TMW

Jun152010

June 15 TMW Post

Tweet: Plain water bottles would be appreciated as much as customized, right? #wedding #favors http://twitpic.com/1vkz23

For those that have been keeping track, I’ve been wanting to do personalized water bottles as favors for our Vegas guests. Personalized as in some design I would create. But even with the 20% off coupons I’ve got for DiscountMugs, with art work it’s figuring to be about $8 each bottle once all is said and done. During an errands run to Big Lots, I spotted orange and blue aluminum water bottles (amongst other colors) for $4 a pop! Sure, they’re not personalized, but do people really care? I may just snatch them up, make cute “thanks for coming” tags and call it a day.

I’m contemplating getting the $0.90 tote bags from CheapTotes and stuffing them with goodies including the bottles. My main issue now is how the heck do I transport it all? Mailing it to myself at the hotel? Mailing it to a friend in Vegas and hoping we get together in time to set up the bags? Send the bottles in advance to my guests? Well, the last option isn’t viable since I want them to have the bottles IN Vegas and they might forget them.

Tweet: I sorta wish I hadn’t bought our wedding rings last April… While I still love it, it’s too small on me & his is too big

Tweet: ok folks, do i send my fabu wedding ring back & spend $120 to have it sized &/or spend $25 on a simple band? he says $25, i say $120

Tweet: the matchy matchy rings: http://twitpic.com/6j3ro

Tweet: So I’m ok w/ easily dropping $200 on the #iphone4, but hesitated on an add’l $120 on my wedding ring. Talk about screwy priorities! …. Ring’s going back this week for resize/ remake. It’s going to last about 5000 times longer than the phone 🙂

Tweet: oh boy.. the remake/resize is $170. so long #iphone4 perhaps it’ll be a 3gs w/updated software instead. #ihatemoney

I know, lots of tweets, but for a very good reason. My ill-fitting ring is front and center on my mind right now. Steve’s fits well enough that it won’t fall off. Mine fits so well that it is painful to put on and take off. As in, it barely fits! Since buying my ring last April (yes, in 2009!) my finger has expanded. The ring is a US7.5 and a 7mm thick titanium band. I think I’d be happier with an 8 or 8.5. However, titanium isn’t resizable. The jeweler that made it (JewelryByJohan on Etsy) said I could send it back and he’d remake it for 60% of the price. I paid $200 for it last year, and it’s gone up considerably to $316, so 60% is $90. Holy freaking hell. I saved a boatload on airfare, hotel and clothes, but don’t want to spend it all on my wedding ring!

I did email him as I was tooling around his site and saw the exact same ring paired with a plain men’s band for $254. And on his non-etsy website, the ring is listed for $197. Hopefully I don’t sound nit-picky, but that is a crazy price increase, and an inconsistent one too.

I was looking on Etsy and Ebay for “replacement” titanium rings and can get a 3mm-4mm plain plain plain band for about $25. Bear in mind that my wedding ring was going to completely replace my e-ring. So the plain band would live all alone on my finger. Steve thinks I should get a stand-in because $190 is a lot and my original ring might end up fitting again.

What would you do?

Jun082010

June 8 TMW Post

Tweet: i’m shaking just a little bit, but $400 just couldn’t be passed up. incl taxes, fees, and travel insurance.

Tweet: Taking my chances w/@SpiritAirlines. Plenty of time built-in to our agenga for bad stuff to happen. Gotta be like a duck & let it roll off.

This post is all about completing the bookings for our weddingmoon, which is, rightfully so, the largest part of our planning. After a few back and forth emails with Heather, the heard of customer services and person running the @spirit_helper and @spiritairlines twitter accounts, I booked our flights. As I was checking prices, an email came in with dirt cheap prices during October. Now, I’d been getting these emails for a few months now and they’re never more than a month in advance. After booking, I emailed Heather back and she immediately replied saying she sent that one out for me.

I know Spirit has terrible reviews, but I’m willing to take a chance. I booked nonstop flights both ways. To get the crazy low price of under $400 for EVERYTHING, I joined their $9 Fare Club. My brother’s future sister-in-law just started working for Spirit and will hopefully be able to request to get on our flight, at least one of the legs. We saved over $250 off all other airlines, even previous times I checked Spirit. It seemed to be kinda a no-brainer to me.

Tweet: booked the hotel for the 8th. now our weddingmoon is officially and 100% booked. i feel sooo much better!

