Are You a Bridezilla?

I got this from Ai's post...

ARE YOU A BRIDEZILLA?

You are a: skilled-negotiator

You've found the perfect balance between practical and whimsical for your big day. You envision your wedding as an elegant event on a grand scale, but are careful not to lose the romance and tradition of the day. You are a level-headed negotiator, able to handle unexpected bumps in the road without losing your cool. Your serenity in the face of possible chaos will diffuse the situation and leave your wedding day a splendid celebration for everyone involved.


So... are you a bridezilla? Take the TEST to know!

Sweet Temptation

This is soo tempting...

Dessert Bar of Josiah's...

An Assortment of different desserts like crepe, chocolate mouse, banana fritters, fruit roulade and chocolate fountain with assorted dippings.

Upgrade Price: PhP 15,000.00

*Sigh*

Of Stickers and Faux Leaves

Yesterday my friend Mia delivered to our house the faux autumn leaves and the maple leaves stickers that I have ordered online (through her). They were so nice! I especially liked the stickers, though I don’t know yet where to use them… invitations perhaps? Or stick them in the pear candles (our favors).





For the faux leaves, they will be part of our centerpiece in our table. Ooh! I really hope we can work out our plan of having those pumpkin floral centerpieces, well at least for our table. :-P

Registered!

Yesterday, I went to Rustan's Bridal Registry in Shangri La and I got ourselves registered! I thought that after registering I had to choose the items for our list. Good thing that our contact, Annabel, told us that we will choose the items a month before our wedding date. She also told us that for our showers and engagement parties, we should inform her so that a partial list will be drawn up.

The inclusions of the registry are:

- 10% discount (cash) for the couple until 6 months after the wedding
- 10% discount (cash) for those who will buy based on the list
- Gifts can be returned. (One time return)
- Gifts can be delivered to the couple's residence.
- 10% discount stubs for maidenform products (for showers?)

After registering, I already checked out a couple of items, and wow... some are quite expensive! Maybe I should register in another department store as well, perhaps in Home of SM.

Anyway, at least I know that Enrique will be here for the choosing of items. :-P

JJS: Jittery Jittery Strings?

For our wedding, it is important for us that our music / strings provider will perform really well. We believe that having good music will somehow set the right mood not only for the reception but for the ceremony as well.

Last year I have carefully thought of which group to get, and during that time, one of the promising music providers is JJS Entertainment. I initially wanted the group of Bernie Pasamba. However, his rates are a little too expensive, about 5k++ more than JJS.

Enrique and I then decided to meet both the heads of these groups at the same day (on different times of course). We found Mr. John Santos (JJS) more warming and easier to talk to, not to mention the fact that his rates are really good, and his list of celebrity clients are quite impressive. So after a week, we have decided to book JJS.

Since the beginning of this year however, I have been concerned about JJS, as I have been reading and hearing a lot of negative feedbacks about them: tardiness, arrangements not being followed, different singers coming in, not replying when given feedbacks, etc.

I guess I have to closely keep in touch with JJS and raise to Mr. Santos my concerns, without referring to the negative ratings I have read/heard.

I really really hope that come our wedding day, things will go smoothly. I’m not really that demanding a bride, and most likely during our big day Enrique and I would be in Cloud 9 to care, but if I do notice anything unpleasant, it will mean that performance is that bad.

Knock Knock!

Knock Knock!

Who's There?

Da Vinci

Da Vinci Who?

...

...

...

da Vinci winsy spider jumped off the water spout... down came the rain and washed the spider out...


hehehehe. GOOD MORNING!!!

Guest Table Centerpiece

I don't know if I would still have a budget for this but... i really like this to be our centerpiece (plus tea lights) for our guest tables.



And this probably for our VIP table and couple's table.

Weekend Activities

As usual, my weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions, but thankfully these are not about work.

My lost art
Over the weekend, for some reason, I was sooo inspired in doing some wedding preparations (and further planning). I spent most of my time reading again Martha Stewart wedding magazines I bought and borrowed. As I browsed thru the pages with new eyes, I began to conceptualize again the look and style for our autumn theme.

