HEART SHAPE MARSHMALLOWS

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is our first V-DAY as husband and wife and I am so ecstatic to have him here with me. He came to VT this week for work and it was soooo hard to study with him around! All I wanted to do was ...DON'T PUKE.. cuddle but after a few days of getting use to him around, I was able to buckle down and study for my exam this week.   Since his visit was a bit last minute we have no plans tonight so we are just going to wing it.  In keeping with this lovely day, I thought HEART SHAPE MARSHMALLOWS!!!!  They are perfect for sharing with friends or your sweetie. 

Whether as an eat alone (no judgement here) or served on top of Hot Cocoa.

What you need:  Miniature heart shape cookie cutters(~0.89 cents) Jumbo sized Marshmallows ($3.26 each found year round at Target) Powdered confectioners sugar Make sure to get the JUMBO SIZE! The regular size marshmallows were too small for my mini cookie cutter. 

I apologize for not taking clearer photos but I hope my directions are clear.  1. Prep the surface you are working on with powdered sugar and pat your hands together with powdered sugar so the marshmallows won't get stuck to you.  2. With the JUMBO Marshmallow - slice it into 4 circles. Pat the sticky ends with the sugar.  3. Using your mini cookie cutter, make the hearts. Again pat the sticky ends with sugar.  4. Eat your masterpiece!

http://www.marthastewart.com

TIPS: If you can't eat all of it at once, store in a large gallon size Ziploc bag with powdered sugar. For Hot Chocolate, add some whipped cream, cinnamon, or peppermint sticks for favor if you like. For the adult version, add peppermint schnapps. Enjoy! 

Our Wedding: Invitations

The process of my invitations is a bit too long for one blog post so I will have to separate it into different posts! Not sure how many but follow me if you would love to learn more! ***

I love the vintage letterpress embossed look but after checking online for pricing, it wasn't worth the cost for me. 

I'm not a perfectionist but it took me a longggggggg time to figure out the design of the invite but once everything came together, I was very happy with the end result. THANK YOU PAINT!

The Easy:
- Theme color is plum and silver so I made the font that color.
- I was going for the bare branch look for my wedding so I added that as a backdrop to my invitation.
The Hard:
- I didn't know the right words to say.
- I didn't know if it would look better centered or if the words looked better there or here.
- I had so many drafts!!!! Sometimes I wish I was more creative or even have the Photoshop program to learn how to do these things better.

When it came down to printing at staples, it was bad.
I had to drive back and forth from home to staples 3 TIMES.

The first time, I didn't save my document on PDF so when they opened my invite, it didn't look like how it was suppose to. WHAT A WASTE OF GAS! ARGH! Still annoys me to this day.

Lesson Learned:
Whenever I go to Staples for a print job, carry laptop with me....Just in case.

and
always save your document on PDF.

I stayed too long at Staples and the reason being, I could NOT for the life of me make up my mind on what type of paper to print on.

 Silver, ivory, or velum,???

Seriously, I just wanted to slap myself silly with these minute decisions. I had to print out samples and contrast them against my envelopes before making a final decision.  
As I think back on it, I don't know how these little things got to me. 
BUT I WAS CRAZY.

Thanks babe. I think we got it. 

In the end the silver made my purple font pop out more to the color I desired and it happily matched my color theme! 

Project costs: Staples Pearlized Cardstock 1.39 each. 50 sheets (100 invites) for $70.66 w/tax

and the cutting continues...

Back to the grind

If you look closely at the photo, you can see what else I was working on for invitations.
In a future post coming to you!

TIPS:
For more ideas on how to make your invitations creative, scour all the wedding blogs! MY favorite invitation website to be inspired from is ohsobeautifulpaper.com. There are so many pretty stationary projects/DIY on there.

Microsoft paint/word skills: Saves the Dates Magnets

After receiving our engagement photos from the talented Ms.Shang Chen (more photos HERE!), we wanted to personalize our Save the Dates with them. Since I am not a pro whatsoever in Photoshop my go to is paint and Microsoft word. My favorite functions is Ctrl-c and Ctrl-v!

After living with the Mister he throws away anything that isn't of use whereas I love to hold on -slash- HOARD memories. Which led to -> if you can have another use for it, you keep it around longer, and

TA DA

Save the Dates Magnets

!!!

Our save the dates were very simple in terms of design but clear in terms of message: Here's our website and code for more information about our wedding. No invitation needed. RSVP Online!

Side note: We highly recommend Appycouple as a wedding website! It was very easy to use and a cool feature it offered was the downloadable app so all the information would be easy to get right off your phone as your driving to the event. (Get it? APP-y Couple!!!!)

***

We bought the adhesive magnet sheets from Micheal's and printed my design on photo sheets using our home printer.

