“I drink too much. The last time I gave a urine sample it had an olive in it.”

Oh Rodney Dangerfield, how I adore you so. I have to say that I am not nearly as dedicated as he is to spirits, wines, and beers, but honestly? Who doesn't like to celebrate with a glass of champagne or start a party off with a much needed cocktail. Its in fact the sadly underused cocktail hour that brings us to our topic today: How to make a cocktail hour work with a wedding and why its great to have one.

The imbibing of alcohol in order to celebrate a conquest, a ritual or better yet, a wedding is something that goes far back in time before Emily Post or Miss Manners were even a thought. The use of drink to elevate our spirits is something that didn't really become a part of the household consciousness until the 1940s and 50s though, with every household adult couple having usually a happy hour to enjoy with other adult couples in the neighborhood. The cocktail hour is thus an institution that has now mutated its way into the wedding sphere as a great way to start up the night.

 

Not to be underestimated is the important role alcohol has served in enhancing the enjoyment and quality of life. It can serve as a social lubricant, can provide entertainment, can facilitate relaxation, can provide pharmacological pleasure and can enhance the flavors of food (Gastineau et al., 1979, p. xx)1

"I'm at the age where food has taken the place of sex in my life. In fact, I've just had a mirror put over my kitchen table."

My secret love for direct comedy is something that sneaks into my daily life every once in a while. I love Rodney Dangerfield; he reminds me of a time you could be blunt without worrying about being publicly flogged. 

As some of you also know, I love food. No, I adore food, sometimes having my favorite meal of mussels at Chambar makes me want to bliss out to the point of forgetting where I am. I read food memoirs religiously- you can blame that on Anthony Bourdain, who also knows a thing or two about direct comedy. 

So if you're so so about food, don't understand what it means to have a meal that makes you want to lick the plate and ask for more, this might not be the post for you.

This my friends, is the penultimate of food porn- the wedding menu.

“The dream was always running ahead of me. To catch up, to live for a moment in unison with it, that was the miracle.”

In so much of the planning S and I were doing, we forgot about the present, and enjoying the moments with each other most of all.

We did so much planning in fact that we forgot about the nearer future; of needing to live together, of planning to finally be together before the big day and then the rest of our lives. Upon coming back I feel like we have finally balanced planning for our future and being able to enjoy the circumstances of our present. I think its fair to say that we have grown closer, been better partners and just enjoyed ourselves a lot more because of it. But let me catch you up on the changes in our lives.

"I'm always making a comeback but nobody ever tells me where I've been. "

 

Some things are just worth waiting for....gentle readers I have missed you so. I think its about time we get reacquainted, don't you?

Writing through this process of planning to wed, being now employed and now it seems taking on a completely new career in a caring profession has made me realize just how much putting my thoughts on paper means to me. You all have been so inspiring with your support, especially those who came on late in the game to only find that your newly followed blogger is MIA. That takes guts, and a lot of loyalty. I appreciate that.

To say that I have updates coming that could spin your head, would be an understatement. S and I have actually managed to get something done this year- including taking on a partner for our wedding planning that we are both so very proud of and excited to be working with. But like one of my favorite chefs always says.....that's another show.

I guess what I'm trying to say is...your patience has been rewarded. I'm back on the interwebs, for better or for worse, and I guess that means you just need to stay tuned to watch the fun really begin.

Its good to be back. Its great to make a comeback.

Always,

Bella

Updated Feature of the Week!

This Week's Feature of the Week includes a blog pitch for my friend Big Easy and her blog,  as well as one of the closest charities to my heart, Shelter from the Storm.


Please check them out today!

*UPDATED* Update! I want to thank all my new followers! If I couldnt find your blog to link, and you dont see it in the blog list, please let me know :)

Cheers,
Bella

“We can let circumstances rule us, or we can take charge and rule our lives from within.”

Earl Nightingale was an exceptional writer of motivational thoughts and guides for individuals seeking to embark on new stages in their lives. The beginning of something new, for any individual, is the bridging of a gap between one's old self, and the new self they which to inhabit until the next change in their lives. For some, this bridge manifests itself in several ways; the choice to be a better partner, individual, and a healthier person are all choices that are open for anyone who takes the time to actively pursue them. The choice of the matter negates then the frequent desire of many to rely only on the causation of their circumstances to determine their destiny; a destiny which should be innately chosen, as opposed to imposed.

For myself, the changing of ones destiny, or even a path is one which is started with a single step. Since starting this blog, it amazes me still how many steps I have taken in such a short time. So I would like to take this post and talk a little about the steps I have left behind, and the ones I still have left to take, not only alone, but now with others who are inevitably tied to me through my relationships with them.

This thought, in and of itself recalls me back to one of my first beloved poems by Robert Frost:

*not my artwork and click image to read*

Updated Feature of the Week and Other News.

Hey there Gentle Readers,

Please check out the newly Updated Feature of the Week for new blogs and campaigns I am checking out right now!

Also, stay tuned for some more updates on our planning journey:
Some of the things we will be covering:

• Cultural differences- describing one couple's differences in the wedding process, and how they bridge the gap. A Three part series on family differences, and bringing family together to plan a wedding.
• Cocktail Hours and Signature drinks and appies - a new consideration of a trendy choice
• Decor- the labyrinth of finding a theme, and the right choices for your day
• Breaking the Bank: how to formulate a budget for your day, and how to not get lost in the images of the wedding industry complex.
• And Much Much More!

Catch you on the flip side readers! Shall be catching up with all your blogs soon in the coming days, so if there are certain posts you need a comment  or opinion on, please let me know in the comment section!

Cheers,
Bella