I got hold of a spare notebook, looked for my soft pastels, and started drawing new designs for our secondary sponsors, as well as the tables for our reception: a) if centerpieces of Josiah's are used; b) if we use our florist to implement what I had in mind (though this would entail additional expenses).

It really felt good holding my pastels, and for every stroke of my hand, I wondered why I stopped drawing and painting. The end products weren't that good (I'm a bit rusty, and the paper is not the right one), though at least it showed how the designs would look.

Our principal sponsors
Anyway, I also finished our list of principal sponsors... Finally! Initially, we wanted to have 7 sets, as 7 is a special number to us. However, I just settled for 5 sets. I haven't told this to Enrique but I think he'd agree too.

Bridal Registry
I also became inspired to think about our future home... the colors to use, the designs, the furniture, household equipment, etc... From here I was able to come up with a list of items for our bridal registry. When I told Enrique about our bridal registry, he told me he's quite hesitant in having one, as he felt shy about it. I told him that it would be good not only for us but also for our guests who wish to give us gifts, since they would know what we really needed and also redundancies of gifts will be lessened. I assured him that I will not put in the list really high end items. Also, my relatives are already asking me where we are registered so they could check out our list and buy their gifts (for the shower, despedida, wedding).

Grandfathers Concerns
I was supposed to go to Rustan's to start the ball rolling for our bridal registry, but then my plan was postponed because we visited my grandparents (Father's Day!): one grandfather was confined in medical City, the other was in Hillsborough in Alabang. My second grandpa had another attack soon after we left (to go to Medical City), so now he is confined in Asian Hospital. Now I am really concerned about my grandfathers. It sounds so unpleasant, but I hope that they are still "ok" in December (to put it mildly). *Sigh*

Tough Job

Aaaarggghhhh!!!!!

This tough job of mine is slowly driving me nuts!!!! Unplanned developments in the fleet, somewhat unpleasant crew, etc... All are giving me a headache. This job is also eating up my time - not because I stay up late in the office (I still manage to go home at 6 pm), but because even after office hours (as well as during weekends), things may come up that would need my attention. Not to mention that even though I am home already, my mind is still filled with work thoughts - planning and all. *Sigh*

Aside from this, I have no time for wedding preparations, and Enrique and I have argued a lot of times eversince I took this job, about my lack of attention to him, especially now that he's away (he says that I don't text as often as he wishes, etc..).

I like my job. I really do. It's very dynamic, it's not boring, I get to talk to different people, it tests my people and management skills, etc. It really is a challenging job, which I like. But there are times when I ask myself, is it worth it? Is it worth the stress? Stress is even a word that was alien to me until last week.

I have ranted to Enrique about my current disposition, and I felt sorry that I ranted to him too much. Far too much, too much to the point that he told me that as soon as he comes back from Europe, he wants me to resign. Now he feels so useless, that he knows I shouldn't work and all, but he is letting me work. I disagree with him, and that he shouldn't feel useless. It was my choice to get this job even though he wanted me to stop last year.

Part of me wants to quit and take the easier road. Yet a bigger part of me wants to stay. I really like the challenge. And also, what the heck will I do at home?

*Sigh*

Drama, drama, drama...

Of Budgeting... Then and Now

I'm kinda feeling nostalgic again, reminiscing about the time when I started with our wedding preps. It was about these same days last year when Enrique and I started setting up our budget.

In the beginning, when I wasn't part of the weddings at work community, I didn't know much about the suppliers (all our current suppliers were unknown to me!). All we thought of was to initially have our wedding either in Tagaytay or in Sanctuario de San Antonio/Makati Shang. And of course, my gown by Dennis Lustico. However, when I started "excel-ing" our budget, I was shocked to see a fat figure in the bottom line. And I said... no way. There should be some way of bringing that figure down to a yoga-like body. To make things worse, my budget was really wrong... e.g. 10k budget for a photo/video. Hello? Where can I get that? It only meant that my "budget," amid it being a little high (for me) already, was not even good enough.

