Musical Monday - Mariah Carey

And now...the token Christmas songs begin for the holiday season.

Today's Tune is...

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you.

I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby

I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
You

All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
(So brightly everywhere)
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
(Laughter fills the air)
And everyone is singing
(oh yeah)
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me

Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
(all i'm asking for)
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want him for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is
You

All I want for Christmas is you baby
All I want for Christmas is you baby.

lyrics : STLyrics

another test.

thanks for bearing with me.

=]

test

please ignore me.

i'm testing my christmas theme.

Gobble Gobble

Just wanted to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to you all!

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful day filled with family, friends, and food!
And, to top it all off, I wanted to share a beautiful Thanksgiving inspired board with you all.
Enjoy!

Credits: Jenne Hohn Events, Andre Niesing, Pink Cake Box, My Home Ideas, ProFlowers, Kendall Brown

My Wish

My wish this Wednesday is that I could have some awesome engagement photographs, like the ones featured below.

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Opportunity 1

Last week, I was contacted by the fabulous people at Wishpot.

If you haven't ventured over to the site, I totally recommend that you do.

Here is a little snippet from their website to give you some more information:

What is Wishpot?

"Wishpot is a free online service that makes it easy to save all the products you're shopping for in one place while enabling you to discover and share those fabulous finds with friends and family. Great for wedding and baby registries or just making your own wish list!"

How does it work?

"Wishpot lets you add products from anywhere on the web with the easy to install Wishpot Button. You can share items and lists with friends and family and they can reserve items for purchase. Once an item on your list is reserved Wishpot re directs whoever is purchasing the item to the site the item was added from or the site with the most competitive price for the transaction."

See?

Fun times!

And, I can now display the cute little badge below on my blog because they consider me a "Wedding Expert."

{talk about a self-esteem boost!}

Thankful Tuesday

In honor of Thanksgiving on Thursday, I thought I'd do a little post about all that I am thankful for in my life. I've seen many people doing this around the blog-o-sphere; so, I figured I'd might as well jump on that band wagon as well. :)

I am thankful for -

opportunity

without it, I wouldn't be where I am now and where I'm going to be in the future

[more on this in the very near future!]

family

 they are there for me in the many good times and the rare bad times

mr. grapejuice

he understands my idiosyncrasies and adores them and me without reservation

the blogging community

without you all, I would be lost; you give me ideas for my future nuptials and support me with comments

health

during this time of year, so many people are getting sick without any way of getting help. and, I've had my fair share of surgeries; so, I'm glad that I can be in good health for this holiday season

best friends

they keep you sane when you need it most and help you see the brighter side of the situation

music

an essential in my life to make a dreary day better or to help explain an emotion

love

without it, we would be lonely and nowhere special

inspiration/imagination

life would be dull without day dreams and doodles; just think of all the good times you had doodling/day dreaming during your classes. try and spend a little time today dreaming of what you want and how you can create it

photo : I Am Reiki's Blog

Musical Monday - Stevie Wonder

You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always be around,
You are the apple of my eye,
Forever you'll stay in my heart

I feel like this is the beginning,
Though I've loved you for a million years,
And if I thought our love was ending,
I'd find myself drowning in my own tears

You are the sunshine of my life,
That's why I'll always stay around,
You are the apple of my eye,
Forever you'll stay in my heart

You must have known that I was lonely,
Because you came to my rescue,
And I know that this must be heaven,
How could so much love be inside of you?

You are the sunshine of my life, yeah,
That's why I'll always stay around,
You are the apple of my eye,
Forever you'll stay in my heart

[Background] Love has joined us,
Love has joined us,
Let's think sweet love

 Lyrics : AZLyrics

Wedding Fact Friday

Why rice?

"Showering the couple with rice is an ancient tradition. As rice is considered a "life giving" seed, it is thought that by throwing it on the couple they will be bestowed with fertility and have many children." (source)

Photo : Eyefetch

A Signature

I don't know about you, but I think smell is very important. I can remember the smell of my grandmother's house in TX from when I used to visit when I was a child. I love the way my grandmother smells because it reminds of all the fun times we've had; her signature scent has a white gardenia base. Makes me smile just thinking about it right now. :)

I love coming home after a long stay because it smells like home. I also love the smell of my room; air fresheners are the best! I try to pick a signature scent [vanilla] for the year, but definitely change it up for the Christmas season. Mmmm...cinnamon, nutmeg, peppermint, all spice...thinking off them makes me feel all warm inside. You too? Good!

I need to find my signature scent. If you've been following me on Twitter, then you know that this weekend I was asking for perfume recommendations. I all ready have two perfumes in my collection, and I love them dearly because I like to smell good. And, really, what girl doesn't?

The first perfume I got was Dolce and Gabbana's Light Blue as a Christmas gift. It is a great spring and summer seasonal mist, and I definitely break it out on the really nice, sunny days!

The second fragrance I bought for myself while on a cruise in the Caribbean [hello duty-free!]. It is Calvin Klein's Euphoria, and I love it for it's sensual feel. I use it during fall and winter and for the all-important date nights with Mr. GrapeJuice.

These are great seasonal scents, but I want something that is me. One that I feel comfortable wearing for all four seasons. [Go with me on this one.] I know it's out there; something that's delicate but warm. Basically, a little mixture of my two perfumes combined but with a pleasant smell. [Am I making sense?] I got several recommendations from people via Twitter - thanks, ladies! And, I'm kind of stuck on one given to me by Louise {The Thirty-Something Bride Wife} - Marc Jacobs Blush. The description I read says it has hints of honeysuckle, and that pretty much sold me. I've been obsessed with honeysuckle since I first ate it on the playground in Kindergarten!

So, please excuse me while I wait impatiently for a day when I can go search for this beauty in stores and am able to smell it!!

