I escaped at Escape!

Now that is just some marketing genius, right there. Clearly I'm in the wrong profession and should be an advertising copywriter. Can't you just see a bumper sticker with "I escaped at Escape Day Spa" on it? I guess you need a little background though, right?

Again, let it be said that this post is to brag on Mr. T. I know you all are probably bored to tears by my public pats on his back for all the sweet things he does, but like I've said before, this is my blog, and my way to remember all the little moments in my life, and it just so happens that I happen to have a very thoughtful fiance that deserves to know how much I appreciate him. And truth be told, I also like to document these little things he does for me so that one day, if needed, I can use them against him when those little gestures are fewer and farther in between, so I can say "Remember how you used to do ____? Oh you don't? Well here's my blog post so that I can refresh your memory." Not that I expect to EVER have to do that. But just in case. :)

So last Friday, Craig and I both took the day off for a much-deserved mental health day after both of us had gone through quite possibly the craziest few weeks of the year at our jobs. I wanted to have no agenda, no itinerary, and just let the day fall as it may, but who are we kidding, I'm a planner to my core so I had mapped out a few errands (mostly wedding-related) for us to check off. One thing I did not bank on was Mr. T's announcement that he had something in mind of his own, and that it required my presence at 8:30. As in A.M. On my day off. And let me just say that I am in no shape, form or fashion a morning person. In fact, I have a battle pretty much every morning with myself trying to figure out how to sleep just a few more minutes and still be on time for work. So anyway, after being a tad bit of a baby about not getting to sleep in on said day off, I decided I should just shut my trap and leave the man alone about it. But when I woke up on that rainy morning that was as dreary as they come, I secretly cursed him for hatching such a cruel plan. Until we hopped in the car and drove up to Escape Day Spa and I saw this sight...



And was immediately whisked away into this room...



For the most incredibly luxurious couples massage you could ever imagine! I mean it was HEAVEN-SENT, people. I felt like I was on the Bachelor and we were enjoying a Fantasy Date or something. We each had our own masseuse, and got to lay side by side on the tables. I would have loved to look over at him and mouth the words "you're awesome" but I was literally in a comatose sleep within the first ten minutes. I'm pretty sure I might have drooled on the floor. Seriously, I have never been so relaxed in all my life! Believe me when I say they have earned their title as the Best Spa in Nashville. I am a FAN!

And just in case I haven't painted a picture that makes you want to get in your car and drive over there now, here's the description from the website:


share the bliss of massage therapy as you lay side by side…a soothing treatment for the body and mind…afterwards enjoy soaking in the hydrotherapy/ chromatherapy soak tub…a great way to spend some time together!


Like I said, I am one lucky (and relaxed) little lady. And for the record, it was totally worth losing a few hours of sleep. Starting our day off like that is something I would welcome anytime!

Bridal Portraits on the Brain!

Eek! They're Sunday. Seriously, I'm not ready. But ready or not, here they come, because if I delay it anymore, I might drive myself crazy. I already got up at 1 a.m. to make a to-do list on my iPhone. Sometimes I hate that I'm so undeniably Type A.

So let's talk hair extensions, ladies. I'd like to know your thoughts on this matter, because a) I'm considering purchasing these to amp up the hair power for my bridal portraits on Sunday and b) a dear friend of mine sported them over the weekend and they looked fan-freakin'-tastic. Seriously, I would have paid money for some right then and there if she had an extra set in her purse. They looked so healthy, so shiny, so REAL. Who knew? For all Jessica Simpson does that is questionable (I have issues with her unhealthy obsession to Twitter) she IS pretty business savvy. She has completely capitalized on the fashion, shoe, fragrance and hair-extension markets and I for one applaud her efforts. The shoes, albeit a bit uncomfortable, are fabulously high, which is a great for a girl that is 5' 2" like myself, and now, I'm taking a stand and supporting the faux hair she likes to flaunt. Sue me.

Here's the dealio: I've been trying for what seems like years (okay maybe since we got engaged in March) to grow my baby-fine hair out for the wedding, and I'm pretty sure it has decided it has reached its final destination and refuses to grow another inch. So I'm thinking I'll pop a few of these bad boys in and get that extra va-va-va voom! for me to rock those bridal portraits with sass and confidence. See how voluminous Miss Jessica looks? There are no products that will do this for me. Believe me, I've tried them all! (That means you, Big Sexy Hair.)

On the subject of bridal sessions, allow me to introduce you to the lovely Alyse Woodward, a wedding planner who hails from Charlotte, N.C. and has such an eye for style! She featured two uber-fabulous bridal sessions last Friday on her blog and I love them both - so different but so unique! I love how they captured the brides personalities so well.

