Heading home!!!!

In approximately 3 hours we will be flying "home" to Clymer!!!! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself... I guess I should probably start packing??? :)  We are so excited to see all of our family and friends and enjoy a relaxing weekend!!! Can't wait!!!  See ya'll soon!!! Have an amazing Memorial Day weekend!!!

Today's Forecast

High of 94... chance of happiness... After a day like yesterday that tried my patience, I am determined that today is going to be a happy day full of getting things done and enjoying the beautiful sunshine.  Thankfully I have wonderful friends who know when I am frustrated and upset and call at just the right moment, insisting that I take a break and enjoy the beautiful sunshine!  Tonight's forecast, packing for a wonderful weekend ahead and relaxing with the future husband getting lots accomplished! :)

I'm BACK!!! :-D

Yay! So I have completed finals and gotten things under control (I think) so I wanted to start updating everyone on what has been going on!  I was getting ready to meet the future husband for lunch and sat down to do a little search and found this little nugget... what do you think?  Perhaps jewelry for the bridesmaids?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73632754/free-shipping-17-20-inches-7-8mm-3?ref=cat2_gallery_29

Vegas Baby!

So recently, as many of you probably already know, I was elected to serve the 4th Circuit of the American Bar Association Law Student Division as Governor for the upcoming term.  As a result, I am heading to Vegas on Thursday and am in the process of packing and figuring out what all I want to do/see while there.  I began searching for fun things to do in Vegas and thought I would share my list with you.  (You knew there had to be a list... haha!)

1. Find the famous Las Vegas sign and take a picture (southend of the strip near Mandalay Bay)
2. Ride in a gondola in the Venetian and see the beautiful painted ceilings
3. Visit the Eiffel Tower at the Paris casino (in hopes that someday soon I will get to experience the real tower)
4. Watch the fountains show at the Bellagio (shows are every 15-30 minutes in front of the casino)
5. Visit Freemont Street (old Vegas)
6. Go to the top of the Stratosphere (but I won't be riding the crazy zero gravity thing there...)
7. Walk up and down the strip to get the "full Vegas experience"
8. Eat at an awesome restaurant (maybe Emerils'? any other suggestions?)
9. See the Rio Masquerade Show in the Sky (a free carnival-like show where performers hang from tracks on the casino ceiling!)
10. Go shopping at the Forum Shops at Caesar's palace (and probably not buy anything...haha) (as a side note, maybe I will even ask the receptionist at the desk if I am standing in the real Caesar's palace... like in the movie Hangover... you can check out a clip of the movie here)
11. See the Volcano at the Mirage (explosions at the top of every hour starting at 6p-11p)
12. Eat at a buffet... for cheap! :)
13. Continue my love for Hard Rock Cafe's...
14. If we get really adventurous, stop in the Minus 5 Ice Bar (and pay $25 to freeze to death for 30 minutes wrapped in parkas and fuzzy boots...wouldn't that make for some awesome photos??)
15. Oh how could I forget... GAMBLE???? (and return home with my Player's card- haha) I mean I don't intend to blow large sums of cash (because who am I kidding? I don't have large sums of cash to begin with!) But none-the-less, I want to at least come home and say, I gambled in Vegas... I mean I would be the only person to come home and say I did NOT gamble while there... haha!
16. Take a FREE limo ride (and pretend I'm a rockstar, or at least someone famous) to Casa di Amore (which is said to be an awesome Italian restaurant)
17. Take a photo of the pyramid at the Luxor hotel

--other places that **might** happen...
a. Visit the Wynn/Encore (I have read lots of reviews that say this place is amazing... we shall see!)
b. Visit SushiSamba for a lovely sushi dinner and lesson in how to roll my own sushi (how fun would that be?? especially now that we can't stop eating sushi!!)
c.  Experience Bonanza Gifts (the World's Largest Gift Shop)
d. Experience the Tower of Wine at Mandalay

In all honesty, I am probably shooting for the moon with all these ideas of places I MUST go to... but here is to hoping!  I will try my best and fill you in on all the details/photos when I return... :)

Here is a little food for thought that I found while reading an article about the best things to do in Vegas...


"To find the best deals, do some planning upfront. The biggest mistake people make when they get to Las Vegas, Curtis said, is that they haven't thought about what they are going to do.

"They get here and there's sensory overload from the ads, the billboards and all the things that are flashing at them. They don't know what to do," he said. "Once you get here, I would open everything, in terms of freebie magazines, things they put you in your room, things they want you to sign up for at the club booths. I would do all of those things. People tend to shy away from giving your name out. In Vegas it's the other way around. You want to give your name out."" - you can find this article here

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to our little ring bearer!!! Have a great 4th birthday Tate!!!

Sneak Peak at our fun and games...

