Wedding Wednesday - Reception!

Welcome friends to Wedding Wednesday!  I'm so excited to have you stop by, because this Wednesday, I need your help!  Parker & I got a great deal on our reception venue, the Pitt County Shrine Club, since his dad is a shriner and the former PCSC President.  It's in a great location, it is the perfect size, and did I mention it was very affordable?  One small hitch in the giddy up is the look:

It's a bit... um, what shall we say... white?  White walls.  White floor.  White ceiling.  White chair covers.  White table cloths. Creepy curtains.  I mean it's not terrible and it is definitely a great starting point, which brings me to my plea for ideas.  What can we do to bring it out of the eighties?  Any great decorating ideas?  Any ideas at all?  A starting point perhaps??

Things to keep in mind:

- It's a pretty large space.  This picture shows only half of the banquet room; however, behind the camera is almost a mirror image plus a stage.

- We need space for the dance floor.  In the center? By the stage? Hmm...

- We need some color obviously.

- We want affordable decorations.

There won't be a poll question this week, but please leave your ideas in the comment section!  I can't wait to hear what y'all come up with!

Here is a gorgeous reception setup that I love, but am willing to bet that Parker would disapprove of the "Carolina" theme.   :)  Plus, I can't find tablecloths like that anywhere.

[Sigh.]  It's gorgeous isn't it?

Before I forget, last week's poll results - first place "Mr. & Dr. John Smith," second place "Dr. Ann & Mr. John Smith," and third place "Dr. Ann Smith & Mr. John Smith."  Thanks for the input!

This will probably be the only post this week because I have 4 papers and 2 exams in 4 days.  Yikes!  My mom gets results from her brain scan on Thursday (please pray!) & Parker's meeting the realtor on Thursday for home inspections and such.  I'll keep you sweet blog readers updated!

Without further ado... Ready, set, comment!  :)

Exciting News!

 

As you probably gathered from the hint on yesterday's post, Parker and I are excited to share that we've found our first home!  After spending weeks in the negotiation phase, the seller accepted our offer this week!  Parker has taken care of all the financing and detail stuff while I just sit around pondering how to fix it up!  I am so thankful that he knows what he's doing, because I have no idea, which is why I borrowed The Complete Idiots's Guide to Buying and Selling a Home from the local library.  Ha!  I was hoping it would shed some light on all the people involved, who does what, what happens when, etc.  I'm 4 hours into it (it's on CD so I can listen and drive) and I've learned a lot, but I sure am glad Parker is so business savvy!

Hooray for our first home!  I can't wait to show you around!

Can you think of a reason why...

...I would check this out from the library?

Answer coming soon!

Wedding Wednesday

Someone's got to say it.  Who decided we should have proper ways to address envelopes?  I mean is it really necessary?  Couldn't we just politely address them however we want?  After looking up some etiquette rules, I found that most sites* say you should adddress a female doctor and her husband with the woman first, like this:

Dr. Ann Smith and Mr. John Smith

123 Sesame St.

Bigtown, NC 23456

A couple sites say female first, but not completely separate, like this:

Dr. Ann and Mr. John Smith

123 Sesame St.

Bigtown, NC 23456

The obvious point is that occupational title trumps gender in etiquette.  Maybe I'm a bit traditional in that I think the husband should be first, despite occupational title, like this:

Mr. and Dr. John Smith

123 Sesame St.

Bigtown, NC 23456

What do you think?  That's the question for the week.

Other interesting finds:

• Guests over the age of 18 should receive their own invitation, even if they live with their parents.  (Um... I don't think so - one invitation per home is good, in my opinion.  I'd include their names on the inner envelope of course.)
• A divorced woman who kept her married name should be addressed as a Mrs. (Does anyone else think that's weird?)
• You should not abbreviate state names. (Seriously?)
• In fact, you should not abbreviate anything except: Mr, Mrs, Ms, Jr, Sr, D.C. (as in District of Columbia), St. (as in Saint), and Mt. (as in Mount).  (I think someone just pulled the last 3 out of a hat and said "I think these should be abbreviated.")

I don't anticipate having a lot of trouble addressing these bad boys, nor do I think it'll take that much time.  What I'd really like to do is just pop those suckers in the printer and have nice, neat, uniform, spell-checked addressed envelopes, but I'm pretty sure that would break all kinds of etiquette laws.  Sigh.

