Happy Birthday!

If you want to imagine for a moment that this photo is not blurry [Mom - it doesn't look like you're paying attention in photography class!] then you would see what's probably my favorite photo of my sister and me. And guess what, it just so happens to be her birthday! This is the only second third time I've ever had to miss her birthday and each time it gets a little more difficult because I know as we get older, we'll probably be spending more and more birthdays apart.

I've always felt like I got the best bargain growing up because I had the privilege of having a brother and a sister. Not only did I have both, but I had the best brother and sister combo. My sister's kind, smart, domestic and beautiful. You know you've truly made her laugh because she'll quietly dab at the her eyes, wiping away those really really good laughter tears. And my gosh, she is one of the most honest women I know. I'm so proud of my big sister and best friend and I hope you are having one terrific day!! Miss you loads and can't wait to see ya soon!

Happy Valentine's Day, too ;)

You Can't Take the Girl Out of the South

It's good to be back in Nashville! This past week, I was able to take a quick trip out to the City of Angels to stay with one of my best friends, Michele. While it was much too short, for the first time it made me realize how lucky I am to be living right here in Tennessee. For years, I always thought I would move to Los Angeles after graduating from college. It's fast-paced, has incredible coffee shops [like Intelligentsia] on every street corner and is full of creative and talented folks. Then, I realized I say words like "folks" and "y'all" and "mighta could" and realized, Nashville is exactly where I want to be and am supposed to be. This place is a gem and I know it won't be the last time I say this: I'm so happy that Nashville is my home.

But ANYWAY, back to L.A., Michele and I had way too much fun and barely slept a lick! It was basically a much-needed four-day long sleepover and it was perfect. I miss this girl so much and I can't wait until we're living in the same city again and taking our kids to the park for play dates. She's going to do great things, this one.

And if you're wondering, yes that is Walter White AKA Heisenberg. For the past four years I've been lucky enough to attend the Director's Guild Awards and this year was no exception. Oddly enough I had just finished a marathon viewing party of "Breaking Bad" and found myself conversing with no other than Sir Heisenberg. I still don't quite understand how it happened, so I've decided to put this photo up as proof that I wasn't [and still am not] dreaming.

Currently

The wind is howling through the doors so to me that can only mean one thing: stay in for crafting!

I've been meaning to make these mugs for my best friends [who live in China and California] since CHRISTMAS and like everything else, time has got the most from me. But probably more than anything else, I was terrified to mark on these beautiful and coveted $1 mugs from the Dollar Store. :)

I got the idea from this adorable Etsy shop but I thought "No! I can do this on my own" So I followed these directions and went at it. Even though it's taken me almost 2 months to get around to it, I'm glad I stuck with my guns and am making these completely homemade. So currently they are in the oven and we'll see how long it takes for me to take to the post office...

PS, it feels so GOOD to be back at the blog.

Wedding, Part 1

My sister's wedding in St. Augustine, FL at The River House couldn't have been more of what I needed. And at the same time exactly what I didn't need. Hello, homesick much!?! Geez - I don't know if anything can make you miss your family and closest friends more than 4-day wedding celebration.

Purely for my own enjoyment a few photos that sum up the wedding pretty nicely. Sorry for the pic overload. Soak it all in cause this ain't happenin' again on this blog ever again.

   

               

Katherine you were exactly what I picture the perfect bride to look and act like. You were glowing and sooo calm, even through the LITERAL storm (oh yeah, it rained. Moved the wedding inside.)  I was so proud to be your maid of honor through this entire process and couldn't have asked for a better sister or best friend. I don't think there are enough days in a lifetime to say how happy I am for you and Casey. What a freaking awesome brother I just inherited.

It's getting closer!

Time has been flying and I can't even believe I'm leaving TODAY to go to Florida for my sister's wedding!! Faces coming soon but for now, I just can't wait to see my family and friends in T-12 hours! Sorry bout the short update but happy humpday all! Too much on my mind! In a good way!

Not even teenagers.

When I was their age, I don't even know if I could tie my shoes. These little girls are so talented, it's amazing. Not to mention stylish to boot! Also, how is it that it's taken until just now for me to find out about these girls? Looks like they've  been on the YouTube circuit for a few years now {thanks a lot friends for keeping me in the looop ;)}.

Don't mind if I watch this again for the 400th time! I'm just making up for lost time!

What a World

That -- right there. Right up there. That is my dream. I just don't think it gets any better than that, I don't. Here's one interesting thing about me:  I don't float. Not that I don't, but rather, I just can't. I've tried for maaaaaany years and the only explanation I can come up with is that I'm bottom-heavy. My head stays up but the booty goes downdowndown to the ground without fail. Whatever, I have no shame. 

It has always been my dream to pack my bags, hop on a plane, fly over to the Dead Sea and float in it for hours. But that was before I pinned this beauty! why would I go to THAT when something as beautiful as THIS exists?! {As a side note, I still want to go to the Dead Sea.}

So all I have to say is thank you, Senegal, for creating something so naturally beautiful as Lake Retba ("Lac Rose") and a body of water described, no less, as something "pinker than any milkshake." Just awesome!

Have a happy weekend everyone! While I will be daydreaming about all this stuff above, my heart and mind will be with all the families and loved ones whose lives were affected by the horrible Aurora, CO shooting. I was truly shocked this morning when I heard the news. Such a tragedy.