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October has been one crazy month! I know we’re getting into that part of the year that is always busy, but since when is October so busy? Every weekend this month we have had something going on. This weekend started off with an open house for the VFD’s new building on Saturday morning. It was nice, but could have been more successful if people weren’t so greedy for credit and asked for help with the event. I made lots of FD-related sugar cookies which were a hit, too!
We followed that up with a get together at a friend’s house that night. The boys spent the evening in the living room talking shop and watching football, while the ladies hung out in the kitchen, drinking, talking and laughing. It all ended around 11 when all of a sudden there was a parade of crying children coming down from their upstairs play cooridors. It had been a long day for them and they all needed to go to bed.
Sunday we slept in a little, then packed up, took the puppies to the park, grabbed lunch and headed up to L’s parent’s house. Monday was his birthday and every year he goes to the State Fair. We got there, went to a hibachi place for dinner and just hung around the house. Monday we took Shep to a new opthamologist (a story for another time – we have to take his eye out, but we like this doctor MUCH better than the one we’ve been going to) then headed out to the fair for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening.
We checked out the animals, checked out the exhibits, ate some yummy (but artery clogging) food and rode some rides before heading home.
A couple pictures from the fair:
My boyfriend and I at the fair
My FIANCE and I at the top of the ferris wheel!
Oh, wait. Did I leave that part out???????? It was the best moment of my life. After months and months of waiting (and a little brattiness in there on my part), L proposed to me at the top of the ferris wheel just before sunset. The ferris wheel is my favorite ride, I don’t know why, it just is. We had waited in line for awhile, even though the line was not long at all, because they were having to balance the ride or soemthing. It was very strange how they were doing it and people were starting to get irritated. Some people got to go on just two people (it was gondala style cars), but others were being put with different people. When we finally got to load, L asked the guy if we were able to go by ourselves. I just figured he was annoyed we had to wait so long for no good reason. We got on and slowly started to go up as others got on behind us. I was leaning back into his side, looking out at the huge fairgrounds as we got higher and higher. He kept telling me how much he loved me and lots of other mushy things that he tells me all the time (and I love). For a second I thought to myself, this would be such a perfect time for him to propose, too bad it won’t happen. There have been so many times he’s started telling me those things that I thought would be the moment and it wasn’t, that I just figured this was the same. I don’t even remember exactly what he said, but it was something along the lines of, in a really cute voice, ‘are you sure you want to be with me forever? I would reply back, yes of course. him: are you really sure? me: yes, I’m really sure. him: are you really, really sure? Me: (turning back to look at him bc most of this time I went back and forth between looking at him and looking over the fair) I’m really, really sure.
Him: Well, we’re at the very tip top. Me: Yup. (as I turned to look back over the fair as his movement caught my attention).
He was moving on the bench, reaching into his pocket, got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. I started crying and leaned over to hug him and tell him yes. He claims I didn’t, but I know I did. Somewhere amongst all the crying and hugging he said he actually said ‘will you marry me?’, but I couldn’t hear it (bc of the crying). He took the ring from the box and slipped it on my finger.
I can’t tell you just how absolutely perfect that moment was. I just can’t.
We finished the ride and were heading out of the fair (after we stopped to get ice cream at NC State’s Ice Cream booth – bc it is the best ice cream ever). He told me that he was so nervous I was going to see the box in his pocket bc it had been there since we left for the vet at 9am. My mom was extatic, but already knew since he had called my dad that morning to ask permission. We stopped for dinner and when we got back to his parents house (who found out that morning when he asked his mom if she had a smaller ring box he could use), his mom was on the deck with the puppies who had heart-shaped balloons attached to their collars and Shep had on a bowtie and Dixie had on a veil.
Oh gosh. I am just so excited! It was all so perfect. The proposal. The ring. Oh god, it sparkles so much I’m blinded by it!
I can’t wait for the rest of our lifetime!
Because if there is a girl out there like me reading this, I know she wants to see this…
- On Sunday, I was really worried about this work week. Mostly because it was going to be a full five days for me. You see, the last three weeks, I have only worked 3 or 4 days because of vacation and holidays. Thankfully, it didn’t go by as slowly as I thought it was going to.
