Sunday, January 25, 2009

No More Macys...

Last Thursday, just minutes after walking into work, I was called into the Executive Offices to receive some bad news. Due to budget cuts Macy's Corporate has been eliminating positions in their stores - mine was one of them.

Considering the economic condition of our nation at the moment, it was not a complete surprise to hear that the company was cutting back or to hear that my position was being eliminated early on. I understand that I am the newest member of the team and that means I am the easiest to let go. So, I am now, once again, searching for a job.

Despite my frustrations, and worries about money, I am comforted by the knowledge that my life is in God's hands. I am thankful for all of the people that I met while working at Macy's and for the ways that each of them touched my life. I am anxious to see where God leads me next...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Fair Trade AND Organic!

One of the things I loved most about living in Louisville was being able to shop at so many different studios of local artists. I loved Bardstown Road shopping but also the Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Glassworks downtown. I loved the Louisville Stoneware store. I loved that driving almost anywhere in the city led me to local artists and fair trade goods from all over the world. In moving home, I have really missed that.

Today I took advantage of my day off and went to a store I've been passing by on my way to and from Vincennes each week. It's called "Imagine That." I fell in love with fair trade goods all over again! You can shop at the store (12100 Highway 41 North, Suite 3) or online at www.imaginethatevansville.com

Friday, January 16, 2009

Cake and Flowers

Yesterday we were able to get the cake planning and flower planning finished! I am very proud of my first week of true wedding planning.
CAKE: Mom insisted that the cake come from Piece of Cake on Main Street. So, we went and had an appointment. I had already found a picture of the perfect cake and mixed some of my ideas with some of theirs and now we have a wedding cake! We also designed the groom's cake which is really fun and is perfectly themed for Mark and me. Special thanks to Cara at P.O.C. who was amazing - she answered all of our questions and provided yummy cake samples! :)
FLOWERS: The flowers are being designed by Pat Ingram. I am so excited to have her as part of our big day because she was my middle school speech coach. I credit her for ALL of my public speaking skills. She is also a wonderful artist and was full of great ideas. I am excited for the earthy, organic feel that our decorations will have.
The to-do-list is getting shorter...which must mean the big day is getting closer! Just 17 weeks away!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

We're FINALLY planning!

This past Sunday Mom and I went to the Wedding Expo at the Centre downtown. We went with two goals in mind:
1) Taste Wedding Cakes
2) Find the perfect photographer
We succeeded in both. I had mentioned at work that I was beginning to look for a photographer and both Joyce and Tina shared that Michelle Forche had photographed their daughters' weddings. So, at the show we made a point of finding her. She has taken some of the best wedding pictures I have ever seen. I was so excited to see that all of her pictures are different - they way I think wedding pictures should be because every couple is different. As soon as we started talking, we just clicked. She is so energetic and fun and was even full of decorating ideas and tips. My other favorite thing: she's a flute player! After that, I was sold! I am looking forward to working with her on our big day. Please check out her website: memoriesbymichelle.com to look at her photo galleries AND to see Mom and I signing our contract on her blog.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Pie, Dresses, Pie

Tonight was just what I needed. Arrika is still in town and so we met at the Pie Company for dinner. We ate way too much (I recommend the rice krispie treats to everyone) and then decided to check in with Nicole about bridesmaids' dresses. We called, she happened to be at the bridal store, and so we went and met her and Meagan, tried one dress, and found "the one!" Because the dress process took about twenty minutes we decided to all get coffee together. So...we ended up back at the Pie Company. I am thankful for a night filled with laughter, wedding planning, and ridiculousness. I am so thankful for the friends that God has given me and for tonight's reminder of Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loves at all times.