Wedding planning with a “digital bride” twist

My fiancee and I are planning a summer wedding. Summer 2012. It seems so soon! Since we have different work schedules, I have gotten creative on how to discuss wedding and reception ideas. So far a few things we did:

• Create a joint wedding email account, which forwards to both of us. Then we can say: did you read that one from (insert vendor) instead of waiting until we see each other to discuss what was in the message.
• Found ribbons in “our colors” at a crafts store, then going to a home improvement store so we could get paint chip samples. This is a little more manly for when he has to choose his tuxedo and pocket square, and a lot less messy than a ribbon fraying.
• Drafted invitations online. No commitment to print or order from that vendor, but a nice image of how the words would look with different fonts and paragraph alignment.
• Use an online “inspiration board” to collect ideas. This way I avoid bookmarking websites and forgetting what I liked at each one.
• Design a virtual wedding dress online (I don’t want him to see the REAL finished product until the wedding day).

Have you found new ways to use technology for event planning? Do you have any ideas for other wedding planning shortcuts?

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Another New Beginning

You may have seen my update on Facebook or Twitter:

It’s not Christmas but Arthur gave me something sparkly.

After Thanksgiving dinner, while the rest of the family lounged over dessert, Arthur suggested we move to the living room. He gave me a beautiful engagement ring, which made me lose my breath and giggle like a little girl. I ran to the dining room and flashed the ring. The adults refused to believe it until Arthur proposed loud enough for them to hear. We all hugged, some of us got emotional. We all floated away from the table happy and excited. I later learned, Arthur had Lesli approve the ring before presenting it to me.

The next morning it started to hit me. I AM GETTING MARRIED! I have to plan a wedding. Correction, we have to plan a wedding. I have to juggle my work schedule while finishing this semester, then Spring 2012, at least, before becoming Arthur’s wife (or as Latinos say, la señora de Arturo). Add in Arthur’s work schedule and we have a lot to coordinate while planning for the joyous event.

There are so many things to be planned, purchased, paid for, positioned. Every time I turn around it seems another item is added to the list.

So far we have decided a few things:

• Ceremony location – the place where we met.
• Colors – ocean and sand (shush, it’s better than blush and bashful in Steel Magnolias).
• Theme – tropical, beach, relaxed.
• Wedding date – early summer, after school ends for me and the children we want in the procession.

Invitations and printed items are still to be decided. Call me a digital bride, I fail to understand the need for tissue over the invitation. I also wonder about response cards. So many people call, text or email with questions. Enclosing these extras with the invitation seems a bit unnecessary unless the menu has choices like beef, chicken or fish. Which leads me to:

The reception menu is still to be decided. So far we know we want to share our favorite foods. We both enjoy sushi, barbecue, pasta, rice, seafood, pastries, cakes, you name it. This also leads to another sticky point:

We will not serve liquor during our reception, except perhaps for the toast.

As I mentioned above, so many things I never considered are now becoming important. What seems most important right this minute is to practice the following phrase, maybe use it two times a day during the planning and decision time:

I need to check with Arthur on that.

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Red Watch – Fashion Friday

Last night I attended an event for a video game company – separate post to come. I took the long way home, and enjoyed the feeling of summer as it should be.

I walked slowly, enjoyed the view as other people ran past, then eventually looked up and saw only space. Very few people at the bus terminal. I asked a woman if the bus had passed, she told me it had not, because she was also waiting for it. We struck up a conversation and within about three blocks I found out a little something about her family. I won’t share all that here because it was her story.

Besides, what kept my attention was her red watch. In one word, it was sparkly!  Brilliant, polished wood and beads on a stretchy band. When I said the words out loud, she said “what, this? I never had a watch for a long time, I picked this up in Mexico for $4 and now everybody loves it.”

Red Watch

This is the first of what I hope will be many Fashion Friday photos – next time we meet up I might do that whole body slow staring thing. Please remember, I’ll be admiring your outfit and accessories!

