Valentines Day

I cannot believe that Valentines Day is just around the corner. I swear just the other day I was thinking about Christmas gifts. I don't know how your husband, fiance, boyfriend or significant other feels about Valentines day but Sam is NOT a fan. Sam and I splurged and purchased a new TV so we will not be getting gifts this year. We will, however, enjoy a nice home-cooked dinner and a bottle of wine...which is my idea of a perfect Valentines.
If you are in need of some ideas for gifts here are my choices.

Our new TV is 3D but we can't afford the 3D glasses (Sad). But if we were getting gifts for each other I would definitely get him these... 

 Monogrammed cuff links are always a winner. And a lifetime keepsake.

 Cologne is always a good gift for Valentines. This is personally my all-time favorite scent. And I can always tell when a man is wearing it.

 You can't go wrong with tools!

 Sam is in dire need of some new Sperry's. His really stink and are falling apart. I don't even let him bring them inside.

 Have you ever heard of Astor and Black?
Well, neither have I until Sam brought home a custom suit. A "clothier" came to the law firm and custom made Sam a suit to his exact measurements and specifications. The suit has his name and monogram on the inside with all kinds of matching fabrics. I bet you are thinking these suits are probably way too expensive...well THEY ARE NOT! They cost just as much as a suit from Jos A. Bank. Check out their BLOG and see for yourself. They do amazing work! 

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines with your loved one and/or friends and I can't wait to hear how you spend your Valentines!

2011 Wedding Season Begins...

Sam and I started our 2011 wedding season this past weekend celebrating the recent marriage of Alex and Jennifer Lunsford. I borrowed one of her pictures so everyone can see how beautiful Jennifer was on her weddding day. They were married in Asheville, North Carolina.

Their reception was held at The Walters Barn in Lula, Georgia. It was beautifully decorated with a southern elegant charm.
Mason jars + Candles = My Kind of Wedding! Here are some of the girls with the BRIDE.

It was so great getting to see our friends. We had a wonderful evening with everyone and we wish Alex and Jennifer a lifetime of happiness!!

Judith March

I am also L-O-V-I-N-G the new collections from Judith March. I probably own at least 5 of her dresses and I am obsessed with every one of them. I cannot wait for The Red Dress Boutique in Athens to start having the new line come in. Here are a few of my current favorites and I'm sure I will purchase these when they come out.

Hope everyone has a happy Friday and enjoy your weekend!!

Stella & Dot

I am loving the Spring/Summer 2011 Collection from Stella & Dot. I wish I had enough money to buy everything! I always have to save up for weeks and buy one awesome piece.

I am loving these bright fun colors. They would look awesome with a fun coral shirt and white linen pants!! OH...I can feel the warm air now. Check out their website here or if you want to host a party contact Britt Smith. Her information is on the link provided above.

The Best Cookies EVER!

I am going to share with y'all one of the best cookie recipes EVER! They are White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies a.k.a Heaven in Your Mouth!! I got the recipe from the Junior League of Athens Cookbook, Beyond the Hedges. You can purchase the cookbook here. The Junior League of Athens also has a blog and usually has featured recipes. Check them out!

White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies
1 stick of butter or margarine, softened
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cups dried cranberries (craisins)
1 cup white chocolate chips.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large mixing bowl (kitchen aid), cream together margarine and sugars on medium speed. Add eggs and vanilla, beating well. In separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to sugar mixture, beating well. Fold in oats, cranberries, and white chocolate chips, mixing well by hand. Drop dough in large heaps onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen. Enjoy!

Books I'm Currently Reading

Is it weird that I am currently reading 3 books? I think so. I was never big on reading growing up. I was always outside or playing sports. However, these day I really do find it relaxing to read and rewarding once I finish a book. Here are the books I am currently reading...


The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

 

Are you There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea.

*UPDATE 1/28/2011: I finished Chelsea Handler's book and it was definitely a "laugh out loud" read. It is so vulgar and ridiculous yet makes you think of all "those" times you had in college. I would recommened it to some of my friends but not the faint of heart. I was laughing so loud finishing the book that Sam asked me to read aloud. When I finished the last two chapters Sam said, "She is Crazy!"

