Goodbye To SingleHood

Last December 20, 2008 was the much awaited event of my life. Finally, after being with my honey for more than five years and together with our families, relatives, friends, and family friends, we said our "I do's" and become partners for life.

As a teaser, I am leaving you with this pic. I chose a traditional march down the aisle. The man who first love me unconditionally held me gently while the man that I will share the rest of my life forever is waiting for me at the altar.

Turning 30!

I turned 30 last end of November. Honestly, I am shying away from celebrating my D-day since I know that every year plus one is added to my age. But this time is different. Since I will be saying goodbye to my singlehood, I really celebrated it with a bang! And of course, there was a little surprise that my mom prepared for me. Actually it was a culmination of birthday and shower party in one. My friends whom I invited was quite shock as well but at the same time, we learned a LOT of naughty informations. Here are some highlights on that day!

Guests consists of relatives, husband-to-be's family, close friends, and family friends.











My mom suggested of bringing an inexpensive wacky gift. So aside from the T-backs, or other special undies, I also got porno dvds, balot, banana, condom, and even tawas! Everyone had a naughty and clean fun day!







Hmm... 'Twas the best!

Time Out

After my much celebrated birthday, Dec. 1, Leo and I headed to cinemas for a time out for all the wedding hooplas and et al.



My first choice of movie was Twilight since I've been reading about blogs on this or One True Love, just to unleash all the stresses that we are feeling right now. But anyway, Quantum of Solace is enough. I may not be a James Bond addict BUT this movie is not an action packed thriller compared to the Bond films I have watched before. Oh well, this is just a stress reliver after all.

On Weddings

I just want to share my boss write up in her blog.. Here’s the link.

31 Days To Go...

She's More Excited

My mom is more excited than I am. And to tell you frankly, she is more OC than me. I guess mother’s instincts. So, what made her busy with the wedding preparations, here are some lists:

1) She bought materials for our missalette last Sunday.
2) Accompanied me to GH and Market Market to buy gifts for our Ninongs and Ninangs as well as for our entourage.
3) Chose the styling for the church.
4) Advises me to buy wines and to finish the text in the missalette.
5) She will be doing our AVP
6) She is conceptualizing a design in wrapping our gifts for Ninangs.
7) And so much more!

I am one lucky girl:) And in return for everything that she’s done for me, I said a sweet “Thank you” this Sunday. I just can’t imagine life without her really! Thanks mom.

I am Excited

... and why?? I will be seeing my entourage first fitting this coming Saturday. Haay, wonderful.. I just hope that they will all look great with their gowns. Btw, our motiff is green (similar to apple green but not!) and bronze..

Busy Bee

Honey is on leave for a week and 2 days.. Since I call this the last leg of our wedding preparations, we have accomplished so far like getting our NSO birth certificates (which by-the-way is the most hassle part of preparing our docs), submitting our BANNS and Permit to Marry, awaiting for the arrival of our Cenomar so we could apply for Marriage License, got our souvenir boxes (this has another story), and final proof of our invitations. We were able to buy also our souvenirs for our Ninangs (another gift from mom) and so much more. Indeed, he has a busy and fruitful day-off or leave afterall..

Here It Comes!!!

We have barely months to go and I guess we haven't accomplished the small details that we need for the wedding. I have to admit that I am so stress lately; lack of sleep, wedding stress, our budget, and other errands. I never thought that this would be so stressful. Usually, I nod whenever a friend bride would tell me that wedding preparations can be tiring and that your relationship with your partner can put to a test. No, I haven’t cried yet but many times I would want to lock myself in my room for one day and just have my own ME time. Oh well, what can I do but to shrug this off and look forward.

So what we have accomplished so far... Well, I would say that so far so good. But on a second note we need to double time. This is our last leg of our preparations and somehow frustrations comes in. But whatever it is, I am so happy that there are people like my mom who helps and gives me all out support.

