We're Back

The honeymoon was nice, very nice. We spent our time in Takesumi Village visiting the sights and eating new dishes and exploring a new culture. We have already decided that we want to go again.



Honeymoon Photo Album

http://flickr.com/photos/9166981@N03/sets/72157602011916145/

Small Update

I need to spend my $500 Farmer's Market Certificate not to mention decoratin the house-our new home. Did I mention that? Opps!

Chad and I moved to Royal Gala, we brought the lot where the Grey house once stood. They sold us the land-something about family financial troubles, so we built a home from scratch!

I like the style, nice concrete with masonary details on the exterior. The upstairs is kind of empty, we'll use that for guest bedrooms and nurserys-when the time comes. Might purchase a tea table, I loved drinking tea in Takezumi Village so much!

Honeymoon

I've planned our honeymoon to the smallest detail-the hard part is not letting Tatiana find out those details. Since we both agree that the far east is a wonderful complex culture, I've planned to spend several simdays at Takemizu Village. With this in mind, I scoured the internet for everything I could find out about Taekmizu and what the best spots are.



I've reserved tours for the Bamboo Forest, the Historic Walking Tour and the RiverBoat Tour



I've made reservations at the local resturaunts so we can enjoy Chirashi and Steamed Rice Bowls.



Not to mention a long list of things we have to do before heading home (according to the guides).



Participate in a traditional tea ceremony

Learn Tai Chi and Acupressure massage from the local classes and "wise men"

Visit a Zen garden and the lucky shrine (and make a wish)

Play mahjong and hear the dragon legend that the guide book says so much about.

Wedding Photos

Lots of changes going on now.



First-my blog is now shared for our family-that means Chad and any children we have will use this blog.



Also I have wedding photos and juicy wedding details:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9166981@N03/sets/72157601613625090/



The Setting: Jacob's Vineyard in Apple Valley. It was reserved for the day and the courtyard held ripen grapes, cherry blossoms and the sweet smell of jasmine. We used lots of rose petals in three different colors along the aisle, guests sat in benchs made from reclaimed wood (in thier former lives they were doors, windows even boats!). The alter was also made of reclaimed wood and an arch draped with grape vines and jasmine and flanked by large wedding bouquets of lillies, daisies, roses and carnations. We were waiting in seperate rooms, Chad with his men and I with my ladies. We spent the last few moments as singles reflecting on our past and exchanging wedding gifts to each other (I recieved a diamond hair broach, he got an engraved leather wallet)



The Attire: The gentlemen (Chad, A'ron and Remington) wore MAXIS tuxedos and suits with golden vests. The bridesmaids (Alexis and Josie) wore custom A.Pentrignani gowns of sage green silk duponi, the matron of honor (Daisy) wore a custom A.Pentrignani gown of chocolate satin with ivory detailing. The bride (me!) wore a custom A.Pentrignani gown of silk accented with crystals. I wore my hair up and the attendants wore thier hair in a braid wrapped around thier head.



The Ceremony: The officant welcomed everyone to the wedding ceremony and we read personlized vows to each other (I perfer to keep those private). Then we were charged as a couple, exchanged rings (reclaimed estate rings that belonged to Chad's grandmother) and kissed each other.



The Reception: After taking group photos we entered the winery to our first dance "Prelude of Love Strings" by Quakey Oaky. Guests then enjoyed a menu that I customized:

Salad:
Baby Greens with Sliced Green Apple, Honeyed Walnuts, Crumbled Bleu Cheese, with Gorgonzola Dressing
Intermezzo:
Cranberry – Vodka
Entrée:
Grilled Veal Chop with Mushroom-Thyme Demi Glace~ OR ~Lobster Tail with Petite Filet Mignon with a Burgundy-Shallot Double Mustard Sauce
Dessert:
Trio of Desserts:Sliced Wedding Cake, Chocolate Marquise with Raspberry Coulis, and Caramel Cheesecake
Wine:
Local Jacob's Vineyard wine from the cellar.



We had a custom rasperry amaretto wedding cake decorated with cherry blossoms, toasts all around and plenty of music for dancing.



The Goodies: Guests left with thick fleece blankets or handbags with cherry blossoms printed on them. Also a donation to "No Red" was given.



Pre/Post-Parties: No photos-well, none that I will share anyway. We had a traditional tea ceremony for guests the night before followed by a long morrocan feast of lamb, stews and other goodies. The next morning guests enjoyed golf or spa sessions (lots of women golfed and plenty of men got facials) before the afternoon ceremony. Afterwards we had a wedding brunch with the guests before they left.



Honeymoon-the hood has decided to hold off on the rotation until after we sign the new deal-so Chad and I are going to go on a honeymoon after then. I can't wait-we're trying to decide what kind of honeymoon we want and we're both pretty settled on visiting the far east.

Married

I'm married! I am now Tatiana Vanderburg!

Quick note, things are going well-time is moving so slowly, I'll put up photos of the wedding soon.

