wedding updates

Our wedding is four months away, and I feel like the last couple of months have been at a stopping point as far as the planning goes. 

I was so excited when we first got engaged, that our  venue, the DJ, and photographer were booked within a month!  We took some time to find the perfect caterer - and now that we have all the main things taken care of - I've just been cruising along.  

I am well aware that once we hit the three months mark, things are going to pick up.  We have so much left to get done, but I am really not worried about it. 

Michael's mom is doing our decorations, and she is just so good when it comes to flowers, and putting things together, that I haven't even thought twice about it.  

Sometimes, I feel like I'm not excited enough - but I think it is because we got engaged back in October, and in the meantime we have had two weddings, and two babies - all of which kept me pretty busy - so I decided to take a month off from showers, parties, and even planning! 

My dress came in a few weeks ago, and my mother and I were so anxious to go see it.  I ordered it in a size smaller than the one I tried on, on the promise that I would lose 10lbs.  

I was SO nervous - but when I put it on - I almost cried.  It fit perfectly.  The length, the size, the bust - it was like the dress was made for my body.  I couldn't believe that one, I had lost the weight; and two, I do not need alterations! 

Of course, we are going to to do a bustle, and IF I lose any more weight - we might have to take it in a little on the bust - but as of now ladies - it is perfect!  

I wish I could show you a picture of it - but Michael reads this every now and then, so I wouldn't want to risk it!

However, I did want to share our Save the Date with you!  We got them a little while ago, and while it has taken me forever to address and send them - here it is!

I know the quality of the picture isn't the greatest.  I tried taking a picture of it, but scanning it was the easiest way. 

I like it because it is simple - cute - and straight to the point!  If you are curious about the design, I found it on Peartreegreetings.com  

I really recommend this website, as they have good prices, and very cute stationary/invitations ideas!

the evils of online shopping

I don't know what is going on with me, but I have had the worst luck with online purchases this past week. 

Let me start off by saying that these are not even intentional purchases - they are a direct result of my not paying attention to what I am doing sometimes. 

It started off with Linkedin.com - are you familiar with this site?  It is a networking tool for professionals - or should I say, the professional Facebook.  I decided to try the "premium member" feature for a month, to see if it was worth the actual monthly membership.  

As I am looking through the different options, I see one for $7.95/month - OK not too bad.  I am going to try it for one month, and see how I like it.  Here we go, click, credit card info, boom - I'm a member!

I proceed to check my email to see if I have the typical confirmation email - and there it is: a charge for $240.  Ummm what!?  How did this happen?  Did linkedin just rip me off? 

Oh no - I just didn't realize that the $7.95 prices was for the PREPAID ONE YEAR membership.  After a moment of initial panic, and cursing at myself for 10 minutes, I Googled the issue, emailed customer service, and within 5 days, I had my money back. 

LinkedIn Response	06/08/2011 06:09
Hi July, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. I’ve gone ahead and changed the billing on your account from an annual subscription to monthly and I’ve also issued a refund of $214.45 to cover the difference. Please know that refunds can take up to five business days to post to your credit card account. To see a record of this refund, go to https://www.linkedin.com/secure/purchase?displayPurchaseHistory or you can: 1. Move your cursor over your name in the top right of your LinkedIn home page and click “Settings”. 2. Click the “View purchase history” link. I would be happy to assist you with any additional questions you have regarding this matter. Thank you for being a valued member of our LinkedIn community! Kamilla LinkedIn Customer Service

Michael and I laughed it off, him telling me I just have to be more careful when I make online purchases.  

Until last night.When it happened again. Twice in less than a week. 

This time it was Groupon.com, and this time, I did NOT intend to buy anything.  

This is where my continuous frustration with technology comes into place.  Don't get me wrong - I have an ipod, a laptop, an android touch phone, you name it - I'm up to date.  Do I like it? Ehh sometimes I feel like I can't keep up. 

As mentioned above, I have one of those touch android phones, with apps for anything and everything, including the Groupon app.  I usually browse through when I'm sitting on the couch, bored, just playing with my phone.  

I clearly remember pulling up the app yesterday while sitting at a red light on my way home.  The light turned green, and I went on, without looking at my phone again for while.  

I am house sitting my parents house this week while they are in France - so I get there, feed the dogs, put away groceries, make dinner; an hour later, I decide to go sit in the yard for a bit, while taking the dogs out, and enjoy the night time breeze. 

Of course, I grab my phone because I want to check Facebook and Twitter - and there it is again: PANIC. 

Oh no, this one is big, huge, crazy - and I immediately start crying.  

Thank you for purchasing the "Wellness Center Groupon" for 6 sessions of laser liposuction.

WTF?!

And there is it, THE confirmation email from Groupon - a $999 purchase!!!!!!!!!!

No no, you read correctly - A THOUSAND DOLLARS! 

I almost fainted.  I realized my card information was saved into the app, and while holding my phone as the app was still up, I somehow click purchase, AND submit - courtesy of the evil TOUCH screen. 

Needless to say, it ruined my night.  Of course, I sent about 10 emails to customer service, left voice mails, googled ways to cancel a Groupon, and 3 hours later - I had a response saying my purchase was canceled, and I would see the refund within the next 10 business days. 