*Sources: Southworth, The Knot, Frugal Bride (Thanks Kimberly!)

I am pleasantly suprised with the votes this week!  It is quite obvious that most of y'all prefer black suits.  As of 11 pm last night, the totals were: 1st place Black (13 votes), 2nd place Khaki (5 votes), and 3rd place Gray (4 votes).  Rock on!  Of course, I'll let you know when we decide!

Take me out to the ball game!

Take me out with the crowd

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,

I don't care if I never get back.

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

If they don't when it's a shame.

 

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out

at the old ball game.

Harlem Globetrotters

This past Thursday night, Parker and I had a date night at Minges Coliseum with the Harlem Globetrotters!

It was SO fun!  I loved their tricks, their jokes, and their dancing.  I laughed the whole time!

The highlights of the night were watching the guys play around with Riley Philpot - a little girl who was diagnosed with cancer at the same time as my mom (the first time).  Riley just finished intense chemo and is, as far as I know, cancer free!

... the mascots, Globie & Big G - THE BEST EVER!  SO FUNNY!

... and the slingshot bowling with Globie as the ball.  I don't know why, but this was hilarious to me.  The little boy on the left is Weston's friend and baseball buddy, Tyler.

It was a GREAT date night!  Thanks babe! :)

Move over Emily Post

While I was searching for the correct way to address invitations, I came across many suggestions for proper etiquette.  It got me thinking, "Boy is our society rude," and I live in the south!

So, here is my list of etiquette guidelines that I think everyone should know and follow:

• Always hold the door for someone who is less than 3 steps away.
• The person closest to the door on an elevator exits first.  If you are not getting off and someone behind you is, step to the side so they can exit easily.
• On the bus, if an elderly person, pregant woman, or small child is standing, kindly offer him/her your seat, especially if you are a man.  If a seat becomes open, a man should let a woman get first dibs.
• Be aware of personal space on the bus, or in any tight public area.  Yes, that includes your 100 lb. bookbag.
• When two people walking towards each other are carrying umbrellas, the taller person should raise his/her umbrella to avoid bumping into the other walker's umbrella.
• It is not proper for a person to answer a phone call in the middle of a conversation or meal.  If the call is very important, politely excuse yourself, answer quickly, and return as soon as possible to the conversation or meal.
• Cover your mouth for goodness sake.
• Men need not to open the door, pull out a chair, or pay for every meal... but it sure is nice when they do.

That's all for now.

So stinkin' cute!

My friend Brittany is hosting a bridal shower for an upcoming wedding she's in.  I offered to help her make the invitations, and they turned out so stinkin' cute that I wanted to share!  See?

She still has to put the white paper with the info on it, but we knocked these out in just an hour or two.  We used the same format as I did in this DIY tutorial.  Like??

Wedding Wednesday

One of the many decisions Parker & I have put off is the color of the guys’ suits/tuxedos. I think that khaki suits would be awesome for a June wedding, especially with the light blue bridesmaid dresses. On the other hand, black tuxedos would be a nice crisp, clean look. I think gray tuxedos would be a good option too (the guys in my parents’ wedding wore gray – my dad wanted Carolina blue, but Mom said no, so gray it was, haha!).

Here is my Pro/Con chart:

Our church walls are beige, see?  So is the carpet as a matter of fact.

That pictures is from our friends Cierra & Jacob's wedding (Cierra, if you're reading this, I hope its okay that I borrowed it!!)
As soon as I start leaning towards one color, I change my mind. What do you think?  That's the poll question for the week!

The results from last week's question are SO funny to me.  Apparently girls don't wear bridesmaid dresses again - except for one lucky lady!  1 "Yes", 6 "Nos", and 1 "Never been a BM."

Until next time,

A Million Bucks

Side note (Can you start a post with a side note? Well, I am) -  Do you know why we call a dollar a "buck?" Apparently, buck is short for "buckskin" which was an exchange medium on the American frontier back in the day.

Anyways, on the drive from Greenville to Chapel Hill, I pass a NC Education Lottery billboard.  Right now the big prize is at $20 million, but I've seen it as high as $176 million.  I mean, what do you do with that much money??!!??  So I entertain myself on the otherwise boring drive by thinking of how I would spend that much money...

