Things I’ve Learned From the First 500 Wedding Tips

Remember when I told you that my darling fiancé bought me a wedding idea book for Christmas?

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Well, I’ve finally started to read through it, and I am at the half way mark. A lot of the book is full of great ideas for centerpieces, decorations, venues, themes, and other items.   The rest of it gives tips for the big day and everything leading up to it.   I figured this would be a good time to tell you some of the things I have learned so far!  This is definitely not everything, but it’s a good list of reminders for me!

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- Don’t forget to tip people like the hairstylist, valet, coat checkers, chauffeurs, makeup artists, catering staff, bartenders, restroom attendants, musicians, officiates, etc.

- Be sure to seat older attendants by the restroom.

- Change your name with banks, landlords, health providers, utilities, insurance, social networking/email, employers, associations, postal service.  Update your Social Security card, driver’s license, voter registration card, credit cards, passport, and legal contracts.

- Make sure to get pictures with important people like grandparents, not just with the bridal party.

- Break in your shoes before the wedding by wearing them around the house covered in very thin socks.

- Don’t forget to have food for the day of the wedding.  The caterers will take care of the actual meal, but the rest of the morning while getting ready will require some food.  Although the bride may be too nervous or anxious to eat, the bridal party will want something!

- Do not let anyone dictate how you want your big day!!!

- Start a thank you box with all the necessities so it’s all in one place.  This could include stationary, envelopes, pens, cards, stamps, etc.

- Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box.

- Create an album with all of the cards that are received before, on, and after the big day.

- Do not forget to give thanks in a special way to all of the special people on your special day. (I know, a lot of specials in this one).  This includes grandparents, parents, bridal party, etc.

Like I said, these are just a few of the things I have read.  Can’t wait to finish the book!

For those of you who have been married or involved in the wedding planning process, do you have any other tips for me?

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Weight Check-In and Weekly Workouts

It’s been a while since I have talked about weight loss.  If you didn’t know, I am trying to get rid of the weight I put on after stopping competitive swimming.  I’m talking a good 15-20 pounds.  I haven’t been super motivated, but the summer approaching and the wedding looming in the future, I have started to get my head in the game.  I have continued my weekly Wednesday weigh-ins that I started during Lent, and I have some good news to share!

Starting weight (2/13/13): 154.8

Yesterday’s weight (5/15/13): 147.8

Change in weight: –7 pounds

Cue happy dance:

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That, my friends, is progress! And that was also after going out to dinner the night before.  I kept fluctuating around 148.5, but I finally busted into the 147.  Not a huge difference, but a super motivating barrier.

Weight loss is a funny thing. Here are my thoughts on my weight loss mindset:

- The more I lose, the more motivated it am to eat well and work out.

- If I gain at all in my weekly weigh-in, I get sad and eat. 

Basically, when things go well, I am confident and motivated.  When things aren’t happening, I get depressed and mess it all up. 

Saw this on FB and found it fitting Smile

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Here’s this week’s workout plan and how I’ve done.  I’ve been semi-following the Tone-It-Up summer workouts.

Monday: 3 mile run

Tuesday: 45 minute cycle on my trainer, 2 rounds of Sunkissed Abs

Wednesday: 4.1 mile interval workout, 2 rounds of Bridal Babe workout (20 reps each)

Thursday: 45 minute swim, 3 rounds of Tone up Your Thighs workout

Friday: 45 minute swim, Sunset routine

Saturday: Rest? (I have lifeguard recertification class all afternoon)  If I have time: 3 rounds of Cowabunga workout and 3 rounds of Surfer’s Paradise workout

Sunday: Color Run DC 5k

So far, so good! I am off to the pool now, so I should definitely get that in!

Things are looking up…now it’s time to keep the ball rolling!!

What is one great thing in your life right now?

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Filed under Exercise, Running, Weight

Flower Placemats and Weekly Eats

Happy Hump Day!!!

Here’s what we have been noshing on this week! Notice the reoccurring placemats.  We have 2 striped ones and two flowers.  I guess I only eat with the flowers!

Let’s start with breakfasts:

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Oatmeal with PEANUT BUTTER TOAST CRUNCH – talk about processed, sugary GREATNESS.  Paired with an apple and, of course, coffee!

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Pancakes (egg, banana and cinnamon) with frozen fruit microwaved and smashed.

Dinners:

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A take on chicken parm: spaghetti squash, spaghetti sauce, cheese, and chicken!

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First time eating a Saladworks! Buffalo chicken salad and tortilla soup.  Both were super yummy!

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First grilled chicken of the season Smile BBQ chicken, corn, and sweet tater!

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Travis passed his Praxis test (for science teaching!) and I felt good about my interview so we went to Ruby Tuesday’s yesterday for dinner.  Favorite salad ever! Thanks for the well wishes on my interview!  No placemat there haha.

Turns out that my lunches are always boring: salad.  But at least I’ve had yummy cookies for dessert.  I was inspired by Liz and Alysia!

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Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

  • 1 cup oats
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • ~1/4 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix all ingredients together well, spoon onto a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes.  The end.  Easy as pie (or cookies in this case…). I got 12 nice-sized cookies out of it, for approximately 50 calories each!

Nothing too special this week.  I have been lacking motivation to make food with coaching and this interview on the mind.  I see a lot more Crock Pot meals in our future!

Check out Jenn’s blog to see what others have been eating lately in the weekly What I Ate Wednesday link-up!

What’s your favorite type of cookie? My all-time favorite is gingerbread!

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Filed under Food, Recipes, WIAW