tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76674005771921940362024-03-13T20:18:11.335-04:00The Rules Of EngagementsNeed a game-plan for popping the question? From that romantic beach moment to an exciting proposal on a helicopter, find step-by-step recipes for the start of a memorable engagement.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-6903595146259189182009-06-07T07:10:00.003-04:002009-06-07T07:13:13.139-04:00Chris and JaclynJaclyn and Chris had plans to go down to Belmar, NJ on that Saturday night for a walk on the beach and dinner. The weather that day was amazing! Chris was acting strange the whole day. He claimed to be at the laundromat for 3 hours and Jaclyn believed him (he was really getting the ring set, talk about last minute)!! The couple did some errands together and then Chris informed Jaclyn that heStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-35533264057795688332009-06-07T05:30:00.000-04:002009-06-07T07:17:56.356-04:00The Key to My Heart <3Give away the key to your heart.You will need a necklace box (including the cardboard insert), a key on a string, and the ring.Easy option: Purchase a key necklace. Check out this one or amazon. If the necklace does not come in a jewelry box you can easily purchase one from a jewelry store or online. (See below, Tiffany & Co sells keys!)If you are a bit more crafty follow this idea:You can Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-39998990268983130772009-04-28T20:25:00.003-04:002009-04-28T20:30:04.301-04:00Timming is EverythingKids, be mindful of your proposal date. Proposing right before mid-terms or in between huge events or projects at work can be hell for both of you. I had no idea how much time James and I were going to spend talking on the phone, going out with people, and writing emails after our engagement. Of course I loved it all... BUT it was a super hectic time for me at work and since he did it on a Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-37135836983410829202009-04-22T23:56:00.002-04:002009-04-23T12:54:50.508-04:00We want to hear your proposal storySend them to us at therulesofengagements@gmail.comStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-13111246416613820472009-04-22T22:50:00.003-04:002009-04-23T09:50:50.793-04:00Puppies, Puppies, PuppiesWe love doggies. A few months ago I fell in love with a King Charles puppy at a local pet store. James spent weeks thinking about stringing my engagement ring around the puppy's collar. He wanted to surprise me with the puppy and what a surprise it would have been to pick it up and notice the ring! I would have died. James ultimately decided that another dog would have been a huge commitment and Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-68990351175874604062009-04-22T22:41:00.003-04:002009-04-23T09:50:36.416-04:00We Love WineJames admits that if he had given more time to our proposal, he would have proposed using a customized bottle of wine. As you know, he proposed in upstate NY and while planning the weekendfound this great winery not too far from where we were staying. They can customize the labels on bottles of wine to say anything you might want. They can even include a picture of the two of you!! Readers Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-59521350120709655972009-03-11T07:23:00.004-04:002009-03-19T09:37:15.244-04:00Steph and James' Proposal StorySo, we are finally getting around to blogging about it. Being engaged is hard work! haha!James planned a surprise adventure for the two of us after an extremely busy few weeks. After a three hour drive to Saratoga Springs, we went to a creperie for lunch, and then pulled up to the most gorgeous Bed and Breakfast, a 19th century carriage house. I kid you not, I cried when I saw it, the place was Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-33419861161289941112009-02-21T20:05:00.008-05:002009-04-21T16:01:48.152-04:00Snowy proposalsTake advantage of Mother Nature by using a spray can or bottle to pop the question on the front lawn or drive way or at a local park.You can either buy some eco-friendly spray paint or you can do what my mom used to do when I was younger. Take an old spray bottle (think Windex or hair spray) and fill it with water and food coloring. Then spray "Will you marry me?"in the snow.I could see this Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-66669294505543164012009-02-21T17:42:00.003-05:002009-02-21T20:05:33.517-05:00At the Airport (not the airplane)I travel frequently, but rarely with my significant other. He does however pick me up at the gate fairly often. I am usually emotional after a long flight and time away from the comforts of him and our hound, Vanessa.Cost: about $2 and the cost of the ring.Time needed: 10 minutes? (trip to CVS and writing "Will you marry me?" on the poster.I imagine you are planning on picking up your significantStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-59376706122782189542009-02-20T21:00:00.003-05:002009-04-22T23:50:39.521-04:00Cookies =)You can get some cookies from a local bakery made up to say "Marry me" A yummy treat and oh so lovely =)Totally easy because you can give it at anytime, with very little planning. Put the ring in the box with the treats or present it as they open the box.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-69665249422425372752009-02-20T20:54:00.002-05:002009-02-20T21:00:28.475-05:00roses... not clicheRoses... for most women totally romantic. Why not use rose petals (or her favorite flowers) to pop the question. You can set it up in her room or yours or at a hotel. Let the hotel know that you are doing this and they might help by offering champagne and candles. Have a trail of petals from the elevator to the hotel room or her front door to her room. Easy, lovely, and cheap.