Mrs. Bicycle's Holiday Gift Guide

Merry Christmas, Hive!  I just love this time of year, especially now that I have children in my life.  There is such an innocence with them that all the family drama that tends to go along with major holidays just melts away.  The other night I walked upstairs to see how A was coming on brushing her teeth and she was counting something on her fingers as she was brushing.

Me: "Whatcha doing, A?"
A: "Counting the days until Christmas."

I mean, come on!  The only cloud over our Christmas this year is we decided last week to tell her that we are really behind the Elf on the Shelf.   It was rough.  Anyway, on to the fun!

WHAT I'VE ASKED SANTA FOR

I have wanted a pair of Hunter Wellies for a ridiculous amount of time.  They've been in my Zappos cart for...4 months?  5?  I haven't pulled the trigger because I don't need them but I want them so badly!

Image via Zappos

I should probably alert someone to the fact I want these (Mr. B?).  It should also be noted that I need the adjustable ones because I have freakishly large calves, probably due to the fact all my hobbies involve leg strength.  

Speaking of hobbies, now that I have changed my name I need to replace all of my riding stuff that has my old monogram on it.  I asked for a new tack trunk and a monogrammed cover would be a perfect compliment.

Image via Dover Saddlery

GIFTS I'M THINKING OF GETTING MR. BICYCLE

Mr. B is a runner and I know he would like some new running gear.  I bought him these bluetooth earbuds (JayBird BlueBuds X Sport), which means there will be no cord from his ears to his iPhone while he is running.

Image via Amazon

This fogless mirror from Amazon has been recommended by a few of my guy friends who love it.  Mr. B shaves in the shower and the mirror he uses always falls off the wall, which gets annoying.  It also always fogs up, which is why this fogless mirror would be a special treat.

Image via Amazon

I would like to get him some products to spruce up his skincare regimen.  I was thinking of this bundle by Origins:

Image via Origins

I would love suggestions of better male skincare bundles so please feel free to pass those along!  I also took advantage of a crazy Joseph A. Bank sale to get him a sweater and two ties, since he is always looking for wardrobe additions. 

GIFTS I'M THINKING OF GETTING MY PARENTS/IN LAWS

This is a toughie.  My mom is pretty much impossible to shop for, which has led me to just not get anything for her lately.  Horrible, I know.  I told her she could have my recently retired laptop so I may go ahead and clean it up and out and send it to her, maybe with some homemade baked goods.

We also do not usually get much for Mr. B's parents for Christmas, since we like all presents to be focused on the kids/grandchildren.  We will see them in the days before Christmas and we will bring a few bottles of wine and maybe some cookies that we make as a family.

We tend to order presents for Mr. B's mom from Uncommon Goods, which has a lot of unique gifts.  Her birthday was the week before last and we got her these glasses, which were a huge hit.

Image via Uncommon Goods

Is it me or is shopping for parents impossible? 

GIFTS FOR MY FAVORITE FRIENDS

My friends love a good monogram so I anticipate anything I give them will be monogrammed.  We don't really exchange presents, though, so I haven't yet decided what I will do this year.  I may make some homemade chai tea or hot chocolate mix and put it in an etched container.  I have done etching like this tutorial a few times and it is always popular.

Image via Keep Calm and Craft On

That about does it for Mrs. Bicycle's holiday gift guide.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Secret Life of Bees: Bicycle Edition

Since I am still waiting to get my pro pics back, I figured now would be a great time for me to do my "Secret Life of Bees" post and share some insight into what makes me uniquely myself.

1. I Ride Horses!
I grew up riding horses from the time I was 5 or 6 until I was 16, finally stopping because the level I reached made it a very, very expensive hobby and my parents weren't millionaires.  A little over a year ago I decided to get back into it and it has been so amazing.

