Ever since Memorial Day weekend the weeks have been flying by! I blink -- its Friday, blink again and its Monday! I feel like I am hamster running on a wheel. While most of the activities that have kept us busy have been fun things, I cant help but feel like I can never catch up and its beginning to exhaust me to the point where even the "fun activities" feel like work. No matter how hard I try I cant seem to find the balance between housework, groceries, exercise, work and fun activities. Our weekend are jammed with trips to the shore, wedding stuff, and Phillies games. While fun, these things leave me feeling fat, tired, and behind on Monday morning. We have no groceries, laundry piled up, have not exercised at all.... so how do you do it? How do you balance all of the things that you need to accomplish and still have fun weekends during a season that is all too short on the east coast? I feel like I just need a reboot. I need to get back to healthy eating, exercising, a clean house, an early bed time, and laundry put away but all I keep saying is -- I'll start that Monday.. and Monday turns to the following Monday... and so the summer rolls by. This week I truely intend to get caught up -- but we'll see how it goes. Ok.. ending rant.
Wedding Update:
I found my dress! It's perfect and just what I had envisioned for myself. As a matter of fact I realized the other day that it was very similar to the first dress I ever pinned to my wedding board on Pintrest. Its funny how "the one" just feels right on you. It fits me almost perfectly and I am so excited to see it once it comes in! This week we also took our engagement pictures around City Hall in Philadelphia. I am anxiously awaiting the sneak peak to come up online.. so more on that later! At this point we have all of the major stuff done so I am so excited to start working on all of the little details that make the wedding personal!
Excersise Update:
I am loving going to Pilates, and have faithfully been attending one morning a week; but Pilates one day a week is not going to get me wedding ready. I was doing so well before the summer, but then fell off the band wagon. I am going to try and get on the right track again this week and hopefully keep up on my workout page. xx fingers crossed.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Life Update
Its been a while since I posted due to my new found hobby and time suck: wedding planning and some other general distractions. Here is a little synopsis of what I've been up to since my last post.
* Joe and I decided on our church and venue for the wedding almost immediately after getting engaged. As it was, there weren't many dates left for 2014 We chose August 2, 2014, which will be beautiful and warm hopefully! We are getting married at a Catholic church and our reception will be at a winery in Rochester, NY.
* April 26th Joe and I ran the United Cerebral Palsy 5K. Thanks to our family and friends we raised quite a bit of money. We also took 5 minutes off last years race time! I found it a lot easier this year, I guess with Pilate's and working out, I am in much better shape then I was last year. Still, because I didn't stretch well enough, I ended up pulling a groin muscle and that has been very painful, slow to heal, and is currently cutting into my work out routine (see work out page)
* A few weekends ago I went to a wedding shower for my friend Shannon and this weekend is her bachelorette party in NYC, I am coupling this with a visit with Toni and my brother. I am very excited to see both of them!
* This past weekend I flew to Rochester to work on wedding stuff. I never realized how much time all this wedding stuff takes. Every detail is a phone call, a meeting, 5 emails and a follow up. Even with the wedding being over a year away, we really need to get everything sorted out soon, because Rochester is small market with limited vendors and the best ones seem to be booking up fast.With the help of my mom I found photographer to shoot the wedding who I really liked who was very reasonably priced. I also went and checked out two different hotels, and found the hotel that will host our room block. I am thankful we got these things accomplished so I am a little less stressed!
*A few weeks ago scheduled our engagement pictures. They will be shot here in Philadelphia in June, which is fast approaching. At first I was super excited about these pictures, but as the date nears, I am stressed out by the thought of being in front of the camera. Not only can I currently not work out due to leg injury mentioned above, I cant find a dress that I like enough to wear in the pictures. I had planned to work out hard for the next 50 days so that I would feel skinny and pretty for the pictures, but now that cant happen for at least a week or two. I can feel myself getting super critical of myself, my body, every flaw and I really have never been that type of girl! The pressure of sending a picture of myself for all my friends and family to hang up on their fridge and look at for the next year is really getting to me. I have this image in my head of how I want to look -- and lately nothing just seems to be matching up. Hopefully, with the help of Toni in NYC this weekend, I can find a dress that will make me feel slightly better about the situation.
