{Vicki's Favorite Things} Giveaways & Discount Codes!

WOW!  Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary is really rocking with Vicki's Favorite Things!

I love all the support and comment love I'm seeing! Thanks everyone!

The giveaways are up!
Be sure to visit our sponsors, show them some love, and take advantage of our discount codes:

Uptown Avenue - Coffee Cozy! (10% off code in post!)
After Nine to Five Design - Camera Necklace! (20% off code in post!)
Josiah's Nest - customized headband! (15% off code in post!)
Cotton Lane - Ivory Bloom Necklace!  (15% off code in post!)
Twenty Five Design - headband of choice!  (10% off code in post!)
Jockey - $50 shopping spree!



All giveaways end March 3 - so hurry over and enter!!!!!!

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Jockey!

Wrapping up Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you

Jockey!

"Jockey.com® offers the largest assortment of Jockey® products!"  I love my Jockey products.  They wear well, last long, and are very comfortable.  I own their yoga pants, PJ pants, and underwear and love 'em.  And now we are talking about my underwear. fabulous!

    Check it:

Workout/Yoga Shirts!

Activewear pants! 

Favorites. All. of. them.
(Sorry I just couldn't post an underwear pic!)

"Enjoy risk-free shopping on Jockey.com®. Your 100% satisfaction is guaranteed with every order. If you need to return your purchase for any reason, use the Printable Return form found on our Return Policy page and complete the following steps."  I LOVE that in a company!

You can purchase your clothing from Jockey today, 10% off with checkout code: TENOFF!

(When I googled the company that came up from their site page!)

Jockey is offering one lucky winner this a $50 shopping spree + FREE shipping!!

As you know, I love my yoga and my clothes, so this is a perfect giveaway!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling your favorite way to workout!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to Jockey and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @Jockey!  #giveaway http://ow.ly/45a1z  "

5. Like Jockey on Facebook! (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid USA ONLY! No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Jockey}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome, favorite Jockey wear and proudly wear them (even the underwear).  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. For 'rizzle.

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Josiah's Nest

Next in Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you Josiah's Nest.




Josiah's Nest features some of the most unique fabric necklaces and headbands I ever laid eyes on!  Moriah, the brains and beauty behind this shop, has an adorable baby boy, Josiah, and is expecting a baby girl, Lucia Rose!  This momma is amazing!


    Check it:

Fabric Knot Necklace in Vintage Ginger

Peony Headband - Customized!

I absolutely love them all!

You can purchase your accessories from  Josiah's Nest now, 15% off with checkout code: VICTORIA15!

Josiah's Nest is offering one lucky winner a customized headband of their choice!! 

As you may know,  I'm a fan of having things done my way.  Some might call this being a "control-freak."  I call it having preferences.  Customized orders? A clear favorite!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling something that MUST be done your way!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to Josiah's Nest and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @JosiahsNest! #giveaway http://ow.ly/453Gz "

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid in the USA only! No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Josiah's Nest}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome, favorite fabric necklaces and love them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own.  Moriah is awesome!

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Cotton Lane!

Continuing in Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you Cotton Lane.

Caroline creates unique jewelry, headbands, clips, pouches, and home goods!  They are all beautiful pieces!

I proudly wear the headband and necklace I own, sported the necklace in an SOS post, and love reading her blog (love the URL!!).

    Check it:

Blue Bird Bow Headband

Button Clip In Bloom-in-Red

Dontcha just LOVE them?

You can purchase your accessories from Cotton Lane now, 15% off with checkout code: HAPPYBIRTHDAY!

Cotton Lane is offering one lucky world-wide winner this Fresh Bloom Necklace in Ivory!!

As you may know, flowers are one of my favorite things!

This necklace is a beaaautiful flower (and I LOVE mine in yellow)!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling your favorite flower!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to Cotton Lane and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @CottonLane!  #giveaway http://ow.ly/45042 "

5. Heart CottonLane on Etsy (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid worldwide! No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Cotton Lane}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I have my own awesome, favorite accessories from Caroline and  proudly wear them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. Scout's honor!

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Uptown Avenue

Next up in Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you Uptown Avenue.



Uptown Avenue features funky jewelry, coffee cozies, "geekery cases" and other fun home decor items!

Taken from their shop info: "We are two fun-loving chicks - a mother and daughter team, Lex and Theresa. A portion of each purchase is donated to charities that we love. Some of our favorite charities include Orphan Cry {which was originally just Russia and has expanded to include Liberia}, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Autism Speaks."

