What are you going to do for flowers?

I have no idea.

But, I do love peonies: they're dainty, elegant and beautiful, and whole mess of them is quite extraordinary. Would it be weird if we went with a "summery" flower for a "wintry" wedding?

Training Notes

With the Boston Marathon less than three months away, I'm well into my training program and definitely feeling like it. Read: It's totally deja vu from the summer. Lately, I've been seeing/feeling/experiencing:

• An obnoxiously persistent hunger, and the astronomical grocery bills that go with it
• Blisters
• Body Glide
  
• Everyone asking, "How far are you running tomorrow?"
• Lots of laundry
• Low-key, restful Friday nights
• Obsessively checking the weather, and planning my runs around it
  
• Runner's high after a fantastic morning jog
  
• Successfully fighting the urge to stay in on Saturday night
  
• Toes/feet that don't look... normal? 
• Tri-Berry and Vanilla Bean Gu
• Water, water, water

Overall, I'm just a lot more... 

~*Twist on the Classic*~

Before I share any further details about our engagement and wedding, I feel as thought I owe you a proper introduction of the factoids: Our wedding this December in Michigan, and it is going to be the best wedding ever. Fact. Yup, I said it. Word.

After Big and I got engaged, his sister asked if I was one of those "wedding girls."

Um, yea. I guess you could say that.


I watched TLC's "The Wedding Story" every day in middle school -- even if it was a re-run -- and I've been a member of The Knot for years. Yes, years. Basically, I've been gathering details practically since I could walk.

A lot of weddings these days have themes, so as to ensure everything is tied up in one neat, tidy, put-together package. Kind of like branding. 

While we've yet to officially choose many details of the wedding, the theme I've come up with is (cue drumroll) -- "A Twist on the Classic." Think traditional elements with modern, unique and/or slightly vintage touches that are simple and elegant. It's going to be full of lots of beautifulness...  and be all-around unique. Just like us.  

A few other things you should know:

It will be very personal. I want guests, or anyone viewing our photos, to walk away with a better understanding of who we are and why we make sense as a couple.

It's going to be wintry but not Christmasy. This is a wedding, folks! Not a corporate holiday party. Think lots of white and silver. Think pine cones. Think romantic lighting. Think fireplaces (yes, we have one at our reception venue!). Think... "forest in the winter."

It's going to have some DIY elements. Why? a) I'm a bargain shopper and know this is the most economical way to do things; b) I'm surrounded by some pretty seriously talented crafters; and c) I'm a control freak and don't trust anyone else to do to it "my" way.

It's going to be FUN!

And that's it! I can't wait to share all the details here and journal my journey to the alter!

Was your wedding built around a theme? If so, what was it, and how did you decide?

I Love...

While perusing one of my favorite blogs for wedding eye candy, I stumbled upon this photo:

Um, how FREAKING awesome is her hairpiece? I have since decided I MUST have one when Big and I take our engagement photos in Chicago this spring with our wedding photographer. Isn't her outfit fabulous, too? Just an overall inspiring post...  

Meet Barefoot in Barcelona

Hello. I would like to introduce you to a fabulous new nail polish. Its name is Barefoot in Barcelona and it is completely fabulous. Mauve-ish with a vintage vibe. Perfect for any season. Work-appropriate. Unique, but not over the top. Edge I loves it. Here she is:

What do you think? I dare you to splurge on a $8.50 bottle and give it a go! A very special thank you to one of my best gals, KMS, for spotting this find!

Now, off to catch The Bachelor at the gym!

Hi :)

I find/do/learn about/read about/watch stuff fascinating stuff all the time. This blog used to be one way I spread the word about those great things. However, quite honestly, I lost interest in blogging mostly about running, it was nice outside, I was busy at work... etc. etc. etc.

I was itching to write again, and after watching the transformation a fellow blogger/old roommate made to her site, I felt inspired to pound the keyboard and give this blogging stuff another go. So thanks, lady for being so awesome! I'm back, with a fresh new look and feel that I love.

I'm sure most of you are pretty familiar with who I am and my life. But for those who aren't, here's a quick update on what has been happening since I last updated. First and foremost, I did indeed qualify for the Boston Marathon and, with an overall time of 3:37:04, left room to spare! YAY!

Because he is so great, B. took me out for an AH-mazing dinner at Tango Sur, an Argentinean steakhouse in our 'hood, to celebrate. We indulged with tons of red wine and an enormous fillet juicier and more tender than I thought possible. And mashed potatoes, which was kind of random considering I'm more of a roasted potatoes kind of gal. We were both very sad when got in our cab and realized that the leftovers (this steak was a monster!) had been left behind. UGH.

Anyways, we picked up some Amstel Lights and went to my apartment when suddenly, B. reached into his coat pocket and launched into this schpiel about how great the day was and much he loves me and wants to always make me happy ya-da-ya-da-ya-da and down a knee and PROPOSED! Talk about a seriously awesome day. It was the perfect proposal and so us. Here is a pic of my ring, in case you haven't seen it:

Aren't I just the luckiest???? I LOVE IT. It is more sparkly in person, I swear. I will let you try it on if you ask nicely. Ring aside, I truly feel blessed to have found such an amazing person to walk with on the path of life. It's just the coolest feeling. If you haven't already, check out our wedding Web site, where you can learn more about us, our big day and even help create our reception playlist!

Because of this engagement, I have decided that henceforth, I will refer to "B." (which, by the way, was short for boyfriend) as "Big." Just like Carrie Bradshaw. I think this will be quite funny.

Moving forward, what you can expect to read on this blog is simple: everything I love. However, expect heavy doses of wedding updates as I hem and haw over every last detail. Plus, this will reallllllly draw out the process and enable all of you to enjoy small bits of the wedding fun, though of course, we'll keep some things a surprise. 

So go ahead, add this subscription to your Google Reader (if you don't have a gmail account, it's time!) or click on the click on the "follow" icon to the right, and share your feedback with me! It's only fun to blog if people are stalking... err, reading.