We're Famous!

We're famous! (kind of...). See, what I really mean is, our cupcakes are famous! I met with Paul Weinstein of Simply Special Catering tonight, and she showed me that our cupcakes are featured on their Facebook page! Yay! For all of you on facebook, search Simply Special Catering, and you will see our beautiful tower of palette pleasing cupcakes! Yum!
Simply Special is in the midst of revamping their website also. If you get a chance, check it out: www.simplyspecial.biz.
You'll find pictures of tons of delicious mouth-watering delicacies. We continue to get asked about them......where did we go?..... who did we use?......which caterer could possibly birth such confection perfection?...........Simply Special Catering! We are so glad we found them, and would use them again tomorrow if we had the chance!
(just looking at the pictures of them made me hungry...................the above is a picture of them that my sister-in-law took at the wedding!......)

We're back!

Hello everyone! Can you believe it is over? All of those months of planning, and the big day has come and gone. It felt like it happened in the blink of an eye.
I just want to thank each and every one of you that could make it to help us celebrate! We also wanted to thank those of you who couldn't make it in, you were still on our minds and your presence was greatly missed!
With the whole night feeling like a total blur, I just wanted to thank everyone who took pictures along side the photographer. We had a chance to see them the other day, and couldn't love them more. What a fantastic gesture from Taby, who is already circulating her Picasa album, and also to Adam's dad for making a beautiful keepsake for Adam and I to have with us forever. We love looking at our wedding from your eyes, and get a chance to see it in a different light.
As soon as we get the pictures from the photographer, we'll let everyone know!

As you all know we left the next day for a small get away to the hills. No, not L.A.! Hocking Hills! No swimming pools, no movie stars. (sorry, just made sense in my head!) It was just what the doctor ordered. Peace and quiet, partially due to no cell phone reception. Although Adam loves to hike and rock climb, this was a different type of time for him. Even though there were a few opportunities to explore, we actually stayed close to the inn, and did some driving and sight seeing. We stopped when and where we wanted to, and moved on when we were ready. Originally Adam had planned to go swimming while we were there, so I booked a half-spa day for myself. Instead, while I was getting a massage, facial, and ionic foot cleanse, Adam took a nap in a hammock behind the spa and the inn. There was no tv in the cottage, and to be honest, we really didn't miss it. We watched movies at night on his portable Play Station, and that was good enough for us.
The cottage we stayed at is at a place called The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. This place is wonderful! It is charming and quaint, and we really couldn't have asked for better accommodations. You check in by the gift shop (yay!) and the restaurant is right next door. The inn itself is in a building directly behind the office, and they also offer cottage and cabin rentals. We opted for a cottage for two reasons. First, we really didn't need that much space, and second, we thought there was a chance the Beagle would be coming with us and the cottage we stayed in was pet friendly. The name of the cottage is Yarrow, and it suited us just fine. We had a nice large back porch that looked out to the forest behind us. It was pretty much trees as far as you could see. We spent some time on the back porch in between activities, and once Adam pulled out his guitar and played a few songs. The only other sounds you could hear were the birds chirping over head, and every once in a while you could hear tires going up and down the winding gravel road in front of the cottage. We had a wonderful dinner at the inn's restaurant. The chef there is known throughout most of Central Ohio, and the restaurant is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. They use fresh local produce, and you can really tell when you take the first bite into your dish. Adam had breakfast there every morning, and we had dinner there on the second night into our stay.
We went "mining" or "sluicing", depending on which term you're more familiar with, on the day before we left. Basically, we went to a campground that sold piles of pre-packed dirt in three sizes: small bag, large bag, or bucket. We opted for the bucket, and are so glad we did! They jam-packed it full of different goodies. Adam hit pay dirt when he found a nice-sized piece of rough amethyst, two arrowheads, and some other large sized stones and crystals. They even throw in two tiny little plastic bags with pre-cut "gems" that you can have faceted into a setting for a necklace. We had a pink one, and a pale purple one in our lot. We made the pink one into a necklace for me, and so far Adam's Aunt Bev complimented me on it when we got back home.
We had a great time while we were away, and were both a little sorry to leave. We're already trying to figure out a way to get back there soon! The people at the inn, and in Hocking Hills in general, made us feel so welcome during our stay. We can't wait to go back and visit everyone there again! Yarrow cottage: we'll be back!

As nice as the trip was, there really isn't anything like falling asleep in your own house and your own bed. We walked through the door, and found the four fuzzballs waiting there for us, and knew it was good to be home. We unpacked and reminisced at the same time, and still had traces of regret that we didn't stay at least one more night. We did get a lot accomplished once we settled in for the day. I got our thank-you cards written, and did quite a few loads of laundry, while Adam got a chance to hang up our beautiful wind chime outside, and then snuggle in with the Beagle to watch some tv. The next day he had to go to work, and then we were invited to Bubi's for Friday night dinner. His aunts and uncle were there, along with his sister, and his nieces and nephew. It was the perfect ending to our weekend, having begun it with family and then ending it with family. Dinner was perfect, and the dvd's we watched of the wedding and Adam's cousin's Bar Mitzvah were a nice way to reflect and laugh, and really spend time with those we cherish.