After tweeting back and forth with the @luxorlv tweeter, she gave me a promo code to use for the additional night and I booked it last night. Oh yeah, to book the dirt cheap airfare, I had to extend the trip by an extra night. We’ll be arriving into Vegas around 11:30pm their time (ugh… that’s 2:30am our time!) so we basically needed a place to sleep. Seeing as it’s a long holiday weekend with tons of conventions in town, hotels are all roughly $100 for on or near the Strip. Using the Luxor code, I just booked it. The difference is our “formal” reservation is for the Tower Suite – big, lush, super fancy, high floor, huge Jacuzzi – and the single room reservation is for a Pyramid Deluxe room. I could care less what features it has.

124 days left!

Jun012010

June 1 TMW Post

Tweet: @msrib – Ok folks, which font for the monogram in the middle? http://twitpic.com/1s99o4

Tweet: @msrib – yay… we finally have a Steve & Becca-approved return address stamp. <3 next up, the RSVP quote stamp editing

Tweet: @msrib – is it silly to stamp “thank you” on the back on the RSVP envelope? or maybe some other saying… #wedding

Tweet: @msrib – i believe we found our RSVP envelope quote! last 3 lines: http://bit.ly/VqyGd

I’m not totally sure where I got the stamping of the envelope idea, but whatever. At the suggestion of a fellow tweep, I started looking at quotes we like. After much searching, and even quizzing Steve on some of his favorite songs and quotes, we found the perfect one. I am really excited about it too. And even if the embossing doesn’t work, I’m fine with buying a few different ink pads and just going that route.

All our stamps are designed by the fabulous BlossomStamps on Etsy. So far she’s done one for us, and I just submitted the order for the quote stamp and our return address stamp. The return address stamp went though about a dozen edits, some pretty major ones, before Steve liked one of them. In the end, it will be a fairly simple stamp with only 1 row of dots in the middle. He though 2-3 looked too cluttered.

The majority of my “planning” is the small stuff. Vegas is almost totally taken care of and now it’s just the DIY projects like embossed cupcake wrappers, cupcake tower, and picking out the flavors for the 4 dozen mini cupcakes from Retro Bakery. While I’ve started researching stuff for our January reception, I haven’t truly begun planning it yet.

According to my iPhone app, 131 days left until 10-10-10!

May252010

May 25 TMW Post

Tweet: Yay! Our invites, etc from @overnightprints are here!! http://twitpic.com/1p0hlb

I am so so so so so excited about these! In typical graphic designer nit-pickiness, I am annoyed at the resolution on the bamboo, but hey, I will let that go since *I* designed them and didn’t quadruple check. Seriously, these bad boys are so cute and I’ve been carrying around a sample in my purse to show, ummm, everybody! Well, invited everybody’s that it…

Tweet: decided to get crafty… trying to find inspiration to paint our wedding cupcake topper people. so far the base is gold. 🙂

Tweet: Possibly the collegiate design for the topper. Just hoping I don’t look like a boy. #UF & #WVU http://twitpic.com/1q5baa

Tweet: Our mini-me’s have clothes. But still need logos and faces http://twitpic.com/1q5st7

Tweet: We have logos! These mini-me’s are so stinkin’ cute. http://twitpic.com/1q6fw3

Tweet: With the stand… Not done painting or sealing us yet. http://twitpic.com/1q6gbs

Yes, that is my terrible handwriting on the base. I might repaint and try it again.

Sorry for the series of progressive tweets, but I finally started working on the cake topper. I bought the pieces and paint a few weeks ago. I guess it’s just been sitting here awaiting inspiration. After showing Steve a bunch of super cute ideas on Etsy, including Han & Leia, space suits, and so much more, I had a random source of said inspiration and was off and running. It hasn’t been put together yet as “we” still need faces and then a final coat of glaze, but here’s the progress pictures… cuz “we’re” so cute!

I also exchanged a series of tweets and Facebook posts with friends about airlines. I spent the better part of Sunday checking airfare again with nothing really extraordinary except Spirit Airlines. During one of my question tweets, the manager of customer relations started asking where we were heading and answering questions I had about the possible pilot strike, pricing, etc then said if I had any problems, I could contact her directly. Behold the power of twitter to sooth my nerves. For a company with so much negative reviews, they are really quick to respond to complaints on twitter. As for the rest of the web, who knows how fast they respond.

138 days!