Last Monday, I headed to NSO to get a copy of our Birth Certificates and Cenomar. Prior to this, I already inquired to have it delivered to our place but I find it quite expensive and this will ruin my budget. But when I was there, filling out the forms, I said to myself, gosh, I can't do it. Plus the fact, that h2b was not with me and of course his signature is needed. So I said to myself that this will be useless. I then thought of the NSO delivery so I decided to pursue that instead. Good thing also, that our driver's mother-in-law is working at NSO and she can help us get the certificates at a lower cost. Maybe we saved around 200 pesos.. Well, I just wait for our copies and hopefully we can get it before the week ends.

Monday, Sept. 15, was also our schedule to go to our invitation maker. Leo couldn't find time to be with me so I went on my own instead and didn't manage to complain. So, anyways, we decided back then that we will go for QP and get the traditional designs. We have scouted a LOT of invitation maker as well as printing press but no one has really caught our attention well. When I was lurking at SM the Block, I saw a Printed Matter booth (there are my first choice actually), and so I went and ask. I was checking on their designs and really so far they impressed me. Well, if you know me, I would like to play with colors (as in different colors) and by far, they are the only invitation supplier who can do that at a cheaper rate. We have also set a budget for it and while thinking, why not go for it. Believe it or not, I spent almost 4 hours in their booth thinking about our wedding design and concept. Really wow! I couldn't wait to see our mock up designs next week.

Too Tired

For the past weeks, Leo and I are busy doing a LOT of errands for our wedding. I even have to sacrifice my sleep for Saturday morning (my home based job ends at 9am) so we could go to our suppliers. I’ve been very busy reviewing our contracts and expenses, which gives me so much stress lately… Hahaha..

It’s good to know that Leo can accompany me all the time, which means I have a driver in tow. So I can take a quick nap on our way. It’s been a long time already since I held a gear, and I must say that having honey around is so precious! All I have to do is give him the directions or at times, I let him check the map on the supplier’s site.

Our whole Saturdays of September are already full. In fact I have a scheduled meetings for October and November already.

September 15 – NSO & QP for our invitations
September (No particular date yet) – need to arrange our documents
September 20 – House Blessing & My Brother’s Party
September 27 – Trip to Greenhills
October 6 – Meeting with my OTD
October 15 – Brother’s Graduation Day (MBA class)
October 18 – Ento Fittings
November 6 – Prenup Schedule

See, I really need to plan my itinerary well. It’s good to know also that fuel prices went down somehow cause this means savings for us too. What I need right now is a good massage. Haay!!

Manic Monday

It's Monday again and I'll be pretty busy with all my wedding errands.

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We plan on getting our baptismal documents today. Proceed to a wedding invitation supplier and other wedding stuffs.

Afterwards, go to the grocery and check for some baby bottles for my friend's baby shower on Sept. 12. Haay.. long day ahead :)

Are We?

How would you know if we are close?? Hmm..

Well, there’s no better way to answer that but my closest friends I guess.. Anyways, since we are preparing for the wedding, we would like to receive gifts either a contribution to our wedding expenses or monetary gifts so we could choose the best gift that suits our personality. But nevertheless, to attend to our wedding particularly in the ceremony is already a big gift.

Yesterday, my good friend, Rose texted me if I have checked out party pics live? Texted her back and told her that I will check later. I wasn’t able to check her other messages since my phone went empty and was still at the grocery then. The only time that I charged my phone was at 10pm so I didn’t get the chance to text her back.

When I try out the site she was telling me.. I am giggling. I never thought that my friend will search something like this and to think that she is pregnant! Well, she asked me if I could find two more friends so they could share this as a wedding gift.. So, do I really want this… Hmm.. Why not if it’s free!! My dilemma.. will I tell my other friends about it? Hahaah.. My two girl friends in college (who knows me very well) will be giving me a relaxation package so I am left with … I dunno… Hehe.. Kinda shy to ask I guess!

Still, I am very thankful for my friend who thought about this! Yes, she knows me very WELL.

Weekend...

…Mine was great!

After are “so-called “ tampuhan, I finally realize that we shouldn’t fight over small things..Though I have to admit that I plan not to make the first move, it won’t do good for both of us right? So after our mass last Sunday, I finally put the nerve of making the first move.. after all, we both need to adjust to our personalities. And I was much happier..

