Stop the clock!

We're having a day in the sun on Saturday to celebrate my upcoming birthday on Tuesday. What was meant to be a small gathering of friends has turned out to be a slightly larger group than anticipated. The more the merrier I say, bring on the good food, drinks and good friends! My very generous fiance has contributed greatly to the event by providing the majority of things needed - am I lucky or what?!

Its a bit scary that I'm nearing 30 so quickly! Only 2 more years of my twenty's left - that is enough cause for panic I think.

Completely unrelated - I came across this site today with tutorials of the sweetest looking flowers. I won't be using them for the wedding but I really like them. I saw a picture of a pomander made up of these flowers although unusual it looked fairly good.
..
...

..
..
We're not having much luck with my rings. We'll be going this weekend to a few other stores to have a look at what they have and the cost. We've increased the ring budget a bit although I'm still not keen on spending so many thousands on rings.
..
The woman's favours have finally been finalised. Originally together with the little key rings we were going to put Sally Williams Nougat into the champagne coloured boxes but we have now decided to rather use Cherry Liqueur chocolates and Mint Crisp Fudge chocolates from Kees Beyers Chocolates. Each lady will receive two of each.

Ceremony Decor

The decor for the reception is basically sorted and so was the decor for the ceremony until I started to look at pictures that I had taken of the chapel and realised that the aisle runner was red. Red is without a doubt one of my least favourite colours. So after chatting to our decor lady she searched and searched and found us a black aisle runner. At first we were a bit sceptical but now I love the idea. Neatly arranged on each side of the aisle runner will be cream rose petals (similar to the picture below with the different colours of course).

I also had an idea to use pew stands to hold the pomanders, which took us months to make. We'll be having 5 rows of 6 chairs on either side of the aisle, so at the first, third & fifth rows there will be a pew stand with a gold and black pomander. I'm much happier with this idea than placing the pomanders on the hand rails of the balconies in the chapel and an added bonus is that they're not badly priced to hire either.

Organization

The little free time that I had this long weekend was spent packing boxes for the guest tables and other sections of the wedding. Our fabulous new decor company is going to be setting up everything so to make things easier and more organised I put together a box for each guest table containing all the things related to that specific table like the table number, favours, gel candles, place cards, cameras, etc. I also have a box for the cake table (cake server, gel candles, fairy lights & batteries), fireplace (tapered candles & holders, jars for individual roses), sweetheart table (pillar candles), guest book table (guest book, mint books, gel candles, pen & sign in picture frame).... you get the idea. I have also made a file for each person involved in the wedding, basically its just back-ups of things previously discussed, like the DJ will have a file with the songs for the ceremony & reception and since he's the MC as well he'll get a copy of the order of the day, the photographer as well as N's one best man will get a file with the must take photo's, the decor company will get one with the layouts and positions of everything. So with all of this done I'm feeling a bit more organised and lighter.


N is doing better. She's still sore and battles with sitting for long but I'm confident that she'll be better soon.

We took my mom on a steam train trip on Sunday. Its not really N and my kinda of thing but my mom loves trains as it reminds her of when she was young and would take train trips down to Cape Town with her mother, so we were happy to take her. It was a four hour trip and my mom had the best time. I packed a picnic basket full of tasty goodies and off we went. A couple of times when I looked at my mom she had tears in her eyes, maybe from memories of days gone by, I'm not sure but it made me a bit sad, she's had a hard life and deserves more happy times like this. Her legs weren't working well at all and but luckily the friendly people that run the train helped so much. Here she is, so excited that she couldn't sit still:


Since yesterday was yet another public holiday my future in-laws came around in the afternoon for tea and cake. I made yet another peanut butter cake, this time it was a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, and it was even better that the carrot one from before. I'll post the recipe in a couple of days.
...

Occupation: Nurse

N's operation went OK yesterday. The first thing she asked for when she came around was her wife - made me love her even more! She was OK yesterday, had a bit of pain but today she's definitely worse. I think she has a fever and we might have to give the doctor a call when I get home just to make sure that she is OK. I don't like seeing her like this, poor thing.

I really feel like a nurse lately - looking after my mom and now N. I don't know how people do this job for a living.

My mom didn't get all the blood tests and other tests that she was supposed on Tuesday. It was suggested that we wait to hear if she gets onto Interferon through her doctor and medical aid before we go ahead with the clinical trial.

I am yet to meet a friendly Neurologist. Every one of them that I've met have been so unfriendly and not really willing to offer much assistance. They just sort of shrug my mom off because she has MS and there's not much more they can do for her, such assholes!

