Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
I woke up this morning, late, to find it 45 and raining outside. In LA. This is unheard of, people! Normally, I’m quite excited when it rains here, but:
a) Mr. Meatball is out of town, due to the passing of his grandmother last Friday (rest in peace, Irene… may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest), so I woke up cold and alone for the 3rd day in a row. No bueno.
b) Dealing with Paco on a rainy day is like wrangling an insolent toddler. It takes forever to get him outside, and then even longer to get him to focus up and do his biznass… I guess the rain brings all kinds of new smells to the surface, and his wee nose is quite distractable. Without Mr. Meatball here, it was like being a single mom with a really ADD child this morning.
c) We live in the bottom floor of a duplex… which is a fancy way to say converted basement. Normally, I love our little bungalow in the hillside. But we don’t have sufficient heat for days like this, due to the way the vents are organized. Its colllllld inside in the mornings, making it all the harder to greet the day without a case of the grouchies.
d) After an incredibleSmart Chicks meeting last night, my mind was racing with to-do’s and resolutions, revelations and self discoveries, and (natch) estrogen-y warmth. As a result, I did not make it to bed before 2:45am, and oh boy, can I feel it today.
e) I have finally come out of denial and suddenly really realize that I have *gasp* FIVE MONTHS until the wedding! Holy beejeezus, where did the time go? I have so much to do! Read more…
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Ed. note: As the title suggests, this post is about maintaining a woman’s “hairstyling for the bathing suit area”. If you’d rather not read the post, please skip past the “read more” link!
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*Note: Dad, you may wanna skip this one. Warning: Potentially Definitely embarrassing female and personal information about to be revealed! Seriously, skip it* Read more…
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Sarah over at the Wedding Hub emailed me about this fantastic online charity drive: The Cinderella Affair. This is a yearly event held by the Tempe Community Council assists high school juniors and seniors with the high cost of prom by collecting and distributing gently-used formal wear. Ladies, this is your chance to donate a used bridesmaid dress (or other gently used formal wear) to underprivileged High School girls so they can feel like Cinderella on their prom night.
They’re also holding a giveaway to sweeten the deal, and I hear the prizes are pretty fierce. Read more…
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Dear fellow budget brides, I am sorry to tempt you so. But I simply must share these lovely ladies. I cannot help myself. Let’s all let out a collective “Le Sigh” and gaze longingly at Hey Lady’s line of “anti-dyeable, actually danceable wedding shoes”.
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
I’m fascinated by how much variance there is concerning the involvement of people’s families in their wedding plans. It got me thinking about our situation, and how differently our two families are reacting to the whole thing. They’re all incredibly supportive of our love and marriage in general, but, to put it bluntly, my future in-laws are just not into the wedding. They’re into me, and (obviously) into Mr. Meatball. But the wedding, it seems, just isn’t their thing.
Quick back story: Mr. Meatball comes from a small family, most of the extended members of which live overseas. Mr. Meatball’s father has had 3 formative wedding experiences: two of which were grand, bank-busting, headaching affairs, and the other was his happy tiny courthouse wedding to Mr. Meatball’s mother. Mr. Meatball’s mom is a very unfussy and lovely woman, who adored her simple courthouse wedding, and finds small, intimate and inexpensive celebrations most sensible/meaningful.
We see his parents periodically and whenever possible, but they travel a lot for work and live in NY most of the year, so our time with them is limited and often brief. We have an annual ritual of spending New Years together in Santa Fe, which is a time I cherish, because it gives me a better chance to get to know them and vice versa. They’re wonderful and loving parents who dote on Mr. Meatball and support his decisions no matter what.
On the other side of the coin: My father supports marriage, but has also not been all that into ’weddings’ as a rule. Read more…
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
When we left off after phase 1, we gals processed upstairs to find the fantastic limo I’d arranged, waiting for us to move the party on in! I found Mike through Craigslist, proposed a price, and he accepted! Let that be a lesson to you broke brides who think you can’t afford limo service, y’all. We paid $200 (including gratuity and stocked bar) for 6 hours of safe, reliable, clean service!*
We hopped in and Furburger got to work poppin’ the champagne. Read more…
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
These two videos are *so* our wedding. I am giddy, weepy, and so inspired from watching them over and over! The mood, the music… the emotion and effect… they’re just right up our alley.
