Wordless Wednesday: SanDestin Snapshots

I only have three words for this Wordless Wednesday, Beach Edition: TAKE. ME. BACK. :(

Romping at the CMA's

I'm BA-ACK! And feeling oh-so-refreshed, I must say. That fresh saltwater air must have healing agents or something, because I feel like a brand. new. gal. And trying desperately to make this tan I've got going last to this weekend for our friend's wedding. Let's all pray to the peeling gods that they stay far away from me and my shoulders. No one likes seeing that nonsense in a sundress. No one.

Before I begin the recap of our uber-fantabulous Beach Trip 2010 (and yes, the tarballs arrived on the shores of Sandestin on Thursday, and no, they did not stick around long enough to matter, thank goodness) I wanted to be sure I didn't forget to show a few photos from our 3rd Annual CMA Fest Date Night.

So let's see, we started the night off at Past Perfect for dinner and drinks with our friends the Schwartzenbergs and then walked over the bridge just in time to hear Josh Turner start things off with "Would You Go With Me" (which just so happened to be one of the songs we used in our rehearsal dinner photo montage - there's a fun fact for you.) And P.S. Josh is a TOTAL hottie. He is definitely creeping into my Top Five. After hearing him croon away with that lovely low voice came my homegirl Miranda who got things fired up with "Gunpowder and Lead" and her current hits "The House That Built Me" and "White Liar." I think she and I would TOTALLY be friends. I like her sassiness. And after that came Reba which was in my opinion a total snoozefest. Just never really got on board the Reba bandwagon, with the exception of "Fancy" about a decade ago. But guess who swooped in right after her to save the day and make my entire night, year, and decade. Yes ma'am, the one and only Mr. Keith Urban. Swoon FEST. That guy is just more amazing every time I see him. I tell Mr. T that part of what makes him so attractive is NOT his Australian accent/amazing hair/guitar playing talent but that he just seems so SINCERE. The highlight of the night was when he sang a cover of "I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends" with images from the flood and all the ordinary folks doing extraordinary things to help out their neighbors. It was, in a word, awesome. And Mr. T just sat there and shook his head at me as I kept saying "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh" on repeat. I turn into a 13 year old brace-faced freak when it comes to Mr. Urban, I confess.

So anyway, here are a few pics from our fun night! Wish the ones I had taken of the musicians had turned out, but I can't quite figure out the night setting on my new camera and the lights made everything blurry. That is my homework before the next outing, I promise.

And P.S. this last photo just might be making an appearance as my new Facebook profile pic. How have I never discovered this big ole boot in the heart of Honky Tonk Row downtown? You know how I love my cowboy boots!

I'm Leaving On A Jet Plane

Don't know when I'll be back a-gain. Actually, I do, but I'd rather not think about that right now.

Because tomorrow Mr. T and I will be taking a few of these drink coupons out and toasting to the beginning of a very well-timed and much-anticipated vacation at the beach with our favorite friends!

Where I plan to eat lots and lots of this scrumptious stuff (because who knows when we'll be able to enjoy yummy fresh seafood that's not tainted with oil again?)

Excited doesn't begin to describe what I feel right now! I am over the MOON!

See y'all next week!!!

Dad's Day

Meet my Dad. He's pretty much the kindest, most selfless, most honest, most wonderful guy on the planet. (Actually, it's a tie now that Mr. T is in my life). I definitely lucked out in the Dad Department, and there isn't a day that passes by that I don't realize it and thank my lucky stars.

Dad, thanks for setting the bar pretty dang high when it comes to what I expected in a husband, and in a man. I couldn't have chosen better for myself. And I couldn't have had a better example for my first thirty years on this earth. Thank you for the amazing person you are. I love you more than you know!