- Last night I went the the monthly business meeting for the volunteer FD. These meetings can be kind of entertaining when the discussions get heated. There is lots of drama and things wrong in this department. Really. Men always say that women have drama, but we’ve got nothing on these (mostly) guys. The main problem is that they make rules and don’t stick to them. I have mentioned this time and time again. Last night was the perfect example. They created a new weapons policy – in a nutshell, no weapons allowed on FD property unless you’re a police officer, etc. This all came about because someone had their gun in the station the other day just messing around with it (cleaning or something, I mean). This made come people uncomfortable because there are a few members that have a history of physical violence and are quick to fly off the handle. Therefore, having a weapon accessible is not really a good idea. You must remember that we live in the South and our town does have it’s own “back woods.” A lot of the people got all upset saying they couldn’t prohibit that if they have a concealed carry permit – it can be prohibited if signs are posted. They were mostly concerned with the fact that a lot of them keep guns in their car. One guy even said that he probably had three in his truck last night. So, the Board of Directors and the chief said, ‘just don’t bring them in the building. I”m telling your right now, i”m not going to check your cars.” Someone questioned that saying that the parking lot was FD property though, they again repeated, “As long as you don’t bring it in the building, I’m not going to check your truck. It’s fine if it’s in your truck.” If that’s how it is going to be, fine. Just don’t say it as part of a formal meeting. While the entire meeting is being recorded. The rules need to be followed. This is just one example.
- Shep has something wrong with his paw. He has been limping ever since we picked him up from camp two weekends ago. We thought it would go away, because he often limps after he plays a lot, but it hasn’t. We’ve determined that it is his paw, one toe in particular, and not his leg. I mean, he limps really bad. But he still plays with Dixie. I almost wonder if he does it for sympathy. Just kidding. He won’t let L even go near one of his toes. I’ve been giving him some children’s Tylenol, but I don’t know if it’s helping. I just wish he could talk. L might take him to the vet next week if he doesn’t show any improvement. I almost wonder if it is a broken toe, and like a human, there’s not much you can do about it. But we’ll see. Our poor little Shep-dog.
-Speaking of Shep, we’ve got about half of the money for his eye surgery saved. I think we’re going to try and save a little bit more and then move forward and put the balance on a credit card. That was the original plan, at least.
- I’ve recently been thinking about selling three of my Lilly Pulitzer dresses online. They have been sitting in my closet for two years and each of them has only been worn one time for a few hours to a couple different bridal showers. They don’t fit anymore because I bought them in my skinny days. I know that I could get at least $100 each on ebay for them – and that would be $300 I could put toward shep’s surgery, or my credit card, or in savings. But then I think, they would be so pretty to wear to a bridal shower of my own. And there’s no way I”m letting my self stay this size for our wedding and that once I sell them, I don’t have the money to replace them – so maybe I should wait. I’m just not sure. I’m still throwing the idea around.
- My coworker returns from maternity leave on Wednesday. I am SO. EXCITED. It would probably be inappropriate of me to fill her office with balloons, right? Because I’m assuming that she’ll be sad about dropping her little one off at daycare for the first time, but I am definitely excited.
Happy Weekend!
As you know, I’m on the Support Team now at the volunteer FD that L is with. Every year, our town has a 4th of July parade and they put a couple of fire trucks in it. Two years ago, there was a float (I use that term loosely as all the “floats” in this parade are trailers, like the ones landscapers carry their mowers on, and many of them are pulled by tractors. John Deer, natch.). At one of our meetings, I suggested having a float again.
They had a sign or banner for the float that someone made the night before the parade that year. They weren’t even sure where it was or the condition it was in. I kindly volunteered to make a new one (and get all of the decorations for the float).
We will be having three banners. Two on either side of the float that will be the same and one on the back. I wish I could take credit for the idea of the one on the back, but alas I can’t. The last banner said “[Name of our town] Volunteer Fire Department and Future Firefighters.”
I decided to break it up and am putting one on the back that just says “Future Firefighters.” It’s cute with the kids sitting on the trailer.
It took me awhile to make it because I am somewhat crazy and critical of my own work. I started with a sketch on regular paper, then moved on to the foam core board. It took me two days, but it’s done. And I think it’s quite pretty if I do say so myself.
Please excuse my poor attempt at blacking out our town name
I’m planning on adding blue glitter to the water. I just decided that today. I have sketches of the design for the longer banners for the sides of the trailer and will hopefully start them tonight.
