Wedding Wednesday... Our Wedding Website!

Oh I am so excited to finally reveal our wedding website!! With so many different offerings for personal sites, I had plenty of options to choose from, though I thought that My Wedding offered the cutest layouts, the best ways to organize your information, information about all of our wonderful vendors, and post some fun pictures of friends and family, too...this has been a work-in-progress for the past few months and I am finally finished {insert BIG sigh of relief here}

So here it is--I hope you all love it as much as I do =)

http://www.mywedding.com/natashajeff/

A Goal a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Since the month of June is winding down {can you believe 2010 is 1/2 way over???}, I wanted to post about where I finished with my monthly set of goals...you can see my original post here

Ok so how did I do???

1. Finish Reading Breaking Dawn--COMPLETE!! I finished it the first week of June--as we all know most of us are pee-in-our-pants excited to see Eclipse coming out tomorrow...I am now reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which I am thoroughly enjoying!

2. Make Dinner at Least 2 Nights a Week and Try 5 New Recipes--SEMI DONE...Jeff and I are cooking a lot more, though I have to admit a lot of my dinners have been the same things I am used to making--I need to branch out so my Southern Living magazines come ASAP!

3. Get My Oil Changed and Alignment Checked--COMPLETE!! So glad I did this to beat the summer heat, and I saved some money, too

4. Finish Decorating our Master Bedroom--FAIL! I still have pictures to put in our ledge and still need artwork for one wall, but I have a feeling that will be put off until I stumble across something simply fabulous... work-in-progress =)

5. Paint and Decorate the Upstairs Guest Bathroom--FAIL! We all know how this one turned out... GROSS/UGLY/HIDEOUS! The weekend after next I have one day free so I am planning to repaint and get this one knocked out

6. Attend Church Every Sunday We're Home--COMPLETE although I feel like this doesn't count... we were only home 1 Sunday this month, but we did go!!

7. Workout 4 Days a Week EVERY Week--SEMI-COMPLETE...Some weeks I worked out 3 days and some weeks I worked out 4--all in all, with as much traveling as I have been doing,  I ran more miles this month than I did in May so job well done

8. Get Together with 2 Friends I Haven't Seen in Awhile--COMPLETE!! I got to spend quality time with Jenna AND Brittney... so glad we made it happen!!

9. Wash and Clean My Car--BIG BIG FAIL on this one...still waiting for a free second to get this one knocked out--boo, I need to get on it once I get home from this weekend's festivities

With a new month {birthday month might I add!!} beginning, it's time for a new set of goals, right?? I find that if I am motivated I can get a lot more accomplished and so we'll see how long this monthly tradition continues...

1. Pay off Express Credit Card...yes, I am ashamed to admit it, but I have been paying on my Express credit card for quite some time (I can't even tell you the last time I shopped there), though I am going to write my last payment to them this month and close that credit chapter for good!

2. Complete at least 10 days of the 30-Day Shred DVD...Ms. Jillian took a backseat to my workouts since our downstairs carpet was gone, but now we have all new footing to get my additional workouts in for the mornings I don't visit the gym and I fully intend to devote 20 minutes of the AM to extra jumping jacks, ab crunches, and weights

3. Make the Bed Everyday... this one is a difficult task in my household--it's so easy to leave it undone every morning, but coming home to a messy bed at night makes me feel lazy so I am hoping Jeff and I can accomplish this task together--small steps, small steps

4. Update my Tres Chic Ink Blog More Regularly...it's so easy to blog about my personal life, places I am going, things that I am doing, but I need to make a point to blog about my passion for all things paper and really work on helping my calligraphy side-venture grow. Most of my clients have been friends and so I need to network and branch out so I can continue to do something I really love.

