The Dirty Martini Diaries

Life, Love, and a Big Splash of Olive Juice

Archives for January 2009

Honeymoon Help!

These wedding plans sure have been on the fast track this week, ladies! Mama Martini is mere *hours* away from putting her finishing touches on the invitation calligraphy (previews to come!), and sending them out to greet our wonderful wedding guests. In less than 7 days, the Mr. and I will be heading out to sunny Phoenix (YAY!) to taste our menu, design our custom wedding bands, perform our premarital counseling, *and*… secure our marriage license! HOORAY!

However, there is one *gaping* hole in our wedding plans thus far… The honeymoon! We have less than 80 days left, and no honeymoon booked! If you’re booking your honeymoon at the moment, take a look at Jettly to see if you could hire a private jet for that added luxury! We have gone back and forth on the final destination countless times, before we finally solidified on a destination… Or so we thought.

I’ve spent the morning doing recon on our “finalized” wedding destination, until I came past these little nuggets of information (thanks to the reviews at TripAdvisor):

” The beach is in bad shape. The beach erosion has effected most of the hotels in Riviera Maya. The government plans to repair the beaches in March.”

“The hotel’s beach was small (maybe 150 yards long total) and had little sand, probably due to the strong currents. The small beach meant that the beach chairs were placed inches away from each other so the beach lacked privacy. I felt like I was in Miami or Boca. (See photos attached)”


This was a photo taken of the beach last month. I must say, I’m pretty disappointed. Nothing says romantic beach side honeymoon like elbow-to-elbow beach chair formation and a huge barrier of sand bags, right? Ummmm, notsomuch. My only requirements for said honeymoon were warm weather (no ski vaycays for me, thanks) and a great beach, since I’m not much of a hotel pool person. Looks like we may have a strike out here. I think we would have been better going with a trip to one of the Grand Cayman villas with Exceptional Villas or something like that!

My question for you is this- If married or engaged, were did/will you go for your honeymoon? And for all my fabulous single friends, where would you want to go? I’d love to hear your suggestions!

xoxo,
Lulu

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I just read on A Cup Of Jo that Domino Magazine is officially folding… The last issue will be March 2009.

My. Heart. Is. Breaking.

Commence SERIOUS mourning.

The Big D, Part One- Mojito Maven!

One of the *best* parts about my week in Dallas was the opportunity to meet up with two of my favorite bloggers. I was so excited that these girls were able to fit me into their packed schedule, despite only having about 24 hours’ notice of my arrival in the city.

The first “blog date” I had was with Mojito Maven from Make Mine A Mojito. We planned to meet up at a local Starbucks after she finished work for the day, which worked perfectly into our schedules. Sadly, I started coming down with something earlier that morning, and was SO nervous that I might have to cancel. After $60 in over-the-counter drugs from CVS, I felt ready to go for the big meet up.

My mom was sweet enough to drive me there, since I’m totally clueless about driving in D Town. You’ve gotta love trying to explain the nature of our little blog world to people… she kept saying things like “are you sure you know she’s not some creepy old man?”, etc. Pretty priceless.

I had soooo much fun! As soon as I saw her, it felt like I was meeting an old friend. She is just the *coolest*, so down to earth and easy to talk to. She bought me a delicious tea, which was so sweet of her (and what flavor was that again, MM? I loved it!) I felt like our meeting came at just the right time for me- she was full of great advice regarding all these looming questions I’ve had regarding the wedding, being a newlywed, and financial matters. I just kept thinking “Gosh! Why can’t I move to Dallas?! This girl is so much fun…” Next thing we knew, 2 hours had flown by (with Mama Martini sitting in the parking lot, paying bills… Whoops!). I had such a nice time, I’d even forgotten I was coming down with something.

Thanks again for a great coffee date, Mojito Maven… Your candid advice on everything was appreciated so much. Thanks for laying everything out on the table for me, and being such an open book. Looking forward to seeing you during my next visit!

xoxo,
Lulu

Wedding Wednesday!

