Wedding Wednesday, The Name Change Process?

For this Wedding Wednesday I wanted to get some help and suggestions from all of you who have gone through the name change process. I know that it varies by city and state but for the most part I have heard it is a pretty lengthy process.

I heard a horror story of a girl who got married and changed her name but forgot to change the name on her passport. So when she was on a trip overseas and was trying to re-enter the United States, customs wouldn't let her through.

My wedding is on August 31st, 2014 and we are leaving the country for our honeymoon on December 28, 2014. I do not have a passport yet. So my question to you is, should I:

A. Change my name immediately after the wedding and then get my passport with my new name on it. Will there be enough time to get that done?

OR

B. Get my passport with my current name and wait to change my name until after our honeymoon. When we get back I then change my name and get a new passport with my new name?

Has anyone been married in Maryland and then changed their name? If so, I found this information. Can you tell me if that is accurate? Thanks so much and I really appreciate any comments/suggestions you may have :)

Our Wedding Website

XoXo

Restaurant Review, San Sushi Too

Name: San Sushi Too

Location: 10 West Pennsylvania Avenue Towson, Maryland 21204 Located in Towson Maryland convenient to the courthouses, businesses, bars, Towson Town Mall, and Towson University. There is plenty of street parking which is free after 6pm Monday- Friday and there is a lot behind the building.

Prices: Our total bill was $64 and we got 2 glasses of pinot grigio, 2 craft beers, shrimp wonton appetizer, spicy beef salad, "Dewalt" sushi, and the "Grace Gordon" roll. We had a living social deal which we paid $15 to get $30 worth of food so that night we really only spent $34 plus tip for this meal.

Food: The shrimp wonton appetizer had 4 large wontons and a lot of flavor (I think they could have been crispier). It was served with a great dipping sauce. The sauce was thin, not creamy, and was a bit sweet.

The spicy beef salad is a must try. Jon got this and it was sooooo good. It is really spicy though so beware. When he was finished eating it, he was sweating a little ;) I don't eat meat but I tried a bite without beef.... delicious! The jalapeno slices and parsley make it taste so fresh. 

The "Dewalt" sushi was served in a bowl with peppered rare tuna, mango slices, cucumber slices, minced garlic, and a sauce that had a spice to it... I believe the sauce was vinegar based.

The Grace Gordon roll was my favorite- Shrimp, crab meat, avacado, scallions, and minced garlic. Mmmmm soo good!

Ambiance: We sat at the bar and had the best time watching the chefs make everything. It was amazing how talented they are and how fast they work. Bruce was really friendly and kept us entertained! He accidentally added a spicy sauce to someone else's roll and offered it to us for free (heck yes! we don't mind spicy). Lee was the other chef- he takes his work seriously and is really talented. We truly enjoyed our time. Places were set with paper napkins, a ramekin for soy sauce, and chop sticks (we had to ask for forks and knives because we aren't that skilled lol). Our server was just mediocre and wasn't efficient in getting us our second round of drinks... we had to get his attention more than once. Although he did serve us waters without us having to ask! One last thing to add- I love that their walls are all chalkboard and they have their special sushi rolls written all over. Too much to choose from- if you can't find something you don't like then you must be crazy! 

XoXo

My Weekend in Pictures

Saturday shopping at Lowes (Michael Kors bag)

Finally put out the flag for Spring

Sunday tanning and errands (Ted Baker tote)

Naya sandals

Sunday dinner at Ryleighs Oyster House

Jack Rogers sandals on sale at Rue la la for $79! (Here's an invitation to join)

XoXo

Five on Friday

A whole bunch of randomness!

1. I love reading the Little Baby Garvin blog but then again, who doesn't!? She posted a contest for only her instagram followers last weekend. All you had to do was tag a friend for a chance to win these cute koozies. I took a chance and tagged my sister hoping that we would win but expecting that we wouldn't... because I'm never THAT lucky. And what do ya know..... WE WON. I am so so so excited! Follow jlgarvin on instagram because you never know when she'll post another contest :)

You can purchase these koozies here and here

2. Looking forward to this Summer when I can wear my recent Hope's purchases! Ladies- I shop online at Hope's allllll the time. Everything (no matter how much or how little) is free shipping and no tax. If you have a Hope's representative you will receive 10% off each order. AND they are constantly offering flash sales. Great online store... check it out.

