Pick me up break

Today's the sort of day that I need a pick me up, and maybe you do too. Or maybe you will in the mist of all your planning.

My friend sent me this Ted Talks video, which led me to this blog: 1000 Awesome Things

I'm struggling to write this, but I need to.

Counting my blessings:

• Friends who will talk to me while I'm wallowing in my self-pity
• My adorable dog who will always love me and be excited to see me when I come home
• Ted Talks videos
• Reminders to realize how blessed I am
• Italian Wedding soup (the caf here served it today)
• Vacation days
• First snow falls
• Car washes (especially right now my car needs one)
• Mini Peppermint Waffle Cookies from Trader Joe's
• Peppermint Milk Shakes from Chik-Fil-A

Favorite Vendors: Ashley's Photography

I just love wedding/engagement photography, sometimes when I'm bored I'll look at some photos. The photos in this post are taken by my friend, Ashley, who is located in the D.C. area. I love when a photographer can bring out the details of the day/surrounding in the photos. I especially love that the sun is shining down on that dance party in the picture below! Check out her website here! & contact her here (or on her site) for more information.

Bridal Shower Gifts: The Victoria('s Secret)

I love shopping at Victoria's Secret. There's something about that store that no longer makes me feel a blush about shopping for lingerie in the mall. I also love their cotton panties, body lotions, and wish I could wear their yoga pants everyday.

Victoria's Secret always comes to mind when shopping for a bridal shower (besides the bride's registry), it's like being able to throw in a little something for the future groom in the mist of well just being a prop for the whole wedding ceremony.

Mile/Point go getters, VS is a great place to shop. Why? Because there's always coupons available online / if you shop there often they send you coupons in the mail. I recommend always giving your phone number and e-mail address. It's part of  Chase UR and right now for Discover(it) its 5% cash back!

So, when you're thinking of something naughty to get the future bride, consider VS, but don't forget to maximize your purchase by looking for coupon codes available (you can enter up to 3 on the website).

Two deals in store today:

• 30% off a single product
• 50% off all panties

A break from all the wedding talk...

and onto one of my favorite past times...shopping!

Here's a little post I put together about saving some money while shopping using the Wrapp app.

Check it out :) 

Here's a coupon round up for a few shops I love:

• Ulta $5 off $10 (see exclsuions)
• Macy's $10 off $25 or $20 off $50
• Petco Get a free $5egc for ordering something now & Free Purina Wet Dog or Cat Food
• Barnes and Noble 25% off 

Tradition Origins: Matching Bridesmaid Dresses

Why do bridesmaid dresses match? Who even started this? Brides have taken spins to this idea in recent years by allowing bridesmaids to have different styles of dresses and/or different colors. This helps bridesmaids be able to wear the dress they spent money on to be able to wear it again! (Unless its completely hideous). I've reworn a few of my bridesmaids dresses for other weddings + social events, so I'm really appreciative when the bride lets me choose what style I like most.

The tradition started from the Romans where it was required that 10 guests wear the exact same outfit as the bride and groom for good luck. This would confuse the evil spirits who were out to curse the wedding couple. Reference

I think I like the idea of the same color hue or theme color hues + different styles! But it's all up to the bride! It's her day and you're her maid! :)

Tradition Origins: Carrying the Bride Across the Threshold

I once had a male friend express his concern for his wedding day over having to carry his future bride across the threshold. He thought that even though he doesn't know who this woman will be, that he would struggle to do it. Let's take a quick peek at how this tradition came about.

In the middle ages, it was improper for the bride to show any desire to consummate her marriage, so she had to be carried in. Then came the idea that carrying the bride through the threshold would keep away evil spirits. Currently it is only practiced as a romantic gesture.

Is your future hubby planning to carry you across the threshold? Or does he need to hit the gym first?

Favorite Vendors: Momma Tan Flowers

Moms are pretty spectacular and somehow they can do anything from cooking, running us around, kissing a booboo, and making the day so much better. Not to compare, but my mom's amazingly talented.

Introducing my all-time favorite wedding florist. Momma Tan Flowers (PS I don't know if she likes this name, but I think it fits!) My mom has done countless weddings so far and lately (due to my age range) she's constantly being booked up for more weddings! Feel free to use the contact me to the right to inquire for your wedding day! Here's a few of my favorites:

Photo Credit: DreamLite Photography

Photo Credit: Dreamlite Photography

Stay tuned for more pictures in future posts! :)

Details: Wardrobe Change

I once attended a wedding where the bride changed gowns 7 times. That's 8 gowns total! I was floored and amazed at how many beautiful dresses the bride had in her closet.

It's really up to the bride if we she wants to change, though I heard that its bad luck for Chinese to change back into your wedding gown. Also, for Chinese, the custom is to have three dresses 1) Wedding Gown 2) Traditional QiPao or CheongSam (usually worn for the tea ceremony) 3) Cocktail Dress. Usually the more dresses a bride changes into shows how wealthy the family is.

I also recall in some old movies the bride would change into an outfit for the honeymoon (once when people went on their honeymoon right after their wedding). I have never attended a wedding that this occurs. Talk about planning professionals.

I think the custom now is to have 2 dresses - the wedding gown and a more comfortable cocktail dress. But my feeling is that if I'm paying so much for my wedding gown I'm going to spend my full 4-6 hours in it!

Details: Registry guide

My dear friend & bride to be just shared with me this awesome link that lists of the Top 75 Places to Register by category. Hopefully it helps you, as it's helping my friend make decisions (Please note that this list doesn't include the JetBlue/US Airways miles registry I posted about!)

http://www.brides.com/home-wedding-registry/registry-ideas-answers/2010/06/top_75_wedding_registries

Tradition Origins: Freezing the Top Tier

Hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving + Black Friday + Cyber Monday! (hopefully you got in some shopping while maximizing your points!) I bought a registry gift for an awesome couple getting married last year from Macy's. I was a little annoyed at Macy's online shopping, because one only qualifies for free shipping at $99 and above. So I figured hey, why not do a little selfish shopping to make free shipping. Well it turns out after finding a few cute pieces, the ENTIRE order would either go to the registry couple or to myself and I would not be able to get a gift receipt for the registry items separate from my purchases. I was rather frustrated since I didn't want to dish out for shipping. Anyway, after speaking to Macy's online chat, they waived the shipping fee for one order. As much as I adore the couple, I don't think they would want my clothes arriving with their registry gifts!

Anyway, on to the point of this post...freezing the top tier of the wedding cake to enjoy 1 year later on your anniversary. Sounds pretty nasty to me. I like fresh cake not frozen 1 year old cake.

This tradition started because brides would hope to have a baby within one year of marriage. The brides would keep their top tier of cake so that they could use it for christening. Couples now keep the cake for sentimental reasons. If you're taking part of this tradition, please research extensively how to keep your cake fresh & freezer-burn-less! (Or just buy a new cake - or what I prefer most - a fruit tart to celebrate!) (Reference)