My Last NYE as a LeaMond + Honeymoon Thoughts

This Holiday season I have really treasured the notion that it is my last as a LeaMond.

I can't wait to be LLN, but I will miss being LTL.

Anyway, for the second year in a row now I just could not care less about what's going on for New Years Eve.

My happiest place on Earth, where I wish to spend every years' ending and beginning, is at home with my babes.

Despite my general outgoing nature, I prefer time at home to social situations on most days, and tonight is no exception.

K recieved a Gift Certificate to Ted's Butcherblock for Christmas so he is picking up something special for the grill.

I bought this fun headband that I'm wearing just for kicks.

It's sure to be a wild time!

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Ok so now onto some Honeymoon thoughts,

which sounds little more exciting I must admit ;)

We have been doing some preliminary thinking about it.  I know that K is going to do most of the major planning for this,  but I love looking at Vacation packages so I had to share! We have discussed taking a small trip immediatly following our wedding (NYC!) and then waiting until late December for the actual "big trip" (K's slowest time at work).  

For the Honeymoon, here is what we know we want:

All Inclusive

Couples Only

Boutique (not Sandles, Beaches, etc)

Tropical

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So far we've found two possible resorts. 

We still have so many other places to look, but here's a start!

1.

Mango Bay, Barbados

I first heard of this place on Wheel of Fortune, it was one of the Vacation giveaways.  I thought it looked so nice!  The Trip Advisor Reviews are generally good.  My concerns lie with it's proximity to town.  I am worried about needlessly spending money on "local flavor", and also familiarizing myself with safety precautions, etc. 

I could really get used to a view like this: 

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2.

Coco Bay, Antigua

 This resort deems itself "the most Romantic", which sounds great.  It is secluded, away from any towns or villages.  I also love the plunge pool option! 

So far either one looks like a dream come true!

Anyone have any feedback?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Favorites from 2013

I went through my 2013 archives and chose several of my favorite photos to share, as a recap of sorts. 

I think that the pictures below capture the things I love most in life:

My family and friends. 

My passion for food and philanthropy and party planning. 

My love for the Lowcountry.

The reason behind my blogging in 2013 was all about choosing to focus on the joy in my life, and not the struggles. 

By sharing the positive moments and pretty things, I find myself really looking at everything through rose colored glasses.  To anyone reading: I hope that your 2014 is filled with small special "blog worthy" moments that make getting through the other stuff a little easier :)

So Much Love!!!

Laura

Homemade Holiday Turtles!

I wanted to share some little treats I made yesterday.

A few years ago I recieved the most adorable homemade turtle candies from a coworker.

I decided to try and make my own this year!

I was a little worried that they wouldn't turn out, but I am very happy with how they did!

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Here is what you need:

A turtle candy mold and a new paintbrush

Crisco

Chocolate Chips

Caramels (I used Caramel Ice Cream topping to save time)

and Whole Pecans

Here's what you do:

Melt the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of crisco.

Spoon a bit into each turtle.

Use your paintbrush to spread the chocolate in the mold.

I put them in the freezer for about 10 minutes to harden.

The next step is to put a dab of the caramel and a whole pecan in the center of the turtle.

Cover the tops with the remaining chocolate.

Make sure to cover the whole turtle to seal the candy.

I put them in the fridge for about an hour and then they were ready!

Adorable! And delicious!

I wrapped mine in little gold chinese take out boxes, I'm giving 4 per box.

I think that these are very special and decadent, much better than any storebought candy!

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Merry Christmas y'all, see you in a few days!

A (last minute) Charleston Gift Idea

I'm sure everyone living in Charleston knows someone who either goes to or went to The Citadel.

I braved the H&M crowds on King Street yesterday (whoa now) and found a sweet score at the Daughters of Saint Paul Book Store!

Citadel Cuff Links!

These are the perfect stocking stuffer for any of your Bulldogs out there!

Because they are costume jewelry, you can get them at a great cost, making them the perfect little addition.
They also have Tie pins, earrings, etc.

Have I mentioned how much I love finding the perfect gift??!

My other Charleston ideas can be found here.

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Ok kids, I have to skidaddle. 

Shopping with Mom today, 

Catching up with a bff tonight, Making home-made turtle candies in the morning, A Christmas Sunday Funday at the Diedricks tomorrow, And wrapping it all up tomorrow night (literally!).

Merry Christmas xoxoxoxoxo

Wedding Details: The Photographer

Hey everyone!

I thought I would give you another update on my wedding planning!

We have chosen a photographer, which is such a relief to check off my list.

I was (I still am) disturbed by the outrageous cost of wedding photographers in Charleston.

I just can not get on board with these fees! 
So I took my search elsewhere in the Southeast and found a fantastic company: Graceology.

Graceology is based in Atlanta, 

and even with travel costs they are less than half of most Charleston packages. 

You do not have to sacrifice quality for cost!

You just have to think outside of the box :)

Just check out these stunners:

So exciting!

Next week I will share my Color Palette.

P.S.  Happy Birthday to my baby!

P.P.S. My Giveaway is Closed!  Congrats to winner Leah!!

Oh Snap!

Just some snaps of the haps!

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A Christmas gif!

I was so excited for a Girls night out a few weeks back. 

I put on my sassiest dress and we hit Barsa for some tapas before taking the town!

And, as predicted, we peaked a bit early and had the bars all to ourselves!

As well as the dance floor...

I think these djs were really enjoying the show. 

In hindsight it's not quite as cool, but we were very entertained by watching our shadows while dancing.

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This year was my girl Abby and I's 5th Annual Cookie Decorating Extravaganza!

He was my favorite: 

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We went to the Dockstreet Theatre and saw Annie, and it was so great! 
I 100% recommend.

We went as part of the Dinner and A Show package.

Tristan had the best service of any Charleston restaurant I have been to.

And I had my first Amuse-bouche!

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I made a fudge cake (totally licked the beater) for a special birthday boy!

I know K is not going to like this photo,

 but it's the only one I got before the camera died!

What's been going on with y'all lately??