Me Gusta The Marquesa

While I've got the beach on the brain, let's talk anniversaries, ladies. So Mr. T and I are coming up on our big six month anniversary (yes, we used to celebrate our month-i-versaries when we were dating and I kind of loved it, so I'm thinking the half-a-year mark deserves celebration as well) and it got me thinking about whatever shall we do for our big one year anniversary on January 2nd. So you know what happens when I start thinking? I start researching. And that can be a wee bit dangerous.

Because we just might have reached a decision...to head on down south and dip our feet HERE.

To see a little bit of sunshine while everyone back home is pasty white and covered in chillbumps.

NOW I remember why we decided to get married the week after the holidays - for all the super-fun anniversary trips we get to take from here on out!

Cue the Beach Boys and color me tan, because I just think Key West sounds pretty perfect, don't you?

And speaking of perfect, wouldn't you know I went and discovered the most heavenly little inn called the Marquesa, which justsohappens to have been featured in Southern Living Magazine last year, saying this in an article entitled "10 Things We Love About Florida":


"The Marquesa Hotel, centered around a tropical pool, features the best 27 rooms in town and a fabulous restaurant. When you return, even months later, the staff will remember you by name."


And because this lovely place costs a lovely arm and a leg, the even better news is that a group of my sweet girlfriends got the most AMAZING wedding gift for us - a voucher to use at the Distinguished Inns of North America - of which the little Marquesa just so happens to be a member! Is that you squealing or me? I'm so excited, I can't tell. Never mind the fact we may be busting out our sleeping bags beachside for the other nights, (because wow, Key West is an expensive little city to get to, I'm learning) at least we'll be staying in style for at least one night here!

Happy Anniversary to us, indeed!

Beach Me, Baby...

This is where I will be exactly one week from today, my beautiful blogettes. And two words come to mind. Yes, please...

My fingers and toes are triple-crossed that the oil holds off and doesn't spread its ugly black tar fingers to our beautiful white sand beaches. I have so many memories of looking for sand crabs in Orange Beach every summer as a kid, enjoying a week of freedom in Destin every spring break as a college girl, and look forward to making many more on our upcoming vacay on those same shores now as a newlywed. Though I know the media has gone to town with some serious spin on the images of pelicans covered in oil, it still breaks my heart to think what could happen to our beloved Gulf Coast. The good news is we get a full refund if it hits before or while we're down there. The bad news is if that happens, I won't get to do any of this.

Which let's be honest, is one of my alltime-favorite, I-know-it's-bad-but-I-promise-I-wear-SPF, I-can-almost-smell-the suntan-oil-and-feel-the-frosty-beverage-in-my-hands pasttimes...

Beach me.

Boots, Y'all!

Last week, my friend Elizabeth and I had a little girls night down in Franklin at the neighborhood Sips n Strokes. Never heard of it? Well I insist you try it out ASAP. It's a lovely little concept that was the brainchild of Wendy Lovoy, and it started out in Birmingham several years ago. Basically you bring your friends and your favorite beverage, are guided through the painting of your choice, and then you get to take home a beautiful canvas painting at the end of the night!

So here we are ready to begin, just a few Picasso's in training...

And here's my finished product that's now hanging in our home...I should probably move it to my closet since it's one of my favorite things to wear...

Boots, y'all!

To Romp Or Not To Romp

Now get your mind out of the gutter, girls...I'm talking about the trendy little outfit that is known as the romper. And has anyone else noticed that they are EVERYWHERE these days? I've decided that the romper is to Summer 2010 what the maxi dress was to Summer 2009. So naturally, in a moment of shopping splendor, I bit the bullet and purchased this linen number last night at Arden B.

I wish you could have seen the internal conflict I was having with myself - I'm sure my face was all contorted in my thinking expression, because I'm standing in the store surrounded by girls who are a good five years younger than me and I'm having the following conversation in my head:

"I know this is going to be completely out of fashion by this time next year but it's only $50 and it's black which is naturally slimming and man, it would be so cute with my cowboy boots (especially for tomorrow night at CMA Fest) which are exactly the same shade as the skinny belt so yes, I need this, if only to have the perfect outfit for this one night and a new staple for this one summer..."

