ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (weedebz @ Jun 1 2008, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
well the wedding was yesterday and it went so well. The weather was AMAZING. Everything went so well. Only issue was that Nick's hands had swollen in the heat and I couldn't get his ring over his knuckle but other than that couldn't have asked for a more special day. I'll get some pics soon.


Congratulations! Did you have your wedding in the church or in the railroad town? I hope to take Nicky out there this fall, but of course there is always the excitement of Harold Warp's Pioneer Village to compete with Stuhr!

I'm glad the weather turned out ok as my MoH (who is from Kearney) nearly had her dad's home blown away by a tornado on Thursday night. Jeez I miss the weather back home... blink.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-06-01 22:58:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ May 31 2008, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Question: I am editing my policy paper right now. I have had a lot of useful feedback so far on it, and am incorporating much of it. I have one problem though: one of my editors is suggesting changing "amongst" to "among" and "enquiry" to "inquiry". I have no issue changing to American spelling, but the words I have used are both variants used in America. Should I change them? To me, it's like altering my writing voice, not just changing the spelling.


Did your editor give a reason why he thought it would be better to change the words? I would state that it would feel like it would be changing your voice.

Speaking of happy news...Nicky is thrilled that the Fox Soccer Channel came with the standard cable package. He can now keep up with Sky Sports News!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-31 10:27:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Jeraly @ May 28 2008, 02:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oooh - wine and cheese party sounds lovely... and real cheese too!!! Awesome!!

Dunno about decorating yet - it's only rented so not sure how much freedom we will have! Might have to be some tactful drapes and throws to cover the free furniture we were given (that looks lame!) and buy a few "keeper" pieces of furniture for when we buy our own house laughing.gif


You know I got almost all my furniture off of craigslist.org. There are very few pieces that I bought new...however, I spent about $500 getting my house together, and paid all in cash too. I find in Chicago many people are too lazy to move their furniture (and a lot of the time it is nice stuff from Crate and Barrell/Pottery Barn/IKEA) so when they are getting ready to move they sell it so they don't have to move it. Some of the stuff I got had scratches but if you are handy you can always get stuff to cover it up.


QUOTE (julezabelle @ May 29 2008, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, after some negotiating, we did get the house and at an extremely fair price! We are thrilled!!

Not only that, I came to work this morning and found this in my email:

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: MSCXXXXXXXXXX

Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS

Current Status: Card production ordered.



A banner day for sure!!!!!!! biggrin.gif



Awesome day! Good job on the house...are you planning on doing a lot of work to it or is it pretty much the way you like it as it is?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-29 11:01:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Jeraly @ May 28 2008, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
rk - I do the same... I mean - wine is there to drink, not display - right?!

Got the apartment as well btw guys biggrin.gif Am soooo happy!!!


Congrats on your apartment! Do you know how you are going to decorate yet?


QUOTE (julezabelle @ May 28 2008, 01:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rkl57 @ May 28 2008, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 28 2008, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (julezabelle @ May 27 2008, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If I were still young and didn't have the responsibility of my kids, I would so be on the same path as you Ginger! I envy, TBH! I would love to live in Chigaco!! My favorite US city!! I wish I had done more before I had kids. But I didn't, so we work within the parameters that now surround us.


You can always come and visit us! We have a futon and a sleeper couch so there is plenty of room! Oh and plenty of wine to boot...I just went nuts at World Market and got some nice Rieslings and Chardonnays. I'm hoping to eventually get this to go in my dining room:

World Market - Liam Bar

It will take a while for us to save up for it though!



I think the problem with having a really nice wine rack is that I would always be tempted to jsut drink the wine, leaving my wine rack empty


So true Robin! I'd never have anything in that rack for long. laughing.gif

But still, its a nice piece of furniture and it would be filled with wine when guests arrive and empty at the end of the night, a sure sign of a successful party!!


Hahaha...I'm actually having a bit of a wine & cheese party this weekend. I got some bries and camemberts and a nice pork pate. Whole Foods bakes bread fresh every day at 5 pm so I'll go and get some warm bread on the way home. I hope to have the rack empty by the end of the night!


QUOTE (julezabelle @ May 28 2008, 01:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jeraly @ May 28 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The other problem with that particular piece of furniture is that it is *almost* as big as our apartment laughing.gif


Whereas, it would fit nicely into my maybe new house! Offer is being presented at 5:30 today!! OMG, trying not to freak out!!!