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-35445420235286457742009-02-20T20:30:00.005-05:002009-04-06T09:39:50.339-04:00By the light of candles....Romantic, easy, and memorable.Spell out "Will you marry me?" in candles... turn off all the lights and what a surprise they will find when they walk in the door. It might be after a late night at the office or a night out on the town. Words to the wise, never leave candles lit unattended.Candles are cheap, I found these at Target.comStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-58535969756832312412009-02-20T19:32:00.006-05:002009-02-20T20:20:42.399-05:00Handy with a computer?This is another proposal at a restaurant- but it is super creative.Time needed: you need to talk to the folks at the location (30 minutes?) and re-type the menu (30 minutes) and pick out the ring (varies)Cost: Dinner and the ring =)Select a restaurant that is either romantic or has significance in your life/relationship. (think: where you met, first date, favorite joint) Head down to the place Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-44359333293234055282009-02-12T14:17:00.001-05:002009-04-23T09:50:36.417-04:00Updated Version of the Ring in a Champagne GlassOut to eat? When dessert comes make sure the chief knows you want thisStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-66292016062957944542009-02-12T14:05:00.004-05:002009-02-20T21:13:37.694-05:00Getting Engaged Over Dinner? Proposing Using DinnerwareFor anyone who loves food =)Use this kit to make a dinner plate that says "Will you marry me?" Watch their eyes light up as the phrase becomes visible.How to: Either get a dinner plate engraved from here or here. Directions on how to etch your own dinnerware (I would not say this is easy though)Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-23380772383465687732009-02-05T09:45:00.002-05:002009-02-05T09:48:10.146-05:00RulesThe numbers are in:90% of women want the man to get down on one knee and have a ring to give her (even if he will be enlisting her help later to pick out the actual engagement ring)**81% of women said that asking mom and dads permission is vital. **Who would have thought?**theknot.comStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-12871888889395181272009-02-05T08:48:00.003-05:002009-02-05T08:51:11.475-05:00My thoughts on a Thursday MorningDoes he have to talk to your dad?According to this blog, yes he does.Oy vey, I get nervous thinking about.Please leave your experiences here... What the hell did you do?And I would love to hear about couples who announced it together to their families.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-55234805946773636442009-01-31T01:02:00.003-05:002009-01-31T01:11:27.691-05:00Paloma's Nest, Handcrafted Modern HeirloomsI really love this woman's work... pick any item and get "will you marry me" printed on it.They will love that they have something they will always have. I love the thought of giving it to siblings or children so they can propose to the love of their lives.http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18892706Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-88813433622716019952009-01-30T09:52:00.003-05:002009-02-12T14:21:32.352-05:00Getting creative with a cameraYou will need a camera and a bit of time to execute this one.Price: 0-50 (all you need is a camera (borrow one if you don't have one) and whatever it costs to get the images printed at a photo store or buy photo paper if you have a printer and a photo album if you chose to purchase one (you could also make one or use shutter fly))How: Take pictures of the words will, you, marry, & me. CompileStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-64106367755922258412009-01-30T09:42:00.004-05:002009-02-12T14:28:26.260-05:00Giving Her Jewelry Before Giving Her the RingThrow her off by giving her a necklace or bracelet.Price: 0-100 (You have to chose another piece of jewelry to give her: I recommend this site)How to: Purchase the ring and the other piece of jewelry, get it engraved to say "Will you marry me?" "Will you be my wife?" "Will you spend the rest of your life with me?" I love this piece, its inexpensive and cute. Keep in mind that this may take a few Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-45337785717475170292009-01-29T14:57:00.004-05:002009-01-30T09:45:23.895-05:00Engagement RingsI usually don't do this but I cant help but comment on a few things about rings.Please note that these are totally our opinions and some people will not agree at all. I recently stumbled upon these two websites: http://www.diamondnexuslabs.com/ and http://www.danforthdiamond.com/. Totally ethical, totally eco-friendly, and way cheaper than Kay, Zales, and Tiffanys.Reasons why I love lab-created Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-67009717899118646112009-01-29T13:39:00.003-05:002009-02-05T08:56:19.987-05:00Knowing your Significant OtherJames and I were discussing some of my latest proposal ideas last night and he brought up a VERY good point. We might have some great ideas for proposing, but if the proposal doesn't match the person it really does not matter how much thought, time, or money you have put it to it.Guys and girls do not understand each other, no matter how much they are in love. Some people really want a formal Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-23784958266660081622009-01-29T11:20:00.002-05:002009-01-29T13:39:20.908-05:00How do they do that?I recently heard a story about a woman who's bf put the ring on her finger while she was sleeping... I think that is an awesome way to propose (probably because I am a morning person and some of my favorite moments include laying in my cozy bed) but, how do they do it?Please comment if you have proposed or if you were proposed to this way.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-30318234878713838082009-01-28T13:37:00.005-05:002009-04-23T09:53:40.134-04:00For those who enjoy a good glass of wineWe drink a good amount of red wine in our house... just ask James.Why not present the ring tied around the stem of a glass of wine?Prep Time Needed: An hour tops not including purchasing a ringCost: Cheap. The only expenses (other than the ring) would be purchasing wine, wine glasses, and dinner if they are neededHere's How:Idea #1: Obviously you need to purchase a ring. You also need to have Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7667400577192194036.post-72867841288211986942009-01-28T13:31:00.004-05:002009-01-30T15:21:32.082-05:00Talking to the folksI know that people totally stress about this one.Here are my thoughts: It might seem old-fashioned but I like the idea. It brings you closer to your soon-to-be in-laws. I just read that you are not sitting down with them for permission- because technically they can't stop you- you are asking for their blessing. I suggest taking his/her folks out to lunch, but if that is not possible you can Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02371253397884413827noreply@blogger.com0