Of COURSE you can have him, UMKC Law!!

Sean was woken by a phone call at 9:02 this morning. Who was on the other line? The Dean of UMKC Law School!! What news did she have?

HE WAS ACCEPTED!!!!!

There you have it folks. Sean is now a 1L at the University of Missouri - Kansas City. His orientation starts on August 19th, and we are no longer stressed beyond belief for funds to live. And yes, I did have a glass of wine at 10:00 am. It was completely warranted. I'm so incredibly excited. We have new motivation to pack, I have new motivation to get everything done, and I have new motivation to apply for jobs I want - not just jobs that I have a high likelihood of getting because we need the moolah.

Sean is officially a fighting Kangaroo. Yup, a Roo. At least it's kinda badass?

Frankly, I don't care if it's a fluffy pink bunny. 

::insert happy dance here::

Wedding Cake - of awesomeness

Where was this cake 6 months ago when I booked my baker? Seriously. How cool is this? Classy on the outside, nothing but pure awesome on the inside.

(courtesy of Wedinator)

Somehow, I don't think Sean would have argued it. Someone needs a cake like this. And I need to go to the wedding. I have a feeling this is a kicka** bride.

The WTF Aisle

Sean and I were wandering through the grocery aisles at Wal-Mart this past weekend, gathering up things for the week for me. As we headed down the baking aisle, we found the awkward little section. It was exactly one shelf wide, and nestled in between the flour and the sugar. You would have thought it would have been a baking goods related aisle...but of course it wasn't. We dubbed it the WTF Aisle...see for yourself:

This section included, but was not limited to: icing, poptarts, sausages, appletini mix, green beans, coffee, baby food, mac n cheese, jello, tomato sauce, syrup, oatmeal, energy drinks, and salad fixings.

They weren't on sale. They weren't damaged. Just, lined up like they belonged there. I would like to know who thought this one up. Seriously.

DIY Pocketfolds

Invitations. Some brides look at an invite, and say it's just a piece of paper that will get thrown away. I look at an invite and I swoon. I love invites. Hell, I love paper. I was that kid that owned all the Lisa Frank stationary in the store, and I'm still the girl who can spend hours in an Office Max. Yes, Office Max. I'm greatly looking forward to the day I move to KC, and have a Paper Source within a ten minute drive. Maybe my obsession is a bit much. Maybe. But I'm proud to say I'm creating my invites by hand - from the design of my invitation suite, to the pocketfolds, to the envelope liners (well, hopefully). Am I a crazy bride? Absolutely. Do I love my invites? More than you will ever know. The past couple weeks, I've been working on pocketfolds.

Pocketfolds are a more recent addition to the invitation world. They consist of several different parts: the pocketfold itself, the invitation, and inserts. I'm also opting to add in belly bands, which hold the pocketfolds together. However, first thing is first: the pocketfold itself.

First, I made a template. Best tip ever? Design based on your envelope size! Figure out what size you want your envelope to be (I chose A7, a super popular size), then make each part of your invite at least 1/4 inch smaller. A7 envelopes are 5.25 x 7.25...because I knew I was having thicker pocketfolds, I opted for a 4.75 x 6 invite.

I ordered my paper custom cut from Cards and Pockets. I know that I could have bought cardstock in bulk and cut it myself, but for cost, the custom cut stuff was worth every penny. Plus, I was able to order samples - which I'm so glad I did. I ordered my paper to be 6 x 15. Once I got my shiny, Onyx black paper (which I love), I made templates for my inner "flap".

 (note: if you let a boy do this, it will be a wavy flap)

I traced and cut away flaps like mad. I'm a perfectionist, so this step took a while at times. Afterward, I used a paper cutter with a scoring blade to made folds. I made my sections to be 2.5, 4.75, 4.25, and 3.5 inches - in that order. The flap is in the 3.5 section, which will be folded up onto the 4.25 section to make the pocket. Once I scored the lines, I used a bone folder to crease them. This made the pockets lay much flatter. 

(folding me some pockets!)

(note: if you push too hard, you end up scratching your paper - sad day!)

Next, I attached the pocket. I used a double stick tape, rather than a glue, because it was cleaner. I chose to use Zips, which is an awesome type of scrapbooking adhesive. I cut the tape to 1/16 smaller than the flap (to allow for the pointy tips), peeled off the paper, and stuck my invites together. 

(peeling off the paper backing)

I chose to round my outside corners. I didn't want to deal with the straight edges of making a pointed flap in all honestly. BUT I picked up a sweet squeeze punch corner rounder, courtesy of Fiskars.