We really couldn't have asked for a better time. This whole experience, along side the love and support of our families and friends, made this whole experience so memorable. Thank you all so much, for caring enough about us to be such an integral part of our wedding. What a week it has been!

We love you all, and are so grateful you all are in our lives.
Thank you everyone, thank you!

Away we go!

Well everyone, here we are! Can you believe we have less than 48 hours to go? So much is going on, so many finite details! It's been a wild ride, and the end result is near!
Thank each and every one of you for being a part of this, and for helping us make this such a special day!
See you all on Sunday!

Love this!

I found this article on the intranet at work, and really couldn't agree more. I think the technological advancement we have the capabilities to make is amazing, but at what cost? Read below for someone else's opinion.

"

Is the internet making us quick but shallow? By Nicholas Carr, Special to CNN

During a recent commencement address at Hampton University in Virginia, Barack Obama described the way today's internet-powered media environment "bombards us with all kinds of content." He warned students that iPads, Xboxes, and other popular digital gadgets can turn information into "a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment" rather than a means "of empowerment." As soon as the president's remarks were made public, knees began jerking throughout the blogosphere. One online pundit said that Obama sounded "like a grumpy old man." Another suggested that in criticizing technology he was acting like an "old fogy." Even the normally restrained Economist magazine rushed out an editorial accusing Obama of "technophobia" and "Luddism." By the reaction, you would have thought our BlackBerry-toting president had called for a return to horse-drawn carriages, outhouses, and whalebone corsets. Instead of drawing ridicule, Obama's words should have drawn our attention -- and our concern. Over the past decade, most of us have been dramatically ratcheting up the time we spend surfing the web, exchanging electronic messages, and hanging out in social networks like Facebook and MySpace. At the same time, we've been showering our kids with laptops, iPods, PlayStations and smartphones. The average American today spends more than eight hours a day peering into a screen -- TV, computer, or cell phone -- and the average teen sends or receives well over 2,000 text messages a month. But even as we've been enjoying the seemingly endless bounties of the net, neurobiologists and psychologists have been carrying out studies which suggest that the way we gather information online impedes comprehension, weakens understanding, and in general hinders learning. Worse yet, the ill effects of heavy web use appear to continue to afflict us even when we turn our computers off. The cognitive penalties can be particularly severe for students. In one revealing experiment, researchers at Cornell University divided a class into two groups. One group was allowed to use their laptop computers to surf the web during a lecture. The other group attended the same lecture but had to keep their computers closed. Immediately afterward, the students took a test measuring how well they remembered the lecture's content. The students who used their laptops performed significantly worse on the exam. It didn't matter, moreover, whether they surfed sites related to the subject of the lecture or unrelated sites. All the surfers performed relatively poorly. Other researchers have found that students who read text with hyperlinks, as you routinely find online, end up with a weaker understanding of the material than students who read the same text in a traditional, linear format, as you'd find in a printed book. Each link appears to act as a little distraction, breaking the reader's concentration. As the number of links mounts, comprehension diminishes further. The multitude of messages and other bits of information that the Web fires at us, from emails to tweets to Facebook updates, have also been found to interrupt our thoughts in a way that impedes the formation of memories and the building of knowledge. The more information we juggle, the less able we are to make sense of it all. Last year, a team of Stanford researchers reported that heavy media multitaskers have trouble concentrating even when they're not online. They're considerably less able, for example, to distinguish important information from trivial information than are people who engage in multitasking less frequently. "Everything distracts them," one of the researchers said of the heavy multitaskers. Patricia Greenfield, a leading developmental psychologist who teaches at UCLA, warned in a 2009 Science article that a growing body of scientific evidence indicates that spending a lot of time with computers, smartphones, and other such devices weakens people's ability to think deeply, critically, and creatively. As we rush around the web gathering little pieces of information, we seem to be training our brains to be quick but superficial. Only a curmudgeon would deny the many benefits that our computers and electronic networks have brought us. The internet and related technologies have made it much easier to stay in touch with friends and family members, to discover interesting and useful information, to express ourselves, and to collaborate with others. Since the World Wide Web was invented two decades ago, we have been celebrating these benefits -- and rightly so. But we've been paying much less attention to the negative consequences of our online lives. The time has come for us to take a more balanced view of the net, looking at its costs as well as its benefits. That's particularly true when it comes to educating our children. Sticking a kid in front of a computer screen is probably not the best way encourage the development of a strong, creative, and supple mind. As President Obama implied, information should be a source not of distraction but of enlightenment. As important as it is to be able to find lots of information quickly, what's even more important is to be able to think deeply about the information once we've found it. We need to slow down."

Two Weeks!!!

Well everyone, we only have two weeks until the big day! Where has the time gone? There are so many little things to do! My weekends are jam packed full of details!