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McDonald’s – Balance and Taste – Giveaway

A few weeks ago we attended the McDonald’s First Taste event in New York City. I picked up Lesli from school. When we first got to the restaurant Lesli and I sat in a quiet spot to eat an Asian Salad  with grilled chicken (available for a limited time this summer), but pretty soon we caught on to where the action was happening:  the Nugget Corner on the second floor.

This section of the restaurant had everything: comfy lounge chairs, sunlight, and quick access to the steps. When Lesli and I came over, the ladies were laughing and relaxing. Melanie’s baby sat quietly in his car seat, while she  chatted with Jennifer, Johanna, Ruby and me. Lesli stayed nearby, and occasionally made fun faces at Ruby’s gorgeous  daughter. I mean, really, have you seen this cutie?

We passed each other Mango Pineapple Smoothies, Premium Chicken Sandwiches and Chicken McNuggets with all the new sauces: Chipotle Barbecue (smoky with a kick), Creamy Ranch, Hot Mustard, Spicy Buffalo and Sweet Chili (jelly with flecks of spicy chili pepper) while waiting to interview the speakers. Chef Dan Coudreaut, Julia Braun and Sylvia  Meléndez-Klinger were available to answer questions about these tasty new dishes. Chef Dan even did a cooking demonstration while he offered suggestions (use less oil) and answered questions for the entire group.

I sat with Sylvia  Meléndez-Klinger, registered dietitian, to discuss the new menu items. This video starts right after I asked “what has been your involvement?” We go from there to talk about McDonald’s, nutrition and food, even our comments about the dreaded “D word” for Latinas and Latinos.

 

Now to the giveaway. Since Sylvia shared so much about how to balance calories, taste and eating out, I am asking you to go to McDonald’s website and Bag a McMeal. Then come back here, leave a comment detailing your meal. Was it breakfast,  lunch or dinner? How many calories did you end up? Keep in mind U.S. Government guidelines recommend about 2000 calories per day for adults over age 18.

Five (5) winners will be selected at random, to win a goodie bag from McDonald’s. This black bag, with two pockets on the outside for “mobile” (cell phone) and “H2O” (water), comes packed with:

• Tips and recipes from Chef Dan
• A lavender scented satin eye mask
• A pineapple scented soy candle
• A mango scented soy candle
• A bamboo and green pen
• A green and black spiral notebook and pen set
• A black balance bracelet
• A $10 $25 (updated 5/25) Arch card (McDonald’s gift card)

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 Friday, June 17 and I will announce the winners by June 21.

Your mandatory entry, is a comment detailing your McMeal. For extra entries leave a comment after you:

• follow @McDonald’s on Twitter
• follow @OfeliaNJ on Twitter
• follow @SKlingerRD (Sylvia  Meléndez-Klinger) on Twitter
• or subscribe to my e-mail newsletter (top left corner of this screen).

One comment counts as one entry. One bag per winner.

DISCLOSURE: The compensation level for this post is CL 10. Products or services were provided to OfeliaNJ to give away in a contest, and to keep for use or review.

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Comment 500

Non-bloggers might think me a geek. I have made my peace with that. Translation: it’s ok, I know I’m a geek.

So it might not seem like a milestone to reach 500 comments. To me it was a very big deal, especially when I write about some personal experiences. It really helps me feel less weird, when people leave comments and say “I like this too”.

I decided to do a giveaway to the person who left comment 500. No blog post, just Twitter and Facebook updates. And finally Monica left comment 500.

 

Comment 500

I checked to make sure what kind of event swag she would enjoy, packed a box and sent it off. She just got it today. Now time to wait and see how she likes all the items. How was this one? What about that other item?

All things considered, I feel like a winner for getting the goodies out of the house where someone will appreciate them. Thanks, Monica, for sharing your thoughts.

