Eek! I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it...(man, every time I sing that in my head I think of Jesse Spano on Saved by the Bell having her panic attack). Why? Because in exactly 24 hours I'll be boarding a train (yes, as in Amtrak - how cool are we?) and heading down to New Orleans for my bachelorette party! And I can't. freakin. wait. This week has been such a doozie at work and I can't think of a better time to get out of town with my favorite girls and celebrate the end of singledom. Wow, that sounds so morbid. I'm actually kind of glad to see it go, and technically I've been "taken" for well over a year now. :) Anyway, New Orleans is one of my favorite places on earth (I was actually born there, and only lived there for about a minute, but depending on my mood I may still call it home) and I'm SO ecstaticly happy that my maid of honor (all the way from DC - she's a trooper), two bridesmaids, and two sweet friends are making the trip down with me. There's a slight possibility that some shenanigans are in store, and I'm actually quite okay with that. I mean, this is like the only night where you have a green light to get a little crazy. We'll keep it PG, (don't worry mom), but I may or may not end up dancing my stilettos off on Bourbon Street before all is said and done. It's just been that kind of week.
On another note, today marks the official 100 day mark before the wedding. Gulp. Actually, that's like a double gulp. I have got to get on the ball and start checking off the to do list. I mean, I'm an event planner for goodness sakes. So Self, I cross-my-heart promise and solemnly swear, I'm getting things in gear starting next week. Seriously, I've got to put my game face on. So what if the new house is still in complete disarray and boxes are still piled as high as the eye can see? And so what if we still don't have patio furniture because I haven't had time to shop for any so we can't enjoy a glass of wine on our back porch? And so what if I still haven't taken my shoes out of rubber crates and have to dig through them each morning to find a pair that matches my outfit? No, I'm putting my bride hat back on starting Sunday night and that's final. Does anyone else have these internal battles with themselves when it comes to prioritizing? Sheesh.
Oh well. As my native Frenchman say, "Laissez les bon temps roulez" ladies! Have lovely weekends!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Getting Settled...Somewhat
Thanks to all of you sweet folks for commenting on the blog! I'm such a sucker for blog love. :)
It has been a crazy and chaotic few days for us getting moved in, unpacked, and settled into the new house. But thankfully, it really does feel like home, and has from the first night. (I'm not gonna lie, the surround sound has helped immensely in getting me acclimated).
And why we had to have terrential downpours for every day of the moving process is beyond me, but we managed. And thankfully, we didn't kill each other in the process.
So now, we try to figure out how to stuff 29 years worth of my stuff and 34 years worth of Mr. T's stuff into one little house. Which is interesting, to say the least. I've been so used to having my stuff and only my stuff for so long, that to see these foreign objects in my cabinet has been a little, well, foreign to me. But after putting away the last mismatched frosted mug last night (compliments of Craig's bachelor days) and waking up to this sweet sight this morning, I realized there really are perks to starting a life together in our very own place.
Forgive the mess (like I said, we still have lots of organizing to do), but if you'll look closely you'll say that he spelled out "I LOVE U" in silverware this morning. Awww. Best way to start my day ever. Don't think for a second I don't know how lucky I am to be marrying that guy. He made a good point - if we didn't have all that mismatched silverware, he could only have spelled "I LOV." Sweetness.
It has been a crazy and chaotic few days for us getting moved in, unpacked, and settled into the new house. But thankfully, it really does feel like home, and has from the first night. (I'm not gonna lie, the surround sound has helped immensely in getting me acclimated).
And why we had to have terrential downpours for every day of the moving process is beyond me, but we managed. And thankfully, we didn't kill each other in the process.
So now, we try to figure out how to stuff 29 years worth of my stuff and 34 years worth of Mr. T's stuff into one little house. Which is interesting, to say the least. I've been so used to having my stuff and only my stuff for so long, that to see these foreign objects in my cabinet has been a little, well, foreign to me. But after putting away the last mismatched frosted mug last night (compliments of Craig's bachelor days) and waking up to this sweet sight this morning, I realized there really are perks to starting a life together in our very own place.
