24 for 24

Happy Birthday to ME!

In this 24th year of my life, I have compiled a list of the 24 things I'm going to do while I'm 24. This list was inspired by the Duchess of Plumewood, who posts her birthday to do list on her blog every year. Check her out here: http://duchessofplumewood.blogspot.com/

1. Buy a new car- Chevy Traverse or Ford Explorer?
2. Visit all the historic homes in Virginia I haven't been to yet
3. Dedicate time to call one friend a week
4. Read 24 new books
5. Re-learn to ride a bike
6. Spend more time volunteering
7. Write at least one letter a week- everyone loves snail mail :)
8. Start a new career (Its been an amazing 6 years MBC!)
9. Workout everyday for a solid month
10. Run a half marathon
11. Make at least 2 Pinterest projects a month 
12. Launch my Etsy store- named after my blog
13. Learn a new sport 
14. Check off every item on my Virginia bucket list
15. Spend a girls weekend with my mom 
16. See all Academy Award nominated films before the Academy Awards 2014
17. Watch all the HP movies in order for an entire weekend
18. Be more creative in the kitchen- hope Clay is ready :)
19. Spend my 25th birthday doing 25 random acts of kindness
20. Do as many DIY projects for my wedding as possible- #11 will be handy
21. Take more photos with my favorite people
22. Move to Orlando & Gretchize our house
23. Get married- Come on July 6th
24. Change my last name- Gretchen Louise Parker has a nice ring to it <3

Anybody who wants to help is more than welcome to join in the fun :)

Registry: Scan, Check, Update, Repeat

Its an exciting time. You and your fiance walk into a store, maybe you did some research and know the things you want to register for, maybe you didn't, but without fail you get the scan gun, and all of a sudden you need everything in the store. Its chaos. How could you possibly live without those individual dessert trays not even big enough for a scope of ice cream? Or you live in a shoe box apartment, but have to have formal china, casual china, and everyday dishes. And to top it off you know you'll have more than 12 people to dinner at a single time, so you need 16, 20, 24 of each!

Calm down, and breath. On your initial visit, scan everything you think you could want. Its okay to scan a million different toothbrush holders and those individual dessert plates. Let your fiance have control of the gun, ask his opinions on different things. Chances are he won't care about the soap dish for the guest bath, but at least you asked him and included him in the making of your home. Trust me, your initial registry will not be the final one.

After you've scanned to your hearts content, go home and think about the things you really need. Check out my Registry 101 post for a complete list of registry items. See what you and your fiance already have. Have a really nice blender you got for your 21st birthday? You probably don't need a new one. Also, make sure your items fit a variety of price points. Your registry will be used for more than just your wedding. Showers, engagement parties, and holidays; expect items from your registry. Once you've decided exactly what you're going to need and how many of each, view your registries online. Make sure you have your check list handy :)

Next, stores are so user friendly to their shoppers now. Almost all allow consumers to post reviews on their products. If so, read the reviews on the products you registered for. Love that comforter set? How much do love it? What if 180 people out of 200 gave it a 1 star? Would you love it after its shredded to bits before your 1st anniversary? Reviews are a great resource, but should be taken lightly. As a personal principle, I tried not to register for anything with a less than 3 star review. There are so many products out there to choose from, chances are you'll find something similar that's much more user friendly. If you absolutely love it, and other people didn't give it the best reviews, go ahead a try it. Maybe you'll be the lucky one it works out well for. 

Fourth. Give your registry some time to grow on you. Check frequently to see if any items are discontinued or on clearance. Chances are guests won't be able to purchase them for you. Its  okay to update and change your registry often. Think about the place you'll be living. Do things flow with the space? If you're renting, its okay for things to not flow. But if you own your home, think of your little pet peeves. My fiance just bought our first house (Merry Christmas to me!). Our bathroom registries were all for rubbed oil bronze accessories from a variety of sets. Our house has chrome fixtures in all the bathrooms. Knowing myself, I immediately changed the registry to chrome accessories. Changing the registry was much easier than trying  to change the faucets in all the bathrooms.

Fifth. Its also okay and often preferred by your guest to have options with your registries. Registering at more than one store has major advantages for you. Your selection increases and you get to have exactly what you want. I love JCP Home Brand towels. To me, they are simply the best. I also prefer their bed linens. So I went ahead and registered for most of my linens at JCP. Whereas, Bed Bath and Beyond has a greater selection of kitchen items. So my kitchen will be decked out from BBB. Look around at different stores and see who has the items you like best. Your family and friends will most likely thank you for registering at a variety of places. It gives them more options, especially if you have out of town guests. Check to see what stores offer free shipping, in store pickup, or layaway for weddings. Proper etiquette suggests never showing up to a wedding gift in hand. Instead, you're supposed to ship them to the couple or have them available for them to pick up. Of course, expect people to show up with gifts in hand, but some may follow proper tradition! 

