Non-Green Save the Dates

So a big trend lately seems to be to send out e-mail save the dates with the wedding website attached for your travel plans and convenience. We didn't go with the trend. Fight the power! Seriously, we aren't going over the top with paper, but we wanted to do something a little different with our save the dates. I'm happy with what we've ordered and they should arrive in about a week or so. AND they were so inexpensive. We designed them at 123print. In any event, I think that for our actual invitations, we'll go with Etsy or Carlson Craft that gives a percentage back to charity (and also it is has Arthur's last name), but these will do for now. Actually, I am pretty psyched about them.

And now, the tough part - finalizing the guest list. We know who we definitely want to invite. So don't worry A list people. You know who you are! I think the most difficult thing going on in my brain at the moment is inviting people from work - past and present. A year ago, there were tons of colleagues I would have probably invited from my job. Presently, they are ex-colleagues. So I think back and wonder whether or not I should invite them because at one point we did have a good relationship. Then there is the current job. I've only been there for a little over 7 months and it is a little different because we have a "team." The question is do I invite the whole team? All of this adds up and can spiral out of control. When you start adding all these little pockets of people from various times in your life, suddenly your medium sized wedding of 120 people turns into a guest list of over 170. Ack! Ideally, I would invite everyone, but let's face it. We have math to do with dollar signs attached.



I have talked with a few people about this dilemma and most give very sound advice, all centering the idea that we should invite those people with whom we will continue to have relationships for years to come. The problem is two-fold. One, how do we really know who we will continue to be friends with (there are many people that I could have sworn I would keep in touch with over the years and on the flip side there are some people that I have managed to keep in touch with that have surprised me)? Two, I have a nice, well-developed sense of guilt that permeates nearly all of these types of decisions. The idea that we may offend someone or hurt someone's feelings is bothersome. I mean I didn't even want to tell the venues on our short-list that we decided to go with someplace else. I wonder if they feel rejected. Do you think they hate us now???

Devastated About Jillian

I can't believe he let her go. I can't even write about it. I'm too upset. Actually, I forgot to to DVR the thing. Anyway, Jillian is a cool woman. She'll be just fine. It irks me that this 30 something single dad has chosen for his two finalists 25 year old women. Age is just a number. Blah. Blah. Blah. They seem like nice women, but I'm still annoyed.

The Five Worst DJs or Please Don't Play That Funky Music.

So, I am out and about trying to find that perfect wedding DJ. I don't have many ideas of what I am looking for, but I know without a shadow of a doubt what I don't want. Thus, I give you the five worst DJ's that could do our wedding:

DJ Slow Jamz - Um, one, I don't like slow jams. Two, I don't like people who replace an s with the letter z. This goes for DJ Mad Skillz, DJ Zomething Zmoking, and DJ Natural Zelection

DJ Nothin' But Chicken Dance - The very thing I don't want at my wedding. Also, goes for DJ Let's Macarena All Night, and DJ Electric Slide 4 You

DJ Is That Mole Cancerouz - I don't know how I feel about this one. First, there's that stupid s to z thing again. But then Is is spelled Is and not Iz, so there is a lack of consistency. Oh, and the cancer thing. Could be awkward.

DJ Not a Cheesy Wedding DJ - I'm thinking the name is ironic and he (or she) actually is (or iz). Also goes for DJ Rock, DJ I Rock, and DJ I Rock and I'm Not a Cheesy Wedding DJ.

DJ QTZSA - Not a big fan of DJ's who derive their name from a bad scrabble rack.

So, there you go. If you know of a DJ and they don't fall into this category, then please let us know.

A Bachelor Quickie

The Bachelor, Season 14, Episode 7?

I find my enthusiasm for watching and writing about The Bachelor declining, but I don't want to disappoint Anonymous. Suck it, anonymous! This is going to be a quickie none-the-less.

Monday night's episode showcased the four at home dates. In layman's terms for all you non-Bachelor experts, this means that Jason travels to the homes of the four final bachelorettes to meet the families and have alone dates.

Jillian - Alberta, lake, cold, very chatty, winery, fireside confessions of depression, tears, Canadian flags, aboot (as opposed to about), mom reading poetry, making out.

Molly - Michigan, golf course, bad pleated pants, Molly will never date a man her parents don't approve of, funny hats, Mom makes Jason draw a picture, peck out by SUV.

Naomi - California, strange family, hoola hoops, funerals for dead pigeons, reincarnation, Jesus, don't remember if there was kissing.

Melissa - Texas, wine and cheese outside, short shorts, family won't meet Jason, best friends, poor Melissa and her bad past relationships, playing pool, sitting on bed, can't remember if there was kissing.

In the end, Naomi did not get a rose. Jason just doesn't feel that she is ready to settle down and have a family. I don't know why he would think that...I thought all 24 year old flight attendants should want to get married and have an instant family. Naomi told him she would rather he told her that he had more feelings for the other girls than tell her that she's not ready for his lifestyle. Admittedly, Jason took the easy way out. We've all been there. Nobody really wants to say (or hear), actually it isn't me...it is you!

Girl bonding moment: After she was kicked off, Naomi told each of the other three women that she loved them.

It's funny. There does not seem to be a "bad girl" at the end of this Bachelor. The women all seem to really like each other (Now that Megan is gone) and the producers have not edited anything to make us hate one of the women.

I am rooting for Jillian because I feel that 24 and 25 is too young to settle down to an instant family with a 32 year old man and his son. Of course, to each their own, right?

A Sigh of Relief and a Renewed Sense of Weddingness

Arthur and I took a little jaunt out to LI this weekend to meet with the new catering and sales manager at the Three Village Inn. We went at the request of John for a sort of let's get to know each other meeting. We sat down in the waiting room, by fireside and one of the staff brought me warm apple cider (I LOVE apple cider). As we waited, I picked up one of the wedding albums lying around. Arthur immediately warned me, "Don't do that. We already made our decision on the photographer. We don't want to look at anything and have regrets." I looked anyway. It turned out his fears were completely unfounded because the cheesiness of the photographs and the ill used Lord Byron poem, "She Walks in Beauty" left me with no sense of regret, but only a smug look on my face.

Soon John came in and introduced himself. When we indicated that we would love to hear about his background, he gave us the run down. He has worked his way up through various catering facilities in Long Island and seems excited about his new position. It seems that The Three Village Inn wants to take weddings to the "next level." I don't know what that means, but it makes me wonder whether or not Chrissy's departure was of her own volition. In any event, it was a fun meeting, he asked a lot of questions that we don't as of yet have any answers to. Are we doing a first dance? Arthur wants to and I don't. Are we having pictures of ourselves around the cocktail hour space? Ummm...won't everyone know whose wedding they are coming to? Are we using our own cake knife and server? Only if someone buys us a set. Seriously, can't we just use theirs? And so on. It is all the little details that we need to think about so I'm glad we got the ball rolling.

We ALSO got to look at pictures of cakes! Yeah. I love cake. Arthur loves cake. Their photo album of cakes were, unfortunately, a little outdated and looked somewhat garish. Picture this sort of thing, if you will. No. Thank you. For some reason, though, we still wanted to eat cake.

Arthur and I liked one that looked like this: However, we agree that we want a square one. Their outdated cake album held no images of square cakes, but Karen, the hotel manager, assured us that it can be done. We would like to do an angled thing, maybe something like this without all the frills:

We took another walk through of the establishment and talked about logistics, table placement, food placement, and most importantly the bar's placement. There needs to be clear access to the alcohol! After all of this, Karen walked us around the property a bit and we got a look at the accommodations. Some rooms have fireplaces, while others have a view of the bay. They are incredibly quaint and pretty. Yet one room had a leftover, unopened box of godiva chocolate. I don't care how good the sex is. You eat the chocolate! Finally, we got to see the honeymoon suite...wooooooooo. I have to say it was slightly unnerving to see the bottles of opened champagne and unmade beds in the rooms (we were there pretty early). Insert Marcy Playground song here. Icky.

Our visit was so much better than I expected. It completely reaffirmed why we chose this particular venue. Granted, Sunday was a balmy 50 or so degrees, but even in the dead of winter the Inn and the surrounding area are lovely. I left feeling happy and satisfied that we had made the right choice. My wedding juices have been re-energized.

Sleepless in Seattle

The Bachelor, Season 13, Episode 5

"You got to kick the tire before you by the car, man." - Bender of the Jackie and Bender show.

So the episode begins with a full four minutes of re-capping what has happened in the last four episodes. A perfect time to finish chores around the house - maybe make yourself a snack.

When we finally start the episode, we find out from our lovely host, Chris, that all five of the final bachelorettes will be going to Seattle. Jason tells us that maybe one of the women is right for him and not right for him and Ty so he NEEDS them to go to his home town.

The first date will be a one-on-one date for Melissa. Naomi is peeved because she has never had a one-on-one and she is due for one. As Melissa is putting on her make up in a dress with a snake on it, we get to see Jason taking off his shirt as he is hanging out with Ty. Ty then proceeds to throw a temper tantrum (Jason, you are on the same network as the Supernanny, maybe Jo Jo can hook you up). He calls up Melissa to ask if it is ok if they have a low key evening at his place. The other ladies are NOT happy about it. In fact, up until now cool Jillian says she's at an emotional low.

Jason comments on the fact that Melissa did not change her. She's no fool! She needed you to see her all dressed up in t hat snake dress. When she does change out of her serpentine frock, it is into some short "we wear short shorts" shorts. They peek at Ty. They kiss.

The next date is for Stephanie, Molly and Jillian. They visit the Sleepless in Seattle House. They take a boat ride. Then they go on the Jackie and Bender Radio show, where Jason is asked the tough questions like: "Which was the best date?" Stephanie. "Who is the best kisser?" Molly. The women are left outside the tape room to read lips and wonder. Meanwhile, Melissa and Naomi listen at home, cringing. Stephanie, Molly and Jillian are then brought in the tape room. Jason is blind-folded and has to identify the kiss of each woman. Lo and behold! He is nails (no pun intended) each one. They are all so different and so are their kisses. Gag. As the ladies answer the questions of the host, my discomfort with Stephanie solidifies. They are asked how they are in the bedroom and she replies in her soft, hushed voice, "when I am with a man, I like to make sure he is completely taken care of." Uh. Ok. They all go to dinner afterward. I thought it was cute that Molly and Jillian were holding hands as they enter the dining area. Jason and Jillian had what seemed like a genuine conversation. Kissing. Molly and Jason go for a walk. Kissing.

For Naomi's date they take a seaplane over Seattle, followed by rock climbing. They actually look like they were having a fun time. During their qt, we find that Naomi has some skeletons in her closet. Dum. Dum. Dum.

Later on, Jason can't sleep (get it?). He spontaneously pops by the home of the bachelorettes because he NEEDS to talk to Jillian. They go to a cafe for a private talk where he asks her if she is developing the same feelings for him as he is for her. Of course she is. It seems that because she is the only one who has not broken down in front of him, he needs affirmation. Why should a woman be strong???? They kiss.

Finally, Chris and Jason have a serious talk (an other way for the Bachelor to take up more time) for what seemed like an eternity.

At the rose Ceremony, Jason pulls Naomi aside to make sure she is ready for a real relationship, scaring the other women.

The roses are called in this order:
Jillian
Melissa
Molly
Naomi

Stephanie is sent home as Jason chokes up. All the women begin crying. Jason later tells Stephanie that he wanted it to be there, but it wasn't. It was the most difficult thing he's had to do so far.

She goes home graciously and says in the limo, "one day I'm going to heaven and seeing Steven again."

The Most Awkward Bachelor Yet

Bachelor, Season 13, Episode 4
"I am going to give my puppy french kisses." Shannon, Bachelorette

How do I even start with this one? Wow. Deep breath. Here goes.

The episode begins with Chris telling the women that there is a one-on-one date, a group date and a two-on-one date. Now, nobody wants the two on one date because it means that one of the two will be sent home.

As if the whole process was not humiliating enough, the women must perform a song for Jason in order to "earn" the one on one date. Nikki immediately starts to break down. She hates singing. She would rather have a tarantula crawl up her arm.


She sucks it up, though and they all perform. There is not a singer in the bunch until Lauren who writes a real song (and she knew it, making me want her to lose for all those women who struggle through karaoke parties with other women who can actually sing).

Anyway, Molly wins and all the women are, of course, seething with envy. The one-on-one date turns out to be a stay at home date. Ummm....hi....I'm on the bachelor...ABC is paying...can't we get in a helicopter or have a private concert or dress me in diamonds? Molly is content and even happy about it. Way to be a team player, Molly. During the date, she proceeds to become incredibly pink-faced from the wine. Jason states, "I need to make sure it is not just her eyes that I'm attracted to." I get it, Jason. Nice justification. They spend the night together in a tent and we are left with uncomfortable moaning sounds as they go to commercial. Stalkerish Shannon decides she will wait up until Molly gets back and as Jason drops Molly off the next morning, he says, "thanks for coming." Sorry. I couldn't help it. Molly is still wearing Jason's clothes, letting the other women know she did not get much sleep.

The group date is going to General Hospital and acting in various scenes. Right off the bat, they ask for volunteer to kiss Jason. Shannon rushes up and grabs him. The women dress up in various costumes. They play doctors, divas, maids, etc. All in all, it was really just a vehicle for Jason to make out with everyone. I am surprised he didn't make out with Tony Geary or Maurice Bernard.




After the day time "acting," there is a "wrap party" at night. It is awful and awkward. All the women are emotional and most of them cry when talking to him. Lauren tells him that he NEEDS to give her a rose or she'll be pissed. Melissa is in tears, but it seems to be a turn on for him. Shannon realizes for the first time that she has developed feelings for him...What about all the stalking? She tells him that he can't let her go and that she's "not letting [him] let [her] go." She tells him that her her "heart" is on her "shoulder" (it is sleeve, btw). She goes to kiss him and he allows her a peck and nothing more. Maybe his lips are sore? Ultimately, he gives the rose to 24 year old flight attendant, Naomi, and says, "thank you for being you." I'm not sure why she got it, but she did and it made the other women upset. Again.

Stephanie and Nikki go on the two-on-one date. Nikki is very not happy about the whole thing, while Stephanie says she is excited. Before their date, designer gowns arrive for them. When they come downstairs, one of the women says, "Jason is so lucky." I thought that was sweet. They take a silver Rolls Royce to a lighted outdoor restaurant with a fountain.

A dance instructor is on premises to teach them the "most romantic dance of all, "the waltz." And all this time, I thought it was the lambada.






































Again, Nikki feels out of her element. She is not a very good dancer, she says, but she goes for it because she will not allow Stephanie to overshadow her. (Wait a minute, is this the plot line for Lambada: The Forbidden Dance?


The next scene is an awkward series of each woman cutting in on the other one. Back and forth. At one point, Nikki, whom I really did like at first, says, "Stephanie has had her chance. She already had a man." He's dead, Nikki. He's dead. During dinner, he takes each one of the women aside to talk to them individually, leaving the other one at the table. All I kept thinking is....this would be the moment that I'd be pigging out! Anyway, he ultimately gives Stephanie the rose. The women meet eyes across the table in a poignant moment. Then Nikki leaves VERY graciously. In the limo, however, I can't help but feel that Nikki needs to learn to love herself more as she says things like, "I don't know what else I could be," it is the "good enough factor," and "that is why I try to be perfect, but I still get rejected." During the end of Stephanie and Jason's date, they finally kiss as they finish their dance.

During the evening of the rose ceremony we hear, once again, how difficult the night before was for Jason. He talks to some of the women privately. He kisses Jillian. He kisses Melissa. He dances with Megan. Lauren gives him a lot of crap about not giving her the rose the night before. Then they kiss for the first time. It was all very weird and I got the heeby jeebies from watching it.

Stephanie, Molly and Naomi are safe. There are only three roses to give out. The first one goes to Melissa. The second one goes to Jillian. Then he picks up the last one and gives a big sigh. He pauses and then puts down the rose. He says that he can't give out the final rose. He doesn't want to lead anyone on because he can't see forever with any of them.

I thought for sure that Shannon would be devastated, but she actually looked relieved and could not wait to go home and use her electric toothbrush and kiss her puppy (french kiss). Lauren was a bit upset, but nothing over the edge. Megan was the most upset about being rejected.

I can't believe it is on again tonight. That was exhausting.