Apparently all my years of dancing, cheerleading, and sorority life paid off. I mean, I’ve got glitter running through my veins. Although, I must admit I had to go out and buy new paint when I realized everything I had was only pink or green!
Additionally, I got a bunch of decorations (flags, streamers, bunting) at Party City this week and it was all on sale. It should have cost $28 and I got if for $15!! Whoo!
I’ll try to get a picture of the float at the parade next weekend to show. Let’s hope my other banners are successful as well.
Off to Atlanta for the Braves/Red Sox games starting tomorrow – hope everyone has a great weekend!
L and I are headed to Atlanta this weekend to catch the Braves vs. Red Sox series. This was my gift to him for our two year anniversary back in February.
We’re leaving Friday morning when he gets home from work, dropping the puppies off at camp and hitting the road. We should get there around lunch time or a little after and will have a few hours to site see, etc. before the game 7:30. Saturday we’re having lunch with my friend that I grew up with and now lives in Atlanta. Her family moved to Florida at the end of 7th grade and she got married last year. I’m very excited to see her and have a chance to get to know her new husband. We’re hoping to hit up the Georgia Aquarium in addition to the games Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
We’ll head back Sunday evening and L will pick up the puppies Monday morning.
I have a dilemma though. I don’t know what to wear to these games! I mean, I know what to wear to a baseball game, but the temps are going to be in the middle 90s! I don’t want to sweat even more than I know I will and I also don’t want super funky tanlines.
Friday’s game is at night, so I’ll have no problem wearing my Braves tshirt with shorts or something. But what about Saturday and Sunday???
Would it be totally inappropriate to wear a sundress to a baseball game? Nothing fancy. A cute, casual one. Kind of like this…
I just don’t want to be “that girl” that looks like she’s trying too hard or doesn’t know how to dress for events. This isn’t my first baseball game, just the first when it’s almost 100 degrees out in the middle of the day.
I have a spaghetti strap navy tank top that I’m sure I can pair with shorts or a jean skirt or something for one game.
Ugh. Please help!!!
Moving on…
Here’s my quick weekend recap - we had a fabulous weekend at the beach and the weather was absolutely perfect the entire time. L got home at 8am Friday, everyone was already at our house and we hit the road immediately.
We unpacked to car quickly when we got there right around lunch time, picked up some beer and sat on the beach till about 6. And proceeded to drink more than a case of beer. We definitely showed our age that night as we were all in bed by 11pm. We had plans to stay at the bar we ate dinner at across from our condo, but we could barely keep our eyes open. I blame it on drinking in the sun, not age.
Saturday we were on the beach all. day. It was amazing. We ate dinner at a great seafood place in a neighboring town famous for it’s selection of seafood restaurants and then went to our favorite piano bar that night.
Sunday, everyone left around 10, but L and I stayed till Monday afternoon. We lounged around a bit and I layed out for a few hours. L nursed a hangover all day.
Monday was more beach time and we finally headed home around 5:30. The puppies enjoyed their walk on the beach, but didn’t get as much time to play as normal since there are restrictions as to what times they can be on the beach during the peak season.
The group before the piano bar
Me and the puppies on the balcony
I wish we had gotten a better picture of the two of us on the beach
At first I thought it was a dream. “This can’t be happening, I thought to myself. “They seriously did not just say that.”
I turned on the news when I woke up, as I always do. And the first thing I heard the anchor say: “And now we bring you breaking news from [moderately large city in area]. The police & fire departments along with the bomb squad are on scene investigating a suspicious device found along the railroad tracks.”
You’ve got to be f-ing kidding me. Name of moderatley large city in area=my client. You know, the one that I am covering on my own for the first time ever bc the main account manager is on maternity leave. And when did she go on maternity leave? Yesterday.
Day 1 and I get a freakin bomb scare.
The news anchor went on to explain what the device looked like and mention which of the many streets that were closed as a precaution. I immediately checked my blackberry and cell phone to make sure I didn’t sleep through any calls or anything.
I didn’t. Thank goodness that although we provide the city with PIO (public information officer) services, that the police department is really good about handling it on their own.
I was kept abreast of the information throughout the morning until they finally determined that it was fake. But still. Day 1 and that’s what I hear when I wake up. Oy. Freakin. Vey.
*****
In other work related news, I just got a call from a man from Kenya who works for a coffee company and are trying to get into the US market. He got my name from a press release he saw that was put out for one of my former clients. He tells me they have very good coffee. And macadamia nuts. He will save my contact information and bring me back some macadamia nut cookies (bc I told him that’s the only time I’ve ever had macadamia nuts) from his next trip to Kenya.
