Weekend Update

I was incredibly 'MIA' last week and I apologize.

I like to think my excuse is that I had two 'legit' baby cake orders (YAY!).
But that's not true.
There was however lots going on.
Let me fill you in...

Thursday
Was our second Fantasy Football Draft.
We joined some friends at a hole in the wall bar (those are always the best kind) for wings, beer and football mania.
It was fun and I definitely like my second team (The Tainted Meat Brigade) better than the first team I drafted (Rodgers Dodgers-Aaron Rodgers is my QB!)

Friday
Mr. P and I watched lots of tv, ate a yummy feast of Turkey Burgers and Shrimp Salsa, and went to bed early because we had a big day ahead of us.

Saturday
Woke up really early to drive two hours to Stoneville, NC for what was supposed to be a day of tubing on the Dan River.
NEVER, I repeat NEVER do business with the Dan River Campground.
They didn't have our reservation correct and were short 2 tubing rafts for our group.
Our friends went out to a local Wal-Mart to try and find 2 rafts and arrived back at 11:57am.
The bus left at a few minutes earlier and refused to wait even though the reservation was for 12:00.
It was quite bizarre really.
They also told us there was no public access to the river.
Thankfully a nice gas station employee informed us that there was in fact public access nearby.
We ended up spending a hour or two on a small beach, so the day wasn't a complete wash.


That evening myself, Mr.P, Mr. Barzee, my sister, and future brother-in-law all attended the Edwin McCain show at the new Fillmore.
The show was great, the Fillmore rocks, and it was all in all a fabulous night!

Sunday
Spent way too much time on the couch and ate way too much food!

Today
Applied for passport.
YAY honeymoon!
Now I'm chillin' with my lovely fiance at his office.
I feel pretty cool sitting at desk. ;)
It kinda makes me miss having a "real" job.

Oh and just to prove I really did make LOTS of baby cakes last week here's a couple photos for your viewing pleasure.

s'mores for all my friends

I now spend a large part of my days trying to knock out last minute wedding projects.

One in particular I've been working on for the past few days was our s'mores packets.

Yep, that's right!
We've decided that the two fire pits at our venue will be utilized later in the evening for roasting s'mores.

I was back and forth on whether or not this was a good idea.
Then I went home for a visit and we had s'mores.
It was probably only the second time I've ever had them...let me tell you, THEY ARE AMAZING!
So amazing that I find myself at home wanting to roast them over the stove or a small candle outside.

I'm determined to make the set-up cute so that people aren't standing around in their cocktail attire wondering when the wedding turned into a camping trip.

I want to have individual bags set up with all the s'mores essentials (small hershey bar, marshmallow, graham cracker) so that if a guest wants to participate they just grab a cute little bag, a stick (that my parents have been collecting) and they go to town.

Since we are trying to do everything possible to keep our budget in check I didn't want to have hang tags printed.

So instead for 10 cents a pop I just ordered these kraft tags from Shop for Less.


Then I spent hours searching for a s'more stamp.
My search finally ended with Etsy, no surprise!
This lovely shop owner is customizing the stamp for me so that underneath the s'more man it reads 'enjoy'.


I think these are going to turn out to be just darling.
Don't you?

I'm often hesitant to post decor I've ordered for our reception because for those of you who read the blog and will actually be at the wedding, I want most things to be a surprise.

Well this morning I received an e-mail from Julene, who makes amazing Paper Cuts, with an attachment of the finished piece I commissioned.
I adore it so much I can't resist sharing it with you all.

Not quite sure if any of you remember, but awhile back we (remember my poll?) decided to display a Paper Cut at our 'cookie buffet' favor table that reads 'We Go Together Like Milk and Cookies".

Well take a look at the final product...


Julene is one very talented lady.
I'm in awe!

Check out Julene's blog to see more of her amazing work.

Weekend Update

This past weekend was pretty incredible.

allow me to list a few highlights:

chicken tacos
making baby cakes while watching the cmt top 20 countdown (best way to make baby cakes)
couples wedding shower
breakfast at Toast
trying my gown on for sistah
five guys burger and fries (one of the best meals EVER!)