We met with the venue and caterer, and also I had a final meeting with the DJ. (this one was a meeting i was looking forward to the most!) I'd say it went really well! I already had a play list written out the day after I talked to the DJ and they came aboard. It had been patiently sitting in my notebook of all things wedding for many, many months. When I had the chance to show the DJ's, they loved it! And I really hope you all do as well! There are songs that I absolutely love, and songs that play in my head throughout the day. I couldn't wait to share them all with you, and in a matter of days, you'll be able to hear them for yourselves!

We had a lot of fun going through their laptop and looking into their music collection. We played some songs, sang some songs, and even did a little head bopping. It made my afternoon! The DJ's are a husband and wife team, and a ton of fun. I think they are the perfect fit for Adam and I, and for all of you too!

This coming week a few of the girls and I are meeting with Monsi, our hair and make-up coordinator. That is on Wednesday, and immediately to follow is going to be a visit to Bubi, and then off to go jewelry shopping at my cousin's jewelry store. I have the bracelet and necklace, but now I need the earrings too! Taby is going to be with me the whole day, and I am really looking forward to it!

The other night we had dinner at our friend's Jimmy & Jodi's house. We picked up Aladdin's, and it was such a nice night we ate outside in their backyard. They have a great picnic table we all sat at, and then Jodi and I took off and left the boys so she and I could get Jeni's. Have you ever been there? I have gone many times, but still feel it is my duty to keep going back, again and again, trying ice cream, just to make sure that no one gets sick. It's a tough job, but I do this because I care!

When we first go to their house, Jodi came in to the kitchen with a wriggling Violet in her arms. I can not believe how big Violet has gotten! Her features morph themselves between mommy and daddy, but her features are now becoming more pronounced, and will soon indicate who she will take after more. Very interesting to see!

There are so many family cook outs tomorrow, and unlike the rest of the world, I'll be spending my time indoors at work. It isn't my first choice, but at least we got a chance to see everyone over the past few days! Dad's birthday is tomorrow also (a memorial day baby!), and unfortunately I can't see him tomorrow night, but will hopefully be able to meet for breakfast instead. Happy Early Birthday dad!

Well everyone, I hope you all have a safe holiday weekend, whatever you decide to do.

See you all in two weeks!

O. M. G.

Sooo, I was editing one of the registries today and realized there are 21 days left until the wedding! Wow! Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday I was complaining about how cold the weather is in Ohio, and then BAM! It hit me like a ton of bricks......it's almost June. Can you believe it everyone? I know I can't.
We are so excited as the day draws near, and we can not wait to see all of you. We thought 11 months was plenty of time to get everything tackled, and for the most part we were right. Lately we have been hard at work with all of the little details that we have to get in order.
The bridesmaid's dresses are pretty much altered, the flower girl's dresses are coming along (they are going to be so fantastic!), my dress and veil are almost complete........the proud moms are eagerly assembling their ensemble for the big day.......the pieces all seem to be coming together quite nicely.

Here are a few things to get everyone on the same page from over the past few months. My sister-in-law is recovering from a procedure she recently underwent, and her spirits seem to get better every time we talk. She and my mom are both teachers, and they are really looking forward to their summer break. It will be here before they both know it! They both have graciously offered their time to me to help me get things done before the 13th, and I will gladly accept their offer!

My jewelry is finished, and I have been eagerly breaking it in piece by piece. Wednesdays are bracelet days, and sometimes on Sundays before work. Thursdays are run-around-the-house-in-my-necklace days. Honestly, you want to make sure they hold up.......ya know? Even with a little jesting from mom's boyfriend......I believe his exact words were.....'Who doesn't wear diamonds and pearls to do laundry?'..............Exactly! Glad you see things from my point of view.

My shoes are breaking in quite nicely, though I do have to admit they don't look as nice with flannel pants as they do with my dress..........aaahhhhh, a mere technicality.

What else? Hmmmmm.........honestly most everything else is taken care of. We're really just tying up loose ends now. A final meeting with the caterer this coming Wednesday, followed by a meeting with the Rabbi on Thursday. A final go over with the photographer and DJ. Oh! We got the marriage license last week! We went downtown last Wednesday and picked that up first thing in the morning.

As far as the new place is concerned, almost everything is put away. We did locate the camera, it is at Adam's shop. When we bring it home, I'll post some pictures. Or, stop by and let's have some coffee! Yummy!

I know there are so many things I am forgetting to include in this post, but my brain is swimming right now with lists and itineraries. Sheesh!

Well everyone, have a great night! I am going to try to get some sleep, and will have more to post in the next few days!
Sweet dreams!