Wherever Love Goes Dress

Home Before Daylight Top

3. I mentioned this in a post over the weekend but I figured it was worth mentioning twice, maybe even three times ;) Ever heard of Uber? Friends of ours have been talking about it and I read more about it on A. Liz Adventures. With this app, you can request (in certain cities, Baltimore being one of them) a cab or a black Town car right from your phone. Here's why this app is going to change the world:

• You can get an exact estimate of how long it will take the cab or black car to reach your destination
• You can get an estimate of the ride fare
• You pre-load your payment info, so when the ride comes, you just hop in and hop out -- even tip is already included in the estimated cost. No payment = SAFETY in my book.
• You can read the ratings and see the license plate number of the car and driver that is coming to get you
• You can track the car's GPS location as they make their way to you and as you head to your destination right there on the app
• They have an awesome referral program so that you can earn rides! You can enter code "pi1m5" to earn three free rides from me. Seriously!

Just a few weeks ago Jon and I waited an hour for a cab to take us to dinner... only for it to not show up. But I can assure you that won't be happening any longer because we will no longer be using old school cab companies that you have to call!!! With Uber there is no waiting on the line for 5 minutes to order a cab. So, I recommend that you pause your reading now and start downloading this free app ;)

4. Added an adorable round mirror and framed picture to a blank wall in my master bedroom. I had my eye on this framed picture at Pottery Barn but just can't seem to accept the price. So I decided to shop my own house and found these 2 pieces that were just laying around!

Throw pillow

Chair

Buddha statue

5. If you follow me on instagram you may have seen this photo I posted last night. Little Charlie the yorkie came over for a play date! (You can follow me at justine_ball)

Want to link up? Just copy and paste the logo at the bottom of your post. And link to one or all of the hostess blogs!

XoXo

Baltimore's Adoptable Dogs, April 2014

Betty adoptable through Baltimore Bully Crew

Located in Baltimore, MD. This is Betty. Contact Baltimore Bully Crew to foster or adopt Betty. 

baltimorebullycrew@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/baltimorebullycrew
www.baltimorebullycrew.com
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MD393.html

Bill adoptable through Bella's Bully Buddies

Hi! My name is Bill and what I'm looking for is a forever family--could that be YOU??? I charm everyone I meet, even the super nice staff at the vet who helped me find Bella's! I get to be part of a great foster family with two foster sisters - one with two legs and one with four. I love being part of the pack! When my human foster sister's friends come over I ::puffs out chest:: turn on the charm and become a total ladies man! I might have just had my first birthday but I'm still a big puppy and with lots of energy so I'd probably be better in a home with an active family with older children and maybe another doggie sibling - I love to play and snuggle up with my furry foster sister at night. My foster mom says I'm a handsome guy; with my beautiful hazel eyes, milk chocolate brown fur and all four of my paws look like they have been dipped in delectable white chocolate.  I sound YUMMY don't I?? I am filling out nicely and have gained some needed weight while hanging out on the couch and enjoying many treats! I am about 40 lbs now. Guess what else... I am crate trained, housebroken and know basic commands like sit, stay, lay down and leave it. I am currently in obedience classes learning how to be a "good boy". Foster mom says I'm eager to please and I love everyone!

The first step to making this awesome dog part of your family is to fill out an application at http://bellasbullybuddies.org/bbb-webapp/adoptionApplication/index.  But you have to hurry... you don't want to miss out on this furbaby!!

Triss Big Smiles adoptable at Animal Advocates of Baltimore County

Triss is something special as you can see from her big smiles and gentle leaning. She is very attentive, listens well and mostly wants to be loved and give love. She is, oh so, gentle and truly a heart warmer.

XoXo

Wedding Wednesday, Cake Tasting

When we booked our venue (The Vandiver Inn), the price we paid included most everything including a wedding coordinator and THE CAKE! The Vandiver has a great relationship with Desserts by Rita (a local company that make simply the best cakes e.v.e.r.)! I love that everything was stress free for me. Jon and I literally just showed up to the cake shop, tasted and picked our favorite flavors, designed the cake, and voila nothing left for me to do. The Vandiver and Desserts by Rita have everything taken care of and I don't need to worry about payment or anything the day of the wedding.