I love all of their fun items and their charitable support!

    Check it:

Mustache Button Pendant Necklace, in Red

Vintage Inspired Diamond Weave Post Earrings

Sock Monkey E-Reader Cozy

But my ultimate favorite item in their shop?
COFFEE COZY!!

Get this: they are REVERSABLE!
Double the fun!

 (No more harming the environment with wasteful cardboard! I own the one pictured and love it!)

Mushroom Love Reversible Coffee Cozy

You can purchase your fun stuff from Uptown Avenue now, 10% off with checkout code: UPTOWNLUV!

Uptown Avenue is offering one lucky winner a (favorite) coffee cozy of their choosing!!

As you may know, coffee and tea are one of my favorite pick-me-ups! Instant Happiness.

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling your favorite pick-me-up!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to Uptown Avenue and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  " There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @UptownAvenue!  #giveaway  http://ow.ly/44Tt8 "

5. Heart Uptown Avenue on Etsy (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid in the USA only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Uptown Avenue}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome coffee cuff and wanted to share Uptown Avenue with you.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. No pants on fire.

{Vicki's Favorite Things} After Nine to Five Designs

Continuing with Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you After Nine to Five Designs.



After Nine to Five features beautiful, unique jewelry made by the lovely and talented Ashley.

Taken from her shop info: "After Nine To Five mainly specializes in jewelry, but plans are already in place to expand the A9T5 Designs line in the future. Soon to be included: photobooks, journals, greeting cards, luggage tags, and much more."

This chica writing this here post is wayyyy excited to see what's in store for After Nine to Five! Bee tee dubs, the hodge-podge button for Vicki's Favorite Things was created by Ashley!!!
I totally luuurve her work, her blog, and the lady behind it all is a new favorite of mine.

    Check it:

Brass Heart with Lock and Key Necklace

Be Free Unlocked Bracelet

Favorites. All. of. them.

You can purchase your accessories from After Nine to Five Designs now, 20% off with checkout code: CROWNDVICTORIA!

(by the by, this is the largest discount code Ashley has ever offered! WOOT! Go show her some LOVE!)

After Nine to Five Designs is offering one lucky world-wide winner this Silver Toned Camera Necklace!!

3/4 wide x 1/2 long camera necklace on a 19" silver tone chain with lobster clasp

As you may know, photography is one of my favorite hobbies.  This necklace is perfect!

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Comment below telling your favorite hobby!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1.  Go to After Nine to Five Designs and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!
2.  Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
3.  Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

4. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @AfterNinetoFive!  #giveaway http://ow.ly/44Kme "

5. Heart After Nine to Five on Etsy (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid worldwide! No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by After Nine to Five}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome, favorite accessories and  proudly wear them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. Cross my heart. And Ashley is favorite-tastic.

{Vicki's Favorite Things} Twenty Five Design!

To kick off Crowning Victoria's 1 year Blogiversary with Vicki's Favorite Things, I bring you

Twenty Five Design.

Twenty Five Design features my favorite rosettes on headbands, hair pins, shoe clips, necklaces, and even rings.

I own 3 headbands, 2 hair clippies, 2 necklaces, and one ring.  Clearly, Torie is one of my favorites.

    Check it:

Totally all favorites.

You can purchase your accessories from Twenty Five Design now, 10% off with checkout code: VICTORIA10!

My ultimate favorite? The headband! 

Twenty Five Design is offering one lucky winner a headband of their choice!

(some of her beauties)

Turquoise and Red fabric flower headband

A Touch of Purple Fabric Flower, metal headband

Here's how to enter this giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:  Go to Twenty Five Design and comment here below, telling me your favorite item!

(**You must do the first entry first to qualify for bonus entries. Please leave a comment for each entry separately!**)

Bonus Entries
1. Follow Crowning Victoria with Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
2. Like me on Facebook (1 entry)

3. Follow @CrowndVic* on Twitter and tweet** this giveaway (1 entry)

*Tweets protected.  I will approve you as long as you're not a bot.

**Anything appropriate or something like:  "There's a Blogiversary celebration with @CrowndVic's Favorite Things featuring @25Design  #giveaway http://ow.ly/44Fpd  "

4. Heart Twenty Five Design on Etsy (1 entry)
5. Like Twenty Five Design on Facebook (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on 3/3/11 at 11 PM EST.