Food for Thought

When I read this article, the introduction caught me off guard. It was almost like someone had written down the thoughts I have in my head, only in a much more organized manner. Read on for some great info that everyone should know and think about when making decisions on what to put in your bodies. Enjoy! 9 Ingredients to avoid in processed foods by Brett Blumenthal

If you know me at all, you know that I’m an advocate for whole, unprocessed foods. However, many of us inevitably turn to packaged or processed foods when we are short on time. Maybe we grab a frozen dinner or pizza for a quick dinner for our family. Maybe we grab a quick nutrition bar to satiate our hunger until we can sit down for a real meal. Or maybe, we just don’t like to cook. Whether we like it or not, packaged and processed food has become a huge part of our food industry and, as a result, a part of many of our diets. Although there are some brands that I hugely advocate for, there are many more that border on outright unhealthy and “scary.” Many packaged foods that seem healthy often contain fillers, preservatives and other ingredients you don’t want in your diet. It is always preferable to choose products that have only a handful of ingredients, all of which should be recognizable. One test to know whether an ingredient is healthy is to ask yourself whether your grandmother would recognize it. If not, there is a good chance the ingredient is less natural food and more man-made chemical. Another good test is whether or not you can easily pronounce the ingredient. If you feel like you need a science degree to pronounce it properly, chances are the ingredient is worth avoiding. If you do have to resort to a processed food for a snack or dinner (anything canned, packaged, etc.), try to avoid those that contain the ingredients listed in the following chart. Although this isn’t an exhaustive list, these ingredients are some of the most highly processed and least healthy of all: Ingredient Why it is Used Why it is Bad Artificial Colors Chemical compounds made from coal-tar derivatives to enhance color. Linked to allergic reactions, fatigue, asthma, skin rashes, hyperactivity and headaches. Artificial Flavorings Cheap chemical mixtures that mimic natural flavors. Linked to allergic reactions, dermatitis, eczema, hyperactivity and asthma. Can affect enzymes, RNA and thyroid. Artificial Sweeteners such as Acesulfame-K, Aspartame, Equal®, NutraSweet®, Saccharin, Sweet’n Low®, Sucralose, Splenda® & Sorbitol Highly-processed, chemically-derived, zero-calorie sweeteners found in diet foods and diet products to reduce calories per serving. Can negatively impact metabolism. Some have been linked to cancer, dizziness hallucinations and headaches. Benzoate Preservatives known as BHT, BHA, and TBHQ Compounds that preserve fats and prevent them from becoming rancid. May result in hyperactivity, angiodema, asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, tumors and urticaria. Can affect estrogen balance and levels. Brominated Vegetable Oil aka BVO Chemical that boosts flavor in many citric-based fruit and soft drinks. Increases triglycerides and cholesterol - Can damage liver, testicles, thyroid, heart and kidneys. High Fructose Corn Syrup aka HFCS Cheap alternative to cane and beet sugar - Sustains freshness in baked goods - Blends easily in beverages to maintain sweetness. May predispose the body to turn fructose into fat. Increases risk for Type-2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer. Isn’t easily metabolized by the liver. MSG aka Monosodium Glutamate Flavor enhancer in restaurant food, salad dressing, chips, frozen entrees, soups and other foods. May stimulate appetite and cause headaches, nausea, weakness, wheezing, edema, change in heart rate, burning sensations and difficulty in breathing. Olestra An indigestible fat substitute used primarily in foods that are fried and baked. Inhibits absorption of some nutrients. Linked to gastrointestinal disease, diarrhea, gas, cramps, bleeding and incontinence. Shortening, Hydrogenated and Partially Hydrogenated Oils such as Palm and Soybean Industrially created fats used in more than 40,000 food products in the U.S. - Cheaper than most other oils. Contain high levels of trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, contributing to risk of heart disease.

Home Sweet Home!

Well everyone, we have officially moved! I haven't been able to take pictures yet, but I gotta tell ya, it's a cool little place. I feel bad for the beagle. We don't have a fenced in backyard, and we couldn't take his friend the groundhog with us, so it is going to be quite an adjustment for him. All-in-all, the animals are handling the unfamiliar surroundings fairly well! That's a huge relief.

Our friends Jeff & Sean helped us move. They were a gigantic help! There was no way I could have helped Adam the way they both did. They loaded and lugged and lifted many heavy boxes and pieces of furniture. Because of the three of them, we moved everything in one day. Now, we pretty much have everything put away, or at least in the spot it will stay in.

The place is really charming and cool. It has beau-coup character. It has less space than what we had before at the house, but the whole feel and vibe is just so friendly and welcoming! It is so much more conducive for guests, and maybe even dinner parties and get togethers.

Once we find which box the camera was in (uhhh...........), we will take pictures and post them for you to view.

We are both pretty worn out. I went in the bedroom to put something away, and ending up taking an unplanned nap (ok, so i leaned over to give one of the cats a hug, and i ended up pretty much passing out). When I woke up, Adam was at a stopping point with what he was working on in his art room, so then he and the beagle decided they were going to grab a quick nap too. We got a chance to unwind tonight, and just took it easy. We looked through old photo albums, and got a chance to see each other as babies and toddlers. It was a lot of fun, and hopefully we can start making a photo album of our own to pass on to our nieces, nephews, and kids. (some day.......just not to-day...)

Well everyone, my brain is mush so I am going to sign off and go to sleep.

Stay warm tonight!

And away we go!

Hello everyone! Long time, no talk!
I apologize for lack of posts, but it truly has been craaaazzzzzy here lately! Let me get you up to speed.
Last we stated, we had just brought our cake vendor on board (hoorah!!). Well, sad to say, we actually had to go back....a second time.....and they made us do another taste test. It was rough, but, we did this for you everyone! As per our dedication to our beloved guests, we will keep going back as many times as needed to ensure confection perfection! (emphatic smack of fist on table!)