Mrs. Bicycle riding Meant to Be / Photo by All Seasons Photography

Riding is the thing in life I am most passionate about and if I am not at work you can usually find me at the barn.  I currently ride in hunter classes (judged, collected, etc.) but I am starting to transition to jumper (timed, fast, fun!).  (For an explanation of the difference between hunter and jumper, try this.)  Riding was such a great release for me during the wedding planning process.  I could go to the barn, hop on a horse, and forget about centerpieces and invitations and RSVPs (or lack thereof).  I am fortunate to ride at a great barn with a fabulous group of people. 

2. I am Terrified of Manatees
Yes, I am actually afraid of manatees.  Growing up in Connecticut manatees weren't something I knew a lot (anything?) about.  When I moved to Florida and started doing triathlons I swam a lot in the manatee-infested waters of the Indian River Lagoon, where nearly 1/3 of the nation's manatee population either lives or migrates through.  Getting into a river with a bunch of creatures I don't understand freaked me out. 

Want to know the worst part?  I am afraid that if I swim into one my arm will go through it like it hit a cake.  I know, this makes no sense at all!  To be honest, I think it was easy for me to find a silly thing to focus on instead of being nervous about the actual predators that live in the water.  I have since moved away from that area and my open water swims don't have as high a manatee risk, but I am always on the lookout!

A sign left for me in my work bathroom / Personal photo

3. My Cat is Potty Trained
Tchoupitoulas, my lovely cat, uses the big girl potty.  Mr. Bicycle's brother's fiancee potty trained her cat and it inspired me to give it a try.  I ordered a training system, Citi Kitty, after reading a lot of mixed reviews (it takes a special kind of cat!).  

Image via Citi Kitty

The entire process took about two months and it was pretty much pain-free for us.  Tchoup has had a total of three (maybe four?) accidents since training was complete in February.  We can even leave her alone for a few nights without any problems.  We did have our neighbors come over to flush the toilet and feed her while we were on our honeymoon...  That wasn't at all awkward to ask... 

This isn't for every cat but I cannot recommend it enough if you're up to it.  Game changer!

Poor Tchouppy is probably embarrassed now / Personal photo

4. I am an Endurance Athlete
I have mentioned my triathlon and marathon training a bit in the past but I thought I'd go a bit more in-depth here.  First of all, meet Mrs. Bicycle's Bicycle:

Personal photo

I ride a Quintana Roo Chicqilo.  It is a triathlon/time trial bike, which means it has different handlebars than a regular road bike.  It is also a bit more lightweight than a road bike.  Because I have been dedicating so much time to horseback riding lately, my bike hasn't gotten as much use as I would like.  Maybe I will go out for a nice long ride this weekend!   Some of the major races I've done include:

• New York City Olympic Distance Triathlon (0.9 mi swim, 26 mi bike, 6.2 mi run) - swim in the Hudson River (fun!)
• Nation's Triathlon in Washington, DC - swim in the Patomac River
• Goofy Challenge at the Disney Marathon - run the half marathon (13.1 mi) on Saturday and the full marathon (26.2 mi) on Sunday
• Augusta Half Ironman - 1.2 mi swim, 56 mi bike, 13.1 mi run 

Mr. Bicycle and I are currently training for the Rock N Roll New Orleans Marathon on February 2.  If you'll be there, let me know!  This will be his second full marathon, the first being when we ran the Chicago Marathon two years ago. 

I first started training as a way to keep me busy during the slow summer months at work.  I signed up for Team In Training, which helps you train for an endurance event while raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I did three different races with TNT, raising close to $15,000.  If you're interested in getting into endurance events I recommend looking up your local TNT chapter - it is a great place to start!  I also ran the Chicago Marathon while raising money for the American Brain Tumor Association because....

5. I Have a Brain Tumor
It is a "best case scenario" brain tumor, as I like to call it, so no worries!  I have a meningioma on my left frontal lobe, which is the same type of brain tumor that Sheryl Crow has.  It was discovered through an MRI after I had some numbness in my right forearm.  Most meningiomas are benign and the risks of a craniotomy aren't really worth the potential reward so until I start having serious symptoms or until it grows significantly, annual MRIs are a sufficient course of treatment. 