1. We printed 9 magnets per 8 x 11 sheet and had to cut the sheet into thirds for easier cutting and less damage on your photo. (3 x 2.5 dimensions for 1 magnet)

2. Carefully place the photo on the adhesive and once it touches, it won't be able to get off. THIS ADHESIVE IS NO JOKE- IT WAS VERY STRONG!

3. I have read on other DIY sites to use an exacto knife but we found that really hard to cut through the photo AND thick magnet roll so we just used scissors and just tried to cut it as straight as possible using a ruler. I would also suggest buying a strong paper cutter because it is also useful for future projects AKA invitations! 

4. ....and a mess later.... YOU'RE DONE!

Project costs: Magnetic Roll $9.99 ( with Coupon paid $4.99). I had supplies for everything else lying around the house so it didn't cost much at all.

TIPS:

For arts and crafts, use AC Moore and Michael's 50% coupon.

I highly recommend getting the Magnet roll from arts/crafts store! They are pretty strong and are still standing on my fridge after 6+ months. I have read up on issues with the Avery printable magnets sheets from printing problems to the magnet not sticking strong enough on the wall, etc.

Taken from: Etsy

Just in a quote type of mood. 

aka

procrastination from studying. 

Our Wedding: Song Choice

Not sure why I want to talk about music, perhaps its because this previous weekend I fist pumped the night away for a friend's birthday! 

Music is so important to the Mister. It pumps him up, gets him in that MODE. He knows song titles and artists and lyrics to all his favs. I am the type of person that only has music in the background to just have while doing the business in the bathroom. :P

Song and lyric became more important as we dated because we would start youtubing songs to each other. I am a memory hoard and I saved a list of songs he would send me and we actually used a few of them in our wedding and one for our First Dance! <3

When guests walk in the door, I want them to reminisce their childhood memories and Disney songs would be perfect.  If you ever look at our alphabetized movie shelf, you can notice most of the Blu-rays that we own are Disney so that one day we can bond with our children watching Lion King.  There was one song, JUST ONE, that was the most important to us but unfortunately couldn't be played Utada Hikaru- First Love because of time! Gosh Darn it!   I have no idea what she is saying but it sounds beautiful when she does sing a part in English: "You will always be inside my heart I hope that I have a place in your heart too
Now and forever you are still the one You are always gonna be my love" When I hear these words, I think of high school. I think about moments where we were in the same places, had similar friends, but never met until later in life. I even remember watching a performance of a group of Newton guys singing a backstreet boys song at a high school Asian Night and after dating, I found that he was one of the singers. We never knew each other in high school but its funny when songs can tie people together.

YOUTUBE LINKS: Canon in D Full Orchestra, Andrea Bocelli – Con Te Partiro, Taylor Swift – Enchanted

I really really wanted the Andrea Bocelli song. The mister actually fought against it but after listening to it, he fell in love with the song as much as I did. I first heard it from a Will Ferrell Movie 'Blades of Glory' and just thought wow. It is makes me feel like I am floating on clouds.

*TIP: When walking down the aisle, I had to remember not to walk too fast. Take your time because it will go by soooo fast and keep your back straight! 

YOUTUBE LINKS: JOHN STAMOS FOREVER, 

ITS FULL HOUSEEEE!!!!!!! 'nough said. 

The first dance choice was pretty important to us since this was the 1st dance as Husband and Wife and we didn't want the typical first dance songs. It was really hard to pick one. The mister was thinking of using this Taylor swift song (Safe and Sound) as our first dance. My first thoughts: Sounds like we are killing ourselves- no offense. I like this music/lyrics but maybe not for a wedding? 

Remember how I hoard? Well I forgot that I had that list of songs that me and the mister shared together and by accident I opened the file and we saw the songs and voilà! It was that easy. 

We actually played the whole 3 minute song and swayed for 3 minutes. The parent dances made us a little more nervous because typically we aren't that way at all. I ONLY just started hugging my parents when I left to go to away for graduate school. So dancing for a full song was super scary and we shortened to 1 minute. 

 I was hesitate with the bouquet toss and garter toss.  I have been to many weddings where it is like a force to get up there. The mister thought it would be fun and wanted to include it. The minute I came up for the bouquet toss I was super nervous because I thought 'DAMN no one will come up' because honestly I WOULD NOT COME UP! One minute it was completely empty and the next minute a stampede of girls were waiting behind me!!!! Even my aunt mentioned that she has never seen so many single ladies before.  I felt so happy that I had so many friends to support me!  To get the garter belt off me I remember he had to do a push up under my dress, it was hilarious and overly embarrassing. 

Fortunately the world did not end on 12-21-12 so we were able to get married that weekend but I thought these last songs would be good for the end of year.

Photo by David Tith

To involve guests in the planning of our wedding, I asked if they had any song choices they wanted to hear. Along with the mister's music choices we got so many responses back. So I hope you got a chance to hear what you asked for and had a great time!