Adam went tux shopping with one of the groomsmen, and they picked out their wedding attire. Can't wait to see it!

Mom's side of the family threw a bridal shower for me in March, and it went off like clock-work! (that was the theme! all invitees were given a specific hour of the day, and they had to purchase gifts based on their "times". super-cute and super-fun idea! mom's uber-creative friends terry, nancy, and janet came up with that one!)
Just this past weekend, Adam's side of the family threw a shower for me too! It was at the party house at his grandpa's condo, and it was beautiful! Barb, Taby, and Jill stopped at nothing to make this a great shower! Taby even had a "quiz" guests had to take to see how well they knew me. What a great idea! (it's the teacher in her, dontchya know?) AND!!!!! dun-dun-dunnnnn! They even had shoes as the centerpieces. SHOES! As the centerpieces! Shoes and chocolate.....shoes and chocolate......shoes and chocolate............aahhhhhh.

On a super-sweet note of thanks to his mom (and dad!) and sister, we now have his Bar Mitzvah cup in our possession, a beautiful photo album of Adam from birth to present, and the most fantastic cross-stitch of our wedding invitation. How can you beat that? Thank you so much! Those are the things we will cherish forever.

In between these festive and totally thoughtful events, I had a brief stint in the local ER. Turns out, I had a bit of a collapsed lung. Have no fear! I came out just peachy! No lifting heavy objects........ummmm....no problem! No running marathons...........ummmm.......yeah, no way! The only side effects I am working through are just shortness of breath, and the difficulty of working 4-hour work days (aw, man!). Other than that, full steam ahead!

For more good news, we are in the process of moving! (as if working full time and planning a wedding wasn't enough! sheesh!) We (ok, adam) will begin loading the boxes tomorrow or Wednesday (hey, i helped pack!), and hopefully we'll be in and unpacked by the end of the week. Snap! We inadvertently met (and already knew) quite a few of the neighbors in the new 'hood, and are really excited about going into a more residential area. We can take the beagle for walks on the street, we can walk to The Top to meet dad for dinner, we can walk to The Skillet for Adam to have breakfast....Johnson's isn't too far away..........life is good. What can I say?

Last week mom and I went to Easton to hit Victoria's Secret (and had a blast! came out with some super cute goodies!), and while on our way back to the car I saw an advertisement at Aveda for a $15 hair cut. Huh? We walked inside, and I stood with my mouth agape, and then spewed out, "A $15 haircut? Seriously?". One of the ladies behind the counter replies, "Yeah. It's $15 that will be donated to the Sierra Club instead of to Aveda."
My reply, " A $15 haircut? Seriously?"
The very nice ladies confirm yes, it is $15, and to sit right down in the chair. Snip-snip, cut-cut, scissor-scissor, and voila! My $15 donation to the Sierra Club. BUT, the lady that did the cut is a stylist at a salon in Gahanna who comes in and does these types of things on a regular basis. What? A good samaritan? AND she cuts hair? Turns out, not only does she cut hair (check!), but she also is familiar with the JCC (double check!), AND she also goes on location to do hair and make-up for weddings!!! (triple check!) Welcome aboard Aveda lady with the skillful scissor-hands! My bridal party and I look forward to a fun afternoon with you on Sunday, June 13th!

Speaking of hair cuts, did everyone see the pictures of a very pouty-faced Sammy Goldston getting his first one? Holy Guacamole! That little one is the most precious thing in the world. No worries Sammy! You'll do better at the next one munchkin!

Well my lovely gvitz blog enthusiasts, thanks for following it thus far, and actually making comments to me about missing it when I was lax about adding new material. I appreciate it very much! (thanks taby! you're my #1 fan!)
Hopefully my next post won't be so far away, and will have pics of our new digs! With most of the lovely presents I received at both showers, I'll have plenty of ammo for entertaining! Beautiful plates, glasses, serveware, cupcake recipes........... Step aside Martha! There's a new sheriff in town! (wellllll, maybe not sheriff........junior sheriff?.....deputy?........honorary beat cop?)

Once again, with my coffee on the table beside me, and very sleepy eyes trying to proofread this, I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. You all have helped make our upcoming wedding such a special day! I really can't believe that it is almost here!

Talk to you soon everyone! Get some sleep!

Daylight Savings Time

I found this on the intranet at work and thought it was interesting. See below:

Daylight Saving Time 2010, Sunday, March 14th

Most of the United States, Canada and some of northern Mexico’s border regions will spring forward for daylight saving time (DST) on Sunday, March 14, 2010. On this day, the clocks will move one hour forward from 2am (02:00) to 3am (03:00) local time. DST allows for more light during the evening hours and less in the morning.

The March 14 daylight saving date in 2010 is the latest starting date for the United States’ and Canada’s daylight saving schedule, which begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November each year.

Who Changed the Time?

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed both the starting and ending dates for springing ahead and falling behind. Beginning in 2007, daylight time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. The U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., sets what is known as standard time in the country through its maintenance of atomic clocks. These dates were established by Congress in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Pub. L. no. 109-58, 119 Stat 594 (2005).