Good luck! I hope you get the home...it looks like a beautiful place!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-28 14:25:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (julezabelle @ May 27 2008, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If I were still young and didn't have the responsibility of my kids, I would so be on the same path as you Ginger! I envy, TBH! I would love to live in Chigaco!! My favorite US city!! I wish I had done more before I had kids. But I didn't, so we work within the parameters that now surround us.


You can always come and visit us! We have a futon and a sleeper couch so there is plenty of room! Oh and plenty of wine to boot...I just went nuts at World Market and got some nice Rieslings and Chardonnays. I'm hoping to eventually get this to go in my dining room:

World Market - Liam Bar

It will take a while for us to save up for it though!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-28 12:42:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (julezabelle @ May 27 2008, 02:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 27 2008, 03:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ May 27 2008, 01:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh, and Julez, may I join in the house envy? *Sigh*

My mom and dad made a very kind offer to us this weekend -- they would buy us a house in LA and then do a quit claim to us, and we would make payments on the mortgage. Then I showed my mom how much a house in WeHo or Silver Lake cost and I think her eyes rolled back in her head! It was a great idea that was always doomed to failure.


I don't think the cost of buying is quite as bad as LA yet here in Chicagoland, but I was looking at buying a condo earlier this year and it hurt me. Bad.

The cost of a lovely 4 bedroom house in Buffalo is the same as a junior 1 bedroom condo...in a shady neighborhood...here. wacko.gif


Yikes! The house we're trying to buy is in an absolutely lovely village in suburban Buffalo - about 20 miles outside the city. I love Chicago, but dang, it is expensive!!! I feel for you guys in the pricey cities - but the great thing for you guys is that there is sooooo much to do. Buffalo is good, but not cosmopolitan.


If I REALLY wanted a house that bad I could always move back to my hometown in Nebraska as home comparable to the one in Buffalo would cost a little over $100k. But the downside is that I would have drive to Lincoln to work a job that pays almost decently. There are just so many more opportunities to advance where I'm at, and maybe I can't get a home right now but hopefully in a few years I'll be able to get what I want in the city.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-27 15:27:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ May 27 2008, 01:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh, and Julez, may I join in the house envy? *Sigh*

My mom and dad made a very kind offer to us this weekend -- they would buy us a house in LA and then do a quit claim to us, and we would make payments on the mortgage. Then I showed my mom how much a house in WeHo or Silver Lake cost and I think her eyes rolled back in her head! It was a great idea that was always doomed to failure.


I don't think the cost of buying is quite as bad as LA yet here in Chicagoland, but I was looking at buying a condo earlier this year and it hurt me. Bad.

The cost of a lovely 4 bedroom house in Buffalo is the same as a junior 1 bedroom condo...in a shady neighborhood...here. wacko.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-27 14:17:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (weedebz @ May 23 2008, 03:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm popping in to say hello. Can't believe this time next week I'll be getting ready to go to the rehearsal. My so called small wedding has increased from 40 to 70 people due to cousins being offended and 16 year old stroppy sisters wanting to bring the boyfriends they have known for 3 weeks and the cost has gone up by almost $1000. Got the reception sorted today and finally decided on the menu so absolutly no one else can be added. I really need some zinfandel right now. Stress levels are at an all time high. This is all too crazy. Plus this weather better sort itself out for a week on saturday. Had constant thunder since yesterday and half of grand island IS an island as the other half looks somewhat oceanic. GRRRRR.


I miss Nebraska weather crying.gif crying.gif crying.gif Chicago weather is so boring.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-27 13:35:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (rkl57 @ May 23 2008, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ May 23 2008, 12:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rkl57 @ May 23 2008, 12:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Clearly I am missing out! I might have to start watching. I like watching Platinum Weddings on WE - it's like, how much money do you have to spend to make what would ostensibly be a classy wedding and make it completely tacky. A girl I work with was featured on it - hilarious.


Yeah, I'm another Platinum Weddings fan, sorry to say. In a similar vein, I loved that Manhattan Housewives show, and just found out that my friend is friends with that Alex on the show -- the tall, skinny blonde. Apparently she's very nice in real life, but the syrupy stuff with her husband is for real. Yuck.


