Wedding Wednesday: It's Official

To contact us Click HERE

As of last week, Mr. RH and I officially have a wedding date.

September 21, 2013.

 I have booked exactly 1 thing: the church.

In my defense, I had plans to book a reception site and set up meetings with photographers yesterday... but then I got the bombshell of all bombshells at work and I spent most of the day on the couch whining.

Which was a really productive use of my time.

So, I know it's been a bit of a bust around here with regards to wedding-planning... but let's hope I get that straightened out soon. 

Excellent. Only 353 days until my wedding!

 Happy Wedding Wednesdays!

Wedding Wednesday: I Can't Even

To contact us Click HERE

So, it's been feet-on-the-ground wedding planning over here.  I am up at all hours "researching" and thinking and panicking... so really, fun times.

I've also been schooling my dad in the art of wedding planning - he thinks it's ABSURD that a venue or photographer or anything, really, would be done more than a year in advance.  His head just about popped off his body when a lady told him she was booked entirely for 2013.

Just so you know what I'm dealing with over here.

Couple all that with some big stress at work... and I'm a bucket of fun all. the. time.

So, this week I was attempting to book a reception venue. Photographer is super high on my list, but there are maybe 5 acceptable locations to book a reception that are close by.... and I knew 1 of them was already booked (from the bridal gala on Sunday!).

There were 2 places in the running.

Location 1:  blank canvas.  Completely blank.  Needs a dropped ceiling, uplighting to give the room some character, and probably needs to be partitioned off lest it feel like a cave.

Location 2: ready-to-go.  Has character, a fireplace, beautiful chandeliers, and the restroom is amazing.  I know that's a weird thing... but it's seriously huge and amazing.  The only negative here is that the space is long and narrow, so it can feel a bit odd depending on how it's set up.

After a lot of soul-searching, I have to have location 2.  I had met with the lady on Monday and she told me my date was available and it was ready-to-book.

Tuesday, 11 am.  Drag my dad from work to write the deposit check.  As he's writing it out... the lady says there is already an event on that date. 

It was moved once, maybe cancelled... but she thinks the event is still on.  My dad and I sit there shell-shocked - since I had been reassured it was available and ready to book...

She promised to call within the day yesterday and let me know... no word yet.  And of course, my heart is set on this location now.  The other doesn't even seem like an option, and there is literally 1 other option in town.

So, yeah.  Happy Wedding Wednesday.  Or not so much.

I Forever 21'd.

To contact us Click HERE

Soo, I've been a little bad at Forever 21 lately.  Actually, I've been filling up my cart for months and finally pulled the trigger on a few items when they were having their anniversary sale a while back.  It was equal parts good and bad, I think....

First up, a couple of boring work shirts.  I wear solid white and sometimes black at work... I just hate how boring it is.

I do like this Rosette Longline Top though.  Just enough interest to keep it from being SOOOO boring.  

 
 I ordered a cute ruched-side top... but they accidentally sent this instead.  Nice.  Hmm.  It's going back for sure.


I think I'm reeeally into these Curvy Fit Jeans... unfortunately, I think the ankles are doing something weird.  Should I get them taken in at the ankles or something?  Or maybe if I wash them they'll just shrink up and look better.  Hm.  I reeeally liked them when I was wearing them and had no clue the ankles got all bunchy.  Wah.

On the upside, they aren't even THAT low rise, which is quite a feat for F21.  Will be ordering another pair if I can figure out the ankle issues.  Also, I sized down from my last order (even though I haven't lost a pound) and they actually look good.  Muffin topping is minimal.


Now... the next 3 dresses are all sold out by now.  This lace bodycon dress is SO not my thing... but there's something strangely hot about it.  I was really sold because it's actually long enough - as opposed to most F21 dresses that are shirt-length.
 

This one is not really befitting of my lifestyle... but I just love black and white.  Classic, classy, black and white.  Unfortunately it's probably too tight in the hips.  When am I going to learn I can't wear a structured shift dress?


And then there is this Love 21 wrap dress.  I really wanted to like it... but it was kinda boxy, even though it was prettily lined and quite comfy.  Maybe it's just too big??


Soo, confession.  I bought something called Scuba Leggings.  Not only did I live to tell about it... but I kinda liked it.  

