Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Eek!
It's been over 3 weeks since I've blogged about anything here... there's been a lot of stuff going on around here lately and I will, at some point get around to telling you all about it.... just not right now. =) I will leave you with this adorable photo from a couple weekends ago. Jacob's brother brought his dog over... my cat wasn't too thrilled with it, but eventually got a *little* friendly. This was the scene I walked in on after doing some work in the yard.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Would You Care for Some Tea?
Last Wednesday my cousin (Marisa), brother's girlfriend (Jennifer), and I hosted a tea-party bridal shower for my soon-to-be sister-in-law. This is the first shower that I've had any sort of hand in planning, but I think it turned out pretty darn well!
We decided to hold the event at the Owen Rose Garden in Eugene. We didn't want to pay to reserve the gazebo, so we just crossed our fingers that no one else would want it on a Wednesday evening--we figured we be safe... and we were!
Both Marisa and Jennifer are event planners in the making, so they had a lot of great ideas for the food, decorations, etc.
LOTS of food! Finger sandwiches, fruit skewers, fresh veggies, iced tea and cupcakes... LOTS of cupcakes! lol
We borrowed a set of my grandmother's dishes to match the wedding colors and "tea party" theme...
After eating, we started the games with a "How well do they know each other?" type of game.... you've probably seen these before. The groom is asked to answer a bunch of questions about the bride and their relationship before hand and then the same questions are asked of the bride at the shower... seeing how close (or how VERY far away) their answers are can be pretty entertaining. =)
Then we had a little fun and used our creative sides with a wedding dress design competition... out of toilet paper of course! =)
The group was separated into three teams of three with Brittany (the bride) as the judge. Each group chose one person to be the "model" and the other two "designed" the dress. =)
We were very bad Oregonians wasting all of that paper... someone made a joke about rolling it back up and taking it home... =)
After the games, it was time to open presents!
Little did Brittany know that the opening of presents was going to turn into a game in itself. As she was opening the gits, my mother was taking down notes of everything that she said. When she was done, her quotes were read back to her as things that my brother may hear on the wedding night.
There were lots of "Thank You's" of course, but some awesome lines were also recorded... such as "you really don't want me to get in there, do you?" and "It's a lot wrinkle-i-er than I thought it would be". LOL It was great! And very hard for both my mom and I to keep a straight face as we knew what was going on throughout the present opening process.
On a table we also had an apron (wedding colors) out with some fabric paint. Each guest was asked to decorate/leave a note/whatever for the bride as a souvenir.
We had a great time. And I think the ladies who were there really enjoyed themselves! =)
We decided to hold the event at the Owen Rose Garden in Eugene. We didn't want to pay to reserve the gazebo, so we just crossed our fingers that no one else would want it on a Wednesday evening--we figured we be safe... and we were!
Both Marisa and Jennifer are event planners in the making, so they had a lot of great ideas for the food, decorations, etc.
LOTS of food! Finger sandwiches, fruit skewers, fresh veggies, iced tea and cupcakes... LOTS of cupcakes! lol
We borrowed a set of my grandmother's dishes to match the wedding colors and "tea party" theme...
 |
| Here comes the bride! |
After eating, we started the games with a "How well do they know each other?" type of game.... you've probably seen these before. The groom is asked to answer a bunch of questions about the bride and their relationship before hand and then the same questions are asked of the bride at the shower... seeing how close (or how VERY far away) their answers are can be pretty entertaining. =)
Then we had a little fun and used our creative sides with a wedding dress design competition... out of toilet paper of course! =)
The group was separated into three teams of three with Brittany (the bride) as the judge. Each group chose one person to be the "model" and the other two "designed" the dress. =)
 |
| My mom, Jenn and Marisa |
We were very bad Oregonians wasting all of that paper... someone made a joke about rolling it back up and taking it home... =)
 |
| Brittany and Jenn in their tea party attire |
After the games, it was time to open presents!
Little did Brittany know that the opening of presents was going to turn into a game in itself. As she was opening the gits, my mother was taking down notes of everything that she said. When she was done, her quotes were read back to her as things that my brother may hear on the wedding night.
There were lots of "Thank You's" of course, but some awesome lines were also recorded... such as "you really don't want me to get in there, do you?" and "It's a lot wrinkle-i-er than I thought it would be". LOL It was great! And very hard for both my mom and I to keep a straight face as we knew what was going on throughout the present opening process.
On a table we also had an apron (wedding colors) out with some fabric paint. Each guest was asked to decorate/leave a note/whatever for the bride as a souvenir.
We had a great time. And I think the ladies who were there really enjoyed themselves! =)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Anniversary Stay-cation: Day Two
Day Two of our anniversary stay-cation was spent lazing around the hotel... and it was AWESOME! The temperature in Portland got to roughly 95 degrees... we Pacific Northwesterners are NOT used to that. Jacob and I were perfectly content to spend the day inside, vegging in the air conditioning. But, we did have to eat. So, after a shower (and taking full advantage of the hotel bathing amenities),
Jacob and I left in search of a Big Ass Sandwich.