(how vicious looking is this thing?)

Once I rounded my corners, I was done! Tada!

(full pocketfold, open)

(and folded)

I love how they turned out. Yes, I could have bought them (or even gone a much less expensive route), but I have no doubts about these puppies. They're definitely a labor of love though. I've finished about 50 of these so far...but I have at least 50 more to go. Yikes. Guess I better get cracking!

Let's Go Cardinals Let's Go!

Friday night was truly summertime for me. I haven't had many summer nights - between working two jobs, trying to do wedding things, and pack, I've been so busy indoors. I haven't had the chance to get out and enjoy my summer. In any case, that ended on Friday. We went to the Cardinals game.

Sean's dad won tickets (or was given them? I'm not sure) from his work. Since he works for a pretty prominent company, we had 10 tickets. Ten. For Section 135, Row 13, in the lovely Busch Stadium. The new stadium was built 4 years ago, and was much needed. No matter what anyone says. The old stadium had restrooms that didn't work, very limited access, and was so old it was kind of terrifying. The new stadium is gorgeous. It was actually my first time being there, but that's perfectly okay. Now, where exactly is Section 135? Here, let me show you:

 Our Seats on the map

The view!

We were close. A guy in the front row of our section was hit in the head with a foul ball. It's okay...he was wearing a Yankees' jersey. He probably deserved it anyway.

The Cards' game was Papa Byrne's Father's Day gift - all of us kids went. This is what summer is...it's family, enjoying a ball game together, drinking beers, and having fun, despite the fact that it was still 87 degrees at nine o'clock at night. It's the sound of the organ, the cheering, the crowds that never boo anyone - and my high school choir singing the national anthem (how cool is that? We had no idea before the game). That would be summer in StL...and I love summer.

 (Mama and Papa)

(Sean and I)

The closer it gets, the harder it gets.

Sean and I are rapidly nearing the end of our 5 year long distance relationship. In a few short weeks, we will be living together, and, hopefully, will never have to deal with this crap again. As much as I've grown to appreciate the strength the distance has given us (and the independence, growth, and communication skills!), I really am sick of it. Especially since we've been pushing our "move in" date back further each day, or so it seems, it sometimes feels as though it's never going to end. First, it was going to be in January. Then, it was March. Finally, it was June. Now, the date is July 10th. And it is not changing.

We would love to move the first weekend of July, but the Fourth is a big day in my family. My grandpa's a councilman with the City of Bridgeton, so he's always involved with the festivities (though I must admit, growing up and being on the floats as a little was always awesome). My cousins were born on the 3rd and the 6th, so my aunt grills and has a big party during the day (they're 13 and 11 this year!), and then the whole family trucks over to Bridgeton in the evening - with free "VIP" parking. It's so much fun, and as a result, the 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays, without a doubt. Moving on Saturday isn't an option either. My dad is the big mover, and would be a huge help lifting things, but he has to work on Saturdays. We're figuring that we can get a U-Haul trailer on Saturday night, pack it with Sean's stuff and the few remaining things I have at my parents' house (which is really just books, blankets, and lawn chairs), and be ready to head to Columbia on Sunday. We could easily get to CoMo by 9 am, and be gone by lunch time (you think I'm kidding? My family packed and moved someone from Tulsa to St. Louis is less than 24 hours - it's an 8 hour drive each way!). With Sean's parents' Pathfinder, my mom's van, and dad's truck, we should have no problem fitting everything (really, it's the bed and kitchen table - the couch fits in my mom's van), especially with our cars as well. We'll just caravan down the interstate.

As strange as it sounds though, each time Sean and I separate, it feels like it gets harder. We're so close we can taste it. It's so frustrating. I want to pull up roots, and get the hell outta dodge. I'm done driving 100 miles each way every weekend, the phone calls, the annoyance because we can't be with each other. We could live in a complete and total shithole for all I care (but we're not), as long as I'm with him. Next month is gonna be a good month.

Let's title this post...things I want to have

There are a lot of things I want for the wedding. Whether or not I'll be able to afford them, I'm not so sure. Most of the things here are little ones that I can most likely afford, but don't need to buy yet. But here's some super cute things that I want, half of them for a purpose, but some of them just because they're so darn cute.

 This ribbon is a mere $3.50, for 25 yards. I plan on using this for our invites. I would probably only need 2 rolls (and still have left overs!). I'm sure I could find an online coupon too.