They are very shiny and stretchy... and shiny.  They remind me of superhero leggings, and they are a deep charcoal gray color.  So... I wonder if I could wear these in public?  At the very least they might make a good Halloween costume.  Considering I haven't dressed up in, eh, 5 years?

I need to know... can I wear shiny leggings??

The Sparkling Bow Hair Clips are rather amazing.  And sparkly.  I only wish they were in red. 


These faux-emerald Faux Stone Teardrop Earrings are SO pretty and cute... I just need to find some hair accessories that work with them.


The Polka Dot Bow Hair Clips are not as cute as I wanted them to be.... but I think I can still make them cute with sparkly pink earrings.


And the Glittered Bow Hair Clips are just about the tiniest hair bows I've seen.  Maybe my nieces will wear them?


 I can't find these sparkly bow earrings anywhere on the website... but they are large and fabulous.



I ordered a Draped Chain Necklace but it arrived broken so I didn't take a picture. 

So, most of the accessories are a win.  The dresses are pretty fab but I'm just not seeing the opportunity to wear them, so they might have to go.

Right now, I'm loving the bottoms at F21.  And I'm going to HAVE to wear shiny leggings just to prove I can.  I feel bad about keeping them otherwise. 

Thoughts?  Can I wear shiny scuba leggings as pants?  Cause we both know I'm going to try it.  

Only 4 days till Black Friday.  Barf.

Wedding Wednesday: It's Official

To contact us Click HERE

As of last week, Mr. RH and I officially have a wedding date.

September 21, 2013.

 I have booked exactly 1 thing: the church.

In my defense, I had plans to book a reception site and set up meetings with photographers yesterday... but then I got the bombshell of all bombshells at work and I spent most of the day on the couch whining.

Which was a really productive use of my time.

So, I know it's been a bit of a bust around here with regards to wedding-planning... but let's hope I get that straightened out soon. 

Excellent. Only 353 days until my wedding!

 Happy Wedding Wednesdays!

Wedding Wednesday: I Can't Even

To contact us Click HERE

So, it's been feet-on-the-ground wedding planning over here.  I am up at all hours "researching" and thinking and panicking... so really, fun times.

I've also been schooling my dad in the art of wedding planning - he thinks it's ABSURD that a venue or photographer or anything, really, would be done more than a year in advance.  His head just about popped off his body when a lady told him she was booked entirely for 2013.

Just so you know what I'm dealing with over here.

Couple all that with some big stress at work... and I'm a bucket of fun all. the. time.

So, this week I was attempting to book a reception venue. Photographer is super high on my list, but there are maybe 5 acceptable locations to book a reception that are close by.... and I knew 1 of them was already booked (from the bridal gala on Sunday!).

There were 2 places in the running.

Location 1:  blank canvas.  Completely blank.  Needs a dropped ceiling, uplighting to give the room some character, and probably needs to be partitioned off lest it feel like a cave.

Location 2: ready-to-go.  Has character, a fireplace, beautiful chandeliers, and the restroom is amazing.  I know that's a weird thing... but it's seriously huge and amazing.  The only negative here is that the space is long and narrow, so it can feel a bit odd depending on how it's set up.

After a lot of soul-searching, I have to have location 2.  I had met with the lady on Monday and she told me my date was available and it was ready-to-book.

Tuesday, 11 am.  Drag my dad from work to write the deposit check.  As he's writing it out... the lady says there is already an event on that date. 

It was moved once, maybe cancelled... but she thinks the event is still on.  My dad and I sit there shell-shocked - since I had been reassured it was available and ready to book...

She promised to call within the day yesterday and let me know... no word yet.  And of course, my heart is set on this location now.  The other doesn't even seem like an option, and there is literally 1 other option in town.

So, yeah.  Happy Wedding Wednesday.  Or not so much.

I Forever 21'd.

To contact us Click HERE

Soo, I've been a little bad at Forever 21 lately.  Actually, I've been filling up my cart for months and finally pulled the trigger on a few items when they were having their anniversary sale a while back.  It was equal parts good and bad, I think....

First up, a couple of boring work shirts.  I wear solid white and sometimes black at work... I just hate how boring it is.

I do like this Rosette Longline Top though.  Just enough interest to keep it from being SOOOO boring.  

