Friday, November 19, 2010

out with the old

in with the new!

2010 is a wrap…for weddings anyway.

It’s time to update the countdowns. All of the 2010 newlyweds are basking in married life. They’re off the blog. But there’s a whole new group of brides and grooms on the horizon. There’s already a 2012 countdown on the books. 561 days sounds really far away!

I’ve made some other updates as well. If you haven’t done so already, find 10,000 weddings on facebook and twitter for live updates on new posts.

I’ve also added some blogs that I like to read…not all wedding related. Some are about my other passion - vintage - and some are just plain, old funny…or obnoxious. Check ‘em out.

Stay tuned for more countdowns! 2011 is shaping up to be one of the biggest wedding years that I’ve experience so far…hard to believe.

-The perennial bridesmaid

Monday, November 15, 2010

go ask alice

I have been elbow deep in wedding invitations for a friend. I am just about finished now but working to make the deadline while caring for a sick puppy made me feel a little bit like I was snowed in late last week.

Then it happened. I realized that I was dangerously low on all of those pesky household items. You know the ones. Napkins. Laundry detergent. Soap. TP. Boring. Why do I always run out of everything at the same time?

I had no time or desire to go to Target and stock up. That always leads to at least an hour trip and spending $50 more than I planned on extra things that I didn’t need in the first place.

Then I found it.

Alice.com  My savior.

I think I’m in love.

This site is amazing. You can order all of the household goods online and get FREE shipping to your door in just 2-3 business days. This saves hours of time waiting in line to check out at the store and wading through aisles to find your preferred brands. All of the brands and goods are right there. Online. You can compare prices and quantities. Alice even finds coupons for you!

No, I am not being paid to write this. I wish I was. I felt it was my duty to pass the word on.

It does take a little bit of time to set up “your account”. Once you do that, Alice remembers all of your favorite brands so every time you login you can just click what you need to restock and checkout. She taxes where appropriate based on your zip code so you pay what you would in the store.

Alice has got all of the drug store goods too. Even the make-up.  She's got some non-perishable food and drinks too like granola bars, coffee and tea.  Maybe I will never step foot in commercial store again.

She’s so thoughtful. Alice even takes the liquids and adds extra tape around the caps and puts them in a zip lock bag just in case something crazy happens in shipment.

This has changed my life. I know that’s a bold statement but I don’t see a need to ever step foot in a big box store again. I have gained hours of my life back. Saturday mornings are mine!

Not to mention, I never have to lug the 12 pack of toilet paper into the house while simultaneously carrying a 2 gallon jug of detergent and 6 pack of paper towels. The balancing act is over. The box will be on your door step for you. Free. Really.

Fiance. Wife. Bridesmaid. Whoever. You need to check out this goddess called Alice.com. Thank me later.

-The perennial bridesmaid

Friday, November 5, 2010

it’s a wonderful life

With Christmas just 50 days away, I’ve started considering my holiday décor, drinking egg nog and watching my favorite old time Christmas movies. My number one choice is the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life”. “Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings.” Totally my favorite quote from that movie. The message in the film is pretty awesome. An underlying theme seems to be that family and love manage to conquer all. The hard times pass and things always seems to get better. The flick is quite relatable to our current time period and economic state.

This week alone there has been so much good news in my world that I was reminded – it is a wonderful life!

Where to begin? Well, 2 baby boys were born to 2 near & dear friends of mine. All parties are healthy and happily celebrating their first born. While on the topic of babies, another special couple found out the gender of their baby on the way to everyone’s delight. And finally, another expecting couple went to settlement on their dream house this week.

Needless to say, I am thankful for an unlimited text plan because the announcements, updates, pictures and overall good news have been coming through like a rain shower.

Speaking of houses, I’ve identified my own dream house and the simple fact that it could actually be a reality at this point in my life. Fingers crossed.

In other spectacular news, one PopPop is recovering well from a triple bypass surgery he underwent last week. He shows off his scar loud and proud against my squeamish wishes. Additionally, another friend is pursuing his longtime dream of running the New York marathon this weekend. I’m thinking good thoughts as he approaches that milestone.  Two important people in my life continue to advance their careers as they both started new, dream jobs this week.  Sweet November!

And, because this is a wedding blog after all, one of my 2011 bride friends got the long awaited call that her wedding gown is in! Naturally, she can’t wait to try it on and imagine her dream wedding that is just months shy of reality.

Moral of the story is that this has been a week for dreams coming true all around me. I want to remember this one for a very long time. And maybe go out and celebrate too…

-The perennial bridesmaid


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

harvest time

As you can probably tell, wedding season has slowed down greatly for me. Rather, it has come to a halt until next year. I am still planning and crafting but not nearly as much as earlier this year. I can tell you that January is booked out the wazoo with celebrations so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I am busying myself with all things I love about the end of the year. From pumpkin patches to wreath making! I am passionate about everything fall harvest and the holidays have to offer.

If you are planning a fall wedding, there are so many great natural resources to decorate with. One of my favorite centerpieces is the ol’ pumpkin. It is such a great standby. Of course, you can use plain pumpkins and gourds to create a harvest tablescape. You can also go the mini route with a bowl full of the smaller pumpkins and gourds. But my favorite is the pumpkin planter!

All you need to do is carve a large pumpkin. Make sure the opening is up top and is at least 6 inches wide. Pull out all of the seeds and mush. Place a seasonal potted plant inside. Try a mum, kale or my favorite, an ornamental pepper. There you have a centerpiece and conversation piece in one. It will look like the plant is growing out of the pumpkin! Feel free to dress it up further with raffia or ribbon. One thing I should mention is that you don’t want to remove the plant from the nursery container it came in. The plastic will help preserve the pumpkin longer. If the soil sits directly in the pumpkin, the pumpkin will rot quickly.

Bonus: use mini pumpkins for your place settings or escort cards. Put the name and table number on cardstock that you attach to the mini’s stem.  This will complement the centerpiece nicely.

I made this centerpiece (with the colorful pepper plant) for added fall decor in my house a few years ago and everyone that stopped by raved over it. Imagine the impact dozens of these can have at your fall harvest wedding! Try it for Thanksgiving this year.

-The perennial bridesmaid






















photo: wiki