Change of Blog Address-Update your Google Readers!

I was having HTML issues that could not be fixed with this current blog, but have no fear...we are up and running with a new address:

http://chelsandjason.blogspot.com

Please update your Google Readers or bookmarks. We don't want to lose you as a reader!!!!

Wedding Diet - Weigh in Day

I weigh myself everyday not to be obsessed, but for self-monitoring. It keeps me in check, but is also a great way to see results and stay motivated. I do my official weigh ins once per week with a counselor at Jenny Craig. I always get nervous-not that they are mean to you if you aren't losing weight, but I feel like I'm a bad student or something.

Today was my week 3 weigh-in and I lost 2 more pounds for a total of 5 pounds and counting!

Focus of the week: Drink more water. I start feeling nauseous if I drink too much plain water so add some lemon or lime to jazz it up!

Next weigh in is this Sunday. Good luck on your weeks everyone!

The Great Wedding Band Debate

I have a huge decision to make and I keep going back and forth! I know I am being dramatic and this is really a fun thing to have to worry with. My engagement ring is so beautiful-I love it so much and it is perfectly unique for me. It does have a unique shape to it so a flat wedding band will not sit flush on it. When I first saw the ring, I thought-"oh no!" I love it, but what will I do for a wedding band??? These are my options:

a. No band-just wear the engagement ring because it is pretty enough to stand alone

b. Have a band custom made to fit against the ring by the jeweler who designed and made the engagement ring. If I choose this option, I have already spoken to the jeweler and he suggests a thin band with small channel-set round diamonds to match my ring.

c. Get a traditional wedding band, wear it on my right hand and then if I ever don't want to wear the full on engagement ring, I can just wear the band on my left hand.

I need your opinion! Is anyone out there that has faced this dilemma?

Diet Update

I had my first weigh in this afternoon and I lost 3 pounds! Yay! My goal for this week is to be more active - take more steps and try to hit the gym at this once this week.

My celebrity body-role model this week is Kate Winslet. She looks amazing, but doesn't buy into the sick Hollywood standards of having to be a twig. She looks healthy and is drop dead gorgeous! As I am typing she just won a golden globe and is so precious. The pic above is from the globes tonight.

Good luck to everyone this week who is working on their own plans. Have a great week!

The Wedding Diet

It's time to tackle the oh-so personal issue that is so not fun, but a must a major must-do in my wedding planning...the wedding diet! Really it is not so much a wedding diet because that alludes that as soon as the wedding is over, the diet is done. It is more of a lifetime diet with May 23 being my main motivation at the moment.

A little background- I may be crazy for sharing with everyone my weight issues, but my hopes in doing so is that this helps other people who are in the same boat (plus it will hold me accountable). I read other blogs that talk about diet successes and those serve as a great inspiration for me. My weight goes up and goes down, goes back up and then back down. You should see my closest- I have so many different sizes, but I never want to throw out the sizes I am not currently wearing because my past experience show that I will end up changing sizes yet again.

I'm 5'4'' and have a pear shaped body. Small arms, chest, and waist, but large hips, booty and thighs! Currently I weight 146 and wear a 8/10. My junior and senior year of high school was when I was at my smallest-100 pounds. I will never ever be that size again-let's be realistic, but I constantly look back on those days for inspiration on what I was doing. I ran and I ran and I ran. I was in the best shape ever. It also helped that I worked at the YMCA so was constantly surrounded by health and wellness, but really, high school, what stresses do you have then? I lived on subway and smoothies, plus I had a 16 year old's metabolism.

Like many, I started packing on the pounds in college. Cafeteria food, college lifestyle, and major stress-eating while I studied. Oh, and did I mention that I waited tables and bartended at Chili's? I lived on "soup shots", chips and queso and everything else on that menu. By the time I graduated, I was around a size 8, 135 pounds. When I moved to Houston and got a real job, I started Jenny Craig and dropped about 15 pounds. Over the next year I gained the weight back while going through a very difficult time in my life. About 6 months later, I got back on Jenny for a short stint, lost about 12 pounds, looked great, felt confident and then met the love of my life, Jason. A few months after meeting Jason, I got lazy because I was blissfully happy and ended up getting off of Jenny.