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Miss Nonnegotiable

Here we are. The weather is getting nice. Soon you can spot me cheering or clapping for my niece or nephew at one of their many activities. And I feel like the neon sign is over me, even sitting outdoors or nowhere near an exit. You wonder why? Well, imagine me with Lesli, suddenly looking up and seeing all the happy couples. My back stiffens, in preparation. I can almost count down to the moment someone will ask: “so, do you have a boyfriend”? My easy response of “no” brings another question: “would you like to meet someone?” (yes, yes I would really like to meet someone special). Sometimes, instead of “would you like to meet someone” I get an awkward silence accompanied by the “you’re not getting any younger” look .. a raised eyebrow, eyes shifting to one side or even a pout.

Once in a while, someone will ask “are you on any dating services?” No, and I do not plan to spend the time or effort to join one. I know at least two women who found their Mister Right on dating sites. I even signed up on a dating service, way back when. What happened was, I found more frogs than princes. And I learned something about myself. The idea of getting dolled up, dressed up and worked up, then desperately trying to “be cool” is enough to make me hide under the covers. Besides, I already have a lot going on my life without a man. No need for Jerry Maguire to complete me.

Each morning I wake up to nag Lesli until she leaves get Lesli out to school, then handle my own day. As a full-time college student, student programming member, mom to a teenager, and blogger, my day can include: classes; committee meetings to plan or decorate; discussions with students, teachers, staff, administrators or vendors about campus events or extracurricular activities; social media events online, or in person at different locations; contacting public relations or marketing staff about products. And this is Monday through Friday, while Lesli is at school or at home. Saturdays we: do errands like shopping; volunteer for our community; attend church socials; or prepare for the upcoming week. Every Sunday is church. Lesli and I each serve in the nursery at least once a month. Sometimes we cook or bake for functions at church. Now that the weather is so nice, Lesli often suggests getting out of the house for a long walk together. This can be a good thing, because I wear a pedometer whenever possible, to keep from adding exercise on my to-do list.

By now you may be thinking, does she ever plan to get out there and meet Mister Right? Well, no. Mister Right needs to lace up his shoes, get out and find me. I refuse to give up any of my activities. Blogging? No time soon. If I kept every thought to myself it would not be good for my health. College? No – education is the key to my future. I plan to keep learning, even after I graduate. My work on student activities, is how I give back to the school, my classmates, the staff and administrators. My church is a source of inspiration and support. Motherhood is a rewarding duty and privilege. Mister Right will have to catch my eye and say hello. I have faith that it will happen at the right place and time.  We have not met yet because God is working on my Mister Right, and on me, so we can recognize each other.

For those who believe “be careful what you wish for” (or my version, be specific in what you ask for) here is my list. I am certain all of these items are very important. Just call me “Miss Nonnegotiable”. Take it or leave it.

1. Share my faith
2. Family man: love his parents, love me, love Lesli, be comfortable around children
3. Physically and mentally strong
4. Willing and able to work with kitchen gadgets – at least fix a salad, sandwich and brew coffee (or limeade) for himself or me
5. Kind, especially if he has to tell me that my latest Sabroso Saturday recipe creation needs to be tweaked
6. Study with me – or get out of the way when I dump textbooks, notebooks, pamphlets, brochures, samples and research all over the couch, table or floor – and leave everything just like that until I ask for help
7. Understand that sometimes I process things by talking – I ask for advice, then solve the problem on my own
8. Skilled communicator – nice speaking voice, good listener
9. At least one: philanthropist, volunteer, activist
10. Taller than me
11. Intelligent
12. Curious
13. Adventurous
14. Ambitious

Am I asking a lot? Do you have a list of nonnegotiable expectations for potential romantic partners?

DISCLOSURE: The link above for Jerry Maguire is my Amazon associates link. If you buy the movie, I get a percentage.

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Point of View – Wordless Wednesday

This past Saturday April 2, I spent the afternoon in New York mixing and mingling with other bloggers at Getting Gorgeous with DegreeWomen. Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeney organized this event, which was full of  introductions, discoveries, smiles and giggles.

For me the biggest emotion was joy. Pure joy at being included in a group so full of energy, having beautiful weather and – well I could go on and on. On the way home I noticed this message on the steps to the subway station. Read it from the bottom up, and you might smile the way I did when I first read it.

