Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Wedding Wednesday: Invitations

Picking out wedding invitations can be a challenging process. There are so many things you have to consider. Here are some questions to talk about as a couple to make the decision - making the  process go over smoothly.


1. Do you want your invitation to match the Save the Date card? (Font styles and overall theme)

2. How formal is your wedding? (garden party or black tie)

3. Do you need direction cards?

4. Are you going to have RSVP cards?

5. What do you want your invitation to say? (Traditional or nontraditional)


Once you have these questions answered, it will be easier for you to look at designs because you now have an idea of what you want in mind. The next step is finding that perfect design that fits your special day. I was lucky to come across Minted.com. It is a website that has all kinds of invitations, stationery, and most importantly—unique designs. You can even order samples to make sure the designs look even better printed on paper!

If you are looking for save the dates, wedding invitations, thank you notes, moving announcements, or just new personal stationary, I highly recommend you check this online shop out. I promise you will not be disappointed. I also have a deal for you since you are my friend. Minted will give you $25 towards your purchase of $50 or more! Yes, you read that right $25 OFF!


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This past weekend Jered’s office was transformed into a wedding workspace, or as I like to call it, a “wedding sweatshop”. We had an assembly line going putting together invitations like it was our life calling until we noticed we ran out of invitations. Let’s just say math is not my strongest skill but never fear, the remaining invitations were ordered on Sunday and should be here by Friday. Below are a few of my wedding invitation tips for you:

1. Once you have your wedding invitation assembled, make sure to weigh it. It might take more postage than what you think. (Speaking from experience)


2. The return address usually goes on the back flap of the envelope.



Thursday, March 14, 2013

Gliori's Italian Restaurant In Tecumseh

Telling you that I do not find carbs delicious would be a lie. Hello, I am human! No matter how hard I try to resist their scrumptiousness, I fail. At the top of the list stand pasta and bread sticks, two things equally capable of standing alone, yet even better when they are on the menu for together. I have found a mom and pop Italian joint that makes you forget your diet, even if it is just for the evening.

Gliori's Italian Restaurant located in downtown Tecumseh transports you to Italy. I am merely speculating that’s how you would feel (I haven’t been to Italy, #bucketlist). From the rustic walls, the mountain side paintings, and the sounds of crooner Dean Martin, you really develop a feel for the old world. Ian, and his wife, Phylis Gliori, own and operate the Italian Restaurant and their passion shows as each plate leaves the kitchen and arrives at your table.



They have everything essentially Italian: spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, ravioli, chicken parmesan, pizza, and even fresh baked calzone. The possibilities are endless with their multiple pasta and sauce combinations, leaving you to create your own Italian masterpiece. For the dessert lovers, did mention that they also have the best tiramisu this side of Napoli?  However, the decadence does not end there; they even have cheesecake, brownies, and ice cream.

This little main street business is one of my favorite spots in the Shawnee area and I visit it frequently. I am always impressed with the quality of service from the wait staff, but also the friendliness of Ian and Phylis who are known to walk around and chat with the guests throughout your dining experience. There is something charming about being greeted by the owner, letting you know that he truly cares about each individual customer. The best part, for $9.95 you get your choice of salad, a heaping portion of spaghetti and meatballs, and endless bread sticks. Someone pass the parmesan.


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Benedict Street Marketplace In Shawnee


There is a local restaurant that I love to hit up on lunch hour. Benedict Street Marketplace is a charming spot tucked away behind St. Benedict Catholic Church in downtown Shawnee. You can have brunch, soup, salad, mouth-watering hamburgers, and handcrafted espresso drinks. What more could you ask for? Oh wait, did I mention homemade cookies and cupcakes, yeah there’s that too! The menu changes weekly and it showcases a new salad and soup special, which I always find exciting. This is the closest thing you will find to a French bistro in Shawnee Oklahoma.


It looks like an odd combination, a hamburger with soup. What are you thinking Lindsey? The soup of the week was New England Lobster Chowder. How could anyone resist that? Paired with the chowder is the “Carmen Burger” that is cooked to perfection.



The fresh seasonal cranberry pear salad, dressed with a to die for homemade vinaigrette, proves that salads are not merely meant for our animal friends, but are a perfect match for one of the signature wraps on the menu. This salad is one of my all-time favorites. It’s so different from anything else you can find on a lunch menu that’s less than $15. Have I caught your attention?


Monday, March 11, 2013

Blue Fine Wine and Food in Norman

Recently, I had the opportunity to have a night on the town with Jered at my favorite restaurant in Norman, Blu Fine Wine and Food. This place has everything you could ever want and more, not to mention an excellent wine selection. Cheers to that!


Nothing says cheers to the weekend like a glass of wine. Why have just one glass when you can sample three? Blu has exceptional seasonal wine flights for your exploring palate. As you can see, I chose the Winter Whites, and it did not disappoint.


I am obsessed with their hummus and pita chips, just look at that bright, vivid color. In my opinion, it is a serious contender for the best appetizer with close competition from the cheese tray.



Now, for the star of the show, I bring you BBQ shrimp and grits. The beautifully crafted entrée provided a true to form a taste of the south with a modern upscale twist. I kept listening for the jazz band to come around the corner because felt like I was sitting in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

If you are looking for a new place to have dinner with the girls or a special date with your loved one Blue Fine Wine and Food never disappoints. Each time I leave with a new favorite find.