I have not watched the Manhattan housewives yet but the OC housewives is a definite favorite even though the OH gets visibly agitated when its on.


Oh sweet Jesus H. Christ. Yes the Redneck weddings show I have not seen, but I have lived through some so there is no need to watch. I've been to weddings where the groomsment wear jeans, sh*tkickers and cowboy hats, and the women wear cowboy hats with their ugly bridesmaid dresses.

The camo wedding kills me. I was looking at caketoppers on ebay and there was one that had a bride and groom in camo with them both holding guns. If that doesn't say love and romance I don't know what does.


QUOTE (Poiteen @ May 23 2008, 12:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Also, my other road trip advice is not to book accomodation in advance. It's more fun that way!!! star_smile.gif


It's fun until you arrive in a town with every room sold out hahaha! I've nearly had to spend a night out on a beach, but luckily I found a room at the end of the day. Then again this happened in France on Bastille Day weekend so I should have known better headbonk.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-23 13:28:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (elmcitymaven @ May 23 2008, 10:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Julez -- you crack me up. luv.gif

Has anyone ever checked out uglydress.com? Hours of enjoyment await... The classic must be the Pregnant Prom Dress.


Note that there is even a patriotic prom dress! Do people seriously wear this stuff?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-23 10:55:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (julezabelle @ May 23 2008, 10:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I seriously cannot imagine ANY time when it would be appropriate to don that dress!!!


That would be what Stephen Colbert's wife would have worn to their wedding :-p

Before you know it, American flag lapel pins won't be enough to show you are patriotic! Now you'll have to have your wedding dress look like it was made by Betsey Ross!

Btw...as proud to be American as I am, in my experience most of the people I see who wear and US flag paraphenilia (ie jackets, t-shirts, do'rags) are kind of white trash-y. Not always, but it tends to be that way...try walking into a Wal-Mart on a weekend afternoon and see if you agree!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-23 10:46:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Jeraly @ May 22 2008, 12:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I got my hairpiece from Claire's - it was lovely smile.gif It only cost about £2 but I refused to pay the ridiculous prices of "bridal" stuff. You can kinda see it here:

Ok so you can't because if the image was to be in the new 10k limit, you wouldn't be able to see it. Owel sad.gif


I didn't mean to imply that Claire's didn't have lovely things...I think they do, but I thought a headband of the same quality you could get at Claire's selling for $150 was a bit much. I actually got mine on ebay...just won the auction today and I believe it's about $20 with shipping included.

I'm with you...if I had the cahones I would open a cheap chic bridal store for us that find the cost of most bridal stuff ridiculous.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-22 16:19:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ May 22 2008, 07:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well I missed out on the doggy poo stories, so here's mine (I'll spoiler it for those with delicate constitutions!)

Our flatcoat retriever ate socks, too. Was addicted to them for about 6 months. Fortunately they always passed through her without any problems. She's now rid herself completely of that habit and she and her son just stick to eating old, smelly cow pats instead. Yuck! Her son is a bit of a pickle and will eat any food you leave out. One year he ate both my birthday cakes. He was so hyper for the rest of the day.

QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 21 2008, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am getting married in a conservatory...so I didn't feel the need to get flowers LOL. I also have a friend who is a amateur photographer, and all she is charging me for is the photo paper and the dark room fees. I would suggest getting some photographer...it would be nice to have something to save for the future. I would try asking around to see if anyone knows an amateur who would like to get the experience under their belt.

I found out in Chicago that just hiring an officiant cost on average around $400...which is ridiculous for someone to come say a few words for 20 minutes. Basically Nicky and I are going into the courthouse the day before to have a civil ceremony, and then for the ceremony I'm having one of my closest friends officiate. Nicky even wrote the ceremony himself...I'm rather proud of him!

We're just having a MoH and a Best Man for attendants. Not only does it cut on costs, but also it avoids (at least with women) the drama that can go along with picking bridesmaids.

Our reception is at a local Irish Pub that has a nice party room in the basement. There is a bar down there and a soundsystem, so Nicky is just loading up his iPod to hook up in there. We're having a finger food buffet type thing, and we're doing a champaign toast and buying 1 round of drinks. As my family is Irish American and his is Scottish, our families and friends could easily bankrupt us booze-wise, so after the first round they have to fend for themselves (although we'll provide free pop and water the whole time).