The meeting with the lawyer went well on Tuesday. Nothing complicated about the contracts that are getting drawn up. Basically what we go into the marriage with is whoever's it was to begin with if we get divorced and whatever is gained during the marriage is split 50/50. Also if one of us goes bankrupt or declares insolvency the other one can't be held liable. The contracts should be drawn up in 2 weeks, we then have to go in to sign. They are then notarised and we are given the contract. All in all it should take just over a month.

So that's all that's been happening lately, we haven't been doing much DIY so no updates on that. Oh but we did pay off our photographer today. I'm very happy about that, one less thing to pay now!

..continued

Savoury Tart (Souttert)
(Source: Unknown)

2 Tbs Flour
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Tsp Bicarbonate Of Soda
1 Tsp Dry Mustard
2 Large Eggs (I used 3)
1 Cup Milk
125ml Cream
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 Large Tomato, cubed
1 Onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 Cups Lean Bacon, chopped (or viennas or chopped chicken breast)
1 Green Pepper, chopped
1 1/2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, grated

Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased dish. Bake on 180°C for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 150°C and bake for 20 - 30 minutes or until golden brown.

This is a very short week at work for me. Tomorrow I'm taking my mom for tests for the clinical trial which she might be accepted into. Wednesday is voting day - 2009 Elections, I'm not sure why they bother as we all know who'll get the majority of votes. And Thursday I'm taking N in for her operation that she was meant to get a few weeks ago. So its a busy week. Oh and tomorrow morning we're meeting with a lawyer to draw up the ante-nuptial contracts (we've been advised to do this as soon as possible).

Rings and things

After meeting with the dress maker on Saturday we had a quick breakfast then met with the ring designer / jeweller. I originally wanted a band on either side of my engagement ring but for a while I've thought of rather going the more traditional route of having only one wedding band. Luckily she had such a gorgeous one that I could try on. It was the perfect fit and I loved it! There are two issues though - firstly its R5 000 (thats about $500) more than the other two and secondly it has round diamonds instead of princess cut diamonds. The jeweller did say that it might be possible to take those diamonds out and replace them with princess cut ones. It should take a couple of days for her to let me know for definite. N was so great about me changing my mind, she simply said that I have to wear it for the rest of my life so she'll get me what I like.

...

The new one that I love

The second option

N's ring was ready so we got that as well. We're happy with it, although I didn't realise that the titanium was so greyish, but N loves it so its ok.

The rest of Saturday was spent baking. I definitely took on too much but the results were worth it. My mom loved it. We had 18 people so my mom was surrounded by people which is what she needs. She's not doing too well so she needs to know that there are so many people that care about her.

Here's some of the goodies that I baked:

From the left - Peanut Butter and Carrot Cake, Banana Bread, Melting Moments and Savoury Tart. I also made Cream Scones (the Joy of Baking recipe is definitely the best I've made). I highly recommend the Peanut Butter & Carrot Cake (especially the icing) and the Savoury Tart, they were loved by all.

Peanut Butter and Carrot Cake

(Source: Black Cat Peanut Butter Recipe Book)

Cake

400ml Cake Flour

15ml Baking Powder

5ml Cinnamon

3ml Salt

250ml Honey (I used 125ml Honey & 125ml Sugar)

100g Butter

100g Peanut Butter

3 Eggs

100g Walnuts (I omitted this)

250g Carrots

5ml Vanilla Essence

Mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Beat the honey, butter and peanut butter together, add the eggs beating well after each addition. Add the mixed dry ingredients, carrots and vanilla essence. Bake in 2 x 20cm greased cake tins at 170°C for 35 - 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Icing

125g Peanut Butter

400ml Icing Sugar

125ml Cream Cheese

5ml Vanilla Essence

Using an electric beater blend all the ingredients until smooth (I added a bit of milk to soften it a little). Use for filling and topping once cake has cooled.

Excitement!

I couldn't be more excited! Tomorrow we'll meet with the designer / dress maker to get my dress started. I'll get to choose the material and I'll give her the final pictures of exactly what I want. She's also going to be doing N's suit and J & Y's dresses.

I'm still trying to decide if I want the top part of the dress to be sort of gathered or smooth.

The gathered one:

The smooth one:

I also bought this brooch for the center piece (as pictured in the first pic)

After that meeting we'll be off to the jewellers to have a look my possible ring/s. N's ring might be ready as well but I'm not getting my hopes up. The engraving I chose for her ring was "My Love My Life My Friend", since the ring isn't too big we couldn't fit any more words on.

