I have so many blog posts planned, but not entirely finished. This is wedding week for me in a huge way. Already I have found my wedding dress (yay!) and tasted some delicious reception food. I still have a meeting with the caterer, florist, and hair and makeup trials to round out the week. Oh, in the meantime, I am organizing and planning up a storm. Plus addressing and applying stamps to the save the dates. Have I gone crazy? I am ready for a nap just thinking about it.
So the blog thing, yeah, things are going to be a bit slow for a short while. Hang tight, I hope to bring you some awesome stuff soon! Thanks for being patient, and awesome!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Sunday, December 15, 2013
The Registry List
Last week, we talked about some rules for wedding registries. I mentioned that I would get you the final registry list that The Man and I came up with when creating our own registry. There may be a few extra items on our registry, but this really helped us organize what was most important. You are welcome to print this out and use it to help you make your own ideal registry. Happy planning!
Fine Dining
□ Dinner Plates (12)
□ Salad Plates (12)
□ Bread and Butter Plates (12)
□ Bowls (12)
□ Dessert Bowls (12)
□ Saucers (12)
□ Teacups (12)
□ Sugar Bowl
□ Creamer
□ Beverage Pot
□ Assorted platters and serving bowls (5)
□ Cake Plate
□ Tiered Server
□ Chip and Dip
□ Gravy Boat
□ Salt and Pepper Shakers
□ Red Wine Glasses (12)
□ White Wine Glasses (12)
□ Champagne Glasses (12)
□ Double old-fashioned glasses (12)
□ Highball Glasses (12)
□ Decanter
□ Corkscrew
□ Flatware Chest
□ Hostess Set
□ Ladle
□ 3 Piece Serving Set
□ 5 Piece Place Setting Silverware (12)
□ Cake and Knife Serving Set
□ Knife Block
□ Steak Knives (8)
□ Paring Knife
□ Cleaver
□ Carving Knife
□ Kitchen Shears
□ Honing Steel
□ Bread Knife
□ Boning Knife
□ Chef Knife
Everyday Dining
□ Picnic Basket Set
□ Pitcher
□ Beverage Holder
□ Butter Dish
□ Sugar Bowl and Creamer
□ Water Glasses (12)
□ Juice Glasses (12)
Cooking/Baking Tools
□ Icing Spatula
□ Assorted Mixing Bowls
□ Potato Peeler
□ Grater
□ Pizza Wheel
□ Assorted Spatulas and Spoons
□ Garlic Press
□ Cutting Boards (assorted)
□ Measuring Cups & Spoons
□ Biscuit Cutters
□ Flour Sifter
□ Rolling Pin
□ Pasta Machine
□ Mortar and Pestle
□ Food Thermometer
□ Strainer
□ Colander
Cooking/Baking Pans
□ Cooling Rack
□ Assorted Baking Dishes, Casserole Dishes (6)
□ Muffin Pans (2)
□ Loaf Pan
□ Assorted Cake Pans (4)
□ Ramekins (8)
□ Spring Form Pan
□ Pie Pans (2)
□ Cookie Sheets (2)
□ Bundt Pan
□ Pizza Stone
□ Rotisserie Pan
□ Assorted Saucepans (3)
□ Steamer
□ Wok
□ Tea Kettle
□ Assorted Fry Pans (3)
□ Egg Pan
□ Griddle
□ Stock Pot
Cooking Electrics
□ Immersion Blender
□ Blender
□ Mixer
□ Food Processor
□ Toaster
□ Waffle Iron
□ Panini Press
□ Slow Cooker
Home Keeping
□ Sheet Set (2)
□ Pillow Case Sets (2)
□ Euro Pillows (2)
□ King Pillows (2)
□ Queen Pillows (2)
□ Comforter
□ Bath Towels (6)
□ Hand Towels (6)
□ Wash clothes (6)
□ Dish Towels (8)
□ Oven Mitt
□ Pot Holders (2)
Decorative
□ Candlesticks (4 total)
□ Crystal Vase
□ Glass Vase
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
12/11/13 Keeps of the Week
Yep, I'm still on my keep kick. Here are some of my most popular keeps this week (that haven't already appeared on the blog in some form).
Follow me on Keep. Click here to read my Keep review.
Also, check out the It Looks Better On Paper Pinterest Page for ample holiday decorating and crafting ideas. If you haven't already, follow me to get updated on all kinds of things like blog posts, home decor, and nail polish.