 
 I ordered a cute ruched-side top... but they accidentally sent this instead.  Nice.  Hmm.  It's going back for sure.


I think I'm reeeally into these Curvy Fit Jeans... unfortunately, I think the ankles are doing something weird.  Should I get them taken in at the ankles or something?  Or maybe if I wash them they'll just shrink up and look better.  Hm.  I reeeally liked them when I was wearing them and had no clue the ankles got all bunchy.  Wah.

On the upside, they aren't even THAT low rise, which is quite a feat for F21.  Will be ordering another pair if I can figure out the ankle issues.  Also, I sized down from my last order (even though I haven't lost a pound) and they actually look good.  Muffin topping is minimal.


Now... the next 3 dresses are all sold out by now.  This lace bodycon dress is SO not my thing... but there's something strangely hot about it.  I was really sold because it's actually long enough - as opposed to most F21 dresses that are shirt-length.
 

This one is not really befitting of my lifestyle... but I just love black and white.  Classic, classy, black and white.  Unfortunately it's probably too tight in the hips.  When am I going to learn I can't wear a structured shift dress?


And then there is this Love 21 wrap dress.  I really wanted to like it... but it was kinda boxy, even though it was prettily lined and quite comfy.  Maybe it's just too big??


Soo, confession.  I bought something called Scuba Leggings.  Not only did I live to tell about it... but I kinda liked it.  

They are very shiny and stretchy... and shiny.  They remind me of superhero leggings, and they are a deep charcoal gray color.  So... I wonder if I could wear these in public?  At the very least they might make a good Halloween costume.  Considering I haven't dressed up in, eh, 5 years?

I need to know... can I wear shiny leggings??

The Sparkling Bow Hair Clips are rather amazing.  And sparkly.  I only wish they were in red. 


These faux-emerald Faux Stone Teardrop Earrings are SO pretty and cute... I just need to find some hair accessories that work with them.


The Polka Dot Bow Hair Clips are not as cute as I wanted them to be.... but I think I can still make them cute with sparkly pink earrings.


And the Glittered Bow Hair Clips are just about the tiniest hair bows I've seen.  Maybe my nieces will wear them?


 I can't find these sparkly bow earrings anywhere on the website... but they are large and fabulous.



I ordered a Draped Chain Necklace but it arrived broken so I didn't take a picture. 

So, most of the accessories are a win.  The dresses are pretty fab but I'm just not seeing the opportunity to wear them, so they might have to go.

Right now, I'm loving the bottoms at F21.  And I'm going to HAVE to wear shiny leggings just to prove I can.  I feel bad about keeping them otherwise. 

Thoughts?  Can I wear shiny scuba leggings as pants?  Cause we both know I'm going to try it.  

Only 4 days till Black Friday.  Barf.

Wedding Wednesday: It's Official

To contact us Click HERE

As of last week, Mr. RH and I officially have a wedding date.

September 21, 2013.

 I have booked exactly 1 thing: the church.

In my defense, I had plans to book a reception site and set up meetings with photographers yesterday... but then I got the bombshell of all bombshells at work and I spent most of the day on the couch whining.

Which was a really productive use of my time.

So, I know it's been a bit of a bust around here with regards to wedding-planning... but let's hope I get that straightened out soon. 

Excellent. Only 353 days until my wedding!

 Happy Wedding Wednesdays!

Wedding Wednesday: I Can't Even

To contact us Click HERE

So, it's been feet-on-the-ground wedding planning over here.  I am up at all hours "researching" and thinking and panicking... so really, fun times.

I've also been schooling my dad in the art of wedding planning - he thinks it's ABSURD that a venue or photographer or anything, really, would be done more than a year in advance.  His head just about popped off his body when a lady told him she was booked entirely for 2013.

Just so you know what I'm dealing with over here.

Couple all that with some big stress at work... and I'm a bucket of fun all. the. time.

So, this week I was attempting to book a reception venue. Photographer is super high on my list, but there are maybe 5 acceptable locations to book a reception that are close by.... and I knew 1 of them was already booked (from the bridal gala on Sunday!).

There were 2 places in the running.

Location 1:  blank canvas.  Completely blank.  Needs a dropped ceiling, uplighting to give the room some character, and probably needs to be partitioned off lest it feel like a cave.