Which brings to my next question...so I obviously love my cowboy boots that were a gift from Mr. T early in our courtship. We used to celebrate each month, but when we reached the one-year point, we decided we had run out of ideas (and money) to continue that lovely tradition. But they did make an appearance on our Save-the-Dates (shameless plug: which were featured on Ashley's Bride Guide yesterday - check it out here!) and man, would they be comfortable and oh-so-appropriate when we're jamming out at our wedding reception to our rock-it-out southern rock/country band, Trotline. I'm thinking we'll have the sweet and innocent ivory shoes to make my mom happy and then, just when I'm starting to get foot cramps, I'll bust out the boots! Question is, should they make an appearance in the bridal session, or shall we keep it a secret? I can't make another decision - so for the love, help this Bride in Boots out, my blog sisters!

All Things Halloween

So after our lovely day off from work tomorrow (yay!), Mr. T and I have decided to go see our annual scary movie by watching what has been deemed one of the scariest movies in the history of the universe. At least that's what the trailer says. That's right, folks, nothing like a little movie like Paranormal Activity to kick off the week before Halloween. Last year we went to see The Strangers, and I promise you neither one of us had any blood circulation in our hands when we walked out. I doubt we will ever venture out to a cabin in the middle of nowhere in the near future. Or ever for that matter. But still, we go back for more. I can't resist!

The other highlight of the weekend is to embark on our First Annual Pumpkin Carving so that we can proudly display our creation on our new front porch for all the kiddos to see when they come trick-or-treating. After apartment life for the past six years with virtually no doorbell-ringing action, I secretly can't wait to see all the awesome costumes. Oh to be a kid again. Now I feel like the adults (especially females) who dress up these days are either total freaks or trying to be WAY too sexy (I mean, does the French Maid, Naughty Nurse, or Cheerleader outfit never get old to anyone else?) but man, I made a mean Minnie Mouse when I was a kid.

Speaking of dress up, I am 210% stoked for our next shower, hosted by dear friends who clearly know Mr. T and I quite well. It's a wedding shower with a twist - it's 80's themed! Everyone has to dress in their best 80's attire, or they're not allowed to enter. Love it! Just bought a pair of neon pick fishnets, and now I just have to get my hands on a sweatshirt with the neck cut out, some frosty blue eyeshadow, and a fabulous pair of legwarmers, a la Kelly Kapowski. You know you want to see pictures. :)

Shame on Me!

So this little blogger is feeling pretty ashamed these days. You guys faithfully became followers, readers, whatevers, of my blog, even being kind enough to give me kudos and lots of blog love, and what do I do? I brought the blogging to a screeching halt in return. You must be really annoyed with me. I'm really annoyed with me. Believe me - I know the feeling when I go to blogs, licking my chops with anticipation to see all the beautiful pictures, fabulous insight, and shared inspirations from all of you who are planning your own gorgeous weddings, or just sharing your crazy-interesting lives, and when it's yesterday's news, or last week's for that matter, it's like someone pokes a pin in your balloon. So sorry for being "that blogger." I vow to do better, dear readers.

(I do have an excuse though. Really I do. I planned twelve events in two days last weekend for work. And all the planning required for those lovely events left zero time for anything else of a personal nature, which let me just say, is not the way to live your life. So for all you workaholics out there - stop it right now! Go home to the people you love and who deeply love you. Life is so much more than your profession. I was reminded of this fact when I was at the office until 10 p.m. last Thursday night and Mr. T calls with the gentle reminder just to come home already. I realized nothing was more important than spending time with him before the following 48 hours of chaos ensued. So I packed my things, drove home (I so love living five minutes from my office) and did one of our favorite things - snuggled on the sofa and watched Dan Taylor on the 10:00 News (I am an NBC snob) tell me what weather was in store for the weekend. And I might have thrown my shoe at the TV when he said it was going to be the coldest temperatures of the season and require me to change the setups at the last minute. But everything went off well, and at the end of it all, I was happily back on that sofa, having the best foot rub of my life. I seriously thought my toes were going to fall off -who really wears stilettos on a 14 hour work day? I'm an idiot. And I am buying a comfortable pair of shoes for event days so that I don't have to hobble home anymore!) Wow, now how was that for a digression? Oh, but speaking of being comfortable, I love this idea for my wedding reception attire - I mean, my blog IS A Bride in Boots, right?





Anyway...I must tell you about Chelsea of OhMyDeer handmades fame, who also just so happened to grace the cover of one of my favorite finds, Southern Weddings Magazine.



