Thankful that we have enough tables, chairs, plates and forks.
and for a husband who likes to fix up the place. (He refinished the floors in the porch).
Extra thankful and best wishes to Kelly and Collin.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
A lot to be thankful for
and for a husband who likes to fix up the place. (He refinished the floors in the porch).Extra thankful and best wishes to Kelly and Collin.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Emily and Chad's Thanksgiving Feast!
Sarah has inspired me to post my menu for Thanksgiving. Thanks girl! Our house is small, so to distract from the tight quarters, we are compensating with over-the-top food selections. Here is the planned menu:
Emily and Chad's Thanksgiving Feast!
Butter Lettuce, Arugula and Spinach Salad with Spago House Dressing, Pears Poached in White Wine, Aged Goat Cheese, and Toasted Pine Nuts.
Wild Rice with Leeks, Mushrooms, Dried Cherries and Apricots
Root Vegetable Puree
Chestnut and Sausage Stuffing
Pear Honey Cranberry Sauce
Lucia's Brined Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy
World's Best Green Bean Casserole
Baking Powder Biscuits
Apple and Pecan Pies
Emily and Chad's Thanksgiving Feast!
Butter Lettuce, Arugula and Spinach Salad with Spago House Dressing, Pears Poached in White Wine, Aged Goat Cheese, and Toasted Pine Nuts.
Wild Rice with Leeks, Mushrooms, Dried Cherries and Apricots
Root Vegetable Puree
Chestnut and Sausage Stuffing
Pear Honey Cranberry Sauce
Lucia's Brined Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy
World's Best Green Bean Casserole
Baking Powder Biscuits
Apple and Pecan Pies
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Furniture Binge
I have to admit, i went on a mini - furniture buying binge recently. These are all upgrade purchases, nothing that I was in desperate need of, but replacements for things I did not love.
Getting married kicked me into gear. We asked for $$ for our honeymoon from the wedding, and did not get many gifts. We had a great honeymoon! But it was also a little sad not to get the usual house things that come along with a wedding.
To compensate, I went on a mini-furniture binge. It is my intention to buy quality furniture with good design that should last a long time. I am trying to avoid furniture made of particle board, with a trendy design or that is made to be disposable. I think this is one of the best ways of being environmentally responsible.
We were very happy with the furniture and the vendors and I thought I would tell you about them, in case you are looking for good quality furniture at a reasonable price.
Here are my recent purchases:
Desk chair and lamp from Cb2.com
Used Danish modern teak table from Spinario. This is my new favorite antique store in the twin cities. they have a very awesome selection of furniture, artwork and pottery that is very reasonably priced. They list a lot of stuff on craigslist, type in spinario, but their showroom has so much more. Its 2000 sq feet of cool stuff. We talked to one of the owners and she buys estates from New York, which is where they get most of their artwork. They have a very nice selection of mid-century modern pieces. This is a locally run business created by some people who have very good taste. The showroom is in NE. I would definately encourage everyone to check them out.
Getting married kicked me into gear. We asked for $$ for our honeymoon from the wedding, and did not get many gifts. We had a great honeymoon! But it was also a little sad not to get the usual house things that come along with a wedding.
To compensate, I went on a mini-furniture binge. It is my intention to buy quality furniture with good design that should last a long time. I am trying to avoid furniture made of particle board, with a trendy design or that is made to be disposable. I think this is one of the best ways of being environmentally responsible.
We were very happy with the furniture and the vendors and I thought I would tell you about them, in case you are looking for good quality furniture at a reasonable price.
Here are my recent purchases:
Desk chair and lamp from Cb2.comCB2 is an offshoot of crate and barrel and has more modern, contemporary furniture at very reasonable prices. Their selection is not huge yet, but they have some nice pieces. I have to say, the furniture arrived today, and we are very happy with the quality for the price. The desk chair was made in italy and feels very sturdy.