Location 2: ready-to-go.  Has character, a fireplace, beautiful chandeliers, and the restroom is amazing.  I know that's a weird thing... but it's seriously huge and amazing.  The only negative here is that the space is long and narrow, so it can feel a bit odd depending on how it's set up.

After a lot of soul-searching, I have to have location 2.  I had met with the lady on Monday and she told me my date was available and it was ready-to-book.

Tuesday, 11 am.  Drag my dad from work to write the deposit check.  As he's writing it out... the lady says there is already an event on that date. 

It was moved once, maybe cancelled... but she thinks the event is still on.  My dad and I sit there shell-shocked - since I had been reassured it was available and ready to book...

She promised to call within the day yesterday and let me know... no word yet.  And of course, my heart is set on this location now.  The other doesn't even seem like an option, and there is literally 1 other option in town.

So, yeah.  Happy Wedding Wednesday.  Or not so much.

I Forever 21'd.

To contact us Click HERE

Soo, I've been a little bad at Forever 21 lately.  Actually, I've been filling up my cart for months and finally pulled the trigger on a few items when they were having their anniversary sale a while back.  It was equal parts good and bad, I think....

First up, a couple of boring work shirts.  I wear solid white and sometimes black at work... I just hate how boring it is.

I do like this Rosette Longline Top though.  Just enough interest to keep it from being SOOOO boring.  

 
 I ordered a cute ruched-side top... but they accidentally sent this instead.  Nice.  Hmm.  It's going back for sure.


I think I'm reeeally into these Curvy Fit Jeans... unfortunately, I think the ankles are doing something weird.  Should I get them taken in at the ankles or something?  Or maybe if I wash them they'll just shrink up and look better.  Hm.  I reeeally liked them when I was wearing them and had no clue the ankles got all bunchy.  Wah.

On the upside, they aren't even THAT low rise, which is quite a feat for F21.  Will be ordering another pair if I can figure out the ankle issues.  Also, I sized down from my last order (even though I haven't lost a pound) and they actually look good.  Muffin topping is minimal.


Now... the next 3 dresses are all sold out by now.  This lace bodycon dress is SO not my thing... but there's something strangely hot about it.  I was really sold because it's actually long enough - as opposed to most F21 dresses that are shirt-length.
 

This one is not really befitting of my lifestyle... but I just love black and white.  Classic, classy, black and white.  Unfortunately it's probably too tight in the hips.  When am I going to learn I can't wear a structured shift dress?


And then there is this Love 21 wrap dress.  I really wanted to like it... but it was kinda boxy, even though it was prettily lined and quite comfy.  Maybe it's just too big??


Soo, confession.  I bought something called Scuba Leggings.  Not only did I live to tell about it... but I kinda liked it.  

They are very shiny and stretchy... and shiny.  They remind me of superhero leggings, and they are a deep charcoal gray color.  So... I wonder if I could wear these in public?  At the very least they might make a good Halloween costume.  Considering I haven't dressed up in, eh, 5 years?

I need to know... can I wear shiny leggings??

The Sparkling Bow Hair Clips are rather amazing.  And sparkly.  I only wish they were in red. 


These faux-emerald Faux Stone Teardrop Earrings are SO pretty and cute... I just need to find some hair accessories that work with them.


The Polka Dot Bow Hair Clips are not as cute as I wanted them to be.... but I think I can still make them cute with sparkly pink earrings.


And the Glittered Bow Hair Clips are just about the tiniest hair bows I've seen.  Maybe my nieces will wear them?


 I can't find these sparkly bow earrings anywhere on the website... but they are large and fabulous.



I ordered a Draped Chain Necklace but it arrived broken so I didn't take a picture. 

So, most of the accessories are a win.  The dresses are pretty fab but I'm just not seeing the opportunity to wear them, so they might have to go.

Right now, I'm loving the bottoms at F21.  And I'm going to HAVE to wear shiny leggings just to prove I can.  I feel bad about keeping them otherwise. 

Thoughts?  Can I wear shiny scuba leggings as pants?  Cause we both know I'm going to try it.  

Only 4 days till Black Friday.  Barf.