St. Patty's Day is right around the corner... that means bar crawl in Charlotte!  The streets were lined with people celebrating the green holiday... and there was my future hubby all decked out...

Wedding Wire...

While taking a break from reading for class, I found this adorable hanger that I am dying to have... My good friend, Julie, got one for her wedding and I have to tell you... I am in love with it... How adorable is this??

Have You Missed Us?

So I know this has been a long time coming... but the truth is... my life is absolutely CRAZY and INSANE... but you probably knew that already.  You probably also believe that I, Mallory Duley (soon to be Willink - YAY!) am crazy planning a wedding while in school... But I am here to tell you that I have not yet lost my mind and I will make it! :)

So here is a re-cap of our lives for the past few weeks... A few weeks back, I was having a super stressful day and had class until late.  I got home and found that my amazing fiancé made me a great dinner!  Here is a photo of the yumminess...

The SuperBowl also happened since I was last able to update the world on our lives.  We hosted a SuperBowl party at my house.  My roommate and I were so excited... we re-arranged furniture, brought a TV into our kitchen area (so we had two tvs showing the game) and made all kinds of food.

While Jeff and I were out shopping for what we needed for the party, we saw this cake... see anything wrong with this picture?

My dearest friend, Steph, and I decided that we wanted to make "brownie-pops" for the party.  I bought a pan to make the brownies and she got the decoration materials...  We tried so hard to make these in hopes that they would be easy to do and turn out really well so that we could make them for the wedding... We weren't too thrilled with our end product... they were Diabetes sticks... what do you think?

Poor little brownie pop...it was rather deformed...

 Yay Brownie Pop pan! :)

End products...

One of our friends (who we call the Canadian - because he is from Canada) had a great idea to build a snack-food stadium.  Here are some photos of the epic stadium... :)

All the supplies for the stadium...

 Cooking the corn dogs for the bleachers...

 The field and goal-posts... before the rest of the stadium...

 Let the building begin...

 The master-mind of it all... 

Lovin the SuperBowl!

Before the Super Bowl weekend, we went to Morgantown to meet with the caterer to see some centerpiece options and get some details figured out and questions answered regarding our reception venue.  Here are some photos of the centerpieces I loved... these won't be ours... but aren't they amazing??

After the SuperBowl came Valentine's Day.  I don't know if you all remember a few years back when I attempted to make Jeff a heart shaped pizza, since we are pizza connoisseurs, and I failed miserably.  This year, though... I think it was a success!  (Thanks to the Canadian for letting me use a heart shaped cookie pan!)

We decided that in order to continue saving money, we weren't going to get each other a valentine's day gift and instead would just cook a meal for each other.  Jeff **kinda** broke the rule... He brought me home a few lillies since he knows it is my favorite flower... Here they are a few days after Valentine's day after they opened up.  They were beautiful! 

Jeff made eggplant parmesan and it was AMAZING!  Here are some photos of Chef Willink who hand breaded the eggplant himself!  Delicious!!!

We concluded our Valentine's day weekend by shopping for our wedding bands.  I am happy to say, we have both rings and the only thing left to do with them is to have mine sized down to fit my little hands! :) Yay!

In the midst of all the craziness... Jeff changed his license plates... AGAIN... This time, he seemed much happier about the change... :)

In law school I have learned a lot of things.  I know what is required for the court to declare your document is an enforceable contract... I have learned how to conduct legal research... I could go on and on... but one important thing I have learned is that you need to kick back once in awhile and enjoy the company of your colleagues.  I have also learned that every once in awhile you come across someone who you might not realize at the time, but they turn out to be an amazing friend.  Since the first day of classes, Shannon (who we now refer to as Snookie... and she refers to me as Dena - for those of you who enjoy the Jersey Shore you will understand this reference) and I have been besties.  Always there for each other and always up for a good time.  Since I last updated the world on our lives, we asked Shannon to be a bridesmaid in our big day. She was so excited she demanded a celebration - and of course we complied... haha! :)  Here are some pictures from the celebration...

The past week and a half has been a complete blur to me... I have been preparing for mid-terms, keeping up with coursework, working on a few fundraisers to help our friend Graham reach his goal with the school wide charity, working on a project with a professor, volunteering with the DA office... the list goes on... On top of it all, I received a call from a member of the National Board of Governors from the Law Student Division of the ABA... long story short, they encouraged me to run for Governor of the Circuit (which is kinda a big deal for many reasons that I will spare you from).  I went back and forth for days weighing my options, but I finally decided that running for the position was the best idea... Jeff and I drove to Williamsburg, Virginia so I could attend the meeting at William & Mary and run in the election... I was successful in the election and I am now Governor Duley... which will change to Governor Willink in July! :-)  Taking this office requires a bit of time, but nothing I can't handle.  It requires some travel (the first trip is one in March to Vegas) and will require some organization on my part.  (we all know how much I love organization!)  Anyways... on the way home from Williamsburg while Jeff was driving I worked on a sample of an idea we had to spice up the centerpieces... what do you think?  We are still working on tweaking the ideas... but it's a start... what do you think... do you like them? hate them? indifferent?