Work and Wedding

This Saturday...I'll be married this Saturday!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Did a photo shoot for Tati's, we've brought some ad space from Pahala Shore. I have a bit more filming to do before the wedding and then our honeymoon.

I'm nervous....and so excited!!!!

Life Going On

I have been chosen to cater meals for the new secondary academy. Each week I develop a menu and deliver the meals to the school for the students. I usually include an entree, salad, and dessert and I try not to have the meals be too exotic, afterall they are just teens. But I do like to give them different meals, such as a Caan Spicy Fruit Salad seasoned with curry and sweet peppers or Samosas.

Chad and I have been praticing for our first dance, nothing too fancy, but it will still be a nice slow dance.

Wedding Update

Wedding plans are moving along, Chad and I have chosen the cake flavors, it will be a three tier cake with painted cherry blossom details on the fondant. Inside will be coconut creme, kalhua dark chocolate, and kiwi spice rum cake. Yummy!
Daisy is in town and we've been doing a lot of wedding stuff, I mean the ceremony is August 18th, which isn't far away at all. To complicate matters, Chad wants to move into something bigger...we'll see.

Tati's

Well, my desicion was made for me. The hood council wanted the land that Euphoria sat on so that they could expand the park. I sold the land and paid off that loan, now I'm focused on Tati's. Most of my Euphoria employees transfered to Tati's, but a few declined the request.

Daisy and the family will be coming to Apple Valley for an extended visit, until after the wedding. I'm trying out new dishes for Tati's and planning the menu for the wedding.

O! The invitations were sent out as well. They were cherry blossom pink with a wax seal.

Food Expo

Been busy with the resturaunts and my lecture for the Food Expo, not to mention the fact that I'm judging some of the food contests.

Been considering closing down one of the resturaunts, or selling it. It's too much work to run two places and to try and maintain them. Euphoria doesn't make sense anymore, especially since the hood isn't as urban as it used to be. Maybe I can focus on Tati's...*sigh*...not sure at all.

Health

I went to the medical centre for a physical and to use the exercise equipment. The manager, Jan, was very nice, very nice indeed. I even brought a few medicines for the medicine cabinet back home. I want to look my best for the wedding. Speaking of wedding, the bridesmaids dresses are almost done. I can't wait to see them in them.

Engagement Photos

We took our engagement photos-we're trying to narrow down and figure out which ones we like the best. We went to The Foundry and Celebration Park for the photos, and it started raining, but it was fun nevertheless.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/starrsim/album/576460762403618143

House and Flowers

It's been a while, so I decided to update with some photos of the house. Ta da! Isn't it beautiful at night? I can't wait until there are children running around in the yard, but that's another story :)
I've been discussing flower options for the wedding. Maybe a wildflower bouquet or a mixed flower bouquet. Chad likes the tulips, but I think they might not be enough for the vineyard, then again, the vineyard may not need a lot of decorating.

Love in the Air

I helped a local couple with thier own love story. I feel so honored to have been included in it, I made sure that they were having a great time at Euphoria and even prepared thier meal myself. Such a lovely couple, I hope thier love lasts forever.

Vacation

Filming for Pahala Shore is complete! I've been looking forward to this vacation for a while now. I need to prepare my lecture and Chad's doing the same. I asked Alexis and Josie to be my bridesmaids-thankfully they agreed, so Chad's having A'ron and his brother and more than likely his brother-in-law (Remington) as his attendants. I have Daisy, Alexis and Josie as my attendants.

I received a strange email from a woman stating to be my mother. She was very rude saying that I had abadoned her and that I was living in a perfect fantasy world-wtf! who is this woman! I was so upset! Grrr....

Things and Stuff

I'm preparing for the local Food Expo. I'm donating two dinners for the raffles (one dinner for two at Euphoria, one dinner for four at Tati's), also they're raffling off a private cooking class and meal preperation from me ^_^ then I'm giving a lecture about the food industry, haven't decided yet. Chad's giving a lecture on bartending. I'm excited.

Had a cooking date with Claudia C from the "adventures of a bride". We were able to use the set kitchens for my cooking show and we had a blast. We tried a bunch of vegetarian dishes like grilled eggplant; tomato & mozarella paneras; and even a mushroom spinach quiche. She's nice, a bit quiet at times which was interesting since her character on AH was loud and...crazy. We talked about "Adventures" and how she's going to use some of her experience from her recent wedding (well, I guess it's not so recent anymore). She even gave me some advice about the wedding, which was nice.

I'm still searching for my wedding dress. Well, not really searching but still working with designers to get the right one. I tried on the first sample from A.Pentragnani, it's nice, very nice actually, but not quite what I want. So it's back to the drawing board. I don't feel quite as bad anymore when they told me that some brides went through six samples before deciding on the right one. SIX custom designed dresses! Yikes!

