Franken-Camera

 It's Alive!  My camera, that is.

It's still acting funky but here are just a few snaps from the weekend:

Friday night we went to Al di La for Ladies Night Out.  We sat on their patio and it was so beautiful... and so are my friends:

 
The earrings I'm wearing are the ones I mentioned from the sale Friday.
--

I didn't bring my camera to the beach Saturday, but here is a snap of a delicious Publix sub with their 9 grain bread.

This is an italian I got for my dad, but I always special order Cajun turkey with Smoked Gouda. 
I tell you there is nothing better than a sub at the beach.
Yum yum yum!

Sunday we walked around downtown for an hour or so, here shown stopping by our Reception Venue:

Followed by a lazy night on the couch with our babe.

Here is a hilarious close-up of Alfie zoned out on K's lap.  Silly sweetie! 

<3

Broken Camera & Beach Bag Prep

It's tragic, yesterday my camera was acting strange all day and then of course I dropped it on the concrete when putting it away and alas, it is dead.

But this weekend was great.  Ladies night on Friday, Beach on Saturday, laid back Sunday with my boys, what more can a girl ask for?

It's a busy busy week for us, full of good things!  I am extra excited because I've taken Friday off to enjoy some fun in the sun before we head to our first Riverdogs Game of the season.

Every year I look forward to buying a few new "supplies" for my beach bag.  This year, I went with Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee... 

and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.

I finished The Girl Who Played With Fire yesterday and I'm so anxious to continue.

Like I said, this week is slam packed so I'll be sure to snap some pics on my phone to share along the way.

Happy Monday, feels like Tuesday to me!

;)

TGIF (my first vlog and a charleston sale you don't want to miss)

TGIF! I am so excited for a night on the town with my ladies tonight! I decided to mix it up today with a video blog of me essentially rambling on for about 3 minutes. It's all right here for your entertainment.

Lucky you! #facepalm

Oh, and I stumbled upon Carolina Girl's Sidewalk Sale at lunch today and scored a fab dress + earrings for $13!  Go and get you some girlfriends!

p.s. Here is my first official vlog with my baby boy.

Oh and here is my Hollywood breakthrough. ;)

Have a great weekend!

Tuesday Talk

Doesn't it seem like this weekend was over in the blink of an eye!

With that being said, I don't have a whole lot to show for it.

Friday night was so so rainy, and we took shelter at Paisano's for their bbq chicken pizza and a pitcher of Fat Tire.  Paisano's has half priced pitchers on Friday nights (when you order a lg pizza).

Some plans changed on Saturday because of the wet weather, so I enjoyed the raincheck and baked my Easter cake and watched The Heat, which was so much cuter than I expected.  
I also brought this Rose to Easter dinner and it was good!

Easter was a blur of food and family.  This is the first year we didn't get a family photo, but it's for the best as I was literally busting out of my dress by days end. When we got home late Sunday night we were welcomed to a fun suprise of a broken nail polish bottle all over our bathroom floor.

This has happened to me once before and believe me when I say it is a nightmare to clean!

In case your find yourself in this unfortunate situation,

Here is my solution:

Scrape as much as you can off with a knife or razor blade.

Pour nail polish remover all over the area.

Use a magic eraser to scrub the rest.

Finally wipe it all down with soap and water and towel dry.

I still have some work to do on the grout but atleast the majority of it came off.

Blah!

That's all I've got to talk about for Tuesday.

Hope your week is off to a good start.

Mandarin Orange Cake with Pineapple Frosting

This cake is perfect for the coming warmer weather.

It's light and delicious, and easy to make!

What you need:

1 box Moist Yellow Cake mix

1/3 cup veg oil

3 eggs

1 can Mandarin Orange segments

Large tub original coolwhip

Pack of instant Vanilla pudding

1 can crushed Pineapple

What you do:

Prepare cake mix with eggs and oil.

Add mandarin oranges, with the juice.

Mix with a beater until oranges are crushed into the batter.

Bake at 350 for around 30 minutes

Allow to cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting:

Combine pineapple (with the juice) with pudding.

Let this sit for about 5 minutes, and then combine with your coolwhip.

Frost your cake.

Refrigerate until serving.

Enjoy!

This was the perfect Easter dessert after a heavy meal.

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Wedding Details: Cake/Counseling/Countdown

As I mentioned on Monday, this past weekend was my cake tasting.

Second to trying on wedding gowns, the cake tasting was what I was looking most forward to after becoming engaged.  My friend Lauren recommended D'lish and they did not disappoint.

We arrived right on time for our 10:00 appointment and sampled 9 different cakes for breakfast.

So much fun!

This is the inspiration for my cake.  I will be using my parents' topper!

--

In other news, we have begun our Premarital Counseling sessions.

Our minister, who is also a liscenced psychologist, is leading us through the PREPARE program.

Oh, and here's a little glimpse inside the church.
I am of the mindset that churches do not need decorations.
What are your thoughts?

