I'm back

think I will start doing wedding invitations again...

Cheap Wedding Dresses

Can't vouch for the quality or anything, but from what I can tell this site has some great deals or dresses. A lot of the ones I saw were $200 or less... http://www.milanoo.com/

The Blessing of Marriage

I always thought when I was in my teens that I would struggle to find a husband. It always seemed like I was that last one of my peers to reach every milestone. I never had a boyfriend, though I dated some in college. For the most part, I was happy. In March of 2004 I was in the final months of finishing my bachelor's and preparing to go to graduate school. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend. Then it happened, as I was walking in the hall I past a guy I talked to before when I worked in the residence hall we lived in. The rest is history. We will be married three years in May. Everyday with him is a blessing. God has not only provided me with a husband, but also a true friend. I am so very thankful. I pray for the people I know in my life who are single, that they may have the blessing of a partner. And one time my prayer got answered big time! I was praying for my friend at work who was single and was struggling and praying for another coworker who was a widower. Well, God must of had of plan (of course) because he killed two birds with one stone- just three weeks ago they got married! God is good!

Buy wedding invitations from me and 100% goes to charity!

Starting today, 100% of what I make from these invitations from now until June will go toward me raising money to participate in the Tour de Cure in Indianapolis on June 12, 2010. The Tour de Cure is a series of fundraising cycling events held in 43 states nationwide to benefit the American Diabetes Association, whose mission is to to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. We all know have people in our lives that are affected by diabetes.
 I am riding for my brother's best friend, Joey,  who is 26 years old and has had diabetes for 22 years. Joey's twin brother also has diabetes, and both have insulin pumps.  Joey has a good life despite diabetes, but I wish this is something he and is brother wouldn't have to deal with their whole lives. Too many people suffer from this disease. Here is the link if you would like to check it out. Tour de Cure

When to Order Your Wedding Invitations

Most experts suggest say three to six months before the ceremony if you have the venues and date arranged. But I would suggest give yourself as much time as possible to not be rushed. Stuffing and addressing envelopes takes more time than you think, especially if it has to be done when you have a lot of other things going on, like other wedding stuff you have to do or stuff that you are busy with at work. One bride who ordered wedding invitations from me was a teacher who decided to order invitations in December for her July wedding. She chose to do that because she planned on stuffing and addressing the invitations during her holiday break from school. I would say, look at your own schedule and see when its the most convienient for you to do these. Venue arrangements are not likely to change. If in the  unlikely event they do change you can call, send them an email or even a postcard, it's not a big deal if you give people notice. Unlike a lot of things you have to do for your wedding, the deadline to get this part of your wedding stuff done is entirely up to you. My advice? If it makes you feel better to just get them done and checked off the list, and you have the time to do them, I would say get them ordered sooner than later.

How to Buy Wedding Invitations

This site is not mine, but I think gives a lot of good advice. When I did my own wedding invtations I had a lot questions and I wish I could have came across this site:

How to buy Wedding Invitations

And, I might be biased because I actually sell wedding invitations on eBay (very nice ones I might add) and this tip is a bit crass to admit to anyone else, but I think it's true:

•Don't skimp on wedding invitations! Seriously, recognize secretly if not publicly that for every dollar you put into an invitation, you're going to get $40 in gifts in return

I agree with that and also think that a wedding invitation is one of the few things that you will end up saving from your wedding through the years. I know many couples who have a framed wedding invitation in their homes. So picking wedding invitations that you truly like is important...

Very Random Bride and Groom Cake Toppers

I saw this on a website and loved this: Over the Top Cake Toppers

(a couple on their cell phones)

So sweet, the little family...

Wii Mii's!!! I love this one!Get it here (they are a little pricey though at $150 and up)

Doing a search on wacky/ funny wedding toppers was a good way to amuse myself. You should try it.

Very cheap decorating ideas

I am planning the holiday lunch at my work- for 60 or so people- and I have been obsessed with trying to find the perfect, centerpieces for the long rectangular tables. The catch is they will have to cost next-to-nothing since they are coming out of my pocket (I won't get reimbursed and I don't want to ask anyway). So I have been been looking at ones that use paper, with the idea I can get cute scrapbook paper very cheaply. Here are some ideas I am considering:

Paper Rosette Decorations

Make a gift bow from magazine page

Make a Paper Loop Tree

Easy tissue paper candle holders

These all could work in a wedding reception if you were so inclined... personally, I like the rosettes. I would use a paper with a metallic finish or spray some clear glitter spray paint on these to get them to catch the light. I also like the tissue paper candle holders but I still would have to buy a bunch of little glass candle holders- and at even a dollar apiece they still are more than I want to spend. Oh well, I'll think of something.