Let the Rain Pour!

Wow! What an amazing last couple of weeks…sorry that I haven’t been around lately, it has really been an overwhelming time. I’ve found that often my feelings are often reflected in nature – all around me. Lately it’s been raining in NYC (and most of the NE) to the point where I feel as though God is “cleaning house” – getting rid of all the distractions, dirt and disgusting factors – so that we can clearly see the path that He wants us to take. Throughout the last couple of weeks, I engaged in conversations that challenged me to believe that my actual dreams can come true. Have you ever been challenged that way?


When everything you’ve been working for, preparing for…finally is within arm’s reach – it’s can be the most amazingly scary moment. It’s where everything can disappear if a hasty move it made. And, sometimes God knows that we’re ‘ill-equipped’ to make the right decision…or He’s just tired of watching us doing what’s right for “now” vs. what’s right for a “bountiful future” that he gives us a glimpse – but, ultimately makes the decision for us. I believe that He has done so for me…I’m grateful and thankful for His love and I’ve very happy that he always brings the rain so that His clear path can be chartered by His children.

Stay positive and be strong…

xoxo

Babies, Babies, Babies!

A week ago today, I was traveling back from DC where I spent the lovely weekend with my two older sisters (sisters from another mother :) and their babies. This was just a 'girls' weekend - with two little boys: Ian, who's three and Evan, who's 2-months old. The fathers and husbands (even those to-be) were not invited (Vikki from RHOC would be proud!!).

Throughout the weekend, I was reminded of the uncompromising and complete dedication a mother has for her children. Seeing my friends, having been transformed into these miraculous mothers, evoked a couple of emotions. One, I am so very thankful for my mother's love...I am undeserving and overwhelmed by her unselfishness. Two, I am so proud of these two women...who, not long ago were single and carefree ladies far from the responsibilities that are their lives today. I'm proud and amazed by their ability to accomplish their goals - being great mothers, wives, sisters and friends, with such grace and passion. And, three, I pray that God grants me the peace and maturity to be a tenth of all of the aforementioned women when the time comes for me and Frank to be parents. We're definitely NOT ready now...but, God willing, within the next couple of years...I hope that we welcome a healthy, beautiful baby that will grow strong in love from both of us.

Hollywood trivializes the sacrifice it takes to be parents. No judgment, but having lived with four children over the weekend, I realized that infants really do eat EVERY TWO HOURS, toddlers have more energy than IMAGINEABLE and tweens are so remarkably inquisitive and smart...you want to sit and talk with them for hours. These moms, REAL MOMS to me, don't have nannies to help...they don't want nannies to help...they want to be there for their kids and share these precious, fleeting moments of their childhood. It is this love and devotion that is so absent today...that it was so refreshing to experience firsthand.



Thank you Allie and Jana...Jordan, Ian, Addison, Evan...and always with us, Aiden.

I love you all!

xoxoxo

100 Layer Cake - Yummy!

As I mentioned so many times before, we have completely lucked out with our lovely stationary designer - Mimi Woo!  A truly passionately creative being, we were so happy to hear that the experience was equally rewarding to her. 

Asked to be a guess blogger for the 100 Layer Cake blog - with tips on how to 'craft your wedding, layer by layer' - we were happy that she chose to feature our Save-the-Date design.

Take a look and enjoy...

http://100layercake.com/blog/

xoxoxo

NYC Fashion Week - Say Goodbye to the Tents!

"Bryant Park became the beacon of what New York fashion stands or - an industry that's fearless, ireless and always moving forward." - Anna Wintour, Vogue

 This week as Fashion Week bids adieu to Bryant Park, it reminds me that everything changes - even when it has become an institution of greatness, it can always benefit from improvements. So, as all the world's fashionable make their way through the "most horrible winter in years" to catch a glimpse of merchandisable beauty, I'm hopeful that with the change of location, so will too, a change of perspective occur within the industry. Instead of talking about giving back to whatever this season's "in" cause, let's really make a difference in our hearts.

 Appreciate the beauty of fashion - but, realize that there are millions across the world that dream of having a simple piece of clothing to protect them from the indigenous elements - snow, rain or even sun! Let’s remember what’s important – love, faith and happiness.
 

That said, I’ll still post some photos from my favorite show so far this season! :)

Happy Wednesday!!


xoxo


 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hoooorrrrray for the Saints!!!!!

This weekend, I found myself so overwhelmed with the amazing performance and win of the New Orleans Saints in this year's Super Bowl.  I know that I'm not your average "football fan", but I was reminded of the lessons we learn as kids.  Good will, determination and faith will take you far in this life.  Believing in yourself and your "team" is the foundation you need to walk with confidence. 

I'm happy that I have God, Frank and the love and support of so many others (aka: "my Saints") ...it helps temper the times of stress.

My cup runneth over...

xoxoxo

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!!

And the countdown begins….


As we are now in 2010, the excitement and ‘items being crossed off the list' begins.

It is so funny…last year, we spent all the time talking about and defining the aspects that we wanted to include in our wedding…now we’re spending time making it all happen. It’s amazing.


So, our site (http://www.joyandfrank2010.com/) has launched. Beautifully completed by the generosity from the team at Reindeer (www.reindeercompany.com) . We LOOOOVE our site – as it really helps to tell our family and friends all about us, how we met and starts to get them excited about the big event! It also alleviates our mothers from having to answer so many questions about the wedding - the hotel, the schedule of events, etc. As we continue, we hope to add to the site and provide people with tips and reminders so that they can truly relax and enjoy their time in Jamaica.