Researching brain tumors and seeing how devastating they can be was heartbreaking.  I am fortunate that I have the best possible kind of tumor and even more fortunate that I have good health insurance.  So many others struggle to find the means to pay for treatment, if any treatment at all is available.  This is why I wanted to raise money for the American Brain Tumor Association - to give something to those who are facing far worse circumstances than I.  I say all this to encourage everyone to do what they can to help those around them - every little bit helps!

Yes, those are running brains with tumors on my shirt / Personal photo

5. New Orleans Changed Me
Going to college in New Orleans changed me in ways I am sure I still do not understand.  The city, the people, the music, the food...  It all just becomes you when you live there.  Author Chris Rose summed it up pretty well after Hurricane Katrina: "Dear America, I suppose we should introduce ourselves: We're South Louisiana.  You probably already know that we talk funny and listen to strange music and eat things you'd probably hire an exterminator to get out of your yard. We dance even if there's no radio. We drink at funerals. We talk too much and laugh too loud and live too large and, frankly, we're suspicious of others who don't."  

One night I was fortunate to partake in a project called Dear New Orleans.  Basically a photographer takes pictures of people (mostly celebrities) with inspirational messages on their hands and arms.   I was out to dinner with a friend while I was in town for the weekend when she asked if I wanted to go with her to a Dear New Orleans fundraiser where we could get our own portraits done.  This is, quite possibly, my favorite picture ever taken.

Newcomb College at Tulane University ring to the left, fleur de lis ring to the right

"I love who you make me."  Yep, that pretty much sums it up.  New Orleans changed who I am and for that I will be forever grateful. 

OK, I think that is enough for me!  You now have a very clear picture of the life of Mrs. Bicycle.  Horseback rider and New Orleans misser by day, manatee nightmare victim at night.  Please feel free to share the secret life of you!

Bicycle Bachelorette

My entire adulthood I knew I wanted my bachelorette party to be in New Orleans, the city I fell in love with while attending Tulane and the city that still has a piece of my heart.  One Friday morning in late September a group of us hit the road and headed 6 hours west, coffee in hand.

In the car were Bridesmaid Lemon (the driver), Bridesmaid Runner, and two friends.  My sister and Bridesmaid Doc would be flying into New Orleans and a few of my college friends who still lived there (including Bridesmaid NOLA) would be joining the festivities as well.  We had such a fun drive, listening to the "Boy Band" Pandora station (I cannot recommend this station enough) and we finally got to the JW Marriott around 4 PM.  Friday night was going to be my college-ish night and Saturday would be the downtown night so we got freshened up and headed uptown to recreate a typical Friday night for me in college.

We went to my favorite place to have happy hour, The Columns Hotel (you may remember it from Mrs. Archer's wedding!). 

Photo by Bridesmaid Lemon

Their bar is gorgeous and has amazing happy hour specials, too.  $22 bottles of champagne?  Don't mind if we do!

Bridesmaid NOLA, me, Bridesmaid Runner

Friend C, Friend E, Bridesmaid Lemon

 We sipped champagne for what felt like hours and we were soon joined by Bridesmaid Doc and my sister/MOH.  My sister had a surprise for me that would be used the next day but just had to make an appearance that night, too - a Princess Catherine tiara!

Photo by Runner

When we had our fill of champagne (is that even possible?!) we went across the street to Superior Grill, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the city.  We had a great dinner and then headed out on the town.  We went to one uptown bar, Le Bon Temps, before heading back downtown to the French Quarter.  Of course there were a lot of bachelor/bachelorette parties, which was kind of fun.  We hopped around Bourbon Street before grabbing a last drink at the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone (where Mrs. Archer got engaged!).

Photo by Bridesmaid Runner / Jealous of my tutu?

The next morning was pretty relaxed, with people grabbing breakfast and getting ready on their own time.  Around lunchtime we all headed out to explore the French Quarter by day and pick up some souvenirs.  Not before enjoying a cupcake sent to the room by Bridesmaid Nole, though!

