Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Cheers!

To this delicious sparkling rose that I stocked up on, 50% off bottles at How Art Thou!
To the last week of summer, and the coming cooler weather!
For K's sister, who got engaged this past Saturday...Congrats T!
For college football's anticipated arrival!
For an extra long weekend that just happens to be my Bachelorette in Asheville!
--
I'm signing off until September,
Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Friday, August 22, 2014

3 Month Countdown!

OUR BIG DAY IS 3 MONTHS AWAY!!!

Progress is definitely being made.  My bridesmaids dresses arrived and I'm very happy with the color and the complimenting belt.  Lots of meetings and scheduling going on over here. I'm loving every minute of it!
  • Set a date
  • Book venue
  • Book photographer
  • Book DJ
  • Book Caricature Artist
  • Ask bridal party to be in wedding
  • Book caterer & bar
  • Create wedding website
  • Register
  • Book florist- We are DIYing!
  • Shop for wedding dress
  • Book ceremony musician
  • Book rentals
  • Take engagement pictures
  • Select bridesmaid dresses
  • Select groom & groomsmen attire
  • Book Cake Baker
  • Find veil
  • Hire coordinator
  • Buy cake knife & server
  • Order save the dates
  • Send save the dates
  • Book officiant
  • Pre-marital counseling
  • Order guest book
  • Finalize guest list
  • Hotel room blocks
  • MOB dress shopping
  • Find wedding shoes- not 100% sure about them
  • Find wedding jewelry
  • Find garter
  • Book makeup artist & hair stylist
  • Menu tasting
  • Take bridal portraits / hair & make up trial (Oct 27)
  • 1st dress fitting-Sept 29
  • Final dress fitting
  • Ceremony Readings, Music
  • Ceremony Programs
  • Figure out where I'm getting ready & where Kevin is getting ready
  • Order invitations
  • Address invitations
  • Mail invitations
  • Book rehearsal dinner venue
  • Book RD caterer
  • Book RD rentals
  • Finalize RD menu- meeting Sept 5
  • RD music? iPod
  • Buy RD dress
  • Order sparklers for send off? bird seed? bubbles?
  • Tuxedo Rentals-NLT Oct 6
  • Order Flowers
  • Favors (oyster ornaments)
  • Buy bridal party gifts
  • Bachelorette party- Labor Day Weekend!
  • Buy gifts for groom & parents
  • Couples Shower- 10/18
  • Bridal showers- 9/27, 
  • Bridal Luncheon menu and details-meeting Aug 27
  • Purchase wedding bands
  • Create Reception lay out
  • Meet with Day of Coordinator and helper at SC Hall- Sept
  • Create wedding day timeline
  • Put together picture list for photographer
  • Get marriage license
  • Arrange transportation for sendoff- ISC driven by Mills House valet?
  • Book honeymoon
  • RD invitations
  • RD dessert?
  • Final vendor payments
  • Music selections to band and ceremony organist
  • Book wedding night hotel room- Mills House?
  • Pack for Honeymoon
  • DIY projects: favors, napkins, flowers, signs, framed photos
  • All decor boxed, labeled
  • Wedding announcement in Post & Courier
  • Walk down the aisle & say I do!
  • Order thank you notes

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Tuesday Randoms

Hi! 
Here are a few miscellaneous thoughts for a sunny Tuesday morning...
--
It seems like every toothpaste claims to whiten these days, however Colgate Optic White is the only brand I have actually seen a difference using.  I always check if it's on sale and snatch it up when it is. Great product!
--
I made Newman's Own Beef and Broccoli for dinner Sunday night.
K put it over a bag of ready rice, but I just had it by itself.
I really liked it, K said "needs more beef".

--
Have you heard about Lilly's After Party Sale??
That's partly sarcastic because every single blog I read has linked to it, 
but anyway.  I grabbed this bag for $19.  It is labeled an Ipad case however the reviews indicate that it's perfect as an oversized clutch.  I personally think it is THE bag for my honeymoon!
--
I saw this Skinnygirl Mommy Kit at Marshall's West Ashley for $5.  
Wouldn't this be the perfect little surcee for any newly pregnant friends?

--
This is one wedding pin that I know I will actually use.  K and I agreed that we would each buy eachother a new scent to wear throughout November and on our Wedding day.


What you got going on this mornin'?

