#104. I'm not creative...

... but for some reason I'm a sucker for DIY projects. Most of which probably won't actually make it, but here's one I love - and could still use the frame for. :)

#103. YUM

I don't know if it is the fact that right now I am trying to deny myself any of my favorite things (sweets, cheese, booze, white flour) but these look deeeeeeeee-vine. :)

#102. Centerpieces

Look at these beauties! I don't think I would want to do the lavender potpourri, but this is definitely worth considering... possibly alternating with the baby's breath and small vases idea.

#101. Vintage? Check! Personal touch? Check

Check out this post on Wedding Bee. What a great idea! I know someone (ahem, me!) who has vintage champagne glasses that her grandparents used to use. I see an idea brewing... :)

#100. The 100th Post!

In honor of the 100th post, I thought I would post something that I have thrown around in my head for a long time, and I truly hope I feel the same way when I get married that I feel at this very moment. I feel like finding the person you get to grow and spend the rest of your life with is way better than any set of dishes, SO... I think I will go with this route for gifts.

1. People's presence means much more to me that a present will. I would rather have them show up than feel the need to buy me anything.

2. If people really want to get something, I would feel so much better if a donation was made to one of the following charities: Seacoast Cancer Cares (for the hospital that took such amazing care of my Dad when he was sick - my Mom started it), Scottish Rite Hospital (where I volunteer, and where my niece Kate (who suffers from Juvenile Arthritis) spends a lot of time) or Gilda's Club (where I used to volunteer, a free place for people who are struggling to deal with the reality of cancer.)

3. If people really want to give a gift, I would prefer something personal - a family recipe, a book they loved, or a cookbook.

4. Finally, for the people who just cannot live without a registry, I'll probably register for a mixer, towels, and sheets. Things I could buy myself if they aren't all bought up.

I have a lot of stuff already; I think this is a great plan for me.

#99. Day 4 of the point system...

Monday = 3 points (run, shred, none of the "bad" food items)

Tuesday = 2 points (run, none of the "bad" food items)

Wednesday = 3 points (run, shred, none of the "bad" food items)

Thursday = 2.5 points (run, shred, none of the "bad" food items other than wine)

I have two happy hours to go to, so I think I'll cash in 4 points today so I can have a glass of wine at each. That leaves me with 6.5 for the weekend, AND, if I go by the following schedule:

Friday = 2.5 points (run, shred, none of the "bad" food items other than wine)

Saturday =  2 points (run, shred)

Sunday = 3 points (run, shred, none of the "bad" food items)

I'll be able to have 14 points or 7 glasses of wine I can consume this weekend. Not too shabby...

#98. Love...

I normally think church billboards are a bit over the top, but I saw the following on my way home last night and really felt like it touched me.

"We will occupy our time with love."

This is the kind of message all churches should be spreading.

Image found here.

#97. The Point System

You know what's nice? Not having to stress out about losing weight for a specific event. Right now, I'm just concerned with fitting into my bathing suits and not feeling bad about wearing them (something I work on every year and never succeed to do.) It's gotten to the point where I want to try the Master Cleanse diet, even though it seems like a bad thing to do to your body. This year I have a new strategy - the point system. Here are my goals for the next month:

1. Run EVERY day of the week. If I skip one day, I need to run twice the next day.

2. Try to do at least 3 extra workouts (30 Day Shred, circuits, weights, pilates, etc...).

3. Try to limit the cheese, booze, white flour and sugar.

Some additional ideas (not necessarily goals, but valid nonetheless).

1. Try to make soup every Sunday and have it for lunches and dinners throughout the week.

2. Make mint iced tea on a daily basis to consume with dinner instead of wine.

3. Try to walk every night after dinner.

Now, the point system... I figure that if I stick with my goals, I need a good treat. Since I am trying to save all of my money for a big trip to the UK, this is what I worked up.

1 point = going for a run or working out.

1/2 point = going a full day without the following: cheese, booze, white flour or sugar. If I go the full day without any, I get one point.

At the end of the week, I can use points to treat myself to a drink or two...

2 points = 1 glass of wine, champagne, or vodka soda

3 points = 1 beer

I think I like this plan.

Image found here.

#96. Reception Napkins

I don't know why, but I love the idea of printed napkins. They are just a cheap detail that can make a difference. Part of me loves the idea of making "Fun Fact" napkins (per a previous post) but I also think these napkins = easy and lovely.

Image found here.

#95. Man Jewelry

While I have no earthly idea what Mr. Thompson will want to wear for the rest of his life, you have to assume that a man who won't even wear a watch might actually like this. Thanks, Wedding Bee, for another gem. :)

#94. I'm in love...

... with these shoes. I think Manolo Blahnik might be too expensive for me, but I am inspired.

Image found here.

#93. How do I put this...?

I love champagne AND I love pink AND I love Sofia champagne cans. How do I incorporate these into a wedding event? Are cans tacky at a wedding? Is this more of a casual shower/bachelorette party cocktail?

Image found here. To think, I'd almost forgotten about this site! :)

#92. OMG so pretty...

The more I think about my wedding (which seems to be more and more every day - especially considering the lack of an important piece of jewelry, but whatevs) the more I think that I really want simple. I want the following things:

1. To have the wedding in a place that makes me and the man I marry happy. That place is not a church.

2. To only invite people who are close family members and true friends. People I probably won't have in my life in a few years don't need to be there. Small = intimate and real.

