Showering Linds!

This past weekend I was home for my cousin Lindsey's Bridal Shower. The shower was hosted by all my aunts and girls cousins and took place at my parents house! It was the perfect opportunity for our family to meet Pat's family and all the special woman on his side of the family.

Dessert!

Our Bride-to-Be!


Bride-to-Be & her Sister who is also her Maid of Honor!

The pretty cake my Mom made!

Super cute cupcakes my cousin, Kel made!

Mini Wine Bottles as favors!

I hope everyone had a wonderful time, I know I sure did!

Linds, I can't wait until the big day, you are going to be a beautiful bride!

Prep for the Big Event

I picked my latest read to help prepare me for the big event at the end of this month...The Royal Wedding. I've always been interested in the Royal Family and wanted to pick a book that would give me an in dept look in to William and Kate's relationship and the Royal Family. I came across William and Kate A Royal Love Story by Christoper Andersen one evening and couldn't pass it up.

I am just about a quarter of the way through the book, but I will have no problem finishing it in time for the big event! I highly recommend this book if you are interested in learning more about Kate and William's romance, the drama behind Charles and Dianna's marriage and understanding the dynamics of the Royal Family.

Will you be tuning in bright and early for the big event on April 29th? I certainly will be!

Weekend Recap

We had a very eventful weekend and we are of course sad to see it go. Friday's weather was cold and rainy, so Thomas and I went to a local favorite for some comfort food; cheese fries and pizza. Let's get one thing straight, these cheese fries aren't just any cheese fries. I'm sure you are thinking fries with runny cheese dip poured over the fries that then turn soggy before you even get your hands on them. Not these cheese fries! The Whig's cheese fries go a little something like this: a large bowl full of fries with a variety of shredded cheeses melted on top with a side of ketchup and ranch. Can we say comfort food heaven?

Saturday night we attended a couples stock the bar shower for our friends Christi & Jake who are tying the knot this May! We had a fun time celebrating with them as well as fabulous time at the party with several of our friends who came in from out of town. Saturday night brought back memories of being in college and all of us being in the same place!

My camera was MIA all weekend, which is unfortunate since I really meant to take a picture of the gift we gave Christi & Jake. Before Christmas I found a cozy faux fur wine/liquor bag from Pottery Barn that I knew would be perfect for their shower especially since it was during the cold winter months and these napkins at a local boutique back home in Baltimore.

We filled the faux fur bag with a bottle of liquor and I wrapped the napkins in clean cellophane with a ribbon and used the tie from the faux fur bag to attach the napkins to the bag. I love giving gifts and I think the best gifts to give are the ones you want to keep for yourself!

Thanks to Bess, Lindsey, Katie, & Kelley for hosting a wonderful shower!

An the icing on the cake was watching the Super Bowl with some close friends and seeing the Packers W-I-N!!!!!!!!

Happy Monday y'all!

A Royal Wedding.

Let me start by saying, who knew the Royal Family was so good at keeping secrets? I was shocked to hear that Prince William and Kate Middleton were engaged back in October! At first I thought there was something fishy, like Prince William didn’t ask Kate’s Father until after he proposed and that was the reason they were waiting to announce it to the media. Thankfully, that was not the case. Why the wait, I’m not sure, may be so they could spend some time celebrating in private with family and friends? Whatever the case maybe, the news is out and there’s going to be a Royal Wedding within the next year, SQUEEE!

A few tidbits regarding the details of their engagement:

Engaged last month while on a safari in Kenya

Kate ditches her nickname for a more formal Catherine

Prince Charles jokes “they’ve been practicing long enough”

Prince William proposed using the engagement ring of his mother, Princess Diana, an 18-carat sapphire and diamond ring

The wedding will take place either next Spring or Summer before the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year (2012)

Once married they will be known as the Prince and Princess of Wales


To learn more about their engagement and upcoming wedding, click here. To watch Prince William and Kate's first interview together as an engaged couple, click here. And if you are still interested in learning more there is a Dateline Special on William & Kate tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 8/7 Central.

