~*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.

Sunny-side up!

I'm on the edge of my seat. Why, you ask? In just two days, I'll be able to check the 10-day forecast for weather on the big day!

Running-wise (and also boot- and fall jacket wearing-wise), the weather next week looks pretty good! Here's to hoping it continues through October 10!

10-Day Forecast

			High / Low (°F)	Precip. %
Today Sep 30		AM Clouds / PM Sun	62°/47°	10 %
Thu Oct 01		PM Showers	63°/54°	40 %
Fri Oct 02		Few Showers / Wind	63°/48°	30 %
Sat Oct 03		Showers	56°/45°	40 %
Sun Oct 04		Partly Cloudy	61°/47°	20 %
Mon Oct 05		Few Showers	62°/53°	30 %
Tue Oct 06		Showers	67°/50°	40 %
Wed Oct 07		Sunny	63°/47°	10 %
Thu Oct 08		Showers	64°/48°	40 %
Fri Oct 09		AM Clouds / PM Sun	63°/48°	20 %

Four Years of Runner's Blues

For some time, I've been searching for words to describe how I feel about running these days. As I mentioned in one of my first posts, I am a runner that fell out of love with the sport and stayed away for many years until a few months ago when I began training for this year's Chicago Marathon. 

I found those words last night reading "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running" by Haruki Murakami, described by its publisher as "a beautiful memoir about the author's intertwined obsessions with running and writing." It journals his progress training for the New York City Marathon and is an interesting mix of funny and philosophical musings about life, running and writing.

Here goes:

For the first time in a long while, I feel content running every day in preparation for the next marathon. I've opened a new notebook, unscrewed the cap on a new bottle of ink, and am writing something new. Why I feel so generous about running now, I can't really explain systematically... maybe this is simply a matter of time passing. Maybe I just had to undergo an inevitable internal adjustment, and the period for this to happen is finally drawing to a close. 

To tell the truth, I don't really understand the causes behind my runner's blues. Or why now it's beginning to fade. It's too early to explain it well. Maybe the only thing I can say about it is this: That's life. Maybe the only thing we do is accept it, without really know what's going on. 

Catholic Guilt

Ever heard of it? Thought so. I have a tough case right now and need to fess up real quick.

I've neglected this blog quite a bit lately (understatement).

Keeping up a blog is much harder work than I ever imagined. I like to write -- I do it for a living -- and, while I thought I'd enjoy a putting finger to keyboard (?) a few times a week on something I enjoy, sadly, I found that the last thing I wanted to do after eight or 10 hours at the office was open up my laptop. On top of work and marathon training, I've become more involved in volunteering at my church and other organizations in Chicago this summer, further scaling back the amount of free time on my hands.

I considered for a brief period giving up this whole blogging thing; however, I realized how much I enjoy reading other blogs, particularly those written by people I know and especially those I'm not able to see on a regular basis. Via Facebook and blogs, I have a much better handle on where high school, college and other friends are and what they're doing than ever before and, in some weird way, I feel closer to them as a result of the virtual connection. In fact, I wish more of you guys spend time blogging. It's much easier to comment on a post or respond to a Facebook status update than sit down and craft a thoughtful e-mail.

Rest assured that I'll be back with more frequent posts soon! In the meantime, please accept my sincerest apologies!