For a dress...for example, go to www.houseofbrides.com . If you go to look at bridesmaid dresses, there are tons that look like wedding dresses and even come in white. Don't ask me why someone would want to dress their bridesmaids in long white dresses but I suppose it happens. Anyways, I got my dress for $250 - basically because it was a bridesmaid dress as opposed to a wedding dress. Actually, this is my dress: http://www.houseofbr...p...=443&page=5 No one (unless I told them) knows that it is really a bridesmaid dress.

The really expensive part really was the venue. Though if I had done an outdoor ceremony I would needed to rent a tent (Chicago weather is notoriously fickle) and it would have ended up costing the same. I think it was a little over $1000 altogether. I would see if you know someone who has a nice garden who would be willing to host the ceremony.

Other than that if you need advice just PM me. Mine wedding is a month from today...

Thank you for this post. Your wedding sounds like it will be lovely! I love the dress, and that site seems to have its wires crossed in general - I mean, they're recommending this for the MOB:

http://www.houseofbr...?productid=3691 wacko.gif

(I am sure someone's mother would manage to carry it off, but it'd be a very rare person who could do so!)


I think only the mother of Glenda the Good Witch could pull off that cotton candy monstrosity. And really...that gal looks a whole 16? Must be for a Kentucky wedding I suppose! tongue.gif

On a whole, I found if anything is labeled "bridal" the cost goes up quite a bit just because of that. I don't want to wear a veil or a tiara, so I was looking at headbands. I went into one bridal store and found some cute ones...but they were all well over $100! To me they were maybe slightly better in quality than something you would get from Claire's. Same with shoes...I ended up just getting some nice flats from Payless for $18.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-22 09:27:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Krikit @ May 21 2008, 02:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 21 2008, 03:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
. Actually, this is my dress: http://www.houseofbr...p...=443&page=5

Awww. That's a lovely dress, Ginger. And your wedding sounds like it's going to be lovely too. Almost makes me want to do mine over. (not) tongue_ss.gif


Well I imagine it will be worth it a month from today. Right now it feels like a lot...doesn't help that I just moved but now that the proverbial and literal dust is settling I feel slightly less stressed about getting wedding stuff done.

I fell in love with the dress...first one I tried on. Though it puzzles me why anyone would have their bridesmaids wear that dress!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-21 15:04:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Sorry about the double post!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-21 14:54:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ May 21 2008, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good afternoon!

QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 20 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The only thing is I wish I would have booked things earlier...I decided to wait until I had graduated from uni (this past December) to start wedding planning. But honestly planning a wedding in 6 months is a tall order...even a relatively simple one like mine and Nicky's! But really most places required only a deposit, and then full payment a month or a few weeks before (as our wedding is a month from tomorrow...the next few weeks are going to be VERY hard on my poor visa card lol).

I do feel a bit sad that most of the guests will be from my side of the family, friends and work. Thankfully we only have about 30 - 40 people coming...a manageable number.

I guess Nicky and I could always go down to the casino in Joliet and play the slots LOL. Not quite the same as Vegas, but as close as I can get!

Yeah; I'm hoping to avoid most of the pit-falls of planning a wedding in six months by sticking to the basics and doing as many things as possible myself. I've cut out everything we don't really need (flowers, photographer, attendants, DJ, etc.) and just need a place to host it, maybe a caterer (unless we go the cold food route) and an officiant. Our guest list is so far at 70-80 people, all of whom invited themselves. wink.gif I'm hoping that maybe half those people decide they're unable to make it.


I am getting married in a conservatory...so I didn't feel the need to get flowers LOL. I also have a friend who is a amateur photographer, and all she is charging me for is the photo paper and the dark room fees. I would suggest getting some photographer...it would be nice to have something to save for the future. I would try asking around to see if anyone knows an amateur who would like to get the experience under their belt.

I found out in Chicago that just hiring an officiant cost on average around $400...which is ridiculous for someone to come say a few words for 20 minutes. Basically Nicky and I are going into the courthouse the day before to have a civil ceremony, and then for the ceremony I'm having one of my closest friends officiate. Nicky even wrote the ceremony himself...I'm rather proud of him!

We're just having a MoH and a Best Man for attendants. Not only does it cut on costs, but also it avoids (at least with women) the drama that can go along with picking bridesmaids.