Spring has not Sprung

I trudge out of bed every morning, shivering, as I tear myself free from the warm layers of flannel blankets and sheets. My feet hit the freezing-cold hardwood floors, and the first thing I grab are my sweater-sock-shoes. The next thing I reach for is my hooded sweatshirt, and then make the chilly journey down the hall to the bathroom where I brush my teeth using ice cold water. Does this routine sound familiar? Or is it really just me?

As my second full winter back in Ohio, I feel like I have the ability to complain freely about how absolutely horrid the weather is. I decided to take a poll, (not really, it just sounds official if i say i did) and the consensus is: Winter needs to go! I'll gladly help it pack, and I'll even be so kind as to drive it to the airport and make sure it gets there two hours early for its flight! Shoo winter! Go on now! Get!

We had such a lovely break in weather a week or so ago, and then BAM! 6-8 inches of snow fell. I am not allowing myself to get get my hopes anymore until at least April or May. (which is around the time last year the snow finally stopped falling last winter)

Adam's Aunt Bev came back into town from Israel, and this time brought her daughter Sara, and two of her granddaughters (Stav and Ron) as well. The girls had a fantastic time seeing their American cousins (proving to the adults that language isn't necessarily a barrier), and also enjoyed seeing and playing in the cold, white stuff on the ground. (that would be my arch nemesis; snow) In a case such as this, who am I to deny two little girls the pleasure of seeing snow for the first time, and gleefully grinning as they learn the joy of making their first snow angel? However, as someone who has experience living with it, day-after-day, well......let's just say I wouldn't cry myself to sleep at night if it decided never to fall in Ohio again. (fingers crossed people! fingers crossed!!!)

Sigh.......alas, there really isn't much more we can do other than to keep moving forward, keep wearing 3-5 layers of clothing, and keep falling asleep to the hope that one day soon we will wake up basking in the warmth of Spring.

Hang in there everyone!

Way to go Adam!

So, I get a text from Adam the other day saying that Bob Marley sold on Etsy. Can you believe it? Adam was skeptical at first. We've had some let downs in the past, and were hesitant to get excited about this sale. After a few days when Etsy confirmed the sale was in fact valid, Bob was lovingly packaged and shipped to his new home in Georgia.
Adam has since talked to the buyer, and she loves it! (duh!) It was a gift to her husband for his birthday, and he was so excited! They are both so pleased with the purchase!
We're excited for them, and so glad that they love Bob! I think the sale was a little bittersweet for Adam. He's had Bob for quite some time, and was sad to see him go. At the same time, he was thrilled that someone else loved Bob enough to have him shipped all the way from Ohio.
Congratulations Adam!
Way to go!

Indianapolis or New Orleans?

Ok, so lately my thoughts are more on 'Is this the right color pink?' or 'Will those shoes be comfortable to wear all night after the ceremony?', but there is a much larger question at hand people. Colts or Saints? Who will it be?

Well, let's take a minute to weigh the pro's and con's of both.

Indianapolis- Just like our fair city, 'napolis is cold, snowy, residential and family-oriented. It resembles a feeling of a comfortable neighbor you can borrow sugar from, and know they'll only come knocking when they run out too. If the Colts were a subdivision, then Peyton Manning would be it's homeowners association's president. And what a president he would make! He's a born leader, who also seems to know a thing or two about throwing a football around on a Sunday afternoon. The Colts seem to have coasted through this season without much hype, but as of late, with quite a bit of hope. Though not an all-out brutal team, they promise to play the Super Bowl with the same efficacy they bring to the field now. You get what you expect. Precision and fine tuning.

New Orleans-Totally unlike our fair city, 'nawlins comes to life when most sweet babes are being tucked in for the night. This is definitely a city where you don't feel like you could borrow anything from your neighbor, unless you're looking for mardi gras beads or king cakes. This is a neighbor I'd want small children to steer clear of, not because they're dangerous, but because citizens of 'nawlins like to live it up, and the raucous nightlife could keep the kiddies awake for much of the night. I do respect how much the city did come together after the trainwreck known as Katrina. It completely devastated the area's homes and businesses. The Saints really stepped up to the plate and helped raise money to rebuild the city. The first few games they played after the hurricane hit were welcomed by citizens and bystanders alike. Much as their style of play, they prove that they can overcome adversity and move forward with heart and determination. This is much of what we have seen from them this season, and will bring an interesting feel to the field come Sunday.

No matter if you're rooting Yankee or Suthin', we're in for a good game. Maybe not as attention grabbing as the Steelers (go 'burgh!) or the Browns, but I think we'll see a lot of heart and spirit on the field at kick off.

Whether you're a fan of the game, or just enjoy the food, the Super Bowl is one of my favorite things to watch every year. I get to be with people I love, they don't look at me funny when I yell at the tv, and I get to hang out in flannel pants and a team sweatshirt for the day. All in all, it's the perfect day.

Eat like it's turkey day all over again, and relish the time you get to spend with family and friends.

See you at kick off!