Ooookkk.
*****
We had out monthly Support Team meeting at the fire department last night. I’m kind of pissed, in a very 5 year old way, because the woman who is the chairperson totally stole my idea and passed it off as her own.
I like this lady, I really do. In fact, her and her husband came to the steeplechase with us. She is very nice, but personally I think she has her hand in too many pots at that fire station and likes to take over. Last night she starts the meeting by saying she had an idea and wanted to know what everyone thought. We try to have a family dinner once a quarter. It’s usually potluck, but it always ends up being the same people bringing food and the same people coming that don’t bring food. Also, we tend to sometimes run out.
Her (my) suggestion was to host a dinner where we bring and prepare everything and charge members to eat. Moderately priced, $3-4/person. YOu know a big spaghetti dinner or something of that nature.
I know this seems petty and trivial to be annoyed by this, but really… I’m trying to get more involved and these people always preach about getting people involved, etc. Yet once again, this was V’s idea (even though it was really mine). Need I remind her that we spoke about this more than once. Oh, and it’s in the 7 page rebranding document that I created for the Support Team.
Speaking of that… at the the first meeting we had where they tried to get this group going again, she asked everyone to email her ideas of what they wanted this group to do and she would put them together and we’d talk about it as a group at the next meeting. That’s where my 7 page document came in. And since then. Nothing has been said. I’m getting ready to write her an email saying we need to revisit some of this stuff.
*****
Tomorrow afternoon L and I are heading to his parent’s house and going to his sister’s graduation Sunday morning. Apparently about 35 people are going (whoa!).
Initially I was going to wear the same dress I wore to the steeplechase, but then I wanted something new even though I didn’t really have the money to spend. But I didn’t really see anythign I liked that I could afford. Then I saw Ashley D’s post about dresses she was looking at for her graduation. And umm, yeah. The first one she bought was EXACTLY what I was looking for! And it wasn’t too expensive either. I was unsure what size to order, especially given the brand, but when I got it in the mail, it fit perfectly.
Actually, I loved it so much, I didn’t want to take it off. Between the pretty color, nice cut, perfect fit and the awesome new heels I had on, I almost wore it to the store (seriously, I love my new shoes. I don’t wear heels as much as I used to and I just feel so much prettier when I do. Especially bc they are so cute and sexy – and I don’t use the term sexy very often).
I’ve mentioned before that I kind of obsessively plan what I’m going to wear for events and it gets kind of stressful when it involves being around his family because I feel like they judge me and I’m afraid that what I have won’t be right for the occasion (you have no idea what I was like when I was trying to pack for our trip to Vegas with them last year).
But. This time I was very happy with my choice. And confident.
Then L calls me the other day and says he talked to his mom about this weekend. After the graduation, everyone is coming back to their house for a cookout. Ok, cool. She does not want him to wear flip flops at the house. She says they are too beachy and casual. Umm, ok. But it’s a cookout at their house. And besides, he has Rainbows - they’re not the most casual flip flop out there. In fact, I think they’re pretty nice. Also, I’m pretty sure that his Rainbows cost more than the heels I’m planning to wear. But whatever. No biggie, this doesn’t affect me.
Yesterday he talked to his sister briefly (a rare occurance). She told him (I’m not sure if he asked or if she volunteered this information) that she is wearing purple – I’m assuming a dress – to the graduation and then pink something to the cookout.
Panicking, I asked, “pink what? pink WHAT?!?!?!!“ He didn’t know. He didn’t have good service and couldn’t hear what she said.
Do I need another outfit, I asked. Now I’m beginning to stress. What else would I wear besides this dress if his mom doesn’t even want him to wear flip flops????? He had no idea. I asked him a while back and then earlier in the week to find out about the events and get an idea of what I needed to wear. And now I’m stuck. I don’t have anything else. The only thing I can think of is taht I have a navy blue casual sundress from old navy. It’s cute, but i would def wear with flip flops or cute sandals. Cute sandals that I think would fall into the flip flop category for his mom.
He called his mom last night to ask, but she didn’t answer her phone. He said he would call her first thing this am, but I haven’t heard anything yet.