HELLO, lovelies! Goodness, how I’ve missed you! I have *so* much to update you on regarding my trip to the Big D and all the happenings that went on. I thought the best way to jump back into the blogging pool was to get all the big wedding updates out of the way, so here we go!

First of all, I had a hot date on Friday… with my dress! After tying on dresses last spring, it took 6 months for my gown to be created and shipped to the Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon. I must say, I was UBER nervous to go try it on! Since the sample I tried on was larger than my normal size, I wasn’t sure how it was going to look “Lulu-sized.”

After getting jostled into a bustier, stripping down to my unmentionables (and I’m sorry, but there are few things more uncomfortable to me than standing around in nothing but underpinnings and 4″ heels while my sales gal and mother try to get the dress ready for me to slip into), and snagging the rhinestone-laden heels on my brand new dress twice (nice), I was zipped up and fastened in. I may have cracked a rib or 2 in the process, but isn’t that the price of fashion?

I’m seriously at a loss for words as to how much I totally love this dress, Dear Readers. We’re talking a borderline unhealthy attachment at this point. I’m just plain smitten. I felt positively Carrie Bradshaw-esque (sans bird-in-hair and super guns-of-steel yoga arms):


I’ve had to make the tough decision not to post a photo of it on the blog, because a) I want to leave a few surprises for my real-life friend readers out there who will be attending the wedding (hi, everyone!), and b) Mr. Wonderful and I have decided not to see each other before the wedding. I know he stops by the blog from time to time, so posting a picture here is just a disaster waiting to happen! But I am just so happy that I managed to find a dress that I love and know that it will be something special for the big day. Finding the right dress is so important for any bride and I believe that if it wasn’t for friends of mine recommending that I looked into sites such as https://www.winniecouture.com/, I don’t think I would have the dress I do now. I just can’t wait for everyone at the wedding to see it and also you guys who read this blog!

Even though we decided against doing the final fitting at this time, I was able to make another huge decision – the veil! I’ve made the leap, and have decided to become a 2 veil bride. I know that veils aren’t for everyone (I had one close girlfriend nix the veil idea for her wedding because she thought it was “way too creepy” having that shroud-like thing over your face…haha). I’ve always been the traditional type to love the look of the full wedding getup. I’ve always loved the idea of being a 2 dress bride, but the attachment I’ve formed to my dress has taken that option out of the running. I figured that by switching up my veil post-ceremony, I could create a win-win situation by giving myself a slightly different look while still keeping a veil on. Mission accomplished.

I’ve saved the best for last by revealing the wedding shoes. Oh, ladies. These SHOES! You know that I’ve had serious Louboutin lust over the past year, but with nary a penny to save in order to quench the yearning. I have a strict 4″+ heel rule, so many darling pink shoes have been cast aside in my hunt. That is, until the goddesses at Stanley Korshak presented me with a bridal coupon. In a fit of insanity, Mama Martini ran over to their shoe salon, and purchased the MOST. PERFECT. SHOES. EVER.

I’d like to introduce you to the only pair of shoes I’ll be wearing for the rest of my life:

I’ve always fantasized about getting a killer investment wedding day shoe, which I will subsequently wear on each wedding anniversary date night thereafter. These shoes are beyond my wildest fantasies and expectations! Not only are they the *perfect* heel height and shade of pink, but they are a dead match to my *favorite* purse of all time. I avoided shopping my ENTIRE semester abroad (no small feat when living only 45 minutes outside of London), just to save up my money for that 1 special thing… and here she is, the Louis Vuitton Reade PM in Framboise Vernis I purchased in Venice:

It’s a match made in Lulu Heaven, girls. I feel like the luckiest little lady in the world!

After knocking these details out of the park, it’s really starting to dawn on me… I’m getting married in less than 3 months!

Stay tuned to more wedding details as they unfold!

xoxo,

Lulu

HUGE Week!

Hi girls! I’m still in the big D, and can’t even explain how much I have to tell you about! 2 great dates with some of my *faaaavorite* bloggers (who make me DESPERATE to move to Dallas just so I can become full-time non-blog friends with them), the most amazing retail therapy ever, great times with my MOH, and some great wedding updates (dress and shoes included!) are all just around the corner… I’m off to the lovely but CHILLY NYC tomorrow, and then will be back to full blogging force on Monday. Please give me Sunday to R & R and hang out with my love, as this is the longest Mr. Wonderful and I have been apart since he moved to the Middle East. Boo!