You probably know her from this little feature in their premiere issue, but what you may not know is she is fabulously talented! She is making me beautiful little shoe lovelies to jazz up my rather ordinary pair of ivory wedding shoes, and perhaps even a flower to wear in my hair for the reception. We met on Sunday (love that she's a Nashville girl!) and I'll hopefully have them in hand by next week! I know for sure the veil is coming off so I can get down with all of our wedding guests to our insanely fun band, but ever since I was little, I've always wanted to wear a flower in my hair. And she makes some of the most beautiful little creations you've ever seen. So there you have it - check out her Etsy shop and see if you're not swooning! Here is one of my very favorites...



Speaking of my to do list, my bridal portraits are in a few short weeks, so I'm trying to get all these little things done that have snuck up on me! I swear, I need a fairy godmother. I'm actually having two bridal sessions done - one here in Nashville at the elegantly gorgeous Cheekwood Mansion, compliments of Evin Photography (who just so happens to be one of my sorority sisters from my Samford days - small world!) and the other session back home in Tuscaloosa on my photographer's amazing little farm in the country. Talk about a juxtaposition! We've got a mansion and a farm as the backdrops. What can I say, I'm well-rounded. :)

So now my focus is on finding the veil. Is anyone else having major trouble with this little step? I'm thinking either chapel length or fingertip, and I want it to be really simple. I'm looking for one that has some fullness (not 80's fullness, but just a little bit more tulle than most I've seen) and maybe even a lace trim to match the lace on my dress. The problem is I feel like Goldilocks in The Three Little Bears - one is too big, one is too small, and I haven't yet found the one that feels just right. It was such an easy decision when I found my wedding dress, but the veil is turning out to be much more difficult. Who knew?

So I hope to go veil hunting on Friday, once Mr. T and I knock out a few wedding-related errands. We're both taking a much deserved day off to get our passports (honeymooning in Riviera Maya, woot!) pick out our wedding bands (eek!) and choose a tie for the handsome groomsmen. Here's my inspiration. Love the silver. Though I may get crazy and go midnight blue. You love it, right?



So just like Britney Spears, I'm making my (blog) comeback, one day at a time. I better, we're now 74 days away, y'all!

NOLA Recap

Let me apologzie for my lack of action on the blogosphere lately - I'm sure you all have found plenty of things other than my life to keep you satisfied, and frankly I find other blogs way more interesting than my own, but I do feel a bit of guilt when I go MIA.

So let's see, a little recap on the bachelorette party in New Orleans: I had such a fun time getting to spend the weekend with my girlfriends and the train was a great idea, at least for the trip down. The trip back was a little um, long, after we had enjoyed ourselves a little too much on Saturday night. Let's just say you don't notice the lurches as much when you're not nursing a little bit of a hangover. :) We played card games, mixed some fun drinks and even did a mad lib or two on the trip down, then rocked out Bourbon Street on Friday night, complete with a rather embarrassing moment on stage at Razoo's when they made me get up and dance to Jesse's Girl. Now I love dancing, but not when everyone is watching me, so I couldn't get off the stage fast enough. We capped off the night with a slushy hurricane and crashed back at the hotel (which Stacy, my MOH, did a great job of finding for us).

On Saturday we walked around the French Quarter, took a cab to Magazine Street to do some shopping and watch the Bama football game at the Bulldog, a pub with amazing potential but poor service, in case you're wondering, and then headed back to get ready for the lingerie shower at the hotel. Let me just say that I got some AMAZING lingerie that will most definitely be making an appearance in the Riviera Maya for our honeymoon. I had to pack it all back up and hide it in my closet to keep me from busting into it early! My friends have such good taste. :) We went to dinner at a fun place called Jacques-Imo's that came recommended by a friend who used to live in NOLA, and it reminded me a lot of Red Bar in terms of the decor and ambience, for those of you who've been to that restaurant in Greyton Beach. I think perhaps my favorite part of the trip though was a little bar called Lucy's, where we ran into a friend of mine from Nashville and stayed until around 1 in the morning. And yes, the train was to depart at 6 a.m. the next day. We're idiots. But fun idiots. As you can see by the photo below. Where I'm thoroughly enjoying myself.




I promise I will upload more photos later but sadly, they're all on my mom's camera, and I have honestly not had a spare moment to download them. In the meantime, my friend Marcie did a recap with photos on her blog, which you can view here. She's much more in depth than I would be anyway, and way more disciplined on taking photos than I am, thank goodness!

On the house front, we're getting settled in and it's feeling much more home-y now that we've hung a few pictures on the walls. Our sofa is being delivered tomorrow (hooray - the one from college has now gone on to it's rightful home at Goodwill), we hope to have the flat screen TV mounted in the media room by the end of the month (still in time to watch lots of football), and I'm on a mission to find a fire pit to put on the patio. And I guess some patio furniture would be nice, so we don't have to sit Indian-style on the deck. Once those things are done, we're having a housewarming party, which just might end up being the Tacky Holiday Sweater Party 2009. And in case you would like to know what my handsome fiance wore last year, feast your eyes on this...




