Love Songs

Last night, the fiancee and I got to talking about what song we would want playing while we shared our first dance. It's interesting the choices we have, but the songs meanings are very simple and share the same feeling. The first one is his choice and caught me by complete surprise because his song choices are usually of the rap pursuasion. The second one is mine and had never heard it before until the other day while driving to work. The title of the song are the exact words my finacee told me once while we were dating and once again when he proposed. It's why the song captured my attention. Not to mention that I love the singers raspy voice and his true emotion. I have a hard decision to make.

It's Beginning to (not) Look a Lot Like Christmas

This week is Christmas, but in Houston it feels like a hot mess. I can't complain because it could be the other way around. This year I am torn between going to my aunt's house as my family has done every year or going with my fiancee to his parents celebration. His whole family is coming up from the Valley since his grandpa is currently going through chemo treatments here. He has a rare form of cancer and it's the first time the family has not celebrated at their grandparents house.

My family is having issues right now and I find it hard to stomach any gathering because I hate the tension, but somehow I push through and go anyway. I don't mind going to either, but every year my mom and I swear we are going to hop a plane and have our own Christmas elsewhere. One day...

Camera Lust

www.urbanoutfitters.com

I am getting crazy for camera's again. Ever since I was a little girl I have been obsessed with cameras and photography. I was in yearbook and was the photo editor in high school and even took classes in college, but I am rusty. The one thing I truly have been itching for is sitting in a dark room and getting lost in chemicals for hours. It was therapeutic for me and I miss it so much. This year for Christmas I have my eye on the classic Diana pin hole camera and Urban Outfitters has so many to choose from. They even have a Hello Kitty version that I may snag up for myself. The film is super expensive and hard to find, but I have to have it. I also have been eyeing instant cameras, especially super cool designed Fujifilm version. My creative side is begging to come out!

Target Fashion

Target announced that it will be featuring William Rast, the clothing line by Justin Timberlake and friend Trace Ayala. I saw this in InStyle magazine and they featured some of the items that will be in store starting December 19th thru January 22nd. The collection looks great and the line will carry affordable items for women and men. I haven't been excited about any of the collections for Target, but this one I am eager to purchase.

I am a fan of William Rast's leather jackets and their jeans are awesome, but wonder if the quality will be the same. Either way, I expect these items to sell fast. Although I am not sure if I should pay full price or wait until this line goes on clearance and snag everything for a bargain. Target has a fast turnover rate and I can always find great deals for less than 15 dollars most the time. I shall see!

First Time's a Charm!

I went to look at dresses a couple weeks ago with my mom and maid of honor. I just wanted to browse and maybe get an idea of what I was looking for. I knew I wanted something form fitting and very dramatic, but hadn't seen anything appealing in any magazine or online. As I was looking, the salesperson asked what I didn't want to help the procees and the only thing I thought of was lace. I just didn't see myself wearing lace and associated the trend with old ladies for some reason. From the start, my mom told me she saw me wearing lace, but would let me choose what I wanted.

I had dozens of dresses all the same style ready to go when my mom pointed out one in the display window. Of course it was lace and was very pretty, but was twice my parent's budget. We walked away and then my mom asked if I would try it on first just for her. I obliged to make her happy thinking I would try it on and move on. I put it on and immediately thought how sexy and flirty it made me feel. I walked out and the initial reaction was the one I'd hoped for for my wedding day. I want the "wow" factor and people to drop jaws when I walk down the aisle.

I was hesitant to love this dress because I assumed that their reactions were because it was the first dress I was trying on. After that every other dress got no response and blank faces. I was surprised to find that the style I thought I'd wear did not flatter me at all and made me feel very frumpy. In the back of my mind was that dress but I felt guilt for finding it so early on with more than year left to plan, but my mom said, "Just get the first one!"

