The Registry War is OVER!

Let me start this out by saying my fiance is a saint to deal with me everyday, believe me I know this!  One of my least favorite parts of the wedding planning process has been the registry.  We have two registries - one for our honeymoon at Sandals (this one was easy and fun) and one at Bed Bath and Beyond (this one was not easy).  We struggled a bit in the beginning with the whole concept - we're not a young, just starting out couple, we both had places before we moved in and a lot of miss-matched items.  It felt weird to ask for all new stuff, as I consulted my married friends, multiple blogs/articles, and the knot.com, it was unanamous - set up a registry because guests like it and you get discounts on anything on there not purchased just for having one.

We ventured to Bed Bath and Beyond on a snowing day after work to a small one in the city.  Fun fact, every BB&B has different stuff and the small ones have less options.  We met with a very chatty consultant who showed us the 5 china patterns they had and then sent us off to scan away.  I would have never guessed it but my fiance LOVED scanning whatever he could find at the highest price.  Half way through we had a serious, "let's think through what we really need/want" chat and continued on our way.  We both left frustrated and ready to be out of there.

So let's talk china for a second.  I never thought of myself as a fancy china wanting kind of person but the thought of china is intriguing to me.  I love my mother's china that she has from Joe's grandma and I love Bart's mother's china.  I love getting them out on holidays and using the fancy plates.  I love being the only one who wraps them up so they are safe.  I love the tradition of it all.  I loved the thought of some day sitting around the table hosting holidays with our family using fancy china.  What I don't love is the cost of china.  I have gone back and forth and back and forth on this china concept.  We agreed on a pattern and then a good friend of mine picked the exact same pattern for their wedding china so we started from scratch.  We went in a second time to a much larger BB&B and spent over an hour mixing and matching and trying to find something we both liked.  I was so overwhelmed by the sales lady, so was Bart, at some point I was ready to cry and he was walking out of the store... miserable! 

Finally, last night I decided I no longer wanted china, if we got that china I would be reminded of this miserable process and really Bart could care less about china.  We decided to go with the cheap, basic white everyday plates from BB&B.  Yes all of that and we went with the cheapest most practical alternative.  Will I regret not getting china?  Maybe. Was this the right decision?  Who knows. Does anyone give a crap anymore about china?  Normally I would ask for opinions on this but ya know what, I don't care, I don't want them, I just want to be happy with my simple pratical classic white plates and never talk about this silly topic again. 

I'm happy to say I feel good about this registry debacle coming to it's conclusion and if you want advice on how to enjoy the registery process, don't ask me because I have NO CLUE!

In other wedding news... things are moving along nicely, it's going to be here before we know it!  My MOH and I started discussing the shower/bachelorette party which is SO EXCITING.  It's going to be fun and low key and exactly how I want it!  Our next big step is the engagement party that my family is throwing for us in Dubuque.  Having a smaller wedding venue, I'm so excited to get to involve everyone in this party!  My mother and sister-in-law are great planners and hosts, and I feel very lucky they want to do this for us!  This will also be the place that our families meet for the first time.

Buckle up, this is going to be one crazy 6 months... almost 5 months... holy crap!

Six months and I'm a Sitarski!

I'm getting married in 6 months! SIX MONTHS!  It is so crazy to think about a year ago and how much things can change in a year.  I cannot wait for it to be December 7th, I cannot wait to see all of my family and friends and go through the experiences that I have seen so many friends and family members have on their wedding days.  Most importantly I cannot wait to marry my best friend and make him legally bound to me for the rest of our lives.  Today I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

I am also very lucky to be surrounded by couples who are willing to share what has worked and what has not worked for them.  I am constantly asking people "what is your secret" to a happy marriage... I get answers that range from "communication" to "good sex" to "xanax."  Through the gathering of these finding, I think about what our "secret" is or what makes our life together so happy... so I thought on the six month to our wedding date day, I would list some of these out.  Who knows... it may be helpful to look back on one day.