Our reception is at a local Irish Pub that has a nice party room in the basement. There is a bar down there and a soundsystem, so Nicky is just loading up his iPod to hook up in there. We're having a finger food buffet type thing, and we're doing a champaign toast and buying 1 round of drinks. As my family is Irish American and his is Scottish, our families and friends could easily bankrupt us booze-wise, so after the first round they have to fend for themselves (although we'll provide free pop and water the whole time).

For a dress...for example, go to www.houseofbrides.com . If you go to look at bridesmaid dresses, there are tons that look like wedding dresses and even come in white. Don't ask me why someone would want to dress their bridesmaids in long white dresses but I suppose it happens. Anyways, I got my dress for $250 - basically because it was a bridesmaid dress as opposed to a wedding dress. Actually, this is my dress: http://www.houseofbr...p...=443&page=5 No one (unless I told them) knows that it is really a bridesmaid dress.

The really expensive part really was the venue. Though if I had done an outdoor ceremony I would needed to rent a tent (Chicago weather is notoriously fickle) and it would have ended up costing the same. I think it was a little over $1000 altogether. I would see if you know someone who has a nice garden who would be willing to host the ceremony.

Other than that if you need advice just PM me. Mine wedding is a month from today...

Edited by ginger1981, 21 May 2008 - 02:53 PM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-21 14:53:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ May 21 2008, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good afternoon!

QUOTE (ginger1981 @ May 20 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The only thing is I wish I would have booked things earlier...I decided to wait until I had graduated from uni (this past December) to start wedding planning. But honestly planning a wedding in 6 months is a tall order...even a relatively simple one like mine and Nicky's! But really most places required only a deposit, and then full payment a month or a few weeks before (as our wedding is a month from tomorrow...the next few weeks are going to be VERY hard on my poor visa card lol).

I do feel a bit sad that most of the guests will be from my side of the family, friends and work. Thankfully we only have about 30 - 40 people coming...a manageable number.

I guess Nicky and I could always go down to the casino in Joliet and play the slots LOL. Not quite the same as Vegas, but as close as I can get!

Yeah; I'm hoping to avoid most of the pit-falls of planning a wedding in six months by sticking to the basics and doing as many things as possible myself. I've cut out everything we don't really need (flowers, photographer, attendants, DJ, etc.) and just need a place to host it, maybe a caterer (unless we go the cold food route) and an officiant. Our guest list is so far at 70-80 people, all of whom invited themselves. wink.gif I'm hoping that maybe half those people decide they're unable to make it.

I am getting married in a conservatory...so I didn't feel the need to get flowers LOL. I also have a friend who is a amateur photographer, and all she is charging me for is the photo paper and the dark room fees. I would suggest getting some photographer...it would be nice to have something to save for the future. I would try asking around to see if anyone knows an amateur who would like to get the experience under their belt.

I found out in Chicago that just hiring an officiant cost on average around $400...which is ridiculous for someone to come say a few words for 20 minutes. Basically Nicky and I are going into the courthouse the day before to have a civil ceremony, and then for the ceremony I'm having one of my closest friends officiate. Nicky even wrote the ceremony himself...I'm rather proud of him!

We're just having a MoH and a Best Man for attendants. Not only does it cut on costs, but also it avoids (at least with women) the drama that can go along with picking bridesmaids.

Our reception is at a local Irish Pub that has a nice party room in the basement. There is a bar down there and a soundsystem, so Nicky is just loading up his iPod to hook up in there. We're having a finger food buffet type thing, and we're doing a champaign toast and buying 1 round of drinks. As my family is Irish American and his is Scottish, our families and friends could easily bankrupt us booze-wise, so after the first round they have to fend for themselves (although we'll provide free pop and water the whole time).

For a dress...for example, go to www.houseofbrides.com . If you go to look at bridesmaid dresses, there are tons that look like wedding dresses and even come in white. Don't ask me why someone would want to dress their bridesmaids in long white dresses but I suppose it happens. Anyways, I got my dress for $250 - basically because it was a bridesmaid dress as opposed to a wedding dress. Actually, this is my dress: http://www.houseofbr...p...=443&page=5 No one (unless I told them) knows that it is really a bridesmaid dress.