The dress is very old Hollywood glamour and paired with the birdcage veil it was exactly was I wanted without knowing. Happy that this was such an easy process and not a nightmare as some of my friends have experienced. So with that done I now have to start jump start the planning process. As of now, I had no motivation but with the holidays approaching and the numerous weddings we have in the first months in 2011, it's just a reminder that time is passing quickly.

Faux-real

Ann Taylor

Rachel Zoe for QVC

Material Girl

I am obsessed with fake fur vests this season. I am seeing them in every catalog and in every store. I've even seen them in the kids department at Target.

I bought a vest last year and just found it in my winter stash, but it is very sporty. I am desperately waiting for a cold night to wear it out and sadly it been kind of warm in Houston.

I am on the hunt for a new vest and the best deal I have seen so far is this black/gray version by "Material Girl", which is Madonna and her daughter Lourdes's new clothing line. It looks real and it was by far the best priced at only $32 dollars originally and now it's marked down to $14.99! That's a steal compared to the $98 dollars I was going to spend at Ann Taylor.

Roomate Terror

http://jezebel.com/5686643/the-top-ten-worst-roommate-stories?skyline=true&s=i

Man, I though I had it bad dealing with my finacee's empty water bottle collection and Kleenex piles. So lucky I never had these kind of roommates and that my college roommate was awesome!

Not a Girl Not Yet a Woman

Lately, I've been thinking about the girl I was before all this responsibility kicked in. Back in the day I was so eager to get dressed up and spend the night on the town. Nowadays I can't even stay up past 11 to save my life. I feel guilty that I don't hang out with my friends as much as I'd like to and that we all have our own lives taking over.

It feels weird getting older and slowly realizing you're one of the oldest people at the club and yes that girl who looks 16 is really 22. I remember laughing at people my age trying to dress and act young. Now look at me. Gray hairs have appeared on my head and my hairdresser asked me at my last appointment when I would consider dying my hair (what the hell?). Maybe I'm freaking out for no reason, but I do miss hanging out with just the girls and eating Taco Cabana at 4AM.

I still feel like that Hooter's waitress (but with more income), working her way through college and having fun along the way, but my body says, "if you go to bed now you'll get 9 hours of sleep." I'm sure everyone goes through this and this feeling will pass but I think a night out with my ladies just might do the trick.

First Impressions

I meet a lot of people and have to admit that sometimes I can give off the bitch vibe. I can be short and quiet at first, but it's because it takes a while for me to warm up to anyone. I am a nice person and once you get to know me you'll have a friend for life.

I am also a good judge of character, but can't help it that certain people give me a weird feeling/vibe. A feeling that always seems right which leads me to avoiding the person all together. My fiancee hates burning bridges or even the fact that someone doesn't like him bothers the crap out of him. In return, he pushes me to be nicer and friendlier to those people I want to avoid.

I can't help it and try to go against my feeling, but it always ends up being a waste. I find it tiresome to try to make someone like me. I don't know if I should feel guilty or just accept the fact that I am not going to get along with everyone. I don't know what to do. Grrr...

Dress Dilemma

Going with my mom and maid of honor this weekend to try on some dresses. In order for me to take bridal portraits in the Spring, I will have to have my dress purchased by January. I will not have time to do this unless I take care of it before the holidays. Then after the holidays we have back to back weddings until March, so I have to get on the ball.

It seems that no matter what bridal magazine I look at, I see the same boring dresses. Maybe it's because they use the same ads in all the publications or I'm being extremely picky, but either way I cannot find "the dress". I have some that I kind of like, for example this dress seems to keep popping up, but honestly can't fully see myself wearing any of them. Hopefully, when I try some on it will get my mind straight.

I haven't done any other wedding plans for a while, but need to send the rest of the save the dates in November to allow a year for our guests to plan. All this and more, but I won't stress. Promise.

Missed the Bus

This could have been me minus the sequins and the attitude. Meet Cecilia Cassini, child fashion designer.

What Your Facebook Profile Photo Says About You

http://gawker.com/5669005/what-your-facebook-profile-photo-says-about-you

This posting from Gawker had me cracking up because I know people who have the most ridiculous Facebook profile pictures. Some people make my eyes roll and some just scare the crap out of me. I am guilty of the above and wonder could they have stole this off my page? Just kidding.