May242010

May 18 TMW Post

Disclaimer: For all y’all not following my wedding planning antics over on TweetMyWedding Tuesdays, I’ll try to remember to post them all here. Unfortunately I’ve been seriously lagging at that and so there’s going to be in flux… apologies!
+++++

Tweet: This toasting goblet was my great grandparents & used at every wedding in my fam since 1963. Incl mine this Oct! http://twitpic.com/1nv4g4

(source: my iPhone)

I just love the history behind this glass. It is roughly 2′ tall and the stem design is simply gorgeous. This picture does it absolutely zero justice. Seeing as it is 47 years old (though it would have been 8 zillion times cooler if it was 42 years!), I will definitely not be taking it to Vegas with us. It will be used only as the party in January. I don’t want this much responsibility! =)

From my uncle: “This toasting glass was custom crafted by Steuben for Max & Stella Ettinger on their 50 the anniversary in 1963; note the spiral of hand blown air bubbles in the stem, perfectly geometric, hard to do with crystal. The chairman of Stueben was a friend of Max, who was also in the glass (light bulb) manufacturing business at the time. FYI, Max sold the company to Phillips of Holland in the 70’s.“

Tweet: Ok ladies… Whatcha think? Can I pull this off with a dark blue ribbon? #weddingdress http://twitpic.com/1o0s2f

Tweet: Dress’ lace & the shoes! Now to match the ribbon. http://twitpic.com/1o1xt1

Tweet: For the dress… Will sew the blue to the orange. Ribbon: http://twitpic.com/1o33fw

Tweet: looking at this: http://bit.ly/bacHNa or these: http://bit.ly/cnSOJX (3rd “item” down) b/c sewing a petticoat looks daunting!

Tweet: There’s def a mix of oranges & blues in my wedding outfit… http://twitpic.com/1oewiu

(source: my iPhone)

Saturday was ridiculously wedding-productive for me. Namely, I bought my dress(!!), shoes, replacement ribbon belt, and wandered in Michael’s getting more ideas. In the above picture, the lace at the bottom is the dress, the knitting is my veil, and the rest is self-explanatory. I am really happy that the veil yarn almost totally matches the dress lace color!

I went to a mall, with the intention of hitting all the anchor stores and seeing what they had. Nordstrom, not anything of my taste in the dress section. Moved on to Macy’s, wandered around checking all the rack, honing in on everything white and blue I spotted and finally saw it. White, short, lace, full skirt, ribbon belt. I grabbed 2 sizes, wandered some more, then hit up the dressing room. A-dor-able!

I could envision it with a different color belt. The skirt is full enough to allow for numerous petticoats, depending on how full I want it. The straps are wide enough that I don’t need to worry about special undergarments… hello, Spanx! And the lace is simply gorgeous! I texted a handful of friends with a picture and posted it to twitter. The reaction was all positive and for a whopping $75 plus tax, the beauty was mine! Yes, she was on sale, but even the regular price of $99 was damn reasonable.

At the “suggestion” of a friend, I ended up hitting up all the shoe stores in the mall and found some super cute cobalt blue wedge sandals. Granted, by the time I bought them, I felt like my feet were going to fall off between the blisters – Chucks with no socks is evil! – and walking on the sprained ankle. The sales girl was wearing them in black, which is always a good sign of extreme shoe comfort, and told me she is pregnant, another good sign. They were mine. Another $45.

Bear in mind that the other dress sold for $279 plus shipping, so I am definitely under the budget I set for myself.

I am fairly certain that I will be wearing this petticoat, but in white, under the dress. It will make it flair out nicely and complete the look I have been envisioning.

(source: Petticoat Junction)

May242010

May 11 TMW Post

Tweet: ARGH! by waiting an extra day, the $501.60 airfare jumped to $621.60 #damndamndamndamn please go back down!!

I have been stalking all the major airline sites to finally buy the tickets out to Vegas. I waited so I could get all my homework turned in, last final exams, everything and when I went back, everything had skyrocketed. Um, airline peeps, we’re still 5 months out! Go the heck back down! Seriously! You’re giving me a heart attack!! I was so excited that I’d be getting both tickets for pretty much cross country flights (Miami to Vegas) for $500. Now they’re considerably over $600 and that’s even the discount airlines! I am religiously checking Delta, AirTran, JetBlue and Southwest, plus Orbitz and they’re not wanting to dip back down. I am less than amused at this.

Tweet: i have to reboot & since i don’t want to lose my @overnightprints cart, i’m ordering everything! 125 of each for $118, incl ship. #wedding

The invitations have been ordered! I had to reboot my computer and since I didn’t want to have to re-enter all the pieces back into Overnight Prints‘ website and find the coupon code again, I ordered them! I ended up getting 125 of everything but the photo dump cards and got 150 of those. It’s all my own design and I tried to get a few fonts to carry throughout the entire set, but there’s 1 or 2 used on just one piece. As a designer, it’s sort of annoying, but whatever, our guests probably won’t even notice!

Want to see them all?? All following images are mine!
The official wedding announcement (5×7)

The reception invitation (4×6) (major props to TheDearlyWed for the wording on this one!!)

