Back from my blogging hiatus!

Hey everyone!

It's been crazy! I've moved 17 hours, and may be moving again soon with my HUSBAND! I am officially a Mrs.! Now that we've gotten through the hurdle of the wedding...I am on to a new adventure...wifedom!

With this new adventure I'm starting something fun for me, baking! I love sweets and now I am officially learning how to make all the treats I love love love so much! Each Sunday I will post a video of my newest sweetastic craving in the making! Stay tuned!

And you are calling me because? - Heart check.

So we have moved past this Bridal Shower scheduling thing to only have more complications. It seems to be a story in my life with this wedding planning. It's beginning to take the joy out of it for me. Anyway, I had changed my bridesmaid dresses once the girls started to get measured - not because I'm picky but because they jacked up the price of them at the bridal shop and I didn't want my girls to have to pay that much.

Here is what we have:

Anyway, the shop called me yesterday to tell me what girls still needed to pay them. They aren't exactly the nicest dress stop to work with so that wasn't helpful! I don't understand why when they have the girls names and numbers that it's my job to call and remind them. Better yet, why are you calling me just to tell me what girls haven't? Is this normal?

While I was beginning to get perturbed I thought "In what ways am I being like Christ in this situation?". Chewing them out, talking badly about them etc. was not going to change that they had called me, and if I did that - I wouldn't be showing them Christ's love. I had to give my heart a big check. And while I'm aware that this post may have been my chance to vent and may even give you a bad picture of the situation I felt that it was necessary for you to see what had happened on this journey to end at this conclusion.

Thanks for reading! More to come :)

I guess that's reality

Planning is stressful. I'm someone who likes to plan and know the details, even the tiny minuscule ones, so it's hard when I have to altar them. And c'mon it's my wedding! Every detail from the ring to the honeymoon has in some way be envisioned in my mind since I was 7! Asking me to change these ideas and dreams would be like asking me to remove a band-aid, quick and painless from the outside but still feeling very raw and odd on the in.

My current battle...my bridal shower. I come up with a date that works and then it doesn't. I know that I don't have to please EVERYONE but I would like to please the majority so that most people can attend. I guess "real" wedding planning doesn't happen like the movies. Can't I just have someone like David Tutera show up and tell me it's all going to be okay and taken care of for me so I can enjoy my day!?

Any encouragement for me out there?

In other news, my fiance and I will no longer be 17 hours apart as of 2 weeks! We'll see how the "normalcy" of living near each other goes. I'll keep you posted ;)

Is it pleasing to those

As an engaged woman who is in love with her Saviour Jesus Christ,  it is sometimes hard for me to not see God's intervening in my life and relationship with my soon-to-be. God has blessed me and even though we have our moments where I think to myself "God, where are you?! We aren't supposed to fight" I stop and remember. I am an unperfect person in love with an unperfect person who is LOVED unconditionally by God. I am thankful for God's love for me, one that isn't concerned with performance.

However, I am saddened by the reality that for some this is a hard truth to swallow. As women in a relationships (married, engaged, or just beginning to date) we are bombarded daily and hourly by what society and our sphere of influence and even our lover says we should be. We feel the need to stick in relationships that may not be fully pleasing or honoring to ourselves, our family or God because the status quo says so and our mind believes the same.



Where is this coming from? you may ask. I used to be that girl and for the past 10 years I have watched family, friends and myself suffer in relationships that are not true to who God has made myself and these amazing women to be. It was only through recognizing my own need to accept and be okay with the fact that God loves me, without reason, task or accomplishment that I began to see these relationships as not helpful, hurting and all together unhealthy for me.



So I ask you. Is your relationship pleasing to those around you? What needs to change?

I have blog-reading fever! Let the search begin!

Okay ladies! 5 months left to go! But the inspiration doesn't have to stop. I'm looking for any unique blogs that cover being engaged, weddings, life after the wedding, being a newlywed etc. oh and one's that do it on a budget! I'm looking for a blogging community that I can seek wisdom from in the days ahead. Do you know of any? Let me know in the comments or @CMatlick on Twitter!

How hard is it to find a grey suit!?