I would use around $150,000 to buy/fix up a house in Greenville for Parker & I to live in after we got married.  Probably a 2-3 bedroom with at least 2 bathrooms.  Probably somewhat of a fixer-upper (cause you know I'm a "do-it-yourself-er").  Nothing too big.  Nothing too fancy.  I would also use that money to buy furniture... cause as of right now, we don't have a lot.

I would pay for graduate school/rent/etc. for next year.

I would pay for our wedding.  And honeymoon.

I would give money to my parents because they deserve it.  I'd also set aside enough for Weston's college education.

I would give to our church.

I would give to organizations/causes close to my heart like:
- dEBra and Jonah
- Beaty & Carrie Bass' ministry
- Local families who are dealing with the cost of cancer treatment

Those are all pretty rational things I think.  When I try to think of what "luxurious" things I would want... I draw a blank.  I'm not very luxurious evidently.  Haha

I would maybe buy season tickets to the Carolina games.  You know, if they decide to ever win again. :)  I wouldn't buy a new car.  I like my little '98 Camry just fine... its got a few scratches, but I think they add personality :)  I'd like some white curtains from Target, just like my black ones.  I think white curtains would look fresher and lighter.  I probably would go shopping at Ann Taylor/The Loft.  (But I went the other day with gift cards in hand and they didn't have a lot that I loved).

So that probably brings my spending total to like $3 million - clearly, I am not a big spender.  I would invest the rest of it, using the interest to supplement my teacher salary (ha) and continue giving to others.

Oh, one more thing.  I would never go grocery shopping again.  Or ride the T bus.

What would you do??

Wedding Thursday

Welcome to Wedding Wednesday Thursday!  Not much happening on the wedding planning front this week (you'll soon know why!), but our $8.63 photo-guestbook came in from Shutterfly!  It looks great!  Some of the pictures look a bit pixilated, but I think its more of the photo and not the production.  Overall, I'm very happy with the results!! 

My mom and I also started compiling a guests list!  I know I can find the answers somewhere, but does anyone know how to address a couple when the wife has a PhD?  Mr. & Dr. Smith?  Dr. & Mr. Smith?  What about if she's a reverend?  Mr. & Rev. Jones?  Also, do you address the children by name on the inner envelope or say "Mr. & Mrs. Moore & family?"  And when do you use "Ms." as opposed to "Miss?"

And finally - last week's poll results:
No one wanted the Wish Tree?  OR the traditional guestbook?  Come on y'all, why not??  My mom said she kind of likes the Wish Tree... I told her she should've voted for it!  Anyhoo... drum roll please!
First place goes to the Photobook with 5 votes! 
Second place is a tie between the Guest Platter and Framed Photo Mat, each with 2 votes. 
Third place is also a tie between the River Rock Collection and Guest Quilt, each with 1 vote!

This week's question - Have you ever worn a bridesmaid dress again?

You know how the conversation goes:

"Do you like this one?"  "Yeah, its gorgeous."  "I'm glad you like it.  I thought you'd be able to wear it again, so that's why I chose it."  "Did you see the bridesmaid dress so-and-so chose?"  "Yeah, its cute, they could definitely wear that again!"

Well, I have never wore a bridesmaid dress again (I have FIVE to choose from), have you?

Mom's News!

I am so excited to tell you that Mom's scans checked out ALL CLEAR!  Praise God!!!  There is no cancer in her chest, abdomen, or pelvic regions!  We are so relieved & thankful!  She will continue to have the preventative treatment (Herceptin) and will need a brain scan (last time we checked all the tumors were shrinking or dying).  Praise God!

FYI

Helloooo sweet blog readers!

I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I am on Spring Break (yipee!), which is the reason for the lack of new posts.  I'm enjoying every minute with my family!  I've been quite busy the last few days doing some Teaching Fellows enrichment, working, and a secret that I can't share just yet!  :)  Wedding Wednesday will happen on Thursday, just so you know!  Please pray for my family as my mom hears back on Thursday from her latest scan results.  I will definitely update on her journey with breast cancer when we get the results!  Other than that, I hope y'all are enjoying this wonderful week and I'll "see" you Thursday!