PS is almost done filming. My final scenes are this week and then we have two months off for the summer. Not sure what I will do. I mean, there's the food expo and then my local cooking show-if the technical issues can be worked out. Also my two resturaunts, but I don't have any projects lined up-aside from a few commercials and ad campaigns. Well, I do have a wedding to plan as well.

until next time

Wedding Plans

Wedding planning is going well. We have decided on a location, it is actually a very good deal. The hood council had recently approved for a vineyard to be built behind the main street. This vineyard is where we will host the wedding....well, at least the reception, depending on the site plans. It is beautiful. Flowing grapevines, arbors, the scent of fresh flowers and good food and wine. I'm in charge of the reception menu. So far I'm thinking of letting wine be the deciding factor and pairing a good wine with each course. There will be a cocktail hour(s) with good drinks flowing-Chad promised to come up with a signature drink for the wedding. FYI-Chad's a great bartender. Also some yummy appetizers. Then we'll have a large meal/feast with live piano music and of course a great cake.

We're attending pre-marital classes as well. The local pastor is helping us think ahead and plan for our marriage. Things like division of chores, respect and money issues. I advise all engaged couples to take pre-marital classes.

Also, we have our colors: sage green, cherry blossom pink and brown.

I have a meeting with the designers from A.Pentragnani to discuss the looks for my bridesmaids...I suppose I should find some bridesmaids. At least we have the colors to begin the designs-which the company plans on releasing internationally so other brides and maids can dress like my wedding party-as if they would want to do that?!

until next time

Testing

First, Chad and I declined the offer to manage the orphanage. Actually, it was declined for us. The hood decided that it didn't have the resources nor demand at this time to house an orphanage.

Second, we're back on the PS set working. I have an offer for a televised cooking show. I didn't want to jinx it by mentioning it, but we filmed the pilot episode and it will be aired to a select audience to test thier opinions on the show. Typically indoor cooking show. We're going to do another episode with grilling and I think another one with candy making.

Third, there are new faces on the studio lots. The "Adventures of a Bride" cast has arrived, thier set is next to ours. So some of the PS cast has walked over there to see the newbies :P I met the woman who plays the bride, Claudia. She's nice, we're both interested in cooking and food, so we spent a good deal of time debating if blacken catfish is best if pan-seared, pan-seared and then roasted in the oven, or simply roasted in the oven. It feels good to talk to another sim about such things without them rolling thier eyes or getting glassy eyes :P

Wedding planning is going well, we're thinking about having the wedding in a winery. There would be plenty of rooms for the guests to stay in and we could host some pre-wedding activities such as wine tasting and maybe even some rounds of golf and spa treatments.

Yikes, they're calling my name!

The Return to Work

LOL-my title sounds like a bad B-movie.

Well, a few more days until the holiday is over. I enjoyed my time off. We spent time fishing, rollar skating and simply relaxing. Daisy and I really bonded over the holidays, I'm glad she's going to be my matron of honor, she's so calm and pratical and logical. She helped me sort through a lot of things going on in my mind that I couldn't talk to Chad about and she's calmed down my nerves about the whole marriage prospect.

Here are some photos of the holiday
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/starrsim/album/576460762397293407

Once we return to work, we also return to Apple Valley and life...as usual. In addition to Pahala Shore, I'll be working with Euphoria and Tati's, and...Chad and I recieved an offer...I'm not sure if we should take it.

Apple Valley wants us to manage the new orphanage. It would mean moving out of our current home and caring for up to six children that await placement in local homes. We would stay on campus with the children and tend to thier needs. It would be good for us, especially since we're not in a rush to have children once we marry, but...I'm not sure about leaving our home. We would get a small salary, which doesn't matter due to our salary, but it seems like, like the children would need a more stable environment. Thankfully Chad will be around more than I will, but...I don't know. We could always commute each day and simply care for the kids at night...it doesn't seem like the right thing for us to do, but then again I LOVE children and an orphanage would be dear to my heart. Even if we don't accept the offer, I'll support the orphanage, however...I wish there was an easy answer.

I'm looking forward to seeing the cast again. Contracts have been delivered and we all know who's gotten the ax, thankfully I didn't ^_^, but a few other cast members did. In addition to seeing the cast, Chad and I need to start wedding planning, all we've done is select colors and a month. We need to chose a date as well, and a venue, and attire, and make a guest list, and find flowers, and....you get the idea.

until next time

Wedding Plans

Well our break has been extended until April 15th, yay! I'm really enjoying it here. I've had plenty of time to think and relax.

Chad and I decided that June was not going to work for our wedding, so we're doing the wedding in August. It works better with my color scheme (sage, brown, white, tan) and gives me more time to plan. Now I need to chose my bridesmaids, we have our honor attendants (his brother and sister) and I guess I need to start dress shopping. Daisy is helping me look at a few things around here. I suppose we should start a guest list...that would work.

I've also decided to open another resturaunt once the repairs are complete. Euphoria will be moving to Apple Valley proper, but will be near the more modern homes in the hood. I want to open Tati's, a more ethnic resturaunt near the town centre. Nicole has been telling me about the plans for the new Apple Valley (as residents have started calling it). They sound exciting. I can't wait to see it.

*yawn* I think I'll go take a nap, make even take a walk.

until next time