5. Send a Note to Someone... emails, texts, and phone calls are the easiest ways to communicate with those we love, but nothing says "I'm thinking about you" like a personal handwritten note--I am going to start keeping my stationery with me and attempt to write more to my family and friends.. just to say hello, tell them congrats, a miss you, etc--whatever the subject is doesn't matter, but it's the thought and the time you take to write that really matters

6. End the Tanning Bed For Good! Yes, I am one of the bad ones that loves to indulge in a good tan day {or two}... but it's time to put an end to the sun damage and I am switching to the Spray Tan--I just need to get the method perfected before some important events so I don't look like the village idiot

There you have it--July's to-do's in no particular order... I'll have to print this off and remind myself to take note of these goals so I am treat myself at the end of the month with something special!

Wishul Wednesday... All About Style

Oh how lucky each of us would be if we could have closets that resemble the celebrities coveted boudoirs.. wouldn't that be the life??? Kelsey over at the Seattle Smith's has all of us ladies swooning with delight and daydreaming today...

'I wish' .... I had Bloomingdales

as my personal closet and could shop from it daily

Now hear me out, for I am not speaking of just any old department store here... I am talking about the flagship store in NYC--oh my heart just skips a beat thinking of floor after floor of all their goodies--there is just something about that little/medium/big brown bag, right??

 

I have gotten lost in that store a time or two and unfortunately I found my way out =(

Hope on over to Kelsey's blog and tell her where your ideal closet store is!

Top 2 Tuesday... Alone on an Island

Today's topic over at Taylor's is all about the things you couldn't live without...

The Top 2 Things (not People) You Would Take to a Deserted Island

1. My iPod

Yes I may need electricity on my island, but we are living in my reality for a second so I am assuming there is a way to charge my beloved iPod, even if I have to use solar power--haha... I can't go on trips without this baby--easy to block out screaming babies, or fiances who want to discuss our finances and budget =)

2. Tennis Shoes

If I am stuck somewhere, I might as well get some exercise while I'm there, right??? I know, I sound like an idiot for wanting to run, but you have to kill time somehow and getting blistered feet on a deserted island doesn't sound like much fun to me

Out of Town... Who, Not Me

Yes, I know, you can't believe it... another weekend out of Nashville! This time, the Soon-to-be Grunkes and Jeff and I traveled to Atlanta for Aaron's parent's friends wedding shower...what a fun weekend!!
We left Friday after we all got off work and of course had to hit 3 different rounds of traffic--don't worry, we managed to sneak-in a healthy dinner at Sonic along the way =)

The Almost Grunkes!!

Can you tell how excited we were for some Sonic hamburgers??

Needless to say, we were exhausted by the time we got to the Grunke's house so we had hotty toddies and then headed straight to bed!
Saturday morning, we were greeted with a homemade breakfast--yummy!!--and then headed out on the town to do some shopping and relax a bit. We headed to Ikea and scored more fun goodies and then spent the afternoon taking it easy before the party.

The Gebhardt's backyard!!  

Meg with her Mom and Dad

Me with the Guest of Honor

Isn't he cute???

Meg's Godparents... the Parrotts

Me with my Love

After a fantastic party complete with not 1 but 2 cakes, we headed to Aaron's best friend's Jen and Will's house... since we were sooo tired from a lot of entertaining and mingling, we decided to take it easy and watched East Bound and Down--the funniest show EVER, but let me warn you, it's vulgar and crude--hilarious though if you're looking for a good laugh!
Sunday morning, we headed back to the Grunke's and ate the most WONDERFUL brunch--oh Ginger outdid herself again. She made this Southern Egg Casserole for which I MUST find the recipe... we then said our goodbyes to everyone, and headed to the North Georgia Premium Outlets to see if we could do any damage--haha!
I finally found some fun bright yellow outdoor pillows to go on our side porch--thank you Pottery Barn outlet--and found the CUTEST orange skirt at the BCBG store...yes, it's only June and I am shopping for outfits for UT football games this fall--I am telling you: you cannot find orange in the fall =)

Finally, after some weaving and turning through backroads, we made it to the interstate and found our way home to Nashville... unpacked, ate some dinner, watched the season premiere of Entourage with my boy, and then decided to order a new bed for one of the guest bedrooms... I am in love!!