Natural Love

Fiancee and I went to an outdoor, country wedding in Bastrop, TX this past weekend. The setting was a farm and under an old oak tree guests witnessed true love at its finest. Love was in the air and all around. Everything was gorgeous and it was apparent that the couple put their touch into each detail. Literally. The couple are artists and hand made every part of their special day. All guests we asked to wear boots, so I wore a fun flirty purple number with my brown pair. I enjoyed this wedding very much because it seemed everyone was enjoying themselves and all was forgotten for a couple hours.

Happiness

So the engagement party was a success apart from me almost having a panic attack. I was busy all day trying to make sure everything was all in order, but of course that never happens when you try to prep a party. I called in reinforcements and had several family members including my fiance's sister and mother help at last minute. I still was scrambling 15 minutes before the guests arrived and needless to say I was late to my own party. All of it flew by so fast because we were trying to manage talking to everyone and keeping family members entertained. Our families have never met and the few friends we had have never been in the same room. It was pretty cool and loved the toasts everyone gave, even my mother who hates speaking in public. She was on point!

The highlight for me was giving everyone their goody bags filled with Vegas themed candies and our awesome "save the date" cards designed by a good friend. We received so many great responses and comments on how amazing they looked. People expressed how excited they are to attend our wedding. I am so happy everything turned out well and look forward to mailing out the rest of the cards and jump starting the rest of my wedding planning.

Through the Eyes of a Man

www.tuckermax.com

This guy has written some very entertaining books. Books that my fiancee can't put down or stop laughing out loud while recalling every moment of his college adventures. The other day, fiancee let me read a chapter that lead to reading over half of the book. The author, Tucker Max writes about his experiences while going to both University of Chicago and Duke. Granted, I am sure this is how every guy experiences college and life after, but it gave me a glimpse into the mind of a man. Sick, dirty and very funny, but a must read.

Shoe Withdrawals

www.dsw.com

I have been so busy lately that I haven't had any time to squeeze in some much needed shoe-therapy. Fall has officially started in Houston and I have yet to purchase a new pair of boots. I am feening for a shopping trip, but am saving every penny for our wedding and would feel guilty. I would even settle for a trip to Target to cure me. I am going to Vegas next month to attend my girlfriend's bachelorette party and know a great pair of sexy heels would make me happy.

Hit Me Baby One More Time

www.fox.com

Last night's Glee episode featured Britney Spears songs and was so cool! I watched it with my mom and we both thought the best performance was Brittany's (Heather Morris) version of "Slave for You". She recreated the video, jumbo snake and all. It helps that she is a professional dancer and that she kinda of looks like her. I still cannot believe they never let her sing solo before. Overall, it was a good episode and can't wait to tune in next week.

Country Times

Loving the prospect of Houston having cooler weather especially since the fair is back in my home town. Growing up, the fair was always the official start to Fall. It brings so many memories of growing up and staying out all night riding rides and eating funnel cake with my friends. It's even more enjoyable now that my cousins participate in the BBQ cook-offs and that I have introduced some of my "city" friends to the fair tradition. I am truly a country-girl at heart and can't wait to get my hands on some good music, good food and old friends.

Love

Alfred Sung

This dress looks like something Pegy Olson from Mad Men would wear to my wedding. So cute, too bad it will be cold during my ceremony to even consider. Ahhh, I can dream can't I?

Dress Fail

I attempted to make an appointment at a bridal boutique located near my office to try on some dresses to no avail. I walked in and waited for someone to help me and got nothing. After 5 minutes, I walked out taking with me a bridal magazine and a business card (in case I wanted to make a call to complain later). I don't like to beg for service and highly doubt I will go back to look at their gowns even though they were gorgeous. Back to square one.

