Friday5

It's the end of the year, so I've made my end of the year bucket list. 

1. Yoga - commonly one of my goals, this time it's a big one. With a wedding coming up, I want to be in the best shape, I believe in yoga and everything about it.

2. Finish Christmas shopping - I always leave a few things for the last minute. It's the only way to truly enjoy the season.

3. Read a good book - I have a series to finish and I'm hoping to do it before the year ends.

4. Clean out my closet - getting rid of the old to bring in the new!

 

5. Plan a cozy night in with the love of my life - we have a lot of nights out and I love them all. But a night in with the fireplace roaring, during a cold winter night sounds kind of perfect right about now.

Those are just 5 of the things I want to do before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. What do you want to finish up, start, accomplish before 2013 rolls in?

I'm Back!

It's been awhile. 

I'm sorry about that. 

Wedding stuff isn't easy, people don't tell you how difficult it really is. But I'll tell you - honestly - it's one of the more difficult times in this relationship. I'll go into it more in later posts but for now I'll just tell you - we needed a break, a mini getaway from life. 

St. Pete Beach, FL

Also, known as Florida. 

Time to reconnect and get back to basics. Our first stop was the Salvador Dali museum, it was fantastic. The Wishing Tree was one of the neatest (yes, I use the word neat, I also use the word neat-o) things I've see. So many wishes tied to to the branches of a beautiful Willow tree. It was quite a site. We tied ours wishes together - don't worry we didn't tell each other what we wished for. Some secrets are ok to keep from each other.

The Dragon ties his wish to the Wishing Tree.
St. Pete, FL

We spent the rest of the weekend heading to local breweries, a winery and other fun foodie places. We left Florida feeling overwhelmingly full, happy and relaxed. 

This is one happy, relaxed girl.

The wedding planning might not be the easiest thing to do, but we're managing to learn more about each other and what we want for our future together. In the end, that's what's really important - our future. 

I'm sure they'll be plenty more fights about the photographer, food, DJ, invitations and everything.single.other thing we have to pay for but in the end it'll all be worth it, I'll get to marry my best friend and the love of my life. 

Until next time!

B&BL

#Shoesday Who are you?

I don't know where to find these but I think I NEED them!

I Left My Heart in San Francisco

It all started two years ago, in a small town, at a little park on the river.

See that man in the grey shirt -- he stole my heart.

Who would have guessed that moment would turn in to a great love story (great according to me, of course).
As we celebrate a month of engagement, I thought it appropriate to finally share how it all happened.

July 19, 2012 --
San Francisco, what a beautiful place. We've been there 3 times now.  By far this was my favorite trip, I'm sure you can guess why. Our first morning there we took a walk to one of my favorite places - Peet's Coffee & Tea!



Why does Chicago not have Peet's?

It was just day two of our trip when the dragon decided to take me on a hike. We headed out to a trail called Lands End, tucked away in the northwest corner of San Francisco.

I can't explain enough how beautiful this trail is. I don't think I could ever do it enough justice, I don't even think the photos show the potential of this trail.
We hiked about a half hour before we hit a fork, one side led to a cliff lookout, the other led further to a place called the Cliff House. Our plan was to make it to the Cliff House for a drink, head back to home base and take off for Sonoma, of course not all of that happened.

We took the road less taken...toward the cliff. It was the most amazing view and below was a stone labyrinth. We headed toward the labyrinth and walked through it following the twists and turns, avoiding the dead ends.

At the end of it you are supposed to leave an offering, so we did - a pretty pink flower I picked along the way.
We stood there for awhile enjoying the beauty of this spot.

Then my Dragon kissed me and said, "my last kiss with my girlfriend." Soon after he said some sweet, personal things (that I'll leave between us) and got down on one knee. In that moment there were just the two of us, he asked if I would marry him and of course I said YES! I think I may have actually started saying yes before he managed to ask the question.

Lots of happy tears later, we headed back to home base and out to Sonoma for a weekend of celebration and wine!

Step 1

So many conflicting reports. So, I want to know from you - what was the first thing you did after he popped the question?? (Besides say yes and tell the world!)

I've heard every thing from planning a guest list, setting the date to looking at venues and picking your bridesmaids. Yikes!

Share your firsts with me, I'm dying to hear!

Happy Wedding Wednesday!
Love,
B&BLove


P.S. I have big news to share soon...so stay tuned!

Alexander McQueen #Shoesday

These amazing lace-covered satin pumps stole my heart.


Classic/vintage style with beautiful details.



The best part is they're on sale! At 40% off theses precious pumps are a steal at just $597!
Guess I'll have to keep dreamin'!

Happy #Shoesday!

