Why do I want these?

To register for this, to register for that

Register for a massage…because you will need one after you are finished registering for your wedding. Joey and I learned this during our registering weekend extraordinaire. I have to tell you – I have always felt like I know my way around the kitchen. I bake and cook and get a thrill out of buying kitchen accessories and utensils – I was NOT prepared. 

Poor Joey had to help me through a near breakdown over what dishes we were going to get. I had it in my mind that we had to pick out our dishes first and then everything would follow and coordinate – and when we started to register out of my “made up out of thin air” order – I nearly lost it. We literally took a mental break. 

After Joey talked me down – we began the process and everything went smoothly from there. We had fun with it – which is the most important thing! Below, I have bulleted out a few recommendations we have after the weekend – just to help those beginning the process. 

-Although it might be fun to dress cute when you register, wear tennis shoes and carry a small purse. After spending four to six hours on your feet, tennis shoes are a must. Take it from us – we went without them on day one and were sore the next day. On day two – we went for the comfortable option and it was much better. 

-Make a list of what you want to register for. Also – it is probably a good idea to walk through the stores before you get the scanners. Make sure you have checked out each of the stores you are considering and have a game plan to determine what you are going to get from each place. It will make it much easier to stay on track. 

-If they offer you water – take it. If they offer to set up a place setting – let them set it up. If they offer to take you around the store - let them. Any help/advice/expertise on products you can get, take advantage of it. It will pay off in the end. 

-Register for a few high end thing that you like but wouldn’t ever register for. Example – crystal and silver.
Apparently some people want to buy these things for you. If you don’t pick it out, people who equate weddings with hearts and butterflies will get your gifts with hearts and butterflies. If you don’t give your guests options of things you like, you will get what they like. So – if you like hearts and butterflies – good for you. But if you don’t – select a few high end items for people to select from. 

-Eat when you are hungry. Hungry people are grumpy people. Grumpy people in one store for four hours can be really grumpy people. We were fine in this are but could definitely see how the process wouldn’t be fun if there were grumpy shoppers.

Delight from the Sea!

So a few months ago, Joey and I went to this fabulous restaurant in Milwaukee called Harbor House. It is the kind of place that you see in the movies – well at least the kind of movies I like. Anyway – they specialize in seafood (which I absolutely love).

Feeling adventurous, I decided to order an oyster on the half shell. My first experience with oysters was at a happy hour special – they were half price or something. It was gross. That being said – if its all you can eat or half price – it’s probably not as good as it is suppose to be. 

Anyway – so the waitress at Harbor House brought me the oyster atop of crushed ice with a pretty green sea like sprig of something, fresh horseradish, cocktail sauce and a juicy lemon. She gave me her recommended combination and told me to throw it back. So I did – and it was…..DELICIOUS!

I know some people say to swallow it whole but I chewed it and it was flavorful and refreshing.

I ordered another one. I tried to get Joey to eat one but he wasn’t interested. I won’t give him a hard time though because his pallet had defiantly broadened since we first me.

Sometimes he actually tells me that he’s craving sushi – which is like a dream to me because I could live on sushi…

So I think my next challenge will be to prepare oysters at home….I watched a YouTube video and it doesn’t seem to be that difficult. I also wouldn’t mind trying a few different combinations of condiments. I once saw an episode of Real Housewives of Orange County and Tamara had backyard dinner party and served fresh oysters with strawberry –Champaign puree on top. Ummmm yum! 

One of the best shows on television

The Good Wife airs on CBS every Tuesday night at 9PM CST and I would highly recommend you tune in! Joey and I have been watching since it premiered last year and after every episode I think to my self, “What a good, smart show.”

It also helps that it takes place in Chicago - so being a hop, skip and jump away, much of the conversation about the City and its political history is familiar.

The show stars Julianna Margulies who made her television debut on E.R. (one of my long-time favorite shows) as well as Chris North, aka BIG from Sex in the City and hottie Matt Matt Czuchry who had a long standing role as Rory’s boyfriend on Gilmore Girls.

Basic premise: The show follows the life of a wife and mother who boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband's very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. Pushing aside the betrayal and public humiliation caused by her husband, she starts over by pursuing her original career as a defense attorney.

Watch it - you'll love it. 

Two Weeks Later

 Can you believe it? Two solid week and not one tiny chip.

I'm a believer in the "no-chip" mani!

Seven Valentine’s Days

That is how long Joey and I have been together – for seven Valentine’s Days. And this will be our last Valentine’s Day as an unmarried couple.

Then we have to start over – which is good for Joey because he typically gives me a rose for every Valentine’s Day we have spent together and the holiday flower inflation was starting to break the bank.

Also – as we will be combining incomes in a few months – I suggested he pick up some tulips at the grocery store rather than spend a fortune at a florist. Funny how that happens!

(P.S. A few more Valentine’s Day mentions and this post could become a drinking game.)

Happy Valentine's Day

I hope you are all enjoying speading the love today!

Isn't Google the cutest!! Love this!