I pondered this question Thursday as we went from store to store looking for something reasonable. One you'd think it wouldn't be that hard to find a grey suit and two you'd think my soon to be wouldn't be so picky. For all of the choices we've made so far you'd think this would be a cake walk. We looked online and in stores looking for grey/brown suits that the guys can buy and not break the bank or as my soon to be says "won't cost more than a car" (an exaggeration I know). Well the search continues... How did you find your grooms attire? Have any advice for me?

Am I actually going to get the wedding of my dreams?

I've been very bad blogger lately. For my quietness of blogging I'll leave you with a short rant. I'm sure all of those who are currently tracking with me or have planned your own wedding can relate.

With the months slipping away, plans being made & broken, compromises abounding it makes a girl wonder "Will I get the wedding of my dreams". Now I don't mean this lavish wedding with all of the bells and whistles that the billion dollar wedding industry convinces us we need to have but the wedding of MY dreams. Since i was a little girl I had envisioned my wedding day. For one thing, I didn't want it to be traditional;after all normal isn't really my thing. However, how far do you compromise and how much is your wedding still yours? How much do I have to give up for everyone's happiness. Isn't this supposed to be MY day? Am I selfish for wanting things a certain way, my way?

Day 10: Spring is Here {Part 2} : Garden Party-Girl Time

Now, I know I have been spending a lot of time focusing on you and your soon-to-be/already-is. However, I wouldn't want to miss one of the most important balance to your marriage, friends! I love my girl friends and after the wedding, I want to still have my girlfriends so make time for them and hang out with them. I like to think of it as having a girl night (with his guy night) once a week. That way I am getting the support that only girls can understand (because lets be honest, your man doesn't want to talk about what happened on Dancing with the Stars or Glee).

Make plans to meet up with your girls this week. It's spring so don't just do the typical movie or shopping. Go to a tea room and have a fun. Dress up in sundresses, eat little sandwiches and most importantly connect with your ladies (sans cell phone).

Day 9: Spring is Here {Part 1}: Let's have a picnic!

For you and your lovey. I stumbled upon this inspiration from LaBelle Bride which was my inspiration for this day's challenge. Who doesn't love a picnic!

{Today: Take an afternoon picnic or make it a late night under the stars}

Day 8: The $10 Date Secret

When we started dating and even now, our funds were limited! We wanted to got out but didn't want to spend a lot of money. We didn't need the bottle of champagne and roses. As a girly girl I wanted my chance to dress up, and go out with my love. This is one of the ways we did that.

Here is our secret recipe to the $10 Date.

1 Dollar Theater
1 Trip to Ollies Bargain Outlet for snacks (you can get a bag of M&Ms for like a dollar and I mean a big bag!)-approx. $2
2 Dollar Theater movie tickets-approx. $2
Dinner for two at Chick-fil-a (Extra savings: Get a coupon for a free sandwich or make it an early date and take advantage of Free Fry Friday from 2-4 when they have them) -$6 (trust me it's possible; just get crafty :) - we used free Chick-fil-a sandwich cards we received from them. )

This is a great date anytime of the year but especially nice when you're getting sick of being cooped up before Spring actually arrives in the north!

Day 7 of the 30: He is jealous for me

{CONFESSION} I want that; a man in my life that is so deeply in love with me that he is jealous of anything that would took up my time that wasn't involving him. Now, one would argue that that would have the making of a n extremely unhealthy relationship. You know, the kind they make a Lifetime movie of? But I'm talking about a healthy one.

You see when I began dating at the age of 15 I was disillusioned by multiple Disney fairy tales and those horridly cheesy romantic comedies. I was convinced that if the guy was the one for me that I wouldn't spend my time thinking of anyone or anything else. I would spend days doodling in my notebook our names in different fonts. The whole shebang! When I began dating my now soon-to-be husband this idea became a reality I spent my time thinking about him and how much I love him and how wonderful he was and what little things I wanted to do to show my affection. After we were engaged my focus added in a second element; wedding!  All of a sudden I felt my life spinning out of focus like when a movie is about to go into a flashback. Where was my mind, my thoughts, my heart? Where did I place my hope?