Winner will be chosen by random.org and will be e-mailed. Make sure to leave an e-mail address for contact.  The winner has 48 hrs. to respond to my e-mail or another winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner on my blog, as well. Valid for USA only. No PO Box addresses will be accepted. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask!

{photos by Twenty Five Design}

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway. I purchased my awesome, favorite accessories and  proudly wear them.  All opinions are 100% honest and my own. Cross my heart.

Blogiversary! {Vicki's Favorite Things}

It's a big day here at Crowning Victoria!

Today this blog turns one year old!!!

It's hard to believe I created this blog a year ago with the sole intention of sharing wedding plans with my family and friends.  I wanted to keep everyone in the loop, and writing it once (as opposed to five phone calls plus) seemed the most efficient way.

My first post recounted the proposal details.  The first line "Here's how it all began..." couldn't ring more true.

Now here we are on my 239th post!
My favorite posts that really share insight into my world include my top twenty post-engagement thoughts, the time Mike tried to wear shoulder-pads, and dancing my heart out at two friends' wedding.

In appreciation for you, my dear readers, who helped this little blog grow into a place I feel comfortable sharing and documenting my life, we shall celebrate!

And how shall we celebrate?  Well, we'll do it up like Oprah, except not... because if you look under your work chair or living room couch right now you will not find amazing gifts, sorry. HOWEVER! You will have a chance to win some of my favorite things with the upcoming giveaways and discount codes!

Be sure to check back constantly today to learn more about what I love, and win those items!

Follow me on Twitter, Like me on Facebook, or Connect with GFC, and come join the FUN!

Happy Day to ALL!

Steppin' Out Saturday 2.26.11

Yesterday Mike's coworker hosted a 90's themed party.  Third Eye Blind, Nirvana, and Back Street Boys were heard throughout the night while Saved by the Bell played on TV.  (sidenote: do y'all remember the episode when Jesse was addicted to caffeine pills? "I'm so excited, I'm so excited, I'm so, I'm so Scared!"  Somehow that show never broached the topics of racism or sex though...end sidenote)

The dog, Nora, thought this needed to be a family photo.

Do I really need to tell you that I already owned all these clothes?
My closet = Sad, but true.

Vicki:

earrings: NY & Co

top: (Mike's) GAP

jeans: GAP

belt: Target

shoes: Dr. Marten's

Mike:

top: fresh from a clothing swap

tied flannel: Target

jeans: American Eagle

We had a blast!

(sidenote-sidenote: I remember the day my mom bought me the Doc Marten's, begrudgingly, telling me if I ever got rid of them, to give them to her.  Not so fast, mom, not so fast!)

Just Vicki, no veil

The all-consumed-blogging-bride-Vicki would like to step off her wedding podium for a day, and step onto a different soap box.

Lately I talked with a friend about how much wedding planning has changed me: made me more responsible, more forward-thinking, more conscious of others feelings, and less selfish.  The weight of planning the most bomb-tastic party to celebrate the best day of my life lead me to realize a lot.

But right now? I want to be "Just Vicki" (picture Jack, from Will & Grace, saying "Just Jack" -- except it's me, saying "Just Vicki"). No veil.

So here's a little smattering of details about myself and the other things that define me. 

I am:

{{ a school teacher and lover of children's books }}

{{ a wine connoisseur who knows little about wine }}

{{ reader of Twilight and watcher of True Blood}}*

{{ an occasional painter and craft-enthusiast}}

{{ emotional and sensitive -- aka a libra }}

{{ a music lover, especially pop and girlie rock }}

{{ an avid fruit & veggie consumer, 5 a day! }}

{{ green. as in I like things natural }}

{{ in love with brownies }}

{{ a writer, appreciative of others writing}}

{{ an aunt to two adorable girls }}

{{ edgy, raw, and deep }}

 {{ a friend, a daughter, a sister, and a girlfriend}}

{I am more than a bride planning a wedding!}

{source}

What defines you?

*but I'm not, like, obsesssssed or anything.

As Mike Sees It (2)

Hello again everyone! It's been quite a while since I made an appearance here on the blog, but since Vicki's input on the honeymoon planning was restricted to her continuously reminding me all she cared about was "going someplace where someone brings me drinks as I lay on the beach," I did the heavy lifting on the planning so it makes sense that I should be the one who writes about it.