Turkey Chili Recipe

I have gotten into super wife mode baking cookies and dinner for the husband! Every night this week I have plans to go out without the Mister. I have been ITCHING to use our Brand New Crock pot that we received as a wedding gift and since his favorite food is chili and its good as leftovers, I made a weeks worth. At the end of it, it didn't work out that way especially because he ate 2 big bowls of it last night! Rating Taste: 8/10 Spicy: 2/10 (for the people who are used to spice) 6/10 (for the people who can't handle spice) It was my first time and I thought it was very successful! The mister asked me to write it down for him so he can cook it for his Sunday Football Buddies.  

1.5 lb Ground Turkey (93% Lean, 7% Fat) 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 tsp cayenne powder 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 1- 15.5oz can Light Red Kidney beans 1- 15.5oz can Black Beans 2-  14oz cans diced tomatoes 1- 4oz can Diced Green chiles

1. Prep your onion, jalapeno pepper, and red bell pepper.
2. Place ground turkey, onions, and red bell pepper over medium-high heat on stove top.  Brown turkey over stove for 5 minutes on each side. Total cook time: 10 minutes.  I had to break it up a bit into smaller pieces to make sure all the pink was cooked.  3. While turkey is browning, mix your spices together!  1 tsp cayenne powder, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper 4. For the last 5 minutes of browning, add the spices and a little less than 1/2 can of the diced tomatoes. Mix it up until meat is cooked. 5. Transfer turkey mix to crockpot.  6. Rinse both cans of light red kidney beans and black beans with water before adding to crockpot.  7. Add all the remaining ingredients into the crock pot: diced green chilies and the rest of the canned tomatoes.   8. Cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours. Halfway through the cooking process, stir it to make sure everything is well cooked. 

Can top with sour cream, shredded Jack Cheese, sliced green onions or eat alongside cornbread!

ENJOY! TIPS:  - For added spiciness, add extra jalapeno or chili powder.  - For healthiness, I used turkey instead of beef to make it more healthier and I rinsed the beans in water before adding it into the crockpot to decrease the sodium.  -: I was worried that my chili didn't have enough liquid but after stirring it and by the end of the cook time, it looked perfect!

12-22-12

The Mister and I tied the knot!!!!  Saturday 12-22-12. So much has happened and I have so many ideas for blog posts but I don't know where to begin.  I want to post ALL my DIY wedding crafts on individual posts so maybe start with that? We have dedicated so much time to them that I just want to show it off- even if it looks ugly!   Next post??? :)

Today I just want to give recognition to all my vendors, friends, and family for all the help and support they have given us to make our day... OUR DAY.  The Wedding Details Wedding Day of Coordinator: Linda Lee of Lemon Drop Team Photography: Kelly Dillon Photography Videography: Brighter Lights Media DJ: Peter Hallisey from Sound Choice Events Wedding Cake: Konditor Meister Catering: China Pearl Hair & Makeup : Bride Makeup 2 Die 4. Bridesmaids May Chin Hair and Makeup Ceremony & Reception: Cyclorama Boston Center for the Arts Linens & Rentals: Rentals Unlimited & Felicia's Bridal Production & Lighting: Alexandra Bombard Advanced Lighting & Production Services Wedding Gown + Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal Bride's Shoes: Brian Atwood Groom + Groomsmen's Attire: Vera Wang
Floral Designs: My AHHMAZINGGG Aunt from EC Florist who made the beautiful ceremony and reception centerpieces! Photobooth: Red Eye Photobooth. Logo made my moi. Bride and Groom's Ring: Customized by Groom & Maid of Honor at Jewelry Square  Bride's Hairpieces (3): My Great Aunt made them. Bride's Earrings: From my Mother Dress Hanger: Made by my Uncle and friend Hanh N.  Stationary: Save the Dates, Invitations designed by me.  Program, Logo designed by friend Cathy C.

Programs always gets thrown away so to save some trees we had our friend design the program that can be projected against the wall before the ceremony started. The main reason we decided on doing a program was to remind our guests that it was an 'UNPLUGGED CEREMONY'.  She does great designs and webpages so if you want more information, leave a comment! ***
The best part is we didn't just have one wedding, but TWO! We had a Sunday reception which had an entirely different feel from the Saturday one. The Saturday reception was modern that included immediate family and close friends and the Sunday reception was tradition/conservative with the tea ceremony and everyone in my family ( I have a HUGE FAMILY!). It was tiring but it was the best of both worlds and I am happy how my wedding weekend turned out. 

Sunday Details I will make this short and sweet! Photography: Kenny Vu Photography DJ and Entertainment: Heart to Heart Weddings  Wedding Cake: Bao Bao Bakery Catering: Hei Lo Moon Stationary: Table numbers/Menus: made by Me. Invitations: Best Printing A BIG SHOUT OUT to the Mister for being super planner for Saturday and my Mom for planning Sunday.  I am a VERY lucky bride to have had so much support and help from my loved ones.  THANK YOU!