Now, 2 years later, I have gained all of the weight back and then some! I am the heaviest I have ever been and am not happy about the way I look and feel. I am working full-time and going to graduate school for an MBA so I have quit the gym and started the whole stress-study eating habit again. Plus, I am now in the habit of eating the exact same things and amounts that my fiance eats. My body just can't handle that! One thing that I want to emphasize is that I am not doing this for any other reason than for me! No one has told me I need to lose weight and my amazing fiance always assures me that I look great. I just don't feel pretty anymore. I also don't feel very healthy. I want to feel and look great on our wedding day and be proud to show off our pictures for the rest of our lives. I don't want to look back and cringe thinking, wow, I look bad!

So that is where my head is at! I have an amazing support system in place- Jason, my mom, and my amazing friend, Page!

I decided to go back to Jenny Craig. I really do believe in this program because it has worked so well for me in the past, when I stuck with it of course! I have been on the program for one week now. My plan is to post about once per week to give an update on how things are going, what has worked for me, what hasn't and what I have learned. I hope this can help other readers as other blogs have helped me!

Bad pic, but shows my skinnier face in college, btw, that is not a boyfriend, it is a waiter from a cruise I went on:

After college when I moved back to Houston:

When I first met Jason, I had a much skinnier face than I do now:

Jason and I in May '08- much rounder face and body. In this pic, I was about the same weight as I am now:

December 08
I can't wait to show you progress as it comes!!! Wish me luck-I'm gonna need it!

I Love Peacocks!

I love when peacocks are incorporated into weddings. I haven't decided how to incorporate this into my own wedding yet besides having actual peacocks roaming around of course!

Here's the inspiration:

Peacock ring shot...my 2 favorite things:

A peacock inspired bouquet:

And floral decoration:

Centerpieces:Cake with a few peacock touches:

And invitations:

This one isn't wedding related, but I just learned that Vera Bradley now has rugs...is it any surprise that my favorite is the peacock pattern! This would look great in my kitchen:

How To Ask Your MOH

I asked my friend and future sister-in-law to be my maid of honor over the Christmas holiday. I knew I wanted to present her with something special as a surprise as my way of asking her. I waited until all of us had opened all of our presents and then I said, "Oh wait, we forgot one....here Jeanna this is for you!"

This is what I presented her with:

It had a yellowbird (her fave Vera Bradley pattern) Clipboard, a yellowbird organizer, The Bridesmaid's Handbook, and the "Made of Honor" DVD. She had no idea what was going on until she opened the card:

And then came the tears...

It was really fun for all of us to watch her open everything. I am so happy she said yes! What have other people done to ask their wedding party?

We're Making Progress Folks...

The Save the Dates are in the mail, we booked a photographer, all dresses have been ordered, Jason's band is on it's way, invitations are ordered, and we registered at both Macy's and Crate and Barrel! We were very productive on our vacation. I have even started a wedding diet...really it's just a feel better about myself diet, but the wedding is great motivation. Post on that coming later in the week!

Also, our wedding website is up and ready!

Next on the to-do list:

-Florist

-Cakes

-Musician for ceremony

-DJ for reception

Now, a great picture from Blue-Eyed Bride. Jason and I will have our engagement session soon so we need to think about what we like and more importantly, how we can incorporate Tucker into all of this!

Jason's Wedding Band

We purchased Jason's ring this week! We are just checking things off the list!!! Jason originally wanted all yellow gold, but it was pointed out to him that most of what he wears (watch and cuff links) are silver or white gold, so he decided on...

Two-tone!

[Ring by Artcarved]

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!