I cannot wait to share stories, photo, and video (!!!) with you soon.

Miss you all madly!

xoxo,
Lulu

Top Secret Mission – Revealed!

I’m right in the middle of my top secret mission, but I’m officially ready to blow my cover.

Drum roll please…..

I’m in Dallas!


You see, my maid of honor Roey’s birthday is January 20th. She had a big trip to Texas planned, to attend her parents’ college reunion and to browse for wedding dresses. Roey and her mother were going to be staying at my parents’ house for a few nights, before her father came into town and the reunion started.

Secretly, her younger sister Chels had planned to come as well, as a nice birthday surprise for Roey. Mama Martini called me on Thursday night, and wondered if I wanted to fly in for the week to surprise them all! I didn’t want to ruin the surprise by blogging about it, since Roey visits the blog from time to time.

Roey was touched to tears when she saw her sister and me at the airport, and knew we’d get to spend her birthday together!

We’ve been having a blast, catching up on the latest and just enjoying each others’ company (and some serious shopping too!). I have some other great plans I’m very excited to blog about, but need to go get ready for another exciting day!

xoxo,
Lulu

Chirp, Chirpy Chirp!

Great goodness gracious! The Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl!

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m even less than a fair-weather fan, since today’s game (well, the last 5 minutes of today’s game) is all I’ve watched of the entire football season.

What makes me feel so warm and fuzzy about this win is that the biggest Cardinal fan I ever met, one of Mr. Wonderful’s dearest friends and former roommate DJ, passed away unexpectedly last year. We’ve thought about DJ often throughout the planning our wedding, as his absence as a groomsman is sorely felt.

Mr. Wonderful loves to share stories about DJ with me, as I was just getting to know him when he passed. One of my favorite tales was about how much of a die-hard Cardinals fan DJ was, no matter how poorly they did (which was quite often). DJ would call people to wake them up on game day and just sing “Chirp, chirpy chirp! Chirp, chirpy chirp!” to the tune of the Ukrainian Bell Carol.

I’d like to think he’s chirpy-chirping up there in heaven right now. This win’s for you, DJ!

Top Secret Mission – I’ll Be Back!

First of all, I can’t tell you how proud I feel to be able to say I’m a member of our wonderful blogging community! It feels so wonderful to be surrounded with like-minded individuals, all working together to rally in prayer and give hope during a fellow blogger’s time of need. First with NieNie (who’s *back*! Have you seen!?!) , and now with the Stamps family from Kelly’s Korner. All of your love and faith is such an inspiration to me.

I wanted to let you know that I’ll be MIA for the next few days, as I’m working on a secret mission. If you know what I’m up to, *please* no comments! I may be lurking around and commenting for the next few days, but no posts from me for the time being. I promise, I have good reason! Just in case you’re curious, it doesn’t have to do with any of the following : a) a new job, b) a big elopement (though that does sound kind of nice right now, a warm Caribbean island!? *Swoon*), or c) big “family” news of any kind. Just know that I have good reason, and that I’ll be back again soon! Very, very, sneaky… hehe

Hope “y’all” are having a wonderful weekend!

xoxo,
Lulu

Please Pray

The baby I posted about earlier today, Harper Brown Stamps, is in very critical condition. Please send prayers out to this precious newborn and her mother!

Updates can be found here: Kelly’s Korner

Free Makeup… For Real!

Man, does Friday just keep getting better or what!?!? Thanks to a class action lawsuit settlement, department stores across the nation will be giving away free (full-size!) goods!

Here’s the info on the products that will be available (first come, first serve, of course):

http://www.cosmeticssettlement.com/

and here’s the back story (its from a regional news channel, but the offer is nationwide):

http://www.wisn.com/cnn-news/18483869/detail.html

ENJOY, and let me know what you end up getting!

xoxo,
Lulu