 

Happy Point of View

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Chicken Marsala – Sabroso Saturday

This Friday night my college’s Science Club hosted a special event – Valentine’s Day Mystery Murder Massacre. The interactive experience promised guests a chance to witness a crime. Club members told me they had forensic equipment at the banquet room, to investigate clues and solve the crime. Lesli and I were unable to get tickets for the Mystery Murder Massacre. We missed out on the fun, and the meal – chicken Marsala. Murder, mystery, Marsala – who could not love that? If Friday night were a TV show for kids it would be brought to you by the letter M, and hosted by this caped character.

Chicken Marsala - Eat Better America

Chicken Marsala is always an elegant dish at restaurants, but it does not have to be scary for cooking at home. A cozy movie night on your couch with a loved one. Kick off your shoes, get comfortable and enjoy! This recipe comes from EatBetterAmerica, a website that shares recipes, diet and nutrition tips.

I would serve this with steamed vegetables (notice broccoli in the picture), or maybe some whole-wheat pasta or brown rice to soak up the sauce, and a  cranberry juice Limelight Sparkler.

Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:25 min
Makes:4 servings

1/4 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb)
2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (3 oz)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1/2 cup dry Marsala wine or Progresso® chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)

1. Mix flour, salt and pepper. Coat chicken with flour mixture; shake off excess flour.
2. Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook garlic, mushrooms and parsley in oil 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add chicken to skillet. Cook uncovered about 8 minutes, turning once, until chicken is brown. Add wine or broth. Cook uncovered 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink in center.

Nutritional Information

1 Serving: Calories 290 (Calories from Fat 100); Total Fat 11g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 85mg; Sodium 230mg; Total Carbohydrate 9g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 2g); Protein 32g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 10% Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 4 1/2 Very Lean Meat; 2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

NOTE: I made an effort to keep this meal healthy, because February is American Heart Month. You may recognize our very own MsLatina (who created Sabroso Saturday) as a spokeswoman on the American Heart Assocation’s GoRed website.

Please also take a moment to like the Go Red page on Facebook, and check out the Macy’s page where you can send a free online valentine.

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Puffs Helps Kids and Families Stay Healthy

A few weeks ago, Puffs tissue hosted an event at Apple Seeds in New York City. Since Apple Seeds is a play space and my daughter is a teenager, I asked my sister to loan me her kids. My niece Dayanara traveled with us to explore the play area, and learn how to stay healthy. It was her first outing to New York with me and my teenager, instead of a family outing with her mom, dad and brother. My daughter got in the play area as well, and blended in with the staffers who played with the younger kids.

Apple Seeds driver

Dayanara came home excited about Apple Seeds and Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann, and had some interesting stories. When I asked my sister if Daya really had fun, I got this message: Hah. She said she drove a taxi, crashed, and her passenger had to go to the hospital. Lmbo

Dr. Tanya gave us  some facts about colds and flu:

• On average, kids get 6-10 colds per year, and parents usually catch colds from their kids
• Sneezing is the most efficient method of spreading the common cold (the average sneeze travels up to 100 MPH)
• 80% of infections transmit by hands
• Germs survive 24 to 48 hours on surfaces
• Signs of a cold: nasal symptoms, mucus, runny nose, can last 4-5 days
• To stay healthy: Eat well, get plenty of sleep, exercise
• To speed recovery: Drink lots of liquids, run your vaporizer / humidifier at night
• When sick, cover nose and mouth with a tissue

Dr. Tanya demonstrated proper nose blowing techniques for the kids, and made it easy to follow along. Her tips:

• Use a gentle, strong tissue – like Puffs Plus with Lotion to sooth irritated skin
• Place your finger over one nostril (let’s start with the left)
• Gently blow out of the other (right) nostril into tissue for ten seconds
• FOLD THE TISSUE, switch – Dr. Tanya said “hide the boogers .. EW” and the kids giggled
• Repeat procedure with second nostril
• Throw your tissue away properly
• Wash your hands with soap

Puffs Collage

The kids took turns making Stan sneeze -he’s in the two pictures on the right side- before washing their hands. Dr. Tanya recommends wetting our hands, getting the soap and scrubbing for twenty seconds (younger kids can sing the alphabet song to time this correctly). To avoid spreading germs, dry off with a tissue and trash it.