And so, I purchased it. Don't act surprised. You knew it was going to happen.

And, to follow yet another trend in the fashion industry, I went ahead and got this fabulous straw fedora. Because I feel a teensy bit like a celebrity when I put it on. Just being honest.

And with rationale flying out the window, I moseyed on down the mall and got these too...

OK, just kidding about that last part. If only I had $500 bucks lying around to get a pair of Frye boots bedazzled in rhinestones. Maybe one day.

And honey, if you're reading this, I'm sorry for just giving you heart failure. Of COURSE I will discuss all purchases over $200 with you. Or hide them until I bust them out at just the right moment, wondering how on earth you forgot I had them...

Happy Friday, y'all!

"Fore!" (Or, My First Time To Swing A Golf Club)

What's that? You're dying to hear what I learned to do last Saturday? Well okay, I'll tell you. Sister learned how to play golf! Well, sort of. I was actually pretty terrible, but what I DID learn is that a golf cart is a great way to get some sun on my shoulders AND enjoy a nice breeze. And spend a gorgeous Saturday afternoon with fellow golf-playing friends. Mission accomplished in my book!

Boys...why so serious? No need for the token golf tournament pose. But yes, you look like you could play on the Pro-Am. (Wow, bonus points for using "Pro-Am" in a sentence, please).

And on the other side of the fun spectrum...the girls! I absolutely adore this lady on my left, Miss Melissa. She is quite possibly one of my most favorite gals on the planet. We're heading to the beach with these two in a couple of weeks and I cannot wait. And P.S. - she can get after some golf!

Practice...

Makes....

Perfect! (This was a warm up round, before you start making fun of the fact that the golf ball is still nicely in place on its tee. Though that did happen a few times...

With my own personal golf coach and love of my life, Mr. T. Who dominated that day, I might add. What a show-off.

So my plan is try and play at least once or twice a month so I can eventually make a Par 4 in under 10 strokes. Yes, that IS a good goal. And then maybe I'll get super serious and purchase my own set of these.



To go along with these, natch.

(And though I'm not usually a pink person, I'm making an exception in this case. Because as Melissa demontrates with her cute polo top, pink looks quite snazzy on the golf course).

And who can complain when your own personal cabbie, golf cart driver, and coach is as handsome as this guy? Not I, ladies. Not I.

Ode to the Local Artist

Meet Deann. She is this adorable gal I met last night at Ads to Art, a charity function benefitting the Nashville Zoo. Her artwork was by far my favorite, and I was thisclose to buying a piece until Mr. T reminded me we have a trip to the beach coming up in a few weeks (fingers crossed that the oil spill doesn't ruin that, or more importantly our lovely Gulf Coast, but we won't go there on this fine Friday). Anyway, not only is Deann uber-talented, she is lovely in person. And of course she scored bonus points when I found out she was also an Alabama girl. She has a studio in The Factory at Franklin, and also has some of her art featured at a charming little store on 30-A in Watercolor called The Blue Giraffe.

This little chapel is one of my most favorites.

And these guardian angel pieces are so beautiful, don't you think?

More artwork on display at a show - that barn in the middle totally reminds me of the one at Southall Eden where we had our engagement pictures taken! Just look at this...
I mean, they could be barn cousins, could they not?? I spy a future purchase. Blame sentimentality!

Every summer, Deann holds a fun-filled art camp for kids at her studio located in The Factory. Students enjoy learning Deann’s method and approach to painting by using the palette knife and a heavy painting technique. Cost of camp is $195 and includes 3 days, all supplies, snacks and pizza party on the last day. If I had kids I would be ALL OVER that kind of fun! And how awesome are these little piglets? I would totally frame that and proclaim my kid the next Picasso.