Sixth. Once you've registered and are comfortable with your registry, check on incentive programs. Some companies offer free items if you've registered for or receive certain items on your registry. Even though you may not need a Calphalon Cookbook, I bet a friend is getting married, having a house warming party, or needing a quick gift soon. Re-gift it at her with some cute kitchen towels or gadgets. Always take advantage of "free" items- I store the ones I don't need in a box as quick gifts :)

And finally, tell people about your registry! Its actually poor etiquette to stick the registry announcements in with your invitations or shower announcements. This almost sends the signal that you're inviting people to your wedding, but only if they bring you a gift. Instead, spread the word by creating a wedding website and utilizing small talk to tell people where to go. Almost all wedding websites have a section for you to post your registry information. This gives your guests a handy place to find it, without demanding the bring you the $200 a plate china set. Even after you spread the word about your registry, its okay to change your mind and update it. If you have some technologically challenged people, like I do in my family, stick the registry announcements in their invitations. This is a favor to them, and chances are if they know you well enough to let you know they don't meld with technology, they're probably going to get you a gift anyways :)

Ideas on Places to Register:

Bed Bath and Beyond: www.bedbathandbeyond.com
Kohls: www.kohls.com
Target: www.target.com
JCP: www.jcpenney.com
Macy's: www.macys.com
Pottery Barn: www.potterybarn.com/registry/
Williams Sonoma: www.williams-sonoma.com
Crate&Barrel: www.crateandbarrel.com
Amazon: www.amazon.com
Local shops and stores- most of them will set up an account for you :)

Registry 101

Hello all my fellow brides to be :)

With so many stores hounding you to register with them, why is there not one complete list of what to register for or how many to register for. Bed Bath & Beyond has the most complete list, but it still doesn't include everything. After talking to my mom, future mother-in-law, and other married women, here's my complete list of suggestions, feel free to comment in the section below!

Master Bedroom:

Comforter or Duvet set (1)

Set should include: Comforter/ Duvet, bed skirt, shams

Sheets (4)

Pillows (4)

Don’t forget to look at your comforter set! You may need euro pillows to fit in your shams!

Lamps (2)

Vanity Mirror

Wastebasket

Blanket

Alarm clock

Window treatments

Mattress pad

Hangers

Master Bathroom:

Bath Towels (6)

Hand Towels (4)

Washcloths (6)

Bath mat (2)

Bath rug

Toothbrush holder

Tumblers (2)

Soap Dispensers (2)

Lotion Dispenser

Wastebasket

Shower Curtain

Shower Curtain Liner

Shower Curtain Rings (Set of 12)                                          

Scale

Magnifying mirror

Guest Bedroom (per room):

Comforter set (1)

Set should include: Comforter/ Duvet, bed skirt, shams

Sheets (3)

Pillows (2)

Don’t forget to look at your comforter set! You may need euro pillows to fit in your shams!

Night stand lamp

Vanity Mirror

Wastebasket

Blanket

Alarm clock

Window treatments

Mattress pad

Hangers

Guest Bathroom (per bathroom):

Bath Towels (6)

Hand Towels (6)

Washcloths (6)

Bath mat (2)

Toothbrush holder 

Tumblers (2)

Soap Dispensers

Lotion Dispenser

Wastebasket

Shower Curtain

Shower Curtain Liner

Shower Curtain Rings

Hair dryer

Bath robes (2)

**Side note: White is an amazing color for your guest rooms and bathrooms. You can bleach any stains your guests may leave, acne medication and face wash won’t leave white out spots, and they look brighten up any room. Plus they’ll probably look great with any decorations you put in the room!

Half Bath:

Hand towels (4)

Soap Dispenser

Lotion Dispenser

Wastebasket

Magazine rack

Kitchen Essentials:

Knife block set

Steak knives (8)

Measuring spoons

Measuring cups

Utensil set

Can Opener

Vegetable peeler

Cheese grater

Egg slicer

Whisk (3-varying sizes)

Ice cream scoop

Corkscrew

Cutting board (2)

Storage canisters (4)

Salt and pepper mill

Spice rack

Salad spinner

Thermal carafe

Travel coffee mug (2)

Oil & Vinegar bottles

Meat thermometer

Large flexible turner

Pie server

Bottle opener

Cheese plane

Pizza wheel

Pastry brushes

Grapefruit spoons

Chopper

Cookie scoop (2 sizes)

Apple divider

Sifter

Funnel (3 sizes)

All-purpose clip (4-10)

Microwave bacon grill

Spatulas (4 various sizes)

Utensil crock

Salad dressing shaker

Trivet (3)

Baster

Mortar & pestle

Lemon zester

Paper towel holder

Recipe box

Timer

Soap pump & sponge holder                                 

Rug (1-4)

Serveware:

Salad bowl & utensils

Serving platter (2)

Serving tray

Serving bowl (2)

Pitcher

Cake plate

Serving utensils

Ice bucket and tongs

Cheese board

Chip & dip tray

Fruit Bowl

Egg platter

Cookware:

Cookware set

Dutch oven

Roasting pan

Saute pan

Sauce pan

Bakeware:

Nonstick bakeware set

Ceramic bakeware set

Glass bakeware set

Cookie sheets (3)

Muffin Pan (2)

Loaf pan

Baking pan

Cooling rack (3)

Pie pan

Mixing bowl set

Bundt/ Angel food pan

Cookie press

  