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
***Note: If you are a bridesmaid in our wedding, do not read this post, or risk missing out on a spontaneous moment of surprise and delight when the items in this post are finally revealed to you. You don’t want to be the odd-woman out, right? RIGHT? That’s what I thought. Now kindly move along… nothing to see here.***
All the bridesmaids’ dresses have arrived, and miracle of miracles, all the ladies seem to like them! I’m still trying to get the girls to send a photo of them in the dress, and so far, I’ve only seen MaPo in hers, but it’s adorable.
One thing I’m having a hard time deciding now, is what color shoes they should wear. My instinct says yellow - which looked redonk in the picture on the J.Crew website…
So I threw together a polyvore board to compare yellow, with my other color ideas, blue or gold. Read more…
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
I used to spend lots of money on expensive beauty products because somehow they made me feel more pampered than regular drugstore goods. I love browsing a beauty counter, and getting to try on many items before committing to a purchase. I love the sleek, fancy packaging of chic department store lines. I just don’t love the price tags!
Since y’all seemed to appreciate my Smart Chicks advice last week, I thought this week I’d share some of my favorite bargain beauty products that I’ve found to replace my older, more expensive brands. These little wonders are all under $7 and have transformed my bathroom from high-end money pit to wonderfully sensible and effective pamper pit! Sometimes, there’s a lot of money to be saved between feeling fancy and being smart!
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Although the horror of seeing myself in some of the photos has not yet worn off, I am ready to begin the recap! Thank you to my loyal commenters, for assuaging my fears of a mass blog exodus, after seeing me in all my karaoke glory. You gals rawk.
First up, the shower portion of the night, otherwise known as “dress MaPo up and play silly games”.
Since MaPo was staying with us, I asked Mr. Meatball to take her out for an hour or so to let me get the house ready. I frantically blew up balloons, set out decorations, organized prizes, and put on some mood music. Luckily, a few of the guests showed up in time to help finish things off… and they came bearing penis cupcakes and limo music mixes! MaPo had no idea what awaited her that evening… every step of the way was a surprise! Read more…
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Before I do a whole recap of Dildo Weekend, I think it’s best that I break the ice with what is either:
a) the most embarrassing photo of me, ever.
b) the best picture of the night.
c) all of the above.
So, dear readers, I show you this now, with the hopes that you will still love me tomorrow. (um, I hope the largess of my balls is appreciated, for posting this on the internets for all to see…)
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Our furbaby Paco is always trying to get into the wedding planning. It’s very sweet, but usually he just gets in the way, or knocks things over. You know, the whole lack of opposable thumbs can be a real inconvenience. But finally, he has made his mark on the wedding (pardon the dog-pun), and now he won’t stop gloating.
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Just over a year ago, some of my lady friends decided to take control of their finances, together. They invited some like-minded friends (one of which is moi) and started a monthly meeting ritual called Smart Chicks Club. Each month, a different gal hosts, we all chip in $2 for snacks and drinks, and we get together to discuss our financial frustrations, goals and celebrations… and we have a clothing swap! Most months, we have a guest speaker come in and talk about real estate, investments, financial planning, or health… usually a friend or friend-of-friend, and it’s always free. What started as a financial club has really expanded into quite a support group! We do try and keep a focus on finances, but we also share our other hopes, dreams, plans, and life news. Super cozy.
Every month, I look forward to spending some quality time with the ladies. It’s so therapeutic, to feel all that gushy estrogen-y warmth in one room! I always feel better for being there, and have learned some amazing tips, tricks and more to help me keep my moneys (and sanity) under control. Read more…
Mrs. Meatball, HollywoodAge and Occupation: 30, Actor/Writer/Office MavenFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Actor/WriterEngagement Date: October 7, 2007Wedding Date: May, 2009Blogging Since: September 16, 2008Venue: Private Garden/The Bungalow ClubAbout Me: I love melty cheese and diet coke almost as much as I love my man. I'm from Chicago, he's from NYC, and we both miss public transit and great pizza. We have an adorable muppet dog called Paco. I'm part hippie with a healthy dash of hip hop superstar, have excessive empathy for animals, and have not one, but two bionic eyes (long story). We're broke and it ain't no joke. It can't stop us from planning the bold and whimsical wedding of our dreams, but we've had to get pretty creative to make it work, yo!
Seeing Mrs. Jellybean’s post about being featured in The Bride & Bloom magazine totally reminded me that waaaaaay back when we were first engaged, we were selected for a feature on dancing shoes vs. bridal shoes. The Bride & Bloom provided a pair of each for the 3 brides involved, and a free dancing lesson for us all to test them out and give our opinions on their comfort and style. The best part? We got to keep the shoes, and got a pic in the magazine!
They’re also holding a giveaway to sweeten the deal, and I hear the prizes are pretty fierce.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