My co-worker convinced me a few weeks back to try one of these monstrosities, and, though it was delicious, I felt like a fat, greasy cow afterward. lol But, after telling Jacob about it, he just had to give it a try.
I, on the other hand, opted for a felafel sandwich... little did I know it would make me feel almost as gross afterward (but, what can you expect from cart food, eh?)
After lunch we cruised around downtown a little bit, and then, when we thought we were going to die of heat exhaustion (or the food we just consumed!) we headed back to the hotel... which was serving complimentary fruit juice with grapefruit slices in their lobby. LOVE IT! Then, back to the room for more vegging before we ventured out for our next meal. =)
As hotel guests, we were given a discount at the hotel's restaurant. So, for dinner we gave it a go.
I'm not so great with the food photography (I want to EAT it, not take pictures of it!), but I do love any place that serves dinner by candlelight!
After dinner, Jacob and I headed out to Staff Jenning's Marina to board a sailboat for a 90-minute sailing expedition up the Willamette. I found this deal several months ago on Groupon and have been waiting for this weekend. I was really excited about seeing all of the gorgeous downtown lights from the water. here's a couple of photos... but be pre-warned, it's REALLY hard to take long-exposure photography from a moving boat!
We had a great time this weekend. Even though we didn't go anywhere, or really do much more than sit in our hotel room, we appreciated the opportunity to relax without distractions... and a quick drive home. =)
Jacob and I left in search of a Big Ass Sandwich.
My co-worker convinced me a few weeks back to try one of these monstrosities, and, though it was delicious, I felt like a fat, greasy cow afterward. lol But, after telling Jacob about it, he just had to give it a try.
I, on the other hand, opted for a felafel sandwich... little did I know it would make me feel almost as gross afterward (but, what can you expect from cart food, eh?)
 |
| Felafel and Strawberry Lemonade |
 |
| Big Ass Sandwich |
After lunch we cruised around downtown a little bit, and then, when we thought we were going to die of heat exhaustion (or the food we just consumed!) we headed back to the hotel... which was serving complimentary fruit juice with grapefruit slices in their lobby. LOVE IT! Then, back to the room for more vegging before we ventured out for our next meal. =)
As hotel guests, we were given a discount at the hotel's restaurant. So, for dinner we gave it a go.
I'm not so great with the food photography (I want to EAT it, not take pictures of it!), but I do love any place that serves dinner by candlelight!
After dinner, Jacob and I headed out to Staff Jenning's Marina to board a sailboat for a 90-minute sailing expedition up the Willamette. I found this deal several months ago on Groupon and have been waiting for this weekend. I was really excited about seeing all of the gorgeous downtown lights from the water. here's a couple of photos... but be pre-warned, it's REALLY hard to take long-exposure photography from a moving boat!
We had a great time this weekend. Even though we didn't go anywhere, or really do much more than sit in our hotel room, we appreciated the opportunity to relax without distractions... and a quick drive home. =)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Anniversary Stay-cation: Day One
Since we had a couple of other things going on last weekend, Jacob and I celebrated our first anniversary this weekend. With the home purchase and all of the home improvement related expenses we've had over the last several months, we knew that we weren't going to be able to afford a get-away vacation, but thanks to my cousin and her awesome discount at a boutique hotel in downtown Portland, we were able to afford a pretty nice little "stay-cation!"
Our weekend started on Friday. I got off work and walked to two blocks to our hotel (shortest commute EVER! I loved it! lol), the Hotel Vintage Plaza. I checked in, went up to the room, and took lots of photos! lol
There was even a nice little note (with a bottle of champagne and some chocolate candies) from my cousin waiting for us.
After the mini photo shoot (and a browse through the mini-bar) was complete, I got a head start on a weekend of relaxing while I waiting for Jacob to get there.
When Jacob arrived, we packed our bags (and anniversary cake!) up to the room, relaxed for a little while longer, and then headed to dinner. We had a reservation and restaurant.com gift certificate for Chez Joy, and I was excited to try out a real French restaurant. However, much like our luck with everything else we try to do, this did not go according to plan. We arrived at the restaurant only to find a sign on the door stating that Restaurant.com gift certificates were no longer being accepted. We went in, and I pointed out to the maitre de that the gift certificate clearly states that there is no expiration date. I was told, in much nicer language, that we were SOL and there was nothing that could be done.
More than a little frustrated, Jacob and I left in search of another restaurant (as I felt quite put off by the way they handled the situation, and I didn't want to pay full menu price). We headed down to Mother's Bistro and ended up having a fantastic dinner.
Then, as we were only a couple blocks from the river, and it was such a beautiful night, Jacob and I headed in that direction. We walked for awhile, and then started to play with some long-exposure photography, and then sat on a bench and just talked (I think this was my favorite part of the weekend!).
We also got a shot of ourselves in front of the fountain where we got several of our engagement photos taken almost two years ago.
