Dolly Gets Fit

Dolly Allison Howard — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:15:36 +0000

Hello readers:

Well, I’ve gotten married, and am living happily ever after with my amazing husband. You guys were so faithful in following my journey to holy matrimony and I can’t thank you enough! My love for all-things-wedding still exists, but my focus has changed a bit given that sifting through bridal magazines is no longer a priority.

With that said, I’ve started a new project. Like most newly weds, I’ve gain a few pounds…or 8. I’ve started a new blog to help motivate and kick start me into a newer, healthier version of myself. Along the way I’m provided YOU with motivation and health tips as well. This isn’t an I-know-everything-about-fitness blog. It’s a trial and error, failure, accomplishments, cool stuff I find and want to share blog.

If you’ve enjoyed Dolly’s Getting Married, then I know you’ll love my new blog Dolly Gets Fit!

http://dollygetsfit.wordpress.com

Can’t wait to share this journey with you!

Always,

Finally…an Update!

Dolly Allison Howard — Fri, 27 May 2011 01:56:48 +0000

Dear readers:

What a terrible blogger I’ve become! I haven’t updated since mother’s day and let’s be honest…it was a good attempt but nothing to write home about.

So what have I been doing? Well, I just had my FIRST YEAR anniversary 10 days ago! I know! So exciting! We took a romantic vacation up to Lake Muskoka and stayed at a resort where we sat in the hottub, ate cookies in bed, had an AMAZING steak dinner and then finished the weekend with the most relaxing couple’s massage I have ever had. Am I a lucky wifey or what? On the actual day, I made Christopher his favorite dinner and chocolate cake. He seemed very happy with that idea. Men are a lot less difficult to please though. Free food? They’re there.

So what have I learned over the past year? Well, looking back this year has been incredibly difficult. A lot of changes have occurred, so it’s hard to pinpoint one take-away. Mostly I think I learned that it is very important to give 100% of yourself to the relationship. It isn’t 50/50. It’s 100/100. If either partner is giving any less than 100% of themselves to the relationship the other person feels cheated and rightfully so.

One of the biggest changes we’ve had to make is deciding to move to Boston for Christopher’s MBA program! We are both thrilled about the move and more updates will follow. If any of my readers are familiar with Boston, please let me know your thoughts on where to live. We will be looking at places starting in July! We can’t wait!

Here are a couple photos we took to honor our First Year as a married couple! Enjoy!

For My Mother

Dolly Allison Howard — Sun, 08 May 2011 04:17:03 +0000

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

I love you…
Every day.
All the time.
No matter what.
Even when I’m mad.

Counting down the days ’til I get to see you next! June can’t get here fast enough!

Love,
Dolly/Lerry/Dolly Wally Kadoodle/Dolerno

Whoopie Pies are the New Cupcakes

Dolly Allison Howard — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 01:08:56 +0000

If I could get married to my husband again, something tells me I would be substituting this amazing red velvet whoopie pies for the cupcakes I had the first go around.

My mouth is watering already….

To-Do Lists – Gotta ♥ ‘em!

Dolly Allison Howard — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:48:17 +0000

When I was planning my wedding the hardest part was prioritizing. I couldn’t organize everything I needed to do in my headed, and random notes were put in various journals to help me remember. It never worked. My planning process was the epitome of unorganized.

I was reading through an old notebook of mine from seminars I had attended in the past one night when I came across one called “How to Get Organized”. It’s no wonder why I took this seminar. However, did I actually retain anything from it? YES! In my notes was the most beautiful to-do list I have ever seen!

Ok, so I realize it seems basic, but breaking down the standard running list of “to-dos” was extremely beneficial to me. I still continue to plan my day this way.

Here’s how it works:

Every morning, at the very beginning of your day, print out this template or make one of your own.
In the first box under “Top Priority” write down everything you need to do immediately (I use noon as my deadline).
In the second box under “Important” write down everything you need to have finished by the end of the day
In the third box under “Should Do” write down all the things you need completed by the end of the week
In the fourth box under “Getting Around To” jot everything down that is more long term…monthly, yearly goals.

This list should grow and change through out the day depending on external forces of which you can not control. Not only did this list make my wedding planning process MUCH more productive but it has contributed to the every day productivity of my job and home life. Give it a try! I think you’re going to LOVE it!

Always,
Dolly

The Paper Flower Project

Dolly Allison Howard — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:15:48 +0000

Yesterday I was thinking about elementary school. Every year we would have a carnival called The Wildflower Festival where we bought tickets to play games and do crafts. One of the crafts offered was a paper flower station. A teacher on the other side of he table would hand us our favorite color tissue paper. Then we would follow her directions to make the most beautiful, soft looking rose. Because the stems were made of pipe cleaners, we could tie them around our wrists and wear them around all day long. All of the little girls loved them and looked forward to making them every year. (Or at least I did anyway)

Then it dawned on me – this kind of flower is perfect for any flower girl. Not only is it safe for girls with allergies, but they can also take part in the process of creating these beauties. It’s an inexpensive way to create a lasting memory. The image above is a flower I created last night. I didn’t have any “soft” tissue paper so I used the remainder of some packaging paper from Crate and Barrel. Instead of pipe cleaners I used a maroon ribbon to give it a dressier, classier feel. The rose came out to about 5 inches in diameter with 8 layers of petals. Keep in mind that traditional tissue paper will give a more whimsical look to your flower. Also keep in mind the bigger the tissue paper, the bigger the flower. Perfect for outdoor weddings. You can even let the flower girl choose a scent she likes and have her spray a bit on her new keepsake.

