Just booked our "honeymoon" (I use quotes because our destination wedding was kind of a honeymoon, but whatevs, I want to travel some more).
Anyway, I thought I'd throw out some kernals of wisdom learned while researching/planning/booking our airfare.
I learned that airfare is cheaper during the day than it is in the evening.
I looked during the day, found a price, went home that night to book, found the fares (on several sites) had gone up at least $20. Went back the next day, found fares back to the same day-time price as yesterday.
Lesson learned: search for and purchase airfare during the day.
We found a flight we liked, scoped it out on numerous sights, and found that pretty much the ONLY flight that fit our wants/needs was through Frontier airlines. Went on to Frontier's website - they offer a "classic" flight, which costs more, but you get some perks with it, including checking two bags for "free" (it's included in your booking price). Well, if one of us books out flight through Frontier, we each can check a bag for free. Done. One flight booked at the higher cost through Frontier, one flight booked at a better price through Orbitz.
Lesson learned: you don't have to book both flights through the same place. Hunt around for add-ins, and perks.
After booking our airfare yesterday, I was curious to see if prices were the same today (Thursday). I had heard somewhere, sometime ago, that airlines drop their prices after midnight on Wednesdays. Hmmm. Low-and-behold: Thursday morning, both of our flights were cheaper! RATZ! Well, with Frontier I was able to cancel our original booking (within 24 hours, no penalty) and re-book the same flight for... $40 CHEAPER! Yahoo! Since the other fligth it booked through Orbitz, I can't really do anything about it, other than hope that someone else books my flights at a cheaper rate (Orbitz has a lowest price guarantee). I'm really holding out for that, as today my flight was $50 cheaper.
Lesson learned: doesn't hurt to check back and re-fanagle your arrangements, if you can.
Just thought I'd share my learnin's with you.
May 17, 2012
March 29, 2012
Pin-spiration
Yes, I'm a Pinterest fan. It was a super-awesome tool for getting wedding ideas and inspiration. I found some really cool ideas that I either stole completely, or adapted to my own taste. (Yeah, when I say "stole completely" I really did make it my own, in some way, even if it was small.)
One idea I adored and managed to bring to life was a pennant banner. I saw it, loved it, and set out to make it.
There was some debating and arguing about this project with MG. He didn't understand what I meant, what I saw in my head, how cute it would turn out to be. Lucky for me, I did get my way on this one... and also lucky that he doesn't shy away from sparkles! Throughout the wedding planning process I didn't have very many clear pictures in my head or really strong feelings about how I wanted things. This was one of the few things that I could really see, and really wanted. So, I pushed for it... and I pushed hard. As I write this, it sounds so bratty that I forced to get my way. It was sort of like that, but I had also compromised or heeded to MG's ideas. In the end, he loved how the banner turned out, too.
Trust me, this wedding was not "all about me." (nor should it have been.) Anyway.. back to the fun-ness of this banner.
I found lots of ideas and similar banners on Pinterest... MG and I talked through what the banner should say, we had lots of good ideas, but settled on the traditional "Just Married". Then we set out to find paper that would match with our bright-beachy theme (and dresses). We struck gold at Michael's... finding all of the colors we wanted in shimmery glitter paper. Hooray! I set to work on the banner, and it turned out like this (us phototed with my nephew and niece):
Another thing that I had a pretty clear vision for, my hair accessory. It's a little hard to see in this photo, but I made a hair pin out of my great grandmother's broach. Last fall, I called my grandma and asked her if she had a broach I could borrow for my wedding to wear in my hair. She brought me several to choose from, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they were broaches she had gotten from her mother-in-law, my great grandma, Viola Evelyn. It meant a lot to me to have a bit of family history with me on my wedding day...obviously this was my something old.
How I made the hair pin: I took ivory colored ribbon and layered it back and forth (in a z-pattern), then I put a pin in the middle of the ribbon fan, and spun the ribbon out into a full circle. I sewed the ribbon into this flower-like position, then fastened the broach on top, and sewed a hair clip to the back. Voila! (I have more detailed images and instructions on how to do that, as that's how I made the bouttennieres too... I promise I'll get those up.)
I thought both of these arts and crafts projects turned out to be wedding-accessory successes!
One idea I adored and managed to bring to life was a pennant banner. I saw it, loved it, and set out to make it.