I realized I had begun to lose my first love, my Savior, Redeemer, Friend Jesus Christ. Someone who loved me enough to die for me, not knowing if I'd accept His love or not. Someone who no matter if I burnt a casserole, missed an appointment, forgot to call still would answer with "I love you" and a hug and not even my future husband can hold a candle to Him. While I love my soon-to-be, I know that he isn't perfect and he will let me down but my hope is in the one who will NEVER leave me, discourage me or tell me I messed up. His love never changes. He is jealous for me, for my time and for my life.

{ENCOURAGE}Where is your focus today?  Take some time today like I did to reflect on where your hope lies. Gain a little perspective on your "not so perfect soon to be". It will only make you love him more. I know today was rough, it was rough for me too!

I'll leave you with a song XOXO

30 Day Challenge 6+:"Why did I say that?!"

Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry


Love Story
at MOVIECLIPS.com

"Love means never having to say you're sorry".  I used to love that quote, until I realized that it's not very practical. It became popular after the 1970's movie Love Story. However, I'm pretty sure the person who first penned this overly optimistic was completely missing out on one important aspect of love; forgiveness, which comes after sorry. 

{CONFESSION)There is a time in every relationship where one asks "Why did I say that?". Whether it was in the heat of an argument, not having a filter for your tongue or just simply because you felt it needed to be said it happens. Don't beat yourself up over it. However, you do need to *gulp* recognize it and say those words that are the hardest to ever cross my lips! I know I am definitely not the one that humbles myself enough to say it and for that I hurt my relationship. I'm to proud to say "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said/done that" and I will admit that to all my readers.

{ENCOURAGE & CHALLENGE} I am spending a few days reflecting and asking my self "Why did I say that?" and "I am sorry". I invite you to join me. I know our relationships can benefit from a few more "I'm sorry"s.

{INSPIRE}"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud ⁵ or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. ⁶ It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. ⁷ Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." - 1 Corinthians 13: 7

leave a comment and let me know if you joined me and I will reward with some lovely wedding inspiration next time

30 Day Challenge: Day 5

Seeking advice from a third party: 

Choose to get advice on your future, your marriage, and decisions from sources outside of your family. Your family will be partial, (and to be honest, you will be too. We all want our own way.) even if they try not to be because they love you and want the best for you. While we love that they want to be involved, and do value their opinion we really make it a priority to get advice from those who are outside of the situation and may be able to give us a different perspective. It's refreshing, enlightening, and definitely a great step to take when you have to decide on "the big stuff".

{So look for those around you who may be those "extra advisors" in your life and be praying that God would lead you to those who can help you along the way. }

30 Day Challenge: Day 4, Part 2

Here is the "sweet" video as promised. To see the post from yesterday (and my confession) click here.

{The Challenge: today, choose to say "I love you" over "Will you please just listen to me" (as you show him more pictures of cakes, bows, glitter etc.).}

 

30 Day Challenge: Day 4

Confession Time + "Say Hey, I love you"

Wow, 30 days seems like a long time! I'll admit it, it's hard to want to focus on my marriage and not want to just advert my attention to cakes, dresses and decor. How many of you are agreeing with me? When I originally thought this was a good idea to do, I never pictured that it would be 30 days long. Okay, so maybe a did, but does it seem to anyone else that the month of March is just a hair too long?

Whenever I'm in the relationship funk and may not want to give it that extra oomph to talk to him I have to remind myself one thing, "I love Him". When you say that phrase it should altar you thinking, your perspective even on your relationship and "having to deal with that man who for the eighteenth time has said 'I don't care' when you ask him about the cake flavor.

I not only just "love him" but I have chosen to love every bit and part about him, even the things that tick me off. {So today, choose to say "I love you" over "Will you please just listen to me" (as you show him more pictures of cakes, bows, glitter etc.).} Honestly there is only one thing he'll care about that day, you. So make it worth it now by sweetening your  pre-married momemts together with "I love you"s. 

For some inspiration I'll leave you with a video with a really great dance beat.
{Check back tomorrow for a sweet romantic one! }

30 Day Challenge to Marriage Plan vs. Wedding Plan: Day 3

Day 3: Cook HIS favorite meal. 