[Photo courtesy of Tying the Knot wedding blog]

I have a big decision to make...what shoes to wear! I know I want to wear peep toes with a closed heel. Comfort is important to me since I will be standing so much...I don't want to be worried about aching feet. I can't decide if I want the more traditional ivory shoe that matches my dress or a fun, more trendy, shoe with color. I could do a color that matches the MOH dress or a fun "peacock" color. Here are a few that I found. Any opinions or words of wisdom on what works and where to shop?

[An ivory shoe, courtesy of Blue Tux]

[David's Bridal dyeables in Victorian Lilac]

[David's Bridal Dyeables in Peri]

MOH Dress

Jason and I have decided not to have a huge wedding party. We are only having a MOH and a BM. This was a hard decision because we have the best friends and family in the entire world! We made this decision based with several factors in mind:


1.) We are having a small and casual wedding and when we sat down and counted how many attendants we wanted, it seemed a little too formal, even silly for what we are doing. It looks sort of funny when almost half of your wedding is standing next to you (a slight exaggeration, but you get what I'm saying).

2.) We are getting married in a small gazebo - the attendants would not fit in the gazebo, along the steps and would block everyone if they stood around us.

3.) We already have six peacocks-there just isn't any room for more than 2 humans!


We are very excited to have our MOH, BM, 2 flowergirls and a ringbearer!!! I think it will really turn out so sweet.

What does everything think of the MOH dress? It is the exact hydrangea blue that I wanted and will look amazing on the MOH, Jeanna. She has already approved! It is very light and flowy and will be perfect for an outdoor May wedding...the back is really cute and the front has a bow around the waist (and I do love bows)!

Four Christmases

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Jason and I survived our 4 Christmases. We had two in Houston, one in Corsicana and one in Arlington. Talk about a lot of driving! We have had a wonderful time visiting and spending time with our families. We even accomplished things on our wedding to-do list in the process.

1. I asked Jeanna (Jason's sister and my friend) to be my MOH
2. Jason asked Stephen (his brother) to be his Best Man
3. We asked Dad-Dad (Jason's grandfather and minister) to be the person to marry us
4. We confirmed our flower girls: my cousin Sydney and niece Amber
5. We asked our friends Jason and Sarah if their son Cameron would be our Ringbearer

Boy, we are good! Jason and I are not having bridesmaids or groomsmen in the wedding-just the MOH, BM, flowergirls and ring bearer so that category is taken care of!

We will post pics soon of the MOH dress and our holiday fun!

The Engagement

Jason and I just realized that we never actually wrote about how this all started! Since I have already written about that wonderful day on my other blog, I am just going to link it...

Read all about our engagement HERE!

It was such a wonderful day-we love going back and reading this post and seeing the pictures.

Sprinkle Me With Happiness!

I love Sprinkles Cupcakes and I just discovered that Houston is getting one in spring 2009. I love when couples decide to forego a traditional wedding cake for a cupcake tower like below:



Look how classy the one below looks. If you aren't daring enough to have a cupcake tower-cake, think about incorporating them at a shower or rehearsal dinner!

But, I didn't think about giving these singles as a favor. Sprinkles has tons of sugar toppings you can choose from, but don't you just love the little engagement ring below? They also have hearts, flowers, letters, and even a longhorn for you Texas fans!

Oh, What to Wear?

I have had a very successful week off from work. Since I rarely have free time between work and school, Shelley (MOB) and I knew we needed to get everything squared away. After just a few stops, we found THE dress! We actually found three that I could not choose from-so I had to take pictures and sleep on it.

When I went back to the boutique the next day I was really stressed (the good kind of stress) because I was not any closer to making a decision. I kept going back and forth between all three.

I did as Shelley advised and tried on all three again, walked in them, stood flat-footed with them (not on the elevated box that makes everyone look taller and thinner) and sat in them. I wanted to make sure I chose a dress that was COMFORTABLE! I didn't want to be pulling and tugging or adjusting all night.

