Unexpected

You know how people always say if you stop looking for something, that's when you'll find it? Well, that is exactly how we stumbled upon our new bookcase. Josh was on his lunch break and I had the day off so we decided to share a romantic dining experience at Valley West Mall's Maid Rite. Afterwards, we had time to kill so we went window shopping. We were debating on either going to Banana Republic or Calypso (a home decor/furniture place). Fate pulled us towards Calypso and lo and behold there was our new antique bookcase just waiting for us!

If you look closely, you'll find that three out of four picture frames are empty or filled with picture frame models.

Take a Picture, it Lasts Longer

Hooray! We got our wedding pics!

Kudos to Allison Bryce, she took some really good photos!

You had me at Nutella

Curse you, Nick and Amy for introducing us to Nutella. The first time I tried Nutella, I thought it was good but I'm a strict Skittles and Laffy Taffy kind of girl so I didn't fall so easily under its chocolaty spell. However, Josh and I made the trip to World Market to look at bookcases and decided to purchase a jar of Nutella and some Jules Destrooper Almond Thins. Now, I'm afraid that I might become a Nutella convert because this combination is DELICIOUS. Not only that, but I definitely think that being a Nutella fan or even just knowing that Nutella exists is comparable to being a drug pusher (Jennifer and Kelly-"She was like, 'I'm a pusher, Cady. I'm a pusher.'"). After we purchased it, we had dinner with my cousins and brother and sister-in-law and I definitely invited them to come to our car and try it after dinner. That's creepy.

To read more about Nutella, click here

Shop 'til you Drop

A few weeks ago Josh and I went on a shopping spree to Bed Bath and Beyond and Target to purchase a few of the stray items that were left behind on our wedding registry. I'm happy to announce that we brought home our square plates, the collapsible colander, a picture frame (not on the registry, but it matches the one that was), a decorative vase, plastic bag holder, pizza stone and a few other odds and ends.

Square is the new circle.

Josh insisted on adding river rock to the bottom because according to him, the colored glass decorative gems "look like a prostitute".

Pumpkins on Parade

To get everyone in the Halloween spirit, Andrew and Annie invited friends over to carve pumpkins this weekend. My family never really participated in this ritual but I have to say it was pretty enjoyable. I'm generally kind of leery of any activity that involves wielding a knife, however it turned out to be quite fun.

Everyone hard at work at their creations.

Naturally, Josh insisted on buying the biggest pumpkin from one of the local farmers market vendors. I think we might need a pillar candle instead of votives or tealights to make it glow. And what was the design we chose? We decided to forgo the typical jack-o-lantern face and try our hand at something more creative. Still embracing my role as the blushing bride, I suggested our initials. See what we ended up carving below...

From left to right, starting at the top: Spider (Annie), Smushface (Rudens), Cubs (ours, go figure). Second row, left to right: Slap Happy (Ortiguerras), Autobots (Andrew), Scare"d" Crow (Rudens, part deux)

I'm full. What else can I eat?

I confess to uttering that contradictory phrase but in my defense, Josh and I spent our entire honeymoon surrounded by delicious food. Scallops, hash browns, Uno's Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, hot dogs from Wrigley, chicken wings, bread pudding! However, the one food that I think I'll always remember fondly is from our last meal in Chicago. It was at the Grand Lux Cafe that I met "one potato to rule them all". Their menu describes it like this...

Double Stuffed Potato Spring Rolls

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with a Touch of Green Onion, Rolled in Crispy Asian Wrappers Topped with Melted Cheddar, Applewood Smoked Bacon and Green Onion. Served with Sour Cream

Shakespeare couldn't have wrote it better himself.

Josh and I are all smiles after a delicious feast at Grand Lux Cafe.

Josh and Lora Day

Done and done. After months, (and what sometimes felt like years), of planning, Josh and I managed to make our stroll down the aisle and into wedded bliss without too much incident. Of course, there were a few classic moments that will forever be part of our wedding day memories--my photographer playing cut man as he feverishly tried to get my lip to stop bleeding so I could be in family pictures, an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction during pictures with best man and now brother-in-law, Nick and last but not least, "the running man", a dance move that could put a person out of commission for a day or two.

Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us in person or in spirit! We love you all!

Oh, and I'd like to make a public plea to anyone who took pictures of the wedding or reception to please send those my way. I just can't wait for the professional ones, and we all know that candid ones are the funniest. :)