Moving Along

I started the "Save the Date" creative process this week. I am excited about introducing our wedding style to our family at our engagement party next month. Yesterday, I had my first crying moment when the fiancee questioned everything from the size of the product to the actual printing process. I work in Advertising, so I know how all this stuff works, but to other people I guess it seems silly the way it all works. You can say that he caught me at the end of a long day at my weakest moment. After a talk, he now sees my vision and agrees we should raise the bar to show our fun personalities.

I guess I was expecting him to just say, "whatever you like" and that would be it especially since we already discussed this, but I got all kinds of questions thrown at me and then he asked why ours couldn't look like everyone else's cards. Let me point out that I am the type of person that has a higher expectation and adamantly wants to not be like everyone else. I like to be unique in my choices and in all aspects of life the best way I can and this of course applies to my wedding planning. I could be mediocre, but it's no fun.

Memories

http://www.youtube.com/

Growing up, I watched a lot of TV and saw a lot of advertisments. When I see one of those old spots airing now it takes me back and it amazes me how I still know the words to all these commercials. Here's an oldie, but a goodie.

Gleek

I am anticipating the season premier of Glee on Fox, September 21. I starting watching this show mid season earlier this year and was instantly hooked. I even made my mom watch it with me and now she can't stop watching either. The premiere is rumored to include Jay-Z, Poison and Gaga tunes. I am glad to hear about more Gagalicious songs being featured, because their Lady G episode was one of their best. I'll be tuned in!

Ideas

http://www.matrimonychips.com/

Found a great wedding favor for my guests today. These poker chips are customizable and a cool way to say thank you along with some other favors. I just love the idea of incorporating our locale into the theme.

A New Crave

http://www.cravecupcakes.com/

My favorite cupcake place is opening a location near my job next week and I am beyond excited. Crave is opening their new location in the Rice Village area making my weekly cravings for Strawberry cupcakes easier to satisfy.

In Love

www.tarakeely.com

www.pronovias.com

Getting Back on Track

I have been taking care of my mother as she recovers from Hysterectomy surgery and have been slowly trying to take care of some wedding duties. My parents have decided to throw an engagement party for family and close friends next month, but it means I will have to start prepping since my mom will be recovering for 6-8 weeks.

The future mother-in-law has decided and already purchased items for a luau theme and is willing to help out any way she can. My goal this weekend is to secure our Vegas locale since it is already booking through 2012. I don't want to wait any longer for fear that we may have to wait until then to have the ceremony, which I do not want to do.

The wedding showcase last weekend wasn't very impressive, but I did find a great invitation design and a great makeup lady. Also, the cake and champagne samples didn't hurt. Next on the list is visiting the church and meeting with the priest to start the whole catholic church process. Once that is done we can secure that date and start the real planning. Baby steps...

Save the Date Video

Save the date! 31 july 2010 from Kishi-Grover on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/8665029

Such a cute idea! The music melts my heart.

Wish I had the skills to produce something so creative and special to share with my friends. Instead I will settle for a card and envelope. Sorry, guys.

Getting Started

I still feel I am running circles in trying to start planning a wedding. Once I start thinking about something it leads to a new detail. And that new detail sparks a new thought and so on and so on.

Every person I talk to has a new set of questions about the wedding that I have not even though about and it makes me worry, since I have no idea what I am doing.

We compiled a list of invitees and mine is short compared to my fiance's 3 page list. Having something small is out of the question especially since our family's are large and they will all show. I seriously thought I had time to plan and ride the wave of engagement, but I have to get a move on the initial plans. Setting mini-goals for myself is the only way that will ease the stress and ensure that I don't have a breakdown.

My current goals are securing the locations for ceremony 1 and 2 and picking out the colors, which the fiancee and I established on Sunday. We also finally set a date since we were waiting on his brother's schedule from the Marines. Luckily, it works with the dates I had in mind.

This weekend a co-worker asked to take me to a Bridal Showcase in Houston and I hesitantly agreed. I doubt it will provide me any insight to what I really need, but the free cake wouldn't hurt.