Wedding Bells

This past weekend Thomas and I traveled to Maryland for my cousin Kelly's wedding! We had a great time celebrating with the bride and groom, family and friends. Their wedding day was perfect in every way! They couldn't have asked for better weather or a more beautiful ceremony and reception. Our Granddad was sure looking down on Kelly and blessing her with an incredible day!

Walking down the aisle!

Bride and Groom saying their vows!

Having fun at their reception!

Thomas and Me (it was windy!)

Congratulations Kelly & Chris!!! We had a wonderful time celebrating with you both and wish you all the best and many years of happiness!

Home Sweet Home

In all honesty, there really is no place like home! Two weekends ago Miss T and I flew home for my cousin Kelly’s Bridal Shower and of course to spend time with family and friends.

Miss T gets so excited when we get off the plane in Baltimore, she starts frantically scratching the inside of her crate signaling she wants to be freed by my mom who is usually waiting for us at baggage claim. However, this time in order to try and save money, I didn’t check a bag. Not to mention it’s a huge time saver not having to wait for your luggage, at least at BWI.

Miss T and I met my parents outside and the lovely Molly, who we were meeting for the first time! Even though my mom and I talk daily and I ask about Molly all the time, she didn’t seem “real” until I finally got to meet her! She is one sweet girl!

Saturday morning was the Bridal Shower for Kelly; it was a brunch at my Aunt’s house! Everything was perfect and we all had a wonderful time celebrating with the bride-to-be!

Mother of the Bride & Bride to Be!

Friends, Me, & Mom

Just a few of the gifts!

The Bride

Mom & Linds

Aunts, Granny, & Me

After the shower it was off to take Miss T to get groomed. Up until 4 months ago she was just like her mom in the sense that we always got out hair cut at home. Well since I’ve found Shannon in Columbia , Miss T is the only one left getting her hair did at home…

Saturday evening we went to Mr. Bill’s, my favorite place to eat steam crabs. Honestly, this is the best place ever; no other place can even come close to Mr. Bills. Going to Mr. Bill’s is one of the things I look forward to most when coming home. I ate so many steam crabs; I thought I was going to pop!

Yummmm!

Sunday morning we went to church as a family. Afterwards, we stopped by the mall so I could return two things and look for jewelry to match my dress for Kelly’s wedding in October and of course shop! I love me some JCrew, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor and of course Nordstrom (my old stomping ground). We ate lunch at the Nordy Cafe before we hit the ground running. Dad gave us an hour in the mall-so we focused and not about to waste time. We were able to fund a necklace for my dress, make my returns, and purchase this blazer from JCrew; I’m in love and can’t wait for Fall!

On our way home from the mall I asked my Dad if we could stop for a snowball. I don’t get you Southerners not having snowball stands. What is this all about? It is hotter for longer down South then it is in Baltimore ! During the summer back home everyone lives at the snowball stand. Since I obviously haven’t had any luck in finding a snowball stand in the South and no a snowball is not a snow cone, I was craving a raspberry snowball, so a stop at the stand was a must! It was a hot Sunday temperature in the mid 90’s so needless to say it was crowded. Dad ordered a Root Beer snowball and Mom passed, she’s no fun! Just kidding, Mom!

After our afternoon treat we went home to pick up Miss T and Molly to go spend some time visiting with my Mom’s parents. By the time we were finished visiting, it was time to pack for the airport and enjoy one last family dinner before it was time to leave.

Thomas was so sweet and came and picked me and Miss T up from the airport and drove us home safely. I am so lucky to have the most wonderful family and boyfriend, I love them so much!

What a great weekend it was!

How To Write a Charming Thank You Note

I came across the tips below in the article titled "The Secret to Being Southern" in the September Issue of Southern Living and I just couldn't resist sharing it with you. I absolutely love taking the time to write a handwritten thank you note and hope you find the information below as helpful as I do!