Now, I’m stessing. But, I mean, maybe I’ll just wear the pink dress all day anyway. And bring the blue one. Oy vey. I hate this.
Check out this giveaway for a Lilly bag that Lauren Nicole Gifts is doing!
Hurry! You need to enter by tomorrow (Thursday) at midnight!
Per the usual, I am very unhappy that it is Monday. However, I had a very enjoyable weekend and once again the two head honchos are not in the office.
It’s been awhile, so here’s just a quick recap.
After all that talk about the Steeplechase, I of course am going to share photos! It was such a pretty day out, but quite hot. I think it got to be about 90. But our tailgating spot was literally 20 feet from a huge tree so we sought out the shade often. Gates opened at 10 and we got there just a few minutes after. My other friend and her group were already there.
On the website it said that there was a tailgate decorating contest. I just didn’t think much about it because I figured the people who did that were the ones who took advantage of the “approved florist and caterer” for the event. I did want to get a tablecloth for the plastic table we borrowed though. I was planning on getting one of those disposable plastic ones from the dollar store, but as I walked through Walmart, I saw these pretty pink vinyl ones on sale for $2.50, so I grabbed them. They were perfect. I still went to the dollar store where they were having “luau central” and picked up some straws with tropical umbrellas, pink and green table weights and a couple other colorful things. After talking with LM, she went and got some small blow up palm trees – our theme was a luau. haha. I have to say, it wasn’t like some of the all out tailgates, but it was pretty. 
We walked the course with the jockeys, but unfortunately you c ouldn’t hear what they were saying. But regardless, it was cool to walk on the course. Then we watched some tiny terrier races and headed back to our spot. We drank and ate and played cornhole, flip cup and beer pong. It was a great day, but it went by so. fast. Seriously. L said to me at one point that it was 3 and there was only one more race. I couldn’t believe it, it really felt like it was only 12.
Driving over the track on the way in
Our two tailgating spots
CR, LM and I by the track
Being introduced to the Jockeys who would be leading the tour of the track
On the track
Walking on the track
Tiny terrier races
L and LM watching the terriers race
They start the races with the Walking of the Hounds
Gooo!
Jumping
Different kind of jump – they hit it really hard with their legs, I guess that’s why it was padded
I must admit that this was posed. We saw three girls standing around earlier and it looked so cute that we wanted a picture of us like that.
I convinced L to call in sick the next day, not because either of us was hung over, but just to spend the day with him. He finally caved and did it and that made me happy. We ran some errands that day and took the puppies to the park. We still have not gotten around to painting the final room in the living room or any of the bedroom. I just wasn’t into it even though it was my idea.
L worked this past Friday and when I got home from work I was a very busy bee. I did not sit down once until 9pm – and that’s when I decided it was a good time for dinner too. I started off by vacuuming out my car because it was FILLED with puppy dog fur. That literally took me an hour and a half which is crazy. I have a small car, people. But now it’s nice and clean and so much better. I then cleaned the whole house so that I could enjoy it being clean this weekend since L had both Saturday and Sunday off. I was planning on taping off the bedroom so we could paint, but by the time I got to that, it was 9:30 and I was not starting that project then. The room not being taped is one of the reasons it didn’t get painted this weekend.
We ran a bunch of errands on Saturday and took the puppies to the park. L is looking at putting hard wood floors in our house and tile in the kitchen and new counter tops. Not all at once, of course. Just looking to see what we can do now and what needs to wait. We’ve also been looking at these two houses in a neighborhood around the corner. I would KILL to live in this neighborhood. We may actually go look at them on Saturday. But go into it telling the agent that we’re just looking to see if we really like them as much as we do on the internet and we’re not ready to go forward with anything yet. This is basically the only neighborhood we’re looking at right now. I don’t know if anything will happen or if I’m just getting my hopes up for nothing, but we’ll see. The houses are gorgeous. I really have to stop saying, well if we got house A, I would put these plants on the deck. Because really? I can’t do that to myself. We’ll see. Maybe it will work out. Maybe it won’t.
We went to get his sister’s graduation gift. We (I) decided on the Elsa Peretti Open Heart Crystal Box from Tiffany’s. It’s even nicer, and bigger, in person.
And as it turns out, I am invited to the graduation. There ceremonies are not ticketed, but we do have to bring our own lawn chair. WTF? Apparently, there is an amphitheater on campus and that’s where it is held. Ok. But, I’ve been to outdoor graduations before where they provide folding chairs. Whatever. Also, L put his foot down and told his mom that we were bringing the puppies. It’s only for one night, so I can’t imagine it will be bad. Apparenlty, she just accepted it.