There was some debating and arguing about this project with MG. He didn't understand what I meant, what I saw in my head, how cute it would turn out to be. Lucky for me, I did get my way on this one... and also lucky that he doesn't shy away from sparkles! Throughout the wedding planning process I didn't have very many clear pictures in my head or really strong feelings about how I wanted things. This was one of the few things that I could really see, and really wanted. So, I pushed for it... and I pushed hard. As I write this, it sounds so bratty that I forced to get my way. It was sort of like that, but I had also compromised or heeded to MG's ideas. In the end, he loved how the banner turned out, too.
Trust me, this wedding was not "all about me." (nor should it have been.) Anyway.. back to the fun-ness of this banner.
I found lots of ideas and similar banners on Pinterest... MG and I talked through what the banner should say, we had lots of good ideas, but settled on the traditional "Just Married". Then we set out to find paper that would match with our bright-beachy theme (and dresses). We struck gold at Michael's... finding all of the colors we wanted in shimmery glitter paper. Hooray! I set to work on the banner, and it turned out like this (us phototed with my nephew and niece):
Another thing that I had a pretty clear vision for, my hair accessory. It's a little hard to see in this photo, but I made a hair pin out of my great grandmother's broach. Last fall, I called my grandma and asked her if she had a broach I could borrow for my wedding to wear in my hair. She brought me several to choose from, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they were broaches she had gotten from her mother-in-law, my great grandma, Viola Evelyn. It meant a lot to me to have a bit of family history with me on my wedding day...obviously this was my something old.
How I made the hair pin: I took ivory colored ribbon and layered it back and forth (in a z-pattern), then I put a pin in the middle of the ribbon fan, and spun the ribbon out into a full circle. I sewed the ribbon into this flower-like position, then fastened the broach on top, and sewed a hair clip to the back. Voila! (I have more detailed images and instructions on how to do that, as that's how I made the bouttennieres too... I promise I'll get those up.)
I thought both of these arts and crafts projects turned out to be wedding-accessory successes!
March 28, 2012
More Wedding Stuff
When we started wedding planning I did not have any clear ideas of what I wanted. Being the bride, people expected me to choose and make decisions and be strongly opinionated. I just wasn't. To be honest, I didn't particularly like wedding planning. I found it stressful and hard. Mostly what I cared about was the arts and crafts parts. I loved that.
I was mostly concerned with everyone having a good time and celebrating together. I knew that I wanted a non-traditional wedding... a beach, a forrest, a garden. After much research, MG and I decided on a beach wedding, in the Bahamas. With the sand and sea set for our back-drop, I eventually decided on bright beachy colored bridesmaid dresses for our family memebers. My sister was going to be my maid of honor, and MG's dad was his best man. We wanted our family to be a big part of our celebration, so we opted to have them be the wedding party. There was a lot of concern and questions and debating and discussing and maybe even a few tears over what color dresses each girl was going to wear. I was pretty confident that this was going to look great, but there was that little voice in the back of my head trying to let doubt creap in... (what if you fought and argued and defended your idea and it turns out looking like total crap? what if colors clash? what if you suck and it just doesn't look good? what if whatif whatif???).
When wall is said and done, I'm quite happy and proud of the multi-color dress decision. I feel that each girl got to wear a color that was definitely suitable for her, brought a little bit of their own personality to the wedding, and (if I can admit) it looks smashing!
Doesn't that look nice? Each of the boys had a tie and bouttenniere to coordinate with their lady's dress. My sister is in turquise, my sister-in-law is in purple, my mom's in fuschia, MG's mom is in royal blue, and my MG's sister is in orange.
Also, my sister made these really awesome flip-flops for me to wear (she gave them to me as a gift from my neices, who are 1 & 3). It says "Mr. and Mrs. XYZ" on one and "Nassau, Bahamas" on the other... the bottoms leave imprints that say "Just Married" - what a fun idea! I wore them for the entire ceremony (and pictures).
I was mostly concerned with everyone having a good time and celebrating together. I knew that I wanted a non-traditional wedding... a beach, a forrest, a garden. After much research, MG and I decided on a beach wedding, in the Bahamas. With the sand and sea set for our back-drop, I eventually decided on bright beachy colored bridesmaid dresses for our family memebers. My sister was going to be my maid of honor, and MG's dad was his best man. We wanted our family to be a big part of our celebration, so we opted to have them be the wedding party. There was a lot of concern and questions and debating and discussing and maybe even a few tears over what color dresses each girl was going to wear. I was pretty confident that this was going to look great, but there was that little voice in the back of my head trying to let doubt creap in... (what if you fought and argued and defended your idea and it turns out looking like total crap? what if colors clash? what if you suck and it just doesn't look good? what if whatif whatif???).