The RSVP (4.25×5.5)

The photo dump cards (business card)

Tweet: OMG I just got an iphone. My aunt had a “spare” sitting in her car. Happy MBA graduation to ME! & dad’s getting my BB 😉

This somewhat relates because I want you to pretty please tell me your favorite free apps! Yes, right now I’m being Cheapy McCheaperson and not spending money on apps. I’ve got games and stuff, but what are your favorite wedding planning apps? And heck, baby planning ones too. 😉

May242010

May 4 TMW Post

Tweet: our wedding photo dump ShutterFly site is all set up. too early to order the cards & invites? i’m totally itching to order my pretties.

Tweet: if i have your email address, chances are you just got the “gimme your mailing address” email. #feelingproductive

This past week has seen a dramatic upswing in actual wedding plans. Sure I play around a lot with DIY projects and dress options, but this week we worked on the reception party guest list. That’s huge for us. Up to this point, it’s been word of mouth for Vegas invitees. I’ve made all the paper products already and just need to hit submit on Overnight Prints. However, it’d totally be my luck that I’ll order 100 of everything only to go over and have no buffer for mess ups. Right now we have about 55 address labels, but are still waiting for a good chunk of addresses.

Currently the items in my shopping cart, including shipping, total $93.60. Not bad for 100 announcements, 100 reception invitations, 100 RSVP cards, and 200 “photo dump” cards. I really want to order them at the same time to avoid duplicate shipping charges.

Tweet: looks like we’re doing soaps as reception favors. yay for trade & crafty friends!

I designed a logo for a friend’s business cards and website recently. In return, she offered to make us homemade soaps in our colors and any scents we choose. I’m picturing Japanese lanterns, twinkle lights, cherry blossoms, orchids and other fun touches on our extremely casual Miami reception party. The soap molds I tentatively picked out are flip-flops, palm trees, and an assortment of flowers. I still need to pick the scents as the colors will obviously be orange and blue!

Tweet: do i buy or wait? don’t want it to increase, but also don’t want to get screwed. 2r/t tickets Ft.Laud-Vegas for $501.80

The airfare really makes me nervous. Our hotel suite is booked already for 4 nights at just shy of $600. Booking another $500 for airfare is just nerve-wracking! I’ve heard booking mid-week is the best time to book flights, price-wise. What do y’all think, is $500 a good price for 2 round trip airline tickets?

Also, not wedding-related but still a huge accomplishment… I am days away from being an MBA graduate from East Carolina University!! It’s been 5 very, very long years in the making. It’s significant as I began the program before I even met my wonderful fiancé.

May242010

April 27 TMW Post

Tweet: the more i think about it, the more likely our reception/ 40th bday bash will be mid-January. perfect weather, 3mo post-vegas, etc. bueno!

I am almost 100% certain that our delayed reception will be held during Presidents weekend 2011. Not only is it a long weekend, but that Friday is Steve’s birthday! Perfection, no? He’s not thrilled about my advertising his age, unless I use the old saying, so here goes… “Lawdy lawdy, look who’s 40!”

We will have the big bash, but in an oh so casual way. I am picturing Japanese lanterns, lots of candles, orchids, bromeliads, and twinkling lights strung all over my parents back yard. Mid-January is beautiful and breezy down here due to it being their few weeks of “winter” where the temps get into the 50s. I cannot even begin to put into words my excitement over planning a real party!

Tweet: spring in Homestead is absolutely gorgeous. sleeping w/windows open & it’s in the 60s outside. yes, #miamimove was a good decision 🙂

Tweet: researching fees to become a FL resident. 1 good thing is no tax on Luna since she’s only 3mo old. too bad other fees are ridiculously high.

Tweet: 1st real outing & I ran into an old friend & former co-worker… Yay!

Because planning the wedding and changing my name in 5.5 months isn’t enough of a hassle, Steve and I are currently trying to figure out how to become legal Florida residents. Since I left 4 years ago, the laws have increased dramatically to get a driver’s license. We are technically living with my parents and don’t have a lease, therefore, no legal “we live here” paperwork to show the DMV. The good news is that in my research, I discovered that bringing in a new car used for less than 6 months means I don’t have to pay additional taxes on my new Luna. That’s at least one thing I don’t have to worry about. Moving to a new state is a hassle, but at least we have no more state taxes! And also plenty of time between the move and the wedding; namely, 166 days!

Also, because I grew up here and did all my schooling in Miami with the exception of college, I have a ton and a half of friends that I left behind when I moved. I anticipate seeing a lot of old friends in my days out and about. I’m certainly hoping for that at least.

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