Question is, however will he top himself this year? In the meantime, happy fall y'all!

Bachelorette Party - Big Easy Style!

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!

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.

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. :)

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!

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. :)

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)!

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!

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.

Football Fever

So you may or may not know I love college football. And by love I mean I loooooooooooove it.
And my team of choice is and always has been the one and only Alabama Crimson Tide. Let's pause here and pay our tribute...




Growing up in Tuscaloosa, it's pretty much a way of life you learn from the time you're knee-high, and it's a Saturday tradition I plan to continue. There's just something about settling in on my sofa with my lucky t-shirt on to watch a game at home or better yet going to a game and being surrounded by a sea of crimson and white shakers to the tune of the Alabama fight song - oh man, my heart is beating faster just thinking about it!





So today is officially the start of game week, which will culminate in our first game of the season this Saturday in a showdown against Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Allow me to add that Mr. T is as big of a Virginia Tech fan as I am of my Tide. And there's been some trash talking from both sides for about the past six months about who's going down. Now add to that the fact we're getting in a car on Friday and going to this game, AND that our seats are together (on the Virginia Tech side, nonetheless). What was I thinking? I fear as though this is a fight just waiting to happen...


Anyway, some sweet friends of ours (we love you, Ben and Rachel!) are kind enough to throw us an engagement party at Stats before the big game, which is pretty much the most amazing sports bar ever invented. Apparently there is even a pour-your-own-beer system. That's trouble, folks. But fun trouble!

I am so excited to have our friends coming in their game day finest, to celebrate a big day of college football rivalry with us. Friends, football and the start of fall - it doesn't get much better than that.

So who is your team of choice? And for all my fellow Bama fans, can I get a roll tide? :)

Keith!

So I have to gush again. I know, you guys hate it when I get all girly and do this. But if it bothers you I'm sorry but it's my blog, and I'll gush if I want to. :)

Alert the press: Mr. T surprised me with tickets (in the VIP suite, nonetheless) to see Keith Urban tomorrow night in concert! Yee haw!!



I mean, do I have the best man on the planet or what? I'm so excited - I should be president of the Keith Urban Fan Club- he's got crazy talent, illegally good looks, and an Australian accent. Sigh. And it speaks volumes that Mr. T is willing to sit there and watch me go ga-ga over another man, just because being in the presence of such genius makes me blissfully happy. Which is precisely why there are about 2,000 reasons why I love him so very much.


Funny story...I can remember when we went to see Keith Urban in concert last summer at LP Field (it was actually a Kenny Chesney concert but Keith totally stole the show) and Mr. T and I had only been dating a couple of months. I remember getting dolled up for that date and agonizing over what to wear when lo and belold, he shows up at my doorstep in an AC/DC shirt. To a COUNTRY concert. Bless his heart. But even still, he was so very handsome to me. :)



Evidence of the shirt




Our awesome seats, which will only get more awesome this year!


The only picture I managed to take last year - too bad it was his bum!

So I plan to put on my Greatest Hits CD on my way home from work, dig out my cowboy hats from the back of the closet, and start my Saturday night with a rousing rendition of one of my favorites, "You Look Good In My Shirt." Can't. Freakin. Wait.

Happy Friday, y'all!

I Won, I Won!

Who just won TWO Giveaways in TWO weeks you ask? That would be ME, dear friends, acquaintances and blog stalkers. (Yes, I know you're out there).

So get this...I found out that I won the first fab giveaway (compliments of Miss Pickles Press) last week and my goodies just arrived in the mail - I seriously can't stop looking at them! If you haven't checked her out, please do so now. No really, she is amazingly talented and I heart every one of her fresh, down-home, unique designs. She even included some fun throwback Christmas cards in the package, which made me first think "ooh how exciting, this could be a fun alternative to the traditional Christmas card I always think I'll get around to and never do" and then think "oh crap. this means my wedding is ummm, four months away. yikes." But anyways, go check out Jenn's lovelies and mention the Bride in Boots sent you. :)

I found out I won the second lovely little giveaway yesterday, which is compliments of the uber-fantastic Alyse Woodward Designs who is so sweet to send a $25 Target gift card my way, just for subcribing to her blog. She is a genius wedding planner in the Charlotte area and I totally dig her style. I'm telling you folks, the world is your oyster when it comes to checking out blogs and posting a comment to enter these giveaways. I feel like I have had two strokes of major luck, and I was a randomly chosen winner both times! Score.

So what have you won recently, or what other giveaways do you know about? Feel free to share with the world, and if you have won, go ahead and brag on your luck!