A Big Day Survival Guide

Taming a bridezilla just got a little easier with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wedding day survival guide. Yep, the organization made a handy dandy guide to help survive the long-winded speeches, nagging brides and drunken guests.

The CDC's Wedding Day Survival Guide is a little over the top, kinda like the agency's Zombie Preparedness Guide. Suggesting to plan for the Big day as you would a natural disaster, "Being in the throes of wedding season, many of us here at CDC realized that planning for a wedding isn’t that much different from planning for a disaster. Just remember: Get a Kit, Make a Plan, and Be Informed."


There is some great advice to take away from the guide, like packing a survival kit and prepare for anything. I've heard of emergency kits which include, pins, band aids (for klutzy girls like myself), chocolate and important documents. Maybe comparing it to a tornado is a little extreme but the guide makes definitely made me think of how to be better prepared for that big day.

What do you think of the CDC's Wedding Day Survival Guide?


 

#Shoesday Sparkle Obsession



Jimmy Choo "Baxen" Wedge Pump

Isn't she pretty!

Happy #shoesday!

Happy 4th of July!

photo from the knot.com

Shoesday #2 Glass Slipper

Benjamin Adams Athens-Silver Wedding Shoes

Be There Or Else...

Save the Dates are they really neccessary? Post cards, magnents, traditional invites and even Evites, so many choices!

(From lilribbers on Etsy, via I DO (X2))

 

oops! I can't remember where I nabbed this photo!

So cute, but for a budget bride are they worth the added cost?

We have some friends and family far and wide their attendence would mean the world and for that reason I may consider sending those few Save the Dates (you know...when the time comes...).

Did you send out save the dates?
What kind did you choose?

Bloglovin

BlossOM & BloOM Love is now on Bloglovin'!

They make reading blogs less painful and pretty awesome! Check it out, I promise you'll be hooked in no time!

While you're there, don't forget to add B&B Love to your list. I've made it super easy, just click here or on the Bloglovin button on the side of the page.

Nameste,
B&B Love

5 Budget No-Nos

A few wedding budget No-No's:

1. Don't -- I mean NEVER -- EVER -- go into debt to pay for your wedding. This is the main reason I want to stick to a strict budget.

2. Don't put wedding bill on plastic unless you can pay off the balance in full as soon as you get the statement. If you got a great deal on something, that credit card intrest will kill the savings. If you are getting miles or points to put toward a honeymoon or other wedding savings, consider how much your willing to charge and cap it before you start handing out the plastic.

3. Don't agree to upgrades. Linens, fancy chair covers often add cost, be sure to ask before upgrading.

4. Don't spend more than you planned in one area - unless you can cut back in another area.

5. Don't budget for fewer guests than you invited. Always better to overestimate.

What are your budget no-no's??

Lighting up with Lanterns

A little insperation for you today!
I just can't get enough of the lantern look. Beautiful!





Have a beautiful weekend!
B&B Love

What's in Your Budget?

On average, couples in the US spend more than $25,000 on their wedding! That's just the average, the majority spend between 19 and 32 thousand bucks and that doesn't even include the honeymoon! YIKES!!

The average $25,000 wedding includes all kinds of unnecessary costs for a budget bride, like flower petals, A La Carte planning services, a DJ AND a live band! I think I'll stick to a lower cost budget. Here are some things you'll want to consider when planning your budget. Keep in mind you don't need it all.

• Attire & Accessories
• Dress Accessories
• Veil
• Groom's Attire
• Wedding Dress
• Beauty & Spa
• Hair Service
• Makeup Service
• Manicure & Pedicure
• Entertainment
• DJ or Live band (Reception)
• Musician, Soloist (Ceremony)
• Flowers & Decor
• Boutonnieres, Corsages
• Bridal Bouquet
• Bridesmaids Bouquets
• Ceremony Decor
• Flower Girl Flowers
• Reception Decor
• Reception Centerpieces
• Invitations
• Ceremony Programs
• Engagement Announcements and/or Save the Dates
• Guest Book
• Postage
• Invitations & Reply cards
• Reception Menues
• Table name & Escort/ place cards
• Thank you notes
• Gifts & Favors
• Gifts for Attendants
• Gifts for Parents
• Tips (for all wedding services)
• Wedding favors
• Bride/Grooms Gifts
• Jewelry
• Wedding bands
• Photography & Video
• Engagement Session (most of the time included in your wedding photog package)
• Prints
• Album
• Planner/Consultant
• Decide if you want a full service planner to help with every detail or maybe a day-of consultant
• Transportation
• Venue, Catering & Rentals
• Ceremony Location
• Ceremony Officiator
• Reception Location
• Reception Food
• Reception Bar
• Honeymoon?