My Christmas List

To contact us Click HERE

Sooo, I swear I didn't intend to let this place grow crickets.  I feel like I've missed so many fun little occasions in my life!

I had a nice Thanksgiving - I actually spent time with Mr. RH's family at home.  It was low-key and fun and I got in plenty of quality niece snuggles.

And then there was Black Friday - the weirdest Black Friday I can ever remember having.  The store opened at midnight and was madness for about 2 hours.  Then completely dead until afternoon.  It was a weird-weird day.  To top it all off, it got so busy in the evening that I felt like I couldn't leave. 

The rest of the weekend I did a bunch of online shopping and many more hours at work.

So here's the dilemma, friends.

I have no idea what I want for Christmas. 

I spent three hours last night brainstorming ideas.  Three hours!  And the list is kinda lame.

First up, a cheap rose gold watch.  I bang up all my jewelry at work, so anything too nice will get ruined and therefore I won't wear it.  So how about this cheap and sassy little number?


And while we're at Target, I need another pair of moccasins because I'm typically too lazy to put shoes on unless I'm leaving the house.   I have a pair from Lands End that were around $50 and I don't think they're any more special than the $20 Target ones.

I'm not sure if it's because I'm engaged or what... but I feel like I need ALL THE HOUSEWARES this year.  Is it awkward to ask for housewares for Christmas before I even do a wedding registry?  I feel like it is but I don't even care.

I want a 12" cast iron skillet.  I know that the enameled Le Creuset cast iron is all the rage.... but it's SO expensive and eventually chips.  So plain cast iron wishlist it is.

Mr. RH's family has been bugging for a list, so maybe I'll put that on their?  I think I'll have to ask my dad
 for the dutch oven cause it's more expensive.

I put a large glass measuring cup on my wishlist because I need one for Mr. RH's apartment.  I can't live without a giant measuring cup, for real. 

I put a couple books on my list too - Thumped by Megan McCafferty and The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

So, friends.  I know you love your stuff as much as I do... and I'm as shallow as it comes.  Surely I need something else on my wish list, right?

Maybe I should add a fancy high-thread-count set of sheets to my list?

Help me kids, I'm boring myself.

What's on YOUR wish list this Christmas?

Marla Willard-Midwest Conference Performer of the Week

To contact us Click HERE
Tying one school record and closing in on another has earned Monmouth College’s Marla Willard (Pittsfield, Ill./Pittsfield) this week’s Midwest Conference Performer of the Week award in women’s basketball.
Willard picked up her first double-double of the season in Monmouth's 98-87 win over North Central last Wednesday. The junior forward pumped in 13 points and pulled down 21 rebounds, tying the Scots' single game rebounding record. She was especially good on the defensive glass, pulling down 17 defensive rebounds. She also dished out five assists, blocked two shots and had two steals. Her 76 career blocks are just two shy of the school record.
An education major, Willard is the daughter of Bradley and Stacie Willard.

Wedding Wednesday: It's Official

To contact us Click HERE

As of last week, Mr. RH and I officially have a wedding date.

September 21, 2013.

 I have booked exactly 1 thing: the church.

In my defense, I had plans to book a reception site and set up meetings with photographers yesterday... but then I got the bombshell of all bombshells at work and I spent most of the day on the couch whining.

Which was a really productive use of my time.

So, I know it's been a bit of a bust around here with regards to wedding-planning... but let's hope I get that straightened out soon. 

Excellent. Only 353 days until my wedding!

 Happy Wedding Wednesdays!

Wedding Wednesday: I Can't Even

To contact us Click HERE

So, it's been feet-on-the-ground wedding planning over here.  I am up at all hours "researching" and thinking and panicking... so really, fun times.

I've also been schooling my dad in the art of wedding planning - he thinks it's ABSURD that a venue or photographer or anything, really, would be done more than a year in advance.  His head just about popped off his body when a lady told him she was booked entirely for 2013.

Just so you know what I'm dealing with over here.

Couple all that with some big stress at work... and I'm a bucket of fun all. the. time.

So, this week I was attempting to book a reception venue. Photographer is super high on my list, but there are maybe 5 acceptable locations to book a reception that are close by.... and I knew 1 of them was already booked (from the bridal gala on Sunday!).

There were 2 places in the running.