Monday, August 18, 2014

Our Weekend

Another relaxing weekend over here, how was yours?
I spent a couple hours at the pool both Saturday and Sunday.
I made sure to stay hydrated, and this Sparkling Deer Park was so refreshing.
I liked it better than La Croix.
 I started putting together the little giftbags I'm making for my Bachelorette babes. 
Stay tuned for more details...
 Aw, aren't I special:
This was my Saturday night.
K said I looked like the ghost of Bear Bryant roaming the house like this.
--
This time of year I always make sure to spoil my boo with extra snuggles.
We don't take him out and about much in August (too hot) so I think he needs extra rubs and kisses.
 Love love love this smile:
That's it!
Hope you are having a good morning :)

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Crispy Oven Roasted Okra

Today I want to share a Super Simple Sidedish Suggestion.
:)
There is nothing to this "recipe".
I used a bag of frozen sliced okra, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet I sprayed with olive oil.
I seasoned with salt and pepper and a sprinkle of garlic powder then baked at 450' until brown at the edges.
I roasted mine for 20 minutes or so, but I wanted them super crispy, almost like chips.  
I'm not a fan of slimy okra.  That's all there is to it.
Anyway, let me know if you try it!  We really enjoyed this as a side with salsa chicken last night.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Our Weekend

I mentioned in Friday's post that we were going to take a lesson for our first dance. 
Well, it was a learning experience in more ways than one.  When looking into dance studios I initially googled "Wedding Dance Lessons Charleston, SC".
The first to pop up was Fred Estaire, so I called them.
I spoke with the instructor at length regarding what I was looking for and felt like he understood, 
but upon arrival at our private lesson I realized we were not on the same page.
The instructor was very knowledgeable and a nice enough guy, but he insisted upon teaching us the foxtrot, and spent the majority of the lesson trying to upsell us on a package.
Buyer Beware: This is a hard-sell.  I am not a shopper that can get sucked in by a sales pitch, but I have never had a sales person push so much.  I felt like I was being held prisoner until I would commit.
I did not, but it was very uncomfortable.
After the interesting 'lesson', we decided to turn the night around with our favorite, Basil.
The past couple times we have eaten here we've sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen, it's a lot of fun to watch them cook. 
 Saturday my mom and I did a little shopping.  I am on the hunt for a new camera before all of the wedding festivities begin!  Later K grilled tuna steaks for dinner with a honey ginger glaze.  
 And I think it's safe to say I went stir crazy with all the rain yesterday.  
We went to Paisano's to grab a pizza and I was cracking myself up with this face.
I'm actually still chuckling.
We were the only ones in the restaurant, I want to point that out.
And as for today, it is GO TIME.
It's time to get serious about wedding prep,
 so I am breaking down my list and setting weekly goals.
Have a great Monday!

Friday, August 8, 2014

Friday Five!

Happy Friday everyone!
I really don't have a whole lot to say today but wanted to post anyway.
So here you go:
1.
Tonight we are taking a lesson for our First Dance!
I reluctantly admit that my rhythm is...unique.
And so I think it will benefit both K and I to spend some time making sure we are on the same page.
It is my vow there will be no cheesy choreography.

2.
It is so dang stifling outside, I don't know how any flowers are surviving.
 
3,4,5.
I spent my lunch hour at the mall yesterday and came away with the notion that I need the following, for my trousseau, of course.
Wouldn't you agree?
Dooney & Bourke ZipZip Satchel
Ralph Lauren Drawstring Cropped Polka dot Pants
Zales Baguette and Round Diamond Band


Have a great weekend!

Monday, August 4, 2014

Weekend Happenings

This Monday morning I feel a bit more collected than most.  I think this is partly due to the dreary weather which provided me with enough downtime to feel caught up on energy.
We kicked off the weekend down at Crosby's Dock Party, it is probably one of my favorite ways to spend a Friday night!

 After Happy Hour, my brother suggested we try out James Island's new White Duck Taco.
I had heard about this place opening but couldn't figure out exactly where it was.  There isn't a sign on Folly Road yet, but it is hard to miss the huge duck mural.
I didn't take a picture of our meal but dang those tacos were da bomb!
The Thai Peanut Chicken taco was better than my beloved Zia Chorizo.  
All caps AWESOME.
 Saturday was so rainy and gross, so I made cookies! 
I used Betty Crocker Peanut Butter cookie mix and added a half cup each of chocolate chips, oatmeal, and chopped pecans.  I combined this with a softened stick of butter and then also added an egg because it was a little too dry initially.  Yum!
And now, since I have a ton of cookies that I don't need to be eating, I am spreading cookie love to coworkers and friends alike:
Sunday was also pretty dreary but come 6:00 pm the sun came out enough to enjoy a glass of wine on the porch.  I bought this wine to try, but it was a tad too sweet for me.   

How was your weekend?