D&G perfume photo : Amazon

CK perfume photo : iVillage

MJ perfume photo : My-Hair-Tools

Wishful Wednesday

Photo : Bryant McGill

So...

I totally didn't want to get sucked into this because I see so many wedding blogs do it,

but I just can't help it anymore!!!

There are so many things that I'm wishing for wedding-wise.

I beg you.

Please forgive my copy-cat-ness.

{yes, indeed, I did just make up that word.}

Here is what I'm currently wishing for:

My Dream Day Attire

1. This Sophia Tolli Gown {Y1919 Georgette}

2. This Lulu Splendor Necklace {Sabine Luxe Garden Party}

3. This Pair of Butter City Pumps (Turquoise with Black Bow)

4. This Lori London Waterfall Veil {Ribbon Edge}

5. This David's Bridal Gown [for the reception] {Galina #VC9832}

6. This Powder Blue Bijoux Fascinator

7. These Absolutely Audrey Shoe Clips {Maxine}

p.s. Please don't forget to vote in my little poll in regards to yesterdays post! thanks.

Internal Debate

If you didn't know, I have fallen in love with the color gray. Not just any gray - pewter and slate gray. It adds drama to any color scheme, and I think it would look wonderful with our light and flowy wedding colors. Don't get me wrong, I still love silver and think it's a great accent color, but I would much rather have a dramatic feel with the slate or pewter.

Photo : Wedding Paper Divas Blog

See? Absolutely divine! Right? I think so.

Here's the hitch though...

Mr. GrapeJuice is not as in love as I am.

Mainly because of the tux idea I came up with {which I think is genius and he does not}.

Here is what we had originally decided for him and his men {and this is what he still likes}:

It looks good. I don't have a problem with the way it looks.

My love of gray has just overwhelmed my ideas lately.

Here is my updated look with gray:

 

Now that you've had a chance to look at both, we'd like to know your thoughts. Plus, we'd like you to vote in the poll that I've set up. I'm going to keep the poll up until Friday, November 20th. Let us know which you think we should go with!

All Suit Photos : Men's Warehouse

Music Monday - The Beatles

I chose this song because of the movie it is associated with - Love Actually. Mr. GrapeJuice and I adore this movie and can't wait to watch it after Thanksgiving. {He doesn't like anything Christmas before Thanksgiving.} So, I encourage you all to watch this movie with your man during this Christmas season!

The Beatles - All You Need Is Love

{sung by Lynden David Hall}

Love, Love, Love.
Love, Love, Love.
Love, Love, Love.

There's nothing you can do that can't be done.
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung.
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game.
It's easy.

Nothing you can make that can't be made.
No one you can save that can't be saved.
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time.
It's easy.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

Nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown.
Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.
It's easy.

All you need is love.
All you need is love.
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need.

All you need is love (All together, now!)
All you need is love. (Everybody!)
All you need is love, love.
Love is all you need (love is all you need)
(love is all you need) (love is all you need)
(love is all you need) Yesterday (love is all you need)
(love is all you need) (love is all you need)

Lyrics : Sing365

Wedding Fact Friday

Watch out, ladies!
"The English believe a spider found in a wedding dress means good luck."
(source)

Photo : Words on Books

Show Me Your Goodies

I think the name speaks for itself.
A village of Christmas goodness.
Photo : Operation Letter to Santa
I've been to something like this before when I was younger, but it wasn't centered around Christmas.
This sounds like a pretty neat show to attend and a great way to get a gift for that person who just seems to have everything.

Here are some details
"More than 260 merchants from all over the U.S. participate in the premier consumer show. variety of unique seasonal and figt items are offered, includeing toys for all ages, clothing for children and adults, jewelry, food items, pottery, collectibles and unusual pieces for the 'person who has everything'." (source)

Located at the TN State Fairgrounds on the following days -
November 12 [invite only]
November 13 [9am-9pm]
November 14 [9am-6pm]
November 15 [12pm-6pm]
Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door.

For more information, you can click here.

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Also, this weekend, we have a bridal show going on - Bridal Blast!
Photo : Lovebirds Stationery
It will be at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs on November 15 from 12pm-5pm.
If you pre-register, you get $2 off coupons making your ticket price $3.
Tickets at the door are only $5.
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And, in case you haven't registered {or didn't know} the Martha Stewart Weddings Luxury Wedding Expo is also this weekend -
November 14 [11am-4pm]
November 15 [11am-4pm]

Photo : Martha Stewart Weddings
It is a live online show, but {and I think this is awesome} your access will remain open until February 2010!
So, if you forget something, you can just go back and look it up.
I think this show is a really interesting idea as it is all online.
Perfect for those of us who can't afford to make trips in this economy and who need expert advice!
So, be sure to head over and register for this event before it's too late!!

[as a note:: this is not a sponsored/compensated post. no money/product was given in exchange for advertisement.]

Guest Book Alternative

Most of my wedding guests will be coming from out of town - specifically New York.
And, I really don't want a traditional guest book with their names in it.
I'm sure {knowing myself and Mr. GrapeJuice} it'll get lost in our massive piles of crap.
Who really wants to take out a book and look at names?
Not this girl!
I want something different.
Something unique.
...like a poster!

I'd entered a giveaway at Lasso'd Moon Designs for a guest book poster but didn't win.
No big, but it inspired me.
A poster would be quite convenient and cute.
Then, over the weekend, I saw tweet from brides.com about a city poster.
That got the wheels in my head turning.

A cityscape poster for the guest book.
It could be signed with a silver Sharpie, and after the wedding, framed and placed in our place of residence.
This would then be a constant reminder of the love that surrounded us on our big day while we were all in one place!

Photo : AllPosters.com