That's whats going on here. Hope all is well with everyone else!
* Joe and I decided on our church and venue for the wedding almost immediately after getting engaged. As it was, there weren't many dates left for 2014 We chose August 2, 2014, which will be beautiful and warm hopefully! We are getting married at a Catholic church and our reception will be at a winery in Rochester, NY.
* April 26th Joe and I ran the United Cerebral Palsy 5K. Thanks to our family and friends we raised quite a bit of money. We also took 5 minutes off last years race time! I found it a lot easier this year, I guess with Pilate's and working out, I am in much better shape then I was last year. Still, because I didn't stretch well enough, I ended up pulling a groin muscle and that has been very painful, slow to heal, and is currently cutting into my work out routine (see work out page)
* A few weekends ago I went to a wedding shower for my friend Shannon and this weekend is her bachelorette party in NYC, I am coupling this with a visit with Toni and my brother. I am very excited to see both of them!
* This past weekend I flew to Rochester to work on wedding stuff. I never realized how much time all this wedding stuff takes. Every detail is a phone call, a meeting, 5 emails and a follow up. Even with the wedding being over a year away, we really need to get everything sorted out soon, because Rochester is small market with limited vendors and the best ones seem to be booking up fast.With the help of my mom I found photographer to shoot the wedding who I really liked who was very reasonably priced. I also went and checked out two different hotels, and found the hotel that will host our room block. I am thankful we got these things accomplished so I am a little less stressed!
*A few weeks ago scheduled our engagement pictures. They will be shot here in Philadelphia in June, which is fast approaching. At first I was super excited about these pictures, but as the date nears, I am stressed out by the thought of being in front of the camera. Not only can I currently not work out due to leg injury mentioned above, I cant find a dress that I like enough to wear in the pictures. I had planned to work out hard for the next 50 days so that I would feel skinny and pretty for the pictures, but now that cant happen for at least a week or two. I can feel myself getting super critical of myself, my body, every flaw and I really have never been that type of girl! The pressure of sending a picture of myself for all my friends and family to hang up on their fridge and look at for the next year is really getting to me. I have this image in my head of how I want to look -- and lately nothing just seems to be matching up. Hopefully, with the help of Toni in NYC this weekend, I can find a dress that will make me feel slightly better about the situation.
That's whats going on here. Hope all is well with everyone else!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Our Engagement Story
On March 15th weekend I flew up to Rochester for a visit; I had been planning the trip for a couple weeks prior since I hadn't seen my grandparents since Christmas. I had asked Joe if he wanted to come, but he said he wanted to stay in Philadelphia for St. Patricks Day. So, I booked a flight by myself, angry that he did not want to join me.
That day, I worked a half day and then went to the airport to find my flight delayed about an hour due to weather in other parts of the country. Since I had extra time, I decided to change out of my work clothes and put on some makeup (this would prove to be a valuable choice later in the evening). When I arrived in Rochester, my dad picked me up from the airport; we had planned to meet my mom for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Tony D's. Tony D's has a beautiful view overlooking downtown Rochester and the Genesee River and has the best Italian food ever.
When we got to dinner, my mom was waiting for us at a table on the covered deck overlooking the water. I sat down and ordered a drink and began to chat with my parents. My phone rang and it was Joe, I begrudgingly answered and he said he had just arrived home from work and was making dinner (this made me angry all over again). He casually asked how the weather was, as it had been snowing earlier in the day. I turned around and looked out the window to check the weather, and there he was.. standing on the river with the most beautiful 2 dozen roses I have ever seen! In the time that I had worked and flown to Rochester, he had driven there!
I got my coat on and walked outside. He handed me the flowers, and we walked a little down the river for what felt like an eternity, but was probably only 400 or 500 ft. At the edge of the river, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes and the whole restaurant of people started clapping and pounding on the glass windows! It was a perfect moment and one that I will remember for the rest of my life! We walked back inside to eat dinner and celebrate and call everyone. I don't think I got to eat one bite of the Italian food I was looking forward to so much!