P.S. I started looking at dresses, but only know what I don't want. This will be a tough one, so I am putting it off for a while.

Freak Out.

Well, I am starting to freak out a little, because all the churches I have called for just general information are telling me that they are already booked through July 2011. I am worried now, because we are considering having the church ceremony in August. I guess I need to secure the date first and go from there. The fiancee (love that word) keeps telling me to not get stressed out and take things naturally, because it should be a happy moment for me. I am glad he is wanting to take part in the planning and that he can put things into perspective for me during this time. I have decided to make a list of things to do, rather than go by what all these books are telling me to do. Sigh...

Going to the Chapel...

I recently got engaged and have to say I am floating on a cloud right now. I know I am supposed to somewhat start planning, but I want to ride this feeling for a bit while trying to set a date. For now, we have chosen to have a family-only Catholic ceremony in my hometown and a big blowout in Las Vegas for all of our friends and family.

I bought some books today, because I have absolutely no clue how to start the process and now I feel a bit overwhelmed. I want simple, but elegant and need to find a direct path to this end result. I would enlist the help of my friends, but they are planning their own or just recently had a wedding. I don't want to be bothersome, but I honestly don't want to procrastinate.

I guess I can use my blog to go through this process and throw out ideas for our big day. Keep coming back because I will need your help!

Summer Film Style Inspirations

Our Top 12 Summer Film Style Inspirations: luckymag.com

Some I don't agree with, but everyone's entitled to their own opinion.

(Grand)Daddy's Good Looks

This is Riley Keough, the granddaughter of Elvis Presley. She is the eldest daughter of Lisa Marie and and I must say she is striking. It amazes me the power of good genes...and money. LOL.

Update!

http://www.techcrunch.com/2010/08/11/elyse-porterfeld/

My recent post has proven true!

I knew it was a hoax. Damn, I'm good.

Wait a Minute.

I am sure you have seen this in the last couple of days. The girl who quit her job via erase board and called out her Farmville playing boss. Yeah, it's funny but I can't help but think of how much of this could be a hoax. It seems too "scripted", if I may say so myself.

The girl is very attractive, her poses and handwriting are almost too perfect and I am hesitant to believe this is real. I guess I'm questioning it all because of the industry I work in and the attention the website has received. If it is real, good for the girl who walked away from her loser boss in a way we all dream of quitting our jobs. If not, good job on whoever came up with this PR stunt.

Long Time. No Post.

It's been a crazy couple months for me. Work, home, and health are all taking up all my time. This year has been so crazy and lately I cannot shake how exhausted I feel. I need some R&R soon, but can't seem to fit it in. Every weekend we have something going on or something that needs to get done that I can't get to during the week. The boyfriend is planning a mini-vacation to Vegas soon to get my head straight and keep me sane. Which reminds me of the multiple bachelorette parties I must book as well in Sin City later this year (it never ends).

For now, I am looking forward to going to Austin this weekend to help my little cousin move into her college dorm. Maybe this will help ease some stress or give me a glimpse into what a vacation might feel like.

Gaga

The concert was amazing! I was in awe of her costumes, stage set up and of course her performance. Good job Gaga!

Kidz Bop - Alejandro | Music Codes

Kidz Bop - Single Ladies | Music Codes

For the Kids

Somebody had the idea to turn mainstream music into kid friendly versions called Kidz Bop. This idea has proven to be hugely successful since parents are buying up these CD's like crazy. I recently came across this version of Christina Aguilera's, "Not Myself Tonight". It doesn't sound that bad for a clean version, but I still can't help but laugh when I notice the curse word replacements. I may have to purchase for my little cousin's listening pleasure.

Love Bizarre.

I'm just going to say it...I love Prince.

Chicken Heaven.

