Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Happiest Place on Earth - Our Proposal Story

Disclaimer: If you only want to read the short version of the engagement just skip down to The Proposal part of the story!


The Back Story:
 As many of you know Dave and I have been planning our wedding for quite some time now. We’ve visited several ring stores, started our knot.com profile and I stalk weddingbee on a daily basis. The one thing Dave was totally in charge of was my ring and the proposal. Hey, I get to be totally in charge of all the wedding planning, so it works for me! :)

It all started last December, 2009, when we stopped by some ring store in the mall. Clearly we had no idea what we were looking for, but they gave us a Ring 101 Book with all the basic information and I was overwhelmed with the thought of getting engaged. Over the next few months we visited Shane Co., Jared, D. Gellar & Sons and our last stop was Solomon Brothers. I picked out a few settings at each and we decided on a round cut center diamond. Besides that, I was out of the loop of any ring and proposal top-secret information.

In September Dave asked my dad for permission for us to get engaged. ::side note: there will be an entire blog about this later, including photos and a video, so check back for the hilarious story of how this went down!::

In the middle of October Dave asked if we could take a few days off at the beginning of December (a Wednesday – Friday) to spend some holiday time together. I get a lot of time off between Christmas and New Year’s, but Dave only gets 2 days so we thought it would be good for us to make sure we spent some QT together. Over the next 2 months I kept asking about planning something or if we wanted to take a day trip, but Dave was very elusive about it and said he just wanted to spend time on the couch watching red box movies and putting up our new Christmas tree together.  Until the Sunday before I had no intentions of doing anything but that.

Last Sunday I tried to make plans to see my new personal trainer sometime during our time off and Dave asked me not to do that. Then he spilled a little bit of info saying he did have something planned, but he wouldn’t tell me any other tidbits until Monday night. My hint on Monday was that I needed to pack a lunch on the go and that what he had planned was part of my Christmas gift. Instantly, the thought in my mind was: “Could this be?? Dave has a secret trip planned?! AHHH! YAY. Wait, calm down Billie…don’t get too excited. This could just be a day trip and nothing more than Dave trying to be sweet and romantic like he always is. Okay, I’m calm now. Get back to the conversation and try to act normal.” I think I successfully acted normal over the next few days.

Tuesday I got home from work late. I really wanted to rush in the door and say “TELL ME, TELL ME! I’m ready to know!” but instead I played it cool and asked about his day, what to cook for dinner, etc. Then finally after 30 minutes I could not handle it any more. Very coyly I asked, so can I get my other hint about our trip? Dave made me close my eyes and hold out my hands. He put a small card wrapped in holiday paper in my hands. I opened it and what did I see? THIS:


HOT DAMN, We’re going to Disney World!!
“No way! Are you serious? Is this for real? I’ve never been to Disney World Before! Really? When? OMG I need to pack…we are leaving in the morning…oh I need to get busy!” Then lots of hugs and kisses and chaos trying to get ready! 

The Trip:
I'll save the story on the trip for the next blog...keep reading for the good stuff!


The Proposal:
Friday morning I woke up at 4:30am to use the bathroom. I couldn’t go back to sleep because all I could think about was seeing the princesses that day…haha, just kidding. I couldn’t go back to sleep because I was wondering if Dave was going to propose. We were going to the Magic Kingdom and it is the happiest place on earth! What if this was the last morning I woke up without a ring? What if the day I’ve been dreaming about for over a year now was actually going to happen? What if today I get to say YES to the man of my dreams?? Oh, how my gears were turning. It took me over an hour and a half to fall back asleep! :) And I’m not going to lie…when he was in the shower that morning the thought of snooping in his bag did cross my mind once or twice. But don’t worry, I refrained and controlled my self for the 6 mins he was gone.

We had planned on getting to The Magic Kingdom as soon as it opened. We knew all those crazy parents, strollers and seven year olds would start taking over around lunch. Dave kept asking if I had the camera, did we have the photo pass…made me walk on his right side not left (I thought it was because his tattoo was still new and he didn’t want me to hit it!). We decided to go straight to ToonTown because that is where all the characters are. We got there at 9:30 and I looked over and asked if he wanted to ride the teacups while we waited since they didn’t open until 10. His answer, “No Way, I want to wait in line and get this over with!” I gave him a funny look and he immediately starting back tracking…”I mean seeing the princesses and fairies!” So he asked me what I wanted to do first and if we should see Mickey first. Of course not…I want to see the princesses! I have been waiting 25 years to do this you know! (not to mention that he had been waiting 31 years for the upcoming moment.) So they opened up early and I was the only person over the age of 8 taking pics with the princesses…oh that’s right. I’m gangsta with Belle! 