Good thing I joined the community of brides and wives. I am able to stick to the original budget without adding more. Well actually... we are a little below our budget (clap clap clap!), and we are contented with it!

I really like to thank these people in particular who helped me get our suppliers:

1. Fernwood - Thanks to Arlene for dragging me to look at Fernwood. Before going there I didn't want the place because of its high rates. But when I did, I knew it was the one for us.

2. Veluz Reyes - Con Con! She was the one who talked to Veluz (among other suppliers) on my behalf and convinced me to book her. I'm glad I did.

3. Archie Paungan - Thanks Glo and Anne! Not only did I find a photog/videog, I have found a new friend as well.

4. Boy Mahusay - Though he was one of my prospect florists, it was Con's convincing power that made me go to Dangwa. And boy, Enrique was so happy with him.

5. Tet Hagape - Marj and Maricel were the two powerbrides who helped me decide to get Tet for our entourage gowns.

6. Angie Cruz & Ogie Rayel - Both were the HMUA of Maybelle, and she was kind enough to suggest to me to consider the duo because not only is their work fabulous, but their rates were really good as well!

7. Other suppliers I considered / got - I really have to mention this.... Thank you very much Jen S. for helping me everyday when it comes to the whole preps thing and experiences. It was her who most of the time went with me to meet our prospects. I am just so glad she became my friend.

*Sigh* Six more months..... can't hardly wait.

Our Guide

Everytime we celebrate our monthsary, we see to it that we read and talk about this simple article / guidelines on how to have an ideal relationship...

*********************
HOW TO HAVE AN IDEAL RELATIONSHIP
By Lorrin Lee


A relationship is a natural, logical and harmonious association. This happens when people want to be with each other and look forward to sharing goals, time and activities together.


1. TALK. Always in pleasant tones. No shouting or swearing at each other. Speak only positive words with gentleness and kindness. Communicate daily. This is the highest and most caring form of love.

2. WALK TOGETHER MORE. Take 30 minutes a day. To exercise, communicate, release emotions, share ideas, goals, and to clear up any misunderstandings. It’s okay to hold hands, too.

3. DO NEW AND DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES TOGETHER. Enjoy a new restaurant, a different dish, a concert, a unique vacation, attend a class together--- something exciting both of you can plan and look forward to. Learn together and you’ll be happier

4. GIVE EACH OTHER GIFTS OFTEN. Like a magazine subscription, a special book, a warm bath and massage, flowers, surprise experiences, favourite foods and the many other special things your mate will enjoy and get excited about.

5. WRITE LOVE NOTES. Hide them around the home--- in clothing, pockets, in the kitchen drawer and secret places. Send some to his or her working place. Write a passionate love letter. Express your love in writing on exquisite stationery. Attach a gift certificate or a crispy P 1000 bill. Use your imagination and make it a fun surprise. And do it often.

6. DO NOT CRITICIZE, CONDEMN OR COMPLAIN! This is a NO-No. Only praise. Acknowledge the goodness in each other. There is no place for negativity in loving and lasting relationship ever! Your mate will do the right thing--- as you lead by example.

7. ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN YOUR IDEAL FIGURE. It is a gift to yourself and your mate. A healthy and attractive body also promotes a healthy relationship.

8. ALLOW YOUR PARTNER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER LIFE. He or she has the right to determine his or her own destiny. Always respect that choice. Both of you can live your lives in your own way harmoniously. Treasure each other’s differences. Do your best to make life easier and more fun for your mate.

9. GROW TOGETHER. At the same speed and direction---by sharing similar ideas and activities. This will bond you together even more while building on fond memories. (People who don’t grow together will complete their relationship and move on to lead separate lives. This is why most people divorce.)

10. DO NOT BE POSSESSIVE. Don’t act as though you “own” your mate. Support, encourage each other’s way of living and individual interest. Be grateful in harmony.