Favorite photo from the trip, courtesy of Bridesmaid Lemon

 Wait - what's up with the two on the right, Bridesmaids Doc and Lemon?  Too many beignets?  Nope - they are both pregnant!!  Spoiler alert - I had four pregnant bridesmaids at my wedding!  Doc flew from Seattle to New Orelans seven months pregnant to attend my bachelorette - that is dedication!  Doc and Lemon shared a room and although they had never met before that weekend, I was so happy to see how well the moms-to-be hit it off!

Photo by Bridesmaid Lemon

We did some shopping and observing around the French Quarter before getting ready to go to the highlight of the afternoon - high tea at the Ritz Carlton!  Everyone wore fascinators and I wore my Princess Catherine tiara.

Runner, Sister/MOH, me, Friend E

You.  Guys.  I had never been to tea at the Ritz but it was so much better than I even expected.  We had two courses of snacks - one savory course and one sweet course.

I somehow only got pictures of the sweets, but everything was delicious.  We had our choice of so many different types of tea, all of which were delicious.  Oh, and then there was unlimited champagne!  It was glorious!  Before leaving tea we did an impromptu photo shoot.  Our first shot was funny and then someone suggested doing a Vanity Fair cover shot.  This is what we ended up with:

Photo by Bridesmaid Runner

Lemon is trying to ask, "Who is the father?"  Overall we had so.much.fun at tea and I cannot wait to go back!  We then headed back to the hotel to watch a little bit of football and get ready for dinner.  We also took a moment to capture this gem, which Runner later sent to me and said, "I don't think it is clear enough that you are the bride."

Photo by Bridesmaid Runner

Saturday night I was told to wear white while everyone else wore black.  I was given a sash and I eventually stole Runner's fascinator from earlier that day (I am shocked I let her take it home with her at the end of the weekend). 

Photo by Bridesmaid Runner

We went to dinner at American Sector, a John Besh restaurant in the World War II Museum.  If you want an affordable John Best meal with a super cool atmosphere, this is your place.  The drink menu is old-school and a few of us sipped on something called the Last Fling.  At one point I went around the table and shared my favorite memory with each person there, which was a nice way to honor those who went out of their way to join me and it also helped everyone get to know each other better. 

We went from dinner to a few bars,although those who were expecting said goodbye after the first stop.  These ladies were such troopers and I am honored to call them friends!

We had another fun night bopping around downtown before calling it a night.  The next morning we went to Mother's for breakfast, which is a must-do if you're ever in New Orleans!  Doc and Sister/MOH headed to the airport and the rest of us piled into Lemon's car for the drive back to Tallahassee.  Our post-bachelorette blues were helped a bit by a pit stop at Steak and Shake for fries and milkshakes.  Together.  (It really pays to travel with pregnant people!) 

I had such a fun weekend in New Orleans and I really think half the fun was showing off my version of the city to those who only new about the touristy stuff or who had never been at all.  I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends and this was the perfect way to whet our appetite for Savannah!

Anyone else do a New Orleans bachelorette?  Can I go back now, pretty please??

The Night Before

We decided pretty early on to have our rehearsal dinner at Belford's Seafood and Steaks, a great restaurant in the City Market area of Savannah.  Given the fact Belford's is a nice restaurant we realized our rehearsal dinner would be on the more formal side of the spectrum.  I wanted the invitation to show that and my Etsy searches led me to Olive Berry Paper.  The main draw for me was the fact they offered two-pieced invitations, the main invitation to dinner and then a separate insert with details for the rehearsal itself.  I liked this idea a lot since not everyone we invited to the rehearsal dinner needed to come to the rehearsal.  I settled on "The Night Before," which fit our feel perfectly.

I set up a separate email account and included our home phone number (yes, we have one of those!) for people to RSVP.  I added this card for anyone who needed to be at the rehearsal:

Olive Berry Paper gives you the option of buying a digital file of the invitation for you to print yourself or having them print it for you.  It ended up being much easier and not very expensive to have them print the invitations and mail them to me.  I was able to order different amounts of each invitation since I needed less of the rehearsal insert, which was a nice way to save a few dollars. The navy/stars pattern was printed on the back of the cards, which was a pretty touch.