It's a small effort but will mean a lot to him. Whoever said "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" was correct! So don't question the logic, just go with it. However, make sure it really is HIS favorite meal.When my fiancee and I were dating I decided to make chili on the one year anniversary of the night we met. It seemed like a great idea to me, until I had a huge pot of chili and a confession that he really didn't care for it by the end of the night. Live and Learn, and now I don't make chili.

A few other tips:
1.) Dress up, make it special.
2.) Make dessert something shareable (chocolate covered strawberries is a personal favorite of ours).
3.) Don't expect anything in return. (This may be the most important lesson of all)

Let me know how it goes :) What recipes did you make?  I'll be looking for your comments!

Weekend Recap: Here's what you missed

On Friday I began my 30 Day Challenge to Marriage Plan instead of Wedding Plan.( A scary move, I know). Here is what I've done so far. Are you joining me? Let me know in the comments below! :)

Day 1: Date Night 

It doesn't have to be extravagant, you could go to a local coffee shop and talk the night away or dress up and have a cozy dinner at home. Be intentional about asking past "how was your day?" and what did you do today?". It's okay to ask about "emotional stuff" with your soon-to-be husband. Date Nights are great for re-connecting and re-kindling during a stressful season of wedding planning.

{Long Distance Lovers Like Myself: Virtual Date Night is AWESOME! Get on Skype, eat dinner together and then watch your favorite movie ♥ } 

 
Day 2: X to TEXT
Make it a challenge/priority to NOT communicate via text with your boyfriend, soon-to be, husband call them instead or even better-talk to their face.

The easiest way that my soon-to-be husband and I get into fights is through a miscommunication via text. Now, I'll admit not texting him is a TRUE sacrifice for me I'll let you know how it goes. I probably send him on average 2-300 texts per day. Are you going to do it to? Join me and leave me a comment if you are!

{CAUTION: Please let your significant other know that you are choosing to not text them but instead calling/physically talking to them in case they get worried that something is wrong. }

30-Day Challenge to Marriage Plan vs. Wedding Plan: Day 2

Day 2 of 30. Here we go.

X to TEXT
Make it a challenge/priority to NOT communicate via text with your boyfriend, soon-to be, husband call them instead or even better-talk to their face.

The easiest way that my soon-to-be husband and I get into fights is through a miscommunication via text. Now, I'll admit not texting him is a TRUE sacrifice for me I'll let you know how it goes. I probably send him on average 2-300 texts per day. Are you going to do it to? Join me and leave me a comment if you are!

{CAUTION: Please let your significant other know that you are choosing to not text them but instead calling/physically talking to them in case they get worried that something is wrong. }

30-Day Challenge to Marriage Plan vs. Wedding Plan: Day 1

This has been something I have battled with since the ring came on my finger. Now it is time to kick this habit in the face!I'm sure I am not the only one to fall victim to planning my wedding over planning my marriage (ladies, feel free to raise a hand). So...over the next 30 days I will give you tips, insights and inspiration as I make it a priority to marriage plan instead of wedding plan. Check back daily for a new post! And don't worry, I'll stick in some wedding inspiration because hey, we need a little bit of the pretty too ;).

Day 1: March 4, 2010

Date Night 

It doesn't have to be extravagant, you could go to a local coffee shop and talk the night away or dress up and have a cozy dinner at home. Be intentional about asking past "how was your day?" and what did you do today?". It's okay to ask about "emotional stuff" with your soon-to-be husband. Date Nights are great for re-connecting and re-kindling during a stressful season of wedding planning.

{Long Distance Lovers Like Myself: Virtual Date Night is AWESOME! Get on Skype, eat dinner together and then watch your favorite movie ♥ }


For All the ways to ensure you plan your marriage just as much as you plan your wedding click here

Shhh Budget! Wedding Ideas on the Cheap

I have to admit I am a self-diagnosed addict to wedding blogs! I have been even before I had gotten engaged and for that I am thankful! It has helped my craftiness tenfold! Who says that just because your having a "cheap" wedding it can't be exactly what you want? We are operating on a $7,000 budget and though we are cutting it close we still are making it uniquely ours. After All, isn't that the point?