11. TREASURE YOUR TIME TOGETHER. It could be your last. Look at it this way and you’ll always appreciate each other even more. Have no reason for regrets. Spend time with each other doing all the things you both lo0ved to do. Do it now! Tomorrow mat not come so together plan now for the best of the rest of your lives.

12. IT IS OKAY TO DO WHATEVER PLEASES BOTH OF YOU. In private, there are no limits on what you can do together with each other… as long as both benefit and agree. Whatever other people think of what you do or say is none of your business! So, go ahead experiment--- and satisfy each other to the limit!

13. BE OPEN. To the ideas, experiences and relationships. This is the way for fun, growth and expansion in you lives. The more you learn together… the happier you both will be.

14. FORGIVE AND LOVE. Release the past at every moment. Live in the present. Plan for the future ---together and joyously!

15. BE FREE OF RESENTMENT, ANGER, JEALOUSY, HATRED AND ENVY TOWARD EACH OTHER. This will open both of you to even greater respect for each other. Be thankful to your mate’s kindness.

16. ELIMINATE ARGUING TOTALLY. Anywhere, anytime. Especially while eating or in bed. Each person has a right to his or her opinion. Respect each other ideas, philosophy and outlook on life. Be a great listener!

17. SMILE AND LAUGH WITH EACH OTHER. A prescription for aliveness and health. Don’t take yourself or your mate too seriously. Lighten up and laugh more often. Remember, your smiles are true gift to each other.

18. LOOK INTO EACH OTHER’S EYES OFTEN. See the love, truth and beauty in your mate. The more you look into each other eyes the more you will love each other more deeply! Do this daily. It’s very powerful and fun.

19. TOUCH EACH OTHER TENDERLY EVERY DAY. Hug. Kiss. Caress. These are wonderful ways to show caring love. We all need it more than we care to admit!

20. DEVELOP A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. Good food promotes a healthier state of mind for a more meaningful relationship. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole wheat, grains, hi-fiber, low –fat, low calorie foods. Drink more water. Get more rest. Keep yourself cleansed, nourished and balanced.

21. KEEP YOUR HOME, CAR, KITHCEN, CLOSET AND ROOM --- SIMPLE, NEAT, CLEAN AND ORGANIZED. This will help promote a tranquil setting for greater peace and happiness in you lives. It really works! Begin this---today!

22. DRESS YOUR BEST. Be appropriate, neat, clean and proud of you appearance. How you look especially in public--- enhances your mat’s choice and appearance too.

23. SHARE IN FINANCIAL MATTERS. If you are married, communicate with each other on all you finances. If you have a family business be sure both are informed on profits, losses, expenses, etc. set your financial priorities together. This will help to strengthen your relationship which is built on trust and sharing. Enjoy building your financial future together. This is important.

24. ACCEPT EACH OTHER TOTALLY. Exactly the way both of you are. Do not try to change each other’s uniqueness. Allow your mate to change if and when he or she desires. This promotes everlasting peace.

25. SAY: “I LOVE YOU”. Daily, many times, especially when you wake up and before you go to sleep. Say it for the rest of your lives together. Never ever take love for granted. Express it verbally as well as with action. We all need to hear that magical phrase. It reaffirms how we feel at that moment. So fill you lives with millions of love by saying “I LOVE YOU.”

Of Despedida de Soltera, Showers, and Registries

Yesterday, our family had lunch in Intercon with some of our Hidalgo relatives, and part of our conversation topics was our wedding. Though we are a tightly-knit clan, I was still quite surprised that they were so into our wedding! They asked for the details, the theme, what they should wear, etc. Of course, being the excited bride that i am, I was more than happy to give them information about the wedding and our wedding preps.

My Tita, who hosted our lunch, said that a Despedida de Soltera should be arranged, a week or two before our big day. My other aunt asked if I already had a bridal registry. When I said not yet, they told me to do that immediately... Talk about being excited hahaha! They said that by the time they plan a bridal shower for me, I should have our registry set up. Hehehe... I love them. :-)

Of course, any wedding talk is incomplete without the dozens of wedding and marriage advices. Here are my faves:

1. A key to a successful marriage: 99% acceptance
2. Another ratio: 90% patience, 10% perseverance. (Where's the love? HAHAHAHA!)
3. From my aunt: Enjoy your last few days as a single woman.
4. Her husband: cherish your husband. (I really have to laugh, but it is a good advice)
5. Let God be the center of marriage (my aunt asked if Enrique was a devout Catholic. Actually, he is, more than me!)