Here’s a tutorial video on how to make these blooms:

Another option for paper flowers is for the bride. On 100 Layer Cake a bride decided she wanted her day to have an Alice in Wonderland sort of feel, creating this amazing flower to use as her bouquet. You can find directions on how to create one of these yourself here.

If I Could Marry My Husband Again

Dolly Allison Howard — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:22:27 +0000

Here’s what I’d be dreaming about…

Vera Wang Spring 2011 Collection. This soft pink makes my heart sing.

Stephanie Allin Dolce Vita Collection. This dress is so fresh and fun to me. It makes me want to salsa all over the dance floor.

Pnina Tornai in silk taffeta and beaded lace. *swoon* So romantic.

Angelo Lambrou organza gown is so vintage. This color makes me wish my skin were as porcelin as the models. Stunning.

Lazaro collection. This dress reminds me of winter and I love the detailing on the waist and texture of the skirt. What a beautiful ball gown. Frill without looking like Cinderella. Dreams do come true.

Also, I found these shoes and can’t stop staring at them! In love x 50 million! Thank you Jimmy Choo!

Easy Chocolate Truffles Recipe

Dolly Allison Howard — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:20:08 +0000

Hey ladies! If you’re looking into making desserts for your reception definitely try this chocolate ganache truffle recipe! You’ll love the taste and the time you saved!

Ingredients:

750 grams Bittersweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons butter
Unsweetened cocoa powder, for rolling

Directions:

Chop chocolate into small cubes (or use chocolate chips) and place into heatproof bowl
Bring cream and butter just to a boil in a medium sized pot
Pour over chocolate in bowl
Stir cream and chocolate together until smooth and thick with a dark and rich color
Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for about 1 hour in the fridge (until the mixture is firm, yet pliable.)
Remove bowl from fridge and using a teaspoon scoop and roll chocolate mixture into 1/2 – 3/4 inch balls
Roll the balls lightly into cocoa powder and place in a shallow dish
Cover with plastic wrap and leave in fridge until ready to serve.

Voila! Easy chocolate truffles!

5 Ways Brides Can Save!

Dolly Allison Howard — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:05:37 +0000

1. 300+ guests are so year 2000!

No, but really cutting down on your guest list can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars. Besides there’s nothing more romantic than an intimate setting with the people closest to you.

2. Shop the department stores.

You’ll be surprised to find MANY bridesmaids dresses for under $100 at stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Nordstroms. J.Crew even has reasonably priced gowns and bridesmaids dresses. Long gone are the days of having to shop at a bridesmaids’ dress shop. Besides, your girls will appreciate the ability to wear their dress over and over again.

3. Buy bulk invitations, and customize them yourself.

When purchasing invitations, Christopher and I found beautiful ones on sale for $0.75 a piece! Sure it takes a little bit more time, but just think! You’ll be able to put the money you’ve saved into you dream dress. (OR! More wine and dessert!) Check out Michaels.com for some of our favorites.

4. Ask for airline miles and hotel points instead of gifts.

You’d be surprised just how many people are willing to give away the points they never use. This will help cut down on your honeymoon cost tremendously and will save you time with having to “register” at every store.

5. Skip the Blooms.

In the end, flowers make up a HUGE part of a wedding budget. Have your bridesmaids carry a fancy clutch purse instead. Some costume yet classy clutches can be found at Forever 21 and H&M and won’t break the budget. Have the flower girl hold a sparkler or a few balloons. She’ll keep her darling appeal and will like the entertainment value. Plus, you’ll save money.

Real Bride of the Week: Chelcy!

Dolly Allison Howard — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:59:23 +0000

_________________________________________________________
Hey lovely Brides-to-Be. DGM is starting a new feature called Real Brides to bring you the most up-to-date fashion, receptions, and details of real weddings. Know someone who might be interested? Have them email me their story with a few photos and we’ll add them to our list!
_________________________________________________________

Lets meet the beautiful Chelcy! She married her high school sweetheart, Ben, in June 2010 at a beautiful ceremony site overlooking a lake in Texas. Chelcy’s wedding had small-town charm with big city vintage glam. What a great combination!

The bouquet arrangement is stunning! I’ve never seen one like this before and it compliments the lace on her dress. Also, props on the birdcage veil. Those are so hard to pull off and Chelcy looks beautiful!

What a fresh color for the bridesmaids, right? It makes the girls look beautiful while keeping Chelcy the center of attention. Their flowers add that bit of charm I was talking about earlier.

The men opted for a cream color suit rather than a traditional black tuxedo. I love that they match the sunset.

Can’t get enough of these chair decorations!

A sand ceremony is perfect for this outdoor, lake setting.

The perfect size train on her dress too, don’t you think?

oooooh! Beautiful, stunning centerpieces!

Love the pearls around the tealights!

The gift table. I’m not sure why I didn’t think to have a vintage birdcage at my wedding. It’s PERFECT!

Check out this kids’ table! Isn’t it the cutest, most fun thing you’ve ever seen!? I love the use of buckets as well as the lack of coloring books! What a creative, entertaining idea.

Now on to food. YUM! The cake matches her dress! Love it!

How sweet is this?! Ben and Chelcy sang to each other at their reception! *Note* Ben is a musician and wrote all of the arrangements for their ceremony! What a lucky girl Chelcy is!

Rose petals as you leave. Totally classy and environmentally friendly.