Weekend Ramblings

My weekend has been wonderfully relaxing so far. It's nice to just stay at home for a full weekend and get things accomplished.

Last night, I went with my Maid of Honor, Alyssa, and her parents out to a tasty dinner at my favorite Thai restaurant, Rice. We shared the Basil Lamb and the Chicken Panang Curry. It was so delicious! Afterward, we came to my parent's house to play the game Loaded Questions with my parents, older brother Chris, and his wife Michelle. Has anyone ever played this game? It was so fun, especially if you have a really loud and inappropriate family, such as mine. Add some wine to the mix and it got a little out of control...


Today has been pretty productive! I've worked out and thoroughly cleaned out my bathroom cabinets. I love having everything clean and organized! My mom and I just went to this new butcher shop that just opened to pick out some delicious food to cook tonight. We chose this awesome look flank steak stuffed with garlic, feta cheese, and spinach. It looks so pretty - I'll let you know how it turns out.

Have a great Saturday!

Dreaming of our Honeymoon

Since it's been so cold and rainy lately, I've found myself dreaming of being on our honeymoon. I can't wait for a full week of sun, food, relaxation, drinks, and most importantly being Michael's new wife! I thought I'd share a few pics of our honeymoon destination:

It cannot get here fast enough!

Thursday = Survivor

I've mentioned before that I'm a huge reality TV loser...Survivor is my favorite though! I'm so glad it's back. This season is in the Brazilian Highlands. It's pretty good so far! I've secretly always wanted to be on Survivor, but I'd probably pass out from the lack of food after one day. Does anyone else watch Survivor? I don't really have any favorites yet, but it still is early.


I'm so glad tomorrow starts the weekend! I have a very relaxing weekend of nothing planned. Maybe a little cleaning out of my closet...maybe going to see Twilight again at the dollar theater (don't judge)...probably cooking some yummy food/drinking vino. Definitely getting some good sleep!

I also need to work on a few of my projects for the wedding. I need to finish our card box, look for candy buffet scoops, work on other paper projects, etc, etc. I also am planning on sending out my wedding invitations in a couple weeks, so I need to start assembling them!

Have a great night!

Random Thoughts

Here's what's going on with me today!

• Michael got offered a great new job today! It's just what we've been hoping for, although he'll be very sad to leave his current position. It's such a blessing for him to find this perfect job during this economy!
• I got my hair done tonight - not quite as exciting as Michael's job, but good nonetheless. Just a trim and highlight touch-ups. I'm growing my hair out for the wedding!
• My personalized napkins arrived from For Your Party. They are so CUTE! I want to order more, just because it was so fun (even though I don't need more personalized napkins).
• I found super cute and affordable bridesmaid's shoes today (we're talking under $30 here people)...I ordered a pair to see how they look in person. Fingers crossed!
• My friend, Mrs. Southern Belle, has gotten me interested in One Tree Hill. The last thing I need is another TV show!!
• I'm going for my wedding cake tasting/consultation on Tuesday and I can't WAIT!
• I need some good ideas for hostess gifts for my next shower in a few weeks. Any ideas?
  
• I really want a new handbag.

Sorry, that's all I got tonight! Have a great Wednesday night!

Spring Bags

There are so many cute handbags out for Spring already! Spring is my FAVORITE season for clothes :) I love all the bright colors and fresh fabrics. I haven't bought a new handbag in probably 2 years (wow, that's bad). I'm very picky on my bags and once I get one, I usually stick with it for a while. Here are some beauties I've been eying...

J.Crew Bella Satchel

Printed Tory Burch Tory Tote (not a handbag, but still SO CUTE)

Kate Spade Cozumel Oval Basket

Coach Parker Satchel - I'm normally not a big Coach person, but this yellow is so perky for Spring (and it doesn't have "C"s all over it!)

Unfortunately, my money saving plan does not allow for a new bag! Let me know if you find any beautiful budget handbags out there. I definitely need a new one!

Favorite Shampoo/Conditioner?

So I'm about to run out of my shampoo and conditioner, and I'm thinking about switching it up. I currently use Biolage Bodifying Shampoo and Conditioner:


I have REALLY fine, straight hair. You've seen pictures - you really can't get any straighter than my hair and I've never used a straightener on it. Even though it's super low maintenance, I really wish I had at least SOME body to my hair.

I really would love to get your recommendations for your favorite brands (especially girls out there with fine, straight, limp hair like me)! Anyone care to share your hair secrets?

(Did I just write a whole post about my hair? Yes, I did.)

Great weekend!

I have had such a great weekend!

Dinner with my friends Friday night was fun, as usual. The movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic, was not so great (in my opinion). I just didn't think it flowed well...or it was just trying too hard? I wasn't a big fan. Sorry to anyone who loved it!

Yesterday morning, my parents, Max, and I headed off for an overnight trip to my Mom's hometown, Americus, Georgia! It's a small town in South Georgia. We spent the night at the Resort at Lake Blackshear, right outside of Americus. It was such a relaxing day. We walked around downtown, which was nostalgic for my Mom. We ate lunch and did a little shopping - they have a cute boutique downtown!

