually has this exact hairpiece! When I saw the photo on the etsy website, I realized that this hairdo that I have been wanting all year is a photo of a manequin! Seriously, fake hair! But...I still like the hairdo!
I'm starting to realize that I just don't have the time or patience to DIY as many things as I originally hoped to! Especially the things that I can actually buy for cheaper than it would cost me to make, such as a hairpiece.
I found great ones at etsy.com, seriously my FAVORITE website!
I got sunflowers for our nieces, who will be the flowergirls/ring bearess/program hander-outer.
I also found a great one for my hair from etsy.com.
The original hairdo photo that I have keep during this whole year of planning actually has this exact hairpiece! When I saw the photo on the etsy website, I realized that this hairdo that I have been wanting all year is a photo of a manequin! Seriously, fake hair! But...I still like the hairdo!
Goodbye Invites!
I took my invites to the post office on Friday. It was more complicated than I expected. We had some flash flooding that day and the first 5 routes I took had water flowing over the road. I finally made it there, by going to the neighboring town and coming from the opposite direction.
Check it out: 100 invites!
Once I finally made it to the post office, I said goodbye to the invites. I expect most people will get theirs today or tomorrow. I can't wait to start getting RSVPs back!
Check it out: 100 invites!
Once I finally made it to the post office, I said goodbye to the invites. I expect most people will get theirs today or tomorrow. I can't wait to start getting RSVPs back!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Invitation Design
I originally designed this invite last summer. I loved the idea of having a big bright sunflower somewhere on the invite, and by just using part of the sunflower, I think it makes the invite look really modern. My design has changed a little bit. I found a prettier sunflower a few weeks ago, but the yellow was just a little too light, so I had the printer darken it just a little, too make it more of a golden yellow.
Here is my final design, if it looks a little funky (especially the map) it's because I took out all last names, city names, and highway numbers to be internet safe.
Here is my final design, if it looks a little funky (especially the map) it's because I took out all last names, city names, and highway numbers to be internet safe.
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