The Savvy Mrs. on WEtv

In the months leading up to my wedding, I wrote a weekly blog for WEtv.com about planning my big day. I documented everything -- from finding a venue to my bachelorette party. And now that I'm a married lady, I have passed the Dubious Bride blogging torch to a new bride-to-be, Jessa. But I still blog a few times a month for them, offering advice to help make wedding planning simple and FUN!

Because that's what it really comes down to. If you're going to be a total basketcase that no one wants to be within 10 feet of, just elope, seriously. It's not worth going off the deep end because peonies aren't in season. Seating charts are no picnic, money can definitely be an issue, and guest lists are hard to trim, but it's all part of the experience. You'll learn as you go. And then you can share your "wisdom", like moi. 

Speaking of ... last week, Jessa emailed me to find out how many items she should register for. I had no clue. All I know is that I left my fiance alone with the "zapper" for less than 3 minutes. Now we have 4 coffee makers and a milk frother. But I did have some other helpful tips for her. Click here for those!

Me, My Husband and Facebook

Even though I've spent all day staring at a computer at work, I find myself parked on the couch with my laptop a few hours later on Facebook, scrolling through status updates, perusing pictures of people's weddings and learning that _____ has uncovered a "secret stash of Illegal Transaction Records in Mafia Wars"!

During this time, my husband (who has zero interest in "The Facebook") is trying to get me to pay attention to Guy Fieri eating an enormous, greasy burger on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. After a quick, distracted glance, I briefly wonder if he has high cholesterol from his job ... and then I hit refresh.

Why am I admitting this embarrassing use of my time? Because I guarantee that you do this, too. I have actually seen (in my Newsfeed, of course) couples communicate through Facebook when it appears that they're sitting right next to each other on the couch.

While tweeting, blogging, commenting, g-chatting, BBMing and surfing the web are a huge part of all of our lives, sometimes it's good to take a break and go back to basics. My grandma Rita gets by just fine using the TV Guide from the newspaper, sending letters in the mail (sealed with sparkly stickers of Betty Boop), using her cell phone for long distance calls only, and playing cards with friends in person (not through a virtual universe of anonymous mahjong players). It's time to take a page from her book. If not, we'll become so addicted to our computers, BlackBerrys and other people's lives online ... that we'll miss out on our own real ones.

I will not deny that a BlackBerry does come in handy at times. Awkward elevator moment? Fumble around in your purse looking for it. Waiting for someone at a bar and feel like a loser? Play Brickbreaker while pretending to be very busy and important. 

So let's try this challenge. When you're out and about, pay attention to what's going on around you, not your phone. Listen to Oprah and stop texting when you drive. If you go to the gym, please don't put your cell in a holder on the treadmill. Spend time with your friends, your boyfriend, your girlfriend, fiance, wife, or husband. And really listen to them ... without the computer in your lap.

But still check my blog, of course :)

Shop for a Cause

It's not very often that we can help others simply by buying ourselves a new pair of earrings, right? Stella & Dot (one of my favorite jewelry lines) is having a sale where 25% of the proceeds from your purchase will benefit the families of four members of the Oakland Police Department who were brutally killed on duty one year ago.

From now until the end of March, you can feel good about stocking up on fabulous spring necklaces, earrings, and bracelets (yay, turquoise is back!). Just click here and select your items. Prices range from $29 to $100+. When you are prompted to enter a "Hostess Name", just enter OPD/Fund as first name/last name. This will ensure that your purchase will benefit the cause (and that shipping is just $5.95).

If new accessories aren't in your budget this month, you can still do your part by thanking a police officer in your neighborhood for their hard work.

Happy shopping!

Must-have Makeup Minis

If you've ever had to hand over your favorite lip gloss to a very unsympathetic airport security agent (doesn't he understand that Dior does not come cheap?) ... fret no more. Luckily, good things come in small packages, especially when it comes to great beauty buys. From eye makeup essentials to dry skin saviors, check out the slideshow I put together for Shape.com on fabulous minis that help you look your best while you're on the go.

What are you travel essentials? 

What's Cookin' Good Lookin'?

I would assume most people under the age of 78 do not wear wear an apron when they cook. But these retro styles from Anthropologie make me want to channel a 1950's housewife and learn how to make a pot roast ... anyone else?

Considering most of us don't have time (or the energy) to whip up a fancy meal after work, this get-up may be a bit much for those "breakfast for dinner" nights. But how cute would it be to wear this when you're hosting a holiday dinner? Or, buy it for a bride-to-be for her wedding shower.

If you're not quite ready to be the resident Betty Crocker, try the half apron to ease your way into the kitchen. No casserole recipe required.

Spring ... and Cleaning

Once in a blue moon, I get a wave of extreme motivation to clean, de-clutter and organize. This particular weekend, it was a combination of the beautiful Spring weather and the heaping piles of magazines, catalogs, menus, newspapers, and mail that inspired The Cleaning Session of 2010. Because let's be honest, just making those stacks neat and tidy (which I always do first) is only a short term solution.

While I'm not messy, I don't usually find joy in cleaning like other members of my family (my dad actually went through a phase where he would put on knee pads and hand wash the kitchen floor). So, yesterday I decided to divide and conquer. I re-organized drawers, tackled those piles, and Swiffered until I couldn't see straight. The end result ... no more "free airline companion tickets" taking over my kitchen table, and an apartment that smells like oranges, which is quite lovely.

So, here's my advice ... don't try to do everything at once. That's just asking for a small nervous breakdown. Pick a few tasks to take on, and then do something else big another day, or next weekend. And also marry someone that cleans too. My husband is an exceptional Swiffer-er. However, he's very slow on the dishwasher-unload, so we're still working on that.

The New Girl

I would like to apologize to the three people that read this blog (hi, mom!) for my lack of posts this week. Blogging had to go on the back burner, because I started a new job ... hooray! Between trying to appear as though I knew what I was doing and wandering around aimlessly in search of the bathroom (also trying appear as though I knew what I was doing), I wore myself out.

I am sure many of you have been in the same boat. Starting a new job is like being the new kid at school. You wake up extra early, pick out a cute outfit, and hope people don't look at you like you have four heads. Luckily, I now work at one of the friendliest places on the planet, so that part went a-ok. There also happens to be a huge picture of Diane Keaton (adore her!) on the wall near my desk, so I feel like she's looking out for me. She provides a sense of calm when I need it. 

So in celebration of surviving week 1 and not walking head on into the clear glass doors in the lobby (although I came close) ... it's time to uncork the wine and have some fun this weekend.