 After that we headed over to see Mickey and Minnie. There was only a short line so we waited until the opened. We were at the end of the 2nd group they took back. They asked me how many were in my party and I said 2 and proceeded to walk down the hall to see the stars of Disney World. Little did I know how fast Dave’s heart was racing as he whispered to the cast member that he was going to propose. Once we got up to the front of the line Dave said he would take a pic of just me first.

Then he asked Mickey if he would mind getting down on one knee and pretend to propose to me. Mickey pointed at Minnie and she shook her head NO! Obviously caught of guard, Dave asked if Mickey would mind if he did it. The next thing I know Dave is on one knee pulling a small black box out of his pocket! I was shocked…really, see my face!

He said that he loved me with his whole heart and wanted to spend his life with me. At this point he started tearing up and took a few seconds. (Me…still in shock!)


Dave said that we were in the happiest place on earth and would I make him the happiest man on the earth by being his wife!! With no hesitation OF COURSE! Kisses and a big YES! Then more kisses and hugs and ‘are you serious’ and finally putting on the amazing ring! 

I was still in shock. Mickey and Minnie hugged us and Mickey shook Dave’s hand. We wiped away the tears and took a nice group shot of the 4 of us. Then our time with them was over. We somehow managed to walk outside. I think we stood in the same place for 10 minutes – I just couldn’t move! 


 Dave told me he had been planning this since July and had actually bought my ring one week after we left Solomon Brothers (in AUGUST!). During the proposal I tried to take it all in, but it still went by SO fast. Dave felt the same way. While we were standing outside he said he couldn’t even remember what he said, but here is what he wanted to say….

“Honey Bunny, I have a confession to make.   I didn’t plan this a little over a month ago, I actually have been planning this since July.  You know that I love you with all my heart and since we’re in the happiest place on earth, Disney World, will you make me the happiest man on earth, make my dream come true and say you’ll marry me?  Merry Christmas, baby.”

God, I love this man. It was perfect! After the excitement and realization set in I started to cry. I asked who all knew and how relieved he felt now that it was finally over. We sat on a bench and talked about how we were going to tell everyone. I wanted to wait and tell my family in person. So we decided to go to their house the next day right after we left Orlando. That would give us a full day to celebrate the two of us and let it set in that we were finally engaged. The rest of the day I had to avoid talking to Opal or Laura, because otherwise I would have spilled the beans in about 10 seconds! We walked around the Magic Kingdom (very slowly since Dave’s “part was finally done and he could relax after 5 months,” took several other photos and talked about our future together. It was by far the most magical, unforgettable, and perfect day in my life! <3 


Thursday, August 12, 2010

Just call me baby-cakes!

A few weeks ago in the only newsletter I read daily (Hungry Girl) they had recipes for healthier ways to make cupcakes! You know I was all over that. I kept looking and look what I cam across…


This makes 7 mini-cakes in just 5 minutes! Plus, scroll down the web page and look at all the other cute cupcake items they have! *swoon* Definitely putting this on the Christmas wish list! 

Have you ever fallen in love with something you don’t need, but just can’t help but to buy it anyways?! Please tell me I’m not the only one!

Friday, July 30, 2010

For you Designers

I love a Friday morning laugh...so I figured I would share these two with you! ENJOY!

1). In the Telegraph today:


(insert logo/joke here)

2. A forwarded email (which I normally don't do, but I was rolling laughing at this!) It's long, but stick with it because it is hilarious!


Subject: Lost Cat
Story goes :

Shannon (the secretary) has lost her cat and has asked David (the graphic designer) to help with a lost poster. This is their email correspondence...


From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.15am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Poster
Hi
I opened the screen door yesterday and my cat got out and has been missing since then so I was wondering if you are not to busy you could make a poster for me. It has to be A4 and I will photocopy it and put it around my suburb this afternoon.

This is the only photo of her I have she answers to the name Missy and is black and white and about 8 months old. missing on Harper street and my phone number.
Thanks Shan.



From:David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.26am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Poster

Dear Shannon,
That is shocking news.
Although I have two clients expecting completed work this afternoon, I will, of course, drop everything and do whatever it takes to facilitate the speedy return of Missy.



From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 9.37am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Poster
yeah ok thanks. I know you dont like cats but I am really worried about mine. I have to leave at 1pm today.
 

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.17am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
I never said I don't like cats. Attached poster as requested.
Regards, David.





From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.24am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
yeah thats not what I was looking for at all. it looks like a movie and how come the photo of Missy is so small?