1.  Family is important!  We are both extremely close to our families and both make our families a priority in our lives.  Families are forever!  I personally could not be with someone that my family didn't love and respect as much as I do because let's face it, the people in my family are some of the funnest people I know and hanging out with them is a total blast!!  One piece of advice I was told along the way was to avoid family drama and be the "point person" for your own family - don't put each other in the middle.  This may sound a little odd but it makes sense - we don't want to create any "bad guy" situations.

2.  Laugh... a lot!  We may act like 5 year olds half the time, but at least we are both acting like 5 year olds! 

3. Thank each other!  We make it a point to show our appreciation for even the simplest tasks.  "Thanks for doing the laundry" "Thanks for putting away the dishes."  The other night Bart made dinner, I thanked him for a fabulous dinner and then cleaned the kitchen (I mean he cooked... its only fair).  After thanking me for cleaning up, he asked if we can stay this nice to each other and still thank each other when we're married... mental note... point taken :-).

4. Make each other feel important!  We both do things to make each other feel important.  We make a big deal out of birthdays and anniversary's.  Bart is sooo good at buying me flowers. Sometimes even the littlest things make the biggest impact.

5. Communication is key!  I know its sounds so unoriginal but let's be honest, its a fact.  Unfortunately we have already encountered a couple of situations on the more difficult side and we have come out of them stronger because we talk about it.  It's not rocket science, just tell the other person what's going on and what's pissing you off... its amazing how helpful that can be! 
6. Me and You Against the World!  It may sound kinda silly but we've said this statement so many times, whenever one of us is feeling like things aren't fair, or we're struggling with something, it reminds us that we have each other and we don't have to go through anything alone. 

Now, make no mistake we are not perfect... well mostly I am not perfect, he's pretty freaking close!  But hey maybe this will make someone thank their significant other more or buy a card on the way home. 
 
Six months and I'm a Sitarski :-).

One week... two weddings... a LOT of fun :-)

Within seven days, we had two good friends get married.  We feel so honored to be a part of both of their special days! 

First was Kristine and Dien's wedding.  They had a beautiful ceremony in a church follow by a reception at the Renaissance in Schaumburg.  The ceremony made both Bart and I tear up - it is crazy when you're planning your own wedding and hear two people say their vows - I think it all became really real for Bart.  This wedding was classic and beautiful and I have to say, I've never seen a bride smile ear to ear the entire night like Kristine did, she was by far the happiest I've ever seen her.  I did mess up big time not getting a picture with the bride :-(. 

Happy beautiful Kristine escorted by her brother.

First dance as a MARRIED couple!

Bart and I got all dolled up to join in the festivities.

The second wedding was for our friends Crystal and John Richards.  I had the big honor of being in Crystal's wedding and getting to be a part of the whole wedding weekend.  The weekend start Thursday with a BBQ at the Richard's home, followed by a cubs game on the rainy cold Friday, a rehearsal and dinner and then the BIG event on Saturday.  I was a hurting unit on Sunday but it was well worth it!  The ceremony and reception were held at a venue called the Catalyst Ranch downtown Chicago - it was sooooo fun and adorable and could not have fit Crystal and John better!  It was so them and so perfect!  Every single thing about the weekend went perfectly, Crystal was a dream bride! 

CUBS GAME

Just getting ready at the salon... calming some nerves...

Crystal and I after getting our hair did

Dressed up and ready to go :-)

The vows... husband and wife

Me and Bart

The BEAUTIFUL Mr. & Mrs. Richards - they seriously looked like movie stars!!

I have like a hundred pictures of Bart and I from this wedding, These are just a few!

These two brides handled their weddings perfectly!  I could only hope that I will be as calm on my big day!  Can wait to return the favor of food, booze, dancing, and a great party!  Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day and thanks for the great memories!!!

April travels, celebrations, and a tutu

Bart and I decided that a weekend getaway was just what we needed so we packed up and headed to Saugatuck, Michigan for the weekend.  The weekend was wonderful, lots of walking around, having some drinks, and catching up on some zzzzzz's was just what we needed. 