Guest book - Sweet deal!

Happy Wednesday!  I am so excited to tell you about a great deal!  First, let me just say that I had budgeted $20 for a guest book. (Yeah, I know... my budget is detailed!)  I like the idea of being able to look back in 20 years to see who attended our wedding... but how often do you really look at your guest book?  I don't really want to pay $20 for a plain guest book that'll go in the attic if you know what I mean...

There are so  many alternatives to a traditional guest book.  Some are more unusual than others.  Take for example The Wish Tree:

Your guests write wedding wishes and hang it on this incredible display.  But when it comes time to go home, what do you do with it?

Then there's the River Rock Collection:

Your guests sign river rocks.  But, again, what do you do with all of those rocks?  I guess you could put them in a vase or something.  I can only imagine my Dad's face when he saw a bunch a rocks for guests to sign.

A more common alternative is the Framed Photo Mat:

While I like this option better, I think its a bit overused and I'm not completely sold on hanging it in my house.  It's noteworthy though.

This is an ambitious option - The Guest Quilt:

I think this is a gorgeous idea.  I've never seen anyone use it before.  However, I'm pretty sure this is way over the $20 budget! HAHA.

Then, there is the Guest Platter:

I LOVE this idea.  I would definitely use it when friends were over - what a great conversation starter!  Candice & Jacob did one at their wedding and it was perfect!  Nevertheless... it's way over the $20 budget.  :)

Then there is the Photobook Guestbook:

Your guests sign a coffee table book with your custom photos.  Its 2 birds with one stone - a display of engagement pictures/proposal pictures AND a guest book.  Sweet right?  But, it is also over the $20 budget...

EXCEPT when you get a coupon code for a free 8x8" 20 page photobook from Shutterfly!! All I had to pay for was shipping!  I went ahead and ordered it since the offer was good for one week only.  Total cost?  $8.63!  Suh-weet!

P.S. Poll results as of 11:30 last night:
How many guests did you invite to your wedding?
Less than 50 - 0
50-100 - 1
101-200 - 4
201-400 - 6
More than 500 - 0
(I guess I left out 401-500... oops!)

New poll:  Which guest book did/would you use??

Newsworthy

Snow again on Tuesday & Wednesday?  You've got to be kidding me! 

Headline in the student paper: NIT in sight as Tar Heels roll Deacons.  And how should this make me feel?  Relieved?  Disgusted?  Amused?  Blah.

Obama encourages members of Congress to vote on the healthcare bill regardless of whether or not it'll put their political careers in jeopardy... meaning "I don't care what your constitutients want, just vote for it already."

Pelosi says she will argue that the bill is indeed bipartisan, even if there are no Republicans that vote for it. Um... how?

After watching hockey for the first time in my life, I learned that players hit a puck, not a putt.  Now what should I watch now that Carolina basketball stinks and the Olympics are over???

It is an actual NC law that if a man and woman who aren't married go to a hotel and register themselves as married, they will be legally married under state law... Hmmm...

Happy Tuesday!

"Not Me" Monday!

Hey hey!  It's that time again!  Welcome to "Not Me" Monday, the blog carnival started by Mckmama, the place where you can let it all out!  Get it out in the open - it is so refreshing! Give it a shot, you'll see!

So, you know when you're in the shower and you have used up ALL the shampoo in the bottle (I mean every little last drop, like it is clean out, nothing more is coming out of that bottle!)???  Then you have to decide whether to hop out of the shower, cold and wet, just to get the new bottle you bought yesterday but forgot to put in the shower.  You know what I'm talking about?  So, to save time and effort (and avoid freezing your butt off) you just use your soap to wash your hair?  Have you done that?  Nope, me neither.

I tutor/kidsit/pick up from school for a local family in the afternoons.  They have a 7th grade daughter who loves The Secret Life of the American Teenager.  She is not a difficult child.  And since I do not watch the show (because I am an adult who does not watch such silly things), I would never use the excuse of "reaching out to her" as a reason for watching the show.  No way.

Do you remember those Girl Scout cookies?  Well, I did not wrap the last one up so I could "reward" myself after my Western Art History exam.  That would be so pathetic!  Really.

What did you not do this week??