The really expensive part really was the venue. Though if I had done an outdoor ceremony I would needed to rent a tent (Chicago weather is notoriously fickle) and it would have ended up costing the same. I think it was a little over $1000 altogether. I would see if you know someone who has a nice garden who would be willing to host the ceremony.

Other than that if you need advice just IM me. Mine wedding is a month from today...



ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-21 14:43:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
The only thing is I wish I would have booked things earlier...I decided to wait until I had graduated from uni (this past December) to start wedding planning. But honestly planning a wedding in 6 months is a tall order...even a relatively simple one like mine and Nicky's! But really most places required only a deposit, and then full payment a month or a few weeks before (as our wedding is a month from tomorrow...the next few weeks are going to be VERY hard on my poor visa card lol).

I do feel a bit sad that most of the guests will be from my side of the family, friends and work. Thankfully we only have about 30 - 40 people coming...a manageable number.

I guess Nicky and I could always go down to the casino in Joliet and play the slots LOL. Not quite the same as Vegas, but as close as I can get!

Edited by ginger1981, 20 May 2008 - 01:47 PM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-05-20 13:42:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (illumine @ Apr 30 2008, 01:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Apr 30 2008, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dev - you are clearly falling apart.

I am suffering from terrible insomnia these days. I was up at 2:30 this morning and could not get back to sleep. At least that meant I could go to the gym for 2 hours before work.



Last week I had the cartiledge issue so no gym. This week the back problems. I want to go to the gym! Right now, I'll settle for non-spasms though.


Ugh, I feel for you! A week before I went to the UK I had a nasty cold, then I went to the UK and didn't have time to go out running...when I got back I couldn't wait to exercise, I just felt so out of shape.

Did the doctor say how long you'd be out of commission?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-30 14:05:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (rkl57 @ Apr 30 2008, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats ginger!


I think this calls for some ligonberry pancakes from the Big Gay IHOP.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-30 11:25:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Alex & Rachel @ Apr 30 2008, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You do? What is it? biggrin.gif

Good Wednesday afternoon all!


My lovely had the visa interview today and it was a success...a big fat red approval stamp!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-30 10:43:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Happy day everyone! I have good cause to be happy this hump day ;-)
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-30 10:16:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Robyn-n-Kris @ Apr 15 2008, 09:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ohh would love to know what you use for migraines.. i've suffered from them forever though burning peppermint does help.


Really? I get killer migrains, and the only thing that really helps is a lot of sleep and lots of caffeine.

I got one for cold sores. Light a match, then put it out in a cup of water. Then apply the burnt out tip to the coldsore and hold it there for a minute. The sulphur in the match head apparently does something that helps reduce the cold sore and makes it go away faster.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-16 14:47:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Hola everyone...biding my time until I get on my flight to London to see my OH :-) I just pray Heathrow isn't a total mess tomorrow morning.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-16 14:43:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (weedebz @ Apr 13 2008, 01:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
if you eat honey made in the local area it contains elements of the local pollen so helps build a natural resistance to the allergens. Works kind of the same way as a virus vaccine. You get a wee bit of it that helps you fight it off.

It really works and doesn't make you drowsy like most allergy meds


South Fork Vineyard
CONTACT: Jackie Hopken
ADDRESS: 845 Road East D - Ogallala, NE 69153-4759
PHONE: 308-284-6394
E-MAIL: southfrk@megavision.com
PRODUCTS: Honey-pure, comb honey, flavored cream honey, flavored honey stixs. Gift baskets and gift boxes: assortment of pure honey - 8 oz. jars - 12 oz. bears and 1.5 lb. jars; or assortment of cream honey - 6 oz. or 12 oz. tubs and comb and stixs. Any size baskets can be made for any occasion.
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY: year round
PRODUCT PACKAGING: gift basket and gift boxes
PRODUCT SHIPPING: continental U.S.
PRODUCT ORDERING: phone and e-mail
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: Ground
PAYMENT METHOD: check and money order

Valhalla Bee Farm
CONTACT: Warren and Jane Nelson
ADDRESS: P.O. Box 4407 - Lincoln, NE 68504
PHONE: 402-466-8173
FAX: 402-466-8173
PRODUCTS: Pure Nebraska honey and creme honey. Liquid honey available in various sizes. Honey spread available in 8- or 3-oz. jars. Four flavors are available: plain, strawberry, cinnamon, and raspberry.
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY: year round
PRODUCT PACKAGING: packaged by the case for use in gift boxes
PRODUCT SHIPPING: nationwide
PRODUCT ORDERING: mail order, phone, and fax
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: Ground
PAYMENT METHOD: check