Our first stop was at the local brewery where we sampled all the beers and started our relaxation.

On the way to work the morning we left, our jeep's heater stopped working - the weekend was supposed to be chilly so we didn't want to risk no heat.  Bart took the jeep into the dealership and this is what they gave us to drive for the weekend... a BRIGHT RED MINIVAN!  Bart thought it was hilarious to consistently yell "KIDS QUIET DOWN BACK THERE" I guess he's practicing for the future?!?!

The shops in Saugatuck have some real interesting things you can buy.  While we didn't purchase either of these, Bart found them soooo hysterical that he had to photograph them.  Um... easily amused...

One of my favorite parts of the city is climbing the 13 flights of stairs.  You get to work off a couple of calories you gain while eating all the wonderful food this town has to offer.  Bart was not as amused with this little venture...

BUT WE MADE IT TO THE TOP :-)

After insisting on working in some exercising, we decided to stop for a drink.  This restaurant had paper and crayons on the tables... note the ghost that I drew with a "BOO" and then note Bart's Pacman coming to gobble it up :-(.  He also said I have a problem because I was drawing fruit... I think that's perfectly normal, I mean its circles - who can mess up coloring grapes????

I have no words for this picture...

We had a wonderful weekend away, returned home and got our Jeep back (had to pry that red minivan out of Bart's hands though... he was really starting to like that thing). 

The next weekend was my friend Crystal's bridal shower and bachelorette party.  We had a shower during the day and then met up for dinner, drinks, and a crazy bus ride that evening.  The best part is it was 80's themed... I love love love me a themed party!!!  Not only was my outfit AMAZING, it was also quite bright out in the sunlight...

I know you're impressed... I was too!  Those leggings will make an appearance again... maybe at the gym and that tutu... a forever Halloween costume.


The next week we were able to catch up with friends at RPM Italian.  RPM has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago.  It is owned by Guilanna & Bill Rancic and is small plate Italian so you get to order a lot of different dishes and try them all!  This was our 2nd time there... each was about a two month wait to get a reservation... both were totally worth it!!  I strongly recommend it!

Bobby, George, me and Bart

Izik is one of my good friends and has appeared in a couple of my blogs now (for those of you fans out there).  I love getting the opportunity to hang out with Izik and Matt, we always know we will have a great time!  We gathered together for a Friday night happy hour to celebrate Izik's birthday.

Matt, Izik, Bart & I - terrible picture but its all we had :-)

Afterwards we stopped at Toby Keith's bar - it was actually really awesome!  I can't wait to go back and listen to some good ol country music!

New Friends... Same family... and one ugly beard!

So much has gone on since my last blog - I'm going to attempt a quick re-cap and not to bore you with all the details.  I've been crazy busy at work lately with and haven't felt like my typical whitty blogging self - so bare with me.  I'll walk you through some of our crazy life.  I wouldn't change a second of it.  Sometime Bart and I get worn out from consistently having plans but really we just love seeing our friends and going through all these experiences together!


After my last blog of Mom and Joe coming to visit us - we got a bonus visit!  My sister in law went to NY to see her sister so my brother, Josh, piled my BOOGIE (aka. best nephew in the existence of the world) into his batmobile and drove home to Iowa.  Josh, Charlie, Mom, Joe and I spent the weekend together.  It was WONDERFUL to get the bonus time with my wonderful nephew (ok.. and my brother...).  Below is a pic of us in a friendly sibling snowball fight.  I'm sorry to say that Charlie has a better arm than I do... wonder where he got those genes...

To celebrate St. Pattys day, our friend James joined us in Chicago for the festivities!  We started off at Sunrise with breakfast to give us a good base.  Then we met up at the river with Rick, Izik and Matt.

After the freezing trip to the river, we hit up a nice and cozy Irish pub (I mean where else would we go?!?!)  Take a look at Bart's beard below... he took that from someone at the bar and has insisted we keep it for next year.  Lord... help me to accept the things I cannot change....