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.28am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
It's a design thing. The cat is lost in the negative space.
Regards, David.


From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.33am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Thats just stupid. Can you do it properly please? I am extremely emotional over this and was up all night in tears. you seem to think it is funny. Can you make the photo bigger please and fix the text and do it in colour please. Thanks.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.46am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
Dear Shannon,
Having worked with designers for a few years now, I would have assumed you understood, despite our vague suggestions otherwise, we do not welcome constructive criticism. I don't come downstairs and tell you how to send text messages, log onto Facebook and look out of the window. I have amended and attached the poster as per your instructions.
Regards, David.





From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 10.59am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
This is worse than the other one. can you make it so it shows the whole photo of Missy and delete the stupid text that says missing missy off it? I just want it to say Lost.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.14am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster





From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.21am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Poster
yeah can you do the poster or not? I just want a photo and the word lost and the telephone number and when and where she was lost and her name. Not like a movie poster or anything stupid. I have to leave early today. If it was your cat I would help you. Thanks.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.32am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Awww
Dear Shannon,
I don't have a cat. I once agreed to look after a friend's cat for a week but after he dropped it off at my apartment and explained the concept of kitty litter. I have attached the amended version of your poster as per your detailed instructions.
Regards, David.



From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.47am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Awww
Thats not my cat. where did you get that picture from? That cat is orange. I gave you a photo of my cat.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 11.58am
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Awww
I know, but that one is cute. As Missy has quite possibly met any one of several violent ends, it is possible you might get a better cat out of this. If anybody calls and says "I haven't seen your orange cat but I did find a black and white one with its hind legs run over by a car, do you want it?" you can politely decline and save yourself a costly veterinarian bill.
Regards, David.


From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.07pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Please just use the photo I gave you.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.22pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww





From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.34pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
I didnt say there was a reward. I dont have $2000 dollars. What did you even put that there for? Apart from that it is perfect can you please remove the reward bit. Thanks Shan.

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.42pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww




From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Can you just please take the reward bit off altogether? I have to leave in ten minutes and I still have to make photocopies of it.


From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 12.56pm
To: Shannon Walkley
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww





From: Shannon Walkley
Date: Monday 21 June 2010 1.03pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Awww
Fine. That will have to do.

Have a great weekend everyone! 
<3

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

F the Kleenex



No really – there are “F”s on the Kleenex! Perfect for our Frys wedding!

Several months ago I was in Big Lots and found these:

I didn’t know what exactly I would do with them, but in the mean time I kept them in my arsenal of soon-to-be-wedding projects!

Then on weddingbee I stumbled upon another bee that put tissue packets in the envelope and made “For Your Tears of Joy” packets.  I bookmarked the page, but didn’t think much about it until yesterday when I stopped by Tuesday Morning to peruse the store.

I’m walking down the kitchen aisle (not one I normally stroll down by any means) and at the end they have lots of individual Kleenex. Most of them are cream with gold letters – very formal/traditional/grandmaish. Then at the back I see 3 packages with some pink. I take a look and sure enough, what do I see but this!



How freaking perfect?! Pink and white Kleenex with an F on them. And they were only $2.99! So I scooped them up and searched for more, but only 1 pack to be found. However it had 40 tissues so the exact amount of envelopes!

As soon as I got home I headed to the craft room with the new purchase in hand. I opened each envelope and emptied the confetti out into a zip lock bag. After I emptied all the confetti out, I then put the cute kleenex into the envelopes. They were almost the perfect fits (could a girl wish for too much?) so I had to fold the top over just slightly.


Then I added either pink buttons (purchased from the $1 aisle at Michael's) or pink retro stars (I already had these in my craft room, but they came from Hobby Lobby for $1 on the clearance aisle) to the bottom of the envelope to cover up the "Martha Stewart" logo. I used glue dots to adhere them.





Back of the envelope:


When Dave and I have pillow talk or get a little emotional about loving each other so much (which happens more than either of us will admit in public) we always say that our heart is just too full and overflowing into tears. So I’m thinking we’ll put this in a little basket by the programs with a sign that says: "In Case Your Heart Overflows & You Have Tears of Love."

So there it is. My FIRST official DIY wedding project!! How exciting!  And my favorite part, besides the fact that it's just freaking cute….the budget breakdown:

Envelopes: $4
Tissue: $3
Buttons: $1
TOTAL: $8


<3 <3 <3

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

My favorite color: PLATINUM (but I'll take white gold)

One week in April Dave and I were looking at the calendar and noticed we didn’t have anything at all planed for Saturday, which hardly every happens. We were talking about what we should do with “free time” and he suggested we visit a little place we hear advertised on the radio all the time: Shane Co.