My other requirements:

-Something that I felt special in

-Limited beading and sequins

-Casual since it is an outdoor wedding, no church

-Something classic that will photograph well and look good for years to come

-A dress that will take Jason's breath away

Well, I found it! I feel 100% sure about my decision. It is ordered and I can't wait to put it on and marry Jason. I would post pics, but then, Jason will see!!! So you will just have to wait until May.

The same day that I found my dress, we also found Shelley's dress (it is dark brown and gorgeous), the MOH dress, and the flower girl dresses!

Upcoming posts this week:

-Wedding Diet

-The Great Ring Debate

-MOH Dress

Now for a pretty picture:

[Isn't this picture so romantic?]

I Love Ring Shots!

[I love how each ring is so unique]

[Gorgeous ring, gorgeous flower]

[Love it!]

[Tying the Knot...get it!!!]

[My good friend, Ashley, got creative and took this of her ring. We are waiting for her professional shots to come back!]




[This one is so sweet]

[Of course I love this one because it has to do with yummy greasy food]

[And then, yes, I jumped on the bandwagon. Festive, huh? At least I tried...it can only get better right?]

Needing a Color Scheme...

But I just haven't figured it out yet. The four color palettes that I am thinking are blues, greens, cremes, and browns. I am off work and school for 3 whole weeks...yeah, yeah, there is that thing called the holidays thrown in there, but this next week is wedding planning time! I also have to do ALL of my Christmas shopping so it's going to be busy.

Mom and I have already looked at a few dresses; no winners yet. More tomorrow...we are also meeting with the venue to iron out details. Today we also looked at invitations and I think those will be chosen by the end of the week.

Here are photos that I love and are providing inspiration for what Jason and I want:

Have a great week everyone! I will be posting updates this week as they come up! Please send me pics of real weddings that used similar colors!!! Jason and Tucker say hi and have a great week too!

Peacock Invitations

All over the wedding blog scene, I have noticed Peacock invitations, decorations, etc. I feel like this may be a great idea for Jason and I to use. The place that J and I are getting married and having our reception is known for having roaming peacocks around the property. Also, the resort where we are honeymooning has free roaming peacocks on the grounds.

What does everyone think about this idea? Too much or perfect?

Bring on the scanner!

Jason and I have been trying to decide where to register. I know this is not a big deal at all, but you know me, I like to analyze everything! I am thinking one department store (either Macy's or Dillard's) and then a Crate and Barrel type store.

Does anyone out there recommend certain stores or have a bad experience to share? We would love any advice!

We do know one store...Life Made Beautiful! It is a local store in Corsicana, Jason's hometown. It is the cutest store ever...we went on Black Friday and I purchased lots of presents for some special peeps in my life! It was exciting to start thinking about picking out things together for our new life as a married couple...we actually liked all of the same china patterns.

Houston, the groom has landed!

Before I begin a much anticipated Groom's Cake post, Chelsea being the only reader with bated breath I suspect, perhaps I should enter stage right and make an introduction.

Cue Tarzan Audible, Enter GROOM....

Now that the dramatic entry and introduction is over, I stand before you the humble, yet very happy and blessed groom stalling while groping for words to describe a hunting, fishing or outdoor related cake.

Although I am an avid fisherman (depending on the day), hunter and outdoor enthusiast, I am going to take the road less travelled for my cake.

"Uva Uvam Vivendo Varia Fit." If you know what that means, you are probably:

A. One of my buddies

B. A true Texan

C. A fan of Lonesome Dove or

D. All of the Above

So what does that mean? Quite simply it reads "A grape ripens in the presence of another grape." This epitomizes my feelings about my relationship with my soul mate and wife to be, my family and my pals. All of which I would make an epic journey on horseback from Montana to Texas for.

So how am I going to center my cake around this quote? Great question! One for which I do not have an answer to at the moment. I can tell you that my initial thought is to base it in part on the picture above - maybe incorporate the distressed wood sign and quote and kick it up a notch.

Alright, I'm sure you have grown tired of the ramblings of a mere groom to be, so I will close for now. "Catch" up with you soon...

-Jason