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!

DIY Wedding

We have been doing a few DIY projects for our wedding and it is hard work!  Things get messy, glue is everywhere, paint stains show up on our couch, there are always multiple trips to and from Michael's + AC MOORE.  Wedding stuff has not only filled up our brains but has filled up our living and dining areas.  There is NO WHERE TO RUN, 
REPEAT 
NO WHERE.
Even in our sleep, we have been having nightmares of our wedding!!!

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Hi!!!!  So I wrote that bit about a month ago during Thanksgiving Break and looking back..WOW what a SPAZ! I am still a bit like that but maybe not so much because the wedding is in a week and really in a week, there's nothing more I can do than just make sure everything is ready and prepped up.
Can't wait to share all the details :) 
I am sorry for not blogging much. Last day of finals was yesterday, I slept maybe MAX 24 hours this week and that is overly generous guesstimating. This by far was the worst and hardest semester for everyone and I am glad its over and done with. 
On the upside Barack sadly could not make it to our wedding and am still waiting patiently for my response from Johnny.

My Purple Bridal Shower

My bridal party and friends planned this awesome bridal shower and I just wanted to show off with lots and lots of photos because they worked so hard!!!

All photos taken by Kanzen Studios! THANKS GUYS!!! They were so amazing. Everyone commented how awesome the photos turned out. This was the first thing I saw as I was about to go inside the house. 

Of course!

  

This was the 2nd thing I saw, basically everyone. It was a bit overwhelming and a wild group of women.

After all the hugs and OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE YOUR HERE hellos- the details was the 3rd thing I noticed:

I LOVE

1. the different color pom poms which are my color scheme as my wedding

2. the  food AKA MY FAVORITE FOOD IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD-sushi that is! was delicious

3. the personalized chopsticks were super cute-  I STILL HAVE THEM AT HOME, I DON"T EVER WANT TO USE IT!

and 

4. the photos of me and the mister was a nice touch.  

They also made a photo booth/ collage room.  The collage portion was bringing in a photo and there were so many baby photos, high school photos, and not so proper photos of myself!

A bridal shower is nothing without embarrassing games.

The toilet paper wedding dress contest- everyone was into it- Even my grandma :) and the dresses were surprisingly well structured that it was so hard to pick the winner.

My cousin and aunt even compiled all the gift wrapping and bows from my present-opening to make me a paper dress as well.  The winner of course- had to be my mom. 

At the end of the day we had some cake and champagne and my bridesmaids and I took some glamour photos!

I love love love MY BRIDAL SHOWER, it was great to be with all my closest friends and family. It certainly surpasses anything that I could ever imagine.  Thanks for reading!

Cookie Day Part 1- morning

Over the Oct 20th weekend, my mom hosted a Chinese version of an engagement party 

'SICK BANG'- literal translation Cookie Day. Others may know it as Pig Day. Not everyone does it, I guess it depends how traditional your family wants to take this. 

This is the basic list that my mom gave me.

 On Pig Day:

The groom's family would send:

• An elaborate array of food ( Pig, chicken dried scallops, dried Mushrooms,etc)
• Traditional Chinese cake/pastries
• Religious items to the bride's family ( such as a new dress for the bride's sisters and new pair of shoes for bride' brother)

The bride's family would return gift to groom's family:

• Parts of pig ( Head and Tail)
• Traditional Chinese pastries
• Religious items to groom (new belt and new wallet)

Usually this happens a month before the wedding but we did this a few months earlier so that we could pass out our invitations.

In the morning, we had to go to  grandmother's to pray and give offerings.

We ate breakfast and relaxed a bit while the older ladies did all the chopping. 

I wanted to know more about Cookie Day so I googled and found this:

From: http://www.weddingbee.com/

1. The bride and groom’s families refer to the Chinese calendar and choose a “lucky date” for the cookie party.
2. The parents on both sides negotiate and agree upon a number of special wedding cakes and cookies (in individual pastry sizes) that will be purchased by the groom’s family and presented to the bride’s family on the determined date.
   • Anywhere from 200 to 700 cakes and cookies are typically ordered from special Chinese bakeries.
   • They are considered to be part of the wedding dowry. The idea is that when a bride marries, she will part with her parents and assimilate into the groom’s family. In exchange for “losing” a daughter, the grooms family provides cakes to the bride’s parents to sweeten the parting. 
   • If the grooms family presents a large number of cakes, this symbolizes that the bride is marrying into wealth and she will be well cared for.
3. A whole roast pig (Ours was 47lbs!) on a wooden red platter is also purchased by the groom’s family to present along with the cakes. The pig supposedly represents the bride’s virginity. Sometimes coconuts are also given as a symbol of fertility. I’ve heard that a live chicken should be included in the “dowry,” (He bought 7 cooked chickens instead since it's more practical). 
4. Someone from the groom’s side that is not the groom, his parents, or grandparents (We asked our Best Man-Ken) delivers the goods to the bride’s home where the entire extended family of the bride is waiting to feast.
5. Once the pig is handed over, the brides relatives immediately chop off head and the hind portion and returned these to the groom’s family. This is to symbolize that everything has a beginning and an end.
6. The bride’s family also has gifts prepared for the groom and his family including:
   • Boxes of food and treats 
   • A wallet, belt, and suit for the groom.
7. The bride’s family divvies up the cakes and distributes them to all the relatives. The quantity of cakes is determined by the seniority of guest or relationship with the family. These are supposed to be distributed with the wedding invitation. Several of the cakes are boxed up to return to the groom’s family also.
8. A big family celebration ensues on both sides and the bride and groom are not allowed to see each other until the wedding day." (Yea we had the big party and saw each other afterwards!)

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Yup- We did all of that and much more. I don't agree with most of the items because I feel like some of it is unnecessary but I think it is nice to have something like this to pass onto future generations.

Come back soon for Part 2 of cookie day!

Thanks for reading, I know it is picture and word heavy.