When we arrived to the shop I have to say we were a little shocked. It's a tiny little place on Rt40 on a big parking lot so it looks like it's kind of just sitting in the middle of nowhere. When we walked in it felt like an old town bakery. It wasn't modern but boy did all the desserts look good. And the smell. OH EM GEE my mouth started watering.

We tasted about 5 or 6 different cakes and I have to admit it was very hard to choose a flavor because everything was delicious. The chocolate raspberry cake was my favorite so we chose that for our top tier... the tier that Jon and I will eat on our 1 year anniversary. Then we chose a lemon cake for the middle tier... it was so good and refreshing; we think everyone will enjoy it especially at our summer wedding. We chose a simple vanilla and chocolate cake as our bottom tier because we figured we can't go wrong with that... who doesn't like chocolate or vanilla cake?  The best part about the tasting is that we got to take the leftovers home! 

Designing the cake was pretty simple. I knew I wanted something classic and elegant. We also used the colors of the wedding (Gold and Seafoam). I won't share all of the details though to leave it as a surprise on our wedding day :)

Our wedding website

XoXo

April Happenings in Baltimore

March for the Animals Sunday April 27, 2014 9:00am-2:00pm at Druid Hill Park

The March for the Animals is the Maryland SPCA's largest annual fundraiser, raising over $365,000 for the animals. This 1.5 mile walkathon is a great way for animal-lovers to support the MD SPCA's mission of helping pets and people. The day is full of great activities including: pet contests, an agility course, training classes, pet demonstrations and entertainment. All of the money raised goes toward our adoption center, pet owner education, and the care of lost and homeless animals. If you have any questions, please contact Tami Gosheff, Special Events and Outreach Manager, at 410.235.8826 x138 or tgosheff@mdspca.org

Food Truck Festival Various dates, times, and locations

Come out & play. Baltimore's best family friendly mobile food festival. Each Gathering benefits one or more 501c3 charities. Thousands of dollars have been donated to organizations such as The United Way, The American Heart Association, The Baltimore Woman's Industrial Exchange, Art with a Heart, There Goes My Hero Foundation and BARCS, to name a few. In addition to our Baltimore causes, The Gatherings organized and filled a donation truck for the victims of Hurricane Sandy in the Fall of 2012. 

Highlandtown Wine Festival Sunday April 27, 2014 1:00pm-6:00pm on the corner of Conkling and Claremont Street

The Highlandtown Community Association and Di Pasquale's Italian Market are pleased to announce the 11th annual Highlandtown Wine Festival — celebrating the tradition of home winemaking. As usual the event will be held on Claremont Street at the corner of Conkling Street. The festival features a Homemade Wine Competition, Wine Tastings, a Bocce Tournament, plenty of food and live music.

Orioles Baseball Various dates and times at Camden Yards

Friday April 25, 2014 7:05pm fireworks after the game. Check out the website for more promotions.

Cheese Making Class Wednesday April 30, 2014 6:00pm-8:00pm at Heavy Seas Alehouse

Keswick Creamery will lead a cheese making class, teaching guests how to make both Ricotta and Queso Fresco. Guest will receive 6 beer tastings and light appetizers during the event. Come back on a future date to try your cheese! Tickets are $25/person and include the class, 6 year long beer tastings, tax and gratuity.

Reds, Whites, and Bluegrass Various dates 1:00pm-5:00pm at Boordy Vineyards

Enjoy Boordy's selection of red wines and white wines to the tunes of Baltimore's best bluegrass bands playing outdoors on the patio (inside the Boordy Barn if the weather is bad). You may bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic - or purchase food from our caterer.  Six wine samples and an engraved Boordy wineglass are included in your admission.

Bunny Breakfast & Train Ride Friday April 18, 2014 and Saturday April 19, 2014 8:30am-9:30am at B&O Railroad Museum

Join us for our annual Easter Bunny breakfast buffet in the Roundhouse. Enjoy story time with Choo Choo Blue, the museum's mascot, take a carousel ride, and have your photo taken with our guest of honor! Then "All Aboard" for an exclusive train ride with the B&O Bunny! 

XoXo