I highly recommend Olive Berry Paper and I plan on using them again, since they do more than just wedding invitations.  The owner chatted with me for a while before I nailed down our design and she was always responsive and pleasant. 

Did anyone else do a separate insert for the rehearsal? 

Saying Yes to the Dress

Wedding dress shopping was something I feared for a while, mostly because I hate having a lot of attention but also because there is so much pressure.  What if I don't have that moment?  What if I don't know when I found the right dress?  What if I hate everything and have to travel out of Tallahassee to get my dress? 

I started (and ended) my search at Tallahassee's best bridal salon, Vocelles.  I know the owner Kristen through Bridesmaid Lemon and I had already been into the store a few times for various reasons.  When I saw they were having a Wtoo trunk show one weekend, I knew that would be my first wedding dress experience.  On Friday afternoon last November four of my bridesmaids brought champagne and cupcakes (it was my birthday weekend!) to Vocelles and we got down to business.

I knew I wanted something relatively classic and with straps - I hate pulling strapless dresses up all night and I did not want to do that on my wedding day.  I thought I wanted a fit and flare or something along those lines, meaning no ballgown for me.  We pulled a lot of options and I started trying them on.  It was so much fun!  I was amazed by how much I liked things I pulled "just for fun" and I came very close to saying yes to something strapless and full!  I tried on 8 or so dresses before I put on Greta by Watters.

Ahhhhh, this was it!!  I knew pretty much from the moment I put it on that this would be my dress.  When I came out to show my friends they all knew, too.   Kristen put a veil on me and it sealed the deal.

The plain satin belt that comes with it wasn't quite enough for me so we tried on a few different options before settling on this belt with Swarovski crystals. 

I am probably going to start wearing that belt to work.  Normal?

I said yes to the dress!  If that doesn't deserve a toast, I don't know what does.

I had so much fun with my bridesmaids that day and it was a lot less stressful than I thought it would be.  If you live anywhere near Tallahassee, I cannot recommend Vocelles enough.  I ended up getting my bridesmaid dresses and earrings from them as well and they have been a pleasure to work with. 

Did anyone else buy their dress on their first shopping trip?  Does anyone else love the little pink cans of Sofia champagne as much as I do?

All photos courtesy of Vocelles.

I'm Baaaaack!

Hello, Hive!  I made it through a fabulous wedding weekend and an incredible honeymoon and now I am back as a MRS!  Everything went so, so well and I cannot wait to share all.of.it with you.  For now, here is a mini look at the Bicycle wedding weekend.

We became officially husband and wife and sealed it with a kiss!

Guest photo

 I spent the day getting ready with my best friends and drinking a tiny bit of champagne.

Photo by MOH NYC

Our first look was great and we were so ahead of schedule that we were able to pop into our favorite brewery, Moon River Brewing Company, to split a pint of Swamp Fox.

Teaser by Ashley Daniell Photography

 And the best random snapshot from the day? 

Guest photo

See that bicycle in the background?  You guys were with me all day!  I have a lot more to share before I get my pro pictures back so stay tuned. 

Thank you for everything!

MRS. Bicycle

Wedding Day!

Well, today is the big day!  I am so grateful to this community for your support throughout my planning and I cannot wait to share how everything went with you.  Last night I was overwhelmed while looking at everyone in the church.  Everyone was there for us.  I am so excited to see Mr. B and get this party started.



The Hive will be with me in so many ways today.  I thank everyone who has provided input and support, especially my fellow Honeymoon Generation bees.  You guys are the best.



See you on the other side!

Miss Bicycle  

Savannah Square Table Names

You guys, I am so excited to share this with you!  This is something I've been working on for months and months and I am finally ready for the big reveal.  Our Day Of Coordinator, Adrianne Kautz, also does graphic design.  I had a vision and she took it to the next level.  We decided that instead of table numbers we would be using table names - and not just any names, the names of Savannah's famous squares.  We wanted a map with the name on one side with a description of the square on the other.  Adrianne knocked it out of the park.