Forgive the mess (like I said, we still have lots of organizing to do), but if you'll look closely you'll say that he spelled out "I LOVE U" in silverware this morning. Awww. Best way to start my day ever. Don't think for a second I don't know how lucky I am to be marrying that guy. He made a good point - if we didn't have all that mismatched silverware, he could only have spelled "I LOV." Sweetness.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Happy to be a...Homeowner!
Dear new house that I love very, very much,
From the minute we laid eyes on your cousin (the model unit down the road) in late May (a mere two months after we got engaged!), we knew we wanted to own you. And hearing you were the last one left AND you were in our price range really had us feeling like Someone was smiling on us. So we signed the contract, patted ourselves on the back for negotiating in lots of fun upgrades like vaulted ceilings, a backsplash, surround sound, crown molding, a two-tiered deck, and EVEN a fancy new washer and dryer (who knew?) and ever so slowly watched you go up before our very eyes. We've seen you when you were just a little plot of land, then a foundation and a few 2 x 4's, then an actual structure covered in sawdust and insullation, and we've loved you a little more with every step.
We had to push back our expected move-in date two weeks, but that was okay - we wanted you to be perfect and not rushed to completion. We drove by several times a week just to check on your progress, and especially loved seeing our neighbors playing guitar one night on their front door step, which I like to think was keeping you company. (We also were excited that we had cool neighbors who were musically-inclined)! Yet another reason I absolutely love Nashville.
Then we got to do the walk-through on Monday, September 14. What a day. We hope you didn't get your feelings hurt by all the blue tape we put on your walls, windows, nooks and crannies, but we wanted you to be as perfect as possible before we moved in. We never thought they would get everything done in time but somehow they managed and our closing date was all set for September 17.
Now I'm a good sleeper, dear house, but I couldn't sleep all week just thinking about how we would decorate you, where our furniture would be placed, and where on earth all the things that had fit in my one-bedroom apartment would go! But Closing Day came and we signed lots of papers to make you officially ours. When Hunter (the developer, who we love) handed over the keys, we couldn't stop smiling. I think I even squealed. And of course, I insisted we take pictures to document the special occasion!
The Proud Owners. Done with closing, and smiling with the keys!
With Hunter Connelly of Core Development. Can't believe he's still smiling after all the questions we asked during the building process.
With Allen Perry, our awesome realtor who found you!
Now on to the really fun stuff...
Kitchen view from stairwell
Living Room - love all that natural light!
Hallway to the back door
Stairwell - still trying to figure out how to hang some cool art on those high walls...
Master Bath - love that oversized tile!
One of my favorite features - "his and hers" sinks. Also digging the little backsplash I selected at the last minute from Ceramic Tile Distributors - aka my new best friends. The colors were too perfectly coordinated NOT to do it!
Master Bedroom - that color is oh-so-soothing. And the French Doors lead to our own private balcony!
More Master Bedroom - showcasing vaulted ceilings and fan we hand-selected.
Our brand new washer and dryer - woot!
Guest Bathroom - see how the mosaic tile detail blends beautifully with our paint color? It's called Balsam. I heart it. 
More Guest Bath - I'm tickled with the modern feel of those vessel sinks!
Guest Bedroom - I stuck with a neutral (this is called Summer Suede) because I couldn't decide which colors to go with on bedding, drapes, etc. I'm thinking something that really pops!
Stairwell - a teensy part of me wishes I'd thought to ask for wrought iron spindles, but this works for now. The white paint is semi-gloss - so clean and shiny.
So this is Mr. T opening our celebratory bottle of champagne from our awesome friends Melissa and Jevin. They were so sweet to give us a bunch of goodies when we got engaged, and we decided to save the bottle for our next "something special." Yesterday was that day! I won't mention that he almost busted out our new window when he popped the cork off. Had to laugh at that point - wouldn't that have been our luck?
Kitchen - love how the glass mosaic tiles reflect off the granite countertops. Note the wine glasses ready and waiting. They sit above our built-in wine refrigerator! Another one of my favorite features...
The Media Room! We were calling it the Man Room but I decided I would be watching some football games in there too. Please note the color is only slightly suggestive of my Crimson Tide. Hehe.