We're having a load of family over on Sunday afternoon for my mom's birthday on Tuesday, so I'll be baking up a storm on Saturday afternoon. I plan on making Peanut Butter & Carrot Cake, Melting Moments, Cream Scones, Banana Bread and a Savoury Tart.

A DIY bride's bedroom

.....more like spare bedroom. There are two things that I am very very much looking forward to after the wedding (besides for being married of course) - One: Having money to spend on ourselves and not the wedding, Two: Having our spare bedroom back. The room is filled with boxes of all sizes with everything . Last night I was packing away the hanging luminaries and I was amazed by the amount of stuff that we have made so far, I doubt we'll be making much more decor goodies but for what we've done already I couldn't be more proud.

Our once neat room:

Pretty lacey things

I've always loved those lacey dresses, the beautifully vintage looking ones, but I've never considered actually wearing one. Having already chosen my dress I was playing around with the idea of having a lace bolero even if just for the ceremony.

Here's a few that tempted me

I'm not totally sold on the idea but I do think it gives a nice touch. If I did go ahead with it I'd definitely want a very fitted one, not loose or baggy at all and it would have to go quite high in the neck (like in the first pic above) with a large lace design.

A short long weekend

Who was I kidding - a relaxing weekend - no way! We were busy all the time, if not out then home doing DIY things or cooking and baking.

We got a lot of DIY done:

• Bridal party gifts - packed and complete
• Potted moss balls - complete
• Majority of the tissue paper initials
• Seating chart - only the basics, obviously I can only do the rest once the invites have gone out and the RSVP's received
• Hanging luminaries x 30 - complete
• Programs x 30 folded, placed in envelopes and rhinestone attached - still need to do the other 30

We also collected the ties that were embroidered, they came out quite well, I would have preferred a different font but we did say that she could use this one.




I found a pair of super flat sandals on sale - 50% off. They're not the most attractive shoes but they're practical & comfortable and I'll never wear them again apart from the wedding. They were very plain so I attached some rhinestones so that they didn't look as cheap and boring as they really were. I'll only wear them when my other shoes really start to hurt.







Thursday I bought my mom's birthday present. I just got her a few items of clothing which she really needs and since winter is coming I want her to be nice & warm and comfy. Friday we did the majority of the DIY goodies, I baked Hot-Cross Buns which were a total flop (they didn't rise as well as they were supposed to), I also made the best Pickled Fish and Honey Yeast Rolls. On Saturday we went to a braai, which was so nice, and on Sunday we went to the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens for a picnic. It was just the two of us since my mom didn't feel up for going out but it was so nice. We walked around for a while looking at everything then we got a nice shady spot and had our picnic. Afterwards we just lay on our blanket for a while, it was such a beautiful afternoon. Pictures to follow. Sunday was another busy day. I was hoping to get more DIY done but my brother, his girlfriend and her daughter came for lunch so I cooked a big meal of leg of lamb, roast potatoes, creamed spinach, sweet carrots and rice. It was so good but unfortunately N was working so couldn't join us. It was another beautiful afternoon.

Here's some pictures of the gardens:


This thing scared the sh!t out of me!

Sleepless nights

Last night was ridiculous, I couldn't sleep at all. I had the same things playing in my mind over and over. I think we might have made a big mistake when choosing our decor and flower vendor. I've been going through all the emails to and from her and have come across very important aspects - her professionalism is non existent, her knowledge of the business is not as good as I originally thought, she never sticks to her promises and the list goes on. This all wouldn't be so bad if we hadn't already paid her a deposit. There was only one condition on the quote and no usual list of terms and conditions. I have told her that I want to cancel and that we want our deposit back (in the nicest way possible) but I'm not sure if she will give it back.

....

I did however find a perfect decor and flower person. When I received her quote before I even saw the prices I knew she was the one. She put every detail on to the quote with pictures and options. Her knowledge and professionalism is so refreshing. She's offered to go to the venue to see if everything will work together then give me her input. I don't even know her and I feel totally at ease with her. She comes highly recommended and has been nominated for various awards within the wedding industry. But all this said, she does not come cheap. She's about 1/3 more expensive than the previous vendor but ifs that's the price we have to pay for peace of mind and decent sleep then so be it!

...
I completed one ceremony program so see how it all looks put together. I didn't want to do anything too much so I made simple trifold programs. Here it is:

Folded and put into the vellum envelope

I am hopeful that this weekend we'll complete some DIY projects so that I don't have so much on my plate anymore.

...