Here is Max in the car. I love how his eyes are closed!

My mom and I standing in downtown Americus.Since we are all big history buffs, we drove the short distance to Andersonville (the Civil War prison) to visit the museum and park. It's pretty fascinating!
Then we checked into the hotel and took Max on a walk. It's so beautiful and relaxing. The Resort at Lake Blackshear is right on the water. I love it!

Then we went out to dinner at one of my Mom's favorite restaurants. She's been going there since she was a little girl!

I'm excited to watch the Oscars tonight - well more excited to see everyone's dresses! I'll also be drinking some champagne in celebration :) I don't need much of an excuse to pop open some champagne! I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Friday Night!

I am SO glad it's Friday! I have such a fun weekend planned ahead. Tonight, I'm going out with two of my great friends!

We're getting dinner here (steamed mussels, our fav!)

And of course, there will be red wine...

Then we're off to see Confessions of a Shopaholic after dinner!

Tomorrow, I'm heading out of town for the night with my parents. I'm excited for some relaxation time with my parents (and our dog, Max). I hope your weekend is wonderful!

Lilly Stationery

I am absolutely obsessed with the new line of Lilly Pulitzer stationery! I've already picked up a few items, but I could definitely buy tons more. It's so adorable! Here is what I have so far :)

I got this adorable Latte Da Mug - it's perfect for brightening up my desk at work! Drinking my morning coffee is so much better with my cute mug.

I love these little cocktail napkins. I'm sure Michael can't wait to use them in our house ;)

There is nothing more classic than a Lilly Pulitzer Shift Dress. What could be better than little shift dress notecards?!

Last, but not least, these adorable circle note cards. They're perfect for my desk at home.

I'm sure this stationery line is already super popular. Best of all, everything is very reasonably priced. I would definitely suggest checking it out!

Family Pics

I'm sort of having writer's block tonight, so I thought I'd just post some family pictures.

My brothers and me at Country Fair 2 years ago!

My sweet Mom and I at Michelle's (my sister-in-law) bridesmaid's luncheon

I think this picture is so funny; we're at my brother's wedding. My brother who got married, Chris, is in the middle. We're all so caught off guard!

This one's a little better. The new family, with Michelle.

My soon-to-be new family, Michael and me :)

So busy!

Sorry I haven't posted as much lately...I've been so busy!

I never got around to posting about the Bachelor from Monday night (warning: spoilers ahead). I was so mad! Jillian was my favorite, by far. I couldn't believe he sent her home - especially after that crazy hot tub scene! She was so confident, fun, and genuine (and her clothes were the cutest by FAR). I just LOVED her dress at the Rose Ceremony. Anyways, I have heard the "Reality Steve" gossip and I feel so bad for Melissa! While she was definitely not one of my favorites, I was still sad to hear what happens to her. I can't wait to see everything go down at the After the Rose Ceremony though. I'm going to be very disappointed in Jason if these rumors are true. I'm such a reality TV loser!

I'm headed to my friend's house, Mrs. Southern Belle, tonight for some wine and crafting :) Hopefully some trashy TV, too! We went together to a Body Core class at our gym last night and today I feel like I have cracked ribs. Getting in shape for the wedding is tough! :)

Sorry this post is so all over the place...I'll have a better one later. I hope everyone has a wonderful Wednesday night!

My adorable garter!

I posted about a week or so ago about Julianne Smith, who designs the most adorable garters. They are just so cute and preppy! Well, she made me a custom garter and I thought I would share a picture of it with you :)

Julianne knew my wedding colors were pink and green; she also knew I loved her polka dot designs. Here is what she created for me:


Julianne was so sweet and fast! My garter is being shipped tomorrow...I can't wait to receive it! I highly recommend her. What do y'all think?!

Shoe Love

Here are the beauties I bought this weekend for half price! I'm in love with these shoes...I think they are so versatile and classic :)

What do you think?

3 Months

I visited my wedding website today and realized I only have 89 days (exactly 3 months today) till our wedding! I'm sure the last 3 months are going to fly by. I have most of my big tasks finished, but I do have a lot of small details left I need to tackle.

I ordered personalized cocktail napkins last night from the website For Your Party. My sister-in-law, Michelle, ordered her napkins for their wedding from this website and they turned out so cute. They have really reasonable prices. I ordered three different styles; here is one of them:

Our new monogram of course! It'll be the first time we get to use it! The other 2 styles are green :)

I need to finish my bridesmaids gifts in the next couple weeks, so I can have that out of the way. Does anyone have any good gift ideas for parents? I'm having a hard time with that one! They've done so much for us that I want to make sure it's something really wonderful and meaningful. I also need to figure out what exactly to put in our Out of Town gift boxes.

One of the biggest wedding tasks I have left to do is to create our programs for the ceremony. I have no idea how to plan a ceremony! This just seems so daunting to me. I have to pick the music, the order of everything, the scripture we want to be read...I just don't know where to get started! Did anyone else feel overwhelmed with this part of the wedding?