It's February already? OY!

Ok, so I woke up today and before I opened my other eye, it hit me. It's February? Already? Well, what happened to January? Did we really sleep through it all? Oh boy.
I can't believe how long it has been since my last post, and wanted to give everyone an update to the progress.
First, let me start by giving shout outs to all of the birthdays we celebrated, and the ones to come.
At the end of January, there was Zack's birthday, Bubbe's birthday, Katie Hamilton's birthday (she's two!), and then David's birthday was on the 2nd. Happy Birthday everyone! Upcoming ones are my brother's birthday on the 7th, my nephew's first birthday on the 23rd, and then Violet Taylor's first birthday on the 4th of March. And then immediately to follow is Adam's birthday on the 19th! Happy Early Birthday to you all!
If there is anyone I left out, I apologize. It wasn't out of intent, only loss of mind on my part. My brain is currently under construction.

Well, since the last post, a lot has gone on! Barb has been a machine, and almost finished all of the centerpieces. She is still making the final touches, and once finished, she is getting ready to start in on the chuppah. (thank you so much! you have been amazing!)

We received the boutonnieres and the corsages last week, and they look phenomenal! I can't believe how fabulous they turned out! We have a meeting with Bobbie our wedding planner tonight, and I can't wait to bring them to show her! (Erica, you outdid yourself.....thank you my friend, thank you!)

We are currently in the process of ketubah shopping, and it is tedious. There are so many to choose from! Holy cow! How can you decide? This will definitely take some thought and time, but will be so well worth it once we are done with the selection process! I can't wait until we are able to hang it up in our house! I look at my Bubbe and Papa's every time I am over at mom's. What a truly commemorative document to showcase.
We are also still perusing for kippot, and making headway on this as well. We are looking for a certain kind, and are having difficulty pinpointing the right direction to go. However, considering how much we have undergone so far, we will have this tackled in no time!

The printer sent over the final proof of the invitations for us to view, and they look fantastic! (ok, so i'm biased......i know). We are ecstatic and can't wait for them to be completed and ready for us to pick up. OOOHHHHHH this is so exciting!

Oh my goodness, I almost forgot! The cake! Yes everyone, the wonderfully creamy, scrumptiously savory, sugary, gooey , chocolaty, delicious cake! How could I let this one slide? We went taste testing last night, and uh-ma-gawd! Heaven! Total heaven. The presentation was lovely and simple, and the taste blew us away. Paula and Leticia (oops! let the cat out of the bag on that one..... :-) hee-hee!) were great to meet with, and they make a mean sample! Well, three actually. Three mean samples! We thought about going back for seconds.......you know......just to make sure everything tasted as good as we remembered.......... Ok, you guessed it. We're going with Paula and Leticia from Simply Special Catering. When I called Paula and told her who I was, and that we had used her catering services for my Bat Mitzvah, she immediately said "Oh yes! The Michael Jackson glove cake!". It's true she did a cake like that for our family, and I can not believe she remembered that after all these years.......well, of course, it hasn't been THAT many years........a-hem.
Dad met us there, and while were waiting for him to show up, Adam and I had to sit there patiently looking at the sample cakes looking so lonely. Those poor little things just wanted to jump in our bellies. Finally dad got there, after being stuck in 270 traffic, and we were able to dig in. (grossman, you're lucky we waited........) They cut us sample pieces of each flavor and arranged them on our plates. Adam and I ate ours in the same order......and dad pretty much did the same. (we saved the most decadent for last......and oh boy, was it worth the wait! houston, we have lift off....) He then took a bite of the sample on my plate and looked at me and said it wasn't as good as the one on his plate. Daaaaaddd!!!! Argh! (if you know my dad, you can totally picture this in your head). Keep in mind, it was the same thing........Needless to say, once again we left with a satisfied palette, and a definite decision that Paula and Leticia were officially on board. I'd love to tell you more, but you'll have to wait for June to see for yourselves.

I saved the best for last though....my dress is here! We got a call from the store in Cincinnati, and it is here and ready for pick up. Yay! Now, we just need the veil, and the shoes, and the jewelry, and Adam's tux..................whew. Check please!

Well you guys, I hope your new year has been off to a less chaotic start. No matter what, take it all in stride, and just go day-by-day.

Here's my advice for this month.....eat lots of chocolate and enjoy warm cups of coffee and cocoa. And remember to smile every once in a while.

Lift off!

Hello everyone!
Things have been progressing here quite nicely this past week! Adam is making a few changes to his Etsy site, and has been really hard at work coming up with quite a few new pieces to add to it. They are INCREDIBLE! (if i do say so myself). Whenever you get a chance, check it out. The pieces he is working on right now are still under construction and haven't been added yet. Once all are completed, he will be adding them in. He has made some great changes to his site. He's changed the order of some items, and groupings as well. It looks great! I am so proud if him! Way to go!