Follow me on Keep. Click here to read my Keep review.
Also, check out the It Looks Better On Paper Pinterest Page for ample holiday decorating and crafting ideas. If you haven't already, follow me to get updated on all kinds of things like blog posts, home decor, and nail polish.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
The Valley of Amazement Review
I'd like to interrupt the regularly scheduled wedding stuff to post a quick review that has been a long time in the making. I almost didn't write it, but sharing is caring. This was an interesting journey for me. I'll keep it brief, mostly because I don't want to sway people away from reading The Valley of Amazement. The book was incredibly dynamic, compelling and well-written. The subject matter is, unfortunately, not my cup of tea.
The book takes place primarily in Shanghai, early 1900s. Vivid descriptions haunt each corner of the novel. As for what the novel is about, it's the story of the struggle for a female's independence in an otherwise male-driven world. It's about the love of family. It highlights hope, and how many hopes just lead to disappointment. The Vally of Amazement follows Violet, and her mother, Lulu. Be prepared to learn about racism and the life of a courtesan. Be prepared for your emotions to get caught in every page.
I honestly struggled to read this one. I would read a bit, and then put it down, hesitant to pick it back up again. I'd like to say it is the time of year (full of holiday cheer), but I've mentioned before that dramas, or any book with a good bit of strife, just ends up causing me stress instead of enjoyment. I prefer a simple, entertaining book to a thoughtful drama any day, no matter how well written. I decided to read the book based on the author's name instead of checking the inside cover.
If you like dramas, ignore this review. I know there are many glowing ones, from people far more qualified to review books than I am. The subject matter is interesting, and it certainly is never boring. If you are like me, then I would say pass this one up. There are other books from my Fall Reading List that I certainly enjoyed more.
This concludes my Fall List. The Winter Reading List is in full swing!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Twelve Rules for Wedding Registries: A Guide
The Man and I finished our wedding registries this weekend. While a lot of the product research and sifting through hundreds of silverware patterns was certainly tedious, the daydreaming part was super fun. Registering can be a gateway dream though, so be careful. After the registries were complete, I found myself looking at houses online. You know, to store our gifts.
All partial kidding aside (it totally happened), there is so much information out there on the wedding registry, it can get a bit overwhelming. Yet, none of the lists or rule guides completely covered me. There wasn't one tailored specifically to my situation. You guessed it, I made my own rules. And I am sharing.
1. Etiquette. Don't assume people are going to give you gifts. The wedding is about celebrating your life with your future spouse. Gift giving is just a nice gesture, but shouldn't be expected. That being said, don't put your registry information in your invitations. I've read this everywhere, so it must be true.
2. To go along with #1, it is perfectly fine for your mother and future mother-in-law to tell anyone who asked where you are registered (feel free to insert "father" in any place that "mother" was, you never know who's the talker). It is also fine to include registry cards in your shower invitation, since the shower is about showering the couple with gifts for the future, and you aren't throwing that yourself anyway. If it's tasteful, the wedding website can also play host to your registry list.
3. There are tons of registry checklists on the internet. I suggest that you take a few of the lists, and create your own. If you search registry checklist on Pinterest, many good ones come up. The places you register will have their own lists. Making your own list doesn't take very much time, and will help you determine what is most important to you. For me, having someone buy me a bathroom scale seemed distasteful (because having pie pans is so much more important than a scale...), therefore it didn't make the list. I already love my mixer, so that didn't need to be on the list. And I desperately need a pizza stone and secretly want a bundt pan, but many lists did not include these as items. Update: Here's an example of my list. Please note, our list is only going to vaguely resemble your list.
4. Gifts should range in price from $5 to $500. If someone gets you a set of fancy mixing bowls, and still have $5 more they want to spend, they could add in a whisk to round out their gift. You shouldn't expect people to spend a certain amount on you (see first point above), so giving a variety of options takes a lot of the pressure off the giver.
5. Register with at least two but no more than three places. You want options, but don't want to spread yourself too thin. Think places that would be easily accessible to most of your guest, with many storefront locations as well as a website. Who knows how your guests feel most comfortable shopping? We decided to register at two places. It just made more sense from an organizational standpoint, we had a blast shopping at these two places, and too many more registries might have taken us off the deep end.