When we first started scheming about where to go on our honeymoon, and scheming is indeed the appropriate verb here, we were thinking someplace exotic. We both love to travel and therefore wanted to take this opportunity to go someplace we'd never been to and wanted to visit. The front runners were Greece, Thailand, and India. We soon realized since none of those places are exactly close, the flights are pretty pricey. But that wasn't going to dissuade us since (if you do this right) you only get one shot at a honeymoon. So it became a matter of figuring out which place made the most sense.

But leave it to a sitcom to throw a wrench in our plans. We were watching the Hawaii episode of Modern Family, which features a scene were Cam and Mitchell debate the merits of exploring and seeing sites on your vacation versus laying by the pool and getting pampered. I was firmly in Mitchell's camp on this one; when you go someplace you need to soak it all up and experience the place, because you can lie around anywhere. But then it hit us both: after the wedding and all the related craziness, lying around is what we're going to need. So in a moment of deep revelation we both decided that instead of spending lots of cash on the flight, we should go somewhere in the Caribbean that would be much cheaper to get to and invest the funds into an all-inclusive resort instead.

I thought it would be easy at that point but lo and behold, the Caribbean is full of all-inclusive resorts (guess we're not the first people to have this idea. Who knew?). So we (and by "we" I mean I) began doing our research into places that fit our budget and gave us what we wanted. After that we narrowed it down to about four different places. Then my anal grad-school-self kicked in and decided the best way to figure this out was to write down all the pluses and minuses of each place and assign them points based on that (I know, I'm a dork. I accept this fact and Vicki does too).

After considering everything the winner and place we booked is Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The pluses on my list that led us this location include:

• Direct flights from Baltimore to Montego Bay, followed by a short drive to the resort from the airport
• Wait service at the beach and pool
• A soaking tub on our private balcony
• 8 restaurants and 10 bars on site
• The inclusion of a honeymoon package which gets us spa discounts, a bottle of champagne, and some other gifts
• Tons of activities, sports and otherwise, all included
• 24 hour room service, including stocking the mini bar
• DOLPHINS (<----Vicki's edit)

There are lots of others too, but this post has gone on long enough so I'll stop there. Since we've booked this we both feel much more at ease with everything, as we now know what reward is waiting for us at the end of the end of the tunnel (besides, you know, getting married). The place looks amazing and we both cannot wait to get there and start getting pampered. We have more info about the place (including the option for people to get us massages and other things as a wedding present; hint, hint) on our Wedsite.
Until then, we'll be dreaming of cocktails and sunsets on the beach...

 {source}

*sidenote, Vicki says that lady's butt is bigger than hers.

Blogiversary Coming Up!

Next week this here lil' blog will turn 1 year old!

In honor of my 1 year Blogiversary, I bring you -- 

Vicki's Favorite Things!

Starting next Monday, February 28, we will have giveaways and discount codes from some of my FAVORITE Etsy & Handmade shops:

After Nine to Five

Uptown Avenue

Twenty Five Design

Josiah's Nest

Cotton Lane 

DIYva Designs

Be sure to check back for this exciting celebration!

Steppin' Out Saturday 2.19.11

A few weeks ago I put together an awesome outfit for school. I received so many complements (such as "you look like you stepped out of a J. Crew Catalog") and loved it so much, I decided to do a What I Wore Wednesday post.  But then I got home and my camera battery died as I was trying to take some shots of myself, solo.

Not to worry, Mike and I planned to attend synagogue that following Saturday.  The ensemble makes a perfect Stepping Out Saturday Post.  (Mandy over at Harper's Happenings hosts this great meme with her adorable daughter).  Then we slept through the alarm.

Finally, yesterday I donned the outfit yet again.  Third try's a charm.
And here. we. go.


My first SOS post:

 

hair clip: Sandy A La Mode

earrings: Oh, Sweet Joy!

necklace: Cotton Lane

(I might have a slight addiction to handmade products)

Happy Weekend, Folks!

4 Months Away!

{source}

Four. Months. Away.
Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor.

I'm not sure when it happened, where the time went, or all that jazz, but four months is not a long time.

My biggest accomplishment this last month was getting over myself.  I witched and moaned a lot, recently. I complained and road the pity train all the way to a nice little breakdown. And while swimming in a sea of self-induced stress and anxiety I heard many supportive friends, reaching out.  I am so thankful for you.

But what really got me over the hump was my second wedding dress fitting.  Now?
I'm currently riding the wave of awesomeness as I enjoy every second, looking forward to the big day, but also the honeymoon (which is BOOKED!)

Accomplishments this past month:
Secured the Rehearsal Dinner space.
Dreaming of cake.
Ordered our invites.
Trying to decide on a first dance song,
while laughing at ones that shouldn't be chosen.