--

And one more thing I thought I'd share for any of you brides, future-brides, or anyone with a big event coming up...

I am using this Bridal Beauty Timeline that I found on The Knot.

I'm nearing our 6 months until date, and so I found this perfectly on point.

Bridal Beauty: Countdown to Gorgeous

5-6 Months Before

• Begin a stress-relief regimen. Reserve at least one night a week for some non-wedding fun or quiet time to regroup.
• Want to grow out your hair or try a new color or cut? Talk to your stylist and start experimenting now.
• Get serious about skin care: Start a good cleansing and moisturizing program, and consider consulting a dermatologist or making appointments for monthly facials.
• Start paying attention to your nutrition. Bad food habits and too much caffeine mixed with wedding planning stress can transform a bride-to-be into Bridezilla.
• If you don't already, start exercising. A few sessions with a trainer may help to jump-start your routine. Try practicing yoga; the postures build strength and are great tension relievers as well. You'll look great, feel better, and be less stressed out.
• If you'd like to lose weight before your wedding, consult your doctor to develop a nutrition and fitness plan. Set a weight-loss goal and meet it before your dress fittings begin. Once fittings are underway, you'll need to maintain your weight. (Or reconsider losing weight. Obviously your guy thinks you look great just the way you are.)

3-4 Months Before

• If you don't plan on using your regular hairdresser, make consultation appointments with potential candidates. Bring along pictures of hairstyles you like, even a picture of your veil and headpiece. If you want to wear your hair in a updo, discuss with the hairdresser how long it will take to grow out your hair so it's the right length for your desired look.
• Make consultation appointments with potential makeup artists. Be sure to take pictures, then analyze them. Do your features stand out? Do you look like you're wearing a mask?
• Decide on a makeup artist and book him/her for your wedding date. Set up a day-of-wedding schedule.
• Decide on a hairdresser and book him/her for your wedding date. Set up a day-of-wedding schedule.
• Want to experiment with self-tanners? Now's the time. Consider the neckline of your gown, and whether you have existing tan lines you'll need to cover.

1-2 Months Before

• Meet with your makeup artist for a trial run. If you're not hiring a pro, get a makeover at a department store counter and purchase anything you need now (so you have time to practice).
• Bring your veil to your hair stylist for a trial run of potential big day 'dos. (If you're not happy, now's the time to speak up.)
• Ever consider having your eyebrows professionally shaped? Why not? It's your wedding. Now's the time to try it.
• Use an at-home face mask or get a salon facial. (Don't risk an allergic reaction closer to your wedding day.)
• Want a sparkling big-day smile? Cut down on tea and coffee now and try whitening toothpaste. You may also want to consider a professional bleaching by a dentist, or using an over-the-counter whitening system.

2 Weeks Before

• Get your final haircut or trim. No experimenting here, just stick to the look you love.
• Remember to eat right. (Load up on fruits and veggies for energy, and nix the salt and fat.)
• Exfoliate and moisturize. Soft and silky elbows, hands, and feet are marriage musts.
• Drink lots of water to help keep your skin clear and glowing.
• Keep up the exercise, exercise, exercise, for your body and soul.
• Touch up your hair color.
• Confirm big-day beauty appointments.
• Remind your man to get his final trim if he hasn't already done so.

1 Week Before

• Avoid overindulging in salty snacks and alcohol at those fab pre-wedding parties.
• Get a bikini wax and a final eyebrow shaping, and shave those legs. You want to be prepared for that honeymoon lingerie.
• Splurge on a massage or reflexology. (If your budget's already stretched to the limit, ask your fiance to do the deed, and give him one too.) You both deserve it.
• Get a final facial. Don't wait until the day before to do this. (Your face may need a day or two to get back to normal.)

1 Day Before

• Drink lots of water. Have we made ourselves perfectly clear?
• Pack an emergency beauty kit of items you shouldn't leave home without.
• Deep-condition your hair.
• Exfoliate your skin (with a favorite product you've used before...now is NOT the time to try something new) so it gleams on your wedding day.
• Have a professional pedicure and manicure (especially since everyone's going to be checking out that ring).
• Take a long, relaxing bath.

On Your Wedding Day

• Be sure to eat something. This is not a day to operate on an empty stomach.
• Get your hair and makeup done. Wear a robe or button-down shirt (one that matches the color of your gown, if possible, to get the right makeup color application) that can be easily removed.
• Take a few moments to reflect on the meaning of the day before giving yourself one last once-over in the mirror. Now get going!

I hope you are all enjoying your week.

Tasty Tuesday: Finger Lickin' Fried Chicken

 I'm not sure why, but I've always been intimidated by the idea of making my own fried chicken.

With exception to seafood, I never really fry anything.

We usually grill chicken which is so yummy, not to mention a heck of a lot healthier.

A couple weeks ago it was nasty outside so we abandoned our initial grilling plans, and I decided to try my hand at home-made fried chicken.