Used Danish modern teak table from Spinario. This is my new favorite antique store in the twin cities. they have a very awesome selection of furniture, artwork and pottery that is very reasonably priced. They list a lot of stuff on craigslist, type in spinario, but their showroom has so much more. Its 2000 sq feet of cool stuff. We talked to one of the owners and she buys estates from New York, which is where they get most of their artwork. They have a very nice selection of mid-century modern pieces. This is a locally run business created by some people who have very good taste. The showroom is in NE. I would definately encourage everyone to check them out. Happy furniture hunting!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Smashing Success
Our wedding was a smashing success. Thanks to all the friends and family who helped to make it so special.
Some early photos are in (Thanks Sarah!):
It's official.
City night kiss.
The girls!
The boys!
Some early photos are in (Thanks Sarah!):
It's official.
City night kiss. 
The girls!The boys!
Friday, September 28, 2007
Notes on Planning a Wedding in less than 2 months
Resources and notes in case you are considering a similiar endeavor. Shout outs to all the vendors we've selected. Tips and Tricks. (I.e, ramblings at 4:30a.m. when I can't sleep.)
1. It can be done.
2. We found an excellent photographer by posting an ad on Craigs List. Her name is Ai Ling, http://www.lingfoto.com/. She was willing to give us a good deal because it was short notice and she was available. The other folks that responded that were our #2 choice were http://www.graddyphotography.com/, they were very responsive and friendly. In the end we liked Ai's style a little more.
3. Posting an ad on craigs list looking for a photographer yielded over 50 responses. Some were, let's just say, not exactly the style we were looking for. I was going to post some links but I think that might be rude. Example: one person had a big white beard and specialized in nudes and photos of women pregnant and nursing. Another person's website home page featured a bride with goth makeup wearing a lacey dress looking at themselves in a broken mirrore. We got tons of crap. Lots of sorting through.
4. We also found our jazz band by posting an ad on craigslist.
5. Skinny tall men have a hard time finding suits. Chad was drowning in all the suits he tried on. He finally found one at Kuhlman -- http://www.kuhlmancompany.com/ . All their stuff is european cut (i.e. for thin tall people).
6. We got our flowers ordering direct online: http://www.fiftyflowers.com/. They have not arrived yet but so far i have been very happy with the service and the company.
7. We are lucky in that we get to buy our own liquor. Trader Joe's has a nice selection of cheap bubblies.
8. We picked a venue that does not have a set caterer, etc so that we would have more choice. But then we had to decide on everything! I am happy with the venue but overall it's a total hassle to have to figure out things like: where do we get the tablecloths from? (We're getting paper that looks like linen). How do we refrigerate the wine when there is no fridge on site? (still working that out.) And, what bottle of white wine should we buy? (Also under debate).
9. Weddings make people crazy. And the whole industry is crazy as a result. I knew this when we started. This is part of the reason we went ahead with the planning in two months -- to try to minimize the craziness by boxing in the timeline. I have a theory about this. I think it's one of the only industries where the client (the bride, let's be honest) is doing something for the first time ever. In most other industries, buyers learn to be smart by buying something again and again. But because a bride is hopefully buying this big event and all related things for one time only, suddenly there is no learned saavyness about buying. Brides are not looking for deals for the most part, they are looking for the perfect this or the perfect that. It creates an industry where the people that are good and make it easy on the bride can charge a lot. Also there are a limited amount of peak in demand days. Saturday in June? You pay more.
10. Friends have been so incredible in helping us out. Our friend Matt just brought over a playlist of songs for the dance. Bob is helping us with setting up the sound. Andy is videotaping the whole thing. Our neighbor Kari is doing the ceremony. Jackie and Christopher are running a photo area for guests to get pictures. All my girlfriends are going to be there to help set up and for moral support. My mom and sister have done a ton. It has been incredible to get so much help and support. Thanks everyone!