The Volunteer department that L works with in town is moving into the newly built station this coming weekend, so before we head up to his parent’s house, I think we’re helping them move some stuff over that day. And hopefully we’ll be able to make time to take the puppies to the park that day too to wear them out before the road trip.
Other than that, nothing too new going on. Here’s a couple pictures of the puppies that I randomly took the other night. Happy Monday.
Shep cuddling with L
Dixie and Shep
Dixie giving kisses
Shep
Ugh. No more pictures, please.
Wrestling… what they do best.
Since graduating from college, it seems as though summer is such a busy time. Gone are the relaxing days and nights. Now you have to jam pack everything into the weekends and soak up all the sunshine and beautiful weather in those two short days each week because dear Lord, you do not have unlimited vacation time available to you.
The busy season is upon us, dear friends. As I looked at my planner this morning, I realize that I only have seven weekends between now and August available, and three of those are being held for tentative beach trips that may or may not happen. Seven sounds like a lot, but really, it’s not.
The Steeplechase is this weekend and they are still predicting 80 degrees and sunny (woohoo!). The following weekend is free and then after that is L’s sister’s college graduation.
Let’s talk about that, shall we?
L and his sister are not very close. At all. But when he told me when her graduation was, I obviously assumed that he would be going. I, however, did not assume that I would be going. Don’t get me wrong, I actually want to go (I’m weird, I know). I feel like that’s a big occasion. Even if it’s not for him, it is for his family. And it would be the first big occasion I had with them (besides the trip to Vegas last year).
I am not the type of person to invite myself to anything. But I will not-so-subtly drop hints. Although, in L’s case, he rarely picks up on them. For some time now, as we’ve been talking about what we have going on, I would say, “Well, that’s the weekend of your sister’s graduation and I assume you’re going.” Never did I say, “and we’ll be going.”
Besides not wanting to invite myself, especially to a function of his family because I’m still not totally convinced that his mom likes me (tolerates me? yes. Likes me? not so sure.), who knows what kind of crazy rules colleges have for graduations.
For example, at my graduation, I was only allowed 6 tickets. Granted, I went to a much larger school – she goes to a small, private college. I didn’t know if her school had a similar ticket policy. And if they did, I had no idea how many she was allowed. Their family is very family oriented when it comes to stuff like this. I assume that both their grandmas and perhaps and aunt or uncle or two will be there as well. So, I didn’t want to assume that if there were tickets, that one would be used on me.
Last night his mom called him. His phone is very loud and I can always hear what she is saying. I heard her talk about the graduation. When he was finished, I asked what she had to say. He tells me, then says that we’ll need to be home for Mother’s Day (same day as graduation) and that if we are going to the graduation, we need to be there by 9am.
“I’m invited,” I asked. “Of course,” he told me.
Well, shit. Now I have to find something to wear. I could wear the same pink dress (#2) I’m wearing to the steeplechase this weekend. Or I could see if that Lilly dress fits any better and have him wear the matching tie. I proposed that idea to him. He said “maybe.” I think that his “maybe” is really more like I’m saying maybe so we don’t have to talk about this, but really the answer is no because you know I hate that tie.
We’ll see if I can wear him down.
So, in fact, I am excited. I asked him to let me know a run down of what may be going on that day so I can dress appropriately or bring other outfits. Because, let’s face it, I’m going to start making that list now even though we’ll only be there over night. I have to allot for perhaps buying a new shirt or accessory (I have still yet to find the perfect “everyday” summer purse).
Now on to your help…
We need to get her a graduation gift. I told L a few weeks ago that I would make some suggestions for him. And I came up with some stuff yesterday, but I just don’t know what to do. We’ll split the cost and are looking to spend no more than $100 total. I don’t like stuff that is too over the top “graduationy” though. All the stuff that screams ‘graduate’ of ‘class of 2009′ – it’s just a little much for me.
Here’s my first idea:
This bag from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts . com
And include the following items:
From Preppy Monogrammed Gifts – I would include her first initial or name instead of the palm tree
Beach towel from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts
I would only do the crab or maybe a palm tree instead – no name or initial
From Thingsremembered.com
I would have the name of her college and graduation date engraved on the top. This way it has a little bit of ‘graduation’ to it, but not too much.