One thing I must say is how impressed I was with the thought and effort that he put into the engagement. Sure, proposing on the trip to Vegas would have been fun story, or a night out in Philly at an extravagant restaurant. But he knows me.. and he knows that the place I hold most dear to my heart is my home and nothing meant more then being able to share that moment with the people that matter most in my life -- my family, who I don't see enough of these days. I will remember that night for the rest of my life.
Here's to love, laughter and happily ever after.. hopefully.. hahha
That day, I worked a half day and then went to the airport to find my flight delayed about an hour due to weather in other parts of the country. Since I had extra time, I decided to change out of my work clothes and put on some makeup (this would prove to be a valuable choice later in the evening). When I arrived in Rochester, my dad picked me up from the airport; we had planned to meet my mom for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Tony D's. Tony D's has a beautiful view overlooking downtown Rochester and the Genesee River and has the best Italian food ever.
When we got to dinner, my mom was waiting for us at a table on the covered deck overlooking the water. I sat down and ordered a drink and began to chat with my parents. My phone rang and it was Joe, I begrudgingly answered and he said he had just arrived home from work and was making dinner (this made me angry all over again). He casually asked how the weather was, as it had been snowing earlier in the day. I turned around and looked out the window to check the weather, and there he was.. standing on the river with the most beautiful 2 dozen roses I have ever seen! In the time that I had worked and flown to Rochester, he had driven there!
I got my coat on and walked outside. He handed me the flowers, and we walked a little down the river for what felt like an eternity, but was probably only 400 or 500 ft. At the edge of the river, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes and the whole restaurant of people started clapping and pounding on the glass windows! It was a perfect moment and one that I will remember for the rest of my life! We walked back inside to eat dinner and celebrate and call everyone. I don't think I got to eat one bite of the Italian food I was looking forward to so much!
One thing I must say is how impressed I was with the thought and effort that he put into the engagement. Sure, proposing on the trip to Vegas would have been fun story, or a night out in Philly at an extravagant restaurant. But he knows me.. and he knows that the place I hold most dear to my heart is my home and nothing meant more then being able to share that moment with the people that matter most in my life -- my family, who I don't see enough of these days. I will remember that night for the rest of my life.
Here's to love, laughter and happily ever after.. hopefully.. hahha
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Family Meeting and Family Vacation
The next morning my parents and I flew to Aruba and met up with my brother. We made it out just in time before they shut down both the Philly and NYC airport. We arrived in Aruba mid afternoon on Friday. We were staying at the same place that Joe and I stayed at when we went in March 2010, the Marriott Stellaris. We spent the majority of the days lounging by the pool or beach. One of the days we went snorkeling on old pirate ship style boat. The ship even had a rope swing where you could hang on and swing out into the water. Another day, we went on the jeep tour that Joe and I had also done the last time we were there. Our neighbors (at my parents house) were also in Aruba so we spent a few days hanging out with them. Each night we went to a nice dinner, the picture above is from our dinner at Simply fish. A beach side restaurant where your table is right on the sand!
We had a wonderful time and it was great to spend 7 days as a family.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Pilates Party of One
After my attempt at spinning, I was still on the hunt for an exercise routine that would break up the monotony of the gym. I had heard many good things about Pilates and decided shortly before Christmas that I would ask for Pilates classes from Santa. I found a Pilates studio in Manayunk that offered a combination of private lessons and mat classes as a package called "get to know Pilates". I thought this would be a perfect way see if it was something I would enjoy. I think learning at your own pace and getting personalized attention is the key to enjoying and feeling successful at a new exercise routine. Looking back, I think that is why I did not find spinning enjoyable, I jumped right in and did too much too fast.
The Monday after New Years was my first private lesson. After work, I met the instructor/owner Jen at the studio. Jen practices classical Pilates. For those of you who don't know, Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance in the legs, abs arms, hips, and back. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core or center, and improving coordination and balance. Classical Pilates focuses on the original teachings of its creator, Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates originally developed his method as mat exercises but subsequently added several pieces of apparatus to help people "get the method in their bodies".
This week in my private lesson, we continued to work on the apparatuses in order to get the hang of things. This is my first time working one on one with an instructor and I love the personal attenion. Jen makes sure that I am doing all of the moves correctly and modifys them to my level.