Best part of the weekend though had to be the shindig at the Ched's.
Miss Chelsea had a graduation party for her fiance, Ted, because he recently graduated with his MBA!
The party was decorated in green and yellow, UNCC's colors.
Like my baby cakes?


Here's a few more photos from the evening...







Hope you folks had a happy little weekend as well.

i'm out

Today has felt like the beginning of the weekend for me.
I think because it's been such a wonderful day.

I spent the afternoon with my pup by my side while I finished some not so fun wedding tasks i.e. wrote the program, thank you notes, passport application.

The later half of the afternoon was spent in the kitchen.
I don't think it comes as a shock to anyone that this always makes me happy.

Tomorrow the fiance and I are having a date night of sorts.
I baked a banana cream pie for the occasion.


I was inspired by the lovely Seven Spoons blog.
If you don't already check it out often, you should.
Seriously!

Then I threw together some frozen banana treats.
This was unbelievably easy and they are pretty tasty.
I topped a few with cut up sugar free reese cups.



Then I made our dinner...Chicken Salad Piccata.


Mr. P said he really liked it and that always makes me happy. :)

Tomorrow I'm spending the day with sister.
We have a few errands to run, a little sunshine to catch and then we are going to try on my dress for the first time. I"M SO EXCITED FOR THIS! It's been so long since I last tried on the beauty I've almost forgotten what she looks like on.
Sister will also be trying on her bridesmaid dress for the first time as well bridal gowns for upcoming wedding (date still tbd!).
I'm so anxious I probably won't be able to sleep tonight.

After a fun-filled day Mr. P and I plan to get in a quick workout, eat chicken tacos and then have a little dance lesson.
P ordered us a beginners dance dvd quite awhile back and I'm thrilled to finally put it to use.


We wanna practice some moves before we take an actual class.
The plan is for us to kill it on the dance floor during our "first dance".

Saturday is another jam-packed day...
Missy (bridesmaid) and Matthew's couples' shower followed by Teddy's graduation party.

Sunday is our fantasy football draft.

It's VERY safe to say I'll be smiling from ear to ear from now until Monday.

So please excuse me for sneaking out early.
See you in a few days.
xo

Weekend Update-It's a Wrap

Yesterday slipped away from me my friends.
I had every intention of finishing the bachelorette party recaps, but before I knew it the day was over.

So let's resume.
Shall we?

First let me attempt to make your hearts melt...

So I try to spend a few hours a day at my desk upstairs.
It makes the work I do on the computer seem more legit.
Know what I mean?
Probably not.
Anyhow, Tucker, our dog, loves when I spend time up here because it's kind of his territory.
This morning he exhausted himself chasing his ball around.
He then disappeared for a bit and came back up the stairs hauling Pokie.
Pokie is a stuffed bear from Old Navy that Mr. P bought him months ago.
We actually told the cashier at checkout we expected it "to maybe last a day".
You see with all his other stuffed animals he's ripped out the eyes and every ounce of stuffing.
He's a sicko.
Not with Pokie.
Pokie is missing his eyes but other than that he's in tact.
Pokie is quite large and the same color as Tuck so it's possible our sweet dog thinks he's found his long lost brother.
He cuddles with him nightly.
Today after hauling him up the stairs he laid him directly beside me, wrapped his paws around him and together they dozed off.
It was one of the cutest things I've ever seen.
If my phone wasn't moweed (a term coined in our hometown that means wack!) I'd have taken a picture.
Hope you were able to use your imagination to picture the cuteness.

Okay back to business.

Where were we?

Ah yes, we left off with the Farmer's Market.

After the Farmer's Market Em and Missy surprised me with an apron exactly like the ones they had purchased at a little store that morning.
I wanted this apron very badly but am on a tight budget and decided against it.
Little did I know my clever friends had snuck one in for me while ordering their own.
I say ordering because these beauties are monogrammed with our initials.
I love it dearly and can't wait to wear it while I make Banana Cream pie later today.


Want a closer look?