My other option is one nicer gift. She seems to be a bit of a “brand lover” and I think she would like something from Tiffany’s. Unfortunatley, there isn’t a whole lot from that store that is less than $100. They have the silver bead earrings, but I think she is too petite for them. Then they have circle and heartshaped earrings that say “Return to Tiffany”, but I can’t see her wearing them.
Here is what I chose:
Elsa Peretti Open Heart Crystal Box
Tiffany Crystal Box
Return to Tiffany key ring
Tiffany Oval key ring – would engrave with initial or monogram
Here’s my question though… do you think the boxes are dumb? I would like them, and they are from Tiffany, but what do you think?
Same with the key chains. They’re kind of small gifts, but we can’t go too much bigger due to cost.
Do you like the beach bag idea or the Tiffany idea better? Any other suggestions? She’s hard to shop for and makes it known if she doesn’t like stuff. And isn’t much into “cheap” jewelry. Any help is greatly appreciated.
I have a very bad habit of procrastinating. At everything. I feel like maybe it’s because I work better under pressure. Or because I need the pressure to make myself get it done instead of say looking at a blank screen with a blinking cursor – because really? That realease doesn’t need to go out till the end of next week, so why write it now?
Anyway, since 1/3 of the females in my office are pregnant (serisoulsy), we are have a triple baby shower tonight after work. We’re all a bit spread out, so we decided after work would be better than a Saturday afternoon. And we apparently have busy weekends.
Myself and two other co-workers are planning it. It will be at one of their houses. Only about 15 people coming, so it’s a nice crowd, but not overwhelming. We’re doing heavy hors d’ouvres and desserts. Each of the three of us throwing it are making one of each and a couple of guests have offered to bring stuff.
I chose a delish appetizer and dessert. Baked cream cheese and Rocky Road Candy. Ever have either one? Try it. Especially the cream cheese. Recipes following the post.
I can’t make the app till right before the shower. I was going to do the dessert Tuesday or Wednesday night – just to get it done. But did I? No, I did not. Because I never went to the grocery store until lunch time yesterday. No biggie. It literally takes less than 5 minutes to make. However, if I had made it ahead of time, I would have realized that perhaps I added too much peanut butter and now I can’t get the damn stuff out of the pan without disfiguring it. Oh well. As long as it tastes good, right?
Anyway, rather than getting corsages for the guests of honor like one of the other hostesses wanted to do (a little old fashion for our taste), I volunteered to make “mom-to-be” sashes. Similar to the “Buy me a shot, because I’m tying the knot” sash I made for CR’s bachelorette party a few years back. I had paint, glitter and the ribbon already at home.
Again, I meant to do this Tuesday or Wednesday to get it out of the way. But when I never got to it Wednesday, I meant to at least look and make sure I had enough ribbon. Then I forgot.
My tasks were delayed last night when L and I sat down to talk about some things and then headed out to dinner because it was getting late and we hadn’t even thawed any chicken to cook yet. By the time we got back, it was almost 8:45.
I quickly made the candy and got out my crafting box. I cut one length of ribbon. Then I went to cut the second – and there was only 7″ left. Damnit. I didn’t know what I was going to do because Michael’s and AC Moore were already closed or would be by the time I got there. L suggested Walmart. Sigh, ok, let’s go, I thought. I really had no desire, it’s a good 20 minutes away and I had wanted to go to bed early anyway.
Luckily we got there and they had exactly what I was looking for. We finally got home around 10 and I started to sketch them out. But I couldn’t find my skinny paint brushes. Where the hell were they? I tried to use a q-tip in a pinch, but that, obviously, did not work. I went looking for the paint brushes again and finally found them on the shelf in the garage.
They worked 100x better than the q-tip, but still did not come out as fabulous as I hoped. Plus they’re really long bc I could just not picture how big the pregnant bellies were. They’re still pretty, just not fabulous. I would have added some more pizazz or something to hide the safety pin that holds them together, but it was 11:30 now and I was exhausted.
Really, I should not wait until the last minute. Because when I was done? I still had to wrap their presents.
Oh well. Hopefully it will be a fun evening. I’ll see if I can snag some pictures of the girls wearing the sashes tonight and share them.
Happy Friday!