When wall is said and done, I'm quite happy and proud of the multi-color dress decision. I feel that each girl got to wear a color that was definitely suitable for her, brought a little bit of their own personality to the wedding, and (if I can admit) it looks smashing!
Doesn't that look nice? Each of the boys had a tie and bouttenniere to coordinate with their lady's dress. My sister is in turquise, my sister-in-law is in purple, my mom's in fuschia, MG's mom is in royal blue, and my MG's sister is in orange.
Also, my sister made these really awesome flip-flops for me to wear (she gave them to me as a gift from my neices, who are 1 & 3). It says "Mr. and Mrs. XYZ" on one and "Nassau, Bahamas" on the other... the bottoms leave imprints that say "Just Married" - what a fun idea! I wore them for the entire ceremony (and pictures).
March 23, 2012
Wedding!
I'm newly married. The last year of my life was a complete whirl-wind. I'm still trying to catch my breath! Not only did I get married, but so did my brother, in Chicago. There was a lot of traveling, a lot of family celebrations, showers, planning, general running-about, etc, etc, etc. I don't really have time to recap much, but I want to post a few photos (and get them up on pinterest, too)... and...and...and... That's kind of what my life has been like, one thing after the next. I do want to take a minute to show a few pics... (I can't really figure out how to arrange these the way I want, so this will have to do for now).
This is my sister and father-in-law (Maid of Honor and Best Man). I made the starfish boutenniere and her flower ball. Each of our family memebers had their own color and coordinating accessory (boys matched their wives dress color). It turned out awesome for our seaside nuptials!
Ahhh! Married to my best friend! I love this photo!
Hopefully soon I'll be able to post again... with some details on how I made the starfish bouts & flower balls.
This is where we were married - in front of the ocean on Orange Hill Beach in Nassau, Bahamas. There was not one other person on the beach with us. 
I just really like this photo, kinda cool, different. This was taken on the ship, pre-ceremony.
This is all 30 of us... everyone that was able to share in our special day!
This is my sister and father-in-law (Maid of Honor and Best Man). I made the starfish boutenniere and her flower ball. Each of our family memebers had their own color and coordinating accessory (boys matched their wives dress color). It turned out awesome for our seaside nuptials!
Ahhh! Married to my best friend! I love this photo!
Hopefully soon I'll be able to post again... with some details on how I made the starfish bouts & flower balls.
July 1, 2011
Disappointed
Dear State of Minnesota Legislature,
I understand that you have been elected to fight for what you believe is best for our state. I commend you on being a public servant. I certainly don't want your job. However, I'm severely disappointed in you right now.
At 12:01 AM this morning (July 1st) the State of Minnesota and a majority of its operations and services shut down, basically anything that hasn't been deemed "necessary" has been stopped. The Republican majority leaders and the Democratic Governor could not possibly reach a budget agreement. Nor would the Governor accept anything less than a full budget plan. Resulting in hundreds or thousands of state employees being laid off. On top of that 60,000 reservations for campers at state parks were cancelled. DMVs, the zoo and the lottery have been closed. All of those things bring in quite a bit of revenue for the state. That seems extremely counter-productive to me, when the legislature is arguing over the current deficit.
Although you cannot purchase a fishing license now that the government is shut down, the DNR will be out enforcing regulations regarding fishing licenses. That seems very unnecessary to me. My friends have argued that it's a revenue maker. Great. How about we come to a budget agreement, so we didn't have to lay people off, and shut a bunch of things down. Road construction is at a stand-still. Wayside rest stops are closed. And some poor lady on the radio this morning said she lost her medical insurance because she's disabled. Deaf people are not receiving any state services, low-income families are not receiving day care funding, and anyone with medical assistance will not be seen by a doctor unless it's an emergency. Sounds pretty silly to me that the DNR is a necessity in this situation. Sounds even sillier that such a thing can happen. Where is the accountability for lawmakers to meet the deadlines. I don't know how to find this out, but I'm very curious as to how this is affecting the legislative peoples who couldn't come to an agreement. I know they still have jobs. Are they still being paid? Is the Governor allowed to remain at his state-paid residence, with all of his house-staff (maids, etc)? This whole thing makes me SO ANGRY. I kinda just want to move.