Coming up?
-ordering kipot
-deciding on a ketuba
-purchasing my wedding ring
-finalizing flowers
-figuring out the tuxes
-having my bridal shower!!!

And, And, And - My 1 yr Blogiversary Celebration happens February 28!

Get ready for awesome posts and giveaways!!!

Anything fun coming up in your world?!

Worst First Dance Songs?

Thanks for the great support from yesterday's post! I have so many great song ideas to work with and think about now! Most importantly, I think Mike and I need to think outside the box on this one, and find a first dance song that is right for us.

It got me thinking, though, about all the songs that are not right.
for anyone.
Like how about Lyle Lovett's She's No Lady (She's My Wife)?
  How many blank stares and snickers would THAT one get?

Going further, Tainted Love might send the totally wrong message, obviously.

While the melody is nice, U2's Still Havent Found What I'm Looking for makes you think that first dance will be their last.

And maybe you You Cant Always What Want "but if you try sometimes you just might find, you get what you need" doesn't send that mushy lovey vibe without settling. 

So who's up for some fun?
What are the worst first wedding dance songs you can imagine?!

First Dance Song?

Mike and I can't decide on a first dance song.  It's so simple, yet such a hard decision.
Part of the reason we struggle to agree and commit is because of the massive weight I put on this moment.
It's the song that will forever remind us of our wedding.  It marks such an important moment that the song must be perfect.

Mike wants something upbeat and I want something you can hear in a grocery store years from now and smile. Not to say that it has to be an elevator music song, just something timeless.

Lucky for us, we narrowed it down to ten songs.
I know what you're thinking:  Ten songs?!   For serious?
Yes. Really.

For sure we should be able to knock one or two off, right?
Nope, we love them all for different reasons.

It's funny to me that we still struggle to figure this one out, because this was the very first decision we started with, once first engaged.  I guess that just proves what a huge deal it is for us.

And no I won't tell you the ten songs, because this is the one element of the wedding that will be a surprise for all in attendance.

So, if you wouldn't mind sharing, what was (or will be) your first dance song?  And how did you choose it?

Shaping up with Liz DiAlto

After four sessions with Liz DiAlto I can already see a difference in my physique, balance, and strength!  When we first started I knew little of the right approach to working out.  Now I am much more comfortable and confident with Rest-Based workouts and my appearance!

I find that having a trainer is clutch, for me.  I'm not one to pop in an instructional DVD and follow along. I lack the self discipline (in this area) to create a regular workout routine.  Those DVD's? In my house they make awesome coasters or dust collectors. Liz is great for keeping you motivated and engaged while working out!  She holds you accountable for your workout (no fair not squatting low enough or lunging far enough!).  She also keeps it fun and gives you someone to talk with while getting in shape!

If you are one to find comfort working out in the privacy of your own home, or actually make time and stick to that routine without the gym --then I don't understand you, but want to be you.  However Liz has something perfect for you! Head over to her site, you can look into her Virtual Training!

Also while there you can get workouts, healthy recipes and more when they sign up for her weekly newsletter.  Just go here.

Working with Liz was a great experience, and my body (and me) thank her!!

Disclosure: Liz DiAlto provided me with 4 half-hour "Rest Based" workout sessions, in exchange for two posts.  It should also be noted that on my own time I also maintain a yoga exercise program, meanwhile working alongside another trainer in a circuit-based strength program.

Happy Valentine's Day!

'Tis a beautiful day in the neighborhood, if you're in love and a fan of cupid.

{source}

While I strongly believe in love, I always found Valentine's Day to be a foo-foo holiday, one that materialism and marketing play much too big a role.  Truth be told, Mike and I celebrate it, but we use it more for a date excuse than anything else.  That and I demand a new stuffed animal every year.

It started out with the cheesy gorilla holding heart.  Monkey for your love? something like that.  I do some heavy tossing and turning, with high kicks, in my sleep.  The Gorilla only lasted so long.

{source}

 Next came a bean-bag style M&M guy.  Cute as he may be, you just can't cuddle something stuffed with bean pellets.  (Noted?)

{source}

Most recently, Dangles, the softest, most cuddly monkey joined the crew. And will never. be. replaced.

For those of you reading carefully: Yes. I do sleep with a stuffed animal.

That share? Is true, deep love.

{source}

Thank you readers, I love you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope you find something/someone to cuddle up with tonight!