Amongst all the burrito bowl restaurants lies a little piece of heaven called Chicken Kitchen. When my boyfriend used to live in the Med-Center area we would frequent this restaurant for it's amazing Cuban chop-chop. It's simply a fancy word for their burrito bowls made from their freshly grilled chicken breast. So fresh that they pull the chicken off the grill in front of you instead of from a sitting tray. I like CK better than Mission Burrito, Chipotle and the newly opened Bullritos. What I also like about this place is that everything is prepared in accordance with the American Heart Association.

It was even named one of the "Top 10 Places to Eat in Houston" in 2009 by the Houston Press.

Check it out!

2516 Rice Blvd., 713-523-2323

www.chickenkitchen.com

Update.

Went to the doctor last week.

Basically, my body is stressed and it crapped out on me, thus resulting in a panic attack. My pain has decreased drastically (thank you, massage), but can come back if I don't take care of myself. I was prescribed Zanex for the panic attacks and for relaxation, but have not touched the bottle for fear of turning into a vegetable. Sadly, I will have another panic attack and that alone stresses me out.

If the pain does not dissolve I will have to go back for an MRI, but my doctor says I am too young nor do I have a family history to lead me to worry.

It's Almost Here.

Lady Gaga's concert is happening this Sunday and I cannot wait! I plan on dressing up like her to the show, but wonder how many Gaga's I will run into.

Growing Pains.

I have been MIA lately due to some minor health issues. I went to the hospital last week after suffering a horrible panic attack while driving home after work. Usually panic attacks are stressed induced, but this one seemed to come out of nowhere. It was quite scary and have to admit that I thought it was the end. Numbness all over, loss of vision and cramping of my hands and feet all while driving down the fast lane.

In addition to that scare, I have been experiencing extreme pain from my waist down to my feet. The pain feels like my legs and feet are constantly falling asleep, but when I stand still it feels like lightning is shooting down to my toes. A friend told me that it may be my sciatic nerve causing the problem. I looked into it and it seems that this may be true. I was advised to see a Neurologist, which I am going to see tomorrow. Hopefully, I won't have to suffer anymore, because I don't like feeling like an old lady. Plus, wearing flats is getting old.

Song of My Life (currently)

One Day.

Alexander McQueen

Herve Leger

If I was worth a pretty penny, I would be wearing one of these to the wedding I am attending this Saturday. Unfortunately I am not, so I will just have to settle for the usual Macy's fix. Imagining wearing one of these creations makes me happy. Hopefully one day I will own a gorgeous piece of fashion and never take it off!

Oh, Alex.

Alex is proving to be a serious storm. I just realized that I have no hurricane kit nor am I ready if any hurricane decides to come over our way. The last two Hurricanes, my family and I were very lucky. We stayed home and some extended family members stayed over and ended up camping out for weeks. We never lost power and escaped heavy rain, but fear we may not be so lucky in the future. You never know and I want to be prepared. According to http://www.hurricane.com/, here are some items that you should have on hand during a hurricane:

Water - don't forget your pets too!
Non-perishable packaged/canned food and juice
Cooking tools, fuel
Toiletries
Blankets, pillows
Toys, books, games
Important documents printed and put into waterproof container/bag
Pet care items-cage, food, medicines
Baby Wipes
Tools
Cash
Battery operated TV
Radio
Batteries
Candles
Matches/Lighters

Grrr.

So, I love my new job, but am frustrated with how I am transitioning. I am super hard on myself when it comes to work. When I get criticism I get very down on myself, but I always have the attitude to try harder the next time. I feel like I am learning everything from scratch and don't want my peers to think of me as a moron. I am confident I will get over this hump, but I don't react well to negative feedback. I think positive feedback gives me a boost of confidence to understand my mistakes. When someone comes to you with a negative approach doesn't it make you feel defensive? Is this normal for anyone to feel this way? I don't know I just don't like making mistakes and want to feel more comfortable, but I also have to realize that it has only been a month.

Take Me Away

In the middle of a busy work week I must sit and decompress by going to a happy place. My happy place consists of balloons. Big, colorful and bright balloons. Here are some images that incorporate the love I feel for them. I think I have love on the brain, because there seems to be a engagement/wedding theme going on.