I don't plan on including several things off this list. Remember to enlist the help of friends and family member that can help cut costs with they're handy DIY skills or contacts. Maybe your uncle knows a great photographer that would be willing to give you a discount, or your mom can make gifts for your girls. Cutting costs can take a little creativity but if I can do it, so can you!

What are you eliminating to keep within your budget?

Wedding Wednesday

Welcome to #WW!




This is for all those baking lovers like myself!
How fun is this little wedding cake?!

This beautiful cake featured on I am Baker is gorgeous and simple! They've even provided an easy how-to for those of you looking to DIY your own wedding cake.

Are you planning on making your own cake? Or having a different sweet treat at your big day?

B&B Love

Tuesday #Shoesday 1

I love shoes. I have plenty of them! One day there will have to be a shoe obsession post, but for now let's take a look at some fun flats for #shoesday!

We've all heard about Toms, right? The shoe that helps others with their One for One program. I don't have a pair, never tried them on, honestly I never really liked the traditional Toms shoe.


But I have heard the greatest things about their comfort and many brides (and grooms) are choosing Toms as part of their wedding day style.




So I thought I'd take a look at they're styles and ran across the cutest wedges.


Now tell me these aren't adorbs!
Would you choose casual shoes like Toms for your wedding day?


Happy #shoesday!
B&B Love

Coming Up on B&B Love...

Here's what you need to know about me, I'm a twenty-something television producer. I love all things wedding. As I patiently await those four little words from the Dragon, I have not so patiently started looking at everything from pretty sparkly things to prices on food and venues. YIKES!

It's a good thing I'm a thrifty girl! But am I thrifty enough to pull off a party for 100 (give or take 25/50) people for under 10k? Although there's no sparkly (yet) and no real budget I'm still up for a mighty challenge. Can I take on a $10,000 (or under) budget?

I think so!

Follow us  me as I update you with all things DIY, thrifty tips and tricks, and hopefully soon you'll be following me (and my dragon) on our journey though the trials and toils of a thrifty bride!

I'd also like to feature other weddings, blogs and bloggers, so if you you have suggestions feel free to share your comments, I'll be sure to follow up.


Happy Planning and Nameste!
B&B Love

Changes

Ch-cha-changes...

That's right folks, things are about to get interesting.
As you can probably tell B&B blog is...well...under construction.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Date Day

It's been a long time since the Dragon and I had a date. With NATO coverage consuming my previous weekend, we barely got to see each other. So, when he suggested we spend a day together I couldn't wait. There was a whole lot to do and we did it all while soaking in a beautiful day together.

Our first stop was the Art Fest in Barrington. It was a great morning to head out and looking at all the art, jewelry and sculptures was a lot of fun. I must say though, Dragon's art is way better than many of what was out there. Maybe I'm a little bias.

On our way home we stopped to get supplies for dinner. During the stop he picked up a little surprise for me. Aren't they beautiful?


I was so excited he'd be making his famous (to me) salmon. It is delicious! He tried it a little differently this time around with lemon and dill. It was fantastic.
Melt in your mouth fantastic!



With some brussel sprouts and bacon on the grill we had a wonderfully romantic evening.



The man even watched a chick flick! We curled up on the couch and watched a movie, drank some good wine and finally enjoyed an evening together. It was simple perfection.

What ever did I do to deserve this Dragon?!

Talented



VW Bus

I have a talented boyfriend.
This is just one of the many paintings he's done over the last few months.

Have I mentioned how much this man amazes me?

A Relaxing Vacation

Aruba? More like Ah-ma-zing!
It was truly a beautiful island.



The Dragon and I left for vacation on a Saturday, leaving our phones and internet behind and ready to enjoy some much needed R&R.
Spending most of our days in the sand, relaxing beach side and enjoying happy hour.
No better island to lay low and relax.


Unless, your a dragon. Then you find trouble wherever you go.

This could have been the last photo of my best friend, more on that later (maybe). Thankfully, we have plenty more silly pics to share.




Overall, this was a vacation full of fun and sunshine.
It was the most time I have been able to spend with my Dragon in months (if not ever), and because of that it was one of the best learning experiences for both of us.

At night we found wondered the island looking for a fabulous place to eat and fun activities. We ducked into casinos for some late night activity, though we started off with a little luck it escaped us as the week went on.

We rarely argue and on a beautiful island it was no different. Spending so much time together, without others, gave us an opportunity to talk about everything under the Arubian sun.





If there was ever a moment that solidified my overwhelming love for this man, it had to be on this vacation.

Wordless Wednesday: Aruba