To bee (couldn't let that pun go) fair, there really isn't much of a bee keeping industry here. As the weather gets warmer you might want to go to craft fairs and farmers markets to see if there is a beekeeping hobbyist that is selling their product. Also, some craft stores might sell honey too...there is a local brand of jam called Grandma's and they had a line of honey a long time ago, but I don't know if they still sell the honey.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-04-14 14:05:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Damn I wish I lost weight when I stressed out! I would love to get down to an 8/10...still stuck at 12/10. It seems like my boobs will never shrink :-(
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-06 15:09:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Got Nicky's interview date today...April 30th so plenty of reason to celebrate. I've also been stuffing myself with cake at the wedding cake consultations...might end up going with a carrot cake as the one bakery I went to had a superb recipe.

Lucozade's US cousins would be Powerade/Gatorade as someone above mentioned. You can get it darn near anywhere.

Now I need to start looking for some Chi-town pads for Nicky and I to nest into...
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-03-05 13:44:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (charlesandnessa @ Feb 14 2008, 07:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Feb 13 2008, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyways, don't forget the suicidal deer who love to jump in front of any moving vehicle. And the occasional cougar/mountain lion, and neighbors with shotguns who "don't like you on their property."

oh yeah, forgot about the suicidal deer. have them here in kansas. allegedly we have mountain lions, not seen one. got plenty of coyotes.

happy valentine's day for everyone rose.gif


Raccoons getting into the trash too. I can remember coming home one time and my dad had left the garage door half way up. I pull it up the rest of the way to park inside and a good 3-4 of those nasty buggers run out...nearly scared the bejesus out of me.

I hate on coyotes though...especially in packs. I remember when I lived out in the country hearing them attack a calf one time as the momma cow bellowed...just a very eerie situation esp when it's dark and all you can hear is the pack and the mother cow trying to protect it's young.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-14 14:32:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (charlesandnessa @ Feb 13 2008, 10:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (weedebz @ Feb 13 2008, 08:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i'm leaving the gorgeous hills, mountains, glens, lochs and rugged coastlines of Scotland all gently covered with heather and dotted with sheep...
... I'm going to the utter flatness, cornfields, cows and no coastline of Nebraska. Freezing winters, roasting summers and tornados in between.

the things we do for love!!!

oh sounds like nebraska. brown recluses, black widows, rattlesnakes.... whistling.gif

eta: and chiggers!


Eh it's only flat in that area around GI. Omaha is killer to drive in when it's icy with the hills.

Oh, Debz is going to need to read Night of the Twisters! Every school child in Nebraska is required to read that I believe.

Anyways, don't forget the suicidal deer who love to jump in front of any moving vehicle. And the occasional cougar/mountain lion, and neighbors with shotguns who "don't like you on their property."

devil.gif

The best things are tubing on the Niobrara River, Indian Caves State Park, Lazlo's Restaurant, Empyrean Ales, thunderstorms in the spring, Czech Days in Wilber, Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, and Saddle Creek Records.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-13 17:05:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
Making some homemade shortbread for my DF. Considering cutting them into heart shaped cookies but that is awful cheesy all the same!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-08 12:32:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
http://wikiality.com..._British_Empire

For fans of the Colbert Report.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 13:36:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
QUOTE (Krikit @ Feb 6 2008, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Mark and Hannah @ Feb 6 2008, 09:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've just had my first ever bikini wax and was totally surprised by how little pain is involved! I am totally having that done regularly from now on.

Wow! Lucky you! That is so not the norm. You'll probably have painfree childbirth too! laughing.gif

I was burnt terribly, once, by the new girl at the esthetician's. Went back a few weeks later to the regular girl and she was horrified (still had burn marks..... kinda like a bad sunburn). She said that the girl had obviously used the wrong wax. (She used hard wax instead of soft wax.) Anywhooo.... don't have the nerve to get it done anymore. I'm not into pain. But there is a cream you can get to dull the nerves if you're sensitive to waxing..... Emla Cream. You rub it in before your appointment. Or you can just shave. whistling.gif


I've heard lots of horror stories like that too. One of my friend's cousins tried giving herself a bikini wax and f'd it up completely...basically she tore out a chunk of skin, and to this day she apparently has a scar...or chunk missing.