The Valencia II Sleigh Bed--and yes, my house is going to look like
every room from the PB catalog ;)

Well back to work and reality....Exhausted would be an understatement for this Monday morning, but nothing a little coffee can't fix!! Now I'm back into bach party planning mode--we leave in 4 days and I have so much still to do... can't wait for a weekend in Charlotte celebrating Meg--woo hoo!! Have a great day friends!!

Fashionable Friday... Americana

With the 4th of July just a little more than a week away, I thought this Friday would be a perfect time to devote a post to all things American. Whether you're wearing white to keep you cool {and trendy}, sporting stripes to show your patriotism, or wearing a red/white/and blue combination to represent the flag, there are some great find out there right now to add to your wardrobe...

I'm On Sapphire Dress via Mod Cloth

 Chambray Wow Dress via Mod Cloth

Woven Sailor Dress via Forever 21

Rational Ruffles Tee via Anthropologie

Fine Line Skirt via Anthropologie

High Seas Dress via Anthropologie

Women's Eyelet Shift Dress via Land's End Canvas

Nautical Tote Bag via Gap

Nautical Floppy Hat via Gap

The Art of Gift Giving

I believe there is a fine science regarding gifts that you bestow to your family and friends... and a very important one at that. To me, what you give to others is a reflection of not only your personality, but your thought process behind it and what they mean to you.

I know in this day and age, it's very easy to pick up a simple gift card or pre-packaged gift, but I think when you take the time to make something original or give them a gift in a creative way, it allows your present to stand out from the rest and really lets them know you genuinely care... 

For example, a few months ago I gave my friend Amber a collage wedding frame spelling out her new last name. When she opened it, I could tell she was really excited and I kept getting questions from friends and other guests asking where I got it, how they could get one, etc. 

Or take for instance one of my best friend's showers... the fabulous hostesses sent out recipe cards with the invitations and then bought the bride-to-be a monogrammed recipe box for all her recipes and a personalized apron to go with!

                                     

It's all about creativity... I recently gave my friends Ryan and Rachel a housewarming gift for their new abode and bought them a cute Auburn orange flowerpot and then filled it with gardening gear... sorry, no pic for this one as I forgot!

For a little inspiration, here are some ideas that are sure to please any host/birthday girl/mom/friend/etc:
For the Entertainer... Monogrammed Napkins via All Things for All Parties

Have a friend with a green thumb?? Get her these uber:cute mini herb gardens, add a watering can with a few garden tools and call it a day

What about the ladies who love glamour and all things makeup?? Spoil her with this adorable Toss Designs cosmetic bag with a few fun eyeshadows and summer nail polishes inside and she's good to go!

Did one of your pals recently get a new job?? Surprise them with a fun paperweight and a few school supplies--think freshly sharpened pencils, a small plant, or anything to brighten their work space! {paperweight via Iomoi}

Remember, have fun, think outside the box, and don't be afraid to try something different!! Your loved one will appreciate the extra effort you put in and your kind-hearted gesture won't go unnoticed!!  

A Little Bit of Insight

So I was browsing through an article from Shape magazine last week at the salon {yes, I am going back to blonde for those who are wondering} and it said that on average, women gain 21 pounds during the first year of marriage--HOLY MOLY that is A LOT! You spend all this time getting in uber:incredible shape for the big day and once you get adjusted to married life I guess you come home to partake in Ben and Jerry's and over indulge on Hamburger Helper??

Oh, this made me cringe just thinking about it... so I am telling you some of my favorite things so we can all help each other!! 

Over at the Livestrong website, they have a helpful daily plate called My Plate that helps you calculate the calories you're consuming on a daily basis. You can add your workous in too to see how much that has helped your take for the day. Soooo easy to use and like I have mentioned before, if you write down what you're eating everyday, it helps on ways to cut out the little snacks here and there, or to show if you're getting the right mix of proteins/carbs/fats in your diet!