Hi July, This email confirms that we have canceled your order of 1 Groupon for $999 for Six Sessions of Zerona Body Sculpting at Comprehensive Wellness Center in Suwanee ($2,000 Value) and submitted a $999 refund . If you are receiving a refund to your credit card, please allow 5-7 business days for your credit to appear on your statement. If you are receiving a refund in Groupon Bucks, the credit should already be reflected in your account. Thanks, The Groupon Team www.groupon.com

Need help? Have feedback? Feel free to Contact Groupon

Delivered by Groupon 600 W Chicago Ave., Suite 620, Chicago, IL 60654

Can you believe it?  Twice within the same week?  Because I can't, and because this has never happened to me before! 

Moral of the story!?  Touch phones are evil, and I STILL don't like online shopping!

my mind is tired

Life is busy.  My mind is busy.  I feel overwhelmed.

It seems like this should be a quiet time, considering I have most of the wedding planning done - and let's face it, it's almost Summertime. 

It just doesn't work that way for me.

Honestly, most of the time I bring it up on myself - but hey, it wouldn't be "me" if there wasn't always something crazy going on. 

What is that, you may ask?  Gosh - where to begin!? You all know I started a new job almost three months ago.  I left Wendy's because they decided to sell Arby's, and we were not sure whether or not we were going to keep our jobs.  

I freaked out - plain and simple - and decided to look for a new job.  Mistake. 

After my first month at the new job, I was miserable.  I missed my old job, my team, and everything about working at Wendy's.  I realize I did NOT like real estate - and basically told myself I needed to do something before it was too late.  

Luckily, I stayed in touch with my old bosses there - and after a couple of emails, a lunch, and some serious consideration - I have decided to go back!

What about the job security?  Well, soon after I left, my department found out it was not going anywhere - and no one would lose their jobs.  Was I upset - umm yes - I hated myself for weeks after I found out.

I am going to lie - a part of me feels like a brat, because not everyone gets the chance to go back to old jobs, and as if nothing every happened.  I am definitely thankful, and NOT taking this opportunity for granted.  I told Michael that I don't want to think about looking for a new job for a very long time!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A side note to all this - I know my posting has been quite scarce lately, and I apologize for that.  If you are anything like me, you get a little annoyed when people don't post for a while - I admit it - I do. 

If I can tell you one thing about me though, it is that when things get hectic, and when I feel overwhelmed, I tend to become quiet.  I kind of seclude myself in my own little world until I can figure things out, and come back out with a smile on my face! 

I just don't think that you all would enjoy this blog turn into "July's vent page" - and if there is anything I have learned - it is that no one truly wants to read/hear negative things.  I would rather post when things are good, and when I have fun stuff to share with you! 

Don't get me wrong - there will still be some venting - just not the deep like altering kind! 

Guess what?! I got to meet Lauren at Life with a Lab!  I love this girl so much, and I am excited to have my first real blog friend!

 

Thank you for your patience, lovelies :) Have a wonderful day!!!

Fill in the Bank Friday!

Fridays can never come soon enough, but when they're here - it is such a great feeling! 

I could use another three-day weekend though, or a vacation!  I am counting down the days until we go to Hilton Head in July.  Ah the beach, good food, and sleeping in everyday; that's what I'm talking about! 

I hope you enjoy today's Fill in the Bank Friday, as usual, courtesy of Lauren at The Little Things We Do.

 {photo by Teri Lyn Fisher  photographer and blogger for Fish Food blog}

1.   I love MUSIC because  it has the ability to make me feel good, regardless of the situation.

2.  A time that mama knew best was  back when I was dating my ex-boyfriend, and she told me that I shouldn't be with someone because I am afraid to hurt their feelings, or their family's.  She was so right.  I think I dragged on that relationship way too long - simply because I was afraid to hurt him.  Mama definitely knows best!

3.  My first kiss went a little like this  we were at my cousin's house, and her parents had friends over with their two sons.  One of them being THE boy.  We spent all day playing games, hanging out in my cousin's backyard talking and by the end of the night - while playing truth or dare of course, we were dared to kiss.  But - everyone was nice enough to leave us alone by the bond fire to kiss - and it was as awkward as a first kiss can be - but I don't regret it.  It was cute. 

4.  My celebrity crush is though to pick - but I would have to say Ryan Reynolds.  I mean, have you seen those abs?!  Bradley Cooper is a close second though!

5.  My splurge of choice is  a nice purse.  I will shop at F21 any given day - but when it comes to a nice purse, I melt.  My most recent purchase was a Marc by Marc Jacobs as a gift to myself for getting a new job :)

6.  My biggest accomplishment is  so far I would say graduating from college, with an Accounting degree.   Not many people in my family have done it, and it feels really good to know that my parents proud of me, and all my hard work.

7.  My dance jam of choice is  the Black Eyes Peas -  big time guilty pleasure!

Have a great weekend ladies!!!!

ADELE

It's been a while since I've had a music post - and it is only fair that I would make one about Adele.

Oh Adele - how do I describe her music?  She has this amazing voice; the kind that gets you deep inside, and makes you cry for no reason.

Her lyrics are powerful, and you will somehow relate to every word.

I knew some of her old songs, but her new album, 21, is just plain amazing.  I'm sure you have all heard her song Rolling in the Deep; but this isn't the song I chose for the post.

When I first listened to her new album, I felt like EVERY SONG spoke to me.  Somehow, I was able to go back to certain moments/times of my life, and felt like I could relate to every word she was singing.

The song I chose is called Someone Like You.  Unfortunately, she does not have a video out yet, so this is her singing it live at the BRIT awards.  I definitely recommend you listening to the album version as well. 

Let me know what you think!  And please, don't hesitate to share your favorite music as well!  I truly believe that music is therapy - and I am always looking for something new to discover! 

Happy Thursday Ladies!