I remember August 26th. Also known as the last time I blogged. WHAT? It’s a good thing I am not being paid to update because I would been rolling pennies for gas I’d be so broke (thanks Jeff Foxworthy for that phrase which I just stole).

Yes there is a still a wedding and yes I am still preparing for it. Let me tell you about a new obsession: Pinterest. If you are not on it already either, A. stay away lest your life become a black hole of pointless behavior or B. join it and make lots of amazing stuff that people inspire you to do. I have gotten a few ideas off there for the wedding but most stuff I had already planned for.

It’s almost time to send out the invitations and I’m so excited to do that. It seems so much more real that way! Only a little over 2 months until I see Clarence. I’m praying it passes quickly because long distance is very tough. I’m so thankful to have such a sweet, amazing fiance to go through this time with. He’s so thoughtful and caring. But back off ladies, he’s mine

Here are some exciting things that have happened lately:

• we’ve ordered our rings
• plane tickets are booked
• my dress is in the alteration process
• all the DIY decorations are well under way
• honeymoon cabin reserved
• we completed pre-marital counseling thanks to the wonders of Skype

Still plenty to do, but most is done. How am I doing on budget? Well, we are a bit over our 5k budget but there is also a number of items I’m selling afterwards so I hope to break even or even better. If only photographers weren’t so expensive! That is pretty much half my budget. Here is a glimpse of a night of crafting that took place. Any idea what I’ll do with them?

Talking about wedding stuff seems really insignificant in the midst of what is going on in Africa right now. I have set up a fundraising page through World Help and am begging all of you to get involved. People are dying. We have to do something. Follow the link below to read more and to give.

Give to help those starving in the Horn of Africa

Wanna come see us get hitched?

Invitations are the first impression people will get about how your big day is going to be. I knew I wanted something a little a-typical but didn’t want to pay a lot. Well after a lot of research and tips from fellow brides on www.weddingbee.com, I decided to download a FREE invitation suite from here. They have quite a few modern and cute designs to choose from. We decided to go with this adorable bunting option.

In fact, it is setting the theme for the wedding. You will see how in the future….Gotta leave some suspense, people!

So far we have spend $0. But at some point we have to print these suckers, right? Well, after researching a number of options, I found the most inexpensive but also reliable option. For under $80, we printed 150 invitations here. One thing I love is that they send you one hard copy to approve (for free!) before they complete your order. So if there is something you want to adjust, you can do it before they are all shipped.

Though this site also has envelopes, I found a less expensive version that also gives a little bit of color. Like so…

These cuties were only $5.55 for 50. I found them here and can’t wait to put it all together and ship them out.

Total for 150 invitations (not including postage)?

~$95

Another cost cutting idea? Adjusting the RSVP card in a Photoshop-like program so that it can fit onto a postcard. No extra envelopes to buy.

How many times have I asked that question since I started planning for the wedding? Quite a lot. Followed closely by a “you should be ashamed of yourself.” Granted that part was in my head, but honestly, what are people thinking charging what they do for wedding stuff? It’s highway robbery. All because there are crazy people who pay it. Well, I’m not one of those crazy people. I may be crazy for other reasons, but I am not paying $3000 to have my wedding reception on the grounds of a pretty house.

So then what have I done so far? Well, our ceremony is going to be at my church. Actually the old church, the original one. It’s part of my youth since I grew up around the building and it also has lots of character. Instead of $3000, it’s only a few hundred. Look at this beaut:

For the reception, we are having it at the Aviary. It’s over 100 years old and is a hidden gem in Lynchburg. I’ve lived here most of my life and never knew it existed. It used to be a bird house. So unique. So cute. And so inexpensive! Only $220 for 8 hours. Since it is owned by the city Parks & Recreation, they are not trying to make money like all the other thieves in this business. Haha. I think it’s going to be absolutely beautiful.

Those are a few things we’ve reserved. I have lots more to share! And you can pretend to be as excited as I am.

Just as I mentioned in the last post, there are some BIG things going on my life. The biggest of which is pretty much explained in the title. On January 7th, 2012, I will become Mrs. Wong! I look forward to thoroughly confusing people who see my last name which is in direct contrast with my very white skin tone.

I’ve known for awhile that I was going to marry this wonderful, thoughtful, sweet, asian hottie named Clarence, but we just didn’t know when. In the last few months since I returned from Manila, we have been trying to find Clarence a job in the US, but nothing was happening. He took a 3 month contract position with a company in Singapore and at the end of it, they offered him a better position, but it required a two year commitment. Well after lots of talking and prayer, we decided it made the most sense. Though I don’t look forward to being apart from my family again, I know that it is only for a season and then (as Clarence promised) we will return to the US. I look forward to spending more time with his family there. And, of course, I always like the adventure of living in a new environment. So please do pray that I can find a job there quickly!

So since I’m getting married in 6 months, be prepared for a lot of wedding posts. In the next few days I’m going to share the first details of my ceremony and reception. It’s DEFINITELY a budget wedding and it’s fun to arrange things and plan for some DIY crafts. So stay tuned! I can’t wait to share more. I’m so blessed!

Sorry there is no day 5 but I got sick that day and was not able to make a video. I hope you enjoy the video from our last day. We had such an amazing time in El Salvador. God is certainly moving through the lives of the people here! We all should be participating in missions and this church showed us how much is possible when you serve with all your heart! We can’t wait to show you the finished video! Until then, enjoy day 6

Well, I figured it was time for an update. I have not gotten rid of the crafty bug. In fact I have a chair I am attempting to slipcover even though I haven’t sewed since 8th grade. Now THAT was a good idea. I got so confused on how to sew a certain corner-ie (new word) thing that I gave myself a headache. Then I said “Forget you” and went and laid on my bed and watched Hitch. Yeah, I showed it who was boss.

What else do I have to work on? A dresser (that I love love love), two end tables, a coffee table, and THIS:

A $15 craigslist nightstand. The shape is awesome. I mean, how cute is that thing? Unfortunately the previous owner had an affinity for pink sponge techniques. Not cute. I’m not sure how many times I said “I’m going to have to go visit this owner” the other day while I was sanding this piece. And it wouldn’t be a friendly visit either. I’m now trying to figure out what color I want to paint it. But I think it’s so adorable!

I’m headed to El Salvador on Tuesday for a week to gather video footage for Wycliffe. My final project for them. So all my crafty projects will be on hold. But then it is on. On like Donkey Kong. Yes, I’m aware no one says that anymore. I was always a rebel.

Next time we meet perhaps I’ll have the finished nightstand to reveal. If I ever conquer the stubborn sponge paint…