Here is a link to the site we got the idea from... we still have some ribbons to add to ours... but we got a start... :)     http://diy.weddingbee.com/topic/ribbon-pomander-centerpieces

I know I have told you all before... and if not, I will tell you know... Lindsay Hood (also known as "little") is the best Maid of Honor and best friend a girl could ask for.  She somehow knows when I'm having a terrible day or something has happened that has frustrated me and so on.  On the way home from working at the DA office yesterday, I got a call from the apartment complex office informing me I had a delivery.  I explained it must be a mistake because I didn't order anything and they insisted I stop in to take a look.  So I stopped in the office, the woman seemed incredibly excited to see me and informed me that she would  need to get the delivery out of the fridge........ I stopped and said, wait... why is the package in the fridge??  Here is what she pulled out of the fridge.... Thanks Little!! :)

On the wedding planning front, we have started the invitation design and assembly process.  Step one of designing everything is almost complete.  The part we have finished designing has been printed and the assembly process with that portion has been started.  We hope to have it finished by the end of March... :)  I am sure there are a million other things we are forgetting but right now I must study for mid-terms! :)

Lists, lists, lists!

WOOEEE!!! It looks like I am finally making some strides down the road to the end of this list.  That makes me thrilled and sad all at the same time...  I'm thrilled since it means things are getting done that need to be done, I'm checking things off the list (which is an amazing feeling that I love), and I am getting closer and closer to being the new Mrs. Willink!!! :-)  I'm sad at the same time because it means that I won't have any major event to be planning after this... (unless one of my lovely bridesmaids, who isn't already married, gets engaged... I won't name any names because I'm sure you know who you are **cough cough**)


I won't keep you in suspense any longer... Here is the list you have all been waiting to see (haha!)  Stay tuned for updates on what we have been up to lately - sorry for the delay in posts - life is CRAZY! :)


Our Mountaineer Wedding Checklist...


10 - 12 months before the wedding:  July - September 2010
• Announce your engagement to family and friends  - CHECK
• Arrange for both families to meet if they haven't already done so - CHECK
• Have an engagement party (optional) - NOT OUR STYLE
• Set the wedding style and size of the wedding (bride magazines are great for ideas) - CHECK
• Set your wedding budget - CHECK
• Start creating your guest list - CHECK 
• Set the wedding day and time - CHECK 
• Decide on whether to have a religious or non-religious ceremony - CHECK
• Choose and book your wedding officiant - CHECK
• Choose your maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man and groomsmen - CHECK
• Choose and book your ceremony and reception locations - CHECK
• Purchase wedding insurance (optional) - IS THIS SOMETHING I SHOULD BE DOING??
• Meet with caterers and taste samples - CHECK
• Meet with florists and decide on real or silk flowers - CHECK!  (SOOOO excited about our florist!!)
• Meet with and audition DJs or bands - CHECK
• Meet with photographers and look over their portfolios - CHECK
• Create a wedding website - CHECK (Still have a few edits to make...)

YAY!!! A completed LIST! :)

7 - 9 months before the wedding: October - December 2010
• Bride: shop for and order your wedding dress - CHECK!!!!!!! :-)
• Bride: shop for and order/purchase bridal accessories: veil , shoes , jewelry - NEED TO DO
• Bride: (with your bridal party) shop for and order bridesmaids dresses - IN PROGRESS  (Dresses have been picked out... the bm's are in the process of ordering them...)
• Book the florist (be sure to sign a contract) - CHECK (love her!!)
• Book the caterer (be sure to sign a contract) - CHECK
• Book DJ or band (be sure to sign a contract) - CHECK
• Book the photographer (be sure to sign a contract) - CHECK
• Start planning your honeymoon - IN PROGRESS (I think we have found the place we want to go... I STILL need to get a passport...)
• Finalize the guest list - CHECK!!! :-)
• Start making wedding favors if you're making your own - NEED TO DO - eek!
• Meet with bakers and sample wedding cakes - CHECK (thanks Mom & Dad!)
• Start looking at wedding invitations - CHECK (we designed ours... can't wait to start the assembly process!)
• Start thinking about the wording of your wedding invitations - CHECK
• Start planning the rehearsal dinner - CHECK (just have to finalize the plans...)