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We will be meeting a lot of suppliers, ninongs and ninangs starting next week. Hopefully we could watch the performance of our wedding band this coming month..We better need to sit down and talk. I hope we could squeeze it in our schedule.

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My blog money haven’t arrive yet! Kainis. Hopefully this week I’ll be able to get it. Need it badly

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My friend who will be getting married on Jan 2, 2009 has scheduled our measurement taking this coming Sunday, Aug. 24. Yes, I am one of her secondary sponsors..

Haaayy :)

Last Monday, honey and I discussed some wedding expenses.. And somehow he was shocked because our expenses ballooned already. I was quite sad of his reaction that is why during our grocery errand, I am just quiet all the time.

I asked him if he could talk to his “angel” but he doesn’t want to do the first step. Back then, I remembered that his “angel” will somehow shoulder some of the expenses. Though they haven’t asked from us yet but still I wonder if they will ever? :(

Good thing honey is really positive on this. Yes, I know we can pull it off but sometimes I just feel so bad if things don't fall at the right place.

Diet & Health Tips

I find this new task assignment very interesting.. My client who is based in UK is sending out on a regular basis newsletters for his clients regarding health and diet tips as well as fitness routines. Since I am on the verge of really losing weight for my big day, this has caught my attention and would like to share with everyone...

"To optimally preserve your lean body mass while losing weight it is extremely important to consume some type of lean protein at every meal.

Protein is a great nutrient to prevent you from overeating because it will fill you up quicker.

It is also another nutrient that is energy costly which means it takes more calories to digest and utilize protein than it does a carbohydrate.

For example did you know that it takes about 27 calories to digest 100 calories of lean protein. It only takes about 7 calories to digest 100 calories of carbohydrates.

This Thermic Effect of Food as it is called is crucial for successful weight loss.

To ensure that you are consuming enough lean protein to maximize your Thermic Effect follow this tip.

Determine your bodyweight in pounds and eat an equal amount of lean protein in grams. So if you weigh 145 pounds you would consume 145 grams of protein per day. This should be broken up into 4-6 meals throughout the day.

By eating lean protein at every feeding opportunity and eating 5-6 times a day will ensure a fast metabolism and maximum calories burned. "

Promise to share more of this next time...

Battle Over Weight

I was reading Valerie's post on weight lost (which is so interesting by-the-way) since I need help on this before my first gown fitting on Sunday. Haayy.. I hate gaining too much weight.. It's so sad also that my metabolism is too ssslow and yes I admit that I dont have enough activity too..

But anyway, how can you control your food intake if your husband-to-be is a food lover or lets say loves to eat most of the time. When we were still on our early days of our courtship, of course, I didnt realise that he eats too much (he stands 5'9 and is engaged to a LOT of activities so I guess he doesnt gain weight too much unlike me) plus we have other activities back then and at the same time I am in sales job so tripping to clients is my form of exercise already.

Five years ago, I dont weigh this much! And now, I badly need to lose weight for my big day.. My plan was... well,, I started eating small servings so I could naman enjoy life as well. I am just a sucker for sweets and that's really hard to resist.. And for this week, I bought fruits -- grapefruit and papaya for my meal.. Let me see if I can stand it.. On the other hand, since breakfast is our only bonding time before he goes to work.. I guess I should not deprive myself and join him for breakfast. Also, since my ipod is loaded with some dance songs, I a little dancing move wont hurt either!!

Attendants at al...

Pardon me with the late postings.. Like what I have mentioned in my previous post, my attendants had their measurements last Saturday. Though three, i mean two peeps weren't able to make it.. my MOH (Matron Of Honor) Irene and Bridesmaid cousin Ada (who is in Australia for World Youth Day), still everything went smoothly. Tet, my couturier is such a blessing. Though we already have previous designs, she still checks if that particular dress fits my attendants.. I am excited!