I couldn't be happier that this weekend is here, a nice long weekend, just what we need. We haven't made too many plans so that we can get DIY stuff done and so that we can relax a bit. So far all we're doing is going to a braai at a friends place on Saturday and then on Sunday I'm hoping to take my mom for a picnic at the botanical gardens. Obviously since its Easter I'll be cooking and baking up a storm. So I can't wait till 14:30 for the weekend to begin.

A bit better

Yesterday I was a little overwhelmed but I'm feeling a bit better today knowing that the long weekend is coming. I think I might have taken on too many projects, but I'm positive I'll get through everything.

I was feeling a bit out having a calm and uneventful bridal shower so a fellow bride-to-be gave me the idea of each of us having a separate shower then on a separate occasion together with friends (no family obviously) we'll go to an upmarket strip club. N and I went there together once just for something different and we had such a good time. I honestly don't find anything wrong with that particular club (its actually a chain), its upmarket and ALL of the woman are gorgeous. So far I've only asked Y (my bridesmaid) what she thinks and she loves the idea, hopefully I'll get the same response from the others.

Y (my bridesmaid) came over last night for a quick visit. It was good, she told me about a lot of her wedding plans and idea's that she has. It feels so nice to be able to swap idea's and give advice. Although I don't know if she wants my advice, I kind of get mixed signals from her sometimes. What was definitely nice was that she was so impressed with all our DIY. It felt like a pat on the back that I needed after having the day that I did yesterday.

Busy busy

It feels like I'm not on top of things lately. I've got a million things on my mind all the time. I'm constantly making new lists of things to do and detailed instructions for various vendors. I do realise that I'm incredibly controlling and I do know that I'd be silly to expect everything to go perfect, but I'd really like things to be as perfect as possible and of course as organised as possible. I've got appointments coming out of my ears - decor person, lawyers, dress maker, jeweler, etc, etc. ! And for each I've got specific detailed instructions - its driving me crazy.

To add to all this my mom's birthday is coming up and I'm trying to organise two separate things to do to celebrate. Firstly we're going to have all the family over for cake and that sort of thing, which means a full day of baking for me. Then, my mom loves steam trains, so I'm trying to get tickets to take her on an afternoon trip, but the ridiculous people are so difficult to get hold of.

After that is my birthday and I want to organise a braai at our house, that also will take quite a bit of planning.

And to top it all off I'm not sleeping well at all. Every time I get a bit too much on my plate I loose sleep. So hopefully tonight when I get home I'll be able to set things out that I know where I stand with everything.

Another busy weekend

Just as the title says, it was a busy busy weekend, with much being accomplished.

...

Friday after work I went for another Placecol Facial - I love those facials even though they're so quick.

...

Saturday I had my hair done (root tint) then I was off in search of an outfit for my mom. Which was really easy. We got her a cream suit (with a skirt - not pants), but she decided that she didn't want the jacket since she gets hot so easily. I'm not sure if that was a good choice but maybe I'll go buy it again for her just in case. Then we got her a really cute satin blouse but its too tight and it doesn't come in a bigger size, so I thought since N and I are both getting our attire made for the wedding that maybe my mom should also get something made, so we'll get her blouse made especially for her. I'm sure she'll be chuffed with that. The next thing will be to find shoe's for her, that will be difficult as she is more fussy than me.

Of course when shopping I find it difficult to shop for someone else and not get something (even if its something small) for myself (I'm a recovering shop-a-holic), so I got this cute beach bag for our honeymoon and a light pink nail varnish that I want to use for the day of for my pedicure.

We got the best men's gifts engraved:

This one is difficult to see as the engraving isn't deep. It says Michael

I also got a bit of DIY done. I finished the reserved seating signs and got a bit further on hanging letters. I'm not happy with the way the letters have turned out so far. We didn't want to put the tissue paper flowers on the sides of the letters but it looks like they're missing something so we going have to put them on the sides. I also tried to convince N to start with the moss balls but she wasn't keen at all.

It feels like we've gone initial crazy but we're using one set for the ceremony and one set for the reception. The hanging tissue paper ones are for the reception and the moss ones are for the ceremony. Here they are:

....

N went to visit her parents yesterday afternoon and surprise surprise her dad offered financial help with the wedding. Some time ago I spoke about this and both N & I were somewhat disturbed that they hadn't offered or weren't willing to contribute toward the wedding. Now it seems they are. So I said I'd give her a list of what we still need to pay then she can give it to him and he can choose who or what amount he'd like to contribute. I think any bit will help at this stage.