Afterwards the ladies and I were determined to get some sun.
We didn't think the beach was a good idea since there was a good chance of thunderstorms so we settled for the pool.
This picture is proof that Mr. Sunshine made an appearance...see the squinting eyes?


After a full afternoon it was time to relax and leisurely get ready for the evening.

This process actually consisted of a couple haircuts performed by my talented sister.


After everyone was dressed in their Saturday best it was time for a 'Naughty or Nice' gift party the girls put together.

Let's just say I got a little of both and LOVED each and everyone one of my presents.
Can you see my tonsils?


Then it was time to head out to dinner at the Little Dipper, an amazing fondue restaurant.


Dinner was absolutely perfect!
We sat on the deck where we were serenaded with some tunes and enjoyed an amazing feast.


We followed up dinner with a little more dancing at Level 5.

The evening for me ended after demolishing 2 pizzas.
Yes, just 3 of us finished off two pizzas (we had 2 ladies in bed and another 3 at a bar across the street).
Unreal.
And gross (the pizza that is)!


We couldn't leave Wilmington without stopping by Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn.
If you know anything about me you know I'm a sucker for some Tex Mex.
The Burrito Barn did not disappoint.


We then headed back to Charlotte with our tummies full and lots of memories made.


*Thank you ladies for one of the best weekends I've ever had!
Love you!

me again

Do you all remember the song Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova?
It was featured in a small indie movie titled Once and they actually won a grammy for it.

Here, let's refresh your memories...


I love their voices.
They are so passionate.

The other day I read that they performed some songs off of their new cd for NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Series.
It's about 30 minutes long, but I loved every minute of it.
So much so that I just rewatched it and felt I should share it with you all.

Even if you only have time or care to watch a bit I think you should.
The very first song is incredible.

Oh and they now go by the group name the The Swell Season.

Click here and ENJOY!

Weekend Update Part 2

After getting all dolled up we took the hotel shuttle about a block before we saw lots of people lining one of the streets.


Our shuttle driver informed us they were watching an AC/DC cover band and of course we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see a band cover a group that more than likely none of us are a fan of. ;)

I'm so happy we stopped though because we got beautiful photos like these.


*Em Barzee has coined this one Two Emie's and a Sunset.

*Em & Sistah

*Em and new Sistah (official in 2 months!)

After hanging out by the water for a bit we made our way to Front Street Brewery for a tasty dinner.


Sistah and I pigged out on FRIES, CHICKEN FINGERS and ONION STRINGS.
So gross yet so scrumptious.

On our way out of the brewery (because who likes a place who doesn't allow R&B?)...


We ran into Mr. Constrictor, Boa for short.


It wasn't until the next morning I really started thinking about how odd it was that a large snake graced the streets of Wilmington and how brave my friends are.

Lastly it was time to burn off some of the 3,000+ calories consumed at dinner.

What better way to do that than by getting our boogie on?


I also learned something important during this evening (or maybe after seeing the photos)...
Playing Low (the apple bottom jeans song) during the wedding reception may not be a smart move.
Why?
Because it leads to me breaking out moves like this one...


Not good.

Up next...Farmer's Market, Pool & a little Naughty or Nice shindig.

2 months people

I imagine right around this time in exactly 2 months I'll be eating a krispy kreme donut and sipping a mimosa while one of my lovely bridesmaids is having their hair and make-up all donez up.

It's pretty scary, pretty crazy, but most of all very exciting.

I'm to the point now that I care very little about the decoration, what people think of the invites (once they finally go out) or what shoes I end up wearing.
Mostly now I just think of how fun the weekend is going to be, how amazing it's going to feel having all our friends and family with us to celebrate and how wonderful it's going to be to finally marry Mr. P!
I also can't wait to leave on our honeymoon and have nothing to do with my new husband by my side, in the sunshine, for 7 full days.
I get all jittery and teary eyed just thinking about it.

2 months!
*Love you bunny!

Weekend Update to resume very soon.

Weekend Update

I arrived home yesterday from one of the best weekends I've ever had.
The weekend was full of great conversations, lots of laughter, lots of boogying, lots of yummy food and the best of friends.
I'll never ever forget it.