 Izik, Matt, Monica, Bart (in a hideous beard)

 Me and my boo

 What?!?!

James and Monica

Some of Bart's college friends were gathering in Milwaukee, we made the jaunt up to have dinner, drinks and story telling hour(s).  This was such a great group... we had so much fun!  I can't wait to see this group again!  Thank goodness for Bart's love for driving because when we got in the car at midnight for the 1.5 hour drive home, I promptly feel asleep and woke up about 5 minutes before we got home.  Thank you baby for getting us home!

Jen, Tony, Jason, Bart - squirly group!!

The next weekend we made another trip to Milwaukee for Easter.  I attended my first Sitarski/Scott/Murphy Easter.  We ate too much had had some great laughs!  We are so blessed to have two wonderful families!

Cousin Pic!



In the spirits of friends and fun, Bart and I had a great dinner with Dan and Amanda Donato.  Dan is one of Bart's groomsmen and I had yet to meet him!  Dan and Amanda are such wonderful people!  I'm sooooo happy they are a part of our big day!  I look forward to many many more nights with the beautiful Amanda and having these two to teach us all of the family life lessons!

The beautiful Donatos: Amanda & Dan

Dan & Bartosz

All in all February and March were very busy and entertaining months!  Welcome to the craziness of our happy lives :-).

Wedding Planning and a Pub Crawl

Last weekend my parents came to visit!  We always know it is going to be a fun time but this time we needed to finalize some important business!  I took time prior to my parents coming to prepare for our family meeting and while I had the four of us in the same room, I wanted to tackle and finalize some of the wedding details.  I had print outs and a plan... cuff them to the chairs and fill them full of booze until everything is completed!!

Mom and Joe got to the city about 9pm, we quickly poured our drinks and got down to business.  The first topic was guest list.  I would have to say the guest list has been the most stressful part of the wedding planning thus far.  Our venue (and budget) allows for a wedding that is on the smaller side.  This is not an easy task when you are combining families and friends of two very social people.  I must say my step dad was the cutest man ever during this process.  He had his little glasses on the end of his nose and took notes of everything!  I just loved it!!  After tackling that daunting task, we moved onto the alcohol list - this was much more fun!  Then, I brought up all the little projects I need help with.  My plan was to give the tasks early giving plenty of time for completion - it worked :-)  We now have lots and lots of projects over the next few months.  When all was said and done, I even got a "thanks babe I really felt like I had a say in our wedding planning" from Bart - SUCCESS ALL AROUND!

With that out of the way, Saturday we decided to make into a pub crawl!  We made it through 5 bars and about 10 hours.  First we stopped at Half Acre Brewery and checked out their tap room.

Next, we stopped for some nachos at MacNamaras in Iriving Park and then headed to the High Dive - the place Bart & I got engaged.  All four of us did cram into the photo booth - ask us to see those pictures some day... they're freaking HILARIOUS!!!! 

A trip to the Beetle to sit by the fireplace and then onto Archies before making it home.  It was a really fun day with lots of laughs!  Sunday, Joe went home to work (poor guy) and Mom, Bart and I laid on the couch and relaxed for the majority of the day.  Monday we dropped Mom off at the Trump towers for a meeting.

Its always soooooo great to have Mom and Joe around and its always sooooo hard to say goodbye and sad when we all leave each other!  I'm really looking forward to this year and all the things we have planned... hopefully a trip to Springfield, Iowa engagement party, Iowa City for a Hawkeye game, the wedding and hopefully much much more!!

Its.... A NEW CAR

Bart and I made our first big purchase... A NEW CAR!  Since we work together and live together we rarley ever used one of our cars... so we made the BIG decision to trade in BOTH and only get ONE!!!  Bart did so much research before making any decisions, I now know what it feels like to be Bart listening about the wedding!  I will say that I've missed having an SUV and when we make trips to Wisconsin or Iowa (especially around the holidays) it will be nice to have the extra room!  Welcome to the family Betty the Black Beauty :-)