registry completed....arrrgh (or take off the gh and make it a good pirate arrr - of course cover one eye if you choose that)

so it's finally all done. Our registry is up and running. Woohoo......I think?

Links are at the bottom if you want to skip my rant.
This whole registry thing is really weird. I have to say I always prefer when people have registries, it makes decsions so much easier and I know I am getting the person something they like. I can use my own great ideas when and if I have them, but they are never reliable and so then the registry comes in nice and handy.

Being on the other end of it this time was a totally different experience. How do people do this? So many decisions, what do I want, what do I need, how many, do places even have things I like cause I have to say that no one had charlies angels (the tv show-not movie) dinnerware. My brain still hurts and it is surprisingly exhausting.
I am also a person who has a hard time asking for things and that is still something I am grappling with. So even though I have absolutely no expectations about receiving anything, from anyone, it is still odd to me to put this giant wish list out there in the universe. My sister and Peter's mommy were a big help here. Thanks to both of you for going with me and all your help. Thanks to my mommy as well, cause even though she wasn't in the store with me, she had to put up with lots (and I do mean lots) of phone conversations surrounding the issue. Though she is probably used to putting up with most of my issues by now!

Well... despite my hesitations, here it is - our registry spread throughout three places: kitchen stuff plus, homeoutfitters and sears. Through the three we managed to find a selection of items we actually liked. I am providing links, but sears is the only one that has both the registry and online shopping available. Kitchen stuff I believe will email a list, but can't be accessed directly from the site. They do have online shopping, but aren't able to track purchases that way. As for homeoutfitters they have taken away all online shopping - what's up with that....all the bay related stores have done this. Don't these people understand that I no longer know how to shop any other way. Bad homeoutfitters, bad. Ok, actually, you may be able to purchase directly from the registry online, but I am not sure about that. I know all their other shopping is gone.

kitchen stuff plus - http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/giftregistry/index.php?m=29
registry #1242

homeoutfitters - http://www.hbc.com/registry/find.aspx?gs=GIFTREGISTRY&site=bay&langid=EN
registry #08161226

sears - http://www.giftregistry.sears.ca/gift/egrSearch002.jsp
registry #200909336176

hotel recommendations

Well it took forever, but after asking around and scouring the internet we finally came up with a few recommendations for places to stay. We decided upon two of the more reasonably priced, but familiar hotels in the downtown core. Both options are a short taxi or transit ride to the venue.
Check internet prices as they quite often offer a better deal, however be aware of cancelation policies, etc. Also check to see if they have deals for CAA/AAA members, seniors, and such.
Currently (14th april) the rates at Days Hotel were a better price. I can't begin to say why, but there was something about the Holiday Inn that appealed to me more overall though.
There are tons of travel sites dedicated to finding deals so if neither of these appeal or you want to try to find a deal at one of the fancier establishments, then take a peak around for special offers, but hopefully this will help get things rolling.

Holiday Inn Express - 111 Lombard street, toronto, M5C 2T9
1 416 367 5555
www.hiexpress.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/yyzls

Days Hotel & conference centre - 30 Carlton street, toronto, M5B 2E9
1 416 977 6655
http://www.dayshoteltoronto.ca/

If you feel like something more luxurious, there are a plethora of options out there for you. A good intersection to use as a location guideline is Queen and Yonge streets.
To help guide you the link below will take you to a map of the area, our venue, etc.
http://www.weddingmapper.com/toronto/on/visit/0w329d

updates.........only slightly, but some venue porn

Finally had our first meeting with the planner from the venue, which has actually resulted in us actually getting a few things done.

Working on hotel recommendations so they should be coming along soon. Invites mostly done. Actually got around to finding an officiate. That's right, I have accomplished something that isn't craft related.


Peter and I still love the berkeley just as much as when we first viewed it. We tried to take some photos, but by the time we got around to it most of the lights were turned off. Oddly the only rooms that were still well lit well lit were the bathrooms.

Ah well, I have an odd thing for bathroom pics so I guess it's appropriate - these at least weren't graphic ones. (...and yes, I know, sometimes I share too much...........please still come to our wedding - heehee)