Joke Joke Joke!

BF: may malaki ako problema.
GF: wag mo sabihin problema mo lang problema natin dahil nagmamahalan tayo. ngayon ano problema natin?
BF: nabuntis natin si inday at tayo ang ama

*********
"There what it takes to be. Then we shall so be it because it is. To do or not to is in the what, now or what else. Without which there never to you!" - words of wisdom from Senator Lito Lapid.

*********
Pare1: pare parang malalim ang iniisip mo!
Pare2: nanaginip ako kagabi kasama ko 50 contestants ng Ms. Universe
Pare1: swerte mo! ano problema mo?
Pare2: pare ako nanalo!

*********
Killer: father mangungumpisal po ako
Father: ano kasalanan mo?
Killer: pumatay po ako ng 20 tao
Father: bakit?
Killer: kasi po naniniwala sila sa Diyos, kayo po naniniwala ba?
Father: dati...pero ngayon trip trip na lang

*********
Patient: doc takot po ako sa bunot
Dentist: eto gamot pampatapang ng loob
Patient: (ininom ang gamot)
Dentist: ano matapang ka na ba?
Patient: oo doc! puta pag may gumalaw ng ngipin ko basag ang bungo!

*********
1 panget na babe, hinoholdap

Holdaper: holdap ito! akin na gamit mo!
Babae: RAPE! RAPE! RAPE!
Holdaper: anong rape? holdap nga to eh!
Babae: wala lang! nagsusuggest lang...

*********
1 lasing nasalubong ang matabang babae na may kasamang aso

Lasing: hoy, saan mo nakuha yang baboy?
Babae: aso ito hindi baboy!
Lasing: huwag ka nga sumabat! yung aso ang kausap ko!

*********
In a pet shop...

Customer talking to a parrot...

Customer: hoy! can you talk ha?! bobo!!!
Parrot: yes i can!!! ikaw?! can you fly ha? GAGO!!!

*********
Priest: ang mga bakla'y walang lugar sa kaharian ng langit
Mga bakla: carry lang po father...dun na lang kami sa rainbow mag slide-slide!!!

*********
Bobo: pare hulaan mo ugali ko, nagsisimula sa letter A
Pare: approachable?
Bobo: mali
Pare: amiable?
Bobo: mali pa rin
Pare: o sige siret na!
Bobo: ANEST wehehe!!!

*********
Girl: doc, pacheck-up po
Doc: sige hubad ka ng panty at bra tapos higa ka
Girl: hindi po ako, itong lola ko po
Doc: sige lola, hinga na lang po ng malalim

*********
Farmer: lalaki na talaga ang aking anak kasi magsasaka na...ano ang balak mo itanim sa sakahan mo anak?
Anak: flowers papa!!! madaming madaming flowers! pretty diba


********* HAVE A NICE WEEKEND! *********

Our Honeymoon Tickets!

Yipee! I'm so excited I got our e-tickets for our honeymoon!


Out tickets!

6 months, 8 days...

Early this morning I received a text message from Enrique. Normally he calls or sends me a message everyday to wake me up (that's the time he goes to bed too). But today his text is no ordinary text...

He noted that it's only 6 more months till our wedding day, and that as soon as June 1 set in, his longing to be home grew even stronger. His message was really sentimental, and I could just imagine the small smile in his face and the shyness-sparkle-whatever in his eyes.

I miss him so much.

Our big day is becoming nearer each day, and like what I tell my friends, I look forward to our wedding day not only because the 1 1/2 wedding preparations will finally bear fruit, but more importantly, because I am really excited about the life both Enrique and I will have as husband and wife.