1. It can be done.
2. We found an excellent photographer by posting an ad on Craigs List. Her name is Ai Ling, http://www.lingfoto.com/. She was willing to give us a good deal because it was short notice and she was available. The other folks that responded that were our #2 choice were http://www.graddyphotography.com/, they were very responsive and friendly. In the end we liked Ai's style a little more.
3. Posting an ad on craigs list looking for a photographer yielded over 50 responses. Some were, let's just say, not exactly the style we were looking for. I was going to post some links but I think that might be rude. Example: one person had a big white beard and specialized in nudes and photos of women pregnant and nursing. Another person's website home page featured a bride with goth makeup wearing a lacey dress looking at themselves in a broken mirrore. We got tons of crap. Lots of sorting through.
4. We also found our jazz band by posting an ad on craigslist.
5. Skinny tall men have a hard time finding suits. Chad was drowning in all the suits he tried on. He finally found one at Kuhlman -- http://www.kuhlmancompany.com/ . All their stuff is european cut (i.e. for thin tall people).
6. We got our flowers ordering direct online: http://www.fiftyflowers.com/. They have not arrived yet but so far i have been very happy with the service and the company.
7. We are lucky in that we get to buy our own liquor. Trader Joe's has a nice selection of cheap bubblies.
8. We picked a venue that does not have a set caterer, etc so that we would have more choice. But then we had to decide on everything! I am happy with the venue but overall it's a total hassle to have to figure out things like: where do we get the tablecloths from? (We're getting paper that looks like linen). How do we refrigerate the wine when there is no fridge on site? (still working that out.) And, what bottle of white wine should we buy? (Also under debate).
9. Weddings make people crazy. And the whole industry is crazy as a result. I knew this when we started. This is part of the reason we went ahead with the planning in two months -- to try to minimize the craziness by boxing in the timeline. I have a theory about this. I think it's one of the only industries where the client (the bride, let's be honest) is doing something for the first time ever. In most other industries, buyers learn to be smart by buying something again and again. But because a bride is hopefully buying this big event and all related things for one time only, suddenly there is no learned saavyness about buying. Brides are not looking for deals for the most part, they are looking for the perfect this or the perfect that. It creates an industry where the people that are good and make it easy on the bride can charge a lot. Also there are a limited amount of peak in demand days. Saturday in June? You pay more.
10. Friends have been so incredible in helping us out. Our friend Matt just brought over a playlist of songs for the dance. Bob is helping us with setting up the sound. Andy is videotaping the whole thing. Our neighbor Kari is doing the ceremony. Jackie and Christopher are running a photo area for guests to get pictures. All my girlfriends are going to be there to help set up and for moral support. My mom and sister have done a ton. It has been incredible to get so much help and support. Thanks everyone!
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
New Mexico, Colorado, More working on the bathroom.
new hallwall light and paint color: 
new bar above toilet; toothbrush holder from Rejuvenation. Still working on the medicine cabinet.
New glass shower door:
Close up of towel bar and toothbrush holder:
new shower door:
double towel bar:
shower door:
Chad and Avery in Colorado:
Ella throwing a "big daddy" rock into the river in colorado
Chad and Eric catch a fish using Ella's barbie fishing rod: 
Ella loves to color!
The ruins of cliff dwellings and pueblos at Bandalier National Monument, New Mexico:
new bar above toilet; toothbrush holder from Rejuvenation. Still working on the medicine cabinet.
New glass shower door:
Close up of towel bar and toothbrush holder:
new shower door:
double towel bar:
shower door:
Chad and Avery in Colorado:
Ella throwing a "big daddy" rock into the river in colorado
Chad and Eric catch a fish using Ella's barbie fishing rod: Ella is not sure what to think of this fish:
Ella loves to color!
The ruins of cliff dwellings and pueblos at Bandalier National Monument, New Mexico:
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Lights, toilet, heated floors: Check, check, check
The bathtub is sealed off because Chad is sealing the tile.
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