Another local artist I j'adore is Barbara Coon, also a Franklin gal. I was introduced to her work at Midtown Gallery, and always love seeing which pieces of hers are featured when I stop in. Here's her story:

Barbara Coon has been producing unique and eclectic art since her childhood. For over the past decade she has been concentrating on her gallery work. Coon does all of her own construction from wooden supports to more elaborate multiple piece works. She is a painter, carpenter, clay builder, and potter. Her pieces are easily recognized for their elements of color, humor, and sarcasm. Even her serious side is expressed through colors and themes that entice the viewer. Coon’s subject matter can be anything, although she prefers objects. She is passionate about trying new ideas and is constantly giving her audience something new to love. Barbara lives in Franklin with her husband Ed, their three beautiful daughters, and dog Houdi.

Barbara's pieces are very textured and almost 3-dimensional - and usually give little nods to Nashville (see the letters of Nashville spelled out on the side of this guitar? Love it!)

Behold the piece I have seriously been eyeing for about a year now - simply titled "Boots." My heart skips a beat when I see it. Hel-lo, you KNOW how much I love my cowboy boots!

Also in the name of art, I took a class at Sips n Strokes a few months ago and had an absolute ball! In case you haven't heard of it, it's a concept that started in Birmingham, AL (shout-out to my college stomping ground) and has spread like wildfire across the southeast. You pay $25, show up at the studio, and get guided step-by-step through a painting that you get to take home at the end of the night. And the best part? You can bring your own beverage of choice to really get those creative juices flowing! Me thinks that's a brilliant idea. I treated myself to a class at the Franklin studio for my 30th birthday and I'm thinking I'm due for one again soon. Especially since I saw they have some fabulous paintings featured for the month of June. Wow, can't believe it's already June. Yes I can, it is 90 degrees outside today - feels like June. No I can't, that means I've been married five months! Yes I can, that means we're almost halfway to celebrating our one year anniversary, which means we must decide where we'll be heading for the big anniversary trip - I'm thinking Key West. Or Cabo. Or Santorini. What, a girl can dream!

Ahem. Back to reality and our plans for the weekend, which include the following:

Happy Hour with friends tonight to celebrate the end of the longest week in the history of the world, gym tomorrow morning to run off the beverages consumed during aforementioned Happy Hour, my first go at a round of golf tomorrow afternoon which should be VERY interesting, and FINALLY planting some flowers in pots on our back deck and refreshing my herb garden so I'm not horribly embarrassed when we host a bridal shower for my friend Amber in a couple of weeks. Which by the way, leads me to remember yet another fabulous artist by the name of Brittany Fuson here in Nashville that designed them for me! (And a big virtual high-five to Miss Kriss for helping me make them blogtastic - anyone else feel like a complete moron when trying to do the blur-the-address-out trick? No? Just me? Well fine then, so be it. At least I'm lucky to have friends like Kristin.)

(Click to enlarge)

Isn't that a fun idea for a shower? I was lucky enough to have a recipe shower back in December just before I got married and I LOVE having all these great little recipes to try out on Mr. T, especially since they all came from friends. So I thought, why not repeat? I'm planning on making my Oreo Truffle Balls, and every single one of them better be eaten because I have to get in a bathing suit in two weeks. And sister has NOT been working out like she should. Oy.

Hope you all have lovely, relaxing weekends!

Because It's The Little Things

As I was getting into bed last night, I turned back the covers and discovered this lovely little treasure under my pillow.

Yes, he made a list of the top 20 reasons why he loves me. And bless his heart, he typed it. Words can't say how much I love my husband. He was so tired he was already sound asleep (he must have put it there while I was getting ready for bed) but that didn't stop me from leaning over, kissing his cheek, and whispering "thank you" in his ear.

(And honey, if you're reading this, I hope this didn't embarrass you. It's just that this is precisely why I started a blog - to look back and remember how much fun our first few months of marriage have been. Never stop surprising me. And thank you for always remembering the little things.)