Baked Cream Cheese
1 block of cream cheese
1 tube of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
Preheat oven according to directions on crescent rolls (probably 350 or so). Let cream cheese sit out for a bit to warm up a little. Unroll crescent rolls on a cookie sheet and pinch together the seams so they don’t pull apart. Place block of cream cheese in center of crescent roll dough and pull edges of dough up and around cream cheese till it’s enveloped in there. No particular way to fold it.
Bake for the lenght indicated on crescent roll tube. You might need to do it for about 5-10 minutes longer, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Just until all the dough is cooked. Place on plate or serving dish and serve with crackers. It’s a good idea to cut into the dough so people know what’s inside of it. And also have a cocktail knife out with it too.
Rocky Road Candy
1 bag of chocolate chips (12 oz)
1 cup of chunky peanut butter
3 cups of mini marshmallows (half of a 10.5 oz bag)
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Put chocolate chips and peanut butter in microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring after each minute until contents are melted. Fold in marshmallows and nuts. Spread in a 13×9″ pan and chill until hardened. Cut and serve.
I think I put too much peanut butter in mine this time so they’re not hardening as much which is why I’m having trouble getting them out of the pan. Usually they should just pop right out.
I’ve decided that my hair dresser from CT really needs to move to NC. I went and had my hair done last night – full foil and cut. My hair is naturally a medium brown and I highlight it pretty heavy and pretty light. Man, I wish my hair was as blonde as it was when I was 3!
When I was living at home after college, I had finally completely grown out a really bad self-dye job and was ready to have it done professionally – you know, now that I had a job with a salary and was living with my parents so my expenses were limited and I could afford such luxuries as $225 hair appointments every 5 weeks.
The girl I found was awesome! I didn’t find her by any recomendations. Just saw the salon one day driving by, thought it was cute and called the next day to make an appointment for a cut. They squeezed me in that Saturday with Dawn.
She cut my hair exactly how I wanted it, but also gave opinions on modifications that might work well with my hair. But she wasn’t too pushy. She wasn’t like “oh no, no, no. This is what we’ll do.” But she also wasn’t, “Well, you need to tell me exactly what you want.” I do need some guidance.
We discussed highlighting at my next appointment, and when that day came it went great. We gradually went lighter and lighter and she did such an amazing job. It looked very natural and she always made sure that all my natural dark was covered around my face and in the back so it still look natural when I wore my hair up.
Then I moved back to NC. The first few times, I flew home to CT to have it done. My mom used to say that she thought I only came home to get my hair done and not to visit her. I soon realized that I just couldn’t afford this anymore. Living on my own and taking a paycut when I started my new job just didn’t make this feasable.
My former roommate, E, told me about this woman she went to in the small town north of where we lived. “She doesn’t have a fancy shop, but she does a good job and she’s cheap,” she told me.
I made an appointment for a cut and highlight. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get my formula in time so I asked her to try and match it as best she could. It came out alright, but kind of stripey (I hate stripey, fake looking highlights) and a little more gold/copper colored. The cut. Oh gosh, it looked like I was back in 7th grade. Apparently, she thought long layers meant no layers. It was exactly the same length all the way around – which does not suit my hair well. It had no shape.
I gave her one last chance. Sometimes you just need to give them a little more guidance. Let’s just say. After the second time, I didn’t go back.
I started going back to CT for the next 2 or 3 times I needed it done before another friend recommended me to another place.
I made an appointment for a full foil. I was trying to grow my hair out for a wedding.
This time, I had gotten the formula, but this salon didn’t have the same products so she matched it as best she could – and came pretty darn close. She did a great job. I loved it and it was only $90!
I went back again and came out mostly satisfied, but I soon realized that it wasn’t as light and heavy around my face and back of my neck like my girl at home. The third time I went in, I tried to explain this to her. And I got it cut while I was there too.
The cut was great, but the color… I still had the same problem with the darkness.
“That’s it,” I said. I was giving up on her. I had a reccomendation from yet another friend who was also known to drive 400 miles to her hometown to get hers done.
I wanted it done before I go to Vegas next week and couldn’t get an appointment in time with the new person. I went back to the last girl, just because I had to.
I emphasized the darkness around my face and the back again. It’s a little better this time, but still not great. But for the price, you can’t beat it. $130 for full foil (highlights and lowlights), cut and blowout.
I guess I’m pretty satisfied this time. But I really wish my girl from CT would move here! haha.