And, as I frequently do, I looked to the Pioneer Woman for a recipe.

I used chicken breasts which I pounded and cut into strips.

I soaked the strips in buttermilk (I just added a squirt of lemon to regular milk) for about 20 minutes.

I combined flour and seasoned salt.

I took the wet chicken, dunked it in the flour.

And then I pan fried them in a couple inches of canola oil.

It was so simple, I was shocked!

I know this picture isn't appetizing, nor does it really show any instructions, but whatever.

I fried them for a couple minutes per side, once they were golden I put them on a towel lined plate.

Better than Kick Chick my friends...

Much better than anything from the freezer.

Anyone else nervous to try making your own fried chicken?
I enjoy realizing how easy it is to make restaurant quality meals.
What can you make at home that's just as good as going out?

Life Lately

Wow! It's been a week since my last post and what a week it was!

My time in Winston Salem was so fast y'all, this is my only picture from the trip.  I thoroughly enjoyed that King bed to myself!

Upon returning home, I helped coordinate our sponsorship of Charleston Horticultural Society's Plantasia Event.

I love the hanging lanterns.

I also loved the event's focus on local produce. 

By Friday night I was absolutely spent.  K brought home this Pinot Noir, which was a little bit of a splurge at $20.

It was so so good though.   I savored every sip while relaxing on the couch. 

Saturday was a busy day.  We started bright and early with cake for breakfast.

A wedding cake tasting, that is!  (more on that later this week)

K went to the Carolina Spring game and I spent the day with my mom and Aunt.

Later on we all headed downtown for apps at The Macintosh and drinks at Stars.

We had a blast, y'all.

And then things started to get a little silly.

A lot silly, actually. 

I think we were all struggling a bit yesterday.

But it was just too too nice out to resist enjoying every minute of the weekend.

We took a Sunday drive out to Kiawah with the windows down.

It was straight out of a country song y'all.

I hope your weekend was a little somethin' like that.

--

XO Laura

Hit the Road Jack

I'm heading to Winston Salem, NC for work this morning.

I may have time for a tasty meal or two, so any recommendations are welcomed!

See y'all Thursday.

Fare thee Well, Weekend

((As I mentioned last week, we are making our way through all past seasons of Game of Thrones. One side effect of this is I can't stop talking in a Medieval fashion. So for this Monday's Weekend Report, you can enjoy my Lannister lingo :))

--

Greetings my lords and ladieships,

This past Friday 'twas most splendid!

I wore a special dress of silver and pink stripes!

With accessories of diamonds, fur, and basketweave.

My lord and I ventured North, to the Isle of the Palms, for some ale at thee WindJammer.

Twas most beauteous and we enjoyed beakers all around!

And perhaps some milk of the poppy!

Saturday was most pleasant as we spent the majority in our own castle.

We feasted upon steaks of tuna, yellow rice, and cheesy broccoli.

A royal spread, 'twas most delicious.

Sunday I went to Brunch with House Diedrick.  I did not access my camera so I have naught to show for it!

--

What say you??

Mehopes you did enjoy thy weekend!

Fare thee well my good people!

--

Ha! That was fun!

See y'all later this week :)

Wedding Details: Music

While I absolutely love live music, I've never been such a fan at weddings.

I am all about some DJ requests and then hearing the song exactly as I remember it.

I look so forward to dancing the night away with my guests this November!

A coworker of mine who used to work in the Wedding Industry reccomended that I look into Jay Maxwell.

After visiting his website I was so thrilled with the reviews, and even more so the prices.

I also loved that shortly after requesting more information on his site, I recieved a package in the mail.

It included several sheets titled "Wedding Reception Flow Sheet".  I am thrilled that, not only will the DJ be keeping the dance floor popping, he will be moving the reception along (garter toss, cake cutting).

This is especially helpful because I am not formally hiring a Day of Coordinator!

I've been carrying around this little notebook jotting down all of the songs I'd love to hear!

Now for my questions to you:

1. Do you prefer bands or DJs at weddings?

2. What's the most fun song to get people on the dance floor!?

Oh and TGIF!!!

I am ready to have some fun, and avoid anything and everything Bridge Run related.

xoxo

High Hopes Course

I had high hopes for new development near my house.

I posted about a Sunday Stroll when K and I saw this sign near our Condo.

It was promising for both our walkable entertainment as well as our property value.

A few weeks ago we noticed activity on some of the property.

Now I, not knowing much about structures or foundations, figured it could be the beginnings of a building.

 K, being the master of all random knowledge that he is, said its a ropes course.

 I laughed and bet him $50.

Then they added platforms.

 And the actual ropes.

And I lost 50 bucks.

But really, who'd have thought??

I'm still dreaming of coffee houses, consignment boutiques, wine shops...

My high hopes have turned into high ropes.

***These pictures are from Wild Blue Ropes Facebook page***