There was also another site I ran across that is wedding related (ummmm........can't help myself), and has some beautiful lace items on there. Others are ribbons and fabric that can be sold by the yard. I know there are a lot of scrap bookers among the Gurevitz's, and thought I'd throw the link in here if you are interested. I was thinking the lace or ribbon could be used for anything. Cards, photo albums, place mats, edging on pillows. Anyway, she (Erica Cavanagh) has some beautiful pieces on there, so check it out when you get a chance. Here is the link: www.serendipitdiy.etsy.com......................
This talented lady is also our florist. The site I gave you to view is to her second site. I am telling you, it seems like there isn't anything she can't do!

Next month: Let them eat cake! That's right! We're off to schedule taste testings for the wedding cake. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. So, for all of you, this must be done! :-) We will let you know the progress on that as well! Bite by tasty bite! Yummmmm.

This coming week and into next, we are getting some vendors taken care of, and are in the process of finding a place for the rehearsal dinner. There is a place Barb found, and we are going there next week to try it. Can't wait!

Tonight we are having dinner with our friends Jimmy and Jodi, and their little one, Violet. I can not believe she will be a year old in March! Neither can they, for that matter. We are going to a place called Mellow Mushroom off of Polaris Parkway. I am really excited! My quest to find a good pizza place here is well under way! (rubino's will always have a place in my heart......it is what i grew up on!) And then after dinner, we are going stuffed animal shopping! My nephew is going to be one on February 23rd. Where does the time go? I remember when he was born. What a crazy year.

Oh, attention foodies! I was watching The Food Network and saw Mimi's Cafe referenced on there. (mimi's is right across the street from polaris mall) They were featuring Mimi's five-cheese grilled cheese sandwich. It looked delicious! I caught just a small bit of the segment, but it sounded delicious! They butter both sides, dipping it in parmesan cheese and then they grill it open-faced. They add 4 other cheeses to it, and then close the sandwich when they plate it. It looks like a bite of pure cheesy heaven! I have been to Mimi's before, and was really impressed with the creativity of the menu. I can vouch that their chocolate mousse is pretty good.

Well everyone, time to make more coffee and see Adam when he comes home for lunch.
Have a wonderful week!

Five Months and Counting!

So, I would love to be able to tell you that we have been staying up, night after night, vigilantly working on everything wedding, but that just wouldn't be true. Days, weeks, and months have been flying by, and now we are not only past the half-way mark, but we have just passed the 5 month countdown! Can you believe it? I know I can't. At the beginning, it felt like time was on our side, but now, holy cow.........we have less than 5 months left?? To get everything else finished? Seriously? Oy vey!

We are still making progress, that is for sure. The invitations are at the printers, and we are waiting for the "rough draft" to be sent back to us for any changes that need to be made. I can't believe we have to have them ready and printed within 2 months so they can be sent out. Mom and I have joyfully recruited Barb into helping us with the floral arrangements for the centerpieces. She's absolutely loving it! Mom was over there today hard at work with Barb putting two of them together, and I can't wait to run over there tomorrow to see them before work! Yay!

I got an e-mail last week from the florist saying that the boutonnieres were ready, along with the completion of the corsages for both of our moms. I ordered those last week, and we'll have them to view soon! Next to knock out will be the bridesmaids bouquets, and then mine.

Things are really coming together now. This is so exciting! I can't wait! Really though, with the way time has been speeding by, it won't be much longer until Adam and I are eating challah and having our first glass of wine together as husband and wife!

We are in the middle of making a decision on the chuppah, and then the ketubah isn't far behind that. We're signing a contract with the hotel for our out-of-town guests, and people can start making their reservations soon!

The little things are starting to come together as quickly as the bigger ones. We are still finalizing the list, and finalizing the menu with the caterer. Once that is done, we can tackle the seating chart for the reception. Honestly, when I signed on for this I had no idea everything that it entailed!

I realize we are doing some things a little unconventionally, but to be honest, I think it gives us more of a hands-on approach, and I am really enjoying it. I feel like all of the vendors we have secured so far have been the absolute best to work with! They are friendly and offer wonderful advice. My florist is probably one of the closest to me I would say. She and I have been e-mailing quite often, and I believe I have made a new friend up in Vancouver Island, BC, Canada! I opted out for real flowers for the bridal party, and am pretty happy with my decision so far. The flowers are something we'll be able to keep forever, instead of just a few days. It made more sense to me to do it that way. I am really glad I did! Erica, (the fantastic-and-oh-so-talented Brit turned Canadian I was fortunate enough to find in just one of my many, many, many online wedding searches) has been the most agreeable person in the world! Her work has both character and personality. Exactly what we wanted! Thank you a million times over Erica! You are awesome! (if anyone ever needs alternative flowers/boutonnieres that offer beautiful craftsmanship for a price that beats all others out of the water, let me know. i am more than happy to forward her info your way!)

There is still so much more to do, and we are chipping away at it bit-by-bit. I know we made such great progress in the beginning, and I hope we can stay full steam ahead from here on out!

So, there is a silver lining that I can offer you in the midst of this cold wintry gloom.............go into your closets.......all the way to the back.......you know, where your summer garb has been stashed? Look for your prettiest dancing shoes, and the dress or suit that offers the most give. There's plenty of drinks and food and dancing to come your way!

See you all in June, sunshines!