Any ideas and/or feedback for any of these topics are greatly appreciated! Have a great Monday!

Weekend Wrap-up

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I sure did :) Michael and I stayed at the Westin Poinsett in Greenville, South Carolina Saturday night. It was actually a Christmas present from him, which was wonderful!

When we checked into our room, I found a lovely surprise waiting for me: beautiful roses and champagne!

The beautiful flowers from my sweet and thoughtful fiance!

Then we were off to dinner at a really yummy tapas place downtown called the Lazy Goat. We had a great meal!

We had a great time! We relaxed in our great hotel room, walked around downtown, and I even did a little shopping :) I picked up a couple of the new Lilly Pulitzer stationery items and some great Kate Spade Mary Janes for 50% off! I did not want to come back home! It was such a wonderful Valentine's Day. Thank you Michael for everything!

Here is a picture of my Valentine's Day gift to my Mom. I gave her this cute little basket of Valentine's Day goodies. She loved it, I think!

I hope your weekend and Valentine's Day was wonderful!

Valentine's Day

I love that Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year! Michael and I are going to Greenville, South Carolina tomorrow for a little getaway. We went to college together there, so we both love it. Greenville has an awesome downtown. I'm so excited! We're staying the night in a great hotel right downtown. We don't have anything too exciting planned; just a little relaxing, walking, dining, and hopefully some shopping! :)

Anyone have any exciting Valentine's Day plans? I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Preppy dress!

I've had my eye on this cute Banana Republic dress since it came out a few weeks ago. However, I know Banana Republic stuff ALWAYS goes on sale. It's a spring dress too, so I figured I'd wait till I saw it go on sale, since I won't be wearing it for at least a few weeks or so. Well, I got an e-mail yesterday that it was on sale! I went to BR after work yesterday and picked up for 50% off..it was only $64! It was even cheaper in the store than it is online. I'm planning to wear it to a shower my mom's friends are throwing for me in March. I'll definitely be sporting it to work during the spring as well!

Wedding Venue!

I LOVE my wedding location. As soon as I got engaged, I knew I wanted to get married at this location in my hometown. I thought I'd share a few pictures! Everything is located on the same property, which is so convenient for our guests, as well as me! I love that we don't have to worry about transportation for our guests.

Here is the hotel where everyone from out of town will be staying. I think it is so beautiful. It's also right on a golf course (which Michael loves).

Here is the old antebellum house next to the gardens, which will be open during the reception.

Here is the garden where the ceremony will take place.

And here is the garden where the reception will be. Imagine lots of beautifully set tables (we are having a seated dinner), flowers, and twinkly lights!

I absolutely cannot wait!

Bridesmaid Dress!

I had a wonderful surprise waiting at home for me last night - my bridesmaid dresses had arrived! I had such a difficult time finding a bridesmaid dress. I was very happy when I saw these in Martha Stewart wedding a few months ago! The company is called Aria Dress and they were extremely easy and prompt. Here is a picture of the dress I chose, except for my mine will NOT be green, but a bright pink! The color is called Raspberry.

What do you think?

Dog Show

I am a loser. I admit it - I watched part of the Westminster Dog Show last night. The dogs are just so bizarre at these things! I initially just wanted to see all of the sporting dogs (since I love retrievers), but then I ended up getting sucked into watching all of these cute and/or weird dogs.

This spaniel (no idea what kind) was the winner. I think he's cute!

I just thought these dogs were cute. It looks like they're all squinting!

Ok, this is really the least manliest dog on the face of the earth. WHY would you ever do this to your dog?!

This dog sort of looks like a mop, don't you think?
These little guys sort of look like rats to me.
This was one of the cutest Golden Retrievers I've ever seen!! I wanted her to win so badly.

I also think the dog handlers are so strange. It was hilarious watching them run the dogs around! So, anyone else want to admit they watched the dog show?

Julianne Smith Garters

When I first saw these garters a few weeks ago, I fell in LOVE with them. Julianne Smith is the designer and she is so talented! I just love all these designs. They are so fun, classic, and preppy! However, I have to say my favorites are the garters from the "Polka Dot" and "Something Blue" sections. Look at all these beauties! Julianne is super sweet; you can be sure I'll be ordering one for my upcoming wedding! Here are a few of my favorites:

White Grosgrain with Blue and White Polka Dot Satin Stripe (Style #200)

Style #001 - Blue and White Swiss Dot Grosgrain (Style #001)

Style #313 - Blue Grosgrain with White Satin Bow (Style #313)

Ivory Grosgrain with White and Ivory Polka Dot Satin Stripe (Style #209)

White Grosgrain with Sage and White Polka Dot Grosgrain Stripe with Brown Satin Stripe

(Style #208)

Aren't they adorable? Of course, I would never be able to throw mine away to the guys - this is definitely a lifetime keepsake! Julianne even makes custom garters, so you can choose your colors. I also love that she does monogramming. Which ones are your favorite?