6. When you are registering, think about the longevity and usability of the items on your list. You want these items to last, not just by being durable, but also to appeal to your style now and twenty years from now. This being said, The Man and I didn't register for everyday china or fancy duvet covers or any item that we weren't entirely sold on. My tastes change just too frequently to commit to everyday china or bedding for life. We don't even have a house yet, so who knows what will match, and how often I will change my mind. And if you aren't sure, wait until you are.
7. Read reviews. Not just the ones on the website where you are registering for the items, but view consumer reports or the best "blenders" of 2013/2014. Just because the picture looks awesome and the three people who have had the item for three weeks says it chops in half the time of their 35 year old blender, doesn't mean it's the right one for you. The gift-givers are going to assume that you've already done your homework, and the item they are buying is the absolute best item for you. Make them right.
8. You are going to have to include some crystal and silver items on your list, no matter how old-fashioned you think they are. People like to give gifts like this, and you will be happy to have that crystal vase whenever you have stuffy, important people over to your house a few years from now. Just trust me.
9. There are things that you shouldn't register for. You're smart, so a lot of these don't need to be said. Just make sure you don't choose are things that are only for or appeal to one half of the couple. This isn't a Christmas list, it's a list of items that will help build your life together. Things like video games, food, and trips to the Opera should not be on your registry list, unless you are a hardcore gamer couple, and a large chunk of your guests share your enthusiasm. Or that meal and Opera trip is part of your honeymoon.
10. Speaking of honeymoon, there are many websites out there that provide honeymoon registries. I think it's a really interesting idea, and could be awesome if done right. (Here's an article I found that talks whether or not honeymoon registries are tacky). The Man and I decided that a honeymoon registry wasn't right for our new family, but mostly because we are young and just starting out. But you should consider it as an option.
11. Be sure to utilize the freebies that most registries offer. You get FREE STUFF because other people purchased items on your registry. Most registries offer a purchasing discount for the leftover things on your list after the wedding. This definitely helps in finishing off your china patterns, or getting the last few items that you think you NEED for your life together. (All you need is love!)
12. Have fun with it. It's super interesting to find out what you and your significant other both like. And the dreaming... yeah, it's pretty amazing. Plus, you get to run (carefully) around with a laser tag gun while people pour you mocktails. And remember, it's not about the things, it's about the time you spend with your loved ones.
This is the start of your married life. Love it.
All partial kidding aside (it totally happened), there is so much information out there on the wedding registry, it can get a bit overwhelming. Yet, none of the lists or rule guides completely covered me. There wasn't one tailored specifically to my situation. You guessed it, I made my own rules. And I am sharing.
1. Etiquette. Don't assume people are going to give you gifts. The wedding is about celebrating your life with your future spouse. Gift giving is just a nice gesture, but shouldn't be expected. That being said, don't put your registry information in your invitations. I've read this everywhere, so it must be true.
2. To go along with #1, it is perfectly fine for your mother and future mother-in-law to tell anyone who asked where you are registered (feel free to insert "father" in any place that "mother" was, you never know who's the talker). It is also fine to include registry cards in your shower invitation, since the shower is about showering the couple with gifts for the future, and you aren't throwing that yourself anyway. If it's tasteful, the wedding website can also play host to your registry list.
3. There are tons of registry checklists on the internet. I suggest that you take a few of the lists, and create your own. If you search registry checklist on Pinterest, many good ones come up. The places you register will have their own lists. Making your own list doesn't take very much time, and will help you determine what is most important to you. For me, having someone buy me a bathroom scale seemed distasteful (because having pie pans is so much more important than a scale...), therefore it didn't make the list. I already love my mixer, so that didn't need to be on the list. And I desperately need a pizza stone and secretly want a bundt pan, but many lists did not include these as items. Update: Here's an example of my list. Please note, our list is only going to vaguely resemble your list.
4. Gifts should range in price from $5 to $500. If someone gets you a set of fancy mixing bowls, and still have $5 more they want to spend, they could add in a whisk to round out their gift. You shouldn't expect people to spend a certain amount on you (see first point above), so giving a variety of options takes a lot of the pressure off the giver.
5. Register with at least two but no more than three places. You want options, but don't want to spread yourself too thin. Think places that would be easily accessible to most of your guest, with many storefront locations as well as a website. Who knows how your guests feel most comfortable shopping? We decided to register at two places. It just made more sense from an organizational standpoint, we had a blast shopping at these two places, and too many more registries might have taken us off the deep end.