The 5 Key Elements of Every Southern Thank You Note

1. Start with the date and salutation: Send your note, written in black ink, within a week of receiving a gift.

2. Say thanks right off the bat: Be specific about why you are writing the note. If you’re thanking someone for a monetary gift, refer to their “generosity” rather than mentioning the amount.

3. Compliment the kind gesture: Don’t be afraid to go over the top—everyone loves an effusive compliment, as long as it’s heartfelt.

4. Allude to the future: Anticipate another get-together, or if you’re writing about a gift, be sure to tell them how you plan to use it.

5. Finish with sincere regards: Reiterate your gratitude, then close the letter on an intimate note, signing your first and last name. Don’t forget to proofread before you postmark!

'Tis the Season

I have reached the age where wedding bells are ringing for many of my friends and family members and I know this is just the beginning. With that being the case, I have taken my mom's advice and started to set guidelines for myself. That way, I can make sure I stay within my budget and fair to everyone.

I am fortunate enough to have large family and lots of friends and I think it is important to make sure you come up with a budget at the beginning that works for you for bridesmaid dresses, travel and hotel costs, the amount of money you can afford on engagement gifts, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and wedding gifts. That way you'll always have a guideline that will keep you in line with your budget and fair to every friend and family member whose wedding you are asked to be a part of.

Below are some tips for wedding guests on a budget. Let's be honest here, we all have a budget whether is $50, $100, $500, or $10,000, we all have a limit at some point.

Shop around for hotels. Just because the couple blocks of rooms at a particular hotel, say the Ritz, does not mean you have to stay there nor that you are getting the best deal. Shop around, there are plenty of discounts, AAA or booking online that could save you money.

Wear the same outfit. This is much easier for guys, as they can easily get away with wearing the same suit to multiple weddings by changing the necktie. If you are expecting several invitations that require black tie, it is more economical to purchase a tux then to rent one each time.

As for us women, there is the pressure to dress differently for each wedding, but that shouldn't require a whole new outfit. Purchase a neutral color dress and accessorize it differently for two different weddings.

Bridesmaid dresses on a budget. Once you are finished with the dress you can resell it on eBay or a local consignment shop to recoup some of the money you spent. Also, unless alternations are included in the price of the dress, you'll often save money by doing them with an independent seamstress than the one who works for the bridal shop.

Do your own hair and makeup.

Plan the bachelorette/bridal party carefully. Make sure you decide in advance who is paying for what. Collect money in advance if you can or choose a venue where you can easily split the bill.

Still can't afford it? Just say no. There's no point in going into debt over someone else's wedding, so sometime it makes sense to decline.

Carrie Underwood & Mike Fisher Tie the Knot!

So I don't usually take the time to write about celebrities on my blog because honestly what's the point? There's really not that much worth talking about. But when it comes to Carrie Underwood I just couldn't resist. I am a huge fan of American Idol and have enjoyed watching Carrie's success skyrocket from winning the show. The thing I find neat about Carrie is she was just like the rest of us before winning American Idol, so much so she had never been on an airplane until she flew to LA for the show. There is something about her amazing talent and girl next store likeability that has me hooked!

Carrie's Play On Tour made a stop here in Columbia back in the beginning of May and trust me I was there! I absolutely admire her talent and love her music. The concert was very entertaining, yet so real. It seemed as though it was Carrie, just being Carrie. That the person you see performing on stage is the real her and she would be just as enthusiastic, thankful, and sweet if you met her on the street. I listen to her album Play On at least once a day!

It has been said that Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher tied the knot yesterday evening at the Ritz Carlton, Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, GA. I have actually been to Greensboro, GA and Reynolds Plantation as one of my best friend's mom's lives there! It's magnificent, I can't wait to read about the details in People Magazine!

Carrie & Mike at the airport boarding their private jet.