Deep Dish

I have heard through numerous people that the Stieg Larson Trilogy is awesome. I have even raved about them myself. Yet, I still haven't gotten too far in the book. Brittni Curtis let me borrow the Chelsea Handler book and swears you will laugh out loud. I will let y'all know. And I am a huge fan of Mary Kay Andrews' books. I have read 5 of her books and they are such fun and easy reads.


Heaven is For Real

I was recommended this next book from someone or some TV show, maybe Oprah? I bought this new app for my iPad called iBooks. It is just like a Kindle or Nook. This was the first book I bought and since I had the FLU (absolutely awful) last week I found myself snuggled in my bed reading this one. It is a quick read but thoroughly enjoyable. It reminded me of the Mitch Albom books (i.e. The Five People You Meet in Heaven). I definitely recommend this one!

 



Holiday Egg Dish

I am finally getting around to giving y'all the Holiday Egg Dish that I made over the snow/ice break. For Christmas, my co-workers and I decided we would each make breakfast one day instead of buying gifts for each other. Since I love to cook and eat this was perfect. My co-worker, Nancy, made this Egg Dish and I just had to have the recipe. It's so easy and delicious.

Holiday Egg Dish
3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
3/4 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup diced ham
4 eggs beaten
1/4 cup green onions/one small bunch will do
1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Grease or spray 2-QT dish with Pam. Put hash browns in bottom of dish. Mix eggs, milk, cheese, ham, onions, salt and pepper. Pour over hash browns. Put covered dish in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 55-60 minutes uncovered. Will feed 6 people.

***I have made this multiple times since Christmas and the key is to make it the night before, put it in the refrigerator to let everything soak together and then bake it the next morning.

Snow Dance

Following the trend of snow day pictures, I have uploaded a few of my favorites. Some of these are cheesy but hey aren't we all cheesy on "Snow Days?" Sam and I absolutely loved having a day off work to play with Triton in the snow and cook homemade meals. We even slept downstairs on our air-mattress so we could watch the snow fall all night. On Monday morning I made an Easy Egg Casserole (I will give y'all the recipe later) and headed out for a fun-filled day of beer-drinking and snow-adventures.

Triton and I when it first started snowing.

Take a guess? Yep...our wedding date!

My crazy dog in the snow.

 

Our wedding venue in Madison, Ga a few days after the snow.





Happy New Year!

Since Sam is currently working all the time and had to go into the office early Saturday morning we decided to have a relaxing New Years Eve in Athens. We joined our friends, Allie and JP, and his family for a wonderful dinner at Porterhouse and then headed over to East West to ring in the New Year. As soon as the clock struck 12:00 Sam and I were on our way home, in bed and asleep by 12:30. (Oh the advantages/disadvantages of growing up...either way you look at it.)



Sam and I then spent our New Years Day (after sitting in his office for over an hour...cough cough) enjoying an afternoon at the farm with pork, hog jowl, mustard greens, black eyed peas, and so much food that I had to take a nap! Happy 2011!!

Top 10 of 2010

Here are my top 10 of 2010! These are in no way in order of importance! I loved this past year! Mostly because I GOT ENGAGED, witnessed some of our best friends get married, and made amazing memories with friends and family! I am so happy 2011 is here and I cannot wait for everything in store this year!



Snow Days! Lots of them!



Bart and Allison Kimbrell were married.



Lake Burton wedding: Sandy and Jamie Bradford.

Chase and Ali Green were married.

Ben and Taryn got married in Naples, FL.

Austin and Katie Blevins were married.

Enjoyed concerts throughout the year.

Sam graduated from UGA!

We got ENGAGED! 5-29-10

Bahamas: Nippers!

Engagement Pictures by Kaylan Photography.

Our Engagement Party. All my bridesmaids. Love Ya'll!

Katies Wine Weekend!!

GA Football. There is nothing like being a Georgia Bulldawg!

Hope everyone had a wonderful 2010 and that you have an even better 2011!