I almost peed my pants when he brought it up! We’ve been talking about rings and looking at them online. We’ve both built my future ring on
…and I’m sure he has more to add to the list.

I was so excited I couldn’t sleep the night before! So we got up early and headed out. It was a beautiful day and perfect for ring shopping. He told me that we were not buying a ring that day, only doing some research and checking what looked good on my size 8.5 ring finger.

Dave, being the simple man he is, likes the idea of a solid band with a solitaire stone. We both agreed on having a round cut, 4-prong setting. Since I like a little bit more bling I wanted to see a few other option.
*halo effect
*pave setting
*and since I was willing to compromise, a solid engagement band with a blinged out wedding band.

Once we got to Shane Co we were immediately greeted at the door and had an overall great experience. They were not pushy and she knew from the beginning we were just doing research, and she didn’t push us to the side for a high balla either. 

They don’t allow you to have any more than 3 rings out at a time, so you constantly have to narrow it down to three. Do you know how hard that is?? I wanted to keep 25 out to choose from!

What I thought would look good (a pave setting for the wedding band with a solid band for the engagement ring) looked horrible!  We compromised with our style options and both liked the idea of having some diamonds down the side on the engagement and wedding band.  



(don’t mind the fact that it’s on my pinky finger, they don’t make sample rings in a size 8, plus the prongs would be cut down and the diamond would be raised up).






Did you take pictures when you went ring shopping? Did you think something would look great on your finger, but when you tried it on it was awful?

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

I guess it just happens as you get old…

Yesterday someone from work brought in squash from their garden. I took three pieces thinking I could cut them and grill them up for dinner. I was in a huge hurry when I left work and left them on my desk. When I got in this morning, what did I see??



One Squash, we’ll call him grampa squash, was having a “leakage” problem all over my desk. This one seems to be older as it is all wrinkly and cellulite-y, and can control it’s self. Happy Tuesday Morning! YUCK. I don’t think we’ll be eating that one for dinner tonight.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Summer Fun!?!?

I have to be honest and say that summer is not my favorite season…it’s hot, I’m not a fan of shorts...

I hate sweating, and it’s hot (did I already say that?) The good side is that it’s slower and you get to do the things you’ve been putting off the rest of the year.

Some of the things on my summer list include:
  • Organizing my craft room (also enlisting help for this…email me if you're a sucker)
  • Spend time with my family
  • Make mine and Dave’s card scrapbook
  • Start planning our ‘unofficial wedding’
  • Get ahead with my work so the year is not as crazy
  • Wash and clean my car (yeah, just once over the summer)
What’s on your summer list? Do you need a good way to keep up with what you want to do? Don’t let the summer get away from you…print the summer list keeper and make sure you don’t get lazy and too addicted to the AC!

(Here's an image of what you'll be downloading!)

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

One Big Ass Cupcake!

Frosting…sprinkles…fluffiness…and a HUGE cupcake.  Who could ask for more? 



 My Version

For Christmas Dave bought me the big top cupcake. He tried to be sneaky and hide my earrings in the box, but that’s for another post. I saw it at Bed Bath and Beyond and thought it was the cutest thing ever. Not that I’m much of a domestic diva, but I was positive I would bake more if I had the big top cupcake! I begged to open it early so I could take it to our Christmas party, but he made me wait until December 24. Since then every birthday, house warming party, or a special Tuesday I’ve made the Big Top cupcake. In case you order, here are some helpful hints…
  • The cake takes about an hour to cook. So put it in the oven and then catch up on the latest episode of Losing It with Jillian (what? Surely you should watch something healthy if you are baking the 24x larger than normal cupcake).
  • The bottom part takes longer to cook than the top.
  • Once you get it cooked, you’ll have to cut it to even it out. Then put LOTS of icing in the middle.


  • But be mindful of cupcake ninjas. They sneak up and try to steal the cupcake:


Then ice the top and add sprinkles and you will be the hit of any party you go to!!

YUMMY YUM YUM! ENJOY!


Have any of you ever been sucked into an As Seen on TV prodcut? Did you love it as much as you thought you would?

Thursday, June 10, 2010

All thinks Pink, Polka Doted, and Cheap

HOLLA! And welcome to my blog! :)

I’m a crazy, crafty, good-deal hunting girl and want to share that with other like-minded people through my blog! I hope you enjoy keeping up with all the crafts, wedding planning, good deals at Ross, home decorating, trying to stay healthy, semi-professional designing, and the love I want to share with everyone in my life!

- Billie
aka busy as a B