We knew we wanted to incorporate wine corks into the table names as well so we saved up corks throughout our engagement to use.  Now our reception will be filled with memories made over a bottle of wine - so perfect.  I adhered two pieces of ribbon together to get the look I wanted and then glued the ribbon to the corks.  I found hot glue worked best.  I then glued the corks to a little piece of wood that I had painted wood in order to make sure they were stable.  You may also notice the same wax fleur de lis that I used in our invitations.  This added a little something extra while providing a cover for the place where the ribbon came together.

As I mentioned in my centerpiece trial post we plan on having these as the main focus of the tables with small gold candles scattered throughout. 

I know it is weird to be excited about table names but this is probably my favorite detail of our reception.  It is unique and perfect for our wedding.  I can't wait to see how it all works together!  Did anyone else make their table names a focus?

All photos personal, design by Adrianne Kautz.

Dapper Dudes, Updated

To get some background on what the Bicycle Groomsmen will be wearing, check out this post from a few months back.  To summarize, Mr. B wanted:

• khaki pants
• navy jacket (no gold buttons!)
• white cuffed shirt
• brown shoes
• fleur de lis cufflinks
• fleur de lis tie

When it came down to it, he wasn't excited about everyone being in different jackets and pants - it just wouldn't match, no matter how similar they were.  A friend of ours recommended we look at suit rental places, which we originally ruled out, but we are so glad we did!  On the big day, the Bicycle Groomsmen will look like this:

Image via Jim's Formal Wear

This is the Stephen Geoffrey Midnight Blue Destination Wedding Suit.  They are just renting the pants and jacket and Mr. B trusts them all to get their own white (yes, he changed his mind from blue) spread-collar cuffed shirt. 

The two accents to their outfits are part of their gifts:

Image via Cuff-Daddy

Image via Vincenzo Boretti

He bought the same tie for himself and sent it to a company that turned it into a bow tie for him!  Our two ushers will wear their own clothes, but same style, and their ties are gold with navy fleurs de lis. 

In addition to the cufflinks and ties he also got each groomsman a dri-fit polo for their favorite college football team.  We have a good mix of Gators and Seminoles with a random Stetson grad thrown in there. 

I can't wait to see the guys all dressed up, especially Mr. B's son!  Has anyone else rented khakis and a blazer like this?  Isn't it awesome that you can send a regular tie to a company that will turn it into a bow tie?

Candles, Candles Everywhere

Our venue has beautiful chandeliers and mirrors and I have known all along that I don't need to do a whole lot to add to the decor.  I went back and forth for months about what I wanted to do about centerpieces before finally deciding on something and going full steam ahead.  I decided to accent our (so fabulous I cannot wait to share!) table names with lots of candles.  I went around town collecting different sized containers that I could then paint gold to match our colors.  I bought one can of regular gold spray paint and one can of "webbing" spray paint, which came out...well..like a web!  It wasn't what I was expecting but I love the way it worked out.  Here were my supplies:

I started spraying the containers and let my inspiration guide me.  I ended up with three different options - lightly sprayed gold, heavily sprayed gold, and webbed gold.

 

 

I knew I needed to see them lit (as they would be at the wedding) to decide what I liked and didn't like.  It should be noted I also wanted to know how long each different candle I bought would burn so I spent an entire Sunday at home watching candles melt (and watching football). 

Don't mind the major streak on the left...

It is hard to tell from the pictures but the ones with the webbing look pretty great.  The plain gold ones add a nice accent as well.  They are all different sizes, which I think will add a neat level of uniqueness.

Originally I planned on having vases with calla lilies on the tables as well but yesterday's mock-up made me realize that will not work.  I want the table name to be the focus (more on that coming soon, I promise!) and the candles will be a nice accent.

My only concern is how to group them, keeping in mind our tables are 60 inch rounds.  Should I put them in a circle?  In bunches on each side of the table name?  Randomly scattered? 

Did anyone else decide to forgo flowers in their centerpieces?  I'm OK with it!