Here are a few of the blogs that I love as well as a mixture of photo inspiration from them:

The Knotty Bride
LaBelle Bride
Style Me Pretty
Ruffled
The Sweetest Occasion 

{Show them love and visit their sites today. You'll be as inspired as I always am!}

{From The Knotty Bride}

{Compliments of LaBelle Bride}

{via Style Me Pretty}

 

{From Ruffled}

{From The Sweetest Occasion}

A Leap of Faith & How-To of Decisions: Day 2

Probably one of the harder parts of starting a life together is figuring out the where, what and how?When we had gotten engaged on August 11, 2010 it wasn't exactly the first thing on our minds. For those of you keeping track this is a 14 month engagement! Not ideal, but hey we're making it work. 2 weeks after he proposed I packed up everything I owned and moved 17 hours to Orlando, Fl. I know, I must be crazy right! You're thinking "You just get proposed to and you move across the country!?" So let me begin with my explanation which will lead you to where we are today and the decisions we face and how we deal with them.
{Don't forget to check out the How-To Section for Decision -making tid bits! }

I am a Christian who was saved by the amazing grace given to me through my Savior dying on the cross for my sins and for that I am soo grateful. I live to tell others about this amazing gift and love of Jesus Christ. When I was in college I had gotten involved with an organization called Campus Crusade for Christ. As I was nearing the end of my Senior year, I felt a sense that I should take my love and passion for Christ along with my love of and skills in communication and make it my career.

Which leads me to my present. I currently serve in Orlando, FL at Campus Crusade for Christ World Headquarters as a one year intern. I am able to take my skills in communication and social media and passion for seeing others come to know Christ and witness great things happen through Christ working through me! I'm sure you'll hear more about my job later by that's the brief version.


The future. Oh yes, the future. My fiance and I are preparing to join full time staff and with that comes options. We definitely are not short of options here at Campus Crusade for Christ which is great, but how do you determine where and how. As we trek through this adventure together I will let you know how the process is going and what worked and didn't.

{Leave a comment on what works and doesn't work for you when making decisions as a couple}

Here are some of the things we have found vital when making decisions as a couple:

HOW-TO: Make Decisions without a Fight.

1. Communication: It sounds like a no-brainer but TALK! Never assume what you're partner is thinking and be open about your thoughts and feelings.

2. Replace "You" statements with "I": This has been a HUGE help in our relationship! I have found that whenever I am feeling a certain way about a situation the word you feels like the world's biggest finger being pointed at me and most likely your partner feels the same. Don't start out with "Well you always want to do x" but instead say "I am feeling like this is an issue between us that WE need to work out". The blame went from your partner to you both wanting to grow in your relationship. Try it out for a week, it will be a blessing to your relationship!

3. Prayer: Commit to praying about your situation daily.

4. Seeking Godly Counsel: Ask others around you who are removed from the situation that are able to give different insights. Don't just go up to anyone but rather someone who's counsel and advice you'd actually trust and listen to.

5. The Bible: For those of you that seem like I am being "uber religous" by suggesting prayer and reading of a Bible, try it. I have found great comfort, peace and advice from being able to spend time in my Bible and praying. It helps me to approach situations in a new way. However, avoid opening it up and reading one verse out of context that is not the best approach.

6. Logic: At some point logic comes into play. This is also a great thing to consider. What makes sense, what is in place already are great questions to answer and consider when making decisions.

Welcome!: Day 1

7 months and one week. The countdown until my wedding day. October 8, 2011. While I get through the panic of how close it's becoming I realized that there are a lot of women out there doing the exact same thing, planning a wedding. However, it's more than a wedding that I'm planning, it's a marriage! That may be the scariest part. I'm okay with screwing up my wedding; the marriage part, not so much.

I hope you enjoy my blog as I post daily my struggles, triumphs, how-to's, tips and encouragements as I get to the wedding day and beyond into our future. Consider Strategic Sweet your go-to guide on everything from the day he proposes to the day you experience your first baby. I'll be there with you every step of the way. We can do this together.