On the cheap

Our registries are finally solidified. Well they are more gelatinous, but they are in the process of getting there. So far we have dishes, silverware, towels, a down comforter and pillows, some kitchen electrics and random crap. That is an accomplishment to me. We picked out some glasses, but I didn't actually like them. I later read their terrible reviews on Crate and Barrel's site, so I deleted them. I guess glassware is TBA haha.

As for now, here are some of the things we enjoyed. Josiah went crazy on coffee and wine accessories and consequently they make up half of our registry.

Direct quote: "I could spend all day here [in C&B]. I want everything."

Our Crate and Barrel wedding registry and our Macy's wedding registry

Anyway, here are a couple things I am particularly stoked about. Some thoughts: 1. It would be nice to get rid of my elementary school TV stand. 2. Martha Stewart's collection is too cute to handle. I had to refrain from scanning every blue and red cooking accessory on the planet. 3. Someone please buy me the Sonicare. I want it. In my mouth.

Sloane Leaning Media Stand/Bookcase

Shesham Wall Mount-Stacking Wine Rack

Brushed Silver Wall Frames

Ona Pitcher

Sonicare FlexCare Toothbrush

Martha Stewart Silicone Trivet

Please sir, may I have some more?

So, this weekend my family and I hit the mall. My parents were on a mission to buy a new kitchen table from Crate and Barrel. I took the opportunity to scope out some dishes (for the second weekend in a row). Guess what ... I felt:

1. overwhelmed
2. frustrated
3. angry
4. underwhelmed
5. confused
6. annoyed
7. other bad words

I didn't see much I liked. There are two sets I love from Crate and Barrel, but one is only at the outlet. Of course, that's the one Josiah and I really like (the Paolo set below). So basically, it won't be there by the time we get married. Bummer.

It seems like there are tons of dishes but a lot of them are either boring or ugly. I don't want plain white dishes. I also don't want something with a frilly edge. Who knew it would be so hard to find something simple and ... hip? I don't know.

So, where do I look for dishes? Mom says C&B and department stores. I forgot that department stores have stuff like that. So, we headed to Macy's and Dillard's to check stuff out. For the most part, I was underwhelmed. But I found out Calvin Klein makes dishes that have our aesthetic down to a T.

Also, thank God for online reviews. According to the whole two reviews, the Vera Wang dishes chip a lot and look worn quickly. Good to know.

Paolo Dinnerware from Crate and Barrel

Nilsson Dinnerware from Crate and Barrel

Calvin Klein Cargo Dinnerware from Macy's

Vera Wang Naturals Dinnerware from Macy's

Calvin Klein Basso Dinnerware from Macy's

Anyone have good dinnerware buying advice? I just want some cute dishes, dammit.

A glimpse into married life

I have been blessed to have some pretty amazing ladies in my life. It's been wonderful to hear the advice from women who have been recently married (Erica, Beki, Sara, etc.). It makes me feel like I'm not actually crazy.

One woman in particular that I am really thankful for is Sara, Josiah's cousin. Her husband and Josiah are BFFs, and I consider Sara one of my closest friends. I'm incredibly thankful to be joining the Kilduff family -- I love them all so much.

Sara came down to visit this weekend and I couldn't have been more excited. I absolutely love hanging out with her, and I feel like we are always on the same page. We all have those friends who just ... understand. Sara is one of them and I love her for it (and other things).

In any case, Sara and I had a lot of good wedding conversation this weekend. She's super supportive and has always given me great advice. She's especially wonderful at making me feel like what I'm going through is totally normal. I really appreciate that.

Today we hit the mall with my mom and Sara gave me tons of good registry tips that I wouldn't have thought of. Thanks lady! I think I have a better grasp on what to expect when I register in the next couple of weeks.

