Limit Your Internet Wedding Planning Time! (otherwise you’ll go nutty)

English: iPad picture
English: iPad picture (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have an Ipad.  I love it! I have this great app called Flipboard that pulls together my favorite blogs and websites.  But if I start reading everything, I can get completely lost in happy ipad land, and then all of a sudden an hour later I realize that none of the laundry’s been folded, none of my phone calls have been made and, well, I’ve wasted a whole boatload of time.

It’s not a new problem – getting sucked in to something online.  Facebook? Twitter? Don’t get me started.  But the absolute worst (or is it the best) way to lose yourself online is the whole World Wide Wedding-sphere.  As a bride, I could hardly pull myself away, which was hard because my boss was mean and didn’t care all that much that I was getting married.

So here’s my advice.  Set a timer- no more than 30 minutes at a time. Could be on the computer, your cell phone, or even the plain old kitchen timer on your counter, but it will keep you from falling down the internet wedding rabbit hole.

Live well, and love well.

-Dinah

Don’t shoo Shutterfly away!

I am an unabashed fan of Shutterfly, the photo printing website where you can create everything from beautiful photo books, to mugs, to jewelry…I could go on and on, but you may as well just check out the website.  I have made many beautiful albums, and have now branched out into their greeting cards which are my new favorite thing.  The other great thing about Shutterfly is that they constantly send out deals and codes to folks on their mailing list.  50% off photo books, free shipping, and the best one yet, a free and clear $20 credit!  I redeemed that today (for some of the aforementioned cards) and thought I’d share them with you.  How cute are these?  They are now winging their way to my house.  And the husband and I will be able to keep up our manners and write timely thank-you notes.  What could be better?  I highly recommend checking out their deals and offers – completely worth getting the emails.

Be well, love well and shop well!

-Dinah

3×5 Folded Card
View the entire collection of cards.

Breaking News! Kate Middleton is Not Having Twins In July!

I gotta say, I’ve never imagined myself saying this, but I am really grateful that I am not the Princess of Wales. I can’t imagine my due date being worldwide breaking news.  I think that young newlyweds are under enough pressure as it is without throwing the international media into the mix.

Prince Harry and Kate Middleton at the Garter ...
Prince Harry and Kate Middleton at the Garter Procession (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

And that’s where I’m going with this, to hope I can talk people into tacking on one extra new year’s resolution for 2013, namely to leave the newlyweds in your lives alone about their baby plans.  In American culture, as soon as the last grain of rice hits the ground it’s the next topic of conversation.  When will they start a family? When will there be grandchildren? And when the newlyweds show up anywhere, they face an inevitable barrage of questions.  And frankly, when (and whether) to have children is a serious, intimate decision that they may not want to share at Easter dinner.  It can be terribly uncomfortable.

So think twice about your questions when your favorite couple returns from their honeymoon, and avoid the whole baby thing. Suggestions: ask them about their trip, ask them about the wedding.  Ask them if they know Kate Middleton is not having twins in July!

Be well, and love well.

-Dinah