4 - 6 months before the wedding:  January - March 2011
• Join a bridal registry - CHECK 
• Book the baker for your wedding cake - NEED TO DO 
• Order your wedding invitations - NEED TO DO (how about work on assembling them? haha!)
• Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests - CHECK!
• Contact out-of-town guests about the wedding (prior to sending out invitations) - CHECK 
• Finalize dinner menu with caterer - CHECK (thanks Mom and Dad!)
• Purchase wedding guest favors - NEED TO DO - eek!
• Book the limousine or other wedding day transportation - NEED TO DO
• Book the rehearsal dinner site - NEED TO DO 
• Book a calligrapher (if you're using one) - CHECK (call me Ms. Calligraphy...)
• Groom: start looking at tuxedos or other formal wear - IN PROGRESS (we have to make the final decision soon...)
• Book the honeymoon - NEED TO DO
• Book a hotel room for the wedding night - NEED TO DO 
• Book a photo session for engagement announcement in local newspapers - CHECK 
• Start thinking about wedding ceremony decorations - CHECK (thanks to our wonderful florist!)  
• Bride: buy bridal lingerie in time for first dress fitting - NEED TO DO

2 - 3 months before the wedding: April - May 2011
• Give the photographer a list of "important shots" you want included - NEED TO DO (although, we started making a list of these!)
• Purchase your wedding rings - CHECK!
• Purchase maid of honor gift, bridesmaids gifts , best man gift , groomsmen gifts - NEED TO DO (I have some ideas in mind... just nothing finalized yet...) 
• Purchase the groom's gift or the bride's gift , whichever applies - NEED TO DO 
• Groom: finalize tuxedo /formal attire and pass on rental/purchase details to groomsmen - NEED TO DO • Run engagement announcement in local newspapers - NEED TO DO
• Bride: schedule your dress fittings - NEED TO DO 
• Bride: make sure your bridal party has purchased their accessories - NEED TO DO 
• Bride: book your hair and makeup appointments - NEED TO DO 
• Bride: if you're changing your name complete the proper documents - NEED TO DO 
• If your state requires it, have blood tests done - NEED TO DO 
• Bride: talk to your maid of honor about a bridal shower - IN PROGRESS (thanks to my amazing MOH who is on top of things!  I think the plans are ALMOST finished!!!) 
• Address and send out wedding invitations (invitations should be mailed at 2-month mark) - NEED TO DO • Groom: purchase your accessories including shoes, cuff links, handkerchiefs, etc. - NEED TO DO 
• Decide on whether to light a unity candle or honor past loved ones during the ceremony - IN PROGRESS
• Start working on wedding program - NEED TO DO (but have ideas!)



4-8 weeks before:  May- June 2011
• Mail invitations out eight weeks prior to the wedding date and send accommodation info to your out-of-town guests  - NEED TO DO
• Fill out a change of address form at the post office, if necessary  - NEED TO DO
• Pick up your marriage license- NEED TO DO
• Have ceremony programs printed  - NEED TO DO
• Purchase a guest book and other wedding accessories including toasting glasses, cake knife, ring pillow, etc.  - NEED TO DO (guest book is done through the photographer... the glasses and cake knife are on the registry... the pillow needs to be finalized...)
• Keep your wedding website updated with directions and event details  - CHECK
• Choose your hair and make-up stylists and schedule a trial for both; also book appointments to have your hair, make-up and nails done on the day of the wedding  - NEED TO DO
• Review insurance information with your fiancé to see if any updates need to be made prior to the wedding (car, home, medical, etc.)  - NEED TO DO
• Plan a bridal luncheon or dinner with your bridesmaids  - NEED TO DO



2-4 weeks before:  June 2011
• Create a seating chart for the reception and make place cards  - NEED TO DO
• Contact your caterer with a final guest count  - NEED TO DO
• Print out a timeline of events for your wedding party and vendors - include contact information and cell phone numbers  - NEED TO DO (Love this one!)
• Meet with your photographer and florist to finalize details  - NEED TO DO
• Finalize your ceremony and reception music and song list for your wedding band or DJ  - NEED TO DO
• Confirm lodging reservations for out-of-town guests  - NEED TO DO
• Place a wedding announcement in your local newspaper  - NEED TO DO
• Pick up wedding bands and make sure the fit is good  - NEED TO DO
• Schedule a final dress fitting  - NEED TO DO
• Write rehearsal dinner toasts  - NEED TO DO



1 week before:  (July 3-9)
• Write out final checks for your minister, organist, DJ or musicians, etc. and organize in envelopes for one of your attendants to distribute at the wedding  - NEED TO DO
• Pick up your wedding gown  - NEED TO DO
• Confirm limo or other transportation reservations  - NEED TO DO
• Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements  - NEED TO DO (this will be done during the month of June... the month of July is going to be CRAZYYY)
• Have your local post office hold your mail, if necessary, while you are away on your honeymoon  - NEED TO DO