Bargain Books

If you know someone who is planning a wedding, RUN to Borders and check out the bargin books. I found this one - Style Your Dream Wedding by Susie Coelho. Usually is runs for $50 bucks, but at Borders it was $5.00. Never do I see wedding planning books on sale. And what I loved about this one is that it had beautiful, stunning photos,, but also broke down the wedding planning process. It even had these special features (a CD of wedding songs, a color palette booklet to help in what your style is, and a ton of other nifty extras). I am so miffed that I did not have this sucker a year ago when planning my wedding!! I am picking up a couple as engagement gifts...

Random Thoughts...

I actually am quite happy for all the new brides-to-be, but there was a little sting of jealously when I saw Tina's post.

I realized I needed to work on my new year's resolutions so I used my Kitchenaid Mixer this weekend and made inauguration cupcakes. I then realized I pretty much cancelled out another resolution which was to eat better....

Any who - it was the first time I used it and I probably did not need to register for one. But I had it in my head that if Martha Stewart ever showed up at my door, she would see I was part of the "club" when she saw my bright red artisan mixer in my nicely coordinated kitchen.

In other news- six months ago, it was Google Reader...now I have a new addiction - facebook. I can't stop reading my friend's status updates. I need help.

Frozen Gramwiches

I know...seriously two posts in a day? It is a new year, my friends.

So I have decided that this crap about a diet needs to go out the window and I just need to eat better and exercise more. As much as I contemplated staying in bed for another hour today, I ended up running for three miles instead. And it felt good.

One thing I have noticed is just my love for sweets. I cannot not have them. So I ended up finding this recipe from The Biggest Loser cookbook. Oh I am in love with Frozen Gramwiches...

Frozen Grahmwiches

2 whole low-fat graham crackers1/4 cup light or fat-free frozen whipped topping (any flavor)

Break each graham cracker in half to get four halves. Spread two of the halves evenly with the whipped topping. Top with the remaining cracker halves to make sandwiches. Transfer to an airtight plastic container. Cover tightly and place in the freezer. Freeze for at least 2 hours or up to 1 month. Serve frozen.

Makes 1 serving

Per serving: 150 calories, 2 g protein, 28 g carbohydrates, 4 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 0 polyunsaturated fat, 0 monounsaturated fat, 0 cholesterol.

Getting Back my Mojo...

I seriously have been in a fog for the last seven months. I think work has kicked my rear over the last couple months. I have been overwhelmed trying to pay off anything wedding debt related, while also trying to save for a new place but heck with this economy, we might be stuck in his bachelor "Old School" house for a while.. Ugh...but don't get me wrong. I am quite happy as a newlywed, I just can't seem to play catch up with all my real life issues. And I think my blog has shown this the most, because I can't seem to find much inspiration or if I do - it does not last. Ok, so instead of writing this crazy post - I am heading to Arizona for some R&R...and wine. Lots of wine. Happy 2009 - I am hoping this blog and myself - gets its mojo back!

In other news, my husband received the DVD box set of The Office Season 1-4. Seriously, why had I not watched this? It is the best show ever.

Etsy Find of The Week

Things have been a little hectic and I am heading out to Arizona soon, but thought these would be perfect for the seasoned traveler from Jet Set Paper .

Horrible Night

Lets not even talk about last night. We had our Chicago Bloggers happy hour downtown last night. Part of the excitement for me? Of course seeing all the Chicago bloggers, but also we were going to do a $20 dollar gift bag exchange. I knew that traffic would be a mess because the weather was a mess. But I decided screw it, I am heading downtown. Why - because I was so excited to give away my gift bag. Yeah - in all honesty, this is what married life has become - I get excited over giving gifts. Well...in this whole mess - I left my cell phone at my office. I had no way of contacting Tina or Tara. And now I feel horrible, because from the sounds of it - everyone bailed except Tina (who was waiting for me). I ended up sitting in traffic for hours. I decided that I was going to have to just head home and email folks the next day. It was not until I saw Tina's email this morning that I realized "No!! No one made it." Tina, I am so sorry.

So why was I all excited over my gift bag? Because it was a sampler of some of the great Chicago sellers on etsy! This was perfect for our Chicago Bloggers and perfect for anyone trying to find a cool gift for the holidays. The other cool part about it was that it supports Chicago Style Crafters which is a group that is trying to reach a monetary goal that will aid them in securing space for a handmade, locally produced market here in Chicago.

So what was inside of the gift bag?

- "Chicago Snow" scented Soy Wax tealight, Reversible resin Pendant and 10% Off Coupon (Retail Value= $16) Something Beautiful - Chicago Postcard set & 10% off Coupon (Retail $10)Erin Donnelly

- Chicago Stamp Pendant (Retail Value= $10)Foxglove Accessories

- Recycled Wool Broaches (Retail Value= $4)Big City Fuzz

- Chicago map Journal (Retail Value= $5)Donovan Beeson

- The Space Saver Tab Ornament (Retail Value= $10)Circa Ceramics

- Chicago Recycled Bottle Cap Magnet (Retail Value= $5)Cranky Pickle

- "The City of The Snow" greeting card (Retail Value= $5) Molly Cranch

- 20% off Coupon Thank You Enjoy

- 10% off Coupon Kathyy's Krafts-

- 10% off Coupon (comes with an adorable handmade envelope) made by Jill Hannah

See, why I was excited and then so bummed that Blogger Happy Hour did not happen? Please, please go visit them on etsy and pick up yours here. You will not be disappointed.

Holiday Gift

Yikes, it has been a month since I last posted, but the job has taken all my creative juices lately. And - I also have discovered facebook and a new iphone. So please be patient.

One thing I am quite proud of is my holiday grab bag gift. It is awesome and I will definitely tell you more later after I have given it out to the lucky person.