My friend could be exagerrating but I'll just continue to shave gently :-)
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 11:38:00
United Kingdom~Off Topic Thread~
That is the only way I'm my mom's kid. I'm a shopper, and not the best saver. Total 100% yuppie girl...I like my haircuts, my shoes, purses...did I say shoes again LOL?

I think I have at least 50 pairs of shoes. My poor OH! I think when we have our own place my stuff will take up 99% of the closet space!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-02-06 09:58:00
United KingdomWe found Brit foods
Unless you truly live in BFE I think certain Brit foods are not too hard to find. It seems to be true especially in the case of chocolate and condiments.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-10-19 09:14:00
United KingdomFailed Driving Test
QUOTE (wifetobe @ Feb 9 2009, 05:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Don't worry Dames you'll be back soon! Remember the haters keep you strong whistling.gif


Ever since when does someone using common sense means they are a hater?

Talk about an immature response.

QUOTE
Here and there babe! I PM'd ya.. you don't know who you can trust on the UK forum anymore.


Can anyone else smell the irony?

Edited by ginger1981, 10 February 2009 - 12:42 PM.

ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-10 12:40:00
United KingdomTransportation options to London and a personal problem
QUOTE (niniel71 @ Feb 13 2009, 09:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
To me, it seems that he doesnt care enough to get here and be married as fast as possible. He seems content to wait months and months. He hasnt even concidered an option other than his mom driving him.


I think you've answered yourself here. You may be ready to take the plunge, but from what info you've given it sounds like he's not. It might be time to seriously re-evaluate your relationship with him. If he's not willing to try to navigate and learn how to get around in his own country, do you think he will in America?
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2009-02-14 17:20:00
United KingdomU.K. Footie Thread
QUOTE (Damian P @ Sep 2 2008, 08:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well now there's a surprise!!!!!

http://www.skysports...4085798,00.html


I'm surprised he has been sacked. Way to go Mr Ashley, that's one way to get the public behind you!

Not surprised he has gone. The signings were not made, can't blame Keegan for questioning the board. Not even appointing Shearer would pacify the fans this time. The Hull game shall be ugly one would think....

Once again we are the laughing stock of the country. blink.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-09-02 09:17:00
United KingdomU.K. Footie Thread
QUOTE (britty @ Aug 31 2008, 09:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
what channel are the UKers in the US subscribing to for footie? My brother is coming over for a month in a couple of weeks with my parents (can't wait - so excited), and being the great little sister that I am, wanted to ensure he can watch a few games while he is here. Any suggestions would be appreciated!. Thx


I think the main ones mentioned were Setanta (however I think you have to have satellite to get them) or FSC (Fox Soccer Channel). I think every major cable provider has FSC but it depends on where you live whether it is available or not (in the Chicago area RCN has it as part of the standard cable package).

Another odd one I thought of...I've actually seen Premier League games on at 1/2 am on the Mexican channels. Of course all the commentary is in Spanish!
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-31 09:41:00
United KingdomU.K. Footie Thread
QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 31 2008, 09:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ginger1981 @ Aug 31 2008, 09:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 31 2008, 05:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well now, what a feast of footie we have today (all times U.K., my predicitions in parentheses!)

Celtic v Rangers @12:30 on Setanta (2-1)


Will the ensuing ned knife fights be televised? laughing.gif


4-1 to Rangers! wow.gif I never saw that one coming! And richly deserved too. The Chelsea/Spurs game's just finished 1-1. So that's 2-out-of-2 I've got wrong today! laughing.gif


Missed it..I made Nicky go with me to watch my American football game. Was the game at Celtic Park...that would add insult to injury.
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-31 09:29:00
United KingdomU.K. Footie Thread
QUOTE (Damian P @ Aug 31 2008, 05:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well now, what a feast of footie we have today (all times U.K., my predicitions in parentheses!)

Celtic v Rangers @12:30 on Setanta (2-1)


Will the ensuing ned knife fights be televised? laughing.gif
ginger1981FemaleUnited Kingdom2008-08-31 09:18:00