A view of our new Samsung refrigerator, wisely purchased during the Labor Day Sale at hhGregg. I'm only slightly obsessed with the Samsung brand - my flatscreen is one and the picture is so great it shows people's pores! It is being wall-mounted in the living room as we speak, along with surround sound in every room of the house. That is Mr. T's dream come true.
Our precious back porch. The media room windows actually overlook this, so people can watch the game from inside or out. Genius!
Another one of our selections for the back deck - the "Tommy Bahama" fan. Love it.
And finally, our two-tier deck! This was another part of the negotiation - we're the only house that has one with two tiers. For now anyway. Our neighbors said they plan to copy! We like being the trendsetters. :)
From the minute we laid eyes on your cousin (the model unit down the road) in late May (a mere two months after we got engaged!), we knew we wanted to own you. And hearing you were the last one left AND you were in our price range really had us feeling like Someone was smiling on us. So we signed the contract, patted ourselves on the back for negotiating in lots of fun upgrades like vaulted ceilings, a backsplash, surround sound, crown molding, a two-tiered deck, and EVEN a fancy new washer and dryer (who knew?) and ever so slowly watched you go up before our very eyes. We've seen you when you were just a little plot of land, then a foundation and a few 2 x 4's, then an actual structure covered in sawdust and insullation, and we've loved you a little more with every step.
We had to push back our expected move-in date two weeks, but that was okay - we wanted you to be perfect and not rushed to completion. We drove by several times a week just to check on your progress, and especially loved seeing our neighbors playing guitar one night on their front door step, which I like to think was keeping you company. (We also were excited that we had cool neighbors who were musically-inclined)! Yet another reason I absolutely love Nashville.
Then we got to do the walk-through on Monday, September 14. What a day. We hope you didn't get your feelings hurt by all the blue tape we put on your walls, windows, nooks and crannies, but we wanted you to be as perfect as possible before we moved in. We never thought they would get everything done in time but somehow they managed and our closing date was all set for September 17.
Now I'm a good sleeper, dear house, but I couldn't sleep all week just thinking about how we would decorate you, where our furniture would be placed, and where on earth all the things that had fit in my one-bedroom apartment would go! But Closing Day came and we signed lots of papers to make you officially ours. When Hunter (the developer, who we love) handed over the keys, we couldn't stop smiling. I think I even squealed. And of course, I insisted we take pictures to document the special occasion!
The Proud Owners. Done with closing, and smiling with the keys!
With Hunter Connelly of Core Development. Can't believe he's still smiling after all the questions we asked during the building process.
With Allen Perry, our awesome realtor who found you!
Now on to the really fun stuff...
Kitchen view from stairwell
Living Room - love all that natural light!
Hallway to the back door
Stairwell - still trying to figure out how to hang some cool art on those high walls...
Master Bath - love that oversized tile!
One of my favorite features - "his and hers" sinks. Also digging the little backsplash I selected at the last minute from Ceramic Tile Distributors - aka my new best friends. The colors were too perfectly coordinated NOT to do it!
Master Bedroom - that color is oh-so-soothing. And the French Doors lead to our own private balcony!
More Master Bedroom - showcasing vaulted ceilings and fan we hand-selected.
Our brand new washer and dryer - woot!
Guest Bathroom - see how the mosaic tile detail blends beautifully with our paint color? It's called Balsam. I heart it.
More Guest Bath - I'm tickled with the modern feel of those vessel sinks!
Guest Bedroom - I stuck with a neutral (this is called Summer Suede) because I couldn't decide which colors to go with on bedding, drapes, etc. I'm thinking something that really pops!
Stairwell - a teensy part of me wishes I'd thought to ask for wrought iron spindles, but this works for now. The white paint is semi-gloss - so clean and shiny.
So this is Mr. T opening our celebratory bottle of champagne from our awesome friends Melissa and Jevin. They were so sweet to give us a bunch of goodies when we got engaged, and we decided to save the bottle for our next "something special." Yesterday was that day! I won't mention that he almost busted out our new window when he popped the cork off. Had to laugh at that point - wouldn't that have been our luck?
Kitchen - love how the glass mosaic tiles reflect off the granite countertops. Note the wine glasses ready and waiting. They sit above our built-in wine refrigerator! Another one of my favorite features...