EXCITING NEWS!!

Our save-the-dates, completed by our designer, Mimi Woo (http://www.mika78.com/) went out last week!!! Yippee…with the connection to the website, our guests FINALLY get a taste of what’s in store and the vision of the wedding. All the positive feedback has been encouraging to us – it helps us know that our guests understand that we appreciate their participation, love and support. Even though the wedding is about US, the celebration is about everyone who joins us.

Which brings me to LESSON #2: Some people will be VERY upset when they don’t receive a save-the-date/invitation. And, nothing you (or your mama or your fiancé) say will make them feel better. I’ve read all the details, etiquette, etc regarding how to deal with these situations…for instance…all the advice suggests that you simply state, “my apologies…but, we’re having a small ceremony with only family can close friends…blah, blah, blah!!!! Let me tell you, it doesn’t work! People feel like, even though I haven’t spoken to you in 10 years, and even though you and I both know that I hate to fly, I STILL want an invitation. Urgh!!! It’s all so much! I would think… isn’t it etiquette not to question WHY one didn’t receive an invitation?!?!? Regardless, we’re working our way through all of this and hopefully will emerge unscathed and with all the key familial and personal relationships intact.


We’ve started the registry process – Frank’s being a great sport. Although he complains about getting up early on the weekends (his ‘days of rest’), once he’s there…and they give him a couple sips of ‘lively libations’ …he’s ready to scan all day long…lol! 

As we go through this process, it is more apparent to me how much I love this man, how much he loves me AND how great we are as a couple. All thanks to God…I think we’re going to be a wonderful team! I’m proud about how we make decisions, our candid conversations, how we resolve disagreements and begin to really love each others’ idiosyncrasies. In the beginning they were cute…and although we’ve moved beyond that phase…I’m happy that we still look at each other and fall deeper in love every day. I hope that I’m not jinxing us – but, I think we have a bright, happy and lovely future ahead of us.


One of our new rules – always take time for each other. So, attached are a couple of photos of my birthday surprise for Frank. He turned 41 (I know, he’s an old man…just kidding!!!) on January 3rd and I took him on a trip to Naples, FL. He’s always said how he wanted to kayak and relax. We did more of the second, since Florida was experiencing its coldest week in history! LOL!! We did get to kayak on Friday, but we also ate great food, had wonderful wine and experienced wonderful massages!

I hope we continue this tradition throughout our marriage and I think we’ll definitely visit Naples Bay Resort (www.naplesbayresort) again!

Photos posted are from that trip!

See you next month – February, the month of LOVE!!!

Love in Paradise!

A week ago, I was in Paradise (aka: Jamaica!)…now, I’m back in NYC with 2 feet of snow. Wow! What a difference a week makes! Last week, Frank and I journeyed to Jamaica to “test-drive” the locations we were interested in...in both Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
 We loved the hospitality and generosity we received from the staff at all of the locations – Royal Plantation, Half Moon and Round Hill. The wonderful thing about Jamaica is its blend of old-world luxury with timeless glamour to make every experience special and memorable. After our week-long visit, we were certain that choosing Jamaica to host our wedding weekend was the perfect choice.


Each resorts’ offering was very compelling, and they treated us like kings and queens of the Universe! But in the end, we chose Round Hill (in Montego Bay) because:



It’s centrally located – it’s only 20 minutes from the airport.


Guests can easily and quickly be transported to a horseback trek, adventure sports course or a leisurely day of golf – the staff will arrange everything!


On site, the beachfront location offers all of our guests an oceanfront view as each hotel suite is steps away from the beach.


The villas – 4, 5 and 6-bedroom options - are ideal for an intimate gathering and to begin the tradition of an inter-family vacation.

The resort is like a slice of heaven – from the drinks (with rum, of course!), the food, the grounds and the interiors designed by Ralph Lauren (who owns a villa on-site) – we were overwhelmed with its beauty.


World-class spa where Frank and I enjoyed a 90 minute couples massage that rivals any that we’ve had in at some of the best spas in NYC. Need we say more?

 Finally, although we’re not having children in our ceremony, we’ve quickly grown to love the idea of having little ones join us for the weekend. There’s something about hearing those little voices discovering the sand, beach and water for the first time that we love. Round Hill has the Pineapple Kids’ Club – complimentary – for kids 3 to12 years old. It’s like camp for children where they could possible make friends for life.

 So, quickly we booked our date and put a deposit down on Round Hill for October 9th, 2010 (with 10.10.10 being in high demand, we needed to move quickly:)


It’s so surreal, everything is coming together and I’m really excited that at the end of the year we’ve completed the ‘save-the-dates’ and invitations. They are both being printed and we should receive the final save-the-dates right after the holidays!!!


As 2009 comes to a close, I start to realize that this time next year, I’ll be Mrs. Frank Altimare, III. WOW! I am so in love with Frank and excited to begin this next chapter of our life together. And, I realize that I’m very lucky (even though it can be a little stressful at times!) that he’s 100% involved in this planning process. It’s our first real project that helps me to know that as we move throughout life, our understanding of partnership will, hopefully, allow us to succeed as we collaborate as parents and spouses.

I wish you all the best this Holiday Season – safe travels, eat a lot and see you in the New Year!

(photo credit: all photos taken at Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Montego Bay)