There was also a lot of baby talk ... not for me, though! Haha. Sara is pregnant and due the same week that we get married! It's been fun because we are both counting down the months until the big days. I've been super excited about the wedding, of course, but knowing that Sara and Jared's baby boy will be born that same week makes the countdown even more special. Especially because ... Josiah and I are going to be the godparents! I am just too excited. I love their family and their little boy is going to be a badass. Josiah and I are really bummed that they will be moving to the Bay Area at the start of the new year, but we can't wait to visit.

Sara, Jared, Josiah and I drinking non-alcoholic beverages (not lying).

Sizing up the reception room

I need to scope out the inside of the Tempe Center for the Arts. I'm coming up with ideas, but not sure how to implement them in our space. Here's what I know about the reception area:

1. Approximately three walls are glass.
2. It has very tall ceilings.
3. It overlooks the negative edge pool/Tempe Town Lake.

As you can see, I don't know very much. Here's an architect's rendition of the room, found on AIArchitect.

I've been scouring Flickr for more TCA wedding pictures, and I'm happy to have found another set by David Maddox. Additional wedding pictures at TCA can be found here.

The ceremony area.

Inside the reception.

I mentioned a long time ago that I was originally very anti the indoors. This reception room is different though. I think the windows really give it an amazing feel. Plus, I think it'll go well with this idea I came up with (aka stole) yesterday while looking at CB2 for my registry.

I've been looking at these hanging bud vases/candleholders for probably a year now. For whatever reason, I've refrained from buying 30 of them and suspending them from every surface possible.

BUT. I was reading comments on one of the vases, and a gal said that she collected a bunch and hung them at her reception. This would be absolutely perfect for TCA. Here are some pictures from CB2, showing you you can mix/match the vases.

I could either hang these with fishing wire or with colored ribbon or yarn. Either way it would be super cute.

The only problem is I'm not quite sure where to hang them from. That's why I need to scout out the room and see how I can dress it up. Maybe I can do that this weekend.

Pre-registration

Registries are overwhelming! Especially right now ... all I want to register for is cute Christmas stuff from Crate and Barrel.


Like these sparkly mixing bowls.


And this cake platter.


And these ice skating polar bear plates!!


And these adorable striped spreaders!!!!

OK, so I have a problem with Christmas stuff. I already hung up some lights on the mantle...

I'm not quite sure how to do this registry thang. Josiah and I already have so. Much. Crap.

I was talking with Erica a while ago, and I think we came to the conclusion that registries are especially helpful for newlyweds who moved straight from their parents' homes. But that's not the case with Josiah and I, seeing as how we have accumulated a lot of things since we moved out five years ago. We have everything we need (other than a Kitchen Aid mixer!), for the most part. We could use some uniform table settings, but we have like 54 mismatched sets, so it'll be a challenge finding places to put everything. But I mean, we don't need bedding. Or furniture. Or silverware. Or pots and pans.

So what do I register for? Knick knacks? Decorative stuff? Random kitchen gadgets? Josiah asked if we could register at a bike shop ... no surprise there. I really don't know what to put on my list. I need my mom! I should just have her do it for me haha.

Also, what is the norm for how many places you're supposed to register at? Here's the break down of where I'd like to register:

- Crate and Barrel: dinnerware, classy serving pieces, gadgets
- Target: practical stuff, basic cooking supplies
- CB2 (online only): decorative touches, barware, funky serving pieces

Josiah really wants to register at Bed, Bath and Beyond because they give cash back for returns haha! He worked there for a couple years, so he would know. Our friends told us that they returned a bunch of crap for a grand after they got married. (I don't plan on returning anything though...ha!)

So Crate and Barrel would be good for my parents' friends and relatives, Target would be convenient for everyone, and CB2 would be good for my friends who are looking to get something cool and fun.

I'm not sure how much people actually use registries. I'm the jerk who doesn't use them ... if I know the couple well enough, I try to get them something fun. I figure they're going to be getting enough practical stuff. I hope people get Josiah and I fun stuff too!

Who has advice for me?

Some cool things I'd like from CB2(but no one would actually want to buy for me):


Beaker Glass Pitcher


Firefly Pendant Lamp


Perspective Mirror


Tambien Barware