I also found this article on Runner's World and think it hits home-The 10 Rules of Weight Loss

1. To lose 10 pounds of body fat a year, you need to eat 100 calories less per day. Cutting too many calories from your daily intake will sap your energy level and increase your hunger, making you more susceptible to splurging on high-calorie foods.
2. Don't skip breakfast. Eat within two hours of waking.
3. In fact, eat more breakfast than you think you should. Trade in some of your dinner calories for more calories at breakfast.
4. Don't allow yourself to get hungry. Eat at least every four hours, and split a meal in half to make sure you properly fuel up pre- and postrun. For example, eat part of your breakfast before your morning run (a banana) and the rest of your breakfast afterward (a bagel with peanut butter).
5. Eat at least three kinds of food each meal from these four categories: breads, cereals, and grains; fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy and soy; and lean meats, fish, and nuts. Breads, cereals, and grains should be the foundation of each meal, with protein as an accompaniment.
6. Shoot for a gradual loss of body fat. You're more likely to put the weight back on (and more) if you drop weight too quickly.
7. Liquid calories add up fast and can lead to weight gain. Minimize the amount of sodas, juices, store-bought smoothies, sports drinks, coffee drinks, and alcohol you consume.
8. Eat closer to the earth, enjoying fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Minimize the amount of processed foods you eat; they tend to offer less fiber and are less satiating.
9. If you can't resist fast food, ask for nutritional information before you make your choices (or check in advance via restaurant Web sites). Avoid any menu items with the words "fried," "crispy," and "special sauce," which are guaranteed to be high calorie.
10. Remember that the calories in the energy bars, sports drinks, and gels you consume during a run add up, even though you're running. Consume them only as needed.

And in my opinion, take down those unrealistic pictures of all the celebrities gracing the covers of your favorite magazines... these ladies have cellulite just like the rest of us, though most of us don't have the benefit of having a photo editor at our fingertips with Photoshop to "retouch" a flaw or two. Get to your happy weight {quiz found here}, determine your calorie needs {here}, and be happy in your own gorgeous skin! =)

And just to be fun.. I found some before/after pics of a few celebs--see, they are HUMAN!

Cameron Diaz Before

And After (notice the ab indentions, tan, and hair lightening)

Eva Longoria Parker Before

And After (see no dark under-eye circles, arm lines gone)

Wedding Wednesday... Ding Ding Ding Goes the Trolley

Did you think I had disappeared?? The last 3 days have been a whirlwind for me because of work and traveling like a mad woman, but I got home late last night and as they say, "there's no place like home". Luckily, I had a hot fiance waiting on me at the airport and bless his heart, he had cleaned the entire house before I got home because he said he knew I would flip out if I saw how he had been living like a bachelor the past few days... food everywhere, dirty clothes on the floor, dishes not put away--haha--that boy knows me all too well. =) 

Well, I am back and frantically trying to get my life back in order before heading out of town again this weekend--ATL--woop woop! But, since I was gone, my Mom had a tall order to work on getting our wedding day transportation booked and boy did she come through--we got the perfect ride...the Nashville Trolley!!

We will have the trolley to transport the entire wedding party from the ceremony to the reception venue, and then we're planning on using it later that night as well--I am so excited and think this will be a fun detail for the big day!!

OK so on to one of the MOST IMPORTANT components of the blessed event of marriage... also known as the honeymoon!! We had originally thought we would be using a timeshare of Jeff's mom and going to either St. John or St. Lucia--however, with the high vaction time in June, this may not happen--sad, yes, but this also means we are opening up our search to other places... I need your help! Where did you go on your honeymoon?? I am really thinking we want to do an all-inclusive resort somewhere--yes, it needs to be extremely relaxing/beachy, but with fun activities to do, too {think ziplining, scuba diving, etc}. These are some reports I have been looking at and to be honest, as long as there is a drink in my hand and my hubby beside me, I'll be one happy wife =)

 Cap Juluca in Anguilla/St. Maarten

Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

Spice Island Beach Resort--Grenada