The funny thing is, at the end of the work out you arent sweaty or tired, the way you feel when you leave the gym. However, the next day you are sore even though it seems like you didnt do much. Two lessons down I am loving Pilates and looking forward to the next lesson. I think it definitely going to be something I stick with in the future.I'll keep you posted when I join mat class.
The Monday after New Years was my first private lesson. After work, I met the instructor/owner Jen at the studio. Jen practices classical Pilates. For those of you who don't know, Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance in the legs, abs arms, hips, and back. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core or center, and improving coordination and balance. Classical Pilates focuses on the original teachings of its creator, Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates originally developed his method as mat exercises but subsequently added several pieces of apparatus to help people "get the method in their bodies".
This week in my private lesson, we continued to work on the apparatuses in order to get the hang of things. This is my first time working one on one with an instructor and I love the personal attenion. Jen makes sure that I am doing all of the moves correctly and modifys them to my level.
The funny thing is, at the end of the work out you arent sweaty or tired, the way you feel when you leave the gym. However, the next day you are sore even though it seems like you didnt do much. Two lessons down I am loving Pilates and looking forward to the next lesson. I think it definitely going to be something I stick with in the future.I'll keep you posted when I join mat class.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Happy 2013
Whew.. its been a whirlwind holiday season! The last few weeks in December got so busy I never got a chance to write a Christmas blog. I had a nice Christmas at home in Rochester with my family! Joe and I traveled up the weekend before Christmas for the family Christmas Party that my parents hosted for my extended family. The party rotates to a different house each year, and this year was our turn to host. We had a great time and Santa even stopped by so we could tell him what we really wanted for Christmas! You are never too old to have a little heart to heart with Santa.
The day after the party Joe headed back to NJ to be with his family and I stayed with my family in Rochester. We had a quiet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my grandparents. After Christmas I returned to Philadelphia for a wedding. Joe's best friend got married in NJ and Joe was the best man. We had a great time at their wedding. The food and venue were spectacular and the bride looked great!
A couple days later we rang in the new year in Central NJ with a few of Joe's college friends. It was low key and a good end to a long holiday season.
The one thing that bothered me about this holiday season is family members/friends constantly questioning when Joe and I would get engaged/married/have babies. Don't get me wrong, I want all of those things (in that order), but it sort of made me feel like all of my successes are nothing unless I am married and popping out children. If I knew the answers to any of those questions, I would be a mind reader so I am not sure what they are hoping to gain by reminding me that time is passing and I am not getting any younger , if not to make me feel bad? I feel very lucky to be in the place I am in right now.. and I know all of these things will come soon so I am not worried.. but having to continually answer those questions over and over is quite tiring. Did any one else experience this? Ok ending rant..
I am looking forward to all 2013 has in store and I think it is going to be a fantastic year. I have a few New Years resolutions that I am intending on keeping, but we'll see since I am never very good at this:
1. Like everyone says: Go to the gym and hopefully loose the 20+ lbs I've gained since freshman year of college.
2. Pay off credit cards completely each month.
3. Find a suitable hobby.
What are your resolutions?
Happy 2013!
Friday, December 7, 2012
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
This Christmas Joe and decided to commemorate our first year of living together by decorating the house for our first Christmas together. Earlier this week we went to a Christmas tree stand that popped up at a church in our neighborhood and picked out the perfect live tree. When we got home, Christmas music blasting, we decorated it with some ornaments that I had bought at Homegoods. My mom has been saving ornaments for me over the years but since I flew back to Philadelphia after Thanksgiving I couldn't take those with me, which made me sad. These generic ornaments will have to do for now. I love the smell of a fresh Christmas Tree and the warmth a lit tree brings to your home.
Next I decided to make a cute new centerpiece for the coffee table with some pine scented pine cones I found at Homegoods, a new bowl, and a candle I had lying around.
Next I decided to make a cute new centerpiece for the coffee table with some pine scented pine cones I found at Homegoods, a new bowl, and a candle I had lying around.
Lastly, Joe put up some outside lights.
Hope your enjoying the start of the Christmas season as much as I am!!
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