3. That my bridesmaids wear a black dress they feel comfortable and beautiful in. I don't care about matching.

4. That I not be in charge of music. I love it and have suggestions, but I know my music style isn't everyone's. Oh, and I really don't want a DJ and will avoid at all costs if humanly possible. They like to hear the sound of their own voice too often.

5. That I take all group pictures before the wedding. I don't think it's that important if I see the person I am spending the rest of my life with for the "first time" at the aisle. If I'm paying for a great shindig, I want to enjoy the entire thing. Oh, and along those lines, I want a great photographer.

6. I love mismatched mason jar/small vase centerpieces with babies breath. Hopefully some that could be purchased at the local grocery store that day/the day before.

7. A beautiful bouquet for me, and maybe no flowers for the bridesmaids - is that odd? I just feel like it is so wasteful.

Anyway, these are just some thoughts I am having on this beautiful Friday morning...

Picture found here.

#91. Wedding Bee is full of great ideas!

And I really love the idea of having your bridesmaids sign your shoes after the ceremony. Especially if they are "wear again" shoes. Why would I ever want plain, white boring shoes?!?

Shoes from here

*Disclaimer, despite the fact that my step grandmother claims she was Hillary Duff's mother's mentor when she was young, HD will not be a bridesmaid when I one day walk down the aisle.

#90. Oh happy day...

I just got my first set of keys to BF's new place (as of last night, it's his new place!) I also got a garage door opener. BIG step... I also talked him into bringing over his ipod and speakers and we danced on the porch and in the open 2nd floor for about 10 minutes. It was nice. :)

Image found here.

#89. Wedding Colors

I just had a thought. BF is Scottish and wore a kilt to his sisters weddings (in Scotland.) Will this be a factor? Will it change my purple, white and brown motif that I kind of have dancing around in my head? OR, do I just not worry about it and focus on happier thoughts... I'm going with option B.

Image found here.

#88. Ring Pillow

How awesome is this ring pillow? Especially for a beach wedding... Tralalalala.

#87. A song I want at my wedding....

I don't care if it's first dance, last dance, or somewhere in between; I just love this song.

Otis Redding/That's How Strong My Love Is

If I was the sun way up there

I'd go with love most everywhere

I'll be the moon when the sun goes down

Just to let you know that I'm still around

That's how strong my love is, oh

That's how strong my love is,

That's how strong my love is, baby, baby,

That's how strong my love is.

I'll be the weeping willow drowning in my tears

You can go swimming when you're here

I'll be the rainbow when the sun is gone

Wrap you in my colors and keep you warm

That's how strong my love is, darling,

That's how strong my love is, baby,

That's how strong my love is, oooh,

That's how strong my love is.

I'll be the ocean so deep and wide

I'll get out the tears whenever you cry,

I'll be the breeze after the storm is gone

To dry your eyes and love you warm

That's how strong my love is, baby,

That's how strong my love is,

That's how strong my love is, darling,

That's how strong my love is

That's how strong my love is, so deep in,

Well that's how strong my love is

So much love, yes so much love, oohh,

Yes so much love, yes so much love,

Anything that I can do, I'll be good for you,

Any kind of love you want, I'll be with you...

#86. Jukebox?

OMG - I love this idea! I hate how DJ's are attention seekers who tend to be more obnoxious than helpful...

Image found here.

#85. I want a destination wedding...

...if for no other reason, than having a picture in my wedding dress with flamingos. You may want to read this.

#84. Wine Labels

So, I have a confession to make - I love wine. Any and all kinds, with the exception of the sweet blushes, muscats, rieslings, etc... I really think I want to have my own label on the wine that I use for the reception (if at all possible.) I was browsing labels on this site and saw this option. I loved it AND love that the wedding took place in The Woodlands (aka home of the BF.) I might have to swap the pink for purple or something, but whatevs. This is hypothetical. :)

#83. Centerpieces - Check!

It may be way too premature, but I think I have found my centerpieces - and it looks like it will cost me the amount of one wet tile saw and a big favor from my brother. :)

#82. Southern Charm

I think that no matter what, I want my wedding to contain some Southern charm to it. I feel like I have Texas blood flowing through my veins given to my by two of Texas' best parents, and I want my wedding to have that vibe. I want lots of colored glass, and OMG I saw this picture and I knew it - how great would it be to have Mason jars as beer mugs? Good? Bad?

#81. Favors favors everywhere

Yet another one, that might be perfect for *someone* I know who is planning a wedding for the fall of 2010. :)

#80. Flowers - another potential

How pretty are these?

#79. Fun Favors Part Bajillion

Obviously, I would (hopefully) have to word these differently, but I do love fortune cookies and the BF thinks Thai food for dinner at least once a week is necessary to survive.

#78. Pretty

So, I am aware that I keep changing my mind on cakes. Showing pictures of a pretty one here, cupcakes here, and now with this beautiful cake stand... Fortunately I have time and the fact that I am not engaged on my side. Truth be told, I did not read the post that this picture came from as I got distracted by the sheer beauty of this stand and the possibility of designing an entire cake around it. After all, I love to entertain and I could use this for the rest of my life. :)

#77. So inspired...

Work has been crazy and my personal life has gotten to the point where I must schedule things at least two weeks in advance (it seems like) so blogging has taken a back seat... until I browsed Wedding Bee for about 5 minutes at the end of the work day yesterday and found this wedding. I love that she had fun fact napkins (pictured above.) I'm not sure if I would take the time to make them myself, but finding them someplace could be fun! I think a fun fact history of weddings (or famous marriages) could be quite wonderful. If not, maybe some sort of mixture about New Hampshire, Dallas, Scotland, and Houston... Or, you know, wherever. ;)