The Media Room! We were calling it the Man Room but I decided I would be watching some football games in there too. Please note the color is only slightly suggestive of my Crimson Tide. Hehe.
A view of our new Samsung refrigerator, wisely purchased during the Labor Day Sale at hhGregg. I'm only slightly obsessed with the Samsung brand - my flatscreen is one and the picture is so great it shows people's pores! It is being wall-mounted in the living room as we speak, along with surround sound in every room of the house. That is Mr. T's dream come true.
Our precious back porch. The media room windows actually overlook this, so people can watch the game from inside or out. Genius!
Another one of our selections for the back deck - the "Tommy Bahama" fan. Love it.
And finally, our two-tier deck! This was another part of the negotiation - we're the only house that has one with two tiers. For now anyway. Our neighbors said they plan to copy! We like being the trendsetters. :)
So there you have it, little house. We're in love with every square foot of you, and I can't wait to start our new life together within your walls. My cup is just overflowing right now with gratefulness that we now have a place to call home. I promise to take great care of you, clean you regularly, and decorate you in style. And most of all, to share the hospitality of our home with all who visit us.
Let the moving begin!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Manic Monday: Enchanted Brides Show Recap
Perhaps I was a little too spoiled by having Monday off last week for Labor Day, but Lawd, this Monday has been a long one! Craig and I did the walk-through on our NEW HOME (cheers, applause) today and it's finally seeming real that we'll be homeowners this Thursday! More picture and details to come on that. I'm halfway holding my breath that it actually happens. Because let me tell you, I've never been more ready to be done with apartment life. Last night my lovely one-floor-above roommate decided to bust out her Taebo DVD at midnight for a late night workout session for a good thirty minutes. At least it sounded like it as I lay wide awake staring at the ceiling, hearing her footsteps right above me. I had almost convinced myself that I should leave her a nice little note when I move out and then decided who am I kidding, I don't have the gonads for that.
Maybe one day...
So on to better subjects. My sweet friend Amber and I headed out to Cheekwood for the Enchanted Brides Show on Sunday. She got engaged just a few months after me and is getting married on July 3, 2010. Fun! So we ventured out to Cheekwood after a lovely lunch at Star Bagel (after a late night at two of my favorite joints - Legends for country music and Lonnie's for karaoke!) and might I say that was just about the loveliest way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I mean really, what can be better than having people tell you congratulations left and right, fuss over you and the colors/venues/themes you've chosen, and then do a hardcore sales pitch to get your business? I would be lying if I said I didn't love it a little. Here we are stopping by one of the photog's tables, Mr. Martin O'Connor! He sent this lovely little picture to me this morning, as a thanks for stopping by. Love that.
So let's see...who did I love? The Showstopper Award goes to the lovely and uber-talented Elaine McCord Floral Designs, who nearly took my breath away with this number...
Just stop it. It's so gorgeous it's almost ridiculous. I walked in and it literally took my breath away a little. And though you may not be able to tell from my iPhone picture, it's a good six feet tall. Talk about a focal point - this little lady gets the job done, and in such a beautifully elegant way, don't you think? I'm totally inspired. And did I mention I'm doing all white flowers with loads of candlelight at our reception? So clearly she made this fabulous arrangement with me in mind. Know what else she did that I'm madly in love with at the moment? Lanterns!
So much so, in fact, that as a nod to the winter wedding we're having (and the fact that I keep changing my mind on what I like in terms of flowers) my bridesmaids will be carrying lanterns instead of bouquets! I love that it's something different (even though I totally stole the idea from my trainer, thanks Brooke!) Which reminds me, you have to check out the gorgeous recap of her wedding here). Don't the pinecones and evergreens make you swoon a little for a winter wedding? She makes me happy I stuck with January, even though I recently heard it's the second most unpopular month for a wedding. Awesome. More negotiating power for me!
Next up, the "Why Didn't I Think of That" Award goes to designs in paper who had the best idea in the world for an envelope. Introducing, the fabric envelope (which can later be used by the ladies as a jewelry pouch, lip gloss holder, you name it). Don't you just LOVE it? Me too.
And lest we forget about the "I Didn't Think It Was That Important But Now I Must Have It" Award: the Vintage Jaguar getaway car from Matchless Limosine. AND it comes in silver. Sweet.