I saw this picture on a blog I follow, and immediately fell in love. This table runner is only $2.99. I would paint it myself...think it's worth it? I think it would add an awesome touch to our head table, even though Sean and I aren't too big into the monogram mania that's going on these days (maybe it has to do with the fact that our monogram is ABS?)

Who doesn't love bubbles at a wedding? These can be found pretty much anywhere, and they're pretty inexpensive. I could tie some ribbon (ahem, Michael's - 50 cents!) to the tops to give them some flair. That way, I could get awesome pictures, like this one:

(though maybe without so much bromance?)

And now, the last thing I'm in love with right now. These have no purpose - yet. I'm sure I could a million places to use them if I really wanted to though. These cute little flowers kinda make me swoon.

 

How could anyone not love them (especially at 12 cents a pop)? I could put them on favors, on the tables, maybe even on the programs. Any suggestions? Or is this a personal obsession that no one else thinks is even remotely cool?

7 months.

Seven. Holy eeeeefffff how did that get here so quick? I'm getting married in seven short months. That take my ol' sweet time for DIY projects? Um yeah. Nope. Didn't happen. I have a few things (like bridesmaids jewelry) that's mostly done, but it's not finished. In fact, the only thing I have finished is buying a dress and sending save-the-dates. I don't even have all my vendors booked yet (I need to do some serious budgeting and looking into DJs and transportation).

I'm declaring this crunch time. I understand that some of you think that that's ridiculous. But let's be realistic. Essentially, this stuff needs to be done by Thanksgiving. Who wants to do this kinda thing when Christmas is about? We'll have things like last minute meetings with vendors, payments, and getting our marriage license (eeeeek!!!). So really, I have 5 months. And invitations will need to be out by October. So that puts those back to 4 months. FOUR MONTHS. I shouldn't be stressed yet. I don't think. But between moving, finding a job (which is sucking hardcore), and wedding planning, life is just...wearing on me.

Let's go over DIY to-dos that this slacker bride needs to do (some with inspiration pics!)
Invites (check out this inspiration)
'Maids jewelry
'Maids gifts (there's at least 2 DIY projects in here)
Groomsmen gifts
Head table runner
Pew decorations of some sort (bows? wreaths? cones?)
Programs
Bathroom baskets (cause they're sooooo cute!)
Faux votives (our hall doesn't allow real candles)
Coat
Favors
Guestbook
and the list goes on...yikes. That's it. Buckling down. It is TIME.

Back Posting

Yep. I'm doing it. I've had many blogs in the past, including a prior wedding blog. Frankly, I'd like all of my blogging to be in one place. Now that I have this lovely job with internet privileges (and a lot of really early or really late shifts), I'm going to consolidate my blogging life. There will be quite a few back posts in the next few weeks. After all, they're easy to do (considering the post is already written and all), so it's just a matter of transferring over the post and pictures.They'll be dated from when they were originally written, so if you're bored, go read them! I've definitely changed a lot of things in regards to the wedding since then, but it's entertaining to read what my thoughts were back then.

5 Question Friday!!

I'm stealing a blog post from my friend Lynsie, and that would be 5 question Friday. It's been a rather short week time wise, but it's felt oh so long! So here goes nothing!

1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose?

I could have easily done other things. However, I think my top two options would have been a restaurant owner of some kind, or accounting. I love my major, and it was definitely the best fit for me as a person. I have no regrets - but if Sean and I were rich, I would totally open a bakery/bistro. In a heartbeat. 

2. What do you love most about your home?

Home is kind of an open concept right now. I'm currently in a duplex, and while I've had a great time living with friends, it's now become a transitional house for the wayward it seems. I love living on my own though. I can't wait to move in with Sean next month though!

3. What types of books do you like to read (if you like to read at all)?

Ah reading. I used to love to read. I was a big fan of trashy romance novels in high school. But since college, I've had a hard time getting back into reading. I'm kind of burnt out on it. I think I'll get more into it once I've settled down with free time. Though, I have noticed that my tastes have changed to fantasy and murder-mystery kind of novels. And I LOVE novels that are based off real locations for some reason.

4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten?

Meatloaf. I mean, who makes something like this?? I know many people love it and think it's delicious, but to me, there's nothing more disgusting. Not even lettuce.

5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be?

Oh my. I have absolutely no idea. TV characters are always so dramatic, and so unrealistic. Honestly, I think I had to choose, I'd pick Hurley from LOST. He's genuine. He cares about people. I mean, he gave up his life to take care of an island so the world would be okay. Who doesn't admire that? And I mean, we both appreciate food. Maybe I'm not so much into the fried chicken, but I am not afraid to eat. Definitely Hurley, definitely.