6. When you are registering, think about the longevity and usability of the items on your list. You want these items to last, not just by being durable, but also to appeal to your style now and twenty years from now. This being said, The Man and I didn't register for everyday china or fancy duvet covers or any item that we weren't entirely sold on. My tastes change just too frequently to commit to everyday china or bedding for life. We don't even have a house yet, so who knows what will match, and how often I will change my mind. And if you aren't sure, wait until you are.
7. Read reviews. Not just the ones on the website where you are registering for the items, but view consumer reports or the best "blenders" of 2013/2014. Just because the picture looks awesome and the three people who have had the item for three weeks says it chops in half the time of their 35 year old blender, doesn't mean it's the right one for you. The gift-givers are going to assume that you've already done your homework, and the item they are buying is the absolute best item for you. Make them right.
8. You are going to have to include some crystal and silver items on your list, no matter how old-fashioned you think they are. People like to give gifts like this, and you will be happy to have that crystal vase whenever you have stuffy, important people over to your house a few years from now. Just trust me.
9. There are things that you shouldn't register for. You're smart, so a lot of these don't need to be said. Just make sure you don't choose are things that are only for or appeal to one half of the couple. This isn't a Christmas list, it's a list of items that will help build your life together. Things like video games, food, and trips to the Opera should not be on your registry list, unless you are a hardcore gamer couple, and a large chunk of your guests share your enthusiasm. Or that meal and Opera trip is part of your honeymoon.
10. Speaking of honeymoon, there are many websites out there that provide honeymoon registries. I think it's a really interesting idea, and could be awesome if done right. (Here's an article I found that talks whether or not honeymoon registries are tacky). The Man and I decided that a honeymoon registry wasn't right for our new family, but mostly because we are young and just starting out. But you should consider it as an option.
11. Be sure to utilize the freebies that most registries offer. You get FREE STUFF because other people purchased items on your registry. Most registries offer a purchasing discount for the leftover things on your list after the wedding. This definitely helps in finishing off your china patterns, or getting the last few items that you think you NEED for your life together. (All you need is love!)
12. Have fun with it. It's super interesting to find out what you and your significant other both like. And the dreaming... yeah, it's pretty amazing. Plus, you get to run (carefully) around with a laser tag gun while people pour you mocktails. And remember, it's not about the things, it's about the time you spend with your loved ones.
This is the start of your married life. Love it.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Wedding Inspiration Board
I have been in super wedding mode this past week. And I'm loving it. My planner is bursting with wedding events and activities. I am accomplishing so much, and it feels awesome.
To organize my thoughts, I have made several inspiration boards for each wedding category. Next week, I have hair trials, makeup trials, and a meeting with my florist, so that's what I will be giving you a sneak peak of today. I am also going dress shopping, but you are just going to have to be surprised on that one.
I foresee many wedding posts in the future.
To organize my thoughts, I have made several inspiration boards for each wedding category. Next week, I have hair trials, makeup trials, and a meeting with my florist, so that's what I will be giving you a sneak peak of today. I am also going dress shopping, but you are just going to have to be surprised on that one.
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| Wedding hair ideas. pictures from Pinterest |
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| Wedding makeup ideas, pictures from Pinterest |
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| Wedding flower ideas, pictures from Pinterest |
I foresee many wedding posts in the future.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Winter Reading List 2013-2014
Winter is coming....
Sorry, I couldn't resist a Game of Thrones reference. And for those of you located in the East Coast/Midwest, you have likely already had snow, and therefore, winter is already here. Time to snuggle up with a book by the fireplace.
I had tons of fun with my last reading list. It was a great way to make sure that I didn't let reading take over my life, as it so often did. I still have one additional book to review for Fall, but I will need a few days to recover from it. Sometimes books do that to me.
There are so many good books coming out, but so many older ones that I want to read. Winter is going to be a mix of these, I am thinking. It's not completely fleshed out, because who knows where my literary whims will take me this winter. I have left two open spots at the end of this list, so I can add things in as I go.
- The Chase 2/25/14 Janet Evanovich, Lee Goldberg. This is the sequel to The Heist, a new series by my dear friend, Janet E., who paired up with Lee Goldberg to write a police drama/comedy. I am not actually friends with Ms. Evanovich (I wish!), but I've read all of her books, so that kind of counts. It's a bit one-sided, this friendship.