And yes, that's a little red carpet they roll out for you. Who says you can't feel like a total celebrity for a day? Oh and they also have complimentary champagne and chocolate covered strawberries waiting for you. So after seeing said beauty I promptly email the photo to Mr. T. and tell him we must bite the bullet and get this bad boy. Reason #724 why I love him? He promptly responds, "Let's do it." Love that guy.
Oh, and just in case you are interested in the Holy Grail of Getaway Cars, this bonafide beauty is a close runner up: a mint green Bentley! Love the little sign on the back, and crossing my fingers that the Magical Mary Alice (who I refer to as my fairy godmother) over at A Delightful Day can make us one of those!
And finally, may I present to you the "My New Obsession" Award from The White Room.
This lovely lace belt just may be making an appearance around my waist on January 2nd.
More of a sash kind of gal? You'll thank me for introducing you to it's first cousin...
I know, right? Decisions, decisions...
I just love being a bride. :)
Maybe one day...
So on to better subjects. My sweet friend Amber and I headed out to Cheekwood for the Enchanted Brides Show on Sunday. She got engaged just a few months after me and is getting married on July 3, 2010. Fun! So we ventured out to Cheekwood after a lovely lunch at Star Bagel (after a late night at two of my favorite joints - Legends for country music and Lonnie's for karaoke!) and might I say that was just about the loveliest way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I mean really, what can be better than having people tell you congratulations left and right, fuss over you and the colors/venues/themes you've chosen, and then do a hardcore sales pitch to get your business? I would be lying if I said I didn't love it a little. Here we are stopping by one of the photog's tables, Mr. Martin O'Connor! He sent this lovely little picture to me this morning, as a thanks for stopping by. Love that.
So let's see...who did I love? The Showstopper Award goes to the lovely and uber-talented Elaine McCord Floral Designs, who nearly took my breath away with this number...
Just stop it. It's so gorgeous it's almost ridiculous. I walked in and it literally took my breath away a little. And though you may not be able to tell from my iPhone picture, it's a good six feet tall. Talk about a focal point - this little lady gets the job done, and in such a beautifully elegant way, don't you think? I'm totally inspired. And did I mention I'm doing all white flowers with loads of candlelight at our reception? So clearly she made this fabulous arrangement with me in mind. Know what else she did that I'm madly in love with at the moment? Lanterns!
So much so, in fact, that as a nod to the winter wedding we're having (and the fact that I keep changing my mind on what I like in terms of flowers) my bridesmaids will be carrying lanterns instead of bouquets! I love that it's something different (even though I totally stole the idea from my trainer, thanks Brooke!) Which reminds me, you have to check out the gorgeous recap of her wedding here). Don't the pinecones and evergreens make you swoon a little for a winter wedding? She makes me happy I stuck with January, even though I recently heard it's the second most unpopular month for a wedding. Awesome. More negotiating power for me!
Next up, the "Why Didn't I Think of That" Award goes to designs in paper who had the best idea in the world for an envelope. Introducing, the fabric envelope (which can later be used by the ladies as a jewelry pouch, lip gloss holder, you name it). Don't you just LOVE it? Me too.
And lest we forget about the "I Didn't Think It Was That Important But Now I Must Have It" Award: the Vintage Jaguar getaway car from Matchless Limosine. AND it comes in silver. Sweet.
And yes, that's a little red carpet they roll out for you. Who says you can't feel like a total celebrity for a day? Oh and they also have complimentary champagne and chocolate covered strawberries waiting for you. So after seeing said beauty I promptly email the photo to Mr. T. and tell him we must bite the bullet and get this bad boy. Reason #724 why I love him? He promptly responds, "Let's do it." Love that guy.
Oh, and just in case you are interested in the Holy Grail of Getaway Cars, this bonafide beauty is a close runner up: a mint green Bentley! Love the little sign on the back, and crossing my fingers that the Magical Mary Alice (who I refer to as my fairy godmother) over at A Delightful Day can make us one of those!
And finally, may I present to you the "My New Obsession" Award from The White Room.
This lovely lace belt just may be making an appearance around my waist on January 2nd.