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Anyway, I was in a bad mood as well .. Read my post ... three, i mean two... All of a sudden, my so-called secondary sponsor called me up and said, "Tired na ako.. Galing pa akong Sucat.. Next time na lang ako".. Okay.. The scenario is I informed them two weeks prior to this date to know also if my attendants are available. And of course, I have to adjust as well since the fitting would be on a Saturday, my shift ends at 8 am.. And the time set was at 10am.. So you see.. I, too had some sacrifices.. Since I am a certified maldita (accdg to h2b), I really put down the phone because I am so "bad trip". I know it's rude but hello... So she texted me and said that I hope I understand the situation and wished that I did not put down the phone. So I replied.. " You confirmed right!". So she texted again and this is the most hated part : "Galing pa akong work and once a week lang me umuuwi.. Hope you understand.. I can go to your designer place or you can find a replacement". Haaay... so what do you think! I never said that I will find a replacement and do you think that she'll have time to go in Pasig (couturier's place), Sucat is much nearer in Makati.. I talked to h2b and he said, well.. maybe she's not interested! Viola.. That's it.. So I decided to replace her na lang.. H2b is right! Never heard.. Andrea, I am sorry..

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Here's another drama.. MOH Irene wasnt able to come as well. For some reasons which I do not bother to ask. When I called her Saturday morning around 1130 am (sya na lang hinihintay) coz she confirmed (and also advised me that she'll be in our place at Friday night -- reason why I went to Makati even though I don't have enough sleep yet). So when I called her on the nth time, she answered .. drey, just woke up.. Sorry!! I didnt utter any word.. Instead I just listen to her saying more than 10 times, I am sorry. I just said okay and when she asked if I am mad, I said yes!

Come Monday, I texted her and said that I'll be sending the measurement guide so she won't go to Pasig (she lives in Laguna). She asked me if I am mad .. and I said that I am quite disappointed.. Said my reasons and told her that it's over.. At least I vent out my feelings.... Thus, she doesn't need to worry coz she' s still my MOH.

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I know I can be crazy at times but honestly, I am not expecting too much from my attendants.. first is.. we are geographically apart, and second.. they, too, are busy with work. My only expectation is.. just need them to cooperate with the measurements and fittings.. after all, I want them to look good too!

Measurements

Next Saturday, July 19 at 10 am, I will be having my first gown fitting and my bridal party's measurements. Yes, I am quite excited since I'll be seeing familiar faces once again and will get a chance to discuss with my girls our wedding preparations. Since it will be held at our condo in Makati, I already told Leo that I need to be there by Thursday so I could prepare also. Asked one of my attendants to sleep over in our place so she could help me out during that day. Haay... Lapit na talaga @-,---

Our Save The Date Card

My friend, Thet emailed me the final revisions of our STD card.. And here it is... Btw, hand painted sya... And before I forget, Thet is residing in Belgium. I owe her a lot for making this project. She did our WILL YOU BE CARDS too.. and she had it shipped from Belgium to Pinas :) Sweet noh! Cant wait to receive the items...

Whatchathink guys??!!

Months To Go..

I honestly cannot believe that we have months to go before our big day.. I dont know exactly how many days but since it's the 2nd day of May.. and if I am not going to include it in my counting.. we have six (6) months to go. Kinda excited and scared at the same time.. So far, I should say that we have accomplished a lot.. We have booked the major suppliers so far..

* Still looking for invitation suppliers though we have visited GA Printing already.. Just waiting for the final quotation from Ms. Marge. And my friend Vladie is recommeding another printing press that will meet our budget. She's a bride too anyways.
* Got to book our florist for the event. We have scouted Dangwa and yes we found the "astig" one who could do my dream bouquet. It will be very traditional but with a modern twist..
* Go back to Imperial Palace for our hotel needs. I have the rates last February and I just hope that rates are still the same. We might need 2 big rooms for 3 to 2 days.. I dont know yet.
* Finalize our souvenirs.. Oh well, still undecided but I want a personal souvenirs that will both reflect our personalities.. I have one in mind and Leo is approving it..
* Prepare the necessary documents for the wedding..
* Do-It-Yourself Projects --- oh my!! I hope Leo could help me with this. I just need to think what I can do and not to do.
* Review the missalete I got from my fellow co-w@wie..
* Scout for my bridal shoes
* Find a reputable barong or suit maker (either of the two)

It's still a long, long way but like any brides.. I just want to be relaxed and not be pressured with the preps. Since I have lots of time, I'll definitely make a checklist..