Kitchen Electrics:

Stand mixer

Stand mixer bowl covers

Stand mixer cover

Hand mixer

Food processor

Blender

Coffeemaker

Coffee grinder

Toaster oven

Toaster

Waffle maker

Juicer

Ice cream maker

Slow cooker

Tea kettle

Formal Dinnerware:

5-Piece place settings (12)

5-piece flatware place setting (12)

Accent plates (12)

Soup bowls (12)

Medium platter

Large platter

Covered casseroles

Gravy boat and stand

Salt and pepper shakers

Sugar bowl and creamer

Teapot

Storage protector set

Crystal Drinkware:

Goblets (12)

Red wine glasses (12)

White wine glasses (12)

Beverage glasses (12)

Everyday Dinnerware:

Dinner plates (12)

Salad plates (12)

Cereal bowls (12)

Mugs (12)

Flatware set (service for 12)

Everyday Glassware:

Juice glasses (12)

Glassware set

Pilsner glasses (12)

Wine glasses (12)

Kitchen Linens:

Napkins (12)

Napkin Rings (12)

Placemats (12)

Tablecloth or Table runner

Coasters (12)

Towels (4)

Flour Sack Towels (4)

Living Room:

Wall clock

Mirror

Decorative bowl

Decorative vases (2)

Candles

Candle holders

Picture frames (4-10)

Decorative pillows (2-8)

Table lamp (2)

Floor lamp

Cleaning & Laundry:

Vacuum

Hand Vacuum

Steam cleaner

Iron

Ironing board

Delicate wash bags (4)

Air purifier

Humidifier

Suitcase set (2)

Laundry basket (2)

Wedding Items:

Toasting flutes (2)

Cake knife

Cake server

Guest Book

Miscellaneous:

Door mat (2)

Cooler (2)

Baskets (4-10 various sizes)

Storage bench

Wastebasket (1-3)

Top 10 of 2012

Looking back at an amazing 2012 and looking forward to an even better 2013, here is my top 10 list for 2012:

1. Saying "YES!" to the most amazing man ever!  I can't wait for July 6, 2013 and all the new things it will bring (Including a new lat name!) :) 

2. Fireworks will never be the same after you ring in the New Year at Disney's Magic Kingdom. Imagine: Standing on the historic Disney Main Street, where moments ago the Electrical Street Parade finished, and boom fireworks blast 360 degrees around you. Cinderella's Castle serves as the picturesque background, changing colors with every blast. It was a pretty packed house, and if you ever plan on heading to see the magic, get there early. We arrived at the park at 10am, and were the last bus of people let into the park. That's right, 100,000 people were in the park by 10am. If you don't mind the crowds and spending all day in lines, its definitely worth it. Ringing in 2013 was not nearly as exciting, though we did meet some awesome people at a house party with Clay's co-worker. 

3. I was so fortunate to see THE Darius Rucker twice! The first concert, he was the opening act for Lady A. Not a lot of time on stage, but so worth it. Especially since I saw him with my hunny bunny. The second time, he headlined the concert in Fredericksburg. Despite the brief downpour and outdoor concert in July, he was amazing :)

4. Anyone who truly knows me, knows I love Harry Potter. So of course visiting Harry Potter World would be at the top of the list when I visited Orlando! Butterbeer, Three Broomsticks, Hogwarts, and so much more to explore. I can't wait to live in Orlando year round :) You'll know where to find me!

5. 2012 was definitely a colorful year! I participated in 3 color-themed runs. 2 Color Me Rads and 1 Color Run. If you're looking to run through a muck of color, I much preferred the Color Me Rad runs. As evidence below, you cross the finish line much brighter at this race than The Color Run. 

Color Me Rad VA Beach

Color Me Rad Richmond

The Color Run Richmond

6. Visiting Charleston, SC (again!) My mom and I headed south for a wedding and get-a-way weekend. I'm so thankful to have witnessed the marriage of Jared & Erin. Such an awesome couple. While in town, we had visit some of our favorite places, including the American Tea Plantation and Firefly Distillery :)

7. Final MBC Apple Day! Not that I'll ever stop celebrating this awesome holiday, but this was my final one on campus. Great job to the sophomore class for planning this year's!

That's Gladys the Superhero Squirrel :)

8. This summer I was promoted to Assistant Director of Admissions for VWIL and Athletic Recruitment. I've spent the year revising the position and working to get VWIL and MBC known across the country. I'll be sad to leave, but I'm definitely ready for my next chapter to begin in July :)

9. Clay bought a townhouse! Its perfect for the two of us to start our life together. He moved in in November and has loved living there. While in town over the holidays, I started doing some projects to "Gretchenize" it. Much more will come once I'm down there permanently!

10. I discovered the joys of Wedding Planning! In July, I became a certified wedding planner through the Bridal Society. Now I'm applying all that knowledge to my own wedding. Can't share too many pictures yet, but here's our website if you want to learn all about us and check out some details on the wedding :)

clayandgretchen.ourwedding.com/

Well 2012 was a pretty awesome year, though I have a feeling 2013 will be even better :)

Much love to all, 
G