The first one was a bit predictable, but I love a pairing of the bad guy meets kickbutt chick, so we will let that slide. I found the first one enjoyable, and am looking forward to a second helping.
-The Princes of Ireland, Edward Rutherford. I have to admit, I picked this one off the shelves of a bookstore randomly a few months back, but just haven't sat down to read it. It's staring at me as I type this, so I better get to it before it truly feels neglected. I'll let you know how it goes, because I truly don't know more about it than briefly glancing at the back cover. Sometimes, that's how I pick out books.
-The Blackberry Pie Murder (Hannah Swenson #17), Joanne Fluke. This is another adorable murder-mystery novel that always brings a smile to my face. And who knew there could be so many murderers in a small town? And there are recipes! Yum. The first ones are always on sale right before the newest book comes out, so I would check them out then (February), if you want a nice cold-weather pick-me-up.
-The City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1), Cassandra Clare. Another one that I've had around for a while, this one on my Nook, that I bought on super sale. They made a movie out of it, so it can't be THAT bad. Famous last words, I am sure. But, hey, I'm going to try it out. If I like it, I know there are more and I won't have to wait to read them. I won't blog about this one, so don't worry if you really don't care or already read it AGES ago.
To be honest, I will probably read two more books this winter, but I haven't set my heart on anything yet. There are a lot of authors that I've read before that I'm interested in reading their new books, but I've been burned before. I may also catch up on some other books I have stockpiled. If I read anything spectacular, I will be sure to let you know.
What are you excited about reading this winter? Any suggestions? And if you are looking for more ideas on what to read, check out my Fall Reading List for reviews.
Sorry, I couldn't resist a Game of Thrones reference. And for those of you located in the East Coast/Midwest, you have likely already had snow, and therefore, winter is already here. Time to snuggle up with a book by the fireplace.
I had tons of fun with my last reading list. It was a great way to make sure that I didn't let reading take over my life, as it so often did. I still have one additional book to review for Fall, but I will need a few days to recover from it. Sometimes books do that to me.
There are so many good books coming out, but so many older ones that I want to read. Winter is going to be a mix of these, I am thinking. It's not completely fleshed out, because who knows where my literary whims will take me this winter. I have left two open spots at the end of this list, so I can add things in as I go.
- The Chase 2/25/14 Janet Evanovich, Lee Goldberg. This is the sequel to The Heist, a new series by my dear friend, Janet E., who paired up with Lee Goldberg to write a police drama/comedy. I am not actually friends with Ms. Evanovich (I wish!), but I've read all of her books, so that kind of counts. It's a bit one-sided, this friendship.
The first one was a bit predictable, but I love a pairing of the bad guy meets kickbutt chick, so we will let that slide. I found the first one enjoyable, and am looking forward to a second helping.
-The Princes of Ireland, Edward Rutherford. I have to admit, I picked this one off the shelves of a bookstore randomly a few months back, but just haven't sat down to read it. It's staring at me as I type this, so I better get to it before it truly feels neglected. I'll let you know how it goes, because I truly don't know more about it than briefly glancing at the back cover. Sometimes, that's how I pick out books.
-The Blackberry Pie Murder (Hannah Swenson #17), Joanne Fluke. This is another adorable murder-mystery novel that always brings a smile to my face. And who knew there could be so many murderers in a small town? And there are recipes! Yum. The first ones are always on sale right before the newest book comes out, so I would check them out then (February), if you want a nice cold-weather pick-me-up.
-The City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1), Cassandra Clare. Another one that I've had around for a while, this one on my Nook, that I bought on super sale. They made a movie out of it, so it can't be THAT bad. Famous last words, I am sure. But, hey, I'm going to try it out. If I like it, I know there are more and I won't have to wait to read them. I won't blog about this one, so don't worry if you really don't care or already read it AGES ago.
To be honest, I will probably read two more books this winter, but I haven't set my heart on anything yet. There are a lot of authors that I've read before that I'm interested in reading their new books, but I've been burned before. I may also catch up on some other books I have stockpiled. If I read anything spectacular, I will be sure to let you know.
What are you excited about reading this winter? Any suggestions? And if you are looking for more ideas on what to read, check out my Fall Reading List for reviews.
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