April 27, 2011
Engagement - Hooray!
MG and I got engaged on February 18th, in St. Thomas while on vacation with my family.
Our vacation was Sunday to Sunday, but he waited until Thursday to propose. Needless to say, I was completely clueless, and didn't see it coming! We had talked about marriage and future plans, and so on. No timeline or set date was established and there was certainly no hints that anything was going down on that sunny little island.
The setting was totally "us." A tiny little ocean-side restaurant with picnic tables and plastic chairs, canopy tents for a roof and a live band playing. After dinner, a couple of songs in, MG asked me to walk over and look at the moon. Clueless me gave numerous reasons why we shouldn't - it's dark, there's broken glass over there (I'd been over earlier with my mom), and so on. Some how, MG convinced me it would be fine, without any suspicion on my part.
There, at 18 degrees latitude, under a shiny bright moon, with lovely words I can't recall (so caught up in the moment), I was asked to be MG's wife. I accepted.
February 4, 2011
Wednesday Morning
Up at 5:20 am
to the Y by 5:40
ran on the treadmill. at first, alternating between 5.0 mph and 5.8 mph (I am a SUPER SLOW runner, so I usually stick around 5-5.3, but I needed a hard workout). After a few minutes of rotating, I pushed myself up to 6.0, ran that for 2 minutes. HAH, I did it. Couldn't believe it. So, I got gutsy. After my "rest" at the 5.0 run, I upped the speed back to 6.0, I ran at that speed for the remainder of my workout... 14 - yes - FOURTEEN minutes.
Holy Hell!
I kid you not when I say that I often run at about 5.3 mph and after a few minutes need to walk, because I'm tired or my side hurts. I think I've run once or twice since the winter weather hit. So, I'm out of practice, too. I felt crazy tired, but SO excited/happy/amazed/rewarded by my run. (never thought I'd say THOSE words.)
I'm pretty excited to get back on the treadmill and try it again, see how well I do.
If you've read this far, you might be wondering why I haven't run again yet. Well, I suffer from some knee issues. Have since high school. So, my knees were a little sore yesterday, so I did the elliptical instead. it's much nicer on your joints. today was spin class. MG and I have been going every friday morning.
So, next week, I'll be back on the treadmill. Yes, I take the weekends off! Hopefully this isn't like my golf game, where every year my first round out is my best & I go downhill from there.
Let's see if I can create a re-do of one of the best workouts... and runs I've ever been on.
Do you have a workout success story? Or maybe you're struggling and are looking for some encouragement, 'cause that happens to us all. Please share.
to the Y by 5:40
ran on the treadmill. at first, alternating between 5.0 mph and 5.8 mph (I am a SUPER SLOW runner, so I usually stick around 5-5.3, but I needed a hard workout). After a few minutes of rotating, I pushed myself up to 6.0, ran that for 2 minutes. HAH, I did it. Couldn't believe it. So, I got gutsy. After my "rest" at the 5.0 run, I upped the speed back to 6.0, I ran at that speed for the remainder of my workout... 14 - yes - FOURTEEN minutes.
Holy Hell!
I kid you not when I say that I often run at about 5.3 mph and after a few minutes need to walk, because I'm tired or my side hurts. I think I've run once or twice since the winter weather hit. So, I'm out of practice, too. I felt crazy tired, but SO excited/happy/amazed/rewarded by my run. (never thought I'd say THOSE words.)
I'm pretty excited to get back on the treadmill and try it again, see how well I do.
If you've read this far, you might be wondering why I haven't run again yet. Well, I suffer from some knee issues. Have since high school. So, my knees were a little sore yesterday, so I did the elliptical instead. it's much nicer on your joints. today was spin class. MG and I have been going every friday morning.
So, next week, I'll be back on the treadmill. Yes, I take the weekends off! Hopefully this isn't like my golf game, where every year my first round out is my best & I go downhill from there.
Let's see if I can create a re-do of one of the best workouts... and runs I've ever been on.
Do you have a workout success story? Or maybe you're struggling and are looking for some encouragement, 'cause that happens to us all. Please share.
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