After it got dark, we headed back to our hotel... it was time to dig in to our complimentary (I LOVED this part!) first anniversary cake from the bakery that did our wedding cake. I was ex-i-ted! =)
After cake, it was time for vegging and bed. It is also getting to that part tonight... I'll tell you all about day two tomorrow. =)
Our weekend started on Friday. I got off work and walked to two blocks to our hotel (shortest commute EVER! I loved it! lol), the Hotel Vintage Plaza. I checked in, went up to the room, and took lots of photos! lol
 |
| Hallway |
There was even a nice little note (with a bottle of champagne and some chocolate candies) from my cousin waiting for us.
After the mini photo shoot (and a browse through the mini-bar) was complete, I got a head start on a weekend of relaxing while I waiting for Jacob to get there.
 |
| "Say Yes to the Dress" Marathon... pretty appropriate I thought! |
When Jacob arrived, we packed our bags (and anniversary cake!) up to the room, relaxed for a little while longer, and then headed to dinner. We had a reservation and restaurant.com gift certificate for Chez Joy, and I was excited to try out a real French restaurant. However, much like our luck with everything else we try to do, this did not go according to plan. We arrived at the restaurant only to find a sign on the door stating that Restaurant.com gift certificates were no longer being accepted. We went in, and I pointed out to the maitre de that the gift certificate clearly states that there is no expiration date. I was told, in much nicer language, that we were SOL and there was nothing that could be done.
More than a little frustrated, Jacob and I left in search of another restaurant (as I felt quite put off by the way they handled the situation, and I didn't want to pay full menu price). We headed down to Mother's Bistro and ended up having a fantastic dinner.
 |
| Still got a little taste of "fancy" |
Then, as we were only a couple blocks from the river, and it was such a beautiful night, Jacob and I headed in that direction. We walked for awhile, and then started to play with some long-exposure photography, and then sat on a bench and just talked (I think this was my favorite part of the weekend!).
We also got a shot of ourselves in front of the fountain where we got several of our engagement photos taken almost two years ago.
 |
| Oct. 2009 |
 |
| Aug 2011 |
After it got dark, we headed back to our hotel... it was time to dig in to our complimentary (I LOVED this part!) first anniversary cake from the bakery that did our wedding cake. I was ex-i-ted! =)
 |
| Made to replicate the top tier of our cake |
 |
| Chocolate chip cake with fudge filling... mmm mmm mmm! |
After cake, it was time for vegging and bed. It is also getting to that part tonight... I'll tell you all about day two tomorrow. =)
From Blog to Book
When I was younger I kept a journal. I have about four of them that chronicle my middle school years. In high school and college I had WAY too much actual written school work to complete, and didn't take the time to write for pleasure. However, about 3 years ago, when I decided to make the move up to British Columbia for grad school, I discovered the blogging world, and finally found a reason to write again, starting a blog about my experiences as an American girl in Canada. And then I got engaged and started a second blog, and then I got married and started a third! lol
Blogging, for me, has been both a way to chronicle my life (much like my journal was in middle school), as well as a way to collect ideas and gather feedback. Unfortunately, I've never loved the fact that I don't have some tangible once I blog something. It just goes off into cyberspace... who knows what will happen to it, how long it will be able to stick around out there, or if something can magically happen to erase it (I'm not overly trusting of today's technology).
I've heard about people turning their blogs into books, but the one time that I looked into it, it was REALLY expensive. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across this post from a fellow post-wedding blogger who used SharedBooks to turn her wedding blog into a keepsake, for much less that I had seen other companies do it for. So, I uploaded both my wedding blog and my Canada blog, and got a quote... both blogs into books for a little over $60 (which included shipping!). I was so happy! I decided to black and white pages in order to save money, and hit the "order" button.
I was told that I'd get the books by Sept. 7th... however, they came on Friday! And I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. I think I'm planning to do one of these every year so that I will have something tangible to hold on to. I'm sure my kids will, one day, appreciated the ability to go back and read about their parent's lives... or just give me a laugh in a few years when I read over what my 20's were like (much like a do from time to time with my middle school writings).
Blogging, for me, has been both a way to chronicle my life (much like my journal was in middle school), as well as a way to collect ideas and gather feedback. Unfortunately, I've never loved the fact that I don't have some tangible once I blog something. It just goes off into cyberspace... who knows what will happen to it, how long it will be able to stick around out there, or if something can magically happen to erase it (I'm not overly trusting of today's technology).
I've heard about people turning their blogs into books, but the one time that I looked into it, it was REALLY expensive. Then, a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across this post from a fellow post-wedding blogger who used SharedBooks to turn her wedding blog into a keepsake, for much less that I had seen other companies do it for. So, I uploaded both my wedding blog and my Canada blog, and got a quote... both blogs into books for a little over $60 (which included shipping!). I was so happy! I decided to black and white pages in order to save money, and hit the "order" button.
I was told that I'd get the books by Sept. 7th... however, they came on Friday! And I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. I think I'm planning to do one of these every year so that I will have something tangible to hold on to. I'm sure my kids will, one day, appreciated the ability to go back and read about their parent's lives... or just give me a laugh in a few years when I read over what my 20's were like (much like a do from time to time with my middle school writings).
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