The people of Puffs Plus shared video of Dr. Tanya and the kids on their Facebook page -  they share useful tips and information for parents.

Apple Seeds Cafe

Apple Seeds was a great place for the kids – the staff played with the kids, answered questions for the moms and stayed cheerful the entire time. My teenager and Daya explored, played and enjoyed.

You can drop in with your kids at Apple Seeds. They even host birthday parties. Mention code TwoLanguagesFeb to receive $50 off a basic birthday party or $100 off an ultimate birthday party at apple seeds in 2011 if you book your party by February 28, 2011.

To book a party please call 212.792.7590 or email birthdays@appleseedsnyc.com.

DISCLOSURE: This post rates a CL7, as transportation was provided – practically necessary with these snowstorms!

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Cupcakes Two Ways – Sabroso Saturday

This weekend we have two social events at church. My daughter and I decided to make cupcakes, to avoid the “bigger piece” issue. I found the book “Baker’s Field Guide to Cupcakes” by Dede Wilson at our library, and decided to do Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes and Red Velvet Cupcakes.

I was ready to go, mixing and whisking and pouring and baking .. until the fine print. The pastry cream, to fill the Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes, needs four hours to cool!

While the pastry cream chilled overnight, I took the time to get creative with the Red Velvet Cupcakes. The Boston Cream Pie cupcakes will be finished tomorrow  morning or afternoon, and I’ll add that information as an update / bonus on Sunday or Monday.

For the Red Velvet Cupcakes, we started with Duncan Hines mix from a box. Then, instead of following the basic instructions, we followed the “lower fat recipe” and used unsweetened applesauce instead of oil, and 3 egg whites plus 1 whole egg. After all, we want yummy but we also want healthy – MsLatina‘s sons might even want one of these cupcakes if they didn’t know my substitutions.

For frosting we have Betty Crocker whipped cream cheese frosting. I cheated a little bit, by putting the frosting on top of the stove. When the cupcakes were done, I smeared the frosting on top and then let them cool.

Here are photos of the yellow cake cupcakes (before being filled with pastry cream) and the red velvet cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting soaked into them. The second batch of red velvet cupcakes is in the oven right this minute, and as soon as I take out the tins it’s bedtime!

Red Velvet In Progress

 

Frosted Red Velvet

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE: Saturday  afternoon we took almost four dozen red velvet cupcakes to church (some got stuck to the paper liners), and brought back an empty case.

UPDATE #2: We came home and filled the yellow cake cupcakes with pastry cream. My favorite way to do this was to unwrap, slice in half across, then squeeze/spoon a layer of pastry cream and replace top of cupcake. The Duncan Hines glaze was easy to use, and when we chilled the cupcakes it dried smooth and glossy.

NOTE: Instead of making pastry cream from scratch, vanilla pudding (or your favorite flavor) can be used instead. I won’t tell anyone if you use instant pudding from a mix. I can tell you, it felt really good to make my own pastry cream. Instead of following the recipe which called for whole vanilla bean, I substituted banana extract.

Below is a photo collage showing cupcakes that we filled using a “flavor injector” and a “cookie press” which created tunnels of cream. My favorite has to be the cupcakes that were sliced into two layers.  The video showing that center cupcake is

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

NOTE: I followed the book’s recipe for pastry cream. When it came to using a whole vanilla bean, I substituted banana extract. Tonight I realized that pastry cream tastes and looks almost like pudding, so feel free to  use your favorite flavor of pudding. Try vanilla, butterscotch or maybe even chocolate (shh I won’t tell anyone if you use shortcuts)

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