More of a sash kind of gal? You'll thank me for introducing you to it's first cousin...
I know, right? Decisions, decisions...
I just love being a bride. :)
Friday, September 11, 2009
And the winner is...
Happy Friday, friends! After a random number generator (provided here), I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Football Fan Freebie is Commenter #2...Miss Kriss! She is a fellow bride-to-be right here in Nashville and better yet, a fellow Bama fan, so even though I love her for that, you guys can't accuse me of playing favorites - you can see for yourselves she was randomly chosen fair and square!
One reason I love this girl is that in a recent blog post, she admitted to already picking out her adorable outfits for the big Alabama/Tennessee game on October 24th. Love her for that. I hope these will serve as the perfect accessory! So congrats and roll tide, Kristin! Contact me at lillian.quarles@gmail.com and let me know your preference on colors for the earrings (though I bet I already know)!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Football Fan Freebie
So I have some exciting news, my fellow football-loving friends! To celebrate the fact that we are now two days away from GAME DAY (yay!) I offer to you my very first Etsy giveaway, compliments of the super-fab, accessory-rific Funky Lobez shop. Two words: Tres Chic!
I had a bright idea to do an Etsy search for my fave team, just to see what handmade goodies popped up, and happened to stumble upon her adorable shop that sells custom-made earrings in your favorite team's colors! Be still my Alabama loving heart. I love the fact that these babies are big and bold (I'm a sucker for those show-stopping dangly earrings) but also light and airy, and not heavy like so many are. But enough about that, let's talk about my giveaway!
All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know who your favorite football team is (college or pro), and what the team colors are. I'll randomly select a winner next Thursday, September 10. One lucky winner will have a custom-made pair of earrings, compliments of Miss Funky Lobez, shipped directly to you so you can sport them in style for the rest of the football season! How fun is that? And for those of you who aren't football fanatics like myself, I won't hate. Just leave a comment with your favorite colors and we'll throw you in the mix as well.
Happy commenting!
I had a bright idea to do an Etsy search for my fave team, just to see what handmade goodies popped up, and happened to stumble upon her adorable shop that sells custom-made earrings in your favorite team's colors! Be still my Alabama loving heart. I love the fact that these babies are big and bold (I'm a sucker for those show-stopping dangly earrings) but also light and airy, and not heavy like so many are. But enough about that, let's talk about my giveaway!
All you have to do is leave a comment letting me know who your favorite football team is (college or pro), and what the team colors are. I'll randomly select a winner next Thursday, September 10. One lucky winner will have a custom-made pair of earrings, compliments of Miss Funky Lobez, shipped directly to you so you can sport them in style for the rest of the football season! How fun is that? And for those of you who aren't football fanatics like myself, I won't hate. Just leave a comment with your favorite colors and we'll throw you in the mix as well.
Happy commenting!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
GiggleBooth Giveaway
How genius is Courtney with giggleBooth, a sweet as pie blog-follower of mine who sent me an email about a contest she is offering for a free giggleBOOTH (think Photo Booth, but bigger, less expensive and way more fun) for an upcoming wedding or special event! I think she's brilliant. So what is a giggleBOOTH? I'm so glad you asked. Basically, it's a mini studio that replicates the photo booth feel without the expense or limitations. Plus, it's set up in an out-of-the-way location at your event so that it doesn't steal the show and can be much more interactive and fun for your guests, since an attendant is there to man it the entire time and they don't have to worry about what to do. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good photo booth, and even used one at a recent event I planned, but I must say they can get a bit pricey. Also, you can only fit two (or three really skinny people) in one photo booth, so to have a giggleBOOTH that accomodates up to ten of your closest friends is way more fun, in my humble opinion. The best part? Prices start at an unbelievable (thank you for recognizing we're planning weddings in a recession) and wallet-friendly $275. As my friend Sarah Elizabeth channeling Rachel Zoe would say? "I die."
Get thee now to her blog and enter to win by writing a comment with who you are, what kind of event you would use it for, when and where your event takes place, and most importantly, why you are dying to have one. The contest ends on September 18, and get this...the winner gets two hours of giggleBOOTH coverage and 50 of your favorite images as digital negatives! Yes, please.
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