It was such a good time that I'm going to be breaking this recap up into a few different posts.

Enjoy the photos my darlings. :)

What are a group of gals (most already in their swimsuits) supposed to do when when they show up to the beach and it's pouring the rain and the hotel isn't ready?


Hit up a bar for some yummy food and a afternoon brewsky of course.

Afterwards we headed back to the hotel only to learn that it still wasn't ready.

So we set up shop in the hotel parking lot, poured ourselves a drink, found some covered seating and played a fun bridesmaid game.


Another congrats to Em Barzee for being the winner (it was a pretty close competition)!

After finally being able to check into the room we decided it was time to play 'asshole' (a card game).



Not quite sure why we are so sad in this photo. I think because it was raining, but in actuality we were a very happy group of gals at this moment in time, promise.

Here's a photo of the president and the asshole. Guess who is who. ;)


How awesome are these dixie cups you can write on?



I thought before we left that the rain would have the potential to damper my spirits, but this wasn't the case at all.
Probably because I was surrounded by my favorite gals.
We made the most of the afternoon and it's probably safe to say I had more fun than I would have, had we been able to enjoy the beach.

Up next, our first night out on the town...

today

is going to be a great day!

It's pre-bachelorette party day and my sister and I have lots of fun errands planned.
I love very much when she is off of work!

The Itinerary:

Dollar Tree
Lunch
Barnes and Noble
Drop off Baby Cakes at salon
Have my ring cleaned
Pick up sistah's ring from being re-sized
Mall
Target

By then it should be time for Mr. P to come home. He's bringing with him chicken tacos from Taxco. They're unbeliavable.

Have a happy day my dear blog readers.
Hopefully I'll meet you hear once more before I take off for Wilmington tomorrow.
xo

better

My afternoon started off like this...
Spent thirty minutes trying to get an actual person on the phone at the North Carolina Employment Office to check the status of my first payment (i've alredy been waiting about 2 1/2 weeks).
A lady finally comes to the line who sounded like she woke up on the very wrong side of her bed.
Said lady proceeds to tell me that while YES my first payment has finally been processed it will now be 7-10 business days for it to arrive pre-loaded on a Visa Debit Card.
This would have been good news if I wasn't expecting to receive this payment two days ago.

I then maybe shed a tear or two out of frustration.

But then I spoke to my mother and that always makes me feel better.

Then my step-father stopped by on his way back to VA from working in SC.
He brought with him a bench he made me for my birthday.
I adore it.
It now sits happily on our front porch and holds our Hokie Gnome and a pot containing a plant I've been trying desperately to resuscitate.


Then I spent a few hours baking baby cakes for Tater Tot's (Carly's co-worker and business partner) little boy's birthday this weekend.

I baked them in blue for the boys and pink for the girls.



I love that after this task I now only have an hour before my Mr. P gets home.

Speaking of Mr. P I heard my new favorite song today while tuned into CMT.
It's called "Only You Can Love me this Way" by Keith Urban.
The lyrics made me cry, but unlike today's earlier cry it was a happy one.

'We can roll with the punches
We can stroll hand in hand
And when I say it's forver
You understand

That you're always in my heart
You're always on my mind
But when it all becomes too much
You're never far behind'

Oh and one last "speaking of"...
Don't you all just love the Hokie shirt Mr. P bought for me?
He also bought one for my sister which I think has now become a tradition. :)


Okay I'm all smiles now.
Tucker and I are going to go sit on the couch and look for a certain someone's car pull in the driveway.
See you tomorrow.

brett dennen

Avett Brothers played a concert in Charlotte this weekend that I unfortunately missed.
I did however see photos which sparked my interest about the red haired fella who opened the show.

I learned his name is Brett Dennen and he's already released his third album.

I'm not sure how this musical wonder has gone unnoticed by me for the past couple of years, but I won't fret on things I can't change.

Instead, I'll probably spend the rest of the day browsing the internet while listening this playlist I've created of my favorite songs so far.
Ain't Gonna Lose You is amazing btw!

Enjoy, if you can and want to.