Location 1:  blank canvas.  Completely blank.  Needs a dropped ceiling, uplighting to give the room some character, and probably needs to be partitioned off lest it feel like a cave.

Location 2: ready-to-go.  Has character, a fireplace, beautiful chandeliers, and the restroom is amazing.  I know that's a weird thing... but it's seriously huge and amazing.  The only negative here is that the space is long and narrow, so it can feel a bit odd depending on how it's set up.

After a lot of soul-searching, I have to have location 2.  I had met with the lady on Monday and she told me my date was available and it was ready-to-book.

Tuesday, 11 am.  Drag my dad from work to write the deposit check.  As he's writing it out... the lady says there is already an event on that date. 

It was moved once, maybe cancelled... but she thinks the event is still on.  My dad and I sit there shell-shocked - since I had been reassured it was available and ready to book...

She promised to call within the day yesterday and let me know... no word yet.  And of course, my heart is set on this location now.  The other doesn't even seem like an option, and there is literally 1 other option in town.

So, yeah.  Happy Wedding Wednesday.  Or not so much.

I Forever 21'd.

To contact us Click HERE

Soo, I've been a little bad at Forever 21 lately.  Actually, I've been filling up my cart for months and finally pulled the trigger on a few items when they were having their anniversary sale a while back.  It was equal parts good and bad, I think....

First up, a couple of boring work shirts.  I wear solid white and sometimes black at work... I just hate how boring it is.

I do like this Rosette Longline Top though.  Just enough interest to keep it from being SOOOO boring.  

 
 I ordered a cute ruched-side top... but they accidentally sent this instead.  Nice.  Hmm.  It's going back for sure.


I think I'm reeeally into these Curvy Fit Jeans... unfortunately, I think the ankles are doing something weird.  Should I get them taken in at the ankles or something?  Or maybe if I wash them they'll just shrink up and look better.  Hm.  I reeeally liked them when I was wearing them and had no clue the ankles got all bunchy.  Wah.

On the upside, they aren't even THAT low rise, which is quite a feat for F21.  Will be ordering another pair if I can figure out the ankle issues.  Also, I sized down from my last order (even though I haven't lost a pound) and they actually look good.  Muffin topping is minimal.


Now... the next 3 dresses are all sold out by now.  This lace bodycon dress is SO not my thing... but there's something strangely hot about it.  I was really sold because it's actually long enough - as opposed to most F21 dresses that are shirt-length.
 

This one is not really befitting of my lifestyle... but I just love black and white.  Classic, classy, black and white.  Unfortunately it's probably too tight in the hips.  When am I going to learn I can't wear a structured shift dress?


And then there is this Love 21 wrap dress.  I really wanted to like it... but it was kinda boxy, even though it was prettily lined and quite comfy.  Maybe it's just too big??


Soo, confession.  I bought something called Scuba Leggings.  Not only did I live to tell about it... but I kinda liked it.  

They are very shiny and stretchy... and shiny.  They remind me of superhero leggings, and they are a deep charcoal gray color.  So... I wonder if I could wear these in public?  At the very least they might make a good Halloween costume.  Considering I haven't dressed up in, eh, 5 years?

I need to know... can I wear shiny leggings??

The Sparkling Bow Hair Clips are rather amazing.  And sparkly.  I only wish they were in red. 


These faux-emerald Faux Stone Teardrop Earrings are SO pretty and cute... I just need to find some hair accessories that work with them.


The Polka Dot Bow Hair Clips are not as cute as I wanted them to be.... but I think I can still make them cute with sparkly pink earrings.


And the Glittered Bow Hair Clips are just about the tiniest hair bows I've seen.  Maybe my nieces will wear them?


 I can't find these sparkly bow earrings anywhere on the website... but they are large and fabulous.



I ordered a Draped Chain Necklace but it arrived broken so I didn't take a picture. 

So, most of the accessories are a win.  The dresses are pretty fab but I'm just not seeing the opportunity to wear them, so they might have to go.

Right now, I'm loving the bottoms at F21.  And I'm going to HAVE to wear shiny leggings just to prove I can.  I feel bad about keeping them otherwise. 

Thoughts?  Can